In the late 1990s, when first-person shooters were pushing technological boundaries and sci-fi themes were all the rage, Acclaim Entertainment took a gamble with Armorines: Project S.W.A.R.M.. Released in 1999 for the Nintendo 64 and PlayStation, this alien-blasting title was based loosely on the Armorines comic series by Valiant Comics, and positioned itself as a spiritual cousin to Acclaim’s more successful Turok franchise. But while it had the potential to be a standout in a crowded genre, Armorines ended up as more of a curious footnote in gaming history.
A Premise Built for Action
In Armorines: Project S.W.A.R.M. (Strategic War Automated Response Matrix), players take control of elite soldiers in high-tech mech suits sent to fight an infestation of alien bugs across several hostile environments, ranging from Antarctica to a Martian moon base. The game’s heavy sci-fi leanings and bug-hunting premise drew clear inspiration from films like Starship Troopers (1997) and Aliens (1986).
Players could choose between two characters: Tony Lewis, the heavy weapons specialist, and Myra Lane, the agile sharpshooter. Their missions were centred on exterminating swarms of alien creatures and shutting down hive operations using an arsenal of advanced weapons.
The Turok Engine Legacy
Developed by Acclaim Studios London, Armorines ran on a modified version of the Turok 2: Seeds of Evil engine. While this gave the game solid foundations in terms of control scheme and environment design, it also exposed it to direct comparisons with Turok, and unfortunately, it did not fare well in that regard.
The levels were generally large and ambitious but suffered from repetitive design and confusing layouts. The enemy AI was often simplistic, with enemies mostly charging headfirst at the player, lacking any tactical depth. Despite this, the title was praised in some quarters for its co-operative multiplayer mode, especially on the Nintendo 64, which supported up to four players via split-screen – a major drawcard at the time IGN Review.
Console Differences and Peripheral Support
The Nintendo 64 version featured slightly improved textures compared to its PlayStation counterpart, and also included support for the Expansion Pak, which allowed for higher resolution graphics – albeit at the cost of frame rate. The N64 version also made clever use of the Rumble Pak to enhance immersion. On PlayStation, loading times and muddier visuals affected the overall experience more significantly GameSpot Review.
Critical Reception: Mixed to Forgettable
Upon release, Armorines received mixed reviews. Critics praised the concept and occasional atmospheric tension but criticised its execution, particularly the clunky controls and underwhelming enemy encounters. IGN scored the game 5.8/10, noting that “its attempts to be epic fall flat due to uninspired design choices” IGN.
Similarly, GameSpot’s 4.5/10 verdict criticised the repetitive nature of its missions and lacklustre visuals, stating: “There’s just not enough here to keep most players entertained for long” GameSpot.
A Cult Following?
While it never reached the cult status of its Turok cousin, Armorines retains a small fanbase, mostly among retro gaming enthusiasts and N64 collectors. Its split-screen co-op and bug-blasting gameplay, while dated, still provide a nostalgic reminder of a time when Acclaim was experimenting with original IPs and comic book tie-ins.
Surprisingly, there’s been little to no fan-made modding or preservation activity around Armorines, especially compared to the vibrant communities around other N64-era shooters. Unlike Perfect Dark or GoldenEye 007, Armorines didn’t quite earn a legacy strong enough to warrant modern revivals or remasters.
Conclusion: An Interesting Miss
Armorines: Project S.W.A.R.M. is a fascinating example of late-90s gaming ambition restrained by technical and design limitations. It wasn’t bad enough to be a disaster, but it also wasn’t good enough to rise above its peers. For those with a love for forgotten relics of the Nintendo 64 and PlayStation era, it’s worth a play – if only to experience Acclaim’s bug-hunting misfire firsthand.
Have memories of blasting bugs in Armorines? Let us know in the comments. And if you’re hunting for more hidden retro gems, check out our deep dive on Turok’s rise and fall.
