Genre: Run and Gun / Third-Person Shooter
Developer: Rage Software
Publisher: Atari
Year: 1999
Platform: Sega Dreamcast
Millennium Soldier: Expendable is a sci-fi action shooter set in a post-apocalyptic future where hostile alien forces have conquered much of the galaxy. Players assume the role of cloned super-soldiers fighting to reclaim human planets through relentless combat. The gameplay features fast-paced, reflex-driven shooting across over twenty 3D levels, combining indoor and outdoor environments filled with swarms of enemies, ranging from alien infantry to towering bosses.
Players have access to a wide arsenal of 18 weapon types, including pulse cannons, particle accelerators, rockets, and missiles, which can be powered up and swapped on the fly. The game emphasizes frantic movement and strategic strafing to survive the overwhelming enemy assaults. A two-player cooperative mode and a deathmatch mode are included, adding replay value and competitive fun.
Graphically, the game delivers a mix of dark, futuristic environments with detailed weapon and enemy models. Lighting effects and particle explosions enhance the chaotic battlefield atmosphere, although some criticism has been directed at the game’s repetitive design and modest soundscape. Controls accommodate both analog and digital input but can feel limited as players cannot freely aim independently from movement, leading to constant strafing.
Overall, Millennium Soldier: Expendable is regarded as a solid but straightforward shooter; it focuses more on intense action than tactical depth and offers satisfying co-op gameplay for fans of arcade-style shooters on the Dreamcast.
