Total Eclipse

Blast off into a cinematic space combat experience that pushed the 3DO’s hardware to its limits. Total Eclipse is a high-intensity, rail-based shooter developed by Crystal Dynamics that trades the flat sprites of the 16-bit era for fully textured, 3D planetary landscapes.

A Battle for Planetary Survival

The story follows a desperate mission to stop the "Drak-Saar," an aggressive alien race that is using a sun-extinguishing weapon to freeze entire star systems. As a hotshot pilot behind the controls of the advanced Fire-Shark starfighter, you must navigate through treacherous tunnels, deep canyons, and enemy-infested skies across four different worlds to destroy the Drak-Saar fleet.

Key Features:

• Revolutionary 3D Environments: One of the earliest console games to feature smooth, real-time 3D terrain. The "Fractal" landscape technology allowed for rolling hills, jagged mountains, and claustrophobic tunnels that still provide a genuine sense of speed.

• Pulse-Pounding Combat: Engage in dogfights with a massive variety of alien craft and ground-based turrets. Collect power-ups to upgrade your Fire-Shark with Plasma Cannons, Heat-Seeking Missiles, and Shockwave Bombs.

• Diverse Planetary Missions: Each of the game’s four worlds—Sunscorched, Bonechill, Brimstone, and Ironheart—features its own unique hazards and environmental challenges, from lava flows to icy caverns.

• Cinematic Presentation: Between levels, the story is told through high-quality 3D rendered cutscenes and FMV briefings, a hallmark of the 3DO’s "Multimedia" identity.

• Dynamic Soundtrack: The game features a high-energy, CD-quality synth-rock score that perfectly captures the intensity of a futuristic space war.

Why It’s a 3DO Essential:

Total Eclipse was a showpiece for the 3DO at launch, demonstrating that the console could handle complex 3D geometry far better than the competition. Its combination of arcade-style shooting and high-end production values makes it a must-play for fans of games like Star Fox or Burning Soldier. For collectors, it represents Crystal Dynamics at the height of their early-90s innovation.

Product Details:

• Platform: 3DO Interactive Multiplayer

• Genre: Rail Shooter / Sci-Fi

• Players: 1 Player

• Developer: Crystal Dynamics