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In2itionby Mystic Bytes Billed as the 'return of the Falcon 030' to mainstream demo enjoyment. This release by the Mystic Bytes turned out to be shorter and sweeter than expected. This was one of the productions for SV2013 that we knew about in advance, having close contact with the coder Sqward almost from the moment that we touched down at Gdansk airport. A Falcon demo from his hands was a dead certainty. Having fond memories of past Mystic Bytes glories, we eagerly anticipated. After an epic, in every sense of the word competition night, it finally got its spot on the big screen. Were we blown away, or not? It starts well, a foreboding opening logo and low soundtrack gives way to a blobby and very animated plasma screen. The soundtrack hits its stride with a cunning combination of dub step and sound chip. This amazingly, works brilliantly. A lengthy series of credits and greetings follows. Great, the opening part of the demo. Only it turns out to be the first half of the demo. The mid-section builds the music still further, and showcases a gorgeous still picture, very reminiscent of the best of truecolor art from the mid-nineties. We eagerly await the next part.
A real effect and much Motorola is seen inside. An alternative explanation could be pictures of Mystic Bytes members used for the graphics, as a grisly series of skulls is zooming and rotating. There is also a bit of layering going on, as something else is doing its thing underneath. We eagerly await the next part.
Suddenly, the final logo with an air of finality announces the end. B-but, where's the rest of it? We're just warming up for the killer screens, but the demo has run off and scarpered, slamming the door of expectation behind it. To be fair, Sqward had planned more than this. There were going to be hardcore DSP based effects and eye-bursting screens. It appears that the return to the Falcon after such a time away was more difficult to make up than expected, with a lot of planned things abandoned on the way. So we're left with something that has the potential for greatness, but has been left at a partially party released state. But there is potential for greatness, should Mystic Bytes choose to make a follow-up. The visuals are good, apart from the slightly ST-ish looking roto-zoomer, and the music is definitely one to listen to again and again. The coding bar is set high, but surely a little bit more time will get the next demo over that. Ratings: Graphics:- 80% - Still picture in the middle reminiscent of something out of a classic Black Lotus demo. Other graphics good, but not quite as good. Sound:- 90% - Now this tune really tickles the music appreciation buds! Gee-Whiz:- 70% - Slightly lacking, nothing really new on offer, reasonable presentation. Overall:- 75% - A welcome, if truncated return to the Falcon 030. CiH - 2014
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