This is in fact one of the most forgotten, yet memorable games by Rareware, bringing gamers to an interstellar adventure, and people can play as the three main characters of the game, twins Juno and Vela, alongside their faithful canine partner, Lupus.
Plot. Sometime in the distant future, the Jet Force Gemini team fly around Goldwood for some reconnaissance duty. Everything seems alright, until they receive a distress signal from the planet. They discover that a horde of insects led by Mizar, have subjugated the peaceful planet and enslaved the Tribals. The team is then attacked by the Insect Fleet, and they are forced to evacuate into the planet. With an arsenal of powerful weapons, the twins Juno and Vela, along with their faithful and brave dog, Lupus, they must travel around many worlds, to find Mizar's lair, free the Tribals, and ultimately, save their home planet before it is too late.
Players can also play in Multiplayer Mode up to four players, playing with either family or friends. There are also mini-games such as the races in Mizar's Palace, and also in the Arcades at the Ichor Military Base Nightclub. There are also times when players must step into a pedestal, and turn into either a Drone or Tribal, in order to complete their objectives. Another mini-game included is playing as Floyd in some stages, entering in a firing range mode, obtaining special items and keys as well.
Concept. First you start off as Juno in the forest planet of Goldwood, and after beating it, you head to rescue Vela at the S.S. Anubis. Then they split up, as each head through their own paths. After Vela passes through the Military Base, Lupus becomes playable. After defeating Mizar the first time, your Jet Force suits become enhanced by Tribal King Jeff. After that, you must obtain the parts of the fastest ship in the game, scattered in hidden planets, space stations, and even in the places you've never encountered in the previous planets and stations you have visited before.
Design. The game's graphics are rendered in 3D. Juno, Vela, and Lupus were originally designed as much younger, more cartoon-like, and with large heads. But then they were changed to their more mature versions, which I find it to be a wise decision made by the developers of this game. However, a similar set of childish models can be played with via an in-game cheat. Even if Rare had considered the possibility, the game does not support the Nintendo 64's 4MB Expansion Pak.
Memories. I played this game circa April 2000. I still remember watching the game's commercial promo when I was 13 years old. Playing the game was exciting, and killing all those insect drones were like something out of Starship Troopers. Ironically, the Starship Troopers and the Jet Force Gemini fight against a horde of intergalactic insects. Sort of like an interstellar war. But the difference is that the insects in Starship Troopers were not like the ones from JFG, they were more merciless, nastier, and killed anyone on their sights. My suggestion about it, book is better than the movie, READ IT.
History. Jet Force Gemini received positive reviews upon it's release, but unfortunately it did not get the same respect as GoldenEye and Perfect Dark, which were more popular at the time of it's release. In Japan, Jet Force Gemini was titled as Star Twins (スターツインズ)because they believe that the pronunciation of the game's original title "Jetto Fosu Jeminai" was too difficult to pronounce. 4Kids Entertainment obtained the rights to merchandise toys, movies, and even an animated series for Jet Force Gemini and Perfect Dark, but unfortunately, no such things were ever done. Because of that, Jet Force Gemini faded into obscurity, but it still remains a cult classic.
Rantings. Now the controls for the game can be at times excruciating, because you have to time your movements. Now one thing I hated about this game, is that you cannot use your jetpack unless you step on a Jetpack Pod, and fuel it up for Juno, Vela, and Lupus to fly for an extended time, until the fuel runs out. Other things that I do not like about this game, is the cheesy cheat modes such as Rainbow Blood, and the Ants as Pants. I found those two cheats to be very corny and cheesy. Jumping from one precipice to get to the other side was excruciating at times, because if you didn't time your movements, then you will fall. The final battle against Mizar was a bother because he was tough, and you had to destroy his jetpack.
Good Aspects. The good thing about the twins and their dog, is that they can dominate certain elements such as Fire, Water, and Air. Lupus is pretty good for getting through farther areas with his propeller jets on his four feet. Vela was good for swimming, and Juno was good for walking on lava. Vela can swim as long as she can, and the good thing about it, she cannot drown, that is awesome. My favorite mini-game was the racing game at Mizar's Palace, which reminds me of the Podracing scene in Star Wars Episode I: The Phantom Menace. Floyd was a great addition, since the small flying robot would detect enemies in the area when his light blinked red, and alerted you. His mini-games were also very good.
Overall. I still have many good memories of playing this game, though faded into obscurity, I never forget it. I am an old school, veteran gamer who remembers a long forgotten game, like many other old gamers. This game gets an 8 out of 10