Based on the Heavy Metal comics magazine, Geomatrix features a dark and gritty aesthetic that combines sci-fi with fantasy locales. While it's not based on any story in the Heavy Metal universe, it features both consultation by the then-owner of the magazine (comic book artist Kevin Eastman) and character designs by comic book artist Simon Bisley. It also features a licensed soundtrack by heavy metal artists (including Megadeth, Halford, Corrosion of Conformity, and Dust to Dust).The story takes place in the late 21st century, where evolution in Nanobot micro-robotic technology allowed people to abandon the real world for cyberspace. Due to a catastrophic event that floods most of the Earth's landmass, power wars between multiple gangs began (using cyberspace as the battleground).The game is seen as a spiritual successor to Spawn: In the Demon's Hand, now with more fighting game elements (such as a traditional round-based system) and less loadout management (with each character only having one weapon, including swords and both small and large firearms, which can be swapped as pick-ups). The game features two-player split-screen multiplayer (for both co-operative and versus play), with the option for two machines to be linked for team matches.It was later ported to the Dreamcast in Japan (on July 12, 2001), North America (on September 13, 2001), and Europe (by Bigben on April 12, 2002).GameplaySimilar to Spawn: In the Demon's Hand, the game is a one-joystick, four-button game. However, players now have two attack buttons (Shot and Attack) along with the Jump and Target Lock-On buttons.Teams & CharactersThere are 12 playable characters, each split into four teams:818 StompersA mysterious gang of punks who stop at nothing to further their goals. Hound (All-Rounder, Moto Gun) Slash (Speed, Flame Thrower) Zeus (Power, Hyper Bazooka)911 EliteAn elite combat force dedicated to serving and protecting the citizens of cyberspace. Sarge (All-Rounder, Handgun) Kassey (Speed, Handgun) Stab (Power, Missile Launcher)707 Metal HeadsDescendants of legendary knights, fighting to recover their ancestral lands. Duke (All-Rounder, Killer Sword) DI (Speed, Hard Sword & Trick Bomb) Lance (All-Rounder, Ray Sword)323 AgentsPsychotic mercenaries who will do anything for pay. Phantom (All-Rounder, Hard Sword & Shotgun) Mayfly (Speed, Sniper Rifle) Talbot (Power, Homing Missile)SoundtrackThe original game features a licensed soundtrack with various heavy metal bands from Sanctuary Records:Megadeth - "Moto Psycho"Halford - "Cyberworld"Corrosion Of Conformity - "Gittin' It On"Dust to Dust - "Submission", "New Low", and "Mr. Doe"The Dreamcast version further expanded on its soundtrack:W.A.S.P. - "Hate To Love Me"Entombed - "Say It In Slugs"OST Track ListThe game also received a CD soundtrack, featuring the expanded soundtrack and four additional tracks: Megadeth - Moto PsychoBiohazard - UncivilizationDust To Dust - New LowRollins Band - One ShotEntombed - Say It In SlugsHalford - Locked And LoadedDust To Dust - SubmissionCorrosion Of Conformity - Gittin' It OnW.A.S.P. - Hate To Love MeHalford - CyberworldMotörhead - The Ace Of SpadesMegadeth - Burning Bridges
