Demolition Man is a game based on the 1993 movie by the same name. You play as John Spartan; thawed out from cryo-prison into a peaceful, Utopian future. Your task is to capture your nemesis, the psychopathic Simon Phoenix, who has freed himself from prison and is wreaking havoc around town.
The 3DO version of Demolition Man uses a unique multimedia approach to the concept of a movie tie-in. Cutscenes and clips from the film are used when appropriate, but Stallone and actual props from the film were also brought in to shoot bluescreen clips specifically for the game. The game follows the key points of the movie's plot across five missions, with levels mimicking major sequences from the film.
The gameplay features four distinct modes: Shooting Gallery , Hand-to-Hand , First Person Shooter , and Driving . In Shooting Gallery sequences, you use a static screen with enemies popping up from behind cover. You can collect hidden icons to gain extra health or special bullet types. The game also features Hand-to-Hand sequences where you fight Simon Phoenix in a side view. First Person Shooter sequences place you in a maze of tunnels with patrolling enemies, and Driving sequence has you chasing Phoenix as he tries to flee in a stolen police cruiser.
Progress is saved using a password system, and victory or defeat both earn special messages from John Spartan. The game's ending messages vary depending on your performance, adding a layer of replayability to the experience.