Developer: Compile

Lunar Pool (1985)

by Nish
written by Nish 6 minutes read

Summary

Lunar Pool (1985): The Dawn of Virtual Billiards

In the annals of video gaming history, Lunar Pool (1985) stands as a pioneering masterpiece, revolutionizing the home video billiards experience. Atari, the legendary gaming giant, unleashed this groundbreaking title upon the world, forever altering the trajectory of virtual sports simulations.

A Billiard Hall in Your Home

Lunar Pool transported players into a virtual billiard hall, complete with a stunning array of 60 unique tables. Each table presented its own distinct challenges, from classic eight-ball layouts to mind-boggling obstacle courses. Players could embark on a linear journey, mastering each table consecutively, or jump around to their favorites, honing their skills on specific challenges.

Precision Gameplay and Realistic Physics

The gameplay of Lunar Pool was nothing short of revolutionary. Players used the Atari joystick to set up the electronic cue stick, aiming the cue ball with pinpoint precision. By carefully gauging the power and angle of their shot, they could send the ball ricocheting around the table, aiming for the elusive pockets.

Lunar Pool’s physics engine was remarkably sophisticated for its time. The ball movements were realistic and intuitive, mimicking the laws of physics with uncanny accuracy. Players had to account for spin, momentum, and the angle of the table to execute successful shots.

Becoming a Virtual Hustler

Lunar Pool introduced the concept of a “hustler” mode, challenging players to master all 60 tables. As players progressed, the tables became increasingly complex, demanding even greater skill and strategy. Mastering Lunar Pool required patience, precision, and an unwavering determination to conquer every virtual challenge.

A Visual and Sonic Masterpiece

For its time, Lunar Pool’s graphics were visually stunning. The tables were rendered in vibrant colors, with intricate details and realistic textures. The ball movements were fluid and lifelike, creating a truly immersive billiards experience.

The game’s sound effects were equally impressive, capturing the distinctive clicks and clacks of billiard balls colliding. The background music, a catchy and upbeat tune, added to the overall ambiance of the virtual billiard hall.

Critical and Commercial Success

Upon its release, Lunar Pool garnered widespread critical acclaim for its innovative gameplay, realistic physics, and stunning graphics. It quickly became a commercial success, selling over 100,000 copies worldwide. Lunar Pool’s popularity cemented its place as one of the most beloved and influential video games of the 1980s.

Legacy and Impact

Lunar Pool’s legacy extends far beyond its initial release. It paved the way for a plethora of subsequent billiards video games, setting the standard for virtual sports simulations. Its realistic physics engine and precision gameplay became the benchmark for future titles in the genre.

Moreover, Lunar Pool played a pivotal role in popularizing billiards as a home entertainment activity. It introduced a new generation of players to the joys of the game, fostering a passion that continues to endure today.

Conclusion

Lunar Pool (1985) stands as a testament to the transformative power of video games. It was the first advanced home video billiards game, offering an unparalleled level of realism, challenge, and entertainment. Its innovative gameplay, stunning graphics, and enduring legacy have cemented its place as a true classic in the annals of gaming history.

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Borderline (1981)

by Christopher
written by Christopher 4 minutes read

Summary

Borderline (1981)

Borderline is a VIC Dual arcade game developed in 1980 by Sega. It is a shoot-’em-up in which the player controls a red jeep who must destroy the enemy refineries. The game is notable for its fast-paced gameplay, colorful graphics, and catchy soundtrack.

Gameplay

The player controls a red jeep that drives through a desert landscape, shooting at enemy refineries. The jeep can move left, right, and up, and can fire bullets in eight directions. The player must destroy all of the refineries in each level in order to progress to the next one.

The refineries are defended by a variety of enemies, including tanks, helicopters, and planes. The player must use their jeep’s agility and firepower to avoid enemy attacks and destroy the refineries.

The game becomes increasingly difficult as the player progresses, with more enemies and more difficult level layouts. The player must also contend with a time limit, which adds to the challenge.

Development

Borderline was developed by Sega’s arcade division, which was at the time led by Yu Suzuki. Suzuki had previously worked on Sega’s arcade hit Monaco GP, and he brought many of the same design principles to Borderline.

Borderline was one of the first arcade games to use a trackball for player input. This allowed for more precise control over the jeep, which was essential for the game’s fast-paced gameplay.

The game’s graphics were also advanced for its time. The desert landscape is rendered in vibrant colors, and the enemy sprites are large and detailed. The game also features a catchy soundtrack that helps to create a sense of excitement and urgency.

Release

Borderline was released in arcades in 1980. The game was a commercial success, and it was ported to the SG-1000 home console in 1983. The game has also been released as part of the Sega Ages 2500 series in Japan.

Reception

Borderline was well-received by critics upon its release. The game was praised for its fast-paced gameplay, colorful graphics, and catchy soundtrack. The game was also a commercial success, selling over 50,000 arcade cabinets worldwide.

Legacy

Borderline is considered to be one of the classic shoot-’em-ups of the early 1980s. The game’s fast-paced gameplay, colorful graphics, and catchy soundtrack have made it a favorite among retro gamers. The game has also been influential on later shoot-’em-ups, such as Commando and Ikari Warriors.

Conclusion

Borderline is a classic shoot-’em-up that still holds up today. The game’s fast-paced gameplay, colorful graphics, and catchy soundtrack make it a lot of fun to play. If you’re a fan of shoot-’em-ups, then you owe it to yourself to check out Borderline.

Review Score

7/10

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C So! (1985)

by Christopher
written by Christopher 4 minutes read

Summary

C So! (1985): A Challenging and Addictive Platform Classic

C So! is a platform game released in 1985 by Namco. The player controls a man who must collect items like flowers, apples, and cherries while avoiding hostile monsters. The monsters can be crushed or hurled against the ceiling using a hand spike. Each level also contains elastic beds and doors. The beds make it possible to jump from platform to platform, and the doors make it possible to escape the monsters by leaving through one door and appearing at the other.

Before you can continue to the next level, all items must be collected, and all monsters must be killed. C So! is a challenging game, but it is also very addictive. The simple but effective graphics and the addictive gameplay will keep you entertained for hours.

Gameplay

The player controls the main character, a man with a hand spike, through a series of platform levels. The goal of each level is to collect all of the items and kill all of the monsters. The player can use the hand spike to attack the monsters or to jump off of them to reach higher platforms. The player can also use the elastic beds to jump from platform to platform and the doors to escape from the monsters.

The game is divided into 50 levels, each with its own unique layout. The levels become increasingly difficult as the game progresses, and the player will need to use all of their skills to complete them all.

Graphics and Sound

The graphics in C So! are simple but effective. The characters and objects are all well-defined, and the colors are bright and cheerful. The game’s soundtrack is also very good, with catchy tunes that will get stuck in your head.

Reception

C So! was a critical and commercial success. The game was praised for its challenging gameplay, addictive nature, and charming graphics. C So! was also ported to a number of home computers, including the Commodore 64, ZX Spectrum, and Amstrad CPC.

Legacy

C So! is considered to be one of the classic platform games of the 1980s. The game’s simple but effective gameplay and charming graphics have made it a favorite of retro gamers for decades. C So! has also been cited as an influence on a number of later platform games, including Super Mario Bros. and Sonic the Hedgehog.

Tips for Playing C So!

Here are a few tips for playing C So!:

  • Use the hand spike to attack the monsters or to jump off of them to reach higher platforms.
  • Use the elastic beds to jump from platform to platform.
  • Use the doors to escape from the monsters.
  • Be careful not to fall off the platforms.
  • Collect all of the items in each level.
  • Kill all of the monsters in each level.

Conclusion

C So! is a challenging and addictive platform classic that is still enjoyed by gamers today. The game’s simple but effective gameplay and charming graphics have made it a favorite of retro gamers for decades. If you are a fan of classic platform games, then you owe it to yourself to check out C So!.

Review Score

8/10

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Puyo Puyo Da! (1999)

by Christopher
written by Christopher 8 minutes read

Summary

Puyo Puyo Da! is a rhythm game developed by Compile and published by Sega for the Dreamcast. It was released in Japan on March 4, 1999, and in North America and Europe in October of the same year. The game is based on the popular Puyo Puyo puzzle game series, but with a unique twist: instead of matching colored blobs to clear them from the screen, players must dance on a stage to the beat of the music.

Puyo Puyo Da! features a variety of gameplay modes, including a story mode, a challenge mode, and a versus mode. In story mode, players take on the role of Arle Nadja, a young witch who must travel through different worlds to collect magical artifacts. Along the way, she must defeat a variety of enemies, including classic Puyo Puyo characters like Draco Centauros and Satan.

Challenge mode offers a variety of different challenges for players to complete, such as clearing a certain number of Puyo blobs within a time limit or dancing to a specific song without making any mistakes. Versus mode allows two players to compete against each other in a dance-off.

The gameplay of Puyo Puyo Da! is simple to learn but difficult to master. Players must use the Dreamcast’s analog stick to move their character around the stage and press the A button to dance. The timing of the button presses is crucial, as players must hit the button in time with the beat of the music. If they miss a beat, their character will stumble and lose points.

Puyo Puyo Da! features a variety of catchy songs, ranging from pop and rock to techno and trance. The game’s graphics are also colorful and vibrant, with the characters and backgrounds rendered in a cel-shaded style.

Puyo Puyo Da! was generally well-received by critics, with many praising the game’s unique gameplay, catchy music, and colorful graphics. However, some critics found the game to be too difficult and repetitive. Overall, Puyo Puyo Da! is a fun and challenging rhythm game that is sure to please fans of the Puyo Puyo series and rhythm games in general.

Gameplay

The gameplay of Puyo Puyo Da! is simple to learn but difficult to master. Players must use the Dreamcast’s analog stick to move their character around the stage and press the A button to dance. The timing of the button presses is crucial, as players must hit the button in time with the beat of the music. If they miss a beat, their character will stumble and lose points.

There are a variety of different dance moves that players can perform, each of which is assigned to a different button combination. Players can also use the analog stick to move their character around the stage, which can be helpful for avoiding obstacles and getting close to enemies.

The goal of the game is to score as many points as possible by dancing in time with the music and clearing Puyo blobs from the screen. Puyo blobs are colored blobs that fall from the top of the screen. Players must match three or more Puyo blobs of the same color to clear them from the screen. When Puyo blobs are cleared, they will release energy that can be used to power up the player’s character.

There are a variety of different power-ups that can be used in Puyo Puyo Da!. These power-ups can give players a variety of advantages, such as increased speed, invincibility, and the ability to clear large groups of Puyo blobs at once.

Story Mode

The story mode of Puyo Puyo Da! follows the adventures of Arle Nadja, a young witch who must travel through different worlds to collect magical artifacts. Along the way, she must defeat a variety of enemies, including classic Puyo Puyo characters like Draco Centauros and Satan.

The story mode is divided into several chapters, each of which takes place in a different world. Each world has its own unique theme and set of challenges. For example, one world may be a forest filled with dangerous creatures, while another world may be a frozen wasteland.

As Arle progresses through the story mode, she will learn new dance moves and power-ups. She will also meet new allies who will help her on her journey.

Challenge Mode

The challenge mode of Puyo Puyo Da! offers a variety of different challenges for players to complete. These challenges can be divided into three categories:

  • Basic Challenges: These challenges are designed to teach players the basics of the game. They include challenges such as clearing a certain number of Puyo blobs within a time limit or dancing to a specific song without making any mistakes.
  • Advanced Challenges: These challenges are more difficult than the basic challenges. They include challenges such as clearing a certain number of Puyo blobs while avoiding obstacles or dancing to a specific song while using a specific power-up.
  • Expert Challenges: These challenges are the most difficult challenges in the game. They include challenges such as clearing a certain number of Puyo blobs while avoiding obstacles and using a specific power-up.

Versus Mode

The versus mode of Puyo Puyo Da! allows two players to compete against each other in a dance-off. Players can choose to play on any of the songs in the game, and they can also choose to use any of the characters in the game.

The goal of the versus mode is to score more points than the other player. Players can score points by clearing Puyo blobs, performing dance moves, and using power-ups.

The versus mode is a great way to test your skills against a friend or family member. It is also a great way to practice your dance moves and learn new strategies.

Reception

Puyo Puyo Da! was generally well-received by critics, with many praising the game’s unique gameplay, catchy music, and colorful graphics. However, some critics found the game to be too difficult and repetitive.

Overall, Puyo Puyo Da! is a fun and challenging rhythm game that is sure to please fans of the Puyo Puyo series and rhythm games in general.

Review Score

7.5/10

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Puyo Puyo~n (1999)

by Nish
written by Nish 5 minutes read

Summary

Puyo Puyo~n: A Classic Puzzle Gem from the Saturn Era

Released exclusively in Japan in 1999, Puyo Puyo~n is the fourth installment in the beloved Puyo Puyo puzzle game series. Developed by Compile and published by Sega, this Saturn classic offers a delightful blend of addictive gameplay, charming characters, and innovative features that make it a standout in the genre.

Gameplay: A Familiar Formula with Exciting Additions

Puyo Puyo~n retains the core gameplay mechanics that made its predecessors so popular. Players compete to clear colorful, blob-like Puyos from a 6×12 grid by matching four or more of the same color together. By skillfully arranging and dropping Puyos, players can create chains and combos, sending cascades of Puyos crashing down on their opponents’ screens.

One of the key additions in Puyo Puyo~n is the introduction of super attacks, known as “Super Puyo.” By clearing chains, players can build up a charge meter that allows them to unleash devastating special abilities. These attacks can range from clearing large sections of the grid to sending nuisance Puyos to the opponent’s side.

Story: A Whimsical Adventure with a Sinister Twist

Puyo Puyo~n features a lighthearted and whimsical story that follows the adventures of Arle Nadja and her faithful companion, Carbuncle. The tale begins when Arle and Carbuncle receive an invitation to the “Puyo Puyo Circus” from a mysterious demon named Pierrot. Intrigued, they decide to attend, unaware of the sinister plot that awaits them.

As Arle and Carbuncle explore the circus, they encounter a cast of quirky characters and participate in a series of Puyo Puyo matches. However, things take a dark turn when Satan, the ruler of the Netherworld, appears and kidnaps Carbuncle. Determined to save her friend, Arle sets out on a perilous journey through the circus, battling various monsters and eccentric characters in a bid to reach Satan and retrieve Carbuncle.

Visuals and Sound: A Colorful and Memorable Presentation

Puyo Puyo~n boasts a vibrant and colorful art style that brings the game’s world to life. The character designs are adorable and expressive, and the backgrounds are filled with intricate details that create a sense of depth and atmosphere. The game’s soundtrack is equally impressive, featuring a catchy and upbeat collection of tunes that perfectly complement the lighthearted tone of the game.

Multiplayer and Connectivity:

Puyo Puyo~n offers a variety of multiplayer options, allowing players to compete against each other locally or via the Saturn’s online service, Sega NetLink. The game also supports up to four players, making it a perfect choice for friendly gatherings and intense puzzle battles.

Additionally, Puyo Puyo~n features a unique connectivity feature with the Game Gear game, Pocket Puyo Puyo Sun. By connecting the two games via the Saturn’s Transfer Pack, players can unlock additional artwork and content in Puyo Puyo~n.

Legacy and Impact:

Puyo Puyo~n was a critical and commercial success in Japan, solidifying the series’ popularity. While it never received an official release outside of Japan, the game has gained a cult following among import gamers and retro enthusiasts. Its innovative gameplay mechanics, charming story, and memorable characters have made it a beloved classic in the puzzle genre.

The game’s influence can be seen in subsequent Puyo Puyo titles, as well as in other puzzle games that have adopted similar gameplay elements. Puyo Puyo~n remains a testament to the enduring appeal of classic puzzle games and the creativity of Compile, the studio behind this timeless gem.

Conclusion:

Puyo Puyo~n is a captivating puzzle game that offers a perfect blend of classic gameplay, charming characters, and innovative features. Its vibrant visuals, catchy soundtrack, and engaging story mode make it a joy to play, while its multiplayer options and connectivity features add to its replay value. Whether you’re a long-time fan of the Puyo Puyo series or a newcomer to the genre, Puyo Puyo~n is a must-play classic that will provide hours of puzzling fun.

Review Score

8.5/10

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Kirby’s Avalanche (1995)

by Christopher
written by Christopher 6 minutes read

Summary

Kirby’s Avalanche: A Puzzling Adventure in Dream Land

Introduction

Released in 1995 for the Super Nintendo Entertainment System (SNES), Kirby’s Avalanche is a charming and challenging puzzle game that combines the beloved Kirby characters with the addictive gameplay of Puyo Puyo. Players take on the role of Kirby as he embarks on a quest to defeat King Dedede in an Avalanche competition and win the Avalanche Cup.

Gameplay

Kirby’s Avalanche is a falling block puzzle game similar to Tetris. Players must rotate and drop разноцветные блоки into a 6×12 grid, matching three or more of the same color to clear them from the board. As blocks are cleared, they fall down to fill the empty spaces, creating opportunities for chain reactions and high-scoring combos.

The game introduces a unique twist to the falling block formula with its avalanche mechanic. When a large group of blocks is cleared, it triggers an avalanche that sends a cascade of blocks crashing down from above. This adds an element of strategy and risk-taking to the gameplay, as players must carefully consider the placement of their blocks to maximize the impact of their avalanches.

Story

Kirby’s Avalanche features a lighthearted story that follows Kirby and his friends as they are challenged to an Avalanche competition by King Dedede. Determined to prove his superiority, Kirby sets out on a journey through the forest to reach the Dream Fountain, where the competition will be held.

Along the way, Kirby encounters a variety of colorful characters and whimsical environments, including a forest filled with mischievous monkeys, a cave inhabited by a wise old owl, and a frozen lake where Kirby must race against a speedy penguin. Each stage presents its own unique challenges and obstacles, testing Kirby’s puzzle-solving skills and determination.

Characters

Kirby’s Avalanche features a cast of charming characters from the Kirby universe, including:

  • Kirby: The star of the show, Kirby is a cheerful and courageous puffball who loves to eat and solve puzzles.
  • King Dedede: The self-proclaimed king of Dream Land, Dedede is a grumpy and competitive penguin who challenges Kirby to the Avalanche competition.
  • Waddle Dee: Dedede’s loyal servant, Waddle Dee is a helpful and enthusiastic assistant who often aids Kirby on his quest.
  • Meta Knight: A mysterious and skilled swordsman, Meta Knight appears as a rival to Kirby in the Avalanche competition.
  • Coo: A small owl who provides Kirby with helpful advice and guidance throughout his journey.

Graphics and Sound

Kirby’s Avalanche showcases the vibrant and colorful graphics of the Super Nintendo Entertainment System. The game’s environments are bursting with detail and charm, from the lush forest to the icy lake. The character sprites are expressive and adorable, capturing the personalities of Kirby and his friends perfectly.

The game’s soundtrack is equally impressive, featuring a mix of catchy and upbeat tunes that perfectly complement the gameplay. The sound effects are also well-crafted, adding to the overall atmosphere and excitement of the game.

Legacy

Kirby’s Avalanche was a critical and commercial success upon its release, selling over 1.5 million copies worldwide. It was praised for its addictive gameplay, charming characters, and innovative avalanche mechanic. The game has since been ported to various platforms, including the Nintendo Switch Online service.

Kirby’s Avalanche has had a lasting impact on the puzzle game genre, inspiring numerous clones and sequels. Its unique gameplay mechanics and charming presentation continue to entertain and challenge players to this day.

Conclusion

Kirby’s Avalanche is a delightful and addictive puzzle game that combines the best of Kirby and Puyo Puyo. With its vibrant graphics, catchy soundtrack, and innovative gameplay, it’s a timeless classic that continues to entertain and challenge players of all ages. Whether you’re a seasoned puzzle enthusiast or a newcomer to the genre, Kirby’s Avalanche is a must-play experience.

Review Score

8.5/10

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Robo Aleste (1992)

by Nish
written by Nish 5 minutes read

Summary

Robo Aleste (1992)

Robo Aleste is a vertically scrolling shoot-’em-up arcade game developed by Compile and published by Toaplan in 1992. It is the third game in the Aleste series, following Aleste (1988) and Super Aleste (1990).

Robo Aleste is set in the year 2201, one hundred years after the events of Super Aleste. The evil Chugoku Army has returned, and this time they are led by the powerful warlord Genghis Khan. The Oda clan, who have been protecting Earth from the Chugoku Army for centuries, are once again called upon to defend the planet.

The player takes control of a massive mecha called Aleste, and must fight their way through waves of enemy ships and bosses in order to reach Genghis Khan and defeat him. Along the way, the player can collect power-ups to upgrade their weapons and abilities.

Robo Aleste is known for its fast-paced action, beautiful graphics, and catchy music. It is considered to be one of the best shoot-’em-ups of its era, and it remains popular with fans of the genre today.

Gameplay

Robo Aleste is a vertically scrolling shoot-’em-up in which the player controls a massive mecha called Aleste. The player must fight their way through waves of enemy ships and bosses in order to reach Genghis Khan and defeat him.

The player’s mecha is equipped with a variety of weapons, including lasers, missiles, and bombs. The player can also collect power-ups to upgrade their weapons and abilities. These power-ups include:

  • Speed Up: Increases the player’s speed.
  • Power Up: Increases the player’s firepower.
  • Option: Adds a僚機 (僚機) to the player’s ship.
  • Bomb: Gives the player a powerful bomb that can destroy all enemies on the screen.

The player can also collect special items that give them temporary invincibility or allow them to fire a powerful laser beam.

Robo Aleste is known for its fast-paced action and challenging difficulty. The player must constantly be on the move, dodging enemy fire and taking out enemies as quickly as possible. The game also features a number of large and challenging bosses that require the player to use all of their skills to defeat.

Graphics and Sound

Robo Aleste is known for its beautiful graphics. The game’s backgrounds are detailed and colorful, and the enemy ships and bosses are all unique and well-designed. The game also features a number of impressive special effects, such as explosions and laser beams.

The game’s music is also top-notch. The soundtrack is composed of catchy and upbeat tunes that perfectly complement the fast-paced action.

Reception

Robo Aleste was a critical and commercial success. The game was praised for its fast-paced action, beautiful graphics, and catchy music. It was also a commercial success, selling over 100,000 copies in Japan.

Robo Aleste has been ported to a number of different platforms over the years, including the Sega Saturn, PlayStation, and Nintendo Switch. The game has also been included in a number of compilations, such as the Aleste Collection for the PlayStation 2 and the Toaplan Arcade Shooter Collection for the Xbox 360.

Robo Aleste remains popular with fans of the shoot-’em-up genre today. It is considered to be one of the best shoot-’em-ups of its era, and it is still enjoyed by many gamers today.

Legacy

Robo Aleste is considered to be one of the best shoot-’em-ups of its era. The game’s fast-paced action, beautiful graphics, and catchy music have made it a favorite among fans of the genre. Robo Aleste has also been influential in the development of other shoot-’em-ups, and its legacy can be seen in many modern games.

Some of the games that have been influenced by Robo Aleste include:

  • Gradius V (2004)
  • Ikaruga (2001)
  • Mushihimesama (2004)
  • DoDonPachi (1997)

Robo Aleste is a classic shoot-’em-up that is still enjoyed by many gamers today. The game’s fast-paced action, beautiful graphics, and catchy music make it a must-play for fans of the genre.

Review Score

8.5/10

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Devil’s Crush (1990)

by Christopher
written by Christopher 6 minutes read

Summary

Devil’s Crush: A Pinball Odyssey into the Occult

Released in 1990 for the TurboGrafx-16, Devil’s Crush is a pinball video game that stands out from the crowd with its eerie occult theme and challenging gameplay. Developed by NAXAT Soft, it is the second installment in the Crush Pinball series, following Alien Crush.

Gameplay

Devil’s Crush features a single pinball table with a unique layout and a variety of obstacles and targets. The table is adorned with skulls, skeletons, and demons, and the overall atmosphere is one of darkness and mystery.

The game’s objective is to score as many points as possible by hitting various targets and completing missions. The pinball can be controlled using the directional pad and buttons to launch it, nudge it, and activate special abilities.

One of the unique features of Devil’s Crush is its mission system. There are a total of 10 missions to complete, each with its own set of objectives. These missions add an extra layer of challenge and replayability to the game.

Occult Theme

Devil’s Crush’s occult theme is one of its most distinctive features. The game is filled with imagery of skulls, skeletons, demons, and other dark and sinister elements. The music is also suitably eerie and atmospheric, adding to the overall ambiance of the game.

The game’s title screen features a pentagram, a symbol often associated with Satanism and the occult. This pentagram was later removed from the European release of the game on the Wii’s Virtual Console, replaced with an 8-sided star.

Challenge and Difficulty

Devil’s Crush is known for its challenging gameplay. The pinball table is unforgiving, and the missions can be difficult to complete. However, this challenge is part of what makes the game so rewarding.

The game’s difficulty is adjustable, allowing players of all skill levels to enjoy it. However, even on the easiest setting, Devil’s Crush can be a tough game to master.

Legacy

Devil’s Crush was a critical and commercial success upon its release. It was praised for its unique theme, challenging gameplay, and excellent graphics and sound. The game has since been ported to a variety of platforms, including the Sega Mega Drive, Wii, and PlayStation 4.

Devil’s Crush is considered one of the best pinball video games ever made. It is a challenging and rewarding game that offers a unique and immersive experience. If you are a fan of pinball games or occult-themed games, then Devil’s Crush is definitely worth checking out.

Tips and Tricks

Here are a few tips and tricks to help you succeed in Devil’s Crush:

  • Master the controls. The controls in Devil’s Crush are simple, but mastering them is essential for success. Practice launching the pinball with precision and nudging it to hit targets.
  • Complete the missions. The missions in Devil’s Crush are not only challenging, but they also reward you with bonus points and extra lives. Make completing the missions a priority.
  • Use the special abilities. Devil’s Crush features a variety of special abilities that can help you score points and complete missions. Learn how to use these abilities effectively.
  • Don’t be afraid to experiment. There is no one right way to play Devil’s Crush. Experiment with different strategies and find what works best for you.

Conclusion

Devil’s Crush is a classic pinball video game that offers a unique and challenging experience. With its eerie occult theme, challenging gameplay, and excellent graphics and sound, it is a game that is sure to please fans of pinball and occult-themed games alike.

Review Score

8/10

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Dr. Robotnik’s Mean Bean Machine (1993)

by Nish
written by Nish 5 minutes read

Summary

Dr. Robotnik’s Mean Bean Machine: A Puzzling Adventure in Beanville

Released in 1993 for the Super Nintendo Entertainment System, Dr. Robotnik’s Mean Bean Machine is a delightful puzzle game that combines the addictive gameplay of Puyo Puyo with the vibrant world of Sonic the Hedgehog. Players take control of Sonic or one of his friends and must compete against Dr. Robotnik’s henchmen in a series of puzzle battles to save the kidnapped Beanville folk.

Gameplay

The gameplay of Dr. Robotnik’s Mean Bean Machine is simple yet addictive. Players control a cursor to move and drop colored beans onto a 6×12 grid. When four or more beans of the same color are connected horizontally or vertically, they disappear, and any beans above them fall down. The goal is to clear all of the beans from the grid before your opponent.

Players can also create chain reactions by clearing multiple groups of beans at once. This can be done by setting up combos, where one group of beans falling triggers another group to fall, and so on. The more beans you clear in a chain reaction, the more points you earn.

Characters

Players can choose to play as Sonic, Tails, Knuckles, or Mighty. Each character has their own unique abilities that can be used to gain an advantage in battle. For example, Sonic can use his super speed to quickly drop beans, while Tails can use his tails to rotate the grid.

Dr. Robotnik’s henchmen are also playable characters, each with their own unique abilities. Scratch can use his claws to grab and move beans, while Grounder can use his drill to create holes in the grid.

Modes

Dr. Robotnik’s Mean Bean Machine has a variety of different modes to keep players entertained. The main mode is the Story Mode, where players must travel across Beanville and defeat Dr. Robotnik’s henchmen in a series of puzzle battles.

Other modes include the Versus Mode, where two players can compete against each other, and the Puzzle Mode, where players can solve a series of increasingly difficult puzzles.

Graphics and Sound

The graphics in Dr. Robotnik’s Mean Bean Machine are bright and colorful, with a cartoonish art style that perfectly captures the whimsical world of Beanville. The music is also excellent, with a catchy soundtrack that will get stuck in your head for days.

Legacy

Dr. Robotnik’s Mean Bean Machine was a critical and commercial success, selling over 1 million copies worldwide. It is still considered one of the best puzzle games ever made, and it has been ported to a variety of platforms over the years.

The game’s popularity has led to a number of spin-offs and sequels, including Puyo Puyo Tetris, which was released in 2017.

Conclusion

Dr. Robotnik’s Mean Bean Machine is a timeless puzzle classic that is still enjoyed by gamers today. Its simple yet addictive gameplay, charming characters, and vibrant world have made it a fan favorite for over 25 years. If you’re looking for a fun and challenging puzzle game to play, then Dr. Robotnik’s Mean Bean Machine is definitely worth checking out.

Review Score

8.5/10

Art

Cover Art

Screenshots

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M.U.S.H.A. (1990)

by Christopher
written by Christopher 4 minutes read

Summary

M.U.S.H.A.: A Rare and Exciting Vertical-Scrolling Shooter for the Sega Genesis

Released in 1990 by Compile and Seismic, M.U.S.H.A. is a vertical-scrolling shooter game that was originally released for the Sega Genesis. It is known for its fast-paced action, challenging levels, and beautiful pixel art. M.U.S.H.A. was a commercial success, but due to its limited production run, it has become a rare and sought-after game among collectors.

Gameplay

M.U.S.H.A. is a vertically scrolling shooter game in which the player controls a starfighter that must defeat waves of enemy ships and bosses. The game features a variety of power-ups that can be collected to enhance the player’s firepower and abilities. These power-ups include homing missiles, spread shots, and lasers.

One of the unique features of M.U.S.H.A. is its “Mecha Mode” system. When the player collects a special power-up, their starfighter can transform into a powerful mecha robot. In Mecha Mode, the player’s firepower and defense are greatly increased, and they can also perform a devastating screen-clearing attack.

Levels

M.U.S.H.A. features a total of six levels, each with its own unique theme andボス. The levels are set in a variety of locations, including a forest, a desert, and a space station. Each level is filled with challenging enemies and obstacles, and the player must use all of their skills and abilities to survive.

Graphics and Sound

M.U.S.H.A. is known for its beautiful pixel art graphics. The game’s backgrounds are detailed and colorful, and the character and enemy sprites are well-animated. The game’s soundtrack is also excellent, and it features a variety of catchy and upbeat tunes.

Rarity and Value

M.U.S.H.A. was only produced in limited quantities, and it has become a rare and sought-after game among collectors. The game can often fetch high prices on auction sites, and it is considered to be one of the most valuable Sega Genesis games.

Legacy

M.U.S.H.A. is considered to be one of the best vertical-scrolling shooters for the Sega Genesis. It is known for its fast-paced action, challenging levels, and beautiful pixel art. The game has been praised by critics and players alike, and it is still enjoyed by many today.

Conclusion

M.U.S.H.A. is a rare and exciting vertical-scrolling shooter for the Sega Genesis. It features fast-paced action, challenging levels, beautiful pixel art, and a catchy soundtrack. If you are a fan of classic shooters, then you owe it to yourself to check out M.U.S.H.A.

Review Score

8.5/10

Art

Cover Art

Screenshots

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