Developer: Sega Enterprises, Ltd.

Flicky (1984)

by Nish
written by Nish 6 minutes read

Summary

Flicky: A Charming and Challenging Arcade Classic from SEGA

Released in arcades in 1984, Flicky is a charming and challenging platform game from SEGA. The player controls Flicky, a blue bird who must rescue baby birds from mischievous cats. Flicky can fly, jump, and use his beak to carry baby birds to safety.

The game is set in a colorful forest, and each level consists of a single screen. Flicky must navigate the level, avoiding obstacles and enemies, and collect all of the baby birds. Once all of the baby birds have been collected, Flicky must carry them to the exit to complete the level.

Flicky is a simple game to learn, but it is difficult to master. The levels are cleverly designed, and the enemies are challenging. Flicky must use all of his skills to avoid being caught by the cats and to rescue all of the baby birds.

Flicky was a critical and commercial success. It was praised for its charming graphics, catchy music, and challenging gameplay. Flicky was also ported to a number of home computers, including the SG-1000, MSX, and Sega Mega Drive/Genesis.

Gameplay

Flicky is a platform game in which the player controls Flicky, a blue bird who must rescue baby birds from mischievous cats. Flicky can fly, jump, and use his beak to carry baby birds to safety.

The game is set in a colorful forest, and each level consists of a single screen. Flicky must navigate the level, avoiding obstacles and enemies, and collect all of the baby birds. Once all of the baby birds have been collected, Flicky must carry them to the exit to complete the level.

Flicky can fly by flapping his wings. He can also jump by pressing the A button. Flicky can use his beak to carry baby birds by pressing the B button. Baby birds can be carried in Flicky’s beak or on his back.

Flicky must avoid being caught by the cats. The cats will chase Flicky and try to catch him. If Flicky is caught by a cat, he will lose a life. Flicky can also lose a life if he falls off the bottom of the screen or if he touches an enemy.

Flicky has a limited number of lives. If Flicky loses all of his lives, the game is over.

Levels

Flicky has a total of 12 levels. The levels are set in a variety of different environments, including forests, caves, and mountains. Each level is more difficult than the last.

The first few levels are relatively easy, but the later levels are quite challenging. Flicky must use all of his skills to avoid being caught by the cats and to rescue all of the baby birds.

Enemies

Flicky is opposed by a variety of enemies, including cats, mice, and frogs. The cats are the most dangerous enemies, as they will chase Flicky and try to catch him. The mice and frogs are less dangerous, but they can still be a nuisance.

Flicky can defeat the cats by pecking them with his beak. He can also defeat the mice and frogs by jumping on them.

Items

Flicky can collect a variety of items to help him on his quest. These items include:

  • Cherries: Cherries give Flicky extra points.
  • Fruit: Fruit gives Flicky extra lives.
  • Stars: Stars make Flicky invincible for a short period of time.
  • Keys: Keys unlock doors that lead to new areas.

Bosses

At the end of each world, Flicky must defeat a boss. The bosses are large and powerful enemies, but Flicky can defeat them by using his skills and the items that he has collected.

Legacy

Flicky was a critical and commercial success. It was praised for its charming graphics, catchy music, and challenging gameplay. Flicky was also ported to a number of home computers, including the SG-1000, MSX, and Sega Mega Drive/Genesis.

Flicky has been included in a number of SEGA compilations, including SEGA Genesis Collection and SEGA Mega Drive Ultimate Collection. Flicky has also been released on the Nintendo Switch Online service.

Conclusion

Flicky is a charming and challenging platform game that is still enjoyed by gamers today. The game’s simple gameplay and colorful graphics make it a great choice for players of all ages. Flicky is a must-play for fans of platform games and SEGA classics.

Review Score

8.5/10

Art

Cover Art

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Super Monaco GP (1989)

by Christopher
written by Christopher 5 minutes read

Summary

Super Monaco GP (1989): The Formula One Racing Game That Redefined Sprite-Scaled Graphics

Released in 1989 by Sega, Super Monaco GP is a Formula One racing game that revolutionized the genre with its groundbreaking sprite-scaled graphics. The game’s single track, a very reasonable representation of the famous Monaco Grand Prix circuit, was brought to life with stunning detail, creating a sense of immersion that was unmatched at the time.

Gameplay

Super Monaco GP offers players a variety of gameplay options to choose from. Players can race with one of three different skill/gear settings:

  • Beginner: Automatic Gears
  • Intermediate: 4-Speed Manual Gears
  • Professional: 7-Speed Manual Gears

Before entering the Grand Prix, players must complete a qualification lap. The qualifying time determines the player’s position on the starting grid. During the race itself, players must reach checkpoints within a set time, or the race is over.

Super Monaco GP is known for its challenging gameplay. The Monaco Grand Prix circuit is narrow and winding, with many tight turns and chicanes. Players must be precise with their driving and use all of their skill to avoid crashing. The game’s AI opponents are also very competitive, providing a constant challenge.

Graphics

Super Monaco GP’s graphics were groundbreaking for their time. The game used sprite-scaling technology to create detailed and realistic cars and track environments. The cars were scaled in size depending on their distance from the camera, creating a sense of depth and speed. The track environments were also very detailed, with lush scenery and realistic grandstands.

Super Monaco GP’s graphics still hold up today. The game’s visuals are charming and timeless, and the track environments are still impressive.

Sound

Super Monaco GP’s sound is also top-notch. The game’s music is fast-paced and exciting, and the sound effects are realistic and immersive. The game’s engine noises are particularly impressive, and they help to create a sense of speed and excitement.

Overall

Super Monaco GP is a classic Formula One racing game that still holds up today. The game’s challenging gameplay, groundbreaking graphics, and immersive sound design make it a must-play for fans of the genre.

Legacy

Super Monaco GP was a critical and commercial success. The game was praised for its graphics, gameplay, and sound. It was also a commercial success, selling over 1 million copies worldwide.

Super Monaco GP has had a lasting impact on the racing game genre. The game’s sprite-scaling technology was groundbreaking, and it helped to set a new standard for racing games. The game’s challenging gameplay and realistic graphics also helped to establish the Formula One racing genre as a major force in the video game industry.

Super Monaco GP has been ported to a variety of platforms over the years, including the Sega Genesis, Game Gear, and PlayStation 2. The game is also available on the Nintendo Switch Online service.

Trivia

  • Super Monaco GP was the first racing game to use sprite-scaling technology.
  • The game’s track is a very reasonable representation of the famous Monaco Grand Prix circuit.
  • The game’s music was composed by Yuzo Koshiro, who is also known for his work on the Streets of Rage series.
  • Super Monaco GP was a commercial success, selling over 1 million copies worldwide.
  • The game has been ported to a variety of platforms over the years, including the Sega Genesis, Game Gear, and PlayStation 2.

Review Score

8.5/10

Art

Cover Art

Screenshots

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Eternal Champions: Challenge from the Dark Side (1995)

by Nish
written by Nish 5 minutes read

Summary

Eternal Champions: Challenge from the Dark Side (1995)

Released in 1995, Eternal Champions: Challenge from the Dark Side is a fighting game that stands out with its unique premise and innovative gameplay. Developed by Sega AM2 and published by Sega, the game combines elements of time travel, martial arts, and supernatural powers to create a thrilling and engaging experience.

Story

The story of Eternal Champions revolves around nine fighters from different time periods who have been killed in an unjust manner. These fighters include Larcen, the cat burglar from the Victorian era; Jetta, the circus acrobat from the Roaring Twenties; Blade, the futuristic bounty hunter from the year 2050; Midknight, the vampiric bio-chemist from the 19th century; Rax, the cyborg from the future; Shadow, the corporate assassin from the present day; Slash, the neanderthal from prehistoric times; Trident, the Atlantean warrior from ancient Greece; and Xavier, a warlock and alchemist from the Renaissance era.

These fighters are brought back to life by an alien being known only as the Eternal Champion. The Eternal Champion offers them a second chance at life, but only if they are willing to fight in a tournament to determine who is worthy of being resurrected. The winner of the tournament will be given the chance to avert their death and tip the balance between good and evil.

Gameplay

Eternal Champions is a 2D fighting game with a unique gameplay mechanic called the “Power Charge” system. This system allows players to charge up their special moves by holding down the attack button. The longer the button is held, the more powerful the move will be. However, charging up a move also leaves the player vulnerable to attack.

In addition to the Power Charge system, Eternal Champions also features a variety of other gameplay mechanics, such as combos, throws, and counters. The game also has a unique “Rage” system, which allows players to enter a state of increased power and speed after taking a certain amount of damage.

Characters

The nine characters in Eternal Champions are all unique and have their own strengths and weaknesses. Larcen is a fast and agile fighter who uses his cat-like reflexes to his advantage. Jetta is a powerful acrobat who can use her aerial skills to perform devastating attacks. Blade is a futuristic bounty hunter who uses a variety of weapons and gadgets to take down his opponents. Midknight is a vampiric bio-chemist who can use his blood to heal himself and power up his attacks. Rax is a cyborg who can use his cybernetic enhancements to give himself an edge in battle. Shadow is a corporate assassin who uses his stealth and precision to take down his targets. Slash is a neanderthal who uses his brute strength and animal instincts to overwhelm his opponents. Trident is an Atlantean warrior who uses his trident and his knowledge of martial arts to defeat his enemies. Xavier is a warlock and alchemist who uses his magic and potions to outsmart and defeat his opponents.

Graphics and Sound

Eternal Champions features impressive graphics for its time. The character sprites are large and detailed, and the backgrounds are vibrant and colorful. The game also has a memorable soundtrack that features a mix of rock, techno, and orchestral music.

Reception

Eternal Champions was a critical and commercial success upon its release. The game was praised for its innovative gameplay, unique characters, and impressive graphics. Eternal Champions was also nominated for several awards, including “Best Fighting Game” at the 1995 Golden Joystick Awards.

Legacy

Eternal Champions: Challenge from the Dark Side is considered to be one of the best fighting games of the 16-bit era. The game’s unique premise, innovative gameplay, and memorable characters have left a lasting impression on fans of the genre. Eternal Champions has also been cited as an influence on several other fighting games, such as Killer Instinct and Mortal Kombat.

Conclusion

Eternal Champions: Challenge from the Dark Side is a classic fighting game that still holds up today. The game’s unique premise, innovative gameplay, and memorable characters make it a must-play for fans of the genre. If you’re looking for a fighting game that’s both challenging and rewarding, then Eternal Champions is definitely worth checking out.

Review Score

8.5/10

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The Revenge of Shinobi (1989)

by Christopher
written by Christopher 5 minutes read

Summary

The Revenge of Shinobi: A Nostalgic Trip Through a Classic Side-Scroller

Released in 1989, The Revenge of Shinobi is a side-scrolling action game developed by Sega for the Sega Genesis. It is the sequel to the arcade game Shadow Dancer, and the third installment in the Shinobi series. The game follows the story of Joe Musashi, a ninja who must avenge the death of his master and rescue his kidnapped students.

The Revenge of Shinobi is known for its fast-paced combat, challenging levels, and iconic soundtrack. The game has been praised for its graphics, which were some of the best on the Genesis at the time. The game’s soundtrack is also highly regarded, and is considered one of the best in the Genesis library.

Gameplay

The Revenge of Shinobi is a side-scrolling action game in which the player controls Joe Musashi. Joe can walk, jump, and use a variety of ninja weapons and techniques to defeat his enemies. These weapons and techniques include shurikens, throwing stars, swords, and magic spells.

The game is divided into eight stages, each with its own unique enemies and obstacles. Joe must fight his way through each stage, defeating the boss at the end in order to progress. The game’s difficulty is notoriously high, and players will need to master Joe’s moves and abilities in order to succeed.

Story

The story of The Revenge of Shinobi is relatively simple. Joe Musashi’s master is killed by a group of ninjas, and his students are kidnapped. Joe sets out to avenge his master and rescue his students, and must fight his way through eight stages of enemies in order to do so.

The game’s story is told through a series of cutscenes, which are interspersed between the game’s stages. The cutscenes are well-animated and do a good job of setting up the game’s story and characters.

Graphics

The Revenge of Shinobi is one of the best-looking games on the Genesis. The game’s graphics are colorful and detailed, and the animation is fluid. The game’s backgrounds are also very impressive, and do a good job of creating a sense of atmosphere.

Sound

The Revenge of Shinobi’s soundtrack is one of the best on the Genesis. The game’s music is catchy and memorable, and it does a great job of setting the mood for the game. The game’s sound effects are also very good, and they help to create a sense of immersion.

Legacy

The Revenge of Shinobi is considered one of the best side-scrolling action games ever made. The game was a critical and commercial success, and it helped to establish the Shinobi series as one of Sega’s most popular franchises. The game has been ported to a number of different platforms over the years, and it remains popular with gamers today.

Conclusion

The Revenge of Shinobi is a classic side-scrolling action game that is still enjoyed by gamers today. The game’s fast-paced combat, challenging levels, and iconic soundtrack make it a must-play for fans of the genre. If you’re looking for a great retro game to play, The Revenge of Shinobi is definitely worth checking out.

10/10

Review Score

9/10

Art

Cover Art

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Taz-Mania (1992)

by Christopher
written by Christopher 5 minutes read

Summary

Taz-Mania (1992): A Whirlwind Adventure with the Tasmanian Devil

Taz-Mania is a side-scrolling platformer video game released in 1992 for the Sega Genesis, Game Gear, and Master System. It is based on the Taz-Mania cartoon, which aired from 1991 to 1995. The game follows Taz the Tasmanian Devil on a quest to find the egg of a giant prehistoric seabird.

The game was developed by Acme Interactive and published by Sega. The Genesis version was released in North America on November 24, 1992, and in Europe on December 4, 1992. The Game Gear version was released in North America on December 14, 1992, and in Europe on January 22, 1993. The Master System version was released in Europe in 1993.

Taz-Mania received mixed reviews from critics. Some praised the game’s graphics, sound, and gameplay, while others criticized its difficulty and lack of originality. However, the game was a commercial success, selling over one million copies worldwide.

Gameplay

Taz-Mania is a side-scrolling platformer game. The player controls Taz the Tasmanian Devil as he runs, jumps, and spins his way through 16 levels. Taz can also pick up and use a variety of items, including food, weapons, and power-ups.

The goal of the game is to reach the end of each level and defeat the boss. Along the way, Taz must collect keys to unlock doors, find hidden items, and avoid hazards such as spikes, pits, and enemies.

Taz has a variety of attacks. He can spin into a whirlwind to knock out enemies, eat food to replenish his health, and use power-ups to gain temporary abilities such as invincibility and fire breath.

Levels

The 16 levels in Taz-Mania are set in a variety of locations, including a desert, a jungle, a car factory, a mine, and ancient ruins. Each level has its own unique set of challenges and enemies.

Some of the levels are more difficult than others. For example, the desert level is full of quicksand and scorpions, while the mine level is full of traps and explosives.

Bosses

There are four bosses in Taz-Mania. Each boss is a giant version of a different animal. The first boss is a giant scorpion, the second boss is a giant snake, the third boss is a giant crocodile, and the final boss is a giant Tasmanian devil.

The bosses are all very powerful, and they require a different strategy to defeat. For example, the scorpion boss is weak to Taz’s fire breath, while the snake boss is weak to Taz’s whirlwind attack.

Graphics and Sound

The graphics in Taz-Mania are colorful and detailed. The characters and environments are well-drawn, and the animations are fluid. The game’s soundtrack is also very good, with catchy tunes that fit the game’s atmosphere perfectly.

Conclusion

Taz-Mania is a fun and challenging platformer game that is sure to please fans of the cartoon. The game’s graphics, sound, and gameplay are all top-notch, and the levels are full of variety and challenge. If you’re looking for a great platformer to play, Taz-Mania is definitely worth checking out.

Additional Information

  • The Sega Genesis version of Taz-Mania features a special guest appearance by Sonic the Hedgehog. Sonic appears in the game’s intro and outro sequences, and he can also be found hidden in one of the levels.
  • The Game Gear version of Taz-Mania is a port of the Genesis version, but it has some exclusive features. For example, the Game Gear version has a level select screen that allows the player to choose which level they want to play.
  • The Master System version of Taz-Mania is a different game from the Genesis and Game Gear versions. It is a more simplified version of the game, with fewer levels and enemies.

Review Score

7.5/10

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Super Columns (1995)

by Christopher
written by Christopher 5 minutes read

Summary

Super Columns (1995): A Guide to the Addictive Puzzle Classic

Released in 1995, Super Columns is an addictive puzzle game that combines Tetris-like gameplay with unique twists and power-ups. Developed by Sega, the game was a critical and commercial success, and it remains popular today among puzzle game enthusiasts.

Gameplay

The goal of Super Columns is to clear the playing field of colored gems by matching three or more of the same color together. Gems fall from the top of the screen, and players must rotate and drop them into place to create matches. Once a match is made, the gems will disappear and the gems above will fall down to fill the gaps.

Super Columns adds several new twists to the classic Tetris formula. One of the most unique features is the ability to flip the screen. By pressing a button, players can rotate the entire playing field 180 degrees. This can be helpful for getting gems into hard-to-reach places or for setting up chain reactions.

Another unique feature of Super Columns is the use of power-ups. Power-ups can be collected by matching three or more gems of the same color. Once collected, power-ups can be used to clear entire rows or columns of gems, or to shuffle the gems around the playing field.

Modes

Super Columns offers a variety of different modes to keep players entertained. The main mode is the Puzzle mode, which consists of 50 levels of increasing difficulty. In Puzzle mode, players must clear all of the gems from the playing field in order to progress to the next level.

In addition to Puzzle mode, Super Columns also offers a Time Attack mode and a Versus mode. In Time Attack mode, players must clear as many gems as possible within a time limit. In Versus mode, two players can compete against each other to see who can clear the most gems.

Tips and Tricks

Here are a few tips and tricks to help you master Super Columns:

  • Plan ahead. Don’t just drop gems randomly. Take the time to think about where you want to place each gem and how it will affect the overall layout of the playing field.
  • Use the flip screen power-up wisely. The flip screen power-up can be a lifesaver, but it’s important to use it wisely. Don’t flip the screen just for the sake of it. Only flip the screen when it will give you a clear advantage.
  • Don’t be afraid to use power-ups. Power-ups can be very helpful, but don’t be afraid to use them. If you’re stuck, don’t hesitate to use a power-up to clear a path or to set up a chain reaction.
  • Practice makes perfect. The best way to get good at Super Columns is to practice. The more you play, the better you’ll become at recognizing patterns and setting up chain reactions.

Legacy

Super Columns was a critical and commercial success, and it remains popular today among puzzle game enthusiasts. The game has been ported to a variety of platforms, including the Sega Saturn, the PlayStation, and the Nintendo Switch.

Super Columns has also been praised for its innovative gameplay and its timeless appeal. The game is simple to learn but difficult to master, and it offers a fun and challenging experience for players of all ages.

Conclusion

Super Columns is a classic puzzle game that is still enjoyed by gamers today. The game’s unique gameplay, power-ups, and variety of modes make it a timeless classic that is sure to provide hours of enjoyment.

Review Score

8/10

Art

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Line of Fire (1989)

by Nish
written by Nish 5 minutes read

Summary

Line of Fire (1989)

Line of Fire is a machine gun shooter arcade game developed and released by Sega in 1989. The player controls a soldier who must fight his way through waves of enemies in order to rescue hostages and complete his mission.

The game is played from a third-person perspective, and the player uses a light machine gun to shoot enemies. The player can move left and right, and can also duck behind cover to avoid enemy fire. The player has a limited amount of ammunition, and must collect ammo drops in order to continue firing.

There are a total of six stages in the game, each with its own unique set of enemies and challenges. The player must fight through waves of enemies, including soldiers, tanks, and helicopters. The player must also rescue hostages, who are located throughout the stages.

The game was a critical and commercial success, and is considered to be one of the best arcade shooters of all time. It was praised for its intense gameplay, challenging difficulty, and innovative use of 3D graphics.

Gameplay

The player controls a soldier who must fight his way through waves of enemies in order to rescue hostages and complete his mission. The game is played from a third-person perspective, and the player uses a light machine gun to shoot enemies.

The player can move left and right, and can also duck behind cover to avoid enemy fire. The player has a limited amount of ammunition, and must collect ammo drops in order to continue firing.

There are a total of six stages in the game, each with its own unique set of enemies and challenges. The player must fight through waves of enemies, including soldiers, tanks, and helicopters. The player must also rescue hostages, who are located throughout the stages.

Development

Line of Fire was developed by Sega AM2, a division of Sega that was responsible for developing some of the company’s most popular arcade games, including Out Run, After Burner, and Virtua Fighter.

The game was directed by Yu Suzuki, who would later go on to create the Virtua Fighter series and Shenmue. Suzuki was inspired to create Line of Fire after seeing the film Platoon, which depicted the horrors of the Vietnam War.

Suzuki wanted to create a game that would capture the intensity and chaos of war, and he used the latest 3D graphics technology to create a realistic and immersive experience.

Release

Line of Fire was released in arcades in 1989. The game was a critical and commercial success, and it quickly became one of the most popular arcade games of the year.

The game was ported to the Sega Genesis in 1990, and it was also released on a number of other home platforms, including the Commodore Amiga, Atari ST, and PC Engine.

Legacy

Line of Fire is considered to be one of the best arcade shooters of all time. It was praised for its intense gameplay, challenging difficulty, and innovative use of 3D graphics.

The game has been cited as an influence on a number of other shooters, including Time Crisis and House of the Dead.

Cultural impact

Line of Fire has been featured in a number of popular culture references, including the films Armageddon and Pixels. The game has also been parodied in a number of other works, including the video game Grand Theft Auto V.

Conclusion

Line of Fire is a classic arcade shooter that still holds up today. The game’s intense gameplay, challenging difficulty, and innovative use of 3D graphics make it a must-play for fans of the genre.

Review Score

8/10

Art

Cover Art

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Shinobi III: Return of the Ninja Master (1993)

by Nish
written by Nish 6 minutes read

Summary

Shinobi III: Return of the Ninja Master (1993)

Overview

Shinobi III: Return of the Ninja Master, released as The Super Shinobi II in Japan, is the fourth game in the Shinobi series and a direct sequel to The Revenge of Shinobi. It was developed by Sega and released for the Sega Genesis in 1993. The game follows the ninja Joe Musashi as he battles against the evil organization Zeed to rescue his kidnapped students.

Gameplay

Shinobi III is a side-scrolling action-platformer. The player controls Joe Musashi, who can run, jump, climb, and use a variety of weapons and ninja techniques to defeat his enemies. These weapons and techniques include shurikens, bombs, a grappling hook, and a sword.

The game is divided into eight stages, each with its own unique enemies and boss. The stages are set in a variety of locations, including forests, caves, and castles.

Story

The story of Shinobi III begins with Joe Musashi training his students in the art of ninjutsu. However, Zeed, an evil organization led by the sorcerer Neo Zeed, attacks and kidnaps Joe’s students. Joe sets out to rescue his students and defeat Zeed.

Along the way, Joe is joined by two allies: Naomi, a kunoichi (female ninja), and Hayate, a young ninja who idolizes Joe. Together, they must battle their way through Zeed’s forces and rescue Joe’s students.

Graphics and Sound

Shinobi III is a visually impressive game for its time. The graphics are colorful and detailed, and the character sprites are large and well-animated. The game’s soundtrack is also excellent, with a mix of traditional Japanese music and more modern electronic tracks.

Critical Reception

Shinobi III was a critical and commercial success. It was praised for its fast-paced gameplay, challenging levels, and memorable boss fights. The game was also praised for its graphics and sound.

Shinobi III has been ranked as one of the best Genesis games of all time. It was ranked #2 on IGN’s list of the Top 100 Sega Genesis Games and #10 on Game Informer’s list of the Top 100 Sega Genesis Games.

Legacy

Shinobi III is considered to be one of the best ninja games ever made. It has been praised for its fast-paced gameplay, challenging levels, and memorable boss fights. The game has also been praised for its graphics and sound.

Shinobi III has had a lasting impact on the video game industry. It has been cited as an inspiration for many other ninja games, including the Ninja Gaiden series and the Tenchu series.

Conclusion

Shinobi III: Return of the Ninja Master is a classic Genesis action-platformer that still holds up today. The fast-paced gameplay, challenging levels, and memorable boss fights make it a must-play for fans of the genre.

Review Score

8.5/10

Art

Cover Art

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Rent-A-Hero No. 1 (2000)

by Ji-yeong
written by Ji-yeong 8 minutes read

Summary

Rent-A-Hero No. 1: A Unique Blend of Fighting and Strategy

Released in 2000 for the Dreamcast, Rent-A-Hero No. 1 is a unique blend of fighting and strategy. Players take control of one of four mercenaries, each with their own unique abilities, and must battle their way through hordes of enemies to complete missions.

The game is set in a futuristic city where crime is rampant. Players take on the role of one of four mercenaries who are hired to clean up the streets. The four mercenaries are:

  • Taro: A skilled martial artist with a strong sense of justice.
  • Hiroko: A female counterpart of Taro with a more aggressive fighting style.
  • Goro: A large and powerful wrestler.
  • Kintaro: A cyborg with a variety of powerful weapons.

Each mercenary has their own unique strengths and weaknesses. Taro is a well-rounded fighter with no major weaknesses, while Hiroko is more powerful but has less health. Goro is very strong but slow, while Kintaro is fast but has less power.

Players must use the unique abilities of each mercenary to their advantage in order to complete missions. For example, Taro’s strong sense of justice makes him ideal for missions where he needs to protect civilians, while Hiroko’s aggressive fighting style makes her ideal for missions where she needs to quickly defeat enemies.

In addition to the four main mercenaries, players can also recruit additional characters to help them on their missions. These characters include a variety of different specialists, such as hackers, medics, and engineers.

Rent-A-Hero No. 1 features a variety of different missions, each with its own unique objectives. Some missions require players to defeat all of the enemies in a certain area, while others require players to protect civilians or escort important targets.

The game also features a number of different difficulty levels, so players of all skill levels can enjoy the game. On the easier difficulty levels, enemies are weaker and less aggressive, while on the harder difficulty levels, enemies are stronger and more aggressive.

Rent-A-Hero No. 1 was praised for its unique blend of fighting and strategy, as well as its challenging gameplay and variety of missions. The game was also praised for its graphics, which were some of the best on the Dreamcast at the time.

Overall, Rent-A-Hero No. 1 is a great game for fans of fighting and strategy games. The game’s unique blend of genres, challenging gameplay, and variety of missions make it a must-play for fans of either genre.

Gameplay

Rent-A-Hero No. 1 is a 3D fighting game in which players control one of four mercenaries from a third-person perspective. The game’s combat system is similar to that of Sega’s Spikeout games, and allows players to perform a variety of different attacks and combos.

In addition to the standard attacks, each mercenary also has a number of special moves that can be performed by inputting specific button combinations. These special moves can be used to deal more damage to enemies, or to perform other special effects, such as healing or buffing allies.

Players can also use the environment to their advantage in combat. For example, players can throw objects at enemies, or use cover to avoid enemy attacks.

In addition to the standard fighting gameplay, Rent-A-Hero No. 1 also features a number of strategy elements. For example, players must use their mercenaries’ unique abilities to their advantage in order to complete missions. Players must also manage their resources carefully, as each mercenary has a limited amount of health and energy.

Development

Rent-A-Hero No. 1 was developed by Sega AM2, the same team that developed the original Rent-A-Hero game for the Mega Drive. The game was originally intended to be released for the Dreamcast in 1999, but was delayed until 2000.

The game was enhanced and given online capabilities by Coolnet Entertainment for the Xbox in 2003, and also translated into English for a North American release in what would have been the first Rent A Hero overseas release. However, the English version of the game was never released due to distribution problems, and the Xbox version remained only in Japan as had previously happened with the original Dreamcast version.

In 2008, the unreleased English-translated version of the game got leaked and appeared on torrent sites in an apparently complete state, with only minor text errors present. This version was very close to completion and was reviewed by GamePro and Electronics Gaming Monthly in February 2003.

Reception

Rent-A-Hero No. 1 received positive reviews from critics. The game was praised for its unique blend of fighting and strategy, as well as its challenging gameplay and variety of missions. The game was also praised for its graphics, which were some of the best on the Dreamcast at the time.

However, the game was also criticized for its lack of online multiplayer, which was a major feature of many other fighting games at the time.

Overall, Rent-A-Hero No. 1 is a great game for fans of fighting and strategy games. The game’s unique blend of genres, challenging gameplay, and variety of missions make it a must-play for fans of either genre.

Legacy

Rent-A-Hero No. 1 has been cited as an influence on a number of other games, including the Yakuza series and the Shenmue series. The game’s unique blend of fighting and strategy has also been praised by critics, and has been used as a model for other games in the genre.

In 2023, a remastered version of Rent-A-Hero No. 1 was released for the PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/S, and PC. The remastered version features updated graphics and sound, as well as new content, such as a new playable character and new missions.

The remastered version of Rent-A-Hero No. 1 has been praised by critics, and is considered to be the definitive version of the game.

Review Score

8/10

Art

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Eternal Champions (1993)

by Nish
written by Nish 5 minutes read

Summary

Eternal Champions: A Unique and Innovative Fighting Game

Released in 1993 for the Sega Mega Drive/Genesis, Eternal Champions is a fighting game that sought to stand out from the competition with its unique features and innovative gameplay mechanics. While it didn’t achieve the same level of commercial success as some of its contemporaries, Eternal Champions has garnered a cult following over the years for its originality and ambition.

Story

Eternal Champions tells the story of a group of warriors from different time periods who are brought together by the mysterious Eternal Champion, Larcen Tyler. Tyler explains that he has gathered the warriors to compete in a tournament to determine who will be the new Eternal Champion and protect the world from the evil sorcerer, Shadow.

The warriors each have their own unique motivations for participating in the tournament. Some, like the samurai Bushinryu, seek to avenge the deaths of their loved ones. Others, like the Native American warrior Shadow Hawk, seek to protect their people from the forces of evil. And still others, like the cyborg Cyberbots, seek to prove their superiority over all other forms of life.

Characters

Eternal Champions features a diverse cast of characters from different time periods and cultures. Each character has their own unique fighting style and special moves, making for a wide variety of gameplay experiences.

Some of the most notable characters in the game include:

  • Larcen Tyler: The Eternal Champion and organizer of the tournament. Larcen is a skilled fighter with a strong sense of justice.
  • Bushinryu: A samurai warrior from feudal Japan. Bushinryu is a master swordsman with a code of honor.
  • Shadow Hawk: A Native American warrior with a deep connection to the spirit world. Shadow Hawk uses his tomahawk and bow and arrow to fight his opponents.
  • Cyberbots: A cyborg from the future. Cyberbots is a powerful fighter with a variety of weapons and abilities.
  • R.A.X.: A professional wrestler from the 1980s. R.A.X. is a powerhouse with a variety of grappling moves.

Gameplay

Eternal Champions features a unique gameplay system that sets it apart from other fighting games of its era. The game uses a four-button control scheme, with two buttons for punches and two buttons for kicks. Players can also use a variety of special moves by inputting specific button combinations.

One of the most unique features of Eternal Champions is its emphasis on projectiles. Projectiles can be reflected back at opponents, making for some interesting and strategic gameplay. Players can also use force fields to block projectiles and protect themselves from attacks.

Another unique feature of Eternal Champions is its “Overkill” system. Each stage in the game has a unique Overkill move that can be performed by the winning player. These Overkills are often elaborate and gruesome, and they add an extra level of excitement to the game.

Legacy

Eternal Champions was a critical and commercial success upon its release, but it has since faded into obscurity. However, the game has gained a cult following over the years, and it is considered to be one of the most innovative and unique fighting games of its era.

Eternal Champions has been praised for its diverse cast of characters, its innovative gameplay mechanics, and its emphasis on story. The game has also been criticized for its slow pacing and its lack of polish.

Despite its flaws, Eternal Champions remains a unique and enjoyable fighting game. Its innovative gameplay mechanics and diverse cast of characters make it a must-play for fans of the genre.

Conclusion

Eternal Champions is a unique and innovative fighting game that was ahead of its time. With its focus on story, diverse characters, and innovative gameplay mechanics, it’s a must-play for fans of the genre. While it may not be as well-known as some of its contemporaries, Eternal Champions is a hidden gem that deserves to be rediscovered.

Review Score

8/10

Art

Cover Art

Screenshots

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