Developer: Williams Entertainment

NBA Hangtime (1996)

by Nish
written by Nish 5 minutes read

Summary

NBA Hangtime: The Arcade Hoops Classic That Still Delivers

Released in 1996, NBA Hangtime was the third basketball game by the original development team behind the legendary NBA Jam series. While the title was changed due to the NBA Jam name being acquired by another publisher, Hangtime more than lived up to its predecessor’s legacy, delivering fast-paced, over-the-top basketball action that captivated arcade-goers and home console players alike.

Gameplay Innovations

Hangtime introduced several innovative gameplay features that set it apart from other basketball games of the time. One of the most notable was the ability to create your own custom player, complete with customizable appearance, stats, and signature moves. This added a new level of personalization and replayability to the game, as players could create their own dream team or experiment with different playstyles.

Another major gameplay addition was the introduction of alley oops and double dunks. Alley oops allowed players to throw the ball off the backboard for a teammate to catch and dunk, while double dunks enabled two players to perform a gravity-defying dunk together. These moves added an extra layer of excitement and spectacle to the game, making for some truly memorable moments.

Improved Graphics and Sound

Hangtime also boasted significant improvements in graphics and sound over NBA Jam. The character models were more detailed and fluidly animated, and the environments were more vibrant and immersive. The game’s soundtrack was also top-notch, featuring a mix of licensed hip-hop and rock tracks that perfectly captured the high-energy atmosphere of the game.

Arcade and Home Versions

NBA Hangtime was originally released in arcades, where it quickly became a huge hit. The home versions, released for the Nintendo 64, PlayStation, and Sega Saturn, were also well-received, although they did suffer from some technical limitations compared to the arcade original.

NBA Maximum Hangtime

Later in the game’s life cycle, an updated version known as NBA Maximum Hangtime was released for arcades. This update included several new features, such as new characters, courts, and gameplay tweaks. Maximum Hangtime is generally considered to be the definitive version of the game, offering the most complete and polished experience.

Legacy and Impact

NBA Hangtime was a critical and commercial success, and is widely regarded as one of the greatest arcade basketball games of all time. Its fast-paced gameplay, innovative features, and over-the-top style have left a lasting impact on the genre. The game’s influence can still be seen in modern basketball games, which continue to incorporate many of the gameplay elements pioneered by Hangtime.

Conclusion

NBA Hangtime is a timeless classic that continues to entertain and engage basketball fans to this day. Its innovative gameplay, stunning graphics, and unforgettable soundtrack make it a must-play for anyone who enjoys arcade-style sports games. Whether you’re a longtime fan or a newcomer to the series, Hangtime is sure to provide hours of high-flying, adrenaline-pumping basketball action.

Review Score

9/10

Art

Cover Art

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Wayne Gretzky’s 3D Hockey (1996)

by Nish
written by Nish 4 minutes read

Summary

Wayne Gretzky’s 3D Hockey (1996): A Classic Arcade-Style Hockey Game

Released in 1996, Wayne Gretzky’s 3D Hockey was a groundbreaking hockey game that introduced a new level of realism and excitement to the genre. Developed by Bethesda Softworks and published by GT Interactive, the game featured 3D graphics, fast-paced gameplay, and a variety of innovative features that made it one of the most popular hockey games of its time.

Gameplay

Wayne Gretzky’s 3D Hockey is an arcade-style hockey game that emphasizes speed, scoring, and over-the-top action. The game features a variety of different game modes, including exhibition games, tournaments, and a season mode. Players can choose from a variety of different teams, including all of the NHL teams at the time, as well as several international teams.

The gameplay in Wayne Gretzky’s 3D Hockey is fast-paced and exciting. The game’s physics engine allows for realistic puck movement and player collisions. Players can perform a variety of different moves, including shots, passes, checks, and steals. The game also features a number of special moves, such as “power saves”, which cause the goaltender to briefly transform into a brick wall, “power shots”, which would set the net on fire or knock the goalie into the net, and “power checks”, which would send an ambulance across the top of the screen.

Graphics

Wayne Gretzky’s 3D Hockey was one of the first hockey games to feature 3D graphics. The game’s graphics are simple by today’s standards, but they were impressive at the time. The game’s character models are well-animated and the arenas are detailed and realistic.

Sound

The sound in Wayne Gretzky’s 3D Hockey is good. The game’s music is catchy and the sound effects are realistic. The game’s commentary is also well-done, with the commentators providing insightful and humorous commentary on the game action.

Features

Wayne Gretzky’s 3D Hockey features a number of innovative features that set it apart from other hockey games of its time. These features include:

  • Create-a-player mode: This mode allows players to create their own custom player. Players can choose their player’s name, appearance, and attributes.
  • Franchise mode: This mode allows players to manage their own hockey team. Players can make trades, sign free agents, and develop their players.
  • Online multiplayer: This mode allows players to compete against each other online.

Reception

Wayne Gretzky’s 3D Hockey was a critical and commercial success. The game was praised for its fast-paced gameplay, innovative features, and realistic graphics. The game was also a commercial success, selling over 1 million copies worldwide.

Legacy

Wayne Gretzky’s 3D Hockey is considered to be one of the greatest hockey games of all time. The game’s fast-paced gameplay, innovative features, and realistic graphics set a new standard for hockey games. The game also helped to popularize the sport of hockey and introduce it to a new generation of fans.

Conclusion

Wayne Gretzky’s 3D Hockey is a classic arcade-style hockey game that still holds up today. The game’s fast-paced gameplay, innovative features, and realistic graphics make it a great choice for anyone looking for a fun and exciting hockey experience.

Review Score

7.5/10

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Final Doom (1996)

by Christopher
written by Christopher 5 minutes read

Summary

Final Doom: A Worthy Sendoff to the Classic FPS

Released in 1996, Final Doom is a compilation of two standalone episodes: TNT: Evilution and The Plutonia Experiment. It was developed by TeamTNT and id Software, and published by GT Interactive Software. Final Doom is the fourth and final game in the original Doom series, and it serves as a fitting sendoff to the groundbreaking FPS franchise.

Gameplay

Final Doom retains the fast-paced, action-packed gameplay of the original Doom games. Players take control of the Doom Marine, a lone space marine fighting against hordes of demons and other monsters. The game features a variety of weapons, including the shotgun, chaingun, rocket launcher, and plasma rifle. Players must use their weapons and wits to survive through 32 levels of intense combat.

New Content

Final Doom features a number of new additions to the Doom formula. Both episodes, TNT: Evilution and The Plutonia Experiment, feature new levels, graphics, and textures. The new levels are larger and more complex than the levels in the original Doom games, and they offer a greater variety of challenges. The new graphics and textures are also impressive, and they help to create a more immersive and atmospheric experience.

In addition to the new levels and graphics, Final Doom also features a number of new enemies and weapons. The new enemies are more challenging than the enemies in the original Doom games, and they require players to use different tactics to defeat them. The new weapons are also powerful, and they can help players to overcome the toughest challenges.

TNT: Evilution

The first episode of Final Doom, TNT: Evilution, was developed by TeamTNT. It features 32 new levels, all of which are larger and more complex than the levels in the original Doom games. The new levels are set in a variety of locations, including a military base, a space station, and a hellish dimension.

TNT: Evilution also features a number of new enemies, including the Mancubus, the Arachnotron, and the Cyberdemon. These new enemies are more challenging than the enemies in the original Doom games, and they require players to use different tactics to defeat them.

The Plutonia Experiment

The second episode of Final Doom, The Plutonia Experiment, was developed by id Software. It features 32 new levels, all of which are even larger and more complex than the levels in TNT: Evilution. The new levels are set in a variety of locations, including a volcanic planet, a frozen wasteland, and a demonic city.

The Plutonia Experiment also features a number of new enemies, including the Revenant, the Arch-vile, and the Spider Mastermind. These new enemies are even more challenging than the enemies in TNT: Evilution, and they require players to use their skills and wits to survive.

Legacy

Final Doom was a critical and commercial success. It was praised for its new levels, graphics, and textures, as well as its challenging gameplay. Final Doom is considered to be one of the best FPS games of all time, and it continues to be enjoyed by fans of the genre today.

Conclusion

Final Doom is a fitting sendoff to the classic Doom series. It features new levels, graphics, textures, enemies, and weapons, all of which combine to create a challenging and rewarding experience. Whether you’re a longtime fan of the Doom series or a newcomer to the genre, Final Doom is a must-play.

Review Score

8.5/10

Art

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Narc (1988)

by Nish
written by Nish 7 minutes read

Summary

Narc (1988)

Narc is a 1988 arcade game developed by Williams Electronics. It is a side-scrolling beat-em-up in which the player takes control of either Eddie or Max, two undercover police officers who must infiltrate the Mr. Big Corporation, the scourge of the underworld.

The game is set in a futuristic city where drugs are rampant and crime is out of control. Mr. Big is the head of the Mr. Big Corporation, and he is responsible for the distribution of drugs throughout the city. Eddie and Max must fight their way through the Mr. Big Corporation’s eight stages, each of which is themed after a different environment, such as a junkyard, subway, drug lab, nursery, downtown, Sunset Strip, and even the corporation itself.

In order to complete each stage, Eddie and Max must collect a number of safe cards and insert them into the slot next to the stage exit. Each sector includes a map, and should be easy to read. For example, the blue or red dots represent you, and the white dots are the missile launchers, while the “E” indicates the exit.

Along the way, Eddie and Max will encounter a variety of enemies, including drug dealers, thugs, and even ninjas. They will also have to contend with a variety of obstacles, such as spiked walls, conveyor belts, and laser beams.

Eddie and Max can attack enemies with their fists, feet, and a variety of weapons, such as guns, knives, and grenades. They can also use special moves, such as the “Narc Shot” and the “Max Blast.”

Narc was a critical and commercial success. It was praised for its graphics, gameplay, and soundtrack. It was also one of the first arcade games to feature digitized speech.

Narc has been ported to a number of home platforms, including the NES, Sega Master System, and Commodore 64. It has also been released on a number of compilation discs, such as Midway Arcade Treasures and Williams Arcade’s Greatest Hits.

Gameplay

Narc is a side-scrolling beat-em-up in which the player takes control of either Eddie or Max. The player must fight their way through eight stages, each of which is themed after a different environment.

In order to complete each stage, the player must collect a number of safe cards and insert them into the slot next to the stage exit. The player can also collect other items, such as weapons and power-ups.

The player can attack enemies with their fists, feet, and a variety of weapons. The player can also use special moves, such as the “Narc Shot” and the “Max Blast.”

Enemies

Narc features a variety of enemies, including drug dealers, thugs, and ninjas. Each type of enemy has its own unique攻擊方式.

  • Drug dealers are the most common enemy in the game. They are armed with knives and guns.
  • Thugs are larger and stronger than drug dealers. They are armed with clubs and pipes.
  • Ninjas are the most dangerous enemy in the game. They are armed with swords and shurikens.

Weapons

Narc features a variety of weapons, including guns, knives, and grenades. Each weapon has its own unique strengths and weaknesses.

  • Guns are the most powerful weapons in the game. They can be used to quickly take down enemies.
  • Knives are less powerful than guns, but they can be used to attack enemies from a closer range.
  • Grenades can be used to damage multiple enemies at once.

Power-ups

Narc features a variety of power-ups, which can give the player a temporary advantage over their enemies.

  • Speed: Increases the player’s speed.
  • Strength: Increases the player’s strength.
  • Invulnerability: Makes the player invulnerable to damage.
  • Extra life: Gives the player an extra life.

Stages

Narc features eight stages, each of which is themed after a different environment.

  • Junkyard: The first stage of the game. It is filled with scrap metal and abandoned vehicles.
  • Subway: The second stage of the game. It is set in a subway station.
  • Drug lab: The third stage of the game. It is set in a drug laboratory.
  • Nursery: The fourth stage of the game. It is set in a nursery.
  • Downtown: The fifth stage of the game. It is set in a downtown area.
  • Sunset Strip: The sixth stage of the game. It is set on the Sunset Strip.
  • Corporation: The seventh stage of the game. It is set in the Mr. Big Corporation headquarters.
  • Rooftop: The eighth and final stage of the game. It is set on the rooftop of the Mr. Big Corporation headquarters.

Legacy

Narc is a classic arcade game that still holds up today. It is a fun and challenging game with great graphics, gameplay, and soundtrack.

Narc has been ported to a number of home platforms, and it has also been released on a number of compilation discs. It is a popular game among retro gamers, and it is still enjoyed by many people today.

Trivia

  • Narc was one of the first arcade games to feature digitized speech.
  • The game was originally going to be called “Dope Wars,” but the name was changed to “Narc” due to concerns about the game’s drug content.
  • The game’s soundtrack was composed by Tim Follin.
  • Narc was ported to the NES in 1990. The NES version of the game was developed by Rare.
  • Narc was also ported to the Sega Master System and Commodore 64 in 1990.
  • Narc has been released on a number of compilation discs, such as Midway Arcade Treasures and Williams Arcade’s Greatest Hits.

Review Score

8/10

Art

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Cruis’n USA (1994)

by Christopher
written by Christopher 5 minutes read

Summary

Cruis’n USA: The Arcade Racing Classic That Defined a Generation

Released in 1994, Cruis’n USA was an arcade racing game that took the world by storm. Developed by Midway Games and published by Nintendo, it was the first game in the Cruis’n series and quickly became one of the most popular arcade games of all time.

Cruis’n USA featured fast-paced racing, stunning graphics, and an iconic soundtrack. Players could choose from a variety of licensed cars and race through various locations across the United States. The game was known for its intense gameplay and challenging tracks, which kept players coming back for more.

Gameplay

Cruis’n USA is a straightforward racing game with a simple goal: be the first to cross the finish line. Players can choose from a variety of licensed cars, each with its own unique stats. The game features a variety of tracks, each with its own unique challenges.

Cruis’n USA is known for its fast-paced gameplay. The cars are incredibly fast and the tracks are designed to be challenging. Players must use their skills and knowledge of the tracks to stay ahead of the competition.

The game also features a variety of power-ups that can help players gain an edge over their opponents. These power-ups include speed boosts, invincibility, and weapons.

Graphics

For its time, Cruis’n USA had stunning graphics. The cars and tracks were rendered in 3D, which was a major advancement for arcade racing games at the time. The game also featured a variety of weather effects, which added to the realism.

The graphics in Cruis’n USA are still impressive today. The game’s art style is timeless and the tracks are still visually appealing.

Soundtrack

The soundtrack to Cruis’n USA is one of the most iconic in video game history. The game’s main theme, “Cruis’n USA,” is an upbeat and energetic track that perfectly captures the excitement of the game.

The rest of the soundtrack is equally impressive. The game features a variety of licensed songs, as well as original compositions. The music in Cruis’n USA is perfectly suited to the gameplay and helps to create a truly immersive experience.

Legacy

Cruis’n USA was a major success and helped to define the arcade racing genre. The game’s fast-paced gameplay, stunning graphics, and iconic soundtrack made it a must-play for any fan of the genre.

Cruis’n USA has been ported to a variety of home consoles over the years, and it remains a popular game today. The game’s legacy is cemented in the annals of video game history and it continues to be enjoyed by gamers of all ages.

Conclusion

Cruis’n USA is a classic arcade racing game that deserves its place in the pantheon of great video games. The game’s fast-paced gameplay, stunning graphics, and iconic soundtrack make it a must-play for any fan of the genre. If you’ve never played Cruis’n USA, I highly recommend checking it out. You won’t be disappointed.

Review Score

8.5/10

Art

Cover Art

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