Blackthorne (1994)

by Christopher
written by Christopher 6 minutes read

Summary

Blackthorne: A Nostalgic Journey into a Dark and Dangerous World

Released in 1994 for the Super Nintendo Entertainment System, Blackthorne is a side-scrolling action-platformer game developed by Blizzard Entertainment, the renowned creators of the Warcraft, StarCraft, and Diablo franchises. Set on the futuristic planet of Tuul, Blackthorne follows the story of Kyle Blackthorne, a lethal commando who must liberate the Androthi people from mutant monsters and goblin hordes.

A Bleak and Brutal World

The world of Tuul is a dark and dangerous place. The once-peaceful planet has been overrun by mutant monsters and goblin hordes, led by the evil Sarlac. The Androthi people, who were once the guardians of Tuul, have been enslaved and are on the brink of extinction.

Blackthorne is a lone warrior, a commando who has been sent to Tuul to assassinate Sarlac. However, when he arrives on the planet, he discovers that his mission is more complex than he thought. He soon learns that Sarlac is not just a warlord; he is also a powerful sorcerer who has plans to use the Androthi people as sacrifices in a dark ritual.

A Lethal Commando with a Mysterious Past

Kyle Blackthorne is a lethal commando, trained in the art of war and equipped with a variety of weapons and gadgets. He is also a skilled hand-to-hand combatant and can use his brute strength and animal cunning to overcome his enemies.

As Blackthorne progresses through the game, he begins to remember his past. He learns that he is the last of the Blackthorne clan, a family of warriors who were once the protectors of Tuul. He also learns that he has a connection to the Androthi people, and that he is destined to save them from Sarlac.

Gameplay: A Thrilling Blend of Action and Platforming

Blackthorne is a side-scrolling action-platformer game that combines fast-paced combat with challenging platforming elements. Players control Blackthorne as he runs, jumps, and shoots his way through hordes of enemies. The game features a variety of weapons, including guns, grenades, and a grappling hook, which can be used to traverse the environment and solve puzzles.

The platforming elements in Blackthorne are challenging but fair. Players must carefully time their jumps and use the environment to their advantage in order to progress through the game. The game also features a number of boss battles, which require players to use all of their skills and abilities to defeat powerful enemies.

Graphics and Sound: A Dark and Atmospheric World

Blackthorne’s graphics are dark and atmospheric, with a heavy use of shadows and muted colors. The game’s world is full of detail, from the lush alien landscapes to the crumbling ruins of the Androthi cities. The character sprites are also well-animated, and the game’s cutscenes are beautifully rendered.

The sound design in Blackthorne is also top-notch. The game’s music is a mix of ambient and industrial tracks that perfectly captures the game’s dark and dangerous atmosphere. The sound effects are also excellent, and they help to create a sense of immersion for the player.

Legacy: A Classic that Still Holds Up Today

Blackthorne was a critical and commercial success upon its release, and it is still considered to be one of the best SNES games of all time. The game’s dark and atmospheric world, challenging gameplay, and memorable characters have all helped to make it a classic.

In recent years, Blackthorne has been re-released on a number of platforms, including the Wii Virtual Console, the PlayStation Network, and Steam. The game has also been included in a number of retro game collections.

If you are a fan of action-platformer games, or if you are just looking for a classic game to play, then Blackthorne is definitely worth checking out. It is a challenging but rewarding game that will keep you entertained for hours on end.

Tips for Playing Blackthorne

  • Use your grappling hook to traverse the environment and solve puzzles.
  • Take advantage of the game’s cover system to avoid enemy fire.
  • Upgrade your weapons and gadgets as soon as possible.
  • Be patient and don’t give up. Blackthorne is a challenging game, but it is also very rewarding.

Conclusion

Blackthorne is a classic SNES game that still holds up today. Its dark and atmospheric world, challenging gameplay, and memorable characters make it a must-play for fans of action-platformer games. If you are looking for a game that will challenge you and keep you entertained for hours on end, then Blackthorne is definitely worth checking out.

Review Score

8.5/10

Art

Cover Art

Screenshots

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Christopher has carved a niche for himself as an authority on retro pre-2000 computer games. With a passion that borders on reverence, Christopher delves deep into the pixelated past of gaming, unearthing gems and sharing insights that resonate with both nostalgic players and curious newcomers. His articles serve as a time machine, transporting readers back to an era where gameplay and creativity often trumped graphical fidelity. Cristopher's expertise isn't just in cataloging these classics; he analyzes their design, the context of their creation, and their impact on the gaming landscape, offering a comprehensive look at the evolution of digital entertainment. Beyond mere retrospectives, Christopher champions the relevance of these retro games in today's high-definition world. He skillfully draws parallels between the foundational mechanics of yesteryear's titles and the modern gaming innovations they inspired. His work goes beyond mere preservation; it's an ongoing dialogue between the past and present of gaming. Christopher's content educates, entertains, and ignites discussions within the gaming community. His dedication not only keeps the legacy of pre-2000 games alive but also highlights their importance in shaping the future of video gaming.

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