Summary
- Release Year: 1994
- Genres: Adventure, Platform, Puzzle
- Platforms: DOS, Game Boy Advance, Mac, PC (Microsoft Windows), Sega 32X, Super Famicom, Super Nintendo Entertainment System
- Developers: Blizzard Entertainment, Mass Media Inc
- Publishers: Blizzard Classic Arcade, Interplay, Kemco, MacPlay, Playtronic, Virgin Interactive Entertainment (Europe) Ltd.
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
![](https://i3.wp.com/cdn.gamesreviews2010.com/app/uploads/af/cohcheeze.webp)
Screenshots
![](https://i3.wp.com/cdn.gamesreviews2010.com/app/uploads/af/aijocoola-scaled-1.webp)