Summary
- Release Year: 1991
- Genres: Arcade, Fighting, Hack and slash/Beat ’em up
- Platforms: Arcade, Sega Mega Drive/Genesis
- Developers: Taito
- Publishers: Taito
Growl: A SNES Classic that’s Still Worth Playing Today
Released in 1991 for the Super Nintendo Entertainment System (SNES), Growl is a side-scrolling beat ’em up that puts players in the role of a forest ranger fighting to protect endangered animals from poachers. With its fast-paced combat, varied levels, and charming cast of characters, Growl remains a beloved classic of the 16-bit era.
Gameplay
Growl’s gameplay is simple yet satisfying. Players control one of four forest rangers, each with their own unique stats and abilities. The game is played on a 2D plane, with players scrolling from left to right as they fight off waves of enemies.
The controls are easy to learn, with an eight-way joystick for movement and two action buttons for attacking and jumping. Players can perform a variety of different attacks, including punches, kicks, and finishing blows, depending on the position of an enemy. By pressing both buttons while surrounded by enemies, the player can perform a special attack that strikes every enemy around them.
One of the things that sets Growl apart from other beat ’em ups is its weapon system. Players can procure weapons by destroying barrels and wooden crates or disarming certain enemies. There are a total of eight weapons which can be obtained, including melee weapons, throwing weapons, and firearms. The barrels and crates can also be picked up and thrown at enemies as well.
The weapons in Growl add a lot of variety to the gameplay. Each weapon has its own unique strengths and weaknesses, and players must learn to use them effectively in order to succeed. For example, the pipe is a short-range weapon that is good for close-quarters combat, while the sword has a longer range and can be used to attack enemies from a distance.
Levels
Growl consists of seven regular stages (called rounds) and a bonus game, for a total of eight stages. The locations include a city, a moving train, a boat, a jungle, a cavern, and the hideout of the poachers.
Each stage is filled with a variety of enemies, including poachers, animals, and even bosses. The enemies become more difficult as the game progresses, and players must use all of their skills and weapons to defeat them.
The levels in Growl are well-designed and varied, and they offer a good challenge for players of all skill levels. The game also features some impressive boss battles, which are sure to test the player’s skills.
Characters
One of the things that makes Growl so charming is its cast of characters. The four forest rangers are all likeable and unique, and they each have their own motivations for fighting the poachers.
In addition to the forest rangers, Growl also features a number of animal helpers that will assist the player throughout the game. These animals include an eagle, a herd of deer, and an elephant. The animal helpers add a lot of personality to the game, and they can be very helpful in combat.
Graphics and Sound
For a SNES game, Growl’s graphics are quite impressive. The characters and backgrounds are all well-drawn and detailed, and the game’s use of color is vibrant and eye-catching. The game’s soundtrack is also excellent, with a mix of catchy tunes and dramatic sound effects.
Conclusion
Growl is a classic SNES beat ’em up that still holds up today. With its fast-paced combat, varied levels, and charming cast of characters, Growl is a game that is sure to please fans of the genre. If you’re looking for a great SNES game to play, be sure to check out Growl.
Tips and Tricks
- Use the environment to your advantage. You can throw barrels and crates at enemies, or use them to block their attacks.
- Learn how to use each weapon effectively. Each weapon has its own strengths and weaknesses, so it’s important to learn how to use them all in order to succeed.
- Don’t be afraid to use your animal helpers. The animal helpers can be very helpful in combat, so don’t hesitate to use them when you need them.
- Be patient. Growl can be a challenging game, so don’t get discouraged if you die a few times. Just keep practicing and you’ll eventually beat it.
Review Score
8/10
