Summary
- Release Year: 1992
- Genres: Adventure, Platform
- Platforms: Sega Game Gear, Sega Master System/Mark III, Sega Mega Drive/Genesis
- Developers: NuFX, Recreational Brainware, Sega Enterprises, Ltd.
- Publishers: Sega Enterprises, Ltd., Tec Toy
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
