Platform: Neo Geo CD

Windjammers (1994)

by Nish
written by Nish 5 minutes read

Summary

Windjammers: The Most Extreme Frisbee Game Ever

Introduction

Windjammers is a fast-paced sports arcade game released by Data East on the Neo Geo arcade system in 1994. It was later released on the Wii Virtual Console in Japan in 2010. The game is known for its simple yet addictive gameplay, vibrant graphics, and over-the-top characters.

Gameplay

Windjammers is played on a two-dimensional court, with two players facing each other. The objective of the game is to score points by throwing a disc into the opponent’s goal zone. The disc can be thrown with a variety of different throws, including a straight shot, a lob, and a curveball.

Players can also use their character’s special abilities to gain an advantage. For example, some characters can jump higher than others, while others can throw the disc faster.

The game can be played against the computer or in a two-player versus mode.

Characters

Windjammers features a cast of eight unique characters, each with their own strengths and weaknesses.

  • Hiromi (Japan): A well-rounded character with no major weaknesses.
  • Klaus (Germany): A powerful character with a strong throw, but he is slow and has a large hitbox.
  • Loris (Italy): A fast and agile character with a weak throw.
  • Margaret (USA): A character with a powerful lob shot, but she is slow and has a large hitbox.
  • Miller (England): A character with a fast and accurate curveball, but he is weak and has a small hitbox.
  • Raphaël (France): A character with a powerful smash shot, but he is slow and has a large hitbox.
  • Sabine (Germany): A character with a fast and accurate shot, but she is weak and has a small hitbox.
  • Solist (Japan): A character with a powerful overhead shot, but he is slow and has a large hitbox.

Reception

Windjammers was a critical and commercial success. It was praised for its simple yet addictive gameplay, vibrant graphics, and over-the-top characters. The game has been ported to a number of different platforms, including the PlayStation 2, Xbox 360, and PlayStation 4.

In 2017, Windjammers was ranked as the 20th best Neo Geo game by IGN.

Legacy

Windjammers is considered to be one of the greatest sports arcade games of all time. It has been praised for its simple yet addictive gameplay, vibrant graphics, and over-the-top characters. The game has inspired a number of sequels and spin-offs, including Windjammers 2 (1996) and Windjammers: Aces (2019).

Conclusion

Windjammers is a classic arcade game that is still enjoyed by gamers today. It is a simple yet addictive game with vibrant graphics and over-the-top characters. If you are looking for a fun and challenging sports game, then Windjammers is definitely worth checking out.

Review Score

9/10

Art

Cover Art

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World Heroes (1992)

by Christopher
written by Christopher 6 minutes read

Summary

World Heroes: A Timeless Battle for Supremacy

In the annals of fighting game history, few titles evoke the same sense of nostalgia and excitement as World Heroes. Released in 1992 by SNK, World Heroes was an instant hit in arcades and quickly became a beloved classic among Neo Geo fans. With its innovative gameplay, colorful cast of characters, and stunning graphics, World Heroes set a new standard for fighting games and left an enduring legacy on the genre.

A Unique Blend of Time Travel and Martial Arts

World Heroes’ story is as unique as it is captivating. Dr. Brown, a brilliant scientist, has invented a time machine that allows eight legendary fighters from different eras to compete in an ultra-deathmatch tournament. The goal is simple: to determine who is the greatest hero of all time.

The roster of World Heroes is a diverse and memorable one, featuring fighters from various nationalities and backgrounds. There’s Hanzou Hattori, a skilled ninja from feudal Japan; Fuuma Kotaro, a powerful oni warrior; Kim Dragon, a taekwondo master from Korea; and Jeanne d’Arc, the legendary French heroine. Each character possesses their own unique fighting style, special moves, and personality, ensuring a wide variety of gameplay experiences.

Innovative Gameplay Mechanics

World Heroes introduced several innovative gameplay mechanics that set it apart from other fighting games of its time. One of the most notable is the “Deathmatch” mode, which allows players to continue fighting even after their health bar is depleted. However, the more times a player continues, the weaker their character becomes. This mechanic adds an extra layer of strategy and excitement to the game, as players must carefully consider when to risk continuing.

Another unique feature of World Heroes is the “Power Gauge” system. By filling up the Power Gauge, players can unleash powerful special moves and super combos. This system adds an element of depth and complexity to the gameplay, rewarding players who can effectively manage their Power Gauge.

Stunning Graphics and Animation

World Heroes is also renowned for its stunning graphics and animation. The game’s character sprites are large, detailed, and incredibly expressive, bringing the fighters to life with fluid and realistic movements. The backgrounds are equally impressive, featuring vibrant colors and intricate details that create a sense of immersion.

Critical Acclaim and Enduring Legacy

Upon its release, World Heroes received widespread critical acclaim. Reviewers praised the game’s innovative gameplay, diverse cast of characters, and stunning graphics. World Heroes quickly became a commercial success, selling over 200,000 copies worldwide.

The legacy of World Heroes continues to this day. The game has been ported to numerous platforms, including the PlayStation, Sega Saturn, and Nintendo Switch. It has also been included in several SNK compilations, ensuring that a new generation of gamers can experience this classic title.

Conclusion

World Heroes is a timeless masterpiece that stands as a testament to the golden age of arcade fighting games. With its innovative gameplay, memorable cast of characters, and stunning graphics, World Heroes continues to captivate gamers of all generations. Whether you’re a seasoned fighting game veteran or a newcomer to the genre, World Heroes is an essential experience that will provide hours of entertainment and challenge.

Review Score

8/10

Art

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Metal Slug 2 (1998)

by Christopher
written by Christopher 6 minutes read

Summary

Metal Slug 2 is a landmark in arcade gaming, offering an action-packed adventure with rich gameplay and humor.

Introduction

Metal Slug 2 enhances the iconic run & gun formula with new features and characters, continuing the fight against General Morden’s forces and an alien threat.

Synopsis

The plot of “Metal Slug 2” picks up two years after the end of the original “Metal Slug”, where Capt. Marco Rossi and Lt. Tarma Roving of Peregrine Falcon Strike Force defeated and killed the evil General Morden, who had staged a coup d’état against the world’s governments. Various factions sympathetic to Morden have been in operation, but are considered insignificant.

The game begins with the destruction of the town of Torchlight, at the hands of the Alchemist from the first game. The player character follows the trail of destruction left in the Alchemist’s wake as he searches for a cure to his illness which has driven him insane.

Gameplay in “Metal Slug 2” is similar to the previous game; the player must shoot constantly at a continual stream of enemies in order to reach the end of each level. At this point, the player confronts a boss, who is usually considerably larger and tougher than regular enemies. On the way through each level, the player can find numerous weapon upgrades and “Metal Slug” tanks. The tank is known as the SV-001 (“SV” stands for Super Vehicle), which increases the player’s offense and considerably adds to their defense.

In addition to shooting, the player can perform melee attacks by using a knife and/or kicking. The player does not die by coming into contact with enemies, and correspondingly, many of the enemy troops have melee attacks. Much of the game’s scenery is destructible, and occasionally, this reveals extra items or power-ups.

During the course of a level, the player encounters prisoners of war (POWs), who, if freed, offer the player bonuses in the form of random items or weapons. At the end of each level, the player receives a scoring bonus based on the number of freed POWs. If the player dies before the end of the level, the tally of freed POWs reverts to zero.

Characters

Marco Rossi, Tarma Roving, Eri Kasamoto, and Fio Germi.

Gameplay

Includes fast-paced run-and-gun mechanics, new weapons, vehicles, and power-ups, along with character-specific abilities and transformations.

Conclusion

Metal Slug 2 stands as a testament to SNK’s ability to craft engaging and enduring arcade titles, offering a memorable and explosive gaming experience.

Review Score

8.5/10

Art

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Fan Art

Fan Art Style: Normal

Fan Art Style: Retro

Fan Art Style: Modern

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