Publisher: Bullet-Proof Software

Chou-Mahou Tairiku Wozz (1995)

by Ji-yeong
written by Ji-yeong 5 minutes read

Summary

Chou-Mahou Tairiku Wozz: A Charming and Engaging JRPG

Released in 1995 for the Super Nintendo, Chou-Mahou Tairiku Wozz is a traditional Japanese-style RPG that has flown under the radar for many years. However, it is a game that deserves to be rediscovered, as it offers a unique and engaging experience that is sure to appeal to fans of the genre.

Gameplay

Wozz is a turn-based RPG that is viewed from an isometric perspective. You control a party of three characters, but at the beginning of the game you choose one of them as the main character. This character will be the one that you see the game from the perspective of, and if the party splits up, you will only be able to control them.

The battle system in Wozz is one of its most unique features. When a battle begins, your party members will be arranged in a formation on one side of the screen, while the enemy party will be arranged on the other side. You can then select one of your party members to act, and they will be able to move around the battlefield and attack the enemy party.

However, the twist is that each of your party members has their own unique range of movement and attack. For example, the main character, Wozz, can move two spaces and attack any enemy within two spaces of him. However, the other two party members, Gali and Meilin, have different ranges of movement and attack. Gali can move three spaces and attack any enemy within three spaces of her, while Meilin can move four spaces and attack any enemy within four spaces of her.

This unique battle system adds a lot of strategy to the game, as you need to carefully consider the positioning of your party members in order to maximize their effectiveness. You also need to be aware of the enemy party’s range of movement and attack, so that you can avoid being surrounded or overwhelmed.

Story

The story of Wozz is set on the continent of Wozz, which is a land of magic and adventure. The game follows the journey of Wozz, a young boy who dreams of becoming a great wizard. However, Wozz’s journey is not an easy one, as he must overcome many challenges and face many dangers.

Along the way, Wozz is joined by two companions: Gali, a skilled fighter, and Meilin, a powerful mage. Together, the three of them must travel across the continent of Wozz, defeat the evil forces that threaten it, and save the day.

Characters

The characters in Wozz are one of the game’s strongest points. Wozz is a likeable and relatable protagonist, and his two companions, Gali and Meilin, are equally well-developed. The three of them have a great dynamic, and their interactions are often humorous and heartwarming.

In addition to the main characters, Wozz also features a cast of supporting characters who are equally well-developed. These characters include the wise old wizard, Merlin, the beautiful princess, Lila, and the mysterious thief, Shadow. Each of these characters has their own unique backstory and motivations, and they all play an important role in the game’s story.

Graphics and Sound

The graphics in Wozz are colorful and charming, and the game’s world is full of detail. The character sprites are well-animated, and the backgrounds are lush and vibrant. The game’s music is also excellent, and it perfectly captures the game’s whimsical and adventurous tone.

Overall

Chou-Mahou Tairiku Wozz is a charming and engaging JRPG that deserves to be rediscovered. It offers a unique and strategic battle system, a memorable cast of characters, and a heartwarming story. If you’re a fan of the genre, this is one you won’t want to miss!

Review Score

8/10

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Deflektor (1987)

by Christopher
written by Christopher 5 minutes read

Summary

Deflektor (1987): A Mind-Bending Laser Logic Odyssey

Prepare yourself for a cerebral adventure that will test the limits of your logic and perception. Deflektor (1987) is a captivating laser-based puzzle game that immerses you in a labyrinth of mirrors, fiber optics, and mischievous gremlins. As you navigate this intricate neon-drenched world, you’ll need to harness your intellect and precision to guide a laser beam to its destination, overcoming obstacles and avoiding deadly traps.

Gameplay: A Symphony of Logic and Light

Deflektor presents you with a series of increasingly complex puzzles, each one a unique maze of obstacles and challenges. Your goal is to complete the optical circuit by guiding a laser beam from its source to the receptor before its energy depletes. To achieve this, you’ll need to master the art of reflection, refraction, and polarization, manipulating the laser’s path through a variety of objects and surfaces.

Mirrors allow you to redirect the laser beam, changing its angle and trajectory. Rotating mirrors add an extra layer of complexity, as you must carefully time your adjustments to avoid sending the beam astray. Fiber optics transport the beam from one point to another, creating unexpected connections and opening up new possibilities for solving the puzzle.

Obstacles: A Maze of Peril and Precision

Your journey through Deflektor’s puzzles is not without its hazards. Various obstacles will test your skills and demand your utmost precision. Reflective surfaces can bounce the laser beam back upon itself, leading to an overload situation. Absorbing surfaces terminate the beam, cutting short its journey. Mines lurk within the maze, ready to trigger an overload if the beam collides with them.

Gremlins: Mischievous Masters of Mayhem

As if the puzzles themselves weren’t challenging enough, Deflektor throws another curveball into the mix: gremlins. These mischievous creatures roam the maze, disrupting your progress and adding an element of chaos to the proceedings. They can alter the direction of mirrors, sabotage your carefully planned paths, and generally make your life as a laser beam guide a living nightmare.

Visuals: A Neon-Drenched Masterpiece

Deflektor’s visuals are a mesmerizing blend of neon colors and geometric shapes. The laser beam itself is a vibrant streak of light, cutting through the darkness and illuminating the maze with its ethereal glow. The puzzles are set against a backdrop of pulsing neon grids and shimmering surfaces, creating a retro-futuristic aesthetic that is both captivating and timeless.

Sound: A Symphony of Beeps and Boops

The soundtrack of Deflektor is an electronic symphony of beeps, boops, and pulsating rhythms. The music perfectly captures the game’s frenetic pace and cerebral nature, providing a fitting backdrop for your laser-guiding adventures. The sound effects are equally impressive, with each reflection, refraction, and overload accompanied by its own unique auditory cue.

Legacy: A Timeless Classic

Deflektor (1987) has cemented its place in gaming history as a true classic. Its innovative gameplay, challenging puzzles, and captivating visuals have made it a beloved title among retro gaming enthusiasts. The game’s influence can be seen in numerous subsequent puzzle games, demonstrating its enduring impact on the genre.

Conclusion: A Mind-Expanding Odyssey

Deflektor (1987) is more than just a game; it’s a mind-expanding odyssey that will challenge your intellect, test your patience, and leave you with a profound sense of accomplishment. Its puzzles are a testament to the power of logic and precision, while its gremlins add an element of chaos that keeps you on your toes. Whether you’re a seasoned puzzle veteran or a newcomer to the genre, Deflektor is a must-play experience that will leave a lasting impression on your gaming journey.

Review Score

8.5/10

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Faceball 2000 (1991)

by Nish
written by Nish 6 minutes read

Summary

Faceball 2000: The Cutting-Edge VR Shooter That Defined a Genre

Released in 1991, Faceball 2000 was a groundbreaking virtual reality shooter that set the standard for immersive first-person combat. Developed by Virtuality, the game transported players into a futuristic world where they could team up or compete against friends and computer-controlled opponents in intense firefights.

Immersive 3D Graphics and First-Person Perspective

Faceball 2000 was one of the first games to feature true 3D graphics and a first-person perspective. This gave players an unprecedented sense of immersion, making them feel like they were actually inside the game world. The game’s environments were rendered in detail, with realistic textures and lighting effects. The character models were also well-animated, giving them a lifelike appearance.

360-Degree Maneuverability

Another groundbreaking feature of Faceball 2000 was its 360-degree maneuverability. Players could move freely through the game world, look up, down, and all around them. This gave them a much greater sense of control and allowed them to engage in more dynamic combat.

Two Thrilling Game Modes

Faceball 2000 featured two distinct game modes: CyberZone and Arena. CyberZone was a single-player or cooperative mode in which players fought their way through a series of treacherous mazes, battling against waves of computer-controlled enemies. Arena mode was a competitive multiplayer mode in which players could face off against each other in fast-paced rounds of high-tech combat.

CyberZone: A Maze of Menacing Enemies

In CyberZone, players took on the role of a lone operative tasked with infiltrating a heavily guarded enemy base. The game’s levels were designed as a series of interconnected mazes, filled with menacing enemies lurking in the shadows. Players had to use their wits and combat skills to navigate the mazes, avoid enemy fire, and complete their objectives.

Arena: Fast-Paced Multiplayer Combat

Arena mode was all about fast-paced, competitive multiplayer combat. Players could choose from a variety of weapons and power-ups, and then face off against each other in a variety of arenas. The goal was to be the last player standing, and the action was intense and unforgiving.

Critical Acclaim and Legacy

Faceball 2000 was a critical and commercial success, winning praise for its groundbreaking graphics, immersive gameplay, and innovative control scheme. The game was also a pioneer in the field of virtual reality gaming, and it helped to pave the way for future VR shooters.

Today, Faceball 2000 is considered a classic of the VR gaming genre. It is still enjoyed by retro gaming enthusiasts and serves as a reminder of the early days of VR technology. The game’s legacy can be seen in many modern VR shooters, which continue to build on the foundation that Faceball 2000 laid down.

Conclusion

Faceball 2000 was a groundbreaking VR shooter that defined a genre. Its immersive 3D graphics, first-person perspective, and 360-degree maneuverability gave players an unprecedented sense of presence and control. The game’s two distinct game modes, CyberZone and Arena, offered a variety of gameplay experiences, from cooperative maze exploration to competitive multiplayer combat. Faceball 2000 was a critical and commercial success, and it remains a classic of the VR gaming genre today.

Review Score

8/10

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Archon (1983)

by Christopher
written by Christopher 6 minutes read

Summary

Archon (1983): A Timeless Classic That Revolutionized Strategy Gaming

In the annals of video gaming history, Archon (1983) stands as a true pioneer, a game that boldly shattered the conventions of traditional chess and introduced a groundbreaking fusion of strategy and action. Developed by Free Fall Associates and released initially for Atari 8-bit computers, Archon quickly captivated gamers with its innovative gameplay, stunning visuals, and immersive fantasy setting.

A Unique Blend of Chess and Action

Archon’s brilliance lies in its ingenious combination of chess strategy with real-time action. Players take control of opposing Archons, powerful beings who command armies of units on a chessboard battlefield. Instead of simply moving pieces around the board, players engage in thrilling one-on-one duels, using a variety of spells and abilities to vanquish their foes.

This unique blend of strategy and action creates a dynamic and engaging experience that sets Archon apart from both traditional chess and conventional action games. Players must carefully consider their strategic positioning and unit placement, while also possessing quick reflexes and tactical prowess to outmaneuver their opponents in real-time combat.

A Realm of Light and Darkness

Archon transports players to a captivating fantasy realm where the forces of Light and Darkness clash in an eternal struggle. Players choose to align themselves with either the Light or the Dark, each with its own unique units and abilities. The Light Archon commands forces of good, including knights, archers, and wizards, while the Dark Archon leads an army of evil creatures, such as orcs, dragons, and demons.

The game’s units are beautifully rendered and possess distinct abilities that add depth and variety to the gameplay. Knights engage in close-quarters combat, archers fire deadly arrows from afar, and wizards unleash powerful spells that can turn the tide of battle. Players must carefully manage their resources and deploy their units strategically to gain an advantage over their opponent.

Stunning Visuals and Immersive Sound

For its time, Archon’s visuals were nothing short of groundbreaking. The game’s vibrant colors, detailed sprites, and smooth animations brought the fantasy realm to life. The chessboard battlefield is rendered in stunning isometric perspective, allowing players to survey the entire board and plan their moves accordingly.

The game’s sound design is equally impressive, featuring a haunting and atmospheric soundtrack that perfectly complements the game’s dark and mystical atmosphere. The sound effects are also top-notch, adding to the intensity and excitement of the battles.

Critical Acclaim and Lasting Legacy

Upon its release, Archon received widespread critical acclaim for its innovative gameplay, stunning visuals, and immersive sound. It was praised for successfully bridging the gap between strategy and action, creating a unique and unforgettable gaming experience.

Archon’s legacy extends far beyond its initial release. The game has been ported to numerous platforms over the years, and it continues to be enjoyed by gamers of all ages. It has also inspired countless other games, both in the strategy and action genres.

Conclusion

Archon (1983) is a true masterpiece of video game design, a game that has stood the test of time and continues to captivate gamers to this day. Its innovative blend of chess strategy and action, stunning visuals, and immersive sound create an unforgettable gaming experience that has left an indelible mark on the industry. Whether you’re a seasoned strategy gamer or an action enthusiast, Archon is a must-play classic that deserves a place in every gamer’s collection.

Review Score

9/10

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Tetris 2 (1994)

by Nish
written by Nish 5 minutes read

Summary

Tetris 2: A Classic Puzzle Game That’s Still Fun and Challenging Today

Tetris 2 is a classic puzzle game that was released in 1994. It’s the sequel to the original Tetris game, which was released in 1985 and became one of the most popular video games of all time. Tetris 2 features many of the same gameplay elements as the original, but it also includes a number of new features and improvements.

One of the most notable new features in Tetris 2 is the addition of new block shapes. In the original Tetris, there were only seven different block shapes. In Tetris 2, there are 12 different block shapes, which makes the game more challenging and varied.

Another new feature in Tetris 2 is the ability to rotate blocks in both directions. In the original Tetris, blocks could only be rotated clockwise. In Tetris 2, blocks can be rotated both clockwise and counterclockwise, which gives players more flexibility and control over how they place blocks.

Tetris 2 also includes a number of new game modes. One of the most popular new modes is the “Cascade” mode. In Cascade mode, blocks fall from the top of the screen in a continuous stream. Players must quickly rotate and place blocks to clear lines and prevent the blocks from stacking up and reaching the top of the screen.

Another new game mode in Tetris 2 is the “Target” mode. In Target mode, players are given a specific target to clear. The target can be a certain number of lines, a certain number of points, or a specific pattern. Players must clear the target as quickly as possible to earn bonus points.

Tetris 2 also includes a number of other new features and improvements, such as:

  • A new graphical user interface that is more user-friendly and easier to navigate.
  • A new soundtrack that is more upbeat and energetic than the soundtrack in the original Tetris game.
  • The ability to save and load games, so players can pick up where they left off.
  • The ability to compete against other players in online multiplayer mode.

Overall, Tetris 2 is a great sequel to the original Tetris game. It features all of the classic gameplay elements that made the original game so popular, but it also includes a number of new features and improvements that make it a more challenging and varied experience. Whether you’re a fan of the original Tetris game or you’re new to the series, Tetris 2 is a must-play.

Tips for Playing Tetris 2

Here are a few tips to help you improve your Tetris 2 skills:

  • Learn the different block shapes. The more familiar you are with the different block shapes, the easier it will be to rotate and place them efficiently.
  • Plan ahead. Don’t just drop blocks randomly. Take a moment to think about where you want to place each block and how it will affect the overall structure of your stack.
  • Clear lines quickly. The faster you clear lines, the more points you’ll earn and the longer you’ll survive. Try to clear multiple lines at once to earn bonus points.
  • Use the Cascade mode to your advantage. The Cascade mode can be a great way to rack up points quickly. However, it can also be a bit overwhelming if you’re not used to it. Start out by playing the Cascade mode on a lower difficulty setting and gradually increase the difficulty as you get more comfortable with it.
  • Compete against other players in online multiplayer mode. Online multiplayer mode is a great way to test your skills against other Tetris 2 players. You can compete against friends or random opponents from around the world.

Conclusion

Tetris 2 is a classic puzzle game that’s still fun and challenging today. With its new block shapes, new game modes, and other improvements, Tetris 2 is a must-play for fans of the original Tetris game and anyone who enjoys puzzle games.

Review Score

8/10

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Star Wars: Dark Forces (1995)

by Christopher
written by Christopher 5 minutes read

Summary

Star Wars: Dark Forces: A Groundbreaking FPS in the Star Wars Universe

Released in 1995, Star Wars: Dark Forces was a groundbreaking first-person shooter (FPS) game that immersed players in the beloved Star Wars universe. Developed by LucasArts, the game introduced innovative features and a compelling storyline that set a new standard for FPS games.

A Rebel’s Journey

Star Wars: Dark Forces follows the story of Kyle Katarn, a former Imperial Stormtrooper who defected to the Rebel Alliance. After learning of the Empire’s secret plans to build a new Death Star, Kyle joins the Alliance’s covert operations division to infiltrate the Empire and sabotage their plans.

The game’s missions take players to iconic Star Wars locations, such as the Death Star, Jabba’s Palace, and Coruscant. Along the way, Kyle encounters a cast of memorable characters, including the wise-cracking mercenary Jan Ors and the treacherous Imperial officer Jerec.

Innovative Gameplay

Star Wars: Dark Forces introduced several innovative gameplay features that set it apart from other FPS games of the time. The game’s levels were designed to be realistic and immersive, with a focus on exploration and puzzle-solving. Players could interact with objects in the environment, such as switches, levers, and doors, to progress through the levels.

The game also featured a unique weapon system that allowed players to collect and use a variety of weapons, including blasters, grenades, and thermal detonators. Each weapon had its own strengths and weaknesses, forcing players to adapt their tactics to different situations.

Immersive Storyline

Unlike many other Doom-based games, Star Wars: Dark Forces attempted a more realistic approach to storytelling. The missions followed a specific storyline, sometimes cut up by scenes to progress the narrative. Each mission had its own briefing and objective, giving players a sense of purpose and direction.

The game’s story was also surprisingly complex and well-written, with twists, turns, and character development that kept players engaged throughout the campaign. The game’s ending, in particular, was praised for its emotional impact and its implications for the future of the Star Wars universe.

Technical Achievements

Star Wars: Dark Forces was also a technical achievement for its time. The game’s graphics were impressive, with detailed environments and character models. The game also featured a dynamic lighting system that added to the realism and atmosphere of the levels.

The game’s sound design was also top-notch, with immersive sound effects and a memorable soundtrack composed by Clint Bajakian. The game’s voice acting was also well-done, with Mark Hamill reprising his role as Luke Skywalker and John Rhys-Davies providing the voice of Jerec.

Legacy

Star Wars: Dark Forces was a critical and commercial success, selling over 1 million copies worldwide. The game is credited with popularizing the FPS genre on home computers and is considered one of the best Star Wars games ever made.

The game’s success spawned two sequels, Star Wars: Jedi Knight: Dark Forces II (1997) and Star Wars: Jedi Knight II: Jedi Outcast (2002). These sequels continued the story of Kyle Katarn and expanded upon the gameplay mechanics introduced in the original game.

Conclusion

Star Wars: Dark Forces is a classic FPS game that set a new standard for storytelling, immersion, and technical achievement. The game’s innovative gameplay, compelling storyline, and immersive setting have made it a beloved favorite among Star Wars fans and FPS enthusiasts alike. Whether you’re a longtime fan or a newcomer to the series, Star Wars: Dark Forces is an essential experience for anyone who loves Star Wars or FPS games.

Review Score

8.5/10

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