Publisher: Core Design

Blastar (1993)

by Christopher
written by Christopher 5 minutes read

Summary

Blastar (1993): A Space Shooter Masterpiece on SNES

Released in 1993 for the Super Nintendo Entertainment System (SNES), Blastar is a side-scrolling space shooter that impressed critics and gamers alike with its stunning visuals, intense gameplay, and memorable soundtrack. Developed by Software Creations and published by Kemco, Blastar is a shining example of the quality and creativity that defined the 16-bit era of gaming.

Gameplay:

Blastar puts players in control of a lone spaceship tasked with defending the galaxy from an invading alien force. The game features 12 diverse stages, each with its own unique set of enemies, obstacles, and hazards. Players must navigate their ship through waves of enemy fire, dodging asteroids and other obstacles while unleashing a variety of weapons to destroy their foes.

One of the standout features of Blastar is its multi-directional scrolling. Unlike many side-scrolling shooters of the time, Blastar allows players to move their ship in all eight directions, giving them greater freedom of movement and allowing for more dynamic and engaging gameplay.

Visuals:

Blastar is a visual feast, pushing the SNES hardware to its limits. The game’s backgrounds are fully animated, with parallax scrolling creating a sense of depth and immersion. The enemy designs are varied and imaginative, and the explosions and other visual effects are impressive. Blastar is a true showcase of the SNES’s graphical capabilities.

Enemies and Bosses:

Blastar features a wide variety of enemies, from small fry that can be easily dispatched to massive capital ships that require sustained firepower to destroy. Each enemy type has its own unique attack patterns and behaviors, keeping players on their toes and requiring them to adapt their strategies constantly.

The game’s bosses are particularly impressive, each with their own unique designs and attack patterns. These battles are often multi-phased, requiring players to learn the boss’s patterns and exploit their weaknesses in order to emerge victorious.

Weapons and Power-Ups:

Blastar offers a variety of weapons and power-ups to help players on their mission. Players can collect different types of weapons, each with its own strengths and weaknesses. Power-ups can enhance the player’s firepower, speed, or defense, giving them an edge in combat.

Soundtrack:

The soundtrack of Blastar is another highlight of the game. Composed by Tim Follin, the music is a mix of intense, driving techno and atmospheric ambient tracks that perfectly complements the game’s action-packed gameplay. The soundtrack is widely regarded as one of the best on the SNES, and it helps to create an immersive and memorable gaming experience.

Legacy:

Blastar was a critical and commercial success upon its release, and it remains a beloved classic among SNES enthusiasts today. The game’s innovative gameplay, stunning visuals, and memorable soundtrack have ensured its place in gaming history as one of the best space shooters ever made.

Blastar has been re-released on various platforms over the years, including the Wii Virtual Console, the PlayStation Network, and the Nintendo Switch Online service. This has allowed a new generation of gamers to experience this classic title and appreciate its timeless appeal.

Conclusion:

Blastar (1993) is a masterpiece of the SNES era, offering intense and visually stunning space shooter action. With its diverse stages, memorable soundtrack, and innovative gameplay, Blastar is a must-play for fans of the genre and a shining example of the creativity and technical prowess that defined 16-bit gaming. Whether you’re a longtime fan or a newcomer to the game, Blastar is an experience that will leave a lasting impression.

Review Score

8.5/10

Art

Cover Art

Screenshots

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Chuck Rock II: Son of Chuck (1993)

by Christopher
written by Christopher 5 minutes read

Summary

Chuck Rock II: Son of Chuck (1993) Review

Chuck Rock II: Son of Chuck is a side-scrolling action game developed and published by Core Design for the Amiga, Atari ST, and DOS in 1993. It is the sequel to the 1991 game Chuck Rock, and follows the adventures of Chuck Rock’s son, Chuck Junior, as he sets out to rescue his parents from the clutches of the evil King Blob.

The game features similar gameplay to its predecessor, with Chuck Junior running, jumping, and climbing his way through prehistoric levels, battling dinosaurs and other enemies along the way. New to Chuck Rock II is the ability to collect power-ups that give Chuck Junior special abilities, such as the ability to shoot rocks, breathe fire, or turn into a dinosaur himself.

Chuck Rock II was a critical and commercial success, praised for its colorful graphics, catchy music, and challenging gameplay. It was one of the first games to feature a 3D-rendered character in a 2D environment, and its innovative use of parallax scrolling created a sense of depth and immersion that was uncommon in side-scrolling games at the time.

Gameplay

Chuck Rock II is a side-scrolling action game in which the player controls Chuck Junior, the son of the protagonist from the original Chuck Rock game. Chuck Junior must travel through a series of prehistoric levels, battling dinosaurs and other enemies, in order to rescue his parents from the evil King Blob.

The game is played using a standard joystick or gamepad. Chuck Junior can run, jump, and climb his way through the levels, and can attack enemies with his fists or by throwing rocks. Chuck Junior can also collect power-ups that give him special abilities, such as the ability to shoot rocks, breathe fire, or turn into a dinosaur himself.

The levels in Chuck Rock II are varied and challenging, and feature a variety of different enemies and obstacles. Chuck Junior must use his wits and agility to overcome these challenges and progress through the game.

Graphics and Sound

Chuck Rock II features colorful and detailed graphics, with a vibrant color palette and well-animated characters. The game’s backgrounds are rendered in 3D, which gives them a sense of depth and immersion that is uncommon in side-scrolling games of the era.

The game’s music is catchy and upbeat, and fits the prehistoric setting well. The sound effects are also well-done, and help to create a sense of atmosphere and excitement.

Story

Chuck Rock II’s story is simple but effective. Chuck Junior’s parents have been kidnapped by the evil King Blob, and it is up to Chuck Junior to rescue them. Along the way, Chuck Junior must battle dinosaurs, cavemen, and other prehistoric creatures.

The game’s story is told through a series of cutscenes, which are well-animated and voice-acted. The cutscenes help to develop the characters and give the game a sense of purpose.

Overall

Chuck Rock II is a fun and challenging side-scrolling action game that will appeal to fans of the original Chuck Rock and other classic platformers. The game’s colorful graphics, catchy music, and challenging gameplay make it a worthwhile experience for gamers of all ages.

Review Score

8/10

Pros

  • Colorful and detailed graphics
  • Catchy and upbeat music
  • Challenging and varied levels
  • Well-developed characters

Cons

  • Some of the levels can be frustratingly difficult
  • The game’s story is a bit thin
  • The controls can be a bit unresponsive at times

Review Score

7.5/10

Art

Cover Art

Screenshots

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Heimdall 2: Into the Hall of Worlds (1994)

by Ji-yeong
written by Ji-yeong 4 minutes read

Summary

Heimdall 2: Into the Hall of Worlds (1994)

Heimdall 2: Into the Hall of Worlds is an isometric adventure platformer developed by Swedish developer NeocoreGames and published by MicroProse in 1994. It is the sequel to the 1991 game Heimdall.

The game follows the journey of a young man named Heimdall as he travels through a series of mystical worlds in search of answers, weapons, and a hot meal. Along the way, he can change shape between male and female, each with their own unique abilities.

Heimdall 2 is a challenging and rewarding game that offers a unique blend of action, adventure, and puzzle-solving. It is a must-play for fans of classic isometric adventure games.

Gameplay

Heimdall 2 is played from an isometric perspective. The player controls Heimdall as he explores a series of interconnected worlds. Each world is filled with enemies, puzzles, and secrets.

Heimdall can attack enemies with his sword or bow and arrow. He can also use his shape-shifting ability to transform into a male or female. Each form has its own unique abilities. For example, the male form is stronger and can wield heavier weapons, while the female form is more agile and can jump higher.

The player must use Heimdall’s abilities to solve puzzles and progress through the game. For example, the player may need to use the male form to push a heavy object, or the female form to jump over a high ledge.

Story

Heimdall 2’s story is told through a series of cutscenes and in-game dialogue. The game begins with Heimdall waking up in a strange and unfamiliar world. He soon learns that he has been chosen by the gods to travel through a series of mystical worlds in search of answers, weapons, and a hot meal.

As Heimdall travels through the different worlds, he meets a variety of characters, both friendly and hostile. He also learns more about his own past and destiny.

The game’s story is well-written and engaging. It is full of twists and turns, and it keeps the player guessing until the very end.

Graphics and Sound

Heimdall 2’s graphics are colorful and detailed. The game’s isometric perspective allows the player to see a lot of the action on the screen at once. The game’s character models are well-animated, and the backgrounds are lush and detailed.

The game’s sound is also top-notch. The music is atmospheric and immersive, and the sound effects are realistic and well-done.

Overall

Heimdall 2: Into the Hall of Worlds is a classic isometric adventure platformer that offers a unique blend of action, adventure, and puzzle-solving. It is a must-play for fans of the genre.

Review Score

8.5/10

Pros

  • Challenging and rewarding gameplay
  • Unique blend of action, adventure, and puzzle-solving
  • Well-written and engaging story
  • Colorful and detailed graphics
  • Top-notch sound

Cons

  • Can be difficult at times
  • Some of the puzzles are obscure

Review Score

8.5/10

Art

Cover Art

Screenshots

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