Summary

Release Year: 1990
Genres: Puzzle
Platforms: Game Boy
Developers: Dual Corporation
Publishers: NCS Corporation

After Burst (1990): A Challenging and Rewarding Puzzle Platformer

Released in 1990, After Burst is a challenging and rewarding puzzle platformer that will test your skills and reflexes. With its unique weapon system and varied level design, After Burst is a must-play for fans of the genre.

The game’s story is simple: you control a combat robot on a mission to destroy the enemy orb. To do this, you must traverse 30 stages, each with its own unique challenges. Along the way, you’ll face off against a variety of enemy robots, solve puzzles, and navigate treacherous platforms.

One of the things that makes After Burst unique is its weapon system. Your robot is equipped with a gun that can fire in eight different directions. You can also charge up your shots to fire more powerful blasts. This versatility gives you a lot of options when it comes to dealing with enemies and solving puzzles.

The level design in After Burst is also top-notch. Each stage is carefully crafted to provide a unique challenge. Some stages are more focused on platforming, while others are more puzzle-oriented. There’s a good variety of challenges to keep things interesting.

In addition to the main story mode, After Burst also features a number of bonus modes. These modes offer a different take on the game’s core mechanics, and they’re a great way to extend the replayability.

Overall, After Burst is a well-crafted and challenging puzzle platformer. With its unique weapon system, varied level design, and bonus modes, After Burst is a must-play for fans of the genre.

Gameplay

After Burst is a side-scrolling puzzle platformer. The player controls a combat robot as they make their way towards their ultimate goal: destroying the enemy orb. Each level only has one screen to blast hostile robots, solve challenging platforms, and manipulate a series of short puzzles.

The player’s robot is equipped with a gun that can be angled and charged for different types of shots. The gun can fire in eight different directions, and the player can hold down the fire button to charge up a more powerful blast. This versatility gives the player a lot of options when it comes to dealing with enemies and solving puzzles.

The levels in After Burst are varied and challenging. Some stages are more focused on platforming, while others are more puzzle-oriented. There’s a good mix of challenges to keep things interesting.

Graphics and Sound

The graphics in After Burst are colorful and detailed. The backgrounds are well-drawn and the character sprites are expressive. The game’s soundtrack is also well-composed and catchy.

Conclusion

After Burst is a well-crafted and challenging puzzle platformer. With its unique weapon system, varied level design, and bonus modes, After Burst is a must-play for fans of the genre.

Tips for Playing After Burst

Use the environment to your advantage. The levels in After Burst are filled with objects that can be used to help you solve puzzles and defeat enemies. For example, you can use platforms to jump over obstacles, or you can use walls to block enemy fire.
Experiment with your weapon. The gun that your robot is equipped with can be used in a variety of ways. Experiment with different angles and charge times to find the best way to deal with each situation.
Don’t be afraid to die. After Burst is a challenging game, and you will likely die many times before you reach the end. Don’t get discouraged; just learn from your mistakes and keep trying.
Take your time. After Burst is not a game that can be rushed. Take your time to explore each level and find the best way to solve each puzzle.

Review Score

8.5/10

Art

Cover Art

Screenshots

Warsong (1991): A Realm’s Destiny Hangs in the Balance

In the annals of classic strategy gaming, few titles evoke such fond memories and enduring appeal as Warsong, a groundbreaking masterpiece released in 1991. Developed by the legendary SSI (Strategic Simulations, Inc.), Warsong transported players to a realm on the brink of annihilation, where the fate of a kingdom rested upon the shoulders of a valiant prince and his loyal allies.

A Realm Under Siege

Warsong’s story unfolds in the besieged kingdom of Baltia, where the malevolent Dalsis Empire has laid siege to the Castle of Baltia, seeking to seize the legendary sword Warsong. In a desperate gamble, King Alfador dispatches his only son, Prince Garett, into the countryside, entrusting him with the sacred sword and the hope of rallying the kingdom’s scattered forces.

A Hero’s Journey

As Prince Garett embarks on his perilous quest, players assume the role of commander, tasked with guiding Garett and his growing army across a treacherous realm. Along the way, they will encounter a colorful cast of allies and adversaries, each with their own unique motivations and abilities. From the wise and enigmatic wizard Eldrin to the fierce and loyal warrior Brunhilde, Garett’s companions add depth and intrigue to the narrative.

Strategic Depth and Tactical Finesse

Warsong’s gameplay seamlessly blends strategic depth with tactical finesse. Players must carefully consider each move, balancing resource management, troop recruitment, and mission selection. The game’s turn-based combat system demands both strategic planning and quick thinking, as players maneuver their forces across a variety of terrains and engage in intense battles against the Dalsis Empire.

A Realm of Enchanting Detail

Warsong’s world is a vibrant and immersive tapestry, teeming with intricate details that bring the realm of Baltia to life. From the lush forests and rolling hills to the towering mountains and treacherous dungeons, every environment exudes a distinct atmosphere and poses unique challenges. The game’s pixel art, while charmingly retro, captures the essence of the fantasy setting with remarkable accuracy.

A Timeless Classic

Over three decades after its initial release, Warsong continues to captivate strategy enthusiasts and retro gaming aficionados alike. Its timeless blend of engaging storytelling, strategic depth, and tactical finesse has ensured its enduring legacy as a classic of the genre. Whether you’re a seasoned veteran or a newcomer to the world of Warsong, the game’s timeless appeal is sure to enchant and enthrall.

Legacy and Influence

Warsong’s impact on the strategy gaming landscape cannot be overstated. Its innovative gameplay mechanics, immersive world-building, and memorable characters have inspired countless successors, shaping the very DNA of the genre. From the Heroes of Might and Magic series to the Total War franchise, Warsong’s legacy is evident in the strategic masterpieces that followed in its wake.

Conclusion

Warsong (1991) is a testament to the enduring power of classic gaming. Its captivating story, strategic depth, and timeless charm have solidified its place among the greatest strategy games of all time. Whether you’re a nostalgic veteran or a curious newcomer, Warsong beckons you to embark on an epic quest where the fate of a realm hangs in the balance.