Publisher: Sega Enterprises, Ltd.

Fahrenheit (1995)

by Christopher
written by Christopher 6 minutes read

Summary

Fahrenheit (1995): A Pioneering Full Motion Video Game

Released in 1995 for the Sega CD and Sega 32X, Fahrenheit is a full motion video (FMV) game that tells a suspenseful and thrilling story with branching paths and multiple endings. Developed by Sega Studios and published by Sega, Fahrenheit was one of the first FMV games to be released on a home console, and it remains one of the most well-regarded examples of the genre.

Gameplay

Fahrenheit is a point-and-click adventure game in which the player controls the protagonist, Carla Valenti, as she investigates the murder of her sister. The game is played entirely through FMV sequences, with the player clicking on hotspots on the screen to interact with the environment and progress the story.

Fahrenheit features a branching narrative with multiple endings, depending on the choices the player makes throughout the game. The player’s choices can also affect the relationships between Carla and the other characters in the game, and can even lead to Carla’s death.

Story

Fahrenheit tells the story of Carla Valenti, a private detective who is investigating the murder of her sister, Laura. Carla soon discovers that Laura’s death was no ordinary murder, and that she was involved in a dangerous conspiracy.

As Carla investigates Laura’s death, she uncovers a web of secrets and lies, and she soon finds herself in danger. Carla must use her wits and determination to uncover the truth about her sister’s death, and to bring the killer to justice.

Characters

Carla Valenti is the protagonist of Fahrenheit. She is a private detective who is determined to find out the truth about her sister’s death, no matter what the cost. Carla is a strong and resourceful woman, but she is also haunted by the memories of her sister’s death.

Other important characters in Fahrenheit include:

  • Detective Johnathon Braddock: Carla’s partner in the investigation. Braddock is a cynical and world-weary detective, but he is also a good friend to Carla.
  • Dr. Richard Morton: A psychiatrist who is treating Carla for her nightmares. Morton is a kind and compassionate man, but he is also hiding a dark secret.
  • Laura Valenti: Carla’s sister. Laura was a beautiful and talented woman, but she was also involved in a dangerous conspiracy.

Development

Fahrenheit was developed by Sega Studios, a division of Sega that was responsible for developing games for the Sega CD and Sega 32X. The game was directed by Tetsuya Mizuguchi, who would later go on to direct the critically acclaimed games Rez and Space Channel 5.

Fahrenheit was one of the first FMV games to be developed for a home console. At the time, FMV games were still a relatively new concept, and there were many challenges involved in developing them. One of the biggest challenges was the large amount of storage space required for the FMV sequences. To overcome this challenge, Sega developed a new compression technology that allowed them to store the FMV sequences on a single CD-ROM.

Release

Fahrenheit was released in North America on September 29, 1995, for the Sega CD and Sega 32X. The game was released in Japan and Europe on December 15, 1995, for the Sega CD only.

Fahrenheit was a critical and commercial success. The game was praised for its suspenseful story, well-developed characters, and innovative use of FMV. Fahrenheit was also a commercial success, selling over 1 million copies worldwide.

Legacy

Fahrenheit is considered to be one of the most important and influential FMV games ever made. The game’s success helped to pave the way for other FMV games, and it also helped to establish Sega as a leader in the development of FMV technology.

Fahrenheit has been praised for its suspenseful story, well-developed characters, and innovative use of FMV. The game has also been criticized for its linear gameplay and its lack of replayability. However, despite these criticisms, Fahrenheit remains a classic FMV game that is still enjoyed by many gamers today.

Conclusion

Fahrenheit is a groundbreaking FMV game that tells a suspenseful and thrilling story with branching paths and multiple endings. The game features well-developed characters, innovative use of FMV, and a memorable story. Fahrenheit is a classic FMV game that is still enjoyed by many gamers today.

Review Score

7/10

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Home Mahjong (1984)

by Nish
written by Nish 5 minutes read

Summary

Home Mahjong (1984)

Home Mahjong is a digital rendition of the classic Chinese game of mahjong, released for the Nintendo Entertainment System (NES) in 1984. It is a single-player game where the player plays against three computer-controlled opponents. The goal of the game is to be the first player to complete a hand of 14 tiles, consisting of four melds (groups of three or four tiles) and a pair (two identical tiles).

Gameplay

The game is played on a square table with a raised edge. The tiles are stacked in the center of the table, and each player has a rack in front of them. The player’s rack can hold up to 13 tiles.

To start the game, each player draws 13 tiles from the stack. The player to the left of the dealer then draws one tile from the stack and adds it to their hand. The player then discards one tile from their hand. Play continues clockwise around the table, with each player drawing and discarding one tile until one player completes a hand.

There are four different types of melds:

  • Pong: A set of three identical tiles.
  • Kong: A set of four identical tiles.
  • Chow: A sequence of three tiles in the same suit.
  • Eye: A pair of identical tiles.

A hand must consist of four melds and a pair. The melds can be of any type, but the pair must be an eye.

Once a player has completed a hand, they can call out “Mahjong!” and the game is over. The player who called Mahjong wins the game, and the other players lose.

Scoring

The scoring in Home Mahjong is based on the tiles that are used to complete the hand. The following table shows the points for each type of tile:

Tile Points
Numbered tile 1
Wind tile 5
Dragon tile 10

The player who wins the game receives the total number of points for the tiles in their hand. The other players lose the number of points that they have in their hands.

Strategy

There are many different strategies that can be used to win at Home Mahjong. Some of the most common strategies include:

  • Going for a concealed hand: A concealed hand is a hand that is completed without drawing any tiles from the stack. Concealed hands are worth more points than hands that are completed with drawn tiles.
  • Going for a big hand: A big hand is a hand that has a lot of high-scoring tiles. Big hands are worth more points than small hands.
  • Blocking your opponents: Blocking your opponents is a strategy that involves discarding tiles that your opponents need to complete their hands. This can help you to prevent your opponents from winning the game.

Reception

Home Mahjong was a critical and commercial success. It was praised for its accurate gameplay, challenging AI, and fun factor. The game has been ported to many different platforms over the years, and it remains popular today.

Conclusion

Home Mahjong is a classic mahjong game that is still enjoyed by many people today. It is a challenging and rewarding game that can be enjoyed by people of all ages. If you are a fan of mahjong, then you should definitely check out Home Mahjong.

Additional Information

  • Developer: Nintendo
  • Publisher: Nintendo
  • Release Date: 1984
  • Platform: NES
  • Genre: Puzzle
  • Number of Players: 1-4

Review Score

8/10

Art

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Kid Chameleon (1992)

by Nish
written by Nish 6 minutes read

Summary

Kid Chameleon: A Nostalgic Journey into a World of Masks and Mayhem

Released in 1992 for the Sega Genesis/Mega Drive, Kid Chameleon is a side-scrolling platformer that captured the hearts of gamers with its innovative gameplay, charming characters, and vibrant world. Embark on an epic adventure as Casey, a young boy who discovers a magical mask that grants him the ability to transform into different personas, each with unique powers and abilities.

Gameplay: A Symphony of Transformation

Kid Chameleon’s gameplay revolves around Casey’s ability to don various masks, each representing a different character with distinct skills. From the agile Kid Chameleon to the powerful Heavy Chameleon and the swift Cyber Chameleon, Casey’s arsenal of transformations empowers him to overcome obstacles, defeat enemies, and progress through the game’s challenging levels.

The game’s levels are a testament to creative level design, offering a diverse range of environments, from lush forests and underwater caverns to futuristic cities and ancient ruins. Each level presents unique challenges that require careful use of Casey’s transformations to navigate treacherous platforms, solve puzzles, and vanquish formidable bosses.

Characters: A Cast of Quirky Companions

Casey is not alone in his quest. Joining him on his adventure is a colorful cast of characters, each with their own unique personality and abilities. There’s Punk Chameleon, the rebellious rocker with a knack for skateboarding; Magician Chameleon, the enigmatic conjurer who can manipulate objects with his magic tricks; and Metal Chameleon, the heavy metal enthusiast with a powerful guitar that can blast enemies away.

Visuals: A Pixelated Masterpiece

Despite its age, Kid Chameleon’s pixelated graphics exude a timeless charm and vibrancy. The game’s world is a feast for the eyes, with detailed backgrounds, fluid animations, and a vibrant color palette that brings the characters and environments to life. The game’s art style perfectly captures the essence of early 90s platformers, evoking a sense of nostalgia and wonder.

Sound: A Nostalgic Symphony

Kid Chameleon’s soundtrack is a melodic masterpiece that perfectly complements the game’s atmosphere and gameplay. Composed by Yuzo Koshiro, the soundtrack features catchy tunes that blend techno, rock, and traditional Japanese melodies. The game’s sound effects are equally impressive, adding to the overall immersion and excitement.

Legacy: A Timeless Classic

Kid Chameleon has left an enduring legacy in the gaming world. Its innovative gameplay, charming characters, and vibrant visuals have made it a beloved classic among retro gaming enthusiasts. The game’s influence can be seen in countless other platformers, demonstrating its lasting impact on the genre.

Re-releases and Accessibility

Over the years, Kid Chameleon has been re-released on various platforms, ensuring that new generations of gamers can experience its timeless charm. It was included in the Sega Genesis Collection for PlayStation 2 and PlayStation Portable, and was also released on the Virtual Console for Wii, Wii U, and Nintendo Switch. Additionally, the game is available as part of Sega Smash Pack 2 and Sonic’s Ultimate Genesis Collection for Xbox 360 and PlayStation 3.

Conclusion: A Nostalgic Masterpiece

Kid Chameleon is a testament to the enduring power of classic video games. Its innovative gameplay, charming characters, and vibrant visuals have made it a timeless masterpiece that continues to entertain and captivate gamers to this day. Whether you’re a long-time fan or a newcomer to the world of retro gaming, Kid Chameleon is an essential experience that will leave you longing for the days of pixelated adventures and side-scrolling mayhem.

Review Score

8.5/10

Art

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Bug! (1995)

by Nish
written by Nish 4 minutes read

Summary

Bug! (1995): A Crawsome Platforming Adventure

Released in 1995, Bug! is a side-scrolling platformer game developed by Realtime Associates and published by Electronic Arts for the Super Nintendo Entertainment System (SNES). The game follows the adventures of a heroic dung beetle named Bug who must rescue his family from the clutches of the evil spider queen, Arachnia.

Gameplay

Bug! is a classic platformer in the vein of Super Mario Bros. and Donkey Kong Country. Players control Bug as he jumps, climbs, and shoots his way through six colorful worlds, each with its own unique set of challenges. Bug can use his trusty dung balls to attack enemies, solve puzzles, and activate switches. He can also collect power-ups that give him special abilities, such as the ability to fly or shoot fireballs.

One of the things that sets Bug! apart from other platformers is its unique level design. The levels are large and sprawling, with multiple paths to take and secrets to discover. There are also a variety of different enemies to encounter, each with their own unique abilities and weaknesses.

Story

The story of Bug! is simple but charming. Bug’s family has been kidnapped by the evil spider queen, Arachnia, and he must travel through six worlds to rescue them. Along the way, he meets a cast of quirky characters who help him on his quest.

Graphics and Sound

Bug! is a visually impressive game for its time. The graphics are colorful and detailed, and the animation is smooth and fluid. The game’s soundtrack is also excellent, with catchy tunes that perfectly capture the game’s whimsical atmosphere.

Critical Reception

Bug! was a critical and commercial success upon its release. Critics praised the game’s charming graphics, tight controls, and challenging level design. The game was also a commercial success, selling over one million copies worldwide.

Legacy

Bug! is considered to be one of the best platformers of the 16-bit era. It has been praised for its innovative level design, charming characters, and catchy soundtrack. The game has also been cited as an influence on later platformers, such as Banjo-Kazooie and Super Mario 64.

Conclusion

Bug! is a classic platformer that is still enjoyed by gamers today. Its charming graphics, tight controls, and challenging level design make it a must-play for fans of the genre. If you’re looking for a fun and challenging platformer to play, then be sure to check out Bug!

Additional Information

  • Bug! was developed by a small team of just four people.
  • The game was originally going to be called “Dung Beetle” but was changed to “Bug!” to make it more appealing to a wider audience.
  • Bug! was one of the first SNES games to feature 3D graphics.
  • The game’s soundtrack was composed by David Wise, who is also known for his work on the Donkey Kong Country series.
  • Bug! has been re-released on several different platforms, including the Wii Virtual Console and the Nintendo Switch Online service.

Review Score

7/10

Art

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Dungeons & Dragons: Warriors of the Eternal Sun (1992)

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

Summary

Dungeons & Dragons: Warriors of the Eternal Sun (1992)

Introduction

Dungeons & Dragons: Warriors of the Eternal Sun is a role-playing game released in 1992 for the Sega Genesis. It is based on the Dungeons & Dragons fantasy role-playing game and is set in the world of Mystara, a campaign setting created by TSR, Inc. The game was developed by Westwood Associates and published by SSI.

Gameplay

Warriors of the Eternal Sun is a turn-based role-playing game in which the player controls a party of four characters. The game is played from an isometric perspective, and the player can freely explore the game world. Combat takes place on a separate screen, and is turn-based.

The game features a variety of character classes and races to choose from, including humans, elves, dwarves, and halflings. Each class has its own unique abilities and skills. The player can also create their own custom characters.

The game world is large and varied, and there are many different quests to complete. The player can explore dungeons, fight monsters, and interact with NPCs. The game also features a day/night cycle, and the weather can affect gameplay.

Story

The story of Warriors of the Eternal Sun begins in the world of Mystara. The player characters are a group of adventurers who have been transported to a strange, red-hued world. The world is ruled by the evil sorcerer Raistlin Majere, who is planning to use the power of the Eternal Sun to conquer all of Mystara.

The player characters must travel across the world and find a way to stop Raistlin. Along the way, they will meet a variety of allies and enemies, and learn more about the secrets of the Eternal Sun.

Reception

Warriors of the Eternal Sun was well-received by critics upon its release. The game was praised for its graphics, gameplay, and story. It was also a commercial success, selling over 250,000 copies worldwide.

The game has been praised for its faithful adaptation of the Dungeons & Dragons ruleset. The game also features a number of innovative features, such as the day/night cycle and the weather system.

Legacy

Warriors of the Eternal Sun is considered to be one of the best Dungeons & Dragons video games ever made. The game has been praised for its graphics, gameplay, and story. It is also a significant historical artifact, as it was one of the first Dungeons & Dragons games to be released on a home console.

Warriors of the Eternal Sun has been followed by a number of other Dungeons & Dragons video games, including Baldur’s Gate, Icewind Dale, and Neverwinter Nights. These games have all been successful, and they have helped to popularize the Dungeons & Dragons franchise.

Conclusion

Dungeons & Dragons: Warriors of the Eternal Sun is a classic role-playing game that is still enjoyed by many today. The game features a faithful adaptation of the Dungeons & Dragons ruleset, as well as a number of innovative features. The game’s graphics, gameplay, and story are all top-notch, and it is a must-play for any fan of Dungeons & Dragons.

Additional Information

  • The game was originally released on the Sega Genesis, but was later ported to the Super Nintendo Entertainment System and MS-DOS.
  • The game was developed by Westwood Associates, who would later go on to develop the Command & Conquer series.
  • The game’s soundtrack was composed by Frank Klepacki, who would later go on to compose the soundtracks for the Command & Conquer and Red Alert series.
  • The game was a commercial success, selling over 250,000 copies worldwide.
  • The game has been praised for its graphics, gameplay, and story. It is considered to be one of the best Dungeons & Dragons video games ever made.

Review Score

7.5/10

Art

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Phantasy Star II (1989)

by Christopher
written by Christopher 5 minutes read

Summary

A trailblazer in the RPG genre, Phantasy Star II is celebrated for its compelling story, challenging gameplay, and as a testament to the depth possible in video game storytelling.

Introduction

A defining RPG for the Sega Genesis, influencing countless games in the genre.

Synopsis

The game takes place 1,000 years after the events of its predecessor and follows the journey of a government agent named Rolf and his friends. They are on a mission to discover why the protector of the planet Mota, Mother Brain, has started malfunctioning.

The story opens on a young man named Rolf who’s being plagued by nightmares. Rolf, an agent with the central government in Paseo, the capital city of the planet Mota, is given the task of retrieving the data recorder from the Biosystems Lab, in order to learn why the lab has created such dangerous creatures.

Analysis of the data recorder shows that the Biosystems Lab has been receiving excess energy from Climatrol, and that this energy is responsible for the mutations. Rolf and his party travel to Climatrol to investigate the energy spikes, and discover the being responsible. A tough battle ensues, ending in tragedy.

The building is rocked by explosions, and begins spewing water into the central lake. Returning quickly to Paseo, Rolf is sent to open the four dams surrounding the central lake to avoid a catastrophic flood. Unfortunately, due to the damage caused to Climatrol, Mother Brain has declared Rolf a criminal, and sent out an army of robots to capture him.

As Rolf unlocks the last of the four dams, he is captured and taken to the artificial prison-satellite called Gaira. Aboard Gaira, a mysterious malfunction in the navigation system puts the satellite on a collision course with the Algo system’s first planet, Palm.

Characters

Rolf, Nei, and other companions each bringing unique abilities to the adventure.

Gameplay

Features turn-based combat, top-down exploration, and third-person battles, with a focus on strategic planning and character-specific equipment.

Conclusion

Phantasy Star II’s legacy as a pioneering RPG endures, with its challenging gameplay and compelling story captivating players even decades after its release.

Review Score

8.5/10

Art

Cover Art

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Fan Art

Fan Art Style: Normal

Fan Art Style: Retro

Fan Art Style: Modern

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