Publisher: Sega Enterprises, Ltd.

Space Harrier (1985)

by Christopher
written by Christopher 8 minutes read

Summary

Space Harrier: A Timeless Arcade Classic

Released in 1985, Space Harrier is a third-person rail shooter arcade game developed by Sega. The game is set in the year 2150, and the player controls a lone hero named Harrier who must defend the Earth from an alien invasion. Harrier is armed with a powerful laser cannon, which he can use to shoot down enemy spaceships and other obstacles. He can also transform into a flying rocket, which allows him to reach higher areas and avoid enemy fire.

Space Harrier was a groundbreaking game for its time. It was one of the first games to use pseudo-3D graphics, and its fast-paced gameplay and catchy music made it an instant hit with arcade-goers. The game was also ported to several home consoles, including the Sega Master System and the Commodore 64.

Gameplay

Space Harrier is a third-person rail shooter, meaning that the player controls the character from a behind-the-back perspective. The game is played on a single screen, and the character moves automatically from left to right. The player must use the joystick to move the character up and down, and the fire button to shoot enemies.

The game is divided into 18 levels, each with its own unique set of enemies and obstacles. The player must defeat all of the enemies in each level in order to progress to the next one. At the end of each level, the player must also defeat a boss enemy.

Enemies

Space Harrier features a wide variety of enemies, including spaceships, robots, and aliens. Each type of enemy has its own unique attack patterns, and the player must learn how to defeat each one in order to progress.

Some of the most common enemies in Space Harrier include:

  • Zolgear: These small, flying enemies fire lasers at the player.
  • Mecha Gun: These robotic enemies shoot bullets at the player.
  • Dragon: These large, flying enemies breathe fire at the player.
  • Boss: Each level of Space Harrier ends with a boss enemy. These bosses are typically much larger and more powerful than the regular enemies, and they require the player to use all of their skills to defeat them.

Weapons

Harrier is armed with a powerful laser cannon, which he can use to shoot down enemy spaceships and other obstacles. He can also transform into a flying rocket, which allows him to reach higher areas and avoid enemy fire.

The laser cannon is Harrier’s primary weapon. It fires a powerful laser beam that can destroy most enemies in a single shot. The laser cannon can also be charged up to fire a more powerful blast.

The flying rocket is Harrier’s secondary weapon. It allows him to fly up to higher areas and avoid enemy fire. The flying rocket can also be used to attack enemies, but it is not as powerful as the laser cannon.

Power-Ups

There are a variety of power-ups that can be collected in Space Harrier. These power-ups can give Harrier a variety of advantages, such as increased speed, firepower, and invincibility.

Some of the most common power-ups in Space Harrier include:

  • Speed Up: This power-up increases Harrier’s speed.
  • Fire Power Up: This power-up increases Harrier’s firepower.
  • Invincibility: This power-up makes Harrier invincible for a short period of time.
  • Rocket: This power-up gives Harrier the ability to transform into a flying rocket.

Graphics

Space Harrier was one of the first games to use pseudo-3D graphics. This technique creates the illusion of depth by using a series of 2D sprites. The graphics in Space Harrier are simple but effective, and they create a unique and immersive experience.

Music

The music in Space Harrier is composed by Hirokazu Tanaka. The music is fast-paced and catchy, and it helps to create the game’s exciting and action-packed atmosphere.

Legacy

Space Harrier was a critical and commercial success. It was one of the most popular arcade games of the 1980s, and it helped to popularize the third-person rail shooter genre. The game has been ported to several home consoles, and it is still enjoyed by gamers today.

Space Harrier has also been referenced in popular culture. The game is featured in the movie Back to the Future (1985), and it has been parodied in several other films and television shows.

Conclusion

Space Harrier is a timeless arcade classic that still holds up today. Its innovative gameplay, stunning graphics, and catchy music make it a must-play for any fan of retro gaming. Whether you’re a veteran gamer or a newcomer to the genre, Space Harrier is sure to provide hours of enjoyment.

Review Score

9/10

Art

Cover Art

Screenshots

0 FacebookTwitterPinterestEmail

Jewel Master (1991)

by Christopher
written by Christopher 5 minutes read

Summary

Jewel Master: A Hidden Gem of the 16-Bit Era

Released in 1991 for the Sega Genesis and Super Nintendo, Jewel Master is an action-adventure game that combines elements of Gauntlet and Zelda. Players take control of the titular Jewel Master, a hero who must collect four elemental rings in order to defeat an army of demons that are terrorizing the land of Mythgard.

The game is set in a large, interconnected world that is filled with monsters, traps, and puzzles. The Jewel Master must use his sword and magic to fight his way through the hordes of enemies, while also collecting keys and items that will help him progress.

One of the unique features of Jewel Master is its elemental magic system. The four elemental rings each grant the Jewel Master different abilities. The Earth ring allows him to create earthquakes, the Wind ring allows him to fly, the Fire ring allows him to shoot fireballs, and the Water ring allows him to swim and breathe underwater.

The Jewel Master can combine the rings to create even more powerful spells. For example, combining the Earth and Fire rings allows him to create a meteor spell, while combining the Wind and Water rings allows him to create a tornado spell.

The game’s difficulty is challenging but fair. The enemies are tough, but they can be defeated with careful planning and execution. The puzzles are also challenging, but they are never unfair.

Jewel Master was a critical and commercial success upon its release. Critics praised the game’s graphics, sound, and gameplay. The game was also a commercial success, selling over one million copies worldwide.

Despite its success, Jewel Master has been largely forgotten in recent years. It is not as well-known as other 16-bit classics such as Sonic the Hedgehog or Super Mario World. However, Jewel Master is still a great game that deserves to be rediscovered.

Gameplay

Jewel Master is an action-adventure game that is played from a top-down perspective. The player controls the Jewel Master, who must travel through a large, interconnected world and collect four elemental rings. The rings grant the Jewel Master different abilities, and he can combine them to create even more powerful spells.

The game’s world is filled with monsters, traps, and puzzles. The player must use the Jewel Master’s sword and magic to fight his way through the enemies, while also collecting keys and items that will help him progress.

The game’s difficulty is challenging but fair. The enemies are tough, but they can be defeated with careful planning and execution. The puzzles are also challenging, but they are never unfair.

Graphics and Sound

Jewel Master’s graphics are colorful and detailed. The game’s world is full of lush forests, treacherous dungeons, and fiery volcanoes. The character sprites are also well-animated, and the enemies are varied and imaginative.

The game’s sound is also excellent. The music is catchy and atmospheric, and the sound effects are realistic and immersive.

Story

The story of Jewel Master is simple but effective. The player takes on the role of the Jewel Master, a hero who must collect four elemental rings in order to defeat an army of demons that are terrorizing the land of Mythgard.

The game’s story is told through cutscenes and dialogue. The cutscenes are well-animated and the dialogue is well-written. The story is not particularly complex, but it is engaging and provides enough motivation for the player to continue playing.

Overall

Jewel Master is a great action-adventure game that deserves to be rediscovered. The game’s graphics, sound, and gameplay are all top-notch, and the story is engaging. If you are a fan of 16-bit classics, then you owe it to yourself to check out Jewel Master.

Here are some additional details about the game:

  • The game was developed by Compile and published by Sega.
  • The game was released in Japan in 1991 and in North America and Europe in 1992.
  • The game was ported to the Game Gear in 1993.
  • The game was re-released on the Wii Virtual Console in 2007.

If you are interested in playing Jewel Master, you can find it on the following platforms:

  • Sega Genesis
  • Super Nintendo
  • Game Gear
  • Wii Virtual Console

I hope you enjoy playing Jewel Master!

Review Score

8/10

0 FacebookTwitterPinterestEmail

Shadow Dancer: The Secret of Shinobi (1990)

by Nish
written by Nish 6 minutes read

Summary

Shadow Dancer: The Secret of Shinobi (1990)

Introduction

Shadow Dancer: The Secret of Shinobi is a side-scrolling action game developed and published by Sega for the Sega Genesis. It was released in Japan in December 1990 and in North America and Europe in 1991. The game is the second installment in the Shinobi series, following The Revenge of Shinobi, but it is not a direct sequel. Instead, it is a loose adaptation of the 1989 arcade game Shadow Dancer.

Gameplay

Shadow Dancer: The Secret of Shinobi plays similarly to other side-scrolling action games of the era, such as Ninja Gaiden and Strider. The player controls a ninja named Hayate, who is tasked with rescuing his kidnapped master from the evil sorcerer Zanzou. Hayate is armed with a sword, throwing stars, and magic spells. He can also use his agility to climb walls and jump over obstacles.

One of the unique features of Shadow Dancer is the inclusion of a canine companion named Yamato. Yamato can be used to attack enemies, sniff out hidden items, and even revive Hayate if he is killed.

The game is divided into six stages, each with its own uniqueボス. The stages are set in a variety of locations, including a forest, a castle, and a volcano.

Graphics and Sound

Shadow Dancer: The Secret of Shinobi is one of the most visually impressive games on the Sega Genesis. The graphics are colorful and detailed, and the animation is smooth and fluid. The game’s soundtrack is also excellent, featuring a mix of traditional Japanese music and more modern rock and techno tracks.

Critical Reception

Shadow Dancer: The Secret of Shinobi was a critical and commercial success. The game was praised for its graphics, gameplay, and sound. It was also one of the first games to be released for the Sega Genesis, and it helped to establish the console as a major force in the video game industry.

Legacy

Shadow Dancer: The Secret of Shinobi is considered to be one of the best side-scrolling action games of all time. It has been ported to a number of different platforms, including the Wii, PlayStation 2, and Xbox 360. The game has also been included in several compilations, such as the Sega Genesis Collection and the Shinobi Anthology.

Conclusion

Shadow Dancer: The Secret of Shinobi is a classic side-scrolling action game that still holds up today. The game’s graphics, gameplay, and sound are all top-notch, and it is sure to provide hours of enjoyment for fans of the genre.

Additional Information

  • Shadow Dancer: The Secret of Shinobi was developed by a team led by Yu Suzuki, who would later go on to create the Virtua Fighter and Shenmue series.
  • The game’s soundtrack was composed by Yuzo Koshiro, who is also known for his work on the Streets of Rage and Sonic the Hedgehog series.
  • Shadow Dancer: The Secret of Shinobi was one of the first games to feature a canine companion. This idea would later be used in other games, such as Okami and The Last of Us.
  • The game was originally going to be called “Shinobi 2,” but the name was changed to “Shadow Dancer” to avoid confusion with the previous game in the series.
  • Shadow Dancer: The Secret of Shinobi has been referenced in several other video games, including Streets of Rage 2 and Yakuza 0.

Review Score

8.5/10

Art

Cover Art

Screenshots

0 FacebookTwitterPinterestEmail

Sega Chess (1991)

by Nish
written by Nish 5 minutes read

Summary

Sega Chess (1991): A Masterful Chess Experience

Released in 1991, Sega Chess is a classic turn-based strategy game that brings the timeless game of chess to life on the Sega Genesis console. With its impressive graphics, challenging AI, and a variety of game modes, Sega Chess offers an engaging and rewarding experience for players of all skill levels.

Gameplay

Sega Chess follows the traditional rules of chess, where two players take turns moving their pieces across an 8×8 checkered board. The goal of the game is to checkmate the opponent’s king, which occurs when the king is under immediate threat of capture (check) and there is no legal move to remove that threat.

The game features a wide range of pieces, each with its own unique movement patterns:

  • Pawn: Moves forward one square at a time, except for its initial move where it can move two squares forward. Captures diagonally forward one square.
  • Knight: Moves in an “L” pattern – two squares in one direction and then one square perpendicularly. Can jump over other pieces.
  • Bishop: Moves diagonally any number of squares, staying on the same color.
  • Rook: Moves horizontally or vertically any number of squares.
  • Queen: The most powerful piece, combining the moves of the rook and bishop – can move any number of squares along a rank, file, or diagonal.
  • King: Moves one square in any direction – horizontal, vertical, or diagonal.

Graphics and Presentation

For its time, Sega Chess showcased impressive graphics that brought the chessboard and pieces to life. The 3D rendered pieces are detailed and visually appealing, with smooth animations that enhance the gameplay experience. The board itself is also well-designed, with clear squares and easy-to-read notation.

The game’s menu system is intuitive and user-friendly, allowing players to quickly set up games, adjust settings, and review their progress. The sound effects are minimal but effective, adding to the overall atmosphere of the game.

Game Modes

Sega Chess offers a variety of game modes to cater to different player preferences and skill levels:

  • One Player: Play against the computer AI, which offers adjustable difficulty levels.
  • Two Player: Play against a human opponent on the same console.
  • Tournament: Compete in a series of matches against the computer AI, with the goal of winning the tournament.
  • Puzzle Mode: Solve a collection of chess puzzles, which are designed to improve your strategic thinking and pattern recognition skills.

Artificial Intelligence

One of the standout features of Sega Chess is its challenging AI. The computer opponent adapts to your playstyle and provides a formidable challenge, even for experienced chess players. The AI offers multiple difficulty levels, allowing players to gradually improve their skills and strategies.

Learning and Improvement

Sega Chess is an excellent tool for learning and improving your chess skills. The puzzle mode provides a structured way to practice specific chess patterns and combinations. Additionally, the ability to review your games and analyze your moves can help you identify areas for improvement.

Legacy and Impact

Sega Chess was a critical and commercial success upon its release, and it remains a highly regarded chess game today. It is considered one of the best chess games available on the Sega Genesis console, and it continues to be enjoyed by chess enthusiasts around the world.

The game’s success helped popularize chess video games and paved the way for future titles in the genre. It also demonstrated the potential of the Sega Genesis console for handling complex strategy games.

Conclusion

Sega Chess (1991) is a timeless classic that offers a challenging and rewarding chess experience. With its impressive graphics, strong AI, and a variety of game modes, it appeals to both casual and experienced chess players alike. Whether you’re looking to improve your skills, solve puzzles, or simply enjoy a game of chess, Sega Chess is an excellent choice.

Review Score

8.5/10

0 FacebookTwitterPinterestEmail

Abrams Battle Tank (1989)

by Nish
written by Nish 5 minutes read

Summary

Abrams Battle Tank (1989): A Detailed Retrospective

Released in 1989, Abrams Battle Tank is a groundbreaking tank simulation game that puts players in the gunner’s seat of an M1A1 Abrams main battle tank. Developed by Dynamix and published by Electronic Arts, the game was a critical and commercial success, and is still considered one of the best tank sims ever made.

Gameplay

Abrams Battle Tank is a realistic tank simulation that accurately recreates the experience of operating an M1A1 Abrams tank. Players must manage their crew, ammo, and fuel, while engaging in intense tank battles against Soviet forces. The game features a variety of missions, from recon patrols to full-scale assaults, and players must use their tactical skills to overcome the enemy.

One of the most unique features of Abrams Battle Tank is its realistic damage model. Tanks can be damaged in a variety of ways, from shell impacts to track damage. Players must carefully manage their repairs to keep their tank in fighting condition.

Graphics and Sound

For its time, Abrams Battle Tank featured impressive graphics and sound. The game’s 3D engine allowed for realistic tank models and environments, and the sound effects were top-notch. The game’s music is also noteworthy, and helps to create a sense of tension and excitement.

Reception

Abrams Battle Tank was a critical and commercial success. The game was praised for its realism, graphics, and sound. It was also a hit with tank enthusiasts, who appreciated the game’s attention to detail.

Abrams Battle Tank has been ported to a variety of platforms over the years, including the PC, Amiga, and Sega Genesis. The game is still available for purchase today on GOG.com.

Legacy

Abrams Battle Tank is considered one of the best tank sims ever made. The game’s realism, graphics, and sound set a new standard for the genre. Abrams Battle Tank has also been credited with inspiring a new generation of tank sim developers.

Historical Context

Abrams Battle Tank was released at a time when the Cold War was still raging. The game’s realistic depiction of tank warfare helped to raise awareness of the threat posed by the Soviet Union. Abrams Battle Tank also helped to popularize the M1A1 Abrams tank, which is still in service today.

Cultural Impact

Abrams Battle Tank has had a significant cultural impact. The game has been featured in numerous articles and documentaries about video games and military history. Abrams Battle Tank has also been used as a training tool by the United States Army.

Conclusion

Abrams Battle Tank is a classic tank simulation game that still holds up today. The game’s realism, graphics, and sound are all top-notch, and the gameplay is both challenging and rewarding. If you’re a fan of tank sims, or if you’re just interested in military history, then you owe it to yourself to check out Abrams Battle Tank.

Additional Information

Review Score

8.5/10

Art

Cover Art

Screenshots

0 FacebookTwitterPinterestEmail

Columns II: The Voyage Through Time (1990)

by Christopher
written by Christopher 4 minutes read

Summary

Columns II: The Voyage Through Time (1990)

Columns II: The Voyage Through Time is a puzzle game developed and published by Sega. It was released in arcades in Japan in 1990, and later ported to the Sega Saturn in 1998 as part of the Sega Ages collection. Columns II is the sequel to the popular 1989 game Columns, and introduces a number of new features and gameplay mechanics.

Gameplay

The objective of Columns II is to match three or more gems of the same color together to make them disappear. The gems fall from the top of the screen in columns, and the player can move them left or right to line them up. Once three or more gems are matched, they will disappear and the gems above them will fall down to fill the gap.

New to Columns II is the time travel mechanic. The player can use the time travel device to rewind time and undo their last move. This can be helpful for getting out of difficult situations or for setting up combos.

Columns II also introduces a number of new power-ups. These power-ups can be collected by matching gems of the same color together. The power-ups include:

  • Bomb: Destroys all gems in a 3×3 area.
  • Laser: Destroys all gems in a horizontal row.
  • Star: Fills the entire screen with gems of the same color.
  • Clock: Stops time for a short period of time.

Modes

Columns II features a number of different modes, including:

  • Arcade Mode: The player must progress through a series of levels, each with its own unique challenge.
  • Versus Mode: Two players can compete against each other to see who can score the most points.
  • Puzzle Mode: The player must solve a series of puzzles.
  • Time Attack Mode: The player must clear as many lines as possible within a time limit.

Reception

Columns II was well-received by critics upon its release. The game was praised for its addictive gameplay, innovative time travel mechanic, and colorful graphics. Columns II was also a commercial success, selling over 1 million copies worldwide.

Legacy

Columns II is considered to be one of the best puzzle games of all time. The game’s innovative gameplay and time travel mechanic have been copied by many other puzzle games over the years. Columns II is still enjoyed by many gamers today, and it remains a popular choice for puzzle game enthusiasts.

Tips and Tricks

Here are a few tips and tricks to help you succeed in Columns II:

  • Look for combos. Matching four or more gems together will create a combo, which will earn you more points.
  • Use the time travel device wisely. The time travel device can be used to undo your last move or to set up combos.
  • Collect power-ups. Power-ups can be used to clear large numbers of gems and to help you out of difficult situations.
  • Don’t be afraid to experiment. There is no one right way to play Columns II. Experiment with different strategies and find what works best for you.

Conclusion

Columns II: The Voyage Through Time is a classic puzzle game that is still enjoyed by many gamers today. The game’s addictive gameplay, innovative time travel mechanic, and colorful graphics make it a must-play for any fan of puzzle games.

Review Score

8/10

0 FacebookTwitterPinterestEmail

Killer Shark (1972)

by Nish
written by Nish 4 minutes read

Summary

Killer Shark: The Original Shark Arcade Classic

Introduction

Killer Shark is a first-person light-gun shooter arcade game that was released by Sega in 1972. It is notable for being the first shark-themed arcade game, and for its appearance in the 1975 blockbuster movie Jaws. Killer Shark is a simple but addictive game that helped to popularize the light-gun shooter genre.

Gameplay

The objective of Killer Shark is to shoot as many sharks as possible before they reach the player. The player controls a diver who is armed with a speargun. The diver can move left and right, and can aim his speargun up and down. The player must shoot the sharks before they reach the diver, or the diver will lose a life.

Sharks come in different sizes and speeds. Some sharks are faster than others, and some sharks are larger than others. The player must be careful to aim carefully and to shoot the sharks before they get too close.

Killer Shark has four different levels. Each level is more difficult than the last. The player must shoot a certain number of sharks in order to complete each level.

Reception

Killer Shark was a moderate success in arcades. It was not as popular as some of Sega’s other arcade games, such as Space Invaders or Pac-Man, but it still managed to attract a loyal following. Killer Shark gained even more popularity after it was featured in the movie Jaws.

Critics praised Killer Shark for its simple but addictive gameplay. They also praised the game’s graphics and sound effects. Killer Shark is considered to be one of the best light-gun shooter arcade games of all time.

Legacy

Killer Shark is a classic arcade game that helped to popularize the light-gun shooter genre. It is also notable for being the first shark-themed arcade game. Killer Shark has been ported to a number of different platforms, including the Sega Genesis, the PlayStation 2, and the Xbox 360.

Killer Shark has been referenced in a number of other works of popular culture. For example, the game is featured in the movie Pixels, and it is also mentioned in the TV show Stranger Things.

Conclusion

Killer Shark is a classic arcade game that is still enjoyed by gamers today. Its simple but addictive gameplay and its historical significance make it a must-play for any fan of arcade games or light-gun shooters.

Additional Information

  • Killer Shark was developed by Sega AM2, which is now known as Sega CS1.
  • The game’s director was Hiroshi Suzuki, who also directed Space Invaders.
  • Killer Shark was released in Japan as Kaitei Daisakusen.
  • The game was ported to the Sega Genesis in 1992.
  • Killer Shark was also ported to the PlayStation 2 and Xbox 360 in 2006 as part of the Sega Genesis Collection.

Tips for Playing Killer Shark

  • Aim carefully and try to shoot the sharks before they get too close.
  • Use the environment to your advantage. You can hide behind rocks and other objects to avoid being hit by sharks.
  • Don’t be afraid to use your speargun’s rapid-fire mode. This can be helpful for taking out multiple sharks at once.
  • Be patient and don’t get discouraged if you die a few times. Killer Shark is a challenging game, but it is also very rewarding.
0 FacebookTwitterPinterestEmail

Forgotten Worlds (1988)

by Christopher
written by Christopher 7 minutes read

Summary

Forgotten Worlds (1988)

Forgotten Worlds is a run-and-gun arcade game released by Capcom in 1988. It is notable for its unique gameplay mechanics, which allow the player to control a flying character in any direction while aiming their weapon independently. The game was developed by a team led by Yoshiki Okamoto, who would later go on to create the Street Fighter series.

Forgotten Worlds is set in a post-apocalyptic world where the Earth has been ravaged by war. The player takes control of one of two soldiers, each equipped with a unique weapon. The first player controls a long-range automatic rifle, while the second player has a short-range wide shot.

The game is played from a side-scrolling perspective. The player character can move in any direction while flying, and can aim their weapon in one of sixteen directions. This allows for a great deal of freedom and flexibility in combat.

In addition to their main weapon, the player character is also equipped with a satellite module that provides backup firepower. The satellite module can be rotated independently of the player character, allowing the player to attack enemies from multiple angles.

The player can collect blue-colored coins known as “zennies” from defeating enemies. The zennies can be used to purchase power-up items from shops located at certain points in each stage. These items include new weapons for the satellite module, health kits, armor, and even tips on how to defeat the boss awaiting at the end of the current stage.

Forgotten Worlds consists of five stages with a total of eight bosses. The player will lose if their vitality gauge runs out, but will be given a chance to continue.

Gameplay

Forgotten Worlds is a fast-paced and action-packed run-and-gun game. The player character is constantly moving and shooting, and must be able to quickly adapt to the changing environment. The game’s unique control scheme allows for a great deal of precision and flexibility in combat.

The player character can move in any direction while flying, and can aim their weapon independently. This allows the player to attack enemies from any angle, and to quickly dodge incoming fire. The satellite module provides additional firepower, and can be used to attack enemies from multiple angles.

The game’s power-up system adds an element of strategy to the gameplay. The player can choose to purchase new weapons for the satellite module, health kits, armor, or tips on how to defeat the boss. The player must carefully consider which items to purchase, as they will need to use them wisely in order to survive.

Graphics

Forgotten Worlds’ graphics are colorful and detailed. The game’s backgrounds are lush and varied, and the character sprites are well-animated. The game’s bosses are particularly impressive, and each one has its own unique attack patterns.

Sound

Forgotten Worlds’ sound is excellent. The game’s music is catchy and upbeat, and the sound effects are realistic and immersive. The game’s voice acting is also top-notch, and the characters are all voiced by talented actors.

Overall

Forgotten Worlds is a classic run-and-gun arcade game that is still a blast to play today. The game’s unique gameplay mechanics, beautiful graphics, and excellent sound make it a must-play for fans of the genre.

Tips

  • Use the roll switch to quickly change your aim and to perform megacrush attacks.
  • Rotate the satellite module to attack enemies from multiple angles.
  • Purchase power-up items from shops to increase your firepower and survivability.
  • Be careful not to let your vitality gauge run out.
  • Practice makes perfect! The more you play Forgotten Worlds, the better you will become at it.

Trivia

  • Forgotten Worlds was originally released in Japan as Tatakai no Banka.
  • The game was ported to the Sega Genesis in 1990.
  • Forgotten Worlds was one of the first arcade games to feature a rotatable button.
  • The game’s soundtrack was composed by Manami Matsumae, who also composed the music for Mega Man and Street Fighter II.

Review Score

8.5/10

Art

Cover Art

Screenshots

0 FacebookTwitterPinterestEmail

Sonic Labyrinth (1995)

by Christopher
written by Christopher 5 minutes read

Summary

Sonic Labyrinth: A 3D Maze Adventure with the Blue Blur

Released in 1995 for the Sega Genesis, Sonic Labyrinth is a 3D maze game starring Sonic the Hedgehog. The game was developed by Sega and is notable for being one of the first Sonic games to feature isometric 3D gameplay.

Story

Dr. Robotnik has created a world of 3D mazes, into which he has thrown Sonic and added a whole new dimension to his life! Now the Dude with Attitude can spin dash in every direction – collecting keys to access hidden levels and bonus rooms as he never could before.

Sonic must navigate through these mazes, collecting keys and avoiding enemies, in order to reach the end and defeat Dr. Robotnik. Along the way, he will encounter a variety of obstacles, including traps, puzzles, and enemies.

Gameplay

Sonic Labyrinth is played from an isometric perspective. Sonic can move in eight directions and can spin dash in any direction. He can also jump and use his homing attack to target and hit enemies.

The goal of each level is to collect all of the keys and reach the exit. Keys are hidden throughout the levels, and some are only accessible by solving puzzles or defeating enemies.

Sonic Labyrinth features a variety of different level types, including mazes, obstacle courses, and boss battles. The game also features a number of hidden levels and bonus rooms.

Reception

Sonic Labyrinth received mixed reviews upon release. Some critics praised the game’s innovative 3D gameplay and challenging level design, while others criticized the game’s repetitive nature and lack of polish.

Despite the mixed reviews, Sonic Labyrinth has become a cult classic among Sonic fans. The game’s unique gameplay and challenging levels have made it a favorite among those who enjoy a good puzzle-platformer.

Legacy

Sonic Labyrinth was one of the first Sonic games to feature 3D gameplay. The game’s success helped to pave the way for future Sonic games that would embrace 3D gameplay, such as Sonic Adventure and Sonic Heroes.

Sonic Labyrinth has also been re-released on a number of platforms, including the Sonic Mega Collection Plus, the Sonic Adventure DX: Director’s Cut, and the Nintendo 3DS Virtual Console.

Tips for Playing Sonic Labyrinth

Here are a few tips for playing Sonic Labyrinth:

  • Use the spin dash to quickly move through levels and avoid enemies.
  • Be careful not to fall off the edges of platforms.
  • Use the homing attack to target and hit enemies.
  • Explore every nook and cranny to find hidden keys and bonus rooms.
  • Don’t be afraid to experiment with different paths through the levels.

Conclusion

Sonic Labyrinth is a fun and challenging 3D maze game that is sure to please fans of Sonic the Hedgehog and puzzle-platformers alike. The game’s innovative gameplay and challenging level design have made it a cult classic among Sonic fans.

If you’re looking for a challenging and rewarding Sonic game, then Sonic Labyrinth is definitely worth checking out.

Review Score

7.5/10

Art

Cover Art

Screenshots

0 FacebookTwitterPinterestEmail

Star Jacker (1983)

by Christopher
written by Christopher 5 minutes read

Summary

Star Jacker (1983): A Pioneering Vertical Scrolling Shooter with a Twist

Introduction:

Star Jacker is a groundbreaking vertical scrolling shooter released in arcades in 1983 by Konami. It stands out from its contemporaries with its unique gameplay mechanics, which involve controlling three ships simultaneously and utilizing both air-to-air and air-to-ground combat. Star Jacker laid the foundation for future scrolling shooters and left a lasting impact on the genre.

Gameplay:

The player takes control of three fighter jets flying in formation at the bottom of the screen. All three ships move and shoot independently, allowing for a wide range of strategies and tactics. The lead ship is the primary attacker, while the two trailing ships provide support and additional firepower.

The game progresses through a series of vertically scrolling levels, each with its own unique set of enemies and obstacles. Players must navigate their ships through waves of enemy fighters, dodging their attacks and returning fire. In addition to air combat, Star Jacker also incorporates ground targets, which the player can destroy by dropping bombs.

Innovative Features:

One of the most distinctive features of Star Jacker is its three-ship formation. This mechanic allows for a greater degree of control and flexibility compared to other shooters of the time, which typically featured a single ship. Players can spread out their ships to cover a wider area, focus their fire on a single target, or use one ship as a decoy while the others attack.

Another innovative aspect of Star Jacker is its inclusion of air-to-ground combat. While many shooters at the time focused solely on air-to-air battles, Star Jacker introduced the ability to attack ground targets. This added an extra layer of strategy and depth to the gameplay, as players had to decide when to engage with ground targets and when to prioritize air combat.

Difficulty and Challenge:

Star Jacker is known for its challenging difficulty, which was common in arcade games of the era. The game features relentless waves of enemies, and the player’s ships are fragile and easily destroyed. Losing any of the three ships results in a momentary pause and a reset of the formation, but the game continues without any continues or extra lives.

This high level of difficulty adds to the game’s replayability, as players are constantly striving to improve their skills and progress further through the levels. It also encourages strategic gameplay, as players must carefully manage their ships and resources to survive.

Legacy and Impact:

Star Jacker had a significant influence on the development of vertical scrolling shooters. Its innovative gameplay mechanics, particularly the three-ship formation and air-to-ground combat, became influential in later games in the genre.

Star Jacker’s legacy can be seen in numerous subsequent shooters, such as the Gradius series, R-Type, and Darius. These games expanded upon the ideas introduced in Star Jacker, adding new features, power-ups, and enemy types while retaining the core gameplay elements of vertical scrolling and multiple ships.

Conclusion:

Star Jacker (1983) is a pioneering vertical scrolling shooter that introduced innovative gameplay mechanics and set the stage for future games in the genre. Its unique three-ship formation and air-to-ground combat added depth and strategy to the gameplay, while its challenging difficulty and high replayability kept players engaged. Star Jacker remains an influential and enjoyable game that showcases the creativity and innovation of early arcade shooters.

Review Score

8.5/10

Art

Cover Art

Screenshots

0 FacebookTwitterPinterestEmail
Newer Posts
Older Posts

This website uses cookies to improve your experience. We'll assume you're ok with this, but you can opt-out if you wish. Accept Read More