Publisher: Sony Imagesoft

3 Ninjas Kick Back (1994)

by Christopher
written by Christopher 5 minutes read

Summary

3 Ninjas Kick Back: A Nostalgic Adventure with a Unique Blend of Action and Humor

Released in 1994 for the Super Nintendo Entertainment System (SNES), 3 Ninjas Kick Back is an action-adventure game based on the popular martial arts film trilogy. Players take control of one of the three ninja brothers – Rocky, Colt, or Tum Tum – and embark on a quest to rescue their grandfather and defeat the evil Koga.

Gameplay: A Blend of Action and Platforming

3 Ninjas Kick Back combines elements of action and platforming, creating a diverse and engaging gameplay experience. Players navigate through side-scrolling levels, battling enemies, solving puzzles, and collecting power-ups. Each ninja brother has unique abilities, such as Rocky’s speed, Colt’s strength, and Tum Tum’s agility, adding variety to the gameplay.

The game features a variety of enemy types, from wild animals to ninjas and even heavy metal rockers. Players must use their martial arts skills and weapons, such as nunchucks, sais, and staffs, to defeat their opponents. The game also incorporates platforming elements, requiring players to jump, climb, and navigate obstacles to progress through the levels.

Story: A Nostalgic Adventure

The story of 3 Ninjas Kick Back follows the events of the first two films in the movie series. The evil Koga has kidnapped Grandfather Mori and stolen his ceremonial dagger. The three ninjas set out on a rescue mission, traveling through various locations, including a forest, a city, and a mountaintop temple.

Along the way, the ninjas encounter a cast of colorful characters, including the spaced-out heavy metal rockers and a wise old sensei. The game’s story is lighthearted and humorous, capturing the spirit of the films it is based on.

Graphics and Sound: Charming Pixel Art and Nostalgic Tunes

3 Ninjas Kick Back features charming pixel art graphics that evoke the era of 16-bit gaming. The character sprites are detailed and expressive, and the backgrounds are colorful and varied. The game’s soundtrack is also memorable, featuring catchy tunes that enhance the overall atmosphere.

Replayability and Challenge

3 Ninjas Kick Back offers a good amount of replayability, thanks to its multiple playable characters and challenging difficulty. Players can choose to play as any of the three ninjas, each with their own unique abilities and playstyles. The game also features multiple difficulty levels, providing a challenge for both casual and experienced gamers.

Legacy and Impact

3 Ninjas Kick Back was a popular game upon its release, and it remains a beloved classic among fans of the genre. The game’s unique blend of action and humor, combined with its nostalgic appeal, has ensured its place in gaming history.

Conclusion

3 Ninjas Kick Back is a fun and engaging action-adventure game that captures the spirit of the popular movie series. With its charming pixel art graphics, catchy soundtrack, and challenging gameplay, the game provides a nostalgic experience for fans of the films and retro gaming enthusiasts alike. Whether you’re a seasoned ninja warrior or a newcomer to the genre, 3 Ninjas Kick Back is an adventure worth experiencing.

Review Score

6.5/10

Art

Cover Art

Screenshots

0 FacebookTwitterPinterestEmail

Cliffhanger (1989)

by Christopher
written by Christopher 5 minutes read

Summary

Cliffhanger (1989): A Retro Side-Scrolling Beat ‘Em Up

Released in 1989, Cliffhanger is a side-scrolling beat ’em up based on the Stallone film of the same name. The game follows Stallone’s character, Gabe Walker, as he tracks down suitcases of stolen cash dropped around the peaks of the Rockies.

Gameplay

Cliffhanger is a standard side-scrolling beat ’em up in the vein of Final Fight. Players control Gabe Walker as he fights his way through hordes of thugs, using a variety of punches, kicks, and throws. The game also features some unique environmental hazards, such as cliffs and avalanches, that players must navigate.

One of the things that sets Cliffhanger apart from other beat ’em ups is its focus on climbing and jumping. Gabe must often scale cliffs and leap over gaps in order to progress through the levels. This adds an extra layer of challenge to the game and helps to keep things interesting.

Graphics and Sound

For its time, Cliffhanger’s graphics were quite impressive. The characters and backgrounds are all well-detailed and the animation is fluid. The game also features some impressive cutscenes that help to move the story along.

The sound in Cliffhanger is also top-notch. The music is catchy and the sound effects are realistic. The game’s voice acting is also quite good, with Stallone himself providing the voice of Gabe Walker.

Story

The story in Cliffhanger is identical to the film, with levels based off of, or inspired by, scenes in the movie. The game does a good job of capturing the excitement of the film and translating it into a video game format.

Overall

Cliffhanger is a fun and challenging side-scrolling beat ’em up that captures the excitement of the movie it’s based on. The game’s graphics, sound, and gameplay are all top-notch and the story is engaging. If you’re a fan of beat ’em ups or the Cliffhanger film, then you’ll definitely want to check this game out.

Here are some additional details about the game:

  • The game was developed by Ocean Software and published by Psygnosis.
  • It was released on the Amiga, Atari ST, Commodore 64, DOS, Sega CD, and ZX Spectrum.
  • The Sega CD version of the game features full-motion video cutscenes from the film.
  • The game received mixed reviews from critics, with some praising its graphics and gameplay and others criticizing its repetitive nature.

Despite its mixed reviews, Cliffhanger remains a popular cult classic among fans of beat ’em ups and the Cliffhanger film.

Review Score

7/10

Art

Cover Art

Screenshots

0 FacebookTwitterPinterestEmail

ESPN National Hockey Night (1994)

by Christopher
written by Christopher 4 minutes read

Summary

ESPN National Hockey Night (1994): A Deep Dive

ESPN National Hockey Night was one of the many hockey games released back in the day. This one featured all the NHL teams for its time, but lacked an official players license. Despite this, the game was still a solid hockey experience with plenty of features and options.

Gameplay

ESPN National Hockey Night offers four game modes to choose from: Exhibition, Challenge, Playoff, and Season. Exhibition mode is your standard one-off game, while Challenge mode pits you against a series of increasingly difficult opponents. Playoff mode lets you compete for the Stanley Cup, and Season mode lets you manage your team through a full 82-game season.

The game features both a horizontal and vertical perspective of the ice, which gives you a variety of ways to view the action. You can also choose to play with or without icing, and you can set the game speed to your liking.

One of the things that sets ESPN National Hockey Night apart from other hockey games of its era is its commentary. The game features the voice of Bill Clement, who provides play-by-play commentary that is both informative and entertaining.

Graphics and Sound

The graphics in ESPN National Hockey Night are solid for a 16-bit game. The players and the ice are all well-detailed, and the animations are smooth. The game also features some nice touches, such as the ability to see the puck trail behind the players as they skate.

The sound in ESPN National Hockey Night is also good. The crowd noise is realistic, and the sound effects are all well-done. The music is a bit repetitive, but it’s not too distracting.

Controls

The controls in ESPN National Hockey Night are simple and easy to learn. You use the D-pad to move your players around the ice, and the buttons to shoot, pass, and check. The controls are responsive and the game plays smoothly.

Overall

ESPN National Hockey Night is a solid hockey game with plenty of features and options. The lack of an official players license is a bit disappointing, but overall this is a fun and challenging game.

Review Score

7.5/10

Pros

  • Solid gameplay
  • Variety of game modes
  • Good graphics and sound
  • Easy to learn controls

Cons

  • No official players license
  • Music can be repetitive

Review Score

7.5/10

Art

Cover Art

Screenshots

0 FacebookTwitterPinterestEmail

Bram Stoker’s Dracula (1993)

by Christopher
written by Christopher 6 minutes read

Summary

Bram Stoker’s Dracula (1993): A Classic Horror Game

Bram Stoker’s Dracula is a horror video game released in 1993 for multiple platforms, including the Sega CD, Super Nintendo Entertainment System (SNES), and Game Boy. The game is loosely based on the 1992 film of the same name, which in turn is based on Bram Stoker’s classic novel Dracula.

The plot of the game follows Jonathan Harker, a young lawyer who travels to Transylvania to meet Count Dracula. Harker soon discovers that Dracula is a vampire, and he must escape from his castle and defeat him.

The gameplay varies depending on the platform. The Sega CD version is a side-scrolling action game, while the SNES and Game Boy versions are more traditional platformers. All versions of the game feature digitized graphics and voice acting, which was cutting-edge for the time.

The Sega CD version of Bram Stoker’s Dracula is particularly impressive. The game’s graphics are lush and detailed, and the use of digitized backgrounds and FMV cutscenes creates a truly immersive experience. The voice acting is also top-notch, with Christopher Lee reprising his role as Dracula from the film.

The gameplay in the Sega CD version is solid, if not spectacular. The side-scrolling action is fast-paced and exciting, and the game’s seven stages offer a good variety of challenges. The game is also quite difficult, which may be a turn-off for some players.

The SNES and Game Boy versions of Bram Stoker’s Dracula are less impressive than the Sega CD version, but they are still solid platformers. The graphics are less detailed, and the gameplay is more simplistic, but both versions of the game are still fun to play.

Overall, Bram Stoker’s Dracula is a classic horror game that still holds up today. The Sega CD version is the definitive version of the game, but the SNES and Game Boy versions are also worth checking out.

Gameplay

The gameplay in Bram Stoker’s Dracula varies depending on the platform. The Sega CD version is a side-scrolling action game, while the SNES and Game Boy versions are more traditional platformers.

Sega CD

The Sega CD version of Bram Stoker’s Dracula is a side-scrolling action game. The player controls Jonathan Harker as he travels through seven stages, based on scenes from the film. Harker can attack enemies with a variety of weapons, including a knife, a whip, and a crossbow. He can also use special abilities, such as jumping over obstacles and climbing walls.

The Sega CD version of Bram Stoker’s Dracula also features digitized backgrounds, digitized actors/objects, voice briefings before each level and full motion video (FMV) cutscenes from the film.

SNES

The SNES version of Bram Stoker’s Dracula is a more traditional platformer. The player controls Jonathan Harker as he jumps and shoots his way through seven stages. Harker can collect power-ups to increase his health and attack power.

The SNES version of Bram Stoker’s Dracula is less graphically impressive than the Sega CD version, but it is still a solid platformer. The gameplay is fast-paced and exciting, and the game’s seven stages offer a good variety of challenges.

Game Boy

The Game Boy version of Bram Stoker’s Dracula is a more simplistic platformer than the Sega CD and SNES versions. The player controls Jonathan Harker as he jumps and shoots his way through five stages. Harker can collect power-ups to increase his health and attack power.

The Game Boy version of Bram Stoker’s Dracula is not as graphically impressive as the Sega CD and SNES versions, and the gameplay is more simplistic. However, it is still a fun and challenging platformer.

Graphics and Sound

The graphics in Bram Stoker’s Dracula vary depending on the platform. The Sega CD version is the most impressive, with its digitized backgrounds, digitized actors/objects, and FMV cutscenes. The SNES and Game Boy versions are less graphically impressive, but they are still solid platformers.

The sound in Bram Stoker’s Dracula is also top-notch. The music is atmospheric and suspenseful, and the sound effects are realistic and immersive.

Overall

Bram Stoker’s Dracula is a classic horror game that still holds up today. The Sega CD version is the definitive version of the game, but the SNES and Game Boy versions are also worth checking out.

Pros

  • Immersive atmosphere
  • Solid gameplay
  • Excellent graphics and sound
  • Faithful to the source material

Cons

  • High difficulty
  • Repetitive gameplay
  • Short length

Review Score

7.5/10

Art

Cover Art

Screenshots

0 FacebookTwitterPinterestEmail

Bram Stoker’s Dracula (1993)

by Christopher
written by Christopher 5 minutes read

Summary

Bram Stoker’s Dracula (1993): A Classic Horror Platformer

Released in 1993, Bram Stoker’s Dracula is a platformer game loosely based on the 1992 film of the same name. The game was released simultaneously for multiple consoles, including the Super Nintendo Entertainment System (SNES), Sega Genesis, and Game Boy. While the plot remains largely the same across all versions, there are differing styles of gameplay and graphics.

The SNES version of Bram Stoker’s Dracula is a side-scrolling platformer. Players control Jonathan Harker, a young lawyer who has been sent to Transylvania to meet with Count Dracula. Harker soon finds himself trapped in Dracula’s castle and must fight his way out, while also rescuing other prisoners and defeating Dracula’s minions.

The gameplay in Bram Stoker’s Dracula is varied and challenging. Harker can use a variety of weapons to defeat enemies, including a knife, a sword, and a crucifix. He can also use his environment to his advantage, such as by jumping on platforms and swinging from ropes.

The graphics in Bram Stoker’s Dracula are impressive for the time. The game’s backgrounds are detailed and atmospheric, and the character sprites are well-animated. The game also features some impressive special effects, such as the use of parallax scrolling and Mode 7 graphics.

The SNES version of Bram Stoker’s Dracula was generally well-received by critics. The game was praised for its graphics, gameplay, and atmosphere. However, some critics found the game to be too difficult and repetitive.

Gameplay

The gameplay in Bram Stoker’s Dracula is varied and challenging. Harker can use a variety of weapons to defeat enemies, including a knife, a sword, and a crucifix. He can also use his environment to his advantage, such as by jumping on platforms and swinging from ropes.

The game is divided into six levels, each of which takes place in a different location. The levels are:

  • Dracula’s Castle
  • The Village
  • The Forest
  • The Mountains
  • The Monastery
  • The Final Battle

Each level is filled with enemies and obstacles that Harker must overcome. Harker must also find keys to unlock doors and collect items to help him on his quest.

Graphics

The graphics in Bram Stoker’s Dracula are impressive for the time. The game’s backgrounds are detailed and atmospheric, and the character sprites are well-animated. The game also features some impressive special effects, such as the use of parallax scrolling and Mode 7 graphics.

The SNES version of Bram Stoker’s Dracula was one of the first games to use Mode 7 graphics. Mode 7 is a graphical mode that allows for the creation of 3D-like effects. In Bram Stoker’s Dracula, Mode 7 is used to create a sense of depth in the game’s backgrounds.

Music and Sound Effects

The music and sound effects in Bram Stoker’s Dracula are also top-notch. The game’s music is composed by Michiru Yamane, who is known for her work on other classic video games such as Castlevania: Symphony of the Night. The music in Bram Stoker’s Dracula is atmospheric and suspenseful, and it helps to create a sense of dread and unease.

The sound effects in Bram Stoker’s Dracula are also well-done. The game’s sound effects are realistic and immersive, and they help to bring the game’s world to life.

Overall

Bram Stoker’s Dracula is a classic horror platformer that perfectly captures the atmosphere of the film. The game’s graphics, gameplay, and music are all top-notch, and it’s sure to please fans of horror and gaming alike.

Review Score

9/10

Review Score

7.5/10

Art

Cover Art

Screenshots

0 FacebookTwitterPinterestEmail

Altered Space (1991)

by Christopher
written by Christopher 4 minutes read

Summary

Altered Space (1991)

Released in 1991 for the Game Boy, Altered Space is a groundbreaking isometric adventure game that puts players in the role of an astronaut trapped on an alien spaceship. With its innovative gameplay and challenging levels, Altered Space quickly became a cult classic among Game Boy fans.

Gameplay

The player controls an astronaut who must navigate a series of isometric levels, avoiding aliens and other hazards while searching for a way to escape. The game is played from a third-person perspective, and the player can move their character in all directions.

One of the unique features of Altered Space is its oxygen system. The player’s astronaut must constantly replenish his oxygen supply by finding oxygen tanks scattered throughout the levels. If the player runs out of oxygen, their astronaut will die.

Another challenge in Altered Space is the game’s enemies. The player will encounter a variety of aliens, each with their own unique abilities. Some aliens are aggressive and will attack the player on sight, while others are more passive and can be avoided.

The player must use their wits and skills to survive in Altered Space. The game requires careful planning and execution, as well as quick reflexes.

Levels

Altered Space features a total of 100 levels, each with its own unique challenges. The levels are set in a variety of environments, including space stations, alien planets, and even inside the alien spaceship itself.

The early levels of Altered Space are relatively easy, but the difficulty ramps up quickly as the player progresses. The later levels are extremely challenging, and require the player to master all of the game’s mechanics in order to survive.

Graphics and Sound

For a Game Boy game, Altered Space has impressive graphics. The isometric perspective gives the game a sense of depth and realism, and the character and enemy sprites are well-animated. The game’s soundtrack is also excellent, and helps to create a tense and atmospheric experience.

Legacy

Altered Space was a critical and commercial success, and is considered one of the best Game Boy games of all time. The game’s innovative gameplay and challenging levels have inspired many other games, and it remains a popular choice for retro gamers today.

In 2007, Altered Space was re-released on the Nintendo Virtual Console. The game is also available on a number of other platforms, including mobile devices and emulators.

Tips for Playing Altered Space

  • Conserve your oxygen. Oxygen is essential for survival in Altered Space. Be sure to find oxygen tanks regularly to replenish your supply.
  • Avoid enemies. The aliens in Altered Space are deadly. If possible, avoid them altogether.
  • Use your weapons wisely. The player’s astronaut is equipped with a variety of weapons, including a laser gun and a flamethrower. Use these weapons to defend yourself against enemies.
  • Be patient. Altered Space is a challenging game. Don’t get discouraged if you die a few times. Just keep trying and you’ll eventually make it through.

Conclusion

Altered Space is a classic Game Boy game that still holds up today. With its innovative gameplay, challenging levels, and impressive graphics, Altered Space is a must-play for any fan of retro gaming.

Review Score

8/10

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