Rambo III (Sega Master System review)

Developer: Sega
Publisher: Sega
Released: 1988

Rambo III is a light-gun game that requires the Sega Light Phaser.

+ Light Phaser's accuracy is awesome, even for the smaller targets that sit toward the back of the playfield.

+ Stage 7 is a brilliant change of pace, as suddenly you're running away from the screen to battle tanks and helicopters.

+ Lots of strategy in using recovery pills at the best time, and killing foes before they fire recovers some of your life metre.

+ Skilled play is compensated through bonus points for unused bombs, recovery pills, ammo and remaining life.

+ Amazingly detailed character art of Sylvester Stallone, and the music strikes a defiant tone that accentuates the gameplay.

- There's only one boss battle, and Stages 1-6 don't build up to any dramatic set-pieces or memorable moments.

- Even with heavy memorisation, taking damage is inevitable due to bad guys that start firing before entering the screen.