James Pond 3: Operation Starfish (Sega Mega Drive / Genesis review)

Developer: Millennium Interactive, Vectordean
Publisher: Electronic Arts
Released: 1993

James Pond 3: Operation Starfish is a platformer that was later ported to the Sega Game Gear in 1995.

+ Features 100+ levels and the M.C. Kids (1992, NES) inspired gravitational elements open up the stages for exploration.

+ Like Turrican (1990, C64), there's a mountain of collectables to find if you want to see everything the game has to offer.

- Tries to be both a slower Mario game and a fast-paced Sonic title, but the juxtaposition of styles doesn't mesh well.

- Repetitive level design is littered with unavoidable hazards and brutal enemy placement that relies on trial-and-error.

- Often forces you to jump around like an idiot in the hope of finding a hidden block to advance the path forward.

- Stiff aerial controls when jumping horizontally from a prone position, and oversensitive while dashing in mid-air.

- Weapons and attacks feel weak due to overbearing enemies, and the 22 symbol password system is convoluted.

Boogerman: A Pick and Flick Adventure (Sega Mega Drive / Genesis review)

Developer: Interplay
Publisher: Interplay
Released: 1994

Boogerman: A Pick and Flick Adventure is an action game that was re-released on the Nintendo Wii Virtual Console in 2008.

+ Stages offer sprawling verticality that allows curious players to traverse the environments in a more methodical way.

+ Focus on item collection adds a scavenger hunt element, and the elusive sewer areas provide fun, bite-sized challenges.

+ Mixture of short and long-range attacks gives ample ways to approach combat, and the ability to fly opens up the levels.

+ Animation is incredible, with expressive characters that ooze personality, and the music fits the kooky vibe.

- Gameplay doesn't do anything to advance its initial concepts, resulting in repetitive levels that blur together.

- Lots of blind leaps of faith and enemies that respawn out of thin air, and the disappointing boss battles are too samey.

- Controls have a slippery feel and the dodgy collision detection / spaced-out checkpoints amplify the frustrations.

Sunset Riders (Sega Mega Drive / Genesis review)

Developer: Konami
Publisher: Konami
Released: 1992

Sunset Riders is an action game that was released in the Arcade in 1991 and ported to the Super Nintendo in 1993.

+ Stage design resembles Rolling Thunder (1986, Arcade) due to dual platform levels, and the stray coins add risk-reward.

+ Includes an exclusive two-player Versus option, and the co-op mode shows the hit-rate which is great for bragging rights!

+ Has more control flexibility than the Arcade original, as you can either fire from a stationary position or while moving.

- However, it's very much an incomplete port, as four stages and two playable characters are completely absent.

- Doesn't hold a candle next to the SNES version which has more content, superior audio / animation and brighter colours.

- Bonus stages offer little in the way of variety or fun, as it's weirdly tough to judge depth perception when chasing items.

- Voice clips for each boss are missing (text boxes are used instead), which lessens their charm and personality.

Road Rash 3: Tour De Force (Sega Mega Drive / Genesis review)

Developer: Monkey Do Productions
Publisher: Electronic Arts
Released: 1995

Road Rash 3: Tour De Force is a vehicular combat racing game that's exclusive to Sega's 16-bit console.

+ Lengthy solo mode with plenty of options / upgrades to sink your teeth into, and there's a handy password feature.

+ Racing is as chaotic as ever, and the fast-paced action makes you constantly feel on the very edge of control.

+ Adding European countries is inspired, as some force you to retrain your brain by driving on the opposite side of the road.

+ Heavy metal intro track sets the mood with crazy double-kick drums, and there's some hilarious post-race cut-scenes.

- Gameplay offers nothing different to advance the series and the new courses only serve as bland racing backdrops.

- Low frame-rate makes it almost impossible to accurately dodge incoming traffic with any degree of consistency.

- New digitised character sprites create an unappealing, angular look that feels detached from the road / scenery.

Sonic 3 & Knuckles (Sega Mega Drive / Genesis review)

Developer: Sonic Team
Publisher: Sega
Released: 1994

Sonic 3 & Knuckles is a platformer that combines Sonic 3 (1994) and Sonic & Knuckles (1994) into one game.

+ Levels are enormous with multiple routes, and the ability to play as Knuckles increases replayability due to his unique skills.

+ Worlds often have completely different scenic / gameplay concepts between acts, as well as almost seamless transitions.

+ Harks back to the original Sonic (1991, Sega Genesis) in terms of mixing pure speed with methodical platforming.

+ Power-ups add a new wrinkle to the gameplay and give you fresh ways to tackle both the environments and opponents. 

+ Graphics are stunningly beautiful, with some jaw-dropping animation, background effects and parallax scrolling.

+ Iconic 3D bonus stages are a joy to speed around, and the game provides eight save slots to continue your progress.

- Bosses pose little challenge and as long as you have a ring you can avoid skill and just brute force your way to victory.

Virtua Fighter Animation (Sega Game Gear review)

Developer: Aspect
Publisher: Sega of America
Released: 1996

Virtua Fighter Animation is a one-on-one fighter that was ported to the Sega Master System in 1997 in Brazil only.

+ Retains the feel of Virtua Fighter (1993, Arcade) with a good range of fighters that are unlocked as the story progresses.

+ Impressive number of moves are available, and unlike the SMS port this one has a guard / associated special moves.

+ The story is so ludicrous that you'll want to stick around to see what madcap adventures the fighters get themselves into!

+ Music is top-tier and the dual camera angles that switch during combat offer an innovative approach that works.

- Some attacks are cumbersome to execute and you can spam repeated high kicks instead for an easy path to the credits.

- There's no Gear-to-Gear Cable support, so those looking for multiplayer should seek out the console version.

- No difficulty settings and there's zero in the way of customisation options (e.g. timer length, number of bouts).

20 em 1 (Sega Master System review)

Developer: Tec Toy
Publisher: Tec Toy
Released: 1995

20 em 1 is a mini-game compilation that was only released in Brazil.

+ Mini-games are suitable for a young audience who may find minor enjoyment in the simple Game & Watch style action.

- Despite having 20 games, there's really only a handful of gameplay styles due to core concepts being repeated.

- No.4 is a platform game with no enemies or gaps, and no.17 has some of the jerkiest horizontal scrolling you'll ever see.

- No.7 is a bike game where you literally drive for 15 seconds while avoiding sparse obstacles with poor collision detection.

- Lazily, no.8 and no.19 are the exact same driving game, except one scrolls upwards instead of downwards!

- Doesn't detail the pass criteria for each game, so you're completely in the dark until your finished attempt is graded.

- A singular music track is repeated throughout every game and its clinking tones will slowly drive you insane!

Virtua Fighter Animation (Sega Master System review)

Developer: Aspect
Publisher: Tec Toy
Released: 1997

Virtua Fighter Animation is a one-on-one fighter that was originally released on the Sega Game Gear in 1996.

+ Retains the feel of Virtua Fighter (1993, Arcade) with a good range of fighters that are unlocked as the story progresses.

+ Includes a multiplayer mode not found in the handheld version, and the decent quality voice samples add personality.

+ The story is so ludicrous that you'll want to stick around to see what madcap adventures the fighters get themselves into!

+ Music could be mistaken for a top-tier Neo Geo Pocket Color game, and the cut-scenes feature beautiful artwork.

- Missing the zoomed-in camera angle from the Game Gear version, and all moves that require a guard button have been cut.

- Some attacks are cumbersome to execute and you can spam repeated high kicks instead for an easy path to the credits.

- No difficulty settings and the two-player mode is devoid of match customisation options (e.g. timer length, number of bouts).

Wagyan Land (Sega Game Gear review)

Developer: Now Production
Publisher: Namco
Released: 1991

Wagyan Land is a platformer and an enhanced port of the 1989 Nintendo Famicom title of the same name.

+ World map has multiple routes for you to explore, which is a great incentive to return for repeated attempts.

+ Enemies can be stunned to create platforms, which is a brilliant gimmick for strategically traversing the environments.

+ Later stages add a few new wrinkles to keep things fresh, including spring boots that allow you to stomp on bad guys.

+ Colourful graphics are reminiscent of Namco's Pac-Land (1984, Arcade) and there's some neat platform layering effects.

- Like Yo Noid! (1990, NES), the game has an identity crisis and doesn't stay on one idea long enough to make an impact.

- Word chain boss battles slow the gameplay down unnecessarily and it's tough for non-Japanese speakers to partake.

- Obtaining four Wagyanizers grants invincibility, but it's too overpowered and allows you to skip 60-70% of most levels.

WWF WrestleMania: The Arcade Game (Sega 32X review)

Developer: Sculptured Software, The Black Team
Publisher: Acclaim Entertainment
Released: 1995

WWF WrestleMania: The Arcade Game is a wrestling title that was also ported to the Sega Genesis in 1995.

+ Beat-em-up gameplay is atypical for the genre, but seamlessly blends grappling with slapstick attacks and projectiles.

+ Large roster of wrestlers are available, each with extensive move sets that are executed via simple button commands.

+ Handicap bouts are great fun, and two players can battle against each other, or cooperatively against the CPU.

+ Features more frames of animation compared to the Genesis version and the voice clips are much higher in quality.

- However, the action only runs at 30FPS (half the Genesis port) and the overall upgrades from the 16-bit version are minimal.

- While there are difficulty options, the CPU is brutally aggressive which doesn't help with easing new players in.

- Needed additional solo modes, and it's a shame the Royal Rumble is exclusive to the WWF Championship finale.

WWF WrestleMania: The Arcade Game (Sega Mega Drive / Genesis review)

Developer: Sculptured Software, The Black Team
Publisher: Acclaim Entertainment
Released: 1995

WWF WrestleMania: The Arcade Game is a wrestling title that was also ported to the Sega 32X and SNES in 1995.

+ Beat-em-up gameplay is atypical for the genre, but seamlessly blends grappling with slapstick attacks and projectiles.

+ Larger roster than the SNES port and wrestlers have extensive move sets that are executed via simple button commands.

+ Handicap bouts are great fun, and two players can battle against each other, or cooperatively against the CPU.

+ Combo metre is a key inclusion, as you can quickly turn the tide by doing massive damage in a short burst.

+ Motion capture animation is impressive and unlike the 30FPS Sega 32X version, this runs at double the frame-rate.

- While there are difficulty options, the CPU is brutally aggressive which doesn't help with easing new players in.

- Missing most of Jerry Lawler's commentary and there's noticeable slowdown when four wrestlers are on screen.

Virtua Fighter (Sega 32X review)

Developer: Sega CS4
Publisher: Sega
Released: 1995

Virtua Fighter is a one-on-one fighting game that was originally released in the Arcade in 1993.

+ Enormous amount of moves for each fighter, and the slow, methodical gameplay is a nice change of pace for the genre.

+ Being able to attack a downed opponent opens up the combat and there's nothing more satisfying than using it for a K.O.!

+ Responsive controls and the game runs at a rock solid frame-rate, even in widescreen mode which performs admirably.

+ Music is outstanding, and despite some graphical cutbacks the game holds its own against the Sega Saturn version (1995).

- Could have used a Training mode, as the number of moves and steep learning curve can be overwhelming to newcomers.

- Rather than immediately transitioning from one enemy to the next, a short pre-fight build-up would have added personality.

- Has noticeable bugs, such as in the Backside 1P camera angle where foes can continually walk backwards for a Ring Out.

Meltdown (Atari 7800 review)

Developer: Atari Corporation
Publisher: Atari Corporation
Released: 1990

Meltdown is an action game that requires the Atari XG-1 light-gun.

+ Bonus blocks add risk-reward, and there's a huge 20 stages along with a useful passkey system to continue progress.

+ Has a few power-ups that change per stage, and the continuous fire upgrade turns the action into utter carnage!

+ Ingeniously, missed shots create a temporary blast barrier that can be used to ricochet sparkx away from your rods.

+ Screen shaking when close to meltdown is intense, and the Game Over screen resembles Missile Command (1980, Arcade).

- Enemies are represented by minuscule sprites, which can make it difficult to target them with real accuracy and skill.

- While the light-gun is serviceable, it's a shame that a controller option wasn't implemented to cater to all players.

- Music is utterly dreadful and the repetitive, pitchy tones are frequently out of time with the accompanying percussion.

Crossbow (Atari 7800 review)

Developer: Imagineering
Publisher: Atari Corporation
Released: 1987

Crossbow is a target shooter that was originally released in the Arcade in 1983.

+ Fun comes not from shooting everything, but from swiftly evaluating the most immediate threat(s) to your friends.

+ Once you start collecting friends, there's a sense of attachment and making sure you protect them is a real responsibility!

+ Wide range of enemy types, as well as environmental hazards and scenic interaction that adds to the immersion.

+ Build up to the Evil Master is brilliantly ghoulish and there's some neat graphical effects once he's defeated.

+ Light-gun offers pinpoint precision, but the game still plays well with a d-pad crosshair thanks to its reactive movements.

- Can be disorientating unless you create a map, as the coloured route options don't reveal their path until chosen.

- SFX are abrasive and the sprite work resembles something you might see on the Colecovision rather than an 8-bit console.

Arcade Smash Hits (Sega Master System review)

Developer: Images
Publisher: Virgin Games
Released: 1992

Arcade Smash Hits is a compilation of three games that were originally released in the Arcade from 1976 - 1981.

+ Breakout plays great with smooth controls, and the 100 differing brick structures resemble Arkanoid (1986, Arcade).

+ Centipede is fast and frenetic, and the mushrooms make it seem like you're fighting against the environment, as well as foes.

+ Missile Command requires resource management, as it tasks you with manually cycling through your projectile bases.

+ Wipes the floor with Arcade Classics (1996, Sega Genesis) compilation due to better controls and more refined gameplay.

+ Background art in each game gives the environments added depth, and there's also some nice Arcade-like speech SFX.

- No difficulty options for any of the games and the two-player mode is turn-based only, which is a real missed opportunity.

- Music features a cacophony of high-pitched tones which irritates, especially as there's no option to switch it off.

Chuck Rock (Sega Game Gear review)

Developer: Core Design
Publisher: Sega
Released: 1992

Chuck Rock is an action-platformer that was released on numerous systems including the Sega Master System (1992).

+ Gameplay is a solid representation of the original, with decent stage design that offers multiple routes to explore.

+ Levels have been altered to suit the smaller screen, so you won't endure as many off-screen cheap hits as the SMS version.

+ Has some clever rock uses, great intro music, and unlike the 8-bit console port this one has a password option.

- However, the rest of the game has no music and the scenically-pleasing backdrops are replaced by pure black throughout.

- Questionable collision detection when trying to attack, with jump-kicks being particularly unpredictable.

- Features dead ends with no way to progress if you accidentally throw a required rock onto an out-of-reach platform.

- Bosses are easily exploitable and some outstay their welcome by forcing you to attack 10+ times to defeat them.

Crack'ed (Atari 7800 review)

Developer: Atari Corporation
Publisher: Atari Corporation
Released: 1988

Crack'ed is a target shooting game that was also released on the Atari ST in 1988.

+ Has a wide range of enemy types (unique to each stage) and there's various ways to gain and lose points.

- Controls are wildly oversensitive, and attempting to accurately (and skillfully) hit an enemy is an exercise in futility.

- Despite being a target shooter the game doesn't support the Atari XG-1 light gun and the controller option feels tacked-on.

- Gameplay depth is severely lacking, and the bare-bones content means you're unlikely to stick around after 1-2 tries.

- Easy to exploit the action by focusing on a singular egg and positioning your static crosshair above it for effortless hits.

- Stage locales feature boring, static backgrounds and you'll quickly tire of seeing the same artwork over-and-over again.

- Rooster Ranch mini-game is impossible, as instead of moving a crosshair you need to slowly line-up two arrows.

Chuck Rock (Sega Master System review)

Developer: Core Design
Publisher: Virgin Games
Released: 1992

Chuck Rock is an action-platformer that was released on numerous systems including the Sega Genesis (1991).

+ Gameplay is a solid representation of the original, with decent level design that offers multiple routes to explore.

+ Has some clever rock uses, such as being able to carry a boulder above your head to protect against volcanic eruptions.

+ Combining rocks to reach otherwise inaccessible areas is a great idea, and the title screen music is terrific.

- However, the rest of the game has no music and the scenically-pleasing backdrops are replaced by pure black throughout.

- Rock throwing has more of an arch compared to the 16-bit version and unless you're quick you'll miss the intended target.

- Slight delay when pressing a button before the action will activate and a few areas annoy with cheap hits.

- Hard to control Chuck underwater and it can be tricky to accurately judge spatial distance due to his short attack range.

Chuck Rock (Mega CD / Sega CD review)

Developer: Core Design
Publisher: Sony Imagesoft
Released: 1992

Chuck Rock is an action-platformer that was released on numerous systems including the Sega Genesis (1991).

+ Good level design with multiple routes to explore, and the game introduces new enemies and collectables in each world.

+ Has some clever rock uses, such as being able to carry a boulder above your head to protect against volcanic eruptions.

+ Combining rocks to reach otherwise inaccessible areas is a great idea that adds an exploratory puzzle-like element.

+ Expanded levels make the CD adventure more comprehensive, and a password feature has also been added.

+ Presentational upgrades from the Genesis version are welcome, including the awesome CD soundtrack and world map.

- Bosses are easily exploitable and it can be tricky to accurately judge spatial distance due to Chuck's short attack range.

- Enemies often hide behind the foreground scenery for cheap hits and have a tendency to throw projectiles from off-screen.

Chuck Rock (Sega Mega Drive / Genesis review)

Developer: Core Design
Publisher: Virgin Games
Released: 1991

Chuck Rock is an action-platformer that was released on numerous systems including the Sega CD (1992).

+ Good level design with multiple routes to explore, and the game introduces new enemies and collectables in each world.

+ Has some clever rock uses, such as being able to carry a boulder above your head to protect against volcanic eruptions.

+ Combining rocks to reach otherwise inaccessible areas is a great idea that adds an exploratory puzzle-like element.

+ Affords you multiple hits before losing a life and there's a plentiful amount of hearts scattered around to top up your metre.

- Missing the intro / uncensored ending from the Amiga (1991) version, and the bosses have easily exploitable attack patterns.

- Hard to control Chuck underwater and it can be tricky to accurately judge spatial distance due to his short attack range.

- Enemies often hide behind the foreground scenery for cheap hits and have a tendency to throw projectiles from off-screen.

Croc: Legend of the Gobbos (Sony PlayStation review)

Developer: Argonaut Software
Publisher: Fox Interactive
Released: 1997

Croc: Legend of the Gobbos is a 3D platformer that was also released on the Sega Saturn and Windows in 1997.

+ Level design is good with fair checkpoints, and the collectable Gobbos and crystals provide incentives to return.

+ Some neat puzzles compliment the action-platforming, and World 4's Bowser-style castle stages offer fiendish challenges.

+ Plenty of secret areas to unlock, and unlike Crash Bandicoot (1996, PS1) your progress can be saved after each level.

- Controls are persistently troublesome, with overly-sensitive turning and basic swimming being especially problematic.

- Depth perception is tricky to judge, which makes platform leaps and combat anxiety-inducing affairs.

- Slowdown is prevalent throughout and the constant loading of small areas takes the flow out of the gameplay.

- World 1's sombre music doesn't compliment the locales, and the underwhelming boss battles are lacking in imagination.

Christmas NiGHTS into Dreams (Sega Saturn review)

Developer: Sonic Team
Publisher: Sega
Released: 1996

Christmas NiGHTS into Dreams is a themed promotional sampler of Sega's 1996 title Nights into Dreams (Sega Saturn). 

+ A terrific way to demo Nights' joyous gameplay and there's a surprising amount of content for a would-be teaser. 

+ Allows you to experience Spring Valley as Elliot, and you can also unlock Sonic's first 3D outing as he battles Dr. Eggman.

+ Some fun diversions are on offer, including the exclusive Link Attack and Time Attack modes that challenge you in new ways.

+ Unlocking presents via the tile-matching game is addictive, and changing the console's date opens up hidden secrets.

+ Graphics are sublime and it's clear the developers made a serious effort to incorporate the holiday spirit into the demo.

- Graphical makeover does unfortunately result in noticeable frame-rate dips and slowdown not found in the original game.

- Karaoke mode is a nice idea, but the highlighted words lag so far behind the song that it's pretty much pointless!

Nights into Dreams (Sega Saturn review)

Developer: Sonic Team
Publisher: Sega
Released: 1996

Nights into Dreams is an action game that was later ported to the Sony PlayStation 2 (2008) in Japan only.

+ Course design is exceptional, and the four unique laps / on-rails sections are full of surprise twists and turns.

+ Real freedom and joy to the flying, and despite the decreasing timer a sense of tranquillity soars over the gameplay.

+ Expertly caters to casual players, as well as those who appreciate the score attack element and rankings.

+ Bosses are a nice change of pace and the 3D engine is remarkable with beautiful texture and lighting work.

+ Presentation is top-notch and the stunning music engrosses you into the gorgeous, otherworldly locations.

- Dying at the boss means restarting the entire stage, which is aggravating and artificially inflates game length.

- Camera is too zoomed-in and the limited field of view can be confusing, particularly in the top-down areas.

Heavy Shreddin' (NES review)

Developer: Imagineering
Publisher: Parker Brothers
Released: 1990

Heavy Shreddin' is a snowboarding game that was released in Europe and North America.

+ Each stage is divided into four parts that house unique play-style challenges to keep the gameplay feeling fresh.

+ Great core concept and there's a real accomplishment when you get into a flow and successfully conquer a tough slope.

+ Excellent full-screen artwork when you complete a stage, and the music has a hard-edge sound that suits the action.

- Spotty collision detection irritates and it's tough to judge spatial distance between hazards due to the angled camera.

- Controls always feel imprecise and attempting to deftly manoeuvre between slalom gates is an exercise in frustration.

- Half Pipe events are comically bad, as your rider needs to stop at its apex before you can perform mid-air tricks!

- Course design suffers from repetition, and the graphics are poor with primitive sprites and crude animation.

Mechanized Attack (NES review)

Developer: SNK
Publisher: SNK
Released: 1990

Mechanized Attack is a shooting game that supports the NES Zapper or a standard controller.

+ Includes a choice of routes between certain stages, and there's always plenty of ammunition to give you a fighting chance.

+ Stage 3 adds an unexpected, yet memorable twist by casting darkness on the entire level until you shoot a Flare icon.

+ Huge bosses feature intricate sprite work, and meticulously breaking down their vast array of weaponry is gratifying.

- Level design feels very by the numbers, and the game doesn't differentiate itself from Operation Wolf (1989, NES).

- Often feels impossible to avoid damage when multiple foes enter simultaneously and start firing towards you.

- Robots require multiple hits, which is very fatiguing when using the Zapper, as several are typically on-screen at once.

- Zapper implementation isn't quite as accurate as other NES titles, and the reticle moves too fast on the controller option.