Archive for the ‘Genesis’ Category
Genesis: Shinobi Return of the Ninja Master
December 20th, 2008 by Sean
Shinobi III for the Sega Genesis is one of the best ninja games I’ve ever played. The graphics, sound, and control are all spectacular.
The first stage is set in the wilderness, with ninjas hiding in the trees. It’s pretty cool, except for the guy walking around with the bucket on his head.
In the second stage, you fight armed guards in a high-tech, biological test facility. Read the rest of this entry…
Sega Genesis: Bio-Hazard Battle
December 7th, 2008 by Sean
Bio-Hazard Battle for the Sega Genesis is an underrated shooter with some of the freakiest, slimiest creatures you’ve ever seen in a video game.
Slick animation gives the illusion of slithering, moist, living organisms. Some of these things look like giant sperm, and there are plenty of twisting, contorting centipede-type creatures too.
The ominous, weird music is effective; it sounds like a cheap sci-fi flick and still resonates in my head after playing. Read the rest of this entry…
Sega Genesis: Desert Strike
November 4th, 2008 by Sean
Here’s an exciting action/strategy game that was clearly inspired by the Gulf War. You pilot a helicopter in a series of missions in a desert environment, viewing the action from a three-quarter overhead perspective.
From large building complexes to tiny soldiers, the graphics are realistic and well detailed. The excellent control system makes it easy to control the helicopter.
The A, B, and C buttons are assigned hellfire missiles (powerful), hydra missiles (medium), and machine guns, respectively. The Start button brings up your current status, a map, and your current objectives. Read the rest of this entry…
Castle of Illusion Starring Mickey Mouse
October 14th, 2008 by Sean
Castle of Illusion for the Sega Genesis starring Mickey Mouse, you just can’t help but love this game.
This is the kind of quality title that put the Sega Genesis over the top in the early 1990′s. The beautiful graphics, animation, and music are pure Disney.
You control Mickey Mouse trying to rescue Minnie in this fun platform action adventure. Mickey can pounce on enemies or throw apples at them.
The highly imaginative stages range from an enchanted forest to a huge toy room. Each offers its own unique challenges, and there are surprises around every corner.
While Castle of Illusion is perfect for kids, it is also challenging enough to keep adults interested.
It may be a bit short compared to modern games, but considering there is no save option (only continues) that’s probably for the best.
Sega 32X: Night Trap
October 4th, 2008 by Sean
Night Trap for the Sega 32X is not only innovative and fun, but a significant piece of video game history.
Night Trap was one of the two video games that convinced Congress to establish ratings for video games (Mortal Kombat being the other).
In addition, it also starred the late Dana Plato, the Different Strokes sitcom star who later turned to a life of crime. Whatcha talkin’ about Willis? LOL.
The game is composed entirely of video footage, and plays like an interactive movie. Read the rest of this entry…
Sega Genesis: Golden Axe II
October 1st, 2008 by Sean
I really love this game. Golden Axe II surpasses its predecessor in every way, although both play pretty much the same.
The same three characters are back (Warrior, Amazon Babe, and Dwarf), but the enemies are much more interesting this time around. Skeletons rise from their graves and large demonic creatures tower overhead.
The graphics are slightly refined, as are the controls. You can now aim left or right when performing throws, adding a bit more strategy.
Another new feature is controlling the “strength” of your magic attack. By holding down the magic button for a certain duration, a visual meter displays the degree of carnage you’re about to unleash.
The medieval scenery looks great and the musical score is first-rate.
Golden Axe 2 is fun enough with one player, but the two-player mode is where it really shines.
Fans of the first Golden Axe should feel right at home with this one.
Sega Genesis: Batman
September 28th, 2008 by Sean
Of all the Sega Genesis Batman games (Batman, Batman Forever, Batman Returns, Batman: Revenge Of The Joker), the first one has held up best over the years.
Relatively short in length and simple to play, Batman offers clean, crisp graphics, excellent control, and well-designed stages.
Fans will appreciate how the storyline follows the movie from the factory, to the museum, to the final confrontation with the Joker in the tower.
The cut-scenes, which fill in the storyline, are brief but fun to watch. Batman’s graphics have an old-school charm. Read the rest of this entry…
Sega Genesis: Golden Axe
September 26th, 2008 by Sean
Golden Axe is a side-scrolling medieval hack-n-slash fighter. One or two players choose between a muscular warrior, a sexy female, or dwarf character.
Your eight-stage quest is filled with barbarians, lizard men, skeletons, and little elves who try to steal your supplies.
With only one attack button your moves are fairly limited, but other aspects of the game make up for this.
Collecting magic pots allows you to cast destructive magic spells.
Some enemies ride in on the backs of creatures, and after commandeering one you can perform devastating attacks like the tail whip or fire-breath.
After each game the players are rated by performance.
Besides the normal arcade mode, there’s a duel mode that pits one player against foes of increasing difficulty.
Although the graphics and sound are plain by today’s standards, Golden Axe is a lot of fun to play.