"Ed Semrad"
SNES – I was a big-time addict of the original, and this game brought back so many good memories for me. The graphics are cool, and the plotting is very authentic. The control is crisp and clear, and the multitude of weapons is a great addition. My only complaint is, for some reason, this game seems a bit smaller. Maybe it’s because of the map… Anyway, if you own a Super NES, this is definitely a must-have. It’s great! 9/10
What is “Super Metroid”? (Nintendo)
Genesis – [This game] is just the tip of the iceberg with this new type of technology. The game simply looks and plays great! It’s obviously no match for the arcade, but it holds its own against other racing games. The sounds are lame, but you don’t pay much attention to them when racing anyway. The computer really dishes up some strong competition and the game is a blast with two players. It’s fantastic! 8/10
What is “Virtua Racing”? (Sega)
Neo-Geo – There are plenty of great fighting games for the Neo-Geo and [this game] is no exception. The title comes out on top with sharper and more colorful graphics plus awesome stereo music and sound. The real kicker is the improvement on play control making the special moves easier to execute. The new Tournament Mode is also a great feature. Those who own the first [game title] should pick this one up. 8/10
What is “Word Heroes 2 Jet”? (SNK / Alpha)
3DO – This is simply an incredible puzzle game. I loved it the first time I saw it on the computer and was pleasantly surprised that the 3DO version was even better. The sound are great and the graphics are equally impressive. The only drawback is the control. As a mouse-driven game it works very well but as a controller game its is sluggish to move the pieces around. Puzzle fans who can get by the control will love it. 7/10
What is “The Incredible Machine”? (Dynamix)
Genesis – Despite a rather alluring title, [this game] suffers from poor control, unappealing attack methods, and dreary music. Still, there are some colorful stages (with nice graphics), but that’s about it. 5/10
What is “Normy’s Beach Babe-O-Rama”? (EA) Phil’s used this title as a guess for many a crummy game. I hope you got it this time!
Genesis – [This game] is a good recreation of the show. The graphics and story line are pretty good, too. Yet, it’s difficult to get into, but most fans will like it. The audio is standard Genesis fare, but the cinemas are nice. The interface is pretty good, and you get the feeling of really being in control. If you are a fan of [the TV show], Sega has made this game for you. I just wish the graphics weren’t as dark as they are. 7/10
What is “Star Trek: The Next Generation”? (Sega)
SNES – While I typically don’t drool on most fighting games, [this game] has some strong points. The control, for instance, is top-notch. There aren’t many fighting games where I can actually do a special move when I really want to, yet with this one I cab. The addition of weak points on the characters is great! [This game] is definitely worth a look if you want something new in the fighting game genre. 7/10
What is “Fighter’s History”? (Data East)
Neo-Geo – [This game] is perhaps the most strenuous workout any gamer will get without going to the gym. The entire game consists of nothing but stupid button crushing. It’s a total riot when you want to take part in smashing buildings, bridges, power plants, and [the other characters]. Among the cool aspects of the game are the colorful graphics and monstrous sound effects. The special attacks are also great! 7/10
What is “King of Monsters 2” (Takara)
Turbo Duo – Fighting fans may not be impressed by the number of moves or the effects, but it does play decently. The techniques look a bit weak but are easy to control and fit the characters to a tee. This game appeals to monster fans more than fighting fans due to its good CD sounds and accurate portrayal of the characters. As a fan of [this character] I must admit to liking the look of the game but not so much the feel. 5/10
What is “Godzilla”? (TTI)
SNES – What’s in a name? Well, take [the character’s] name out of the title and what you have is a cute run-and-jump claw the enemies game. The animations are cute, and some of the Bosses are very cleverly done (like the H. Ross Perot Boss). 7/10
What is “Socks the Cat”? (Kaneko)
Sega CD – Why not all much different from the Sega Genesis version, this game does fill in the areas where the cart is lacking. The only real differences I see are with the opening commercial, the music, and the lag time. On the flip side [this game] plays really fast and the way the computer mimics the patterns of the arcade makes this one more challenging. It’s still not on par with the arcade, but still good. 7/10
What is “Mortal Kombat”? (Arena)
Sega CD – [This game] had so much hype around it, it’s almost sad that it came off so badly, particularly due to the limitations of the Sega CD. The color palette is so poor in many scenes that you never know you’re going to hit something until it’s too late. The music is right from the movie, the voices are good, and the cinemas are nice and lengthy, but alas, the color palette kills them. Hey, hoe about bringing this to the 3DO? 6/10
What is “Rebel Assault”? (JVC)
Genesis – YESSS!!! [This game] is a continuation of one of the best fighting adventures from Sega. With 24-MEGS of memory, there are loads of lethal moves and an improved soundtrack. There are even more moves when you play with the six-button controller. Very cool with the Head-To-Head Battle Mode. The only bad part is the heinous slowdown in some areas of the game. BUMMER! Still a great title, though. 7/10
What is “Streets of Rage 3”? (Sega)
3DO – From the weird little games of the past to the new types of levels, this game is fun. It doesn’t try to rehash the movie, instead it takes a fresh approach and fills it full of fun games from driving, to shooter, to 3-D block out, plus Galaga and Asteroids! Even if you don’t like the movie, you’ll have to try the mini-games and experience the story line of this high quality 3DO title. The graphics and video footage are awesome! 8/10
What is “Jurassic Park”? (Universal Interactive Pictures)
Genesis – [This game] incorporates action with RPG tole-playing strategies. This one is pretty engrossing, with excellent overhead action sequences, and plenty of areas to explore. Fans of the role-playing system will definitely want this. 8/10
What is “Shadowrun”? (Sega). Man, I miss FASA.
Game Gear – The Game Gear was in need of something different and [this game] appears to be the answer. The graphics are pretty much the same as the Genesis and Super Nintendo Entertainment System versions, and it plays the same. The sounds are pretty much like any GG game, so you know what to expect. The trick shots are what make this game for me. It’s like there’s a miniature puzzle game inside. A good game for relaxation. 7/10
What is “Side Pocket”? (Data East)
Game Gear – Welcome to another day in the life of another action game starring [this character]. Yes, [this game] is strictly average stuff with nothing that stands out. He moves quick, punches everybody out of his way, and must find keys to open doors. Sound exciting? Of course it doesn’t. The tunes are simple beeps and clicks but the volume control is only a fingertip away. Sorry [game title], you’re just not too exciting. 5/10
What is “Asterix the Gaul”? (Sega)
Genesis – [This game] is not much of one when it comes through playing through the six different puzzles, all of which can be easily solved, even on the hardest setting. Puzzle gurus will breeze through this one. Difficulty aside, this game is a good brain teaser that young players may enjoy. The graphics, sorry to say, are disappointing for a 16-bit game. It could use more color and the music was best turned off. 5/10
What is “Mickey’s Ultimate Challenge”? (Hi-Tech Expressions)
Game Boy – Hey, what do you know, I’m still playing these Game Boy games. [This game] is an excellent addition to this portable. It will keep you busy during travels or business trips trying to cruise through the tracks. The graphics are very good in the sense of the Game Boy’s capabilities. You may have to turn down the sound, it can get irritating. This game is quite impressive overall. Cool features include. 7/10
What is “Lamborghini Challenge”? (Titus) I guess we’ll never know what cool features were included.
Sega CD – An interesting attempt at doing something new with the RPG/fighting game genre, however the one-on-one fighting sequences are very slow and not very exciting. Being able to create your own fighter is a nice option. 5/10
What is “Revengers of Vengeance”? (Renovation)
CD-i – Phillips accomplished what it was trying to do. It made the best version of [this game] anywhere. The graphics are cool and the load times are even faster than the PC version. The puzzles will you occupied for hours. I love the spooky effects, and the live video is very well done. This is a must if you have a CD-i. The only down-point is the lack of replay value, but after you beat it, you can show it off to your friends. 9/10
What is “7th Quest”? (Phillips)
NES – This is the NES? Where did that animation come from? Seriously now, I’ve never seen a NES game that looks or plays like this game does! There are loads of items to use and the levels themselves are very challenging. However, you really have to be precise in the timing of jumps, or it’s a long way to the bottom. The music is decent for an NES game as well. One of the best buys for the Nintendo Entertainment System out there. 7/10
What is “Jungle Book”? (Virgin)
Game Boy – [This game] is obviously geared toward a very young game playing audience because [this game] doesn’t have any at all. Difficulty aside, I found the puzzles you must solve to be entertaining. There’s also a bit of humor involved. The graphics, although 8-Bit, are decent and the sound in catchy. The music can get a bit annoying when you play a puzzle too long. This is a great mind-bender. 5/10
What is “Mickey’s Ultimate Challenge”? (Hi-Tech Expression) (Yes, they had two full 4 person reviews of Mickey in the same issue, with a lot more hate on the Genesis version than the Game Boy version.)
NES – If you like the previous ones than you’ll like this one just as much. Nothing really new in this game but the fact that it remains to be one of the best NES games ever should be enough. The theme is the same as before but there are new Bosses with all-new Powers. The graphics are as good as you’re going to get on an 8-Bit and the game play is top-notch. True it isn’t as good as a 16-bit game, but it’s as good as it is going to get. 7/10.
What is “Mega Man VI”? (Nintendo/Capcom)
Genesis – Great graphics are the highlight of this cart. The stages are a little hard, but the Bosses are dynamic and practically take up the entire screen. The standard attack is a bit weak, but the power-ups compensate. 7/10
What is “Tinhead”? (Spectrum Holobyte)