The 8-bit version of The Duel has the same level themes as the Mega Drive version, however, the level layout and structure of the game is completely different. Also gone is the requirement of saving hostages as well as setting off bombs in the levels.
As you’re not travelling backwards and forwards throughout the levels, each level now has three stages to work though. The there are hidden paths that lead to Q crates and hostages that improve your score, and it’s fun to explore the little areas.
There are a few oddities with enemies in the boat and jungle stages. The first level has deadly fish that leap out of the water and are a pain to hit, but you can just hang back and fire until you get them (you have unlimited ammo). The jungle level features snakes, which seems logical, but they fire projectiles at you. Most other enemies are goons which have no idea what to do if you crouch, making it east to dispose of them, with robotic turrets and the like in later missions.
The levels are quite fun, and Bond’s jumping feels smoother in this version. From a gameplay and level perspective, I enjoyed this much more than the Mega Drive version of the game. The graphics are obviously not as good, but are really great for the Master System. The sound really lets the game down – you have the option of choosing sound effects OR music. I made the mistake of going with the music. It’s fine for the first minute, but then the same beepy repetitive tune if all you hear for the entire game, I ended up muting it.
After you defeat the third hanger level, you have one more level: as there are no bosses you get a timed final level. The time you get depends on the amount of hostages you save and Q cases you find. I had to (though a bit of trial an error) fund the perfect route to beat the game.
Despite the sound issues, this is a fun little game and and it’s surprising that it’s a better game than the main version.
As you’re not travelling backwards and forwards throughout the levels, each level now has three stages to work though. The there are hidden paths that lead to Q crates and hostages that improve your score, and it’s fun to explore the little areas.
There are a few oddities with enemies in the boat and jungle stages. The first level has deadly fish that leap out of the water and are a pain to hit, but you can just hang back and fire until you get them (you have unlimited ammo). The jungle level features snakes, which seems logical, but they fire projectiles at you. Most other enemies are goons which have no idea what to do if you crouch, making it east to dispose of them, with robotic turrets and the like in later missions.
The levels are quite fun, and Bond’s jumping feels smoother in this version. From a gameplay and level perspective, I enjoyed this much more than the Mega Drive version of the game. The graphics are obviously not as good, but are really great for the Master System. The sound really lets the game down – you have the option of choosing sound effects OR music. I made the mistake of going with the music. It’s fine for the first minute, but then the same beepy repetitive tune if all you hear for the entire game, I ended up muting it.
After you defeat the third hanger level, you have one more level: as there are no bosses you get a timed final level. The time you get depends on the amount of hostages you save and Q cases you find. I had to (though a bit of trial an error) fund the perfect route to beat the game.
Despite the sound issues, this is a fun little game and and it’s surprising that it’s a better game than the main version.