Bonanza Bros is a game that some people might remember as "those yellow guys from that Sonic racing game", which is the only reason why I know this game myself. It's a shame because despite the fact that this game has been completely forgotten, it's something unique and worth playing, as most Sega games used to be from this time period.

This is a stealth/action game, you have X items per level to get on a time limit and that means that every decision has to be taken quickly and a mistake such as going on a different route could screw up an entire run of a level. The weird controls and small screen space might seem disorienting at first, but there's a certain logic in how it works and getting a good time (or managing to finish a level when the time limit is almost up) is always satisfying.

The controls are more of an issue in the second half, when the game is more action than stealth. Suddenly you're asked to be very quick with your reflexes but since there's always a slight delay in every movement the little Bonanza character makes, it doesn't make for very fun or fair gameplay.

Despite that though, you can't go wrong with trying out Bonanza Bros and having 30 to 45 minutes of fun with it (seriously, with its 10 stages and lower difficulty than usual for a game of its time, it feels really short even for a Mega Drive game). It has a lot of personality, unique and fun gameplay, and you'll finally have some context for who those Lego ass looking guys are in that Sonic racing game.

(Beat this, but used saved states liberally— it’s really fucking hard.)

This is an insanely-paced platformer with wildly varied game mechanics from level to level. In fact, one of its downsides may be that it throws TOO MUCH at the player too quickly, and could’ve benefited from some conceptual editing.

However, as it stands, DH is tough-as-nails but mostly fair, super smooth in the control department, and highly impressive from a graphics/art direction perspective. It contains some absolutely brilliant boss fights, as all Treasure games do!

The bonus game sucks, the melon head sucks, and it’s arguably FAR too unforgiving with health, saves, continues, etc... but if you’re playing with a saved state at the beginning of every scene, and can learn via trial and error, it’s a joy to play.

edit 2022-12-17: will re-review hopefully soon, need to probably raise my rating and write something of substance

I absolutely love this game. I think it goes about what it does beautifully, and there aren't many flaws (i have not played the newer levels tbf) that go with it.

But... it's way too short. Sure, it's justified by licensing costs above all else, but after the main storyline I found myself getting pretty tired of it pretty quickly. Which is a shame.

(i do plan on revisiting this review once i have the time to get around to the newer levels)