stealthrush
1990
Mediocre maze action game that misses the mark. Variation of the original 1987 arcade game Kid No Hore Hore Daisakusen which featured a more frantic & challenging experience. This version tones down the gameplay exponentially, perhaps appealing to novice players.
1989
Average shooter that has a 2P option. Stages 1-4 difficulty were average but in stage 5 the difficult increased exponentially, especially when the black helicopter formations showed up- that required precision aircraft placement. After stage five the game went back to being average difficulty, surprisingly including the final boss.
1996
A step down in the visual department, still retains sloppy hit detection. Appreciate the tweaks in the stage design that breaks up the monotony of the original. Bosses are less creative, a few broken that are easily defeated.
Ambitious early experimental board game that utilized the strength of the hardware. Digitized characters on a animated background participate in a collection zany mini-games from matching, jigsaw puzzle, and others. Product of it's time that has decent replay value.
Distinct pre-rendered graphical style with the characters complete with 3D map locations. Battles are the most satisfying unlocking new abilities and party members. Primary focus on the strategy aspect with a linear story-line and small world map. Role-playing elements come in second by talking to town locals, shops, having a natural story progression. Some optional side-quest are available but not necessary to complete the game.
1990
Under-rated shooter.
1994
On the surface a unique concept that may have potential to be fun. In reality a bizarre looking, boring chore of a game. Painfully average graphics, unstable frame rate, headache inducing sound effects including abrupt music changes. Actual gameplay is terribly simple complete with wonky 'pinball' physics that jerk around. Short game with similar stage layouts. Once you get passed the novel idea it becomes dull very quickly, cannot recommend.
1994
Bare bones clone of the popular puzzle series of the time. Features single-player mode that gives you a high score. Versus mode against a computer opponent or human player that allows you to break Deow'Nz and send them one on their side. A strange mode called Trip'Dance that allows you to create patterns of art and music. Would be a solid score higher if stages changed.
2008
Seamless experience but lost the charm of the series.
Amateur programming and basic level design but at least has a simultaneous 2P co-op option.
Below average action platform game. Sloppy hit detection, leaps of faith jumps, amateur programming- where enemies are allowed to walk on spike floor and re-spawn indefinitely, mundane stage design where every level is recycled and use the near exact backgrounds with only a slight color hue changes.
The game is split up into two worlds overworld and underworld - the overworld is a slow slog where you must repeatedly attack tiny enemies to collect coins to purchase upgrades, and the underworld you pilot a super-deformed robot that has slippery controls walking through until you reach the bottom where the boss appears. A good change of pace are the shops to upgrade your weapon and purchase magic, although they do not look very different than the previous weapon & magic you are already equipped with.
Bosses are even recycled as enemies throughout later stages. To top it off the final boss has a glitch when you stand too close to it doesn't attack back!
The game is split up into two worlds overworld and underworld - the overworld is a slow slog where you must repeatedly attack tiny enemies to collect coins to purchase upgrades, and the underworld you pilot a super-deformed robot that has slippery controls walking through until you reach the bottom where the boss appears. A good change of pace are the shops to upgrade your weapon and purchase magic, although they do not look very different than the previous weapon & magic you are already equipped with.
Bosses are even recycled as enemies throughout later stages. To top it off the final boss has a glitch when you stand too close to it doesn't attack back!
1992
Average difficulty shooter with decent music throughout.
1990
Great for shooter beginners.
1994
One of the pioneers in the genre to use use fully rendered 3D environments and character models opposed 3D pre-rendered graphics. Good puzzle solving, trial and error pace complete with unique death animations. Short but sweet experience that includes a good introduction and ending cut scene that ties the story together. Would have been a low score for its abysmal frame rate due to lack of hardware knowledge and or hardware limitations. Since I completed it on emulation I was able to boost CPU speed allowing for smoother gameplay in that case would be a higher score.
1988
This review contains spoilers
Charming super hero themed platform action game. Nearly average all around from gameplay, sound, music, graphics, and presentation although features a few unusual attacks and high difficulty in later levels. Your main character uses his arms, legs and head to stretch and hit his opponents. Parody enemy designs with tiny tanks, ninjas, children hiding under baskets, and goofy bosses that include sumo wrestler, female ninja, sea dragons and more.
Being an arcade port I expected a short game, but 21 stages need to be completed. Half way through the game you do get repeated boss battles, enemies, only on stage 16 onward you will encounter new stages. A nice break in pace were the underwater shoot'em up levels. The final stage, which is a boss rush leading up to the final boss, became very frustrating one instance is having to fight a clone of yourself, again, that mimics your moves which was a headache to defeat.
Admittedly this game took longer than expected to finish, partly due to his Bravo jump technique that is needed in certain areas that is awkward to perform on the controller. Challenging game in later levels especially given the limited continues.
Being an arcade port I expected a short game, but 21 stages need to be completed. Half way through the game you do get repeated boss battles, enemies, only on stage 16 onward you will encounter new stages. A nice break in pace were the underwater shoot'em up levels. The final stage, which is a boss rush leading up to the final boss, became very frustrating one instance is having to fight a clone of yourself, again, that mimics your moves which was a headache to defeat.
Admittedly this game took longer than expected to finish, partly due to his Bravo jump technique that is needed in certain areas that is awkward to perform on the controller. Challenging game in later levels especially given the limited continues.