Casino Games (Sega Master System review)

Developer: Compile
Publisher: Sega
Released: 1989

Casino Games is a collection of card and arcade games that's exclusive to the Sega Master System.

+ Mix of game types caters to a wider audience, and a password option becomes available after obtaining $1000.

+ Blackjack and Poker are great for quick play sessions, and CPU opponents in the latter have 'tells' if you look closely!

+ Excellent animations / title screen artwork, as well as humorous cut-scenes once you run out of money.

- Baccarat fails to provide much entertainment, as the action unfolds automatically with no real player input.

- Pinball only has one basic table, and the floaty physics make it tough to catch the ball on a flipper or generate power shots.

- Fruit Machine is very simplistic and the inability to hold certain reels makes for unengaging gameplay in the long run.

- There's no option to turn off the short, looping music, and the game's advice after going bankrupt is questionable!

The Jungle Book (Sega Mega Drive / Genesis review)

Developer: Eurocom Entertainment Software, Virgin Interactive Entertainment, Disney Software
Publisher: Virgin Interactive Entertainment
Released: 1994

The Jungle Book is an action-platformer that was also released on the Sega Master System (1993) and Sega Game Gear (1994).

+ Lots of variety in the stage design with amazing verticality, and the Ruins levels are intense due to crumbling scenery.

+ Unlike the 8-bit versions, you don't need to collect all the gems in each scene, although doing so unlocks Bonus Levels.

+ Bosses offer a better challenge with their more comprehensive attack patterns, and the animation is top notch.

+ Addition of a jump attack opens up the combat, and the ability to switch between different weapons enhances strategy.

- Tons of instant death pits, and despite being able to move the camera up / down it doesn't always give you an ideal view.

- Some animal SFX grate, and Mowgli can no longer eliminate foes on upper or lower platforms with his weapons.

- Button presses are occasionally ignored, and the sketchy collision detection can lead to unavoidable damage.

The Jungle Book (Sega Game Gear review)

Developer: Eurocom Entertainment Software, Syrox Developments, Disney Software
Publisher: Virgin Interactive Entertainment
Released: 1994

The Jungle Book is an action-platformer that also saw release on the Sega Genesis (1994) and Sega Master System (1993).

+ Level design has interesting layouts, and there's plenty of verticality that lends itself well to the exploratory gem stages.

+ Has great graphics and playful ideas, such as being able to launch yourself off crocodile snouts to reach higher platforms.

+ Scene 8 has some awesome parkour elements where you need to string together several moves in quick succession.

+ Ability to look up / down helps to compensate for the small screen, as you can safely dispatch foes on other platforms.

- There's a small, but noticeable delay when pressing jump, and later levels have bottomless pits that rely on trial-and-error.

- In some scenes, it's not always clear what's part of the background or foreground, resulting in missed platform jumps.

- Bosses are easily destroyed by nonchalantly spamming the attack button, and the game's ending is lacklustre.

The Jungle Book (Sega Master System review)

Developer: Syrox Developments, Disney Software
Publisher: Virgin Interactive Entertainment
Released: 1993

The Jungle Book is an action-platformer that saw release on the Sega Game Gear and Sega Genesis in 1994.

+ Level design has interesting layouts, and there's plenty of verticality that lends itself well to the exploratory gem stages.

+ Has great graphics and playful ideas, such as being able to launch yourself off crocodile snouts to reach higher platforms.

+ Scene 8 has some awesome parkour elements where you need to string together several moves in quick succession.

+ Being able to pan the camera up / down is handy, as you can safely dispatch enemies on different platform levels.

- There's a small, but noticeable delay when pressing jump, and later levels have bottomless pits that rely on trial-and-error.

- In some scenes, it's not always clear what's part of the background or foreground, resulting in missed platform jumps.

- Bosses are easily destroyed by nonchalantly spamming the attack button, and the game's ending is lacklustre.

Dead Angle (Sega Master System review)

Developer: Sega
Publisher: Sega
Released: 1990

Dead Angle is an action game that was first released in the Arcade in 1988.

+ Duck and cover gameplay is fun, but obtaining the Machine Gun switches things from 'hide and seek' to all-out destruction!

+ The game is very fair if you die during a boss fight, as it remembers their existing damage metre when you respawn.

+ Graphics feature detailed tile sets and large sprites, and the ending cut-scene has beautifully drawn Gothic artwork.

- Frame-rate is choppy, resulting in inconsistent hit boxes and difficulty lining up your reticle with ultra precision.

- Foes can instantly appear in the middle of the screen, defeating the object of keeping them away from your central hit box.

- Disappointingly, there's no Light Phaser support, which would have worked great in tandem with the Control Pad.

- Each playfield is tiny and there's little reason to move around as enemies typically congregate in the same areas.

Castelo Rá-Tim-Bum (Sega Master System review)

Developer: Tec Toy
Publisher: Tec Toy
Released: 1997

Castelo Rá-Tim-Bum is an action game that was only released in Brazil.

+ There's a variety of locations on offer and each screen is basically a puzzle-like mini-game, which is a neat core concept.

- However, none of the gameplay types are fleshed out and you're left with basic scenes that fail to provide any excitement.

- Certain areas rely on luck over skill, such as the burger making game where you blindly click drawers to reveal items.

- Poor collision detection, resulting in simple platforming tasks (e.g. jumping from numbers 1-12) being super frustrating.

- Final level has peculiar speed up, followed by extreme slowdown, almost as if the game engine is confused.

- Characters walk at a snail's pace and their run ability takes forever to gain momentum, making it hard to avoid damage.

- Graphics are comically bad for a 1997 release, and the lack of tile art in the sprites and backgrounds is amateurish.

Wimbledon II (Sega Master System review)

Developer: SIMS
Publisher: Sega Enterprises, Ltd.
Released: 1993

Wimbledon II is a sports title and the sequel to the 1992 Sega Master System original.

+ Roster has been greatly expanded (32 compared to 16 in the original game), and you can now choose female players.

+ Gameplay is easy to master and there's a good range of shot types, as well as match customisation options.

+ More accessible than its predecessor in terms of difficulty, and the issue with constant service faults has been fixed.

+ There's now the ability to turn music off during matches, although you can select from five tracks if preferred.

- Tournament mode requires you to grind for points, meaning early matches suffer from ceaseless rallies with no power shots.

- Once again, you can only play doubles in Practice mode, which is a huge missed opportunity to increase longevity.

- Some CPU players have an oddly frequent tendency to hit serves out of the baseline, missing the court entirely!

Wimbledon (Sega Game Gear review)

Developer: SIMS
Publisher: Sega
Released: 1992

Wimbledon is a sports title that was also released on the Sega Master System in 1992.

+ Includes multiplayer Gear-to-Gear Cable support, 1P & COM doubles, and a handy tournament password option.

+ Difficulty is more approachable compared to the SMS, and you're never forced to play from the opposite side of the net.

+ Service games are much easier due to decreased faults and lets that relentlessly plague the 8-bit console version.

+ CPU players have distinct characteristics that force you to adapt, and the awful music during matches has been removed.

- While you can play doubles in Practice, the game only allows for one-on-one matches in Tournament mode.

- Doesn't feature any real world tennis players or female stars, and the decorative between-game artwork is gone.

- Stereo SFX cut in and out if using the mono speaker, and it's easy for your timing to be thrown by absent audio cues.

Wimbledon (Sega Master System review)

Developer: SIMS
Publisher: Sega
Released: 1992

Wimbledon is a sports title that was also released on the Sega Game Gear in 1992.

+ Has a neat password feature to continue tournaments, and you can even play doubles matches alongside the CPU.

+ Instead of palette swaps, CPU opponents have distinct characteristics that force you to adapt to baseline / net shots.

+ Includes excellent artwork between games, and the players have humorous animations based on how well they perform.

- Starts you with pitiful stats, and the first two tournaments are rough without the means to adequately angle cross-court shots.

- Blistering gameplay speed gives barely any time to react to incoming shots, and your sprite often moves out of camera view.

- A.I. is inconsistent, as one minute they'll return everything under the sun before forgetting to swing at a passing ball.

- Service faults are common, there's no real world players, and dreadful music plays incessantly throughout matches.

Captain Silver (Sega Master System review)

Developer: Sega Enterprises, Ltd.
Publisher: Sega Enterprises, Ltd., Sega of America
Released: 1988

Captain Silver is an action game that was originally released in the Arcade in 1987.

+ Japanese / European version contains the full build of the game, and increases the challenge for more satisfying combat.

+ Pirate Ship level has some nice verticality, and the Island stage is tense due to the reduced space you have on your boat.

+ Collecting all the Captain Silver letters for an extra life is addictive, and the game's checkpoints are very fair.

+ Deciding whether to buy items from the shop, or keep your gold for extra 'points' is a neat idea for high score chasers.

- U.S. release poses little challenge, omits two stages, several bosses and enemies, as has a text-only credits sequence.

- Boot item for larger jumps has limited use, and your projectiles travel straight through foes at the edge of the screen.

- Graphics aren't particularly impressive and the forgettable lead character (Jim) has no personality to connect with.

Note: Deduct a star if playing the U.S. version of the game.

Madden NFL 2005 (Tapwave Zodiac review)

Developer: Floodgate
Publisher: Mobile Digital Media
Released: 2004

Madden NFL 2005 is an American Football game that was also released on the Nintendo DS and Game Boy Advance (both in 2004).

+ Action is fast and fluid with a good selection of plays, and there's a number of customisation options for each match-up.

- Gameplay difficulty only allows for Pro or All Madden, and your Offensive Line seemingly have no idea how to block.

- No auto-select option for plays, and defense is tough due to the zoomed-out camera and microscopic teammates.

- A.I. is dumb and they'll often run out of bounds with clear space ahead, or let the clock expire while in field goal range.

- Front Office mode doesn't factor in a salary cap, so you can keep trading until your lineup consists of the best players!

- Generic announcer commentary is utterly pointless, and team jerseys don't always match their real-world gear.

Terminator 3 (Tapwave Zodiac review)

Developer: Artex Games
Publisher: N/A
Released: N/A

Terminator 3 is a first-person shooter that started development in 2003 before ultimately being cancelled.

+ Gameplay adopts a refreshingly slower pace and peeking around corners to dismantle enemies and turrets is nail-biting.

+ Level design is intricate with some notable moments, including stealthily avoiding the towering T1 machines.

+ Despite often requiring button combinations, the control layout is well mapped and quickly becomes second nature.

+ Graphics do a sublime job of mirroring the series' gritty landscapes, and the draw distance when zooming-in is terrific.

- First two missions are outrageously difficult (even on Easy) and the absence of checkpoints results in major trial-and-error.

- There's no music during action scenes, and invisible walls frequently block your shots through open doors.

SoulStar (Mega CD / Sega CD review)

Developer: Core Design
Publisher: Core Design
Released: 1994

SoulStar is a third-person shooter that's exclusive to Sega's CD add-on.

+ Provides incentive to keep improving your skills, as certain stages are locked behind the Normal and Hard difficulties.

+ Two-player mode is a fascinating addition, as it requires teamwork to steer and fire while managing your inventory.

+ Scenic backdrops are wildly varied, and the shift from on-rails areas to full 360° movement livens up the gameplay.

+ Graphics, draw distance and scaling effects are astounding, and the game engine has barely any hint of slowdown.

+ Cinematic music always knows the perfect time to transition songs to increase the intensity during battle.

- Some areas drag on forever and the 360° stages have an excessive number of targets you need to destroy.

- Challenge is brutal from early on, and even the difficulty select area is a real hurdle due to swarms of enemies.

Double Hawk (Sega Master System review)

Developer: Sanritsu, Opera House
Publisher: Sega
Released: 1990

Double Hawk is a shooting game that's exclusive to the Sega Master System.

+ Fans of Cabal (1988, Arcade) will feel at home with the similar gameplay, and a two-player co-op mode is available.

+ Falling power-ups add a risk-reward element, and obtaining the machine gun for rapid fire is super satisfying.

+ Bosses are a joy thanks to their multi-target battles that are reminiscent of Terminator 2: Judgment Day (1991, Arcade).

- Gameplay is ripe for Light Phaser functionality, but the Control Pad only offering mutes a lot of the potential enjoyment.

- Your character and reticle move at an absolute snail's pace, and there's no roll mechanic to quickly get out of harm's way.

- Frequent occurrences where nothing happens on screen for ten second periods, leaving you twiddling your thumbs.

- Lack of music during gameplay hurts the atmosphere, and there's little scenic variety and too many repeated assets.

Running Battle (Sega Master System review)

Developer: Sega
Publisher: Sega
Released: 1991

Running Battle is a beat-em-up that's exclusive to the Sega Master System.

+ Offers multiple continues, cut-scenes advance the narrative, and there are a couple of different endings available.

- Beat-em-up action is maddening, as your short attack range means you'll typically take damage before landing a blow.

- Level design is embarrassing as entire sections are repeated throughout all stages, and the character sprite work is poor.

- Similar to Karate Kid (1987, NES), you can bypass huge chunks of the game by simply jumping over enemies.

- Life / weapon icons frequently appear over perilous gaps, and the only way to obtain them is to lose a life.

- Doesn't allow you to use weapons against bosses, and the all-too-brief adventure can be beaten in around ten minutes.

- Intro story text doesn't stay on-screen long enough, and the anticlimactic endings don't even include a credits sequence.

Devastator (Mega CD review)

Developer: Wolf Team, Telenet Japan
Publisher: Wolf Team
Released: 1993

Devastator is an action / shoot-em-up game that was only released in Japan and South Korea.

+ Bosses are inventive and their multi-part battles will thoroughly challenge your offensive and evasive skills.

+ FMV cut-scenes are beautifully animated and are very reminiscent of those found in Road Avenger (1992, Sega CD).

- Level design is banal, particularly the opening stage which is a purely left-to-right affair with little scenic deviation.

- Shoot-em-up levels hold no excitement and the repetitive backgrounds / enemy patterns will lull you to sleep.

- Controls are too stiff and trying to make quick-second reactions is marred by an overly heavy lead character.

- Even at full weapon strength, the game makes you feel weak and the bosses can be infuriating bullet sponges.

- Graphically, there's little that takes advantage of the CD's capabilities and the action looks like a Sega Genesis title.

California Speed (N64 review)

Developer: Atari Games
Publisher: Midway
Released: 1999

California Speed is a racing game that was first released in the Arcade in 1998.

+ Fans of Cruis'n USA (1996, N64) will enjoy the over-the-top racing, and the game's sense of speed is decent.

+ Course design is exceptional, with atypical environments and five unlockable bonus tracks not found in the Arcade.

+ Many memorable moments, including the narrow climb of Yosemite and driving on top of the Golden Gate bridge!

+ Load times are almost non-existent and the adrenaline pumping music heightens the chaotic action.

- Controls are abysmal and it's impossible to perform precise movements due to twitchy vehicle handling.

- Rubber banding is egregious and whenever you make a small mistake the CPU will immediately be on your tail.

- Bonus tracks are uneventful and the limited draw distance makes it a struggle to anticipate upcoming turns.

Lords of Thunder (Mega CD / Sega CD review)

Developer: Hudson Soft, Eleven
Publisher: Sega of America
Released: 1995

Lords of Thunder is a side-scrolling shooter and the follow-up to Gate of Thunder (1992, TurboGrafx-CD).

+ Gives you the freedom to tackle the first six stages in any order, and the shop adds depth to bolster attack plans.

+ Stages are an absolute blast due to varied enemy patterns, environmental hazards, and tight corridors that test your nerve.

+ Melee attack is super handy for dishing out huge damage if you're willing to risk close-quarters combat.

+ Hard rock music enhances the gameplay and the adrenaline-fuelled tunes perfectly compliment the chaotic action.

+ Bosses are gigantic (with some taking up almost the entire screen height), and the graphics are spectacularly detailed.

- Lots of slowdown (particularly in the Auzal level) and the sprite flicker makes it tough to clock incoming projectiles.

- A couple of selectable weapons have questionable worth, and the sound effects can often drown out the music.

Kids on Site (Mega CD / Sega CD review)

Developer: Digital Pictures
Publisher: Digital Pictures
Released: 1994

Kids on Site is a Full Motion Video (FMV) game that was re-released on the Sony PlayStation 4 and Windows in 2022.

+ FMV quality is good, load times are excellent, and you can select the first four stages in any order you prefer.

+ Has laugh-out-loud slapstick comedy, especially in the Steamroller level where you can destroy Nuts' personal property!

- With only five brief stages (one that requires a singular button press), there's little to encourage you to replay the game.

- There's no punishment or challenge in each level, so you can just keep pressing buttons until you ultimately win.

- More interaction with the vehicles (e.g. switching them on) would have added deeper player immersion and engagement.

- Little educational value on offer, as the game doesn't provide any background information or trivia about the vehicles.

- User-interface could have been clearer when selecting missions, especially as the game is aimed at youngsters.

Gex: Enter the Gecko (Sony PlayStation review)

Developer: Crystal Dynamics
Publisher: Midway
Released: 1998

Gex: Enter the Gecko is a 3D platformer and the follow-up to Gex (1995, 3DO).

+ World themes are creative (especially the Star Wars inspired setting), and each level is vast with multiple branching paths.

+ Like Super Mario 64 (1996, Nintendo 64), several worlds are typically open at the same time in case you're floundering.

+ Entertaining missions have a nice blend of platforming and puzzle elements, and the boss fights are a real highlight.

+ Plenty of collectable items and unlockable bonus levels, and there's more content here than in the Nintendo 64 port (1998).

- Controls have a loose, unpolished feel, and judging spatial distance between platforms is an unrelenting issue.

- Camera is a constant annoyance and it often rotates erratically while you're attempting delicate movements.

- Themes are repeated across multiple worlds, and Gex talks incessantly with many quips missing the mark.

Bugs Bunny in Double Trouble (Sega Game Gear review)

Developer: Probe Entertainment, Atod, Climax Enterprises
Publisher: Sega
Released: 1996

Bugs Bunny in Double Trouble is an action-platformer that was also released on the Sega Genesis / Mega Drive in 1996.

+ Mimics the 16-bit version astonishingly well, and there's plenty of variety in the mission objectives and gameplay types.

+ Difficulty is toned down versus the Sega Genesis, and the zoomed-out window makes it easier to spot incoming foes.

- However, the character sprites are minuscule and it can be tough to precisely and successfully time your jump attacks.

- Objectives are awfully obtuse and the pre-mission hints don't do an adequate job of explaining the requirements.

- Slippery controls lack precision, and the Roman Legion Hare and Haunted Hare levels drag with tedious fetch quests.

- Hare-Abian Nights stages are a poor man's Aladdin (1993, Sega Genesis) due to bland layouts and obscured platforms.

- Missing the cool faux-3D Spaced Out Bunny levels from the console version, and the collision detection is questionable.

Bugs Bunny in Double Trouble (Sega Mega Drive / Genesis review)

Developer: Probe Entertainment, Atod, Climax Enterprises
Publisher: Sega
Released: 1996

Bugs Bunny in Double Trouble is an action-platformer that was also released on the Sega Game Gear in 1996.

+ Like Toy Story (1996, Sega Genesis), the action has tons of variety, both in its mission objectives and gameplay types.

+ Spaced Out Bunny levels feature impressive faux-3D graphics, and the sprite animations are excellent throughout.

- Objectives are awfully obtuse and the pre-mission hints don't do an adequate job of explaining the requirements.

- Slippery controls lack precision, and the Bully for Bugs and Haunted Hare levels drag with tedious fetch quests.

- Hare-Abian Nights stages are a poor man's Aladdin (1993, Sega Genesis) due to bland layouts and obscured platforms.

- Collision detection is unreliable and it's typically pot-luck as to whether you take damage when jumping on an enemy.

- Zoomed-in view doesn't give you adequate time to react, and some levels decrease your vision further via spotlights.

Pit Pot (Sega Master System review)

Developer: Sega Enterprises, Ltd.
Publisher: Sega Enterprises, Ltd.
Released: 1986

Pit Pot is an action-adventure title that was released as part of a two-game compilation with Astro Warrior.

+ Has a similar exploratory vibe to The Legend of Zelda (1987, NES) and each room has excellent stage design.

+ Rather than being a smash-a-thon, the gameplay forces you to think methodically to avoid falling to your doom.

+ Difficulty options not only increase the challenge, they also boost the number of screens and introduce new enemy types.

- Cryptically, the action relies on blindly bashing every single block to uncover hidden items that are required to succeed.

- Hammer has a slow animation reset after hitting a gray block, which isn't ideal when you need to make another quick attack.

- Backtracking is a chore in tougher difficulties due to the unvaried scenery, and the short music loop can get tedious.

- PAL release doesn't include the Edit mode found in the Japanese version where you can design your own screens.

Daffy Duck in Hollywood (Sega Mega Drive review)

Developer: Psionic Systems
Publisher: Sega
Released: 1995

Daffy Duck in Hollywood is an action-platformer that was originally released on the Sega Game Gear and Sega Master System in 1994.

+ Level design breaks each stage down into three smaller areas to minimise backtracking and help you stay orientated.

+ Combat has a Bubble Bobble (1986, Arcade) vibe and quickly trying to capture / pop foes to eliminate them is entertaining.

+ Arms you with an impressive array of weaponry, and the game allows you to choose from multiple levels at any time.

- Stage layouts aren't as creative and fun to navigate as the 8-bit versions, making letter icon collection more of a chore.

- Assault and Peppered stage removes your bubble gun in favour of brawling and throwing stars, but the variety is marginal.

- Attack animations take forever to complete, leaving you vulnerable to damage until the cycle eventually resets.

- Bosses are a major disappointment, as each one is almost identical and relies on button mashing to succeed.

Daffy Duck in Hollywood (Sega Game Gear review)

Developer: Probe Software
Publisher: Sega
Released: 1994

Daffy Duck in Hollywood is an action-platformer that was also released on the Sega Genesis (1995) and Sega Master System (1994).

+ Tight level design breaks down each stage into three smaller areas to minimise backtracking and help you stay orientated.

+ Combat has a Bubble Bobble (1986, Arcade) vibe and quickly trying to capture / pop foes to eliminate them is entertaining.

+ Arms you with an impressive array of weaponry, and the game allows you to choose from multiple levels at any time.

+ Hidden areas are fun to locate, and managing to collect all nine Daffy Duck letters for an extra life is gratifying.

- More noticeable slowdown than the Sega Master System version, and enemies repeatedly attack from off-screen.

- Unlike the 16-bit release, this suffers from irritating one-hit deaths and lacks any boss battles to mix things up.

- Assault and Peppered stage removes your bubble gun in favour of brawling and throwing stars, but the variety is marginal.