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.

Daffy Duck in Hollywood (Sega Master System review)

Developer: Probe Software
Publisher: Sega
Released: 1994

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

+ 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.

- Has some unavoidable trial-and-error, and unlike the 16-bit version this suffers from irritating one-hit deaths. 

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

- Not always clear which foes are immune, and like Cool Spot (1993, Sega Master System) boss battles are entirely absent.

Cool Spot (Sega Game Gear review)

Developer: Virgin Interactive Entertainment
Publisher: Virgin Interactive Entertainment
Released: 1993

Cool Spot is an action-platformer that was also released on the Sega Genesis and Sega Master System in 1993.

+ Plays remarkably well for a scaled down port, and manages to capture the look, feel and personality of the original.

+ Level design is exceptional with many unconventional themes / layouts, and the sprite animation is first-rate.

+ Plenty of lengthy stages available, and trying to collect all 100 Cool Points against the clock is endlessly compelling.

+ Being able to shoot through walls is hugely beneficial, and defeated foes don't respawn after you lose a life.

- Diagonal firing is challenging with the Game Gear's stiff d-pad, and grabbing onto ropes is consistently finicky.

- Wading Around relies on leaps of faith due to confusing background layering and your inability to see upcoming platforms.

- There's no boss battles whatsoever, and the final three stages are disappointing rehashes of previous themes.

Cool Spot (Sega Master System review)

Developer: Virgin Interactive Entertainment
Publisher: Virgin Interactive Entertainment
Released: 1993

Cool Spot is an action-platformer that was also released on the Sega Game Gear and Sega Genesis in 1993.

+ Plays remarkably well for a scaled down port, and manages to capture the look, feel and personality of the original.

+ Level design is exceptional with many unconventional themes / layouts, and the sprite animation is first-rate.

+ Plenty of lengthy stages available, and trying to collect all 100 Cool Points against the clock is endlessly compelling.

+ Being able to shoot through walls is hugely beneficial, and defeated foes don't respawn after you lose a life.

- Time limits can be harsh, and some of the more memorable levels (e.g. Loco Motive) have unfortunately been cut.

- Wading Around relies on leaps of faith due to confusing background layering and your inability to see upcoming platforms.

- There's no boss battles whatsoever, and the final three stages are disappointing rehashes of previous themes.

Cool Spot (Sega Mega Drive / Genesis review)

Developer: Virgin Games
Publisher: Virgin Games
Released: 1993

Cool Spot is an action-platformer that was also released on the Sega Game Gear and Sega Master System in 1993.

+ Level design is exceptional with many unconventional themes / layouts, and the sprite animation is first-rate.

+ Plenty of lengthy stages available, and trying to collect all 100 Cool Points against the clock is endlessly compelling.

+ Precise 8-way firing plays like Vectorman (1995, Sega Genesis), and being able to shoot through walls is hugely beneficial.

+ Unlike the SNES port (1993), defeated foes don't respawn after you die, leaving a clear path in previously contained areas.

- Some levels rely on leaps of faith due to confusing background layering and your inability to see upcoming platforms.

- Time limits can be harsh, and Spot's sluggish initial speed doesn't help when you're trying to rush to the end cage.

- There's no boss battles whatsoever, and the final three stages are disappointing rehashes of previous themes.

Baku Baku Animal (Sega Game Gear review)

Developer: Minato Giken
Publisher: Sega Enterprises, Ltd.
Released: 1996

Baku Baku Animal is a falling block puzzle game that was released on numerous systems including the Sega Master System (1998).

+ Simple, addictive gameplay that refreshes the falling block genre by requiring multitasking to feed animals the correct food.

+ Excellent controls, and the cut-scenes showcase each character's personality while steadily advancing the narrative.

+ Includes a handy password feature after each round to allow you to continue progress at a later date.

- CPU opponent frequently receives perfect drops when close to defeat, which does cheapen your skilled groundwork.

- Has substantial spikes in difficulty that can be jarring, especially when they're followed by an easy 60 second win.

- In later rounds, item drops aren't always fair and you can receive an exhaustive barrage of either animal or food tiles.

- With only 19 rounds, single player is rather light on content and would have benefited from an Endless mode.

Baku Baku Animal (Sega Master System review)

Developer: Minato Giken
Publisher: Tec Toy
Released: 1998

Baku Baku Animal is a falling block puzzle game that was released on numerous systems including the Sega Game Gear (1996).

+ Simple, addictive gameplay that refreshes the falling block genre by requiring multitasking to feed animals the correct food.

+ Excellent controls, and the cut-scenes showcase each character's personality while steadily advancing the narrative.

+ Includes a handy password feature after each round to allow you to continue progress at a later date.

- CPU opponent frequently receives perfect drops when close to defeat, which does cheapen your skilled groundwork.

- Has substantial spikes in difficulty that can be jarring, especially when they're followed by an easy 60 second win.

- With only 19 rounds, single player is rather light on content and would have benefited from an Endless mode.

- Lazily, the action runs in the Game Gear's smaller 160x144 resolution, so there's not much room to manoeuvre.

Bonkers Wax Up! (Sega Game Gear review)

Developer: Al Baker & Associates
Publisher: Sega of America
Released: 1994

Bonkers Wax Up! is an action game that was ported to the Sega Master System in 1995.

+ Non-linear stage design is respectable, and the radar is super helpful for pointing you towards the next collectable pickle.

+ Has a more consistent frame-rate than the Sega Master System version, and there's a good variety of enemy types.

+ Slide attack is handy if you suddenly encounter a foe, and the game affords you multiple hits to aid progression.

- Action is mind-numbingly repetitive with only a short mine-cart section for variety, and the bosses are unimaginative.

- Enemies can suddenly respawn just out of view, leaving you wide open to damage when the camera starts to move.

- Controls are dreadful and cheap hits are abundant due to your inability to adjust in mid-air when stomping.

- Collision detection is equally as frustrating and you'll often find yourself jumping straight through items with no response.

Bonkers Wax Up! (Sega Master System review)

Developer: Al Baker & Associates
Publisher: Tec Toy
Released: 1995

Bonkers Wax Up! is an action game that was first released on the Sega Game Gear in 1994.

+ Non-linear stage design is respectable, and the radar is super helpful for pointing you towards the next collectable pickle.

+ Slide attack is handy if you suddenly encounter an enemy, and the game affords you multiple hits to aid progression.

- Action is mind-numbingly repetitive with only a short mine-cart section for variety, and the bosses are unimaginative.

- Game engine feels like it's always struggling to keep up, with constant sound, sprite and HUD glitches.

- Frame-rate is wildly inconsistent, and the abrupt speed changes are a nightmare when attempting precision platforming.

- Controls are dreadful and cheap hits are abundant due to your inability to adjust in mid-air when stomping.

- Collision detection is equally as frustrating and you'll often find yourself jumping straight through items with no response.

Dynamite Dux (Sega Master System review)

Developer: Whiteboard
Publisher: Sega Enterprises, Ltd.
Released: 1990

Dynamite Dux is a beat-em-up that was originally released in the Arcade in 1988.

+ Has a nice range of weapons that are slowly introduced to keep things interesting as you advance through the levels.

+ Super Punch is a gratifying way to defeat multiple enemies and mastering it is essential for beating the tough bosses.

+ Diagonal scrolling areas help to add variety, and there's plenty of opportunities to top up your health metre.

- Despite varying scenic backdrops, the five stages feel very similar and there's no memorable moments throughout.

- Collision detection is entirely broken, with the Super Punch having the ability to hit enemies from several feet away!

- Jump kick attack is completely pointless, as you always seem to take damage whenever you attempt to use it.

- Omits characters and stages found in the Arcade original, and the two-player co-op mode is also absent.

Basketball Nightmare (Sega Master System review)

Developer: Sega Enterprises, Ltd.
Publisher: Sega Enterprises, Ltd.
Released: 1989

Basketball Nightmare is a sports game that's exclusive to the Sega Master System.

+ Timing-based shot mechanic rewards skill, and impressively there's six different court locations available.

+ Close-up dunk animations look amazing and have much more fluidity than seen in Double Dribble (1987, NES).

- The game's main attraction is its ghoulish teams, yet in multiplayer you can only select normal human players.

- Sprite flicker and minuscule ball size make it astonishingly difficult to see who has possession during gameplay.

- A.I. is dumb, as teammates avoid defense and opponents defer wide open dunks in favour of random backcourt passes.

- CPU follows pre-set lanes, and cheap wins can be gained by blocking their path until they hand over the ball!

- B-movie music during gameplay does fit, but the short track loops endlessly and there's no option to mute it.

Bomber Raid (Sega Master System review)

Developer: Sanritsu
Publisher: Activision
Released: 1989

Bomber Raid is a vertically-scrolling shooter and the last Sega Master System game released in Japan.

+ Ample power-up opportunities, and like TwinBee (1985, Arcade) you can continually blast icons to cycle through upgrades.

+ Makes you feel like a destruction machine when fully powered-up, and it's satisfying mowing down foes with ease.

+ Excellent range of enemy types with unique patterns, and there's only minimal slowdown despite tons of on-screen sprites.

+ Has a manageable level of difficulty and even shoot-em-up novices have a good chance of progressing deep into the game.

- Levels are drawn-out and the stage design doesn't create enough memorable moments to keep your interest peaked.

- Holding a button down to rapid fire is pointless due to its pathetic shooting rate, meaning constant tapping is required.

- When upgraded to full speed, your ship moves too fast and trying to make precise movements is a nerve-racking task.

Bank Panic (Sega Master System review)

Developer: Sega R&D 2
Publisher: Sega Enterprises, Ltd.
Released: 1987

Bank Panic is a shooting game that was originally released in the Arcade in 1984.

+ Expands on the lighthearted action found in Wild Gunman (1985, NES), but with new wrinkles to heighten the tension.

+ Frantic gameplay has a fun multitasking element, and the difficulty curve is ideal for easing in newcomers.

+ Waiting for bad guys to draw their weapons before you shoot is nerve-wracking, but the extra points are a worthy reward.

+ Has a deceptively deep scoring system, with certain conditions enabling you to net huge special bonuses.

+ Includes detailed, chunky sprites, and the catchy jingle has both an upbeat and sombre version depending on your play.

- Would have been amazing if the game supported the Light Phaser alongside the controller for increased immersion.

- Takes a while to restart after a failed attempt, and the game can become repetitive due to the lack of additional scenery.

Dick Tracy (Sega Master System review)

Developer: Sega Technical Institute
Publisher: Sega
Released: 1991

Dick Tracy is an action game that was also released on the Sega Mega Drive / Genesis in 1991.

+ Does an admirable job of mirroring the 16-bit version and crams in many of the levels, bosses and story cut-scenes.

+ Clever attack implementation due to pressure sensitive inputs that dictate foreground or background shooting.

+ SMS exclusive special move evens things by wiping out all foes on-screen, similar to Streets of Rage (1991, Sega Genesis).

- Controls are terribly stiff and there's noticeable animation lag when trying to attack that affects the flow of the gameplay.

- Lots of reused locations, and like Karate Kid (1987, NES) you can abuse the sprite limit and trail enemies to the exit.

- Car stages omit the distance metre, and the dumbed down bosses can be beaten by rapid firing while remaining static.

- Bonus Stage only includes two of the three targets, yet the lack of face buttons could have been aided by the d-pad.

Dick Tracy (Sega Mega Drive / Genesis review)

Developer: Sega Technical Institute
Publisher: Sega
Released: 1991

Dick Tracy is an action game that was also released on the Sega Master System in 1991.

+ Expands on the duck and cover gameplay seen in Rolling Thunder (1986, Arcade) by allowing you to shoot while jumping.

+ Switching attacks against foreground and background enemies is awesome, and Stage 5 brilliantly flips things 180°.

+ Cool scoring mechanic that rewards skilled play, as you gain bonus points by punching foes and avoiding scenic damage.

+ Car chase scenes are a fun diversion, and the between-stage cartoon strips look excellent and keep the story progressing.

- Punch-only stages can be brutal, especially as the hit detection goes to pieces when trying to attack annoying knife foes.

- Controls can feel quite stiff when you're surrounded by multiple enemies, and the boss battles are rather repetitive.

- Reuses stage backgrounds later in the game and the reflexes needed for the Bonus Rounds becomes comically tough. 

Black Belt (Sega Master System review)

Developer: Sega R&D 2
Publisher: Sega of America
Released: 1986

Black Belt is a side-scrolling beat-em-up that's exclusive to the Sega Master System.

+ Gameplay can be enjoyable in short bursts due to its rhythmic flow and endless waves of incoming enemies.

+ Encourages full use of your attack arsenal, as each boss has a weak point that must be identified for maximum damage.

- However, the action suffers from extreme repetition and is too derivative of Kung-Fu Master (1984, Arcade).

- Damage is unavoidable when enemy sprites overlap, as you can only hit one bad guy at a time, leaving you vulnerable.

- Poor collision detection (especially during boss fights) and your attacks can have no effect despite making clear contact.

- Would have benefited from a smoother difficulty curve, as even the first boss is hard as nails and there's no continues.

- Using the d-pad to jump leads to many accidental leaps, and having to press Down then Up for a high jump is cumbersome.

Great Golf (1986) (Sega Master System review)

Developer: Sega R&D 2
Publisher: Sega Enterprises, Ltd.
Released: 1986

Great Golf is a sports game that was only released in Asia and is unrelated to the similarly titled Great Golf (1987, Sega Master System).

+ Tournament mode can be played by up to four players (sharing two controllers) for couch-based competition.

+ Courses are meticulously crafted, with slivered fairways and staggered islands that test your ball striking accuracy.

+ Has an intuitive four-step process before each swing, and the mechanics on the putting green are uncomplicated.

- On-screen HUD doesn't tell you how far away the ball is from the cup, leading to awkward calculations and guesswork.

- Doesn't allow you to scroll the camera to peek ahead, and there's no clear indication of where the ball will travel.

- Could have used more wide open fairways during the first few holes to ease players in and help them learn the basics.

- Lack of crowd SFX make for a muted round of golf, and the isometric viewpoint isn't ideal when trying to avoid hazards.

Great Soccer (Sega Master System review)

Developer: Sega R&D 2
Publisher: Sega Enterprises, Ltd.
Released: 1986

Great Soccer is a sports title that was only released in Europe and Japan.

+ Does a respectable job of auto-selecting the nearest teammate, and the difficulty options are well balanced.

+ Curling shots is a joy and is reminiscent of the crazy amounts of spin you can add in the Sensible Soccer games.

- Replayability is low, as the game contains only two teams with no discernible difference apart from their jersey colour.

- Extremely light on content, as single matches are your sole option and you can't customise the length of each half.

- Players have exactly the same statistics regardless of their position, making every match a repetitive experience.

- There's a noticeable delay when attempting to execute passes, and the game frequently ignores your button inputs.

- Controlling a defender and goalkeeper at the same time can be problematic and leave the net wide open when marking.