S.C.A.T.: Special Cybernetic Attack Team (NES review)

Developer: Natsume
Publisher: Natsume
Released: 1991

S.C.A.T.: Special Cybernetic Attack Team is a shoot-em-up that was released in Europe as Action in New York.

+ Action moves along at breakneck speed (particularly in Stage 3's Astrotube) and there's no noticeable slowdown.

+ Level design makes up for the game's short length by merging horizontally and vertically scrolling areas.

+ Secondary weapons offer tactical flexibility, as they can be positioned to circle your character, or fire at specific angles.

+ Phenomenal music and stunningly detailed pixel-art are comparable to other Natsume games like Shatterhand (1991, NES).

- Tough-as-nails, with too much emphasis on unforeseeable cheap hits from enemies that suddenly enter the playfield.

- Artificially increases the challenge by refusing to recharge your health metre after completing a stage.

- Suffers from an inordinate amount of sprite flicker, and your character will often blend in with enemies and their bullets.