Alf (Sega Master System review)

Developer: Nexa
Publisher: Sega of America
Released: 1989

Alf is an action-adventure title that's based on the hit TV sitcom of the same name.

+ There's some humorous quips from Alf if he's left idle, and the music (while admittedly repetitive) is very catchy.

- Gets off to a brutal start in the tough cave section and it's potluck whether you successfully hit the respawning bats.

- Collision detection is terrible and the game often thinks you've made contact with street bikers despite clear distance.

- Light on content / locations, and if the Book item is purchased the game cheaply sends you back to the title screen!

- In-game hints have an irritating tendency to quickly disappear if you're holding a button or d-pad direction at the same time.

- Game engine feels like it's always on the verge of breaking down, with frequent stutters and slowdown throughout.

- Animation is poor (especially when using the staircase), and Alf's sprite briefly disappears when turning.