Dragon Hopper (Virtual Boy review)

Developer: Intelligent Systems
Publisher: Nintendo
Released: 2026

Dragon Hopper is an action game that was cancelled in 1996, and finally released on the Nintendo Classics service in 2026.

+ Each stage is sizeable with high replayability due to the amount of collectables hidden off the beaten track.

+ Unlockable characters / abilities offer many ways to tackle stages, and magic points give the action an RPG-like element.

+ Landing consecutive bounces on enemy's heads is entertaining in a similar way to Bound High! (1996, Virtual Boy).

+ 3D effect shines and it's a joy to ascend complex environments, especially during Stage 4's cloud-based platforming.

+ Epic final level does a great job of testing your skills and endurance, and there's four slots to save your progress.

- Stage 2's vast, barren landscapes are uninspiring, and the lack of diagonal attacks makes for some awkward combat.

Virtual League Baseball 2 (Virtual Boy review)

Developer: Kemco
Publisher: Kemco
Released: N/A

Virtual League Baseball 2 is a sports game that was cancelled prior to its planned release in 1996.

+ Has a comprehensive Team Edit mode, and there's now three stadiums with contrasting dimensions that affect strategy.

+ Semi-automatic fielding option gives you a head-start on tracking down hits, and infield shifts deepen the gameplay.

+ Presentation has been greatly improved, with plenty of celebration animations and voice clips that create excitement.

- Swing timing is very difficult to master, and CPU batters are susceptible to extreme in or away pitches for easy outs.

- Fielders make an inordinate amount of errors on routine plays, and it's tough to differentiate teams when base running.

- There's only two pitch types to try and keep hitters off balance, and the 3D effect is still rather unimpressive.

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.

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.

Ariel the Little Mermaid (Sega Master System review)

Developer: BlueSky Software, Disney Software
Publisher: Tec Toy
Released: 1996

Ariel the Little Mermaid is an action title that was previously released on the Sega Game Gear (1992) and Sega Genesis (1992).

+ Ability to call upon your fish friends is a charming mechanic that can net you treasure and open new pathways.

- However, using button combinations to summon them is clunky and they sometimes wander off-screen without helping!

- Frame-rate is dreadful, the game randomly speeds up and down, and the scrolling is so jerky it'll hurt your eyeballs.

- Controls are wildly unreliable and it's clear this was a dirty port of the handheld version due to smaller resolution windows.

- Checking the map to locate polyps is tedious and it also takes a painful amount of time for the graphic to draw-in.

- Ariel frequently gets stuck on the scenery, and the adventure is all too brief as there's only four short levels.

- Bosses are extremely disappointing, as you can stand in one spot and blast away at the static foe in front of you.

Christmas NiGHTS into Dreams (Sega Saturn review)

Developer: Sonic Team
Publisher: Sega
Released: 1996

Christmas NiGHTS into Dreams is a themed promotional sampler of Sega's 1996 title Nights into Dreams (Sega Saturn). 

+ A terrific way to demo Nights' joyous gameplay and there's a surprising amount of content for a would-be teaser. 

+ Allows you to experience Spring Valley as Elliot, and you can also unlock Sonic's first 3D outing as he battles Dr. Eggman.

+ Some fun diversions are on offer, including the exclusive Link Attack and Time Attack modes that challenge you in new ways.

+ Unlocking presents via the tile-matching game is addictive, and changing the console's date opens up hidden secrets.

+ Graphics are sublime and it's clear the developers made a serious effort to incorporate the holiday spirit into the demo.

- Graphical makeover does unfortunately result in noticeable frame-rate dips and slowdown not found in the original game.

- Karaoke mode is a nice idea, but the highlighted words lag so far behind the song that it's pretty much pointless!