Neo Geo Cup '98 Plus Color (Neo Geo Pocket Color review)

Developer: SNK
Publisher: SNK
Released: 1999

Neo Geo Cup '98 Plus Color is a football game that's part of the Super Sidekicks series.

+ Does a good job of explaining the strengths and weaknesses of each team, and allows you to customise match tactics.

+ Story mode continually rewards you with points that you can spend to upgrade your team, which adds longevity.

- Camera is too zoomed-in for strategic play, as your teammates aren't usually visible which negates the passing game.

- Auto-player selection feature doesn't work properly and it often refuses to choose the teammate closest to the ball.

- Opponent's goal is only seen by dribbling halfway into the 18-yard box, so you can't aim shots based on the keeper's location.

- CPU is frustratingly aggressive, and not only are they always in the vicinity of the ball, they can also outrun it when it's kicked!

- No real difference between each team, as Brazil players seem to have the same stats as Japan, despite what the game says.

Pepsiman (Sony PlayStation review)

Developer: KID
Publisher: KID
Released: 1999

Pepsiman is an auto-running action game that was released exclusively in Japan.

+ Locales are a blast to navigate, with particular highlights being the residential streets and underground station.

+ Includes some fun diversions that see you riding a skateboard, or wearing a trashcan that reverses your controls!

+ Using the dash mechanic is exhilarating and it's hugely rewarding when you shave seconds off your best time.

+ Frame-rate is rock-solid and the action is entertaining once you learn the stage layouts and manage to collect all the cans.

- Only contains a measly four stages (with three acts each), so before you know it you'll be seeing the credits roll.

- Music is irritatingly repetitive, and the sweeping camera angles often makes it hard to accurately judge spatial distance. 

- Bizarre cut-scenes featuring a stereotypical, overweight gamer seem ill-advised for a supposedly delectable drink.

Toy Commander (Sega Dreamcast review)

Developer: No Cliché
Publisher: Sega
Released: 1999

Toy Commander is an action game that's exclusive to the Sega Dreamcast.

+ Mission diversity is outstanding and the multi-layered tasks force you to think in a logistical, puzzle-like manner to succeed.

+ Objectives are playful in a similar way to Blast Corps (1997, N64) and there's even a hilarious nod to Godzilla in Room 2.

+ Usually gives you several missions to choose from, which is a great idea if you're struggling with a particular task.

+ Huge incentive to replay missions for top scores, as you can unlock comrades that will help you fight against the final boss.

- Tutorial does a terrible job of teaching players the basics, which leads to newcomers fumbling with the central mechanics.

- Mission objectives are usually ambiguous and the result is lots of trial-and-error until you stumble upon the solution.

- Controls are overly sensitive, while the camera angles often fail to provide you with an ideal view of your surroundings.

Driver - You Are the Wheelman (Sony PlayStation review)

Developer: Reflections Interactive
Publisher: GT Interactive
Released: 1999

Driver - You Are the Wheelman is an action-driving game that was also released on Microsoft Windows in 1999.

+ Missions are extremely varied (including some multi-part goals), and the precise handling of each car is impressive.

+ Often gives you several missions to choose from, which is a terrific idea if you're struggling with a specific objective.

+ The four worlds feel alive with cars and pedestrians, and there's little slowdown to go along with a good draw distance.

+  Fun extra modes for longevity (such as the chaotic Survival challenge), and the free run option allows for leisurely drives.

- Opening tutorial is brutal for newcomers, and the developers should have adopted a bite-sized learning approach instead.

- Tough to avoid police detection, as time limits are usually so strict that you'll have no choice but to run red lights.

- Difficulty is wildly uneven, and many early missions will test your patience due to overly aggressive police and time limits.

Pocket Tennis Color (Neo Geo Pocket Color review)

Developer: Yumekobo
Publisher: SNK
Released: 1999

Pocket Tennis Color is a sports game that was also released on the monochrome version of the console.

+ Includes a whopping 19 tournaments, and the 10 characters have unique abilities to cater towards your preferred play style.

+ Easy to pick-up-and-play due to responsive controls that allow you to place shots with precision across all parts of the court.

+ Automatically saves your progress after each tournament, including a cool trophy case with date stamps of your victories.

+ Grass court features some stunning pixel art thanks to its lush greenery, and each match features a cool day/night cycle.

- On the other hand, the Indoor court looks dreadful with barren landscapes and graphics that resemble the Game Boy.

- Gameplay is rather basic and those hoping for extensive modes and a more advanced shot selection should look elsewhere.

- Unlocking all tournaments and trophies relies on changing the console's time and date, which is an unnecessary hassle.

Neo Turf Masters (Neo Geo Pocket Color review)

Developer: Saurus
Publisher: SNK
Released: 1999

Neo Turf Masters is a golf game that was first released on the Neo Geo MVS in 1996.

+ Impressive how much it mirrors its console big brother in terms of presentation, music, cut-scenes and gameplay.

+ Course design is sublime and throws in some shrewd curve-balls via hazards / obstacles to test your ability.

+ The shot interface is intuitive and even first-timers can learn to master the advanced draw/fade mechanic within minutes.

+ Putting is straightforward too and affords you a decent margin of error if you're not perfectly lined up on the power metre.

+ Your completed tournament progress can be saved and the game keeps a comprehensive record of your achievements.

- Would have benefited from some shorter gameplay modes, as completing 18-holes on a handheld isn't always ideal.

- Crowd sound effects are inconsistent and don't always play despite (for example) a great iron shot that lands close to the pin.

Pac-Man (Neo Geo Pocket Color review)

Developer: Namco
Publisher: Namco, SNK
Released: 1999

Pac-Man is a maze game that was first released in the Arcades in 1980.

+ Sound effects are very faithful to the Arcade original.

+ Intermission cut-scenes are included to entertain and give the player a short break.

- Doesn't save your high scores despite this being the main gameplay objective.

- The analog stick isn't very accurate for four-way directional movement and many times you lose a life it's not your fault.

- The full screen option allows you to see more of the playfield, but you'll have to squint due to the small LCD.

- The Scroll option zooms in the action, but incoming enemies are hard to spot when they gain speed in higher levels.

- Offers nothing over the original 1980 release and the lack of extras or new modes make it poor value for money.