The Jungle Book (Sega Mega Drive / Genesis review)

Developer: Eurocom Entertainment Software, Virgin Interactive Entertainment, Disney Software
Publisher: Virgin Interactive Entertainment
Released: 1994

The Jungle Book is an action-platformer that was also released on the Sega Master System (1993) and Sega Game Gear (1994).

+ Lots of variety in the stage design with amazing verticality, and the Ruins levels are intense due to crumbling scenery.

+ Unlike the 8-bit versions, you don't need to collect all the gems in each scene, although doing so unlocks Bonus Levels.

+ Bosses offer a better challenge with their more comprehensive attack patterns, and the animation is top notch.

+ Addition of a jump attack opens up the combat, and the ability to switch between different weapons enhances strategy.

- Tons of instant death pits, and despite being able to move the camera up / down it doesn't always give you an ideal view.

- Some animal SFX grate, and Mowgli can no longer eliminate foes on upper or lower platforms with his weapons.

- Button presses are occasionally ignored, and the sketchy collision detection can lead to unavoidable damage.

The Jungle Book (Sega Game Gear review)

Developer: Eurocom Entertainment Software, Syrox Developments, Disney Software
Publisher: Virgin Interactive Entertainment
Released: 1994

The Jungle Book is an action-platformer that also saw release on the Sega Genesis (1994) and Sega Master System (1993).

+ Level design has interesting layouts, and there's plenty of verticality that lends itself well to the exploratory gem stages.

+ Has great graphics and playful ideas, such as being able to launch yourself off crocodile snouts to reach higher platforms.

+ Scene 8 has some awesome parkour elements where you need to string together several moves in quick succession.

+ Ability to look up / down helps to compensate for the small screen, as you can safely dispatch foes on other platforms.

- There's a small, but noticeable delay when pressing jump, and later levels have bottomless pits that rely on trial-and-error.

- In some scenes, it's not always clear what's part of the background or foreground, resulting in missed platform jumps.

- Bosses are easily destroyed by nonchalantly spamming the attack button, and the game's ending is lacklustre.

Earthworm Jim (Sega Game Gear review)

Developer: Eurocom Entertainment Software
Publisher: Playmates Interactive Entertainment
Released: 1995

Earthworm Jim is an action game that was also released in 8-bit form on the Sega Master System in 1997.

+ Levels do a respectable job of mirroring the Sega Genesis (1994) version from the stage settings, set-pieces and music.

+ Includes several stages and bosses that were omitted from the SMS port, each being fundamental to the experience. 

+ Although the frame-rate is variable, it's still miles ahead of its 8-bit big brother and features smoother gameplay.

- Even though your shots will land, enemies can walk straight through them to attack you, resulting in many cheap hits.

- Simple tasks like grabbing a ledge, or whipping a hook can often be infuriatingly tough due to the sloppy collision detection.

- The three Snots a Problem levels are butchered due to your opponent being able to take a ridiculous amount of hits.

- The drastically cut-down animation and lack of voice clips mean that a lot of Jim's charm and personality is lost.

Earthworm Jim (Sega Master System review)

Developer: Eurocom Entertainment Software
Publisher: Tec Toy
Released: 1997

Earthworm Jim is an action game that was also released in 8-bit form on the Sega Game Gear in 1995.

+ Levels do a respectable job of mirroring the Sega Genesis (1994) version from the stage settings, set-pieces and music.

+ Pressing or holding the attack button to whip or fire isn't perfect, but it works okay given the lack of SMS face buttons.

- Missing several stages and bosses from the comparable 8-bit handheld version, making for a very incomplete port.

- Entire game feels like it's performing at a snails pace, and trying to accurately line up projectiles is a case of luck over skill.

- Andy Asteroids races scroll very slowly, yet bizarrely run fast and smooth once you manage to obtain a boost item.

- Even simple tasks like grabbing a ledge, or whipping a hook can be infuriatingly tough due to the sloppy collision detection.

- The drastically cut-down animation and lack of voice clips mean that a lot of Jim's charm and personality is lost.

Hydro Thunder (N64 review)

Developer: Eurocom
Publisher: Midway Games
Released: 2000

Hydro Thunder is a boat racing game that was first released in the Arcades in 1999.

It consists of a 1 player Tournament mode, as well as Multiplayer (1-4 players). The former consists of Easy, Medium and Hard competitions that contain three courses each. The objective is to finish courses within a certain position (in order to unlock bonus courses and extra boats), and collecting Boost icons is crucial to succeeding. Gameplay wise, it's reminiscent of Excite Truck (2006, Nintendo Wii) due to its exotic course design, boost jumps and the fact that you always feel close to being out of control! Each boat is responsive, and I like how many vehicles are included to cater towards different play styles. While there isn't really a focus on enemy combat, it's endlessly satisfying to send an opponent flying by crashing into them while boosting! The water physics are great and although they're not as realistic as Wave Race 64 (1996, N64), they still provide some brilliant push and pull against your vehicle. The Easy mode is a breeze, but Medium forces you to replay each course to find all the shortcuts and eventually qualify; it can be annoying to continually restart the same track but it does encourage you to perfect every trick in the book to shave off previous seconds; when you do successfully pull off a boost start, use all of the shortcuts, boost jump to grab extra turbo and finish ahead of the necessary opponents it's an absolute rush and a very rewarding experience. The course design is top-notch too with varied scenery (e.g. the Nile Adventure track features breakaway sections that create chaos!), but I do wish there were more tracks on offer. The multiplayer mode offers a worthwhile distraction, but you can't race alongside A.I. opponents and the tracks can only be raced one at a time (e.g. no tournaments).

Hydro Thunder doesn't have enough content to satisfy you for more than a couple of days, but it's still a fantastic game that's definitely worth a look if you enjoy tough Arcade racers. The stunning track design is the main highlight here and the fact that it's complimented by excellent controls makes this a must-play.

Random trivia: The game was also a launch title for the Sega Dreamcast in 1999.

Dropzone (NES review)

Developer: Eurocom Entertainment Software

Publisher: Mindscape, Inc.

Released: 1992

Dropzone is a European exclusive shooter that was first released in the Arcades in 1984.

It's clearly inspired by Defender (1981, Arcades) and the objective is to wipe out waves of aliens while rescuing humans and delivering them to the landing pad. A handy map at the bottom shows you the location of all enemies and once they've been eliminated you move onto the next level. To attack you can either use a Laser gun or a limited amount of Strata Bombs to wipe out everything on screen. The aliens have individual characteristics as some blow up into smaller lasers when hit, while others home in on your direction. Gameplay-wise, the action is intense and you truly feel like you're alone, fighting for survival against a never-ending swarm of foes. The constant multi-tasking is what makes things so enjoyable, as you're always strategising and making decisions about whether to quickly pick up a stranded, at-risk human or destroy enemies in your path. The ability to rapid-fire shoot is great too, as you can unleash a barrage of bullets around the play-area by continually hitting Button 1. Speedy and powerful Nmeyes aliens appear if you take too long and their impending arrival makes you rush around in a similar fashion to Evil Otto from Berzerk (1980, Arcades). The controls are okay but they're a little too sensitive for my liking, as tapping Up on the d-pad once can see you soaring from the floor to the top of the screen. The action is incredibly fast and challenging as the CPU shows no mercy (even from the outset) and some difficulty options would have been beneficial. The main problem though is the lack of options, as despite this being an eight-year-old game there's only a single mode on offer.

While Dropzone isn't the most original title, it successfully packages bits and pieces from other Arcade games to create a fast and frenetic shooter that's worthy of your time. Its unfortunate downfall is the miniscule amount of content that's included and it's tough to shake the feeling that this was a bit of a lazy cash-in by Mindscape.

 

Random trivia: A port was also released on the Nintendo Game Boy in 1992.