Sunset Riders (Sega Mega Drive / Genesis review)

Developer: Konami
Publisher: Konami
Released: 1992

Sunset Riders is an action game that was released in the Arcade in 1991 and ported to the Super Nintendo in 1993.

+ Stage design resembles Rolling Thunder (1986, Arcade) due to dual platform levels, and the stray coins add risk-reward.

+ Includes an exclusive two-player Versus option, and the co-op mode shows the hit-rate which is great for bragging rights!

+ Has more control flexibility than the Arcade original, as you can either fire from a stationary position or while moving.

- However, it's very much an incomplete port, as four stages and two playable characters are completely absent.

- Doesn't hold a candle next to the SNES version which has more content, superior audio / animation and brighter colours.

- Bonus stages offer little in the way of variety or fun, as it's weirdly tough to judge depth perception when chasing items.

- Voice clips for each boss are missing (text boxes are used instead), which lessens their charm and personality.

Laser Invasion (NES review)

Developer: Konami
Publisher: Konami
Released: 1991

Laser Invasion is a mixed-genre action game that uses the NES Zapper for certain sections.

+ Multiple gameplay types merge together to create a cohesive whole that enhances the grandeur of your objective.

+ Missile types and optional equipment can be chosen prior to take-off, which allows players to form their own strategies.

+ Gun shooting works great with the Zapper, as well as a d-pad thanks to a speedy reticle and generous hit-boxes.

+ 3D maze section could easily have been an entire game in its own right, and having to locate items to survive is fun.

+ Stage 2's escape finale is exhilarating and the twists and turns through narrow corridors gets the adrenaline pumping.

- Difficulty could deter some players, as it's sky-high from the outset and the time limits in the maze areas are strict.

- Helicopter sections don't feel integral to the gameplay, as you can avoid combat and head straight to a map icon.

Batman Returns (NES review)

Developer: Konami
Publisher: Konami
Released: 1993

Batman Returns is a side-scrolling beat-em-up that's exclusive to the NES.

+ Gives you a decent attack set (as well as a defensive block) and the Sliding Kick is excellent for getting out of harms way.

+ Includes a wide range of enemy types with unique attack patterns and there's multiple endings based on how well you play.

+ Stage 4-1's Batmobile level adds some much needed variety, as it takes the form of a blisteringly fast side-scrolling shooter.

+ Graphics and cut-scenes feature some beautifully detailed artwork, and the music compliments the high-octane action.

- Controls can be stiff and unresponsive, while the challenge has some wildly uneven spikes in difficulty.

- Hit boxes are questionable and it's actually possible to damage an enemy despite punching in the opposite direction!

- Stage 6-2's ice level is a misstep, as your slippery momentum negates combos and there's increased sprite flicker.

Tiny Toon Adventures: Buster's Hidden Treasure (Sega Mega Drive / Genesis review)

Developer: Konami
Publisher: Konami
Released: 1993

Tiny Toon Adventures: Buster's Hidden Treasure is a platformer that's exclusive to Sega's 16-bit console.

+ Interesting stage layouts and each typically features areas below ground, as well as in the sky for more perilous platforming.

+ Unconventional level design ideas, such as being able to immediately see the exit, yet needing to work out the correct route.

+ Map / secret exits resemble Super Mario World (1991, SNES) and the wall jump mechanic is great for avoiding hazards.

+ Excellent controls allow you to carefully manoeuvre in mid-air, as well as being able to adjust your vertical jumping distance.

+ Packs a decent challenge, but special attacks even the odds and can be stockpiled throughout each level for strategic use.

- Map screen could be a little clearer and more immediately intuitive in showing you which levels you've beaten / not unlocked.

- Boss battles are rather unimaginative and task you with repeating the same basic attack pattern several times to advance.

Bucky O'Hare (NES review)

Developer: Konami
Publisher: Konami
Released: 1992

Bucky O'Hare is an action-platformer that's based on the comic book of the same name.

+ Level design constantly surprises with its use of verticality and awesome set-pieces that make each area feel unique.

+ Allows you to choose the order in which you tackle the first four stages, and there's even a handy password feature.

+ Being able to switch between characters on the fly adds strategy, as well as puzzle elements in terms of how to progress.

+ Gorgeous graphics with detailed sprite work and cut-scenes, and the music does an excellent job of heightening the intensity.

- Difficulty is wildly uneven and many sections will have you tearing your hair out due to the reliance on trial-and-error over skill.

- Recycles many ideas from other NES games such as Life Force (1987), Mega Man II (1988) and Battletoads (1991).

- Too many sections lean on Blinky's abilities and overall there's not enough focus on the rest of the characters.

Parodius (NES review)

Developer: Konami
Publisher: Palcom Software
Released: 1992

Parodius is a horizontally-scrolling shooter that was only released in Europe and Japan.

+ Repeat play is warranted thanks to there being four distinct characters that each have unique power-up abilities.

+ Bells add a nice risk-reward element, as carefully changing them into different coloured power-ups requires dexterity.

+ Ability to morph into a giant ship and plough through enemies without taking damage is terrific and evens the playing field.

+ Includes multi-directional scrolling areas to spice things up, and the exclusive Carnival level has some fun ideas.

- There's a distracting amount of slowdown and sprite flicker that often obscures your vision of incoming bullets.

- Roulette item is a pain, as activating it can lead to powering down and slowly having to regain your abilities.

- While the bosses have great character art, they typically feature dull attack patterns and drawn-out battles.

Noah's Ark (NES review)

Developer: Source Research & Development
Publisher: Konami
Released: 1992

Noah's Ark is an action-platformer that was only released in Europe.

+ Fun power-up abilities enhance the gameplay and provide you with a multitude of ways to tackle each stage.

+ Bosses feature huge sprites, while the levels usually provide several platform routes for you to navigate the environments. 

- There's little variance to the level design throughout and the constant screen-scrolling quickly wears out its welcome.

- Controls are atrocious, as running speed relies on momentum while you try to cope with unresponsive button presses.

- Awful collision detection and you'll often take damage despite clearly being several pixels away from a hazard.

- Most of the game's items are hidden and only found by either shooting blindly, or jumping around like a mad-man.

- Locating and accessing the Secret Rounds is fruitless, as on completion you're kicked back to the start of the level.