Staff reviews, page 218

Thunder Force II review

This early Genesis release is not graphically or sonically stunning, as can be expected (old games still impress in these categories, but we needn't expect them to), but the lackluster presentation is not wholly or even largely the reason…

Marc Golding · December 21, 2003

Staff Genesis

Journey from Darkness: Strider Returns review

Sega's Strider was every bit as engaging as Capcom had made it in the arcades. Truly, it was a memorable experience with only two weaknesses worth mentioning: the length of the adventure, and the limitations of the hero's jumping…

Marc Golding · December 21, 2003

Staff Genesis

Strider review

Much of the game’s hype was due to the fact that it was the first 8 meg cartridge ever. Certainly it was not just a case of Sega and Capcom pounding their chests with no real reasoning behind the extra space; upon comparison with other…

Marc Golding · December 21, 2003

Staff Genesis

Splatterhouse 2 review

In the first game, Rick's girlfriend Jennifer was spirited away from his underdeveloped arms right before his pimply face, creamy with bursting whiteheads. The Hell Mask appeared to provide delicious two-fold resolution. He donned the…

Marc Golding · December 20, 2003

Staff Genesis

Sonic the Hedgehog review

The fast and the furious Green Hill Zone. Barreling over bright green hills, digging your heels in as you race through lush valleys of green, leaping for coins and coming back down to green earth - this is what the entire game should have…

Marc Golding · December 20, 2003

Staff Genesis

Sol-Deace review

So now you have three streams of fire, one from the core, and one from each arm of the ship. You can get the arms to fire at different angles by moving the core forward and back. This is quite cool! Take note, nonbelievers! Sometimes, I…

Marc Golding · December 20, 2003

Staff Genesis

Shadow Dancer: The Secret of Shinobi review

I don't think our hard-ass hero, Joe Musashi, would be pleased with the name of this adventure: ''I know it's a stealth thing, but it sounds so...fruity!'' Regrettably, Joe did not have much say in naming the game, so the title stood…

Marc Golding · December 20, 2003

Staff Genesis

Rocket Knight Adventures review

An esteemed colleague of mine - the legendary Honestgamers reviewer Jason Owens - urged me to try out Rocket Knight Adventures for the longest time. He was relentless. He pushed my buttons, prodded me with intrusive interrogations centered…

Marc Golding · December 20, 2003

Staff PlayStation 2

Midway Arcade Treasures review

Some of my all-time favorite arcade games are here. While a few of Midway's more popular titles are missing, most of those are too new to fit nicely on what is essentially a compilation of retro titles. The newest of the lot, I believe, is…

Jason Venter · December 20, 2003

Staff Genesis

Ristar review

I don’t profess to being Hannibal Lecter, or anything close to his ilk, but due in no small part to this game, I too seem to have reached the lowest levels of adult human depravity. Witness this scene: I, a grown man, observe three young…

Marc Golding · December 20, 2003

Staff Genesis

The Revenge of Shinobi review

Be careful. This game is often called a classic, and perhaps rightfully so. But don’t expect it to be the perfect, quintessential 2D action adventure platform game - it’s not. There are two flaws that prevent its ascendancy into the lofty…

Marc Golding · December 20, 2003

Staff Genesis

Rastan Saga II review

A mysterious edifice known as ''Skyscraper'' controls the land of Rastania somehow. An evil contingent has moved in and taken over the Skyscraper by force. A brave savage must turn the tide! I couldn't make this up if I wanted to, believe…

Marc Golding · December 20, 2003

Staff Genesis

Phelios review

Phelios casts you as Apollo, and your mission is to rescue your girl (yawn) from the dreaded despot (snore) who, incidentally, could pass for a hooded, red-eyed version of Cobra Commander. Anyway, Typhon’s got your fair lady tied up (that…

Marc Golding · December 20, 2003

Staff Genesis

OutRun review

OutRun was brought home to the Genesis from its cool, comfortable arcade cabinet that featured a steering wheel, shifter, and pedals. When Sega failed to pack these items in with the cartridge (how hard can it be?), thus stripped of the…

Marc Golding · December 20, 2003

Staff Genesis

Gunstar Heroes review

Gunstar Heroes was Treasure’s coming out party. Who’s Treasure? Easy. The giant hit-maker known as Konami - responsible for such massively popular game franchises as Metal Gear and Castlevania - had one particularly talented sector of…

Marc Golding · December 20, 2003

Staff GameCube

The Legend of Zelda: Collector's Edition review

Nintendo didn't make any noteworthy changes. Those expecting visual improvements may be disappointed, especially after the stellar job Nintendo did with Super Mario All-Stars so long ago, but the lack of modifications really isn't so awful…

Jason Venter · December 19, 2003

Staff Genesis

Earnest Evans review

In a misguided attempt at fluidity, developers Wolf Team have gone too far, raising up a horrible amalgamation of loosely fitted sprite skin over a sentient gelatin skeleton. Each limb, digit, and joint of Earnest's lanky form oozes…

Marc Golding · December 19, 2003

Staff Genesis

Castlevania: Bloodlines review

Lecarde is by far the better character, and playing with him makes for a much more enjoyable journey due in part to his wider array of moves, and also in part to the easier, smoother gameplay that results from him knowing them. However…

Marc Golding · December 19, 2003

Staff Genesis

Double Dragon review

First, the good news. Finally, a port of the classic beat 'em up Double Dragon that actually looks the part. This Genesis version is colourful, relatively detailed, and makes the 8-bit NES and SMS versions of the same game look like they…

Marc Golding · December 19, 2003

Staff Genesis

Castle of Illusion starring Mickey Mouse review

What we’ve got here is a bridge too far, but it’s nothing that seven special gems can’t fix. You see, as you and Minnie pranced about in the meadows of tranquil Vera City, the evil witch Mizrabel was plotting an evil scheme to attain…

Marc Golding · December 19, 2003