Classic Home Video Games (1985-1988)
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blowing up moving walls). In addition, there
headed wolves, goat creatures, and other beasts,
are three special enemies who can be bribed
grabbing spirit ball power-ups along the way.
into tagging along and helping. Aztec Adven-
Said power-ups enable the player to transform
ture looks and plays a little bit like The Legend into four different creatures: Werewolf, Were-of Zelda (at least on the surface), but it lacks Dragon, Were-Tiger, and Golden Wolf. Each
the deep gameplay, RPG elements, and overall
creature has special attacks, such as fireballs,
brilliance of the NES classic.
lightning, or bouncing flames. The mission is to
rescue Athena, daughter of Zeus, from the
Black Belt
clutches of Neff, Lord of the Underworld. Fol-
Publisher: Sega. Developer: Sega. Side-
lowed by: Altered Beast: Guardian of the Realm
Scrolling Combat, 1 player. 1986.
(Game Boy Advance).
In the highly playable (if stubbornly un-
original) Black Belt, players control a karate ex-Astro Warrior
pert named Riki, who can walk, punch, kick,
Publisher: Sega. Developer: Sega. Vertical
squat, and jump (vertically, diagonally, and
Scrolling Shooter, 1 player. 1986.
super high). Each of the standard bad guys, in-
Despite its formulaic adherence to the
cluding wrestlers, jujitsu men, Chinese kung
genre, this unassuming little shooter is well
fu men, eagles, ninjas, and dark women, can
worth playing. An Astro Raider, at the helm of
be dispatched with a single hit or kick. How-
his upgradeable Astro Warrior ship, must fly
ever, sub-bosses are a little tougher. Each of the
224
CLASSIC HOME VIDEO GAMES, 1985–1988
first five chapters has a boss, such as a sumo
fly over or through include outer space, plan-
wrestler (Gonta), a flamethrower (Rita), or a
etary surfaces, and the Arvian Fortress. Unfor-
kung fu master (Wang). Plus, there’s a boss-
tunately, the game is a three-world, nine-level
only sixth chapter. Each boss has his or her own
disaster. Not only is it difficult to tell where the
strengths and weaknesses, giving players a
enemies are in relation to your ship, the graph-
chance to test their strategic fighting skills as
ics are unattractive in general. This is easily the
well as their dexterity. Adapted from the Japa-
worst game for Sega’s nifty 3D peripheral.
nese game Hokuto no Ken, which is based on
Fist of the North Star (the anime and manga se-Bomber Raid
ries). Similar to: Kung-Fu Master (arcade) and Publisher: Activision. Developer: Sanritsu
Kung Fu (NES).
Denki. Vertical Scrolling Shooter, 1 player.
1988.
Blade Eagle 3-D
One of the best shooters for the Master
Publisher: Sega. Developer: Sega. Vertical
System, Bomber Raid is an arcade-quality game Scrolling Shooter, 1 player. 1988.
in which players fly a fighter plane through five
Designed for the SegaScope 3-D Glasses,
missions, using bullets (which are unlimited)
Blade Eagle 3-D is similar to Vertical Force for and cluster bombs (which are limited) to blow
the Virtual Boy, with players piloting a ship up
away tanks, planes, rockets, air mines, war-
the screen, shooting at aliens and robot drones
ships, and other enemies. Catching P symbols
that exist on three different planes (meaning
garners extra points, and collecting eight of
the player’s ship can descend and ascend).
them increases the fighter plane’s firepower.
Power-ups, including twin shots, a shadow ship
Catching S symbols increases speed while
(which flies alongside the standard ship), laser
catching number symbols (1–4) brings about
beams, and wide-range particle beams, are ac-
helpful squadron planes (ala the wingmen in
quired after defeating certain bosses. Areas to
1942) that fly and shoot (at an angle or to the left or right) in unison with the player’s
standard plane. The levels are
short, and the bosses are easy to
defeat, but solid shooting action
and detailed graphics make up for
these shortcomings. Similar to:
Tiger-Heli (NES).
California Games
Publisher: Sega. Developer: Epyx.
Sports/Extreme, 1–8 players (alter-
nating). 1989.
California Games contains
all six competitions from the 1987
Epyx computer classic: Half Pipe
Skateboarding, a side-view game
were players ride back and forth
on a ramp, performing kick turns,
aerial turns, and hand plants; Foot
Bag, a hacky sack contest where
players bounce the bag off their
Martial arts themes were popular during the 1980s, evidenced head, knees, and feet, doing as
in part by these Master System titles: Black Belt, Shinobi, and
The Ninja, each pictured with box, instruction manual, and many kicks and stunts as possi-cartridge.
ble; Surfing, in which players ride
SEGA MASTER SYSTEM
225
a wave while catching air, doing 360s, and
player can double down, split, and buy insur-
avoiding wiping out; Roller Skating, which
ance. Baccarat, in which players place a bet
takes place on a boardwalk cluttered with sand,
prior to looking at their two cards, uses just
cracks, banana peels, and runaway beach balls
one deck as well. Casino Slots contains five tra-
(spinning or jumping over obstacles nets extra
ditional slot machines with lucky sevens, bars,
points); BMX Bike Racing, a bicycle motocross
bells, blue balls, tomatoes, and cherries. Finally,
game where players jump over obstacles and
Pinball offers a single table with three angle op-
perform wheelies, flips, table tops, and 360s;
tions: gentle, middle, and steep. Pretty girls in-
and Flying Disk, a running, diving, throw-and-
troduce the action in Casino Games, and there catch Frisbee game. Also released for the Atari
are four different computer opponents.
2600, Atari Lynx, NES, and Genesis. Followed
by: California Games II (SNES).
Castle of Illusion Starring Mickey
Mouse
Captain Silver
Publisher: Sega. Developer: Sega. Side-
Publisher: Sega. Developer: Sega. Side-
Scrolling Platform, 1 player. 1990.
Scrolling Combat/Side-Scrolling Platform, 1
The evil witch Mizrabel has kidnapped
player. 1988.
Minnie, and it’s up to Mickey to save her. The
Based on the 1987 Data East arcade game,
intrepid mouse must run, jump, swim, and
Captain Silver is a disappointment. Unlike the climb his way through six areas (The Woods,
European version, which boasts six levels, the
Toy Land, Candy Land, Giant’s Den, Clock
U.S. cartridge has only four (despite the in-
Tower, and Witch’s Tower), pouncing
on ghosts,
struction manual claiming there are six levels),
chess knights, haunted trees, juggling clowns,
making for a short and easy game. Also miss-
and other enemies. Though equally charming,
ing are certain enemies, such as the witch boss
Castle of Illusion for the Master System is quite and the Banana King. Players, wielding a cut-a bit different than its Genesis counterpart. In
lass sword, must run, jump, hack, and slash
the SMS game, Mickey picks up — one at a
their way through pirates, werewolves, seag-
time — rocks, blocks, spheres, and other items
ulls, poisonous frogs, and other foes. Protec-
to throw at enemies. In the Genesis version,
tion potion, clock freeze, keys for opening
Mickey throws items as well, but the apples,
doors, boots for special jumping abilities, and
marbles, and candles are gathered up in quan-
other helpful items can be found throughout
tity like ammo. The bosses and levels exhibit
the levels or purchased in shops.
differences as well (the Genesis rendition has a
Casino Games
Publisher: Sega. Developer: Sega.
Gambling/Pinball, 1 player. 1989.
Casino Games offers four
solid (if limited, considering the
lack of a two-player mode) gam-
bling simulators, plus a basic, but
playable pinball game. In Poker,
after the dealer deals out five
cards, the player can bet, pass, or
fold (unfortunately, you can’t see
the computer player’s hand after
you fold). Players can also raise
the bet, forcing the computer to
follow or pass. In Blackjack, only
Three third-party Master System titles: Bomber Raid, Mon-
one deck of cards is used, but the
tezuma’s Revenge, and Rampage.
226
CLASSIC HOME VIDEO GAMES, 1985–1988
Library, but not a Candy Land, for example).
bouncing, search, super, and scatter. The
Disney and platforming fans will thoroughly
shooting action is fairly typical (if enjoyable),
enjoy both versions. Also released for the Game
but the atypical enemies make the game stand
Gear.
out from the crowd. Adapted from Taito’s
Chuka Taisen (a Japanese arcade game from
Choplifter
1988), Cloud Master isn’t quite as hard as its Publisher: Sega. Developer: Sega. Side-coin-op counterpart, but still provides ample
Scrolling Shooter, 1 or 2 players (simultane-
challenges.
ous). 1986.
A very nicely realized port of Sega’s 1985
Columns
Publisher: Sega. Developer: Sega. Action Puz-
arcade game (as opposed to the original Apple
zle, 1 or 2 players (simultaneous). 1990.
II computer version), Choplifter for the Master System has players piloting a HAWKZ res-
First released in the arcades (Sega, 1990),
cue chopper back and forth over land and sea,
Columns is one of the better Tetris-inspired firing away at tanks, ships, and fighter planes.
puzzlers. As columns consisting of three jewels
Unlike the weaker Atari 7800 rendition, which
fall down the screen (one column at a time),
has less sophisticated graphics and sounds, this
making their way to the bottom of the playfield,
busy, highly detailed game also has surface-to-
gamers must maneuver said columns into place
air missiles to avoid. The goal in each level is to
(by moving the column left and right, and by
rescue at least 40 out of 64 hostages being held
arranging the order of the colors within the col-
in barracks and caverns (in the 7800 version,
umn). The objective is to create rows of three
the game simply ends after 64 hostages have
or more jewels (vertically, horizontally, or diag-
been rescued or killed). This is done by land-
onally) of the same color in order to eliminate
ing near the hostages, letting them climb
them from the screen. If the stack of jewels
aboard the chopper, and transporting them to
reaches the top of the playfield, the game will
safety. The rescue chopper can maneuver in
end. In addition to the standard game, the
eight directions and fly at an inclining angle in
package includes: split-screen Versus Mode, in
order to destroy ground targets. The voice ef-
which combos (two or more columns disap-
fects are gone, but the music sounds terrific.
pearing at once) create horizontal blocks on the
Also released for the Atari 2600, Atari 5200,
opponent’s playfield; and Flash Game, in which
and ColecoVision. Followed by: Choplifter II
players are timed on making a flashing jewel
(Game Boy) and Choplifter III (SNES, Game
on the screen disappear. Unlike the arcade and
Gear).
Genesis versions of Columns, the surprisingly good Master System rendition lets players use
Cloud Master
alternatives to jewels, namely squares, playing
Publisher: Sega. Developer: Hot-B. Side-
card symbols, dice, or fruit. Also released for the
Scrolling Shooter, 1 or 2 players (alternating).
Game Gear. Similar to: Klax.
1989.
In the quirky, yet commonplace Cloud
Cyborg Hunter
Publisher: Activision. Developer: Sega. Side-
Master, a mysterious hermit named Michael
Scrolling Combat/Adventure, 1 player. 1988.
Chen rides the wind on a cloud-like chariot,
shooting at an odd assortment of enemies, in-
In Cyborg Hunter, players control a bounty
cluding tigers with shields, bowls of ramen
hunter named Paladin, who is part man, part
noodles, pig heads, and a boss named Bad Bud-
machine. Armed with a psychic punch and the
dha. After destroying a middle boss, Chen can
ability to run, crouch, jump, and acquire
enter a power-up chamber to supplement his
bombs, shields, a jet pack, and other helpful
arsenal with upgradeable fireballs, dragon fire,
items, Paladin must work his way through the
crescent shots, and four images of himself. In ad-
cyborg-infested halls of an enemy base, which
dition, there are five types of bombs: standard,
is a maze-like series of interconnected sectors
SEGA MASTER SYSTEM
227
and floors linked by elevators (ala Metroid).
Certain enemies attack from the background,
Defeating a sector boss gives players a key for
which is an unusual feature for this type of
entering the next area. Interestingly, the pri-
game. In addition, there are pop-up target
mary screen is divided into three sections:
bonus rounds and areas where Tracy stands on
map; “3D tunnel-scope” (offering a first-per-
the running board of a car, shooting enemies
son perspective and warnings of enemies); and
and avoiding their fire. Based on the 1990 fea-
standard side-view (where the main action
ture film (which in turn was based on Chester
takes place). A second controller is required for
Gould’s comic strip). Much different than the
accessing the inventory screen. Nice graphics,
NES version, which includes overhead-view
futuristic music, and a solid blend of action
driving sequences, and the Game Boy rendi-
and strategy make Cyborg Hunter well worth
tion, which features lots of climbing.
seeking out.
Double Dragon
Dead Angle
Publisher: Sega. Developer: Sega. Side-
Publisher: Sega. Developer: Sega. First-Person
Scrolling Combat, 1 or 2 players (simultane-
Shooter, 1 player. 1989.
ous). 1988.
Dead Angle is an unusual game in which
Jimmy Lee’s girlfriend, Mary Ann, has
players guide a crosshair around various streets,
been kidnapped by the Black Warrior gang, and
docks, and hotels of Napoli, New York, and
it is up to Jimmy and his brother Billy to res-
Chicago, firing away at nicely drawn (if chop-
cue her. Players guide the street-fighting duo
pily animated) gangsters, dodging or ducking
through four levels (The Slums, The Factory
their fire. What makes the game stand out is
District, The Park, and The Black Warriors
the silhouette of the detective protagonist
Headquarters), using weapons (rocks, whips,
(viewed from behind), allowing players to see
bats, knives, dynamite, and drums) and a va-
their character in relation to enemies and
riety of fighting moves (jump kick, leaping re-
enemy gunfire. The game, which
is set in the 1930s, is not Light
Phaser compatible, making for
clunky control. Surprisingly, the
original arcade version of Dead
Angle (Seibu Kaihatsu, 1988) lacks
gun support as well.
Dick Tracy
Publisher: Sega. Developer: Sega.
Platform Shooter, 1 player. 1990.
Dick Tracy for the Master
System is laid out like its Genesis
counterpart, but the two-button
control limitations and weaker
graphics make for a lesser game.
Comic strip detective Dick Tracy
(who does very little in the way of
detecting here) walks through al-
leys, rail yards, warehouses, and
The Ritz, punching and shooting
Three popular Master System titles: Double Dragon, Alien Syn-
(with pistols and machine guns)
drome, and R-Type, each a quality port of a classic arcade game, such bad guys as Lips Manlis,