by Brett Weiss
(swords, guns, armor, keys, magic
spells, and the like), engaging in
turn-based battles against ani-
mated monsters, and exploring
first-person, pseudo-3D dungeons
(which looked very impressive in
1988). Originally retailing for the
then-unheard-of $69.99, Phan-
tasy Star was a highly influential
RPG, spawning numerous se-
quels, including: Phantasy Star II,
Phantasy Star III, and Phantasy
Star IV (Genesis); Phantasy Star
Three of the more noteworthy titles in the Master System li-Online (Dreamcast); and Phan-
brary: Penguin Land (a difficult adventure puzzle); Fantasy
tasy Star Universe (PS2, Xbox
Zone: The Maze (a Master System–only title in the Fantasy Zone
360).
series); and Global Defense (based on Sega’s Missile Command–
like arcade game).
SEGA MASTER SYSTEM
241
The best peripheral for the Master System, the Sega 3-D Glasses (which are getting harder and harder to find in today’s collector’s market) make images seem to pop out of the screen for such titles as Blade
Eagle 3-D and Poseidon Wars 3-D.
Poseidon Wars 3-D
In Power Strike, the planet has been taken
Publisher: Sega. Developer: Sega. First-Person
over by mutant vegetation, infecting buildings,
Shooter, 1 player. 1988.
laboratories, fighter craft, and more (includ-
ing people). To thwart this horticultural holo-
Poseidon Wars 3-D puts players at the helm
caust, players guide a fighter craft up the screen
of the U.S.S. Poseidon attack cruiser, which is
through six levels (denoted by such surface vi-
equipped with radar, sonar, 76mm cannons,
suals as machinery, water, plant life, and cracked
and surface-to-surface missiles. Viewed from a
dirt), shooting airborne enemies and ground-
first-person perspective, gameplay consists of
based targets. By collecting “P” icons, the ship’s
cruising across the open seas (through 13 lev-
Vulcan cannon can be upgraded to rapid fire
els), aiming crosshairs and firing at approach-
and double and triple shots. The secondary
ing jets, choppers, cruisers, submarines, torpe-
weapon is upgradeable by grabbing numbers
does, and cannons. Destroying certain enemies
1–8, which gives the ship such firepower as
refuels the ship. Unlike most games designed
plasma balls, laser beams, homing shots, blade
for the SegaScope 3-D Glasses, Poseidon Wars
shots, or waving plasma bolts. Collecting the
offers a 2D mode (simply press button 1 on the
same number in succession powers up that par-
second control pad). Fans of SubRoc-3D (ar-
ticular weapon. Shields and barriers are avail-
cade, 1982) may enjoy this game.
able as well. Originally released only through
mail order (but made available to the general
Power Strike
public shortly thereafter), Power Strike is one Publisher: Sega. Developer: Compile. Vertical
of the harder to find Master System games. Fol-
Scrolling Shooter, 1 player. 1988.
lowed by: Robo Aleste (Sega CD).
242
CLASSIC HOME VIDEO GAMES, 1985–1988
Pro Wrestling
A delightful and versatile platformer that
Publisher: Sega. Developer: Sega. Sports/
will surely please Alex Kidd and Super Mario Bros.
Wrestling, 1 or 2 players (simultaneous). 1986.
fans, Psycho Fox has players guiding the titular canid through seven worlds (including a grave-Not to be confused with the superior game
yard, a cloud level, an ice world, and a desert),
of the same name for the NES, Pro Wrestling
dodging obstacles (spikes, cannonballs, steam,
for the Master System lets players select from
and the like) and punching and jumping on
four two-man wresting teams, each of the tag-
cutesy enemies. In addition, gamers can trans-
team variety: Mad Soldiers (Muscle and Iron);
form into a hippo, a leopard, and a monkey,
Orient Express (Dragonfly and Giant Bull);
each with varying strengths and weaknesses (for
Great Maskmen (Green Mask and Stone Head);
example, the hippo is slow, but can punch
and Crush Brothers (Elder Crusher and Younger
through stone walls). A crow named Birdfly
Crusher). Each wrestler can execute simple
perches atop Psycho’s shoulder and can be
punches and kicks (which for some reason are
thrown like a boomerang, and power-ups (in-
accompanied by text pop-ups), and they can
vincibility, higher jumps, and the like) can be
also pull off body slams, drop kicks, chair at-
found in eggs or acquired through defeating
tacks, running body attacks, and other maneu-
enemies. Psycho Fox, which is fairly long and vers (including the German suplex hold). The
requires strategic use of various items, lets
large-fisted, big-headed wrestlers are super-de-
players take one of two routes— ground or
formed in appearance, as is the referee dancing
sky —for each level.
along the back of the ring (there are four differ-
ent refs in all). The tedious one-player mode
takes gamers through three leagues: Mexican,
Quartet
Pacific, and World. Two-player action is rec-
Publisher: Sega. Developer: Sega. Platform
ommended.
Shooter, 1 or 2 players (simultaneous). 1987.
Aliens have attacked Space Colony Num-
Psycho Fox
ber Nine, and it is up to Mary (or Mary and
Publisher: Sega. Developer: Sega. Side-
Edgar in two-player mode) to save the day.
Scrolling Platform, 1 player. 1989.
To eliminate the strange crea-
tures, which include giant eye-
balls, pairs of lips, amoeba-like
beasts, and more, Mary can
shoot them with her gun. She
can also grab the following
power-ups: bombs, missiles, and
stoppers (for temporarily freez-
ing enemies). The aliens regen-
erate and follow Mary around,
and she must find a hidden star
in each of the first five levels to
make it to the sixth, making for
a challenging game. In addition,
each level contains a boss that
must be defeated to produce a
key to exit that level. Luckily,
Mary can crouch, jump fairly
high, and sometimes fly (via a
supersonic jet engine). The mis-
Quartet, Action Fighter, and Thunder Blade, each based on a Sega arcade game, and each complete with box, instruction leading title of this cartoonish
manual, and cartridge.
romp through a futuristic space
SEGA MASTER SYSTEM
243
station is derived from the original arcade game
(Jungle, Forest, Swamp, Desert, Mountain, and
(Sega, 1986), which boasted four-player simul-
Seacoast), blowing up concentration camps,
taneous action.
rescuing comrades, and shooting infantrymen,
artillery men, knife soldiers, snipers, flame
R-Type
throwers, rocket launchers, and other enemies.
Publisher: Sega. Developer: Sega. Side-
Rambo is armed with an M-60 and a limited
Scrolling Shooter, 1 player. 1988.
supply of arrow-bombs. The action moves
slowly, but the enemies and their firepower
A phenomenal port of Nintendo’s 1987 ar-
crowd the screen, making for an extremely
cade game, which helped popularize the side-
difficult game. A second player can join in to
scrolling shooter, R-Type for the Master Sys-make things a bit easier (not to mention more
tem even has a secret extra level not found in
enjoyable). Based on the 1985 feature film, which
the coin-op classic (bringing the total to nine).
starred Sylvester Stallone in the titular role.
Players meticulously guide the R-9 fighter
spacecraft through the caves, cities, battleships,
Rambo III
and buildings of the evil Bydo Empire, dodging
Publisher: Sega. Developer: Sega. Light Gun
obstacles (including walls) while firing away at
Shooter, 1 player. 1988.
exotic looking alien creatures, ro-
bots, and vessels. Holding the fire
button down charges the ship’s
lasers, and there are six different
power-ups to grab: speed; twin
homing missiles; reflecting laser
force; antiair laser force (ring-
style laser shots); antiland laser
force (shoots up and down, crawls
along surfaces); and bit (two
spheres that shoot pulse beams).
Droid units can also be attached
to the ship. The arcade original is
faster, and certain details are
missing (such as the laser beam
meter), but this port squeezes as
much out of the SMS as anyone
should expect. Also released for
the Game Boy and Turbografx-16.
Followed by numerous sequels,
including R-Type II (arcade),
Super R-Type (SNES), and R-Type
Fina l (PS2).
Rambo First Blood Part II
Publisher: Sega. Developer: Sega.
Vertical Scrolling Shooter, 1 or 2
players (simultaneous). 1986.
Patterned after such games
as Front Line, Ikari Warriors, and
Commando, Rambo First Blood Part
Although there was no video game based on the original First
II has players, as Rambo, walking
Blood, Rambo First Blood Part II and Rambo III did make it to through six overhead-view levels
the Master System.
244
CLASSIC HOME VIDEO GAMES, 1985–1988
Based on the 1988 feature film, Rambo III
Due to hardware limitations, one can’t ex-
should please fans of Operation Wolf. As the
pect Rastan for the Master System to mimic its camera pans to the right, players fire the Light
coin-op counterpart (Taito, 1987) note-for-
Phaser at gunship helicopters, tanks, Spetsnaz
note, but the differences between the two games
troopers, and other enemies, some of which
are worth pointing out. The much more graph-
pop up from behind obstacles (jeeps, barrels,
ically detailed arcade classic has parallax scroll-
and the like) or cruise across the screen. The
ing, the Conan-like barbarian players control
action is mindless (in a good way), but there
roars when he dies, and falling in water results
are innocents to avoid, grenades to throw (by
in instant death. In the Master System game,
shooting icons), and potion for replenishing
which has flickering and smaller sprites (but
health. Levels include troop barracks, a prison
nice graphics overall), the green creatures in
camp, a Soviet base, and four others. The mis-
level one look like Ninja Turtles, and landing in
sion is to rescue Colonel Trautman, who has
water only takes a small portion of energy. In
been captured by Soviet forces in Afghanistan.
addition, Rastan must stop briefly when he uses
Rich, detailed graphics complement the tes-
a weapon. In the arcade game, Rastan’s stride re-
tosterone-infused action. Rambo III for the
mains unbroken when he swings his sword,
SMS is much different than both the third-per-
axe, or mace. Overall, the engagingly robust
son arcade game and the overhead view Gene-
gameplay remains relatively faithful to its
sis cart.
source, with Rastan battling mythological crea-
tures, climbing up and down ropes, jumping
Rampage
over gaps and onto platforms (including high
Publisher: Activision. Developer: Sega. Ac-
jumps), dodging spikes that protrude from cas-
tion, 1 or 2 players (simultaneous). 1988.
tle walls and floors, and much more. Followed
by: Rastan Saga II (Genesis) and Warrior Blade: Thanks to the inclusion of all three mon-Rastan Saga: Episode III (arcade).
sters from Bally/Midway’s Godzilla- and King Kong–inspired arcade game (1986), Rampage R.C. Grand Prix
for the Master System is superior to its NES
Publisher: Seismic Software. Developer: Ab-
counterpart (though both versions lack the
solute Entertainment. Miniature/Radio Con-
coin-op classic’s three-player mode). After se-
trol Racing, 1–4 players (alternating, 2-player
lecting George the Ape, Lizzie the Lizard, or
simultaneous). 1990.
Ralph the Wolf, gamers guide their monster as
it climbs buildings, punches buildings (incre-
Viewed from a 3⁄4 overhead perspective (the
mentally destroying them), demolishes bridges,
screen scrolls to keep your car near the center
and eats people, helicopters, trolleys, tanks, and
of the screen), R.C. Grand Prix has players rac-other delicacies. Certain edibles are harmful,
ing a remote controlled car against three com-
though, so players should be careful what they
petitors around 10 twisting, turning, increas-
ingest. The monsters can jump as well, which
ingly challenging tracks (turning gets especially
they should do when buildings start crumbling
difficult in later levels). Doing well grants play-
down. There are 10 five-stage cities to trash:
ers prize money for use in purchasing strategy-
Los Angeles, Las Vegas, Dallas, St. Louis, Chi-
rich upgrades, including tires, batteries, gears,
cago, Detroit, Baltimore, Philadelphia, and
motors, and high-performance suspension. Up
New York, each of which has a generic, stan-
to four players take turns trying to survive
dardized look. Rampage was popular in the ar-
(finishing in last place grants you a quick exit),
cades and on several consoles, but its intrigu-
with the computer controlling your car during
ing concept is better than its sluggish execution.
another player’s turn to race (upgrades each
player has purchased determines how fast th
eir
Rastan
computer-controlled car will go). Two-player,
Publisher: Sega. Developer: Sega. Side-
head-to-head drag racing is available as well.
Scrolling Combat, 1 player. 1988.
Somewhat similar to: Micro Machines (NES).
SEGA MASTER SYSTEM
245
Reggie Jackson Baseball
Jungle, Swamp, Village, Bridge, and Ammo
Publisher: Sega. Developer: Sega. Sports/Base-
Depot. Visually, the game evokes Rambo III
ball, 1 or 2 players (simultaneous). 1988.
(SMS). Sega Light Phaser required.
Despite less-than-intelligent computer
Rocky
A.I. and the lack of MLB or MLBPA licensing
Publisher: Sega. Developer: Sega. Sports/Box-
(meaning the 26 teams included are fictitious),
ing, 1 or 2 players (simultaneous). 1987.
Reggie Jackson Baseball plays a good game of America’s favorite pastime, especially for two
This graphically detailed button-masher
players. Gamers can swing high and low, pick
puts players in the role of Rocky “The Italian
off lead runners, steal bases, bring in pinch hit-
Stallion” Balboa as he faces foes familiar to fans
ters and relief pitchers, and influence the ball
of the famous film franchise: Apollo Creed,
before, during, and after pitches. Once the ball
Clubber Lang, and Ivan Drago. Prior to each
has been hit, the action switches to an overhead
match, Rocky must train on a sandbag, a
viewpoint that is workable, but takes some get-
punching ball, or against training mitts. Suc-
ting used to thanks to slow fielders and a
cessful training makes Rocky a faster, stronger
tough-to-judge ball shadow. The game, which
fighter. Boxers can duck, hold their hands up to
was a spiritual precursor to Tommy Lasorda
guard, and throw three types of punches:
Baseball (Genesis), has numerous flourishes,
straight-on, hook, and uppercut. In the two-
including cheerleaders (which is odd for a base-
player mode, someone must always be Rocky,
ball game), animated umpires, bench-clearing
meaning the “bad guys” can’t fight each other.
brawls, and close-ups of plays at home plate.
Rocky and Clubber Lang also appeared in
Modes of play include: Exhibition, Tourna-
Rocky Super Action Boxing for the ColecoVi-
ment, Watch, and Home Run Contest.
sion.
Rescue Mission
Shanghai
Publisher: Sega. Developer: Sega. Light Gun