Steven's Obscure Super Famicom Impressions Thread (Top 50 countdown + closing remarks)

[Steven]

STREET FIGHTER II ROOTS

No SF II... but wait-a-sec...

http://i97.photobucket.com/albums/l209/SFC_Gamer/MadHadoken.png
Hmmmmm...

http://i97.photobucket.com/albums/l209/SFC_Gamer/MadFlash1.png ---> http://i97.photobucket.com/albums/l209/SFC_Gamer/MadFlash2.png
Somewhere right now Guile's rollin' round in his grave!

No fancy Hadoken motions here. Those moves above merely cap off punch combo's (rapidly hitting "Y")


IT'S LIKE "BISHIN DENSETSU ZOKU" EH?

Zoku is a SFC-only racing-fighting hybrid, but Super Mad Champ really isn't like it. Fighting is optional in SMC whereas in Zoku you had no choice after the driving bit is done with. Zoku came off very meh to me. Proceed with that title at your own caution


FIGHT OR FLIGHT?

When you're off your bike you have two options: fight or flight. You have to weigh your pro's and con's. Fight too long and you'll never get back in the race. If you don't finish #1 or #2 (out of 5) you have to repeat the course. So, it's advisable, even if the CPU has an energy bar, to fight temptation and should you engage in the scruffle, make it quick and go

But if you just want to fool around? It's great fun to finish 'em off ;)


THIS GAME IS KUNIO KUN AT HEART? SAY WHAT?

The only other piece of info on the web I could find on this game is a quick post that states the following, how accurate it is I do not know although I think his info is legit

----

For those who are fans of the Kunio-kun series like I am, might be aware that at some point Technos planned on releasing Kunio Bike Racing game using the same engine from Kunio-tachi no Banka. What few people may know however, was that Kunio-tachi no Banka was actually developed by outside company called Almanic. Almanic was comprised of former Technos staff members, including Kunio-kun and Double Dragon director and producer, Yoshihisa Kishimoto. Almanic did a bunch of other stuff, but their best known work was Wonder Project J and it's N64 sequel.

Anyway, Almanic was contracted by Technos to do Kunio-tachi no Banka (the true sequel to the very first Kunio-kun game) , in addition to the bike racing game. While Technos ditched the bike racing, Almanic decided to released it anyway through another company and thus, it became Super Mad Champ (without Kunio's presense in the game).

Mad Champ, as mentioned earlier, was developed on the Kunio-tachi no Banka-engine, meaning that both games, share a similar look. As a matter of fact, you can even get off your bike and fight agaisnt a rival biker (and steal his bike while you're at it). The rest of the game plays like a typical bike racing simulator, in which you race in three different types of grand prix and customize your bike (and buy a new one when you can). It's quite a fun little game.

credit: "Johnny Undaunted" 3/26/04
---

Take of that as you will! After reading that and looking at the game again... it is easy to spot the Kunio influences...


CLOSING THOUGHTS

Super Mad Champ (gotta love its campy title) was part of the package, with Keeper, and it too eluded me for ages. I was a bit apprehensive dropping a nice bill on it, fearing that it might be obscure because it sucks. Nothing could be further from the truth! The racing, being the meat of the game, is plenty solid and the extracurricular activities make it that much more fun and memorable

http://i97.photobucket.com/albums/l209/SFC_Gamer/Cycle-Kick.png


The actual racing (1:47) (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sOUPK2EaloI)
FIGHT FIGHT! (0:43) (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IrJflQ0I-F0)

[Steven]

Today, November 21, 2006, marks the 16th Birthday of the SUPER FAMICOM and SUPER MARIO WORLD. In my humble opinion, on this day 16 years ago the best game system of all time was born

http://i97.photobucket.com/albums/l209/SFC_Gamer/GroupMario.jpg

I've been playing a spot or two of SUPER MARIO WORLD the past couple days. It's amazing how 16 years later a large majority of games still cannot touch its playability/greatness

http://i97.photobucket.com/albums/l209/SFC_Gamer/PlayingMario.jpg

So it's fitting, then, to look at two Super Famicom-exclusives featuring that ole Mario chum

(Note that at intermission I'll touch base on a character who has more in common with the SNES than you may think...)



MARIO & WARIO

http://i97.photobucket.com/albums/l209/SFC_Gamer/mariowario2.jpg

An action puzzler in the vain of LEMMINGS or TRODDLERS. You must guide either Mario, Yoshi or the Princess to safety through courses strewn with hazards

http://i97.photobucket.com/albums/l209/SFC_Gamer/SPlayWario.jpg

You control a fairy named Wanda. The game uses the SNES mouse

http://i97.photobucket.com/albums/l209/SFC_Gamer/mariowario.jpg

To help me today is former SUPER PLAY editor James Leach (issue 13, Nov '93)

---

What's Mario & Wario like to play? Well, the graphics aren't incredible. They're not meant to be. The game's strength lies in its playability. It starts off really easy. All you do is click on some outlined squares in order. These fill in as you do so, allowing Mario (who's had a bucket placed over his head) to walk over them, instead of plummeting to his death. As you progress, the blocks you need to click on start to fragment, so you can't get too far ahead of Mario, else he'll still fall. It involves timing, a bit of planning and accurate use of the mouse.

http://i97.photobucket.com/albums/l209/SFC_Gamer/mariowario3.jpg

Yet further into the game, there's a neat twist. Before Mario starts his lonely, bucket-headed walk, you can scroll around the playing area (which is about four screens in size). You must memorize the positions of the platforms and spikey bits, and, once the timer starts, you've got to use your memory to aim Mario off bits of the screen and onto the correct (out-of-view) platforms. It's tricky and requires concentration.

http://i97.photobucket.com/albums/l209/SFC_Gamer/SPMarioWario.jpg

I've been saying Mario, but you can also play Daisy and Yoshi, who equate to easy and hard (Mario is medium), in your fight against the unspeakable Wario. And your mouse pointer is actually a fairy called Wanda. It's her helpful magic you're invoking as you slide around your mouse.

Once it gets going, this game's tough. And having used Macs for years, you can't tell me I don't know my way around a mouse. It's got a great panic element when Mario teeters on the edge, and for much of the game there're no random elements, so when you cock up, you've only yourself to blame.

http://i97.photobucket.com/albums/l209/SFC_Gamer/SPlayWanda.jpg

So what about it, then? It's fun, it's simple to understand, but it gets tough and it's all a bit samey. Not a classic.

Graphics: 68%
Sound: 64%
Gameplay: 88%
Gamelife: 74%

Overall Score: 70%

---

Bear in mind when it came to rating games Super Play was notoriously hard. They factored in how expensive these games were, knowing the average gamer only buys 2 to 3 games a year. What most games receive a 70% in Super Play, GameFan, for example, has given 80-85%

So by Super Play standards 70% is considered a respectable score, whereas for the much more friendly GameFan, a 70 is a low-ish mark based on their generosity

I agree with SPlay too. It's fun, but not a classic. You're not missing anything earth-shattering if you've never played it, but it's certainly worth a go if this strikes your fancy

And if you buy Mario & Wario CIB, check if it includes the little mouse card

http://i97.photobucket.com/albums/l209/SFC_Gamer/SNESmouse.jpg

[Steven]

INTERMISSION


When you think about the SNES, which characters come to mind?

Mario?
Ryu
Ken
Link
Lester the Unlikely?

.... on second thought, that last one's unlikely I reckon [Oh dear -Ed.]

How about...

MARK CALLOWAY?

Possibly unbeknownst to most of us, Mr. Calloway actually has more in common with the SNES than one might initially think....

Better known to wrestling fans worldwide as THE UNDERTAKER, Mark made his WWF debut with a big splash at the 4th Annual Survivor Series pay-per-view on November 22, 1990, just one day after the Super Famicom made its own big debut in Tokyo

http://i97.photobucket.com/albums/l209/SFC_Gamer/takerdebut.jpg
And a legend was born...

Billed at a towering 6 foot 10, and seemingly impervious to pain, fans quickly took notice of his unparalled combination of size, power and agility

http://i97.photobucket.com/albums/l209/SFC_Gamer/takerrope.jpg

The Undertaker dominated the WWF, going undefeated for over a year in his meteroic rise to the top. Just one year removed from his debut, he made history when he pinned The "IMMORTAL" Hulk Hogan and became the new Heavyweight Champion at Survivor Series 1991

http://i97.photobucket.com/albums/l209/SFC_Gamer/takerhogan.jpg

The Super Nintendo was released in the States August of that year, and as The Undertaker cemented his place in wrestling history in '91, so too did the SNES (in gaming history, mind) by beginning its worldwide march toward market domination

The Undertaker appeared in no less than six SNES games, possibly more. That's more than Ryu and Ken, and almost as much as Mario himself!

http://i97.photobucket.com/albums/l209/SFC_Gamer/TakerFP1.pnghttp://i97.photobucket.com/albums/l209/SFC_Gamer/TakerFP.png
http://i97.photobucket.com/albums/l209/SFC_Gamer/TakerRR.pnghttp://i97.photobucket.com/albums/l209/SFC_Gamer/TakerSWM.png
http://i97.photobucket.com/albums/l209/SFC_Gamer/TakerRAW.pnghttp://i97.photobucket.com/albums/l209/SFC_Gamer/TakerWM.png

WWF Raw
WWF Royal Rumble
WWF Super Wrestlemania
Super Fire Pro Wrestling Special
Super Fire Pro Wrestling X Premium
WWF Wrestlemania: The Arcade Game

http://i97.photobucket.com/albums/l209/SFC_Gamer/TakerBleed.jpg

This Sunday Mark returns to the pay-per-view where he made his debut 16 years ago, taking on the young cocky rising star Mr. Kennedy in a First Blood Match at Survivor Series '06

[Steven]

http://i97.photobucket.com/albums/l209/SFC_Gamer/Taker.jpg

The Undertaker and the Super Nintendo are both phenoms in their respective business. Both are celebrating 16 years of a undying legacy. And both will undoubtedly be fondly remembered for another 16 years, and, indeed, likely forever


-------


WRECKING CREW '98

http://i97.photobucket.com/albums/l209/SFC_Gamer/wreckingcrew98.jpg
Yes, released in 1998!

An update to the '85 Nintendo game, it's Mario and gang in a more traditional puzzler (at least for the '98 version). Even then, it's not your average puzzle game. For good measure, Nintendo has also thrown in the original version as a bonus

http://i97.photobucket.com/albums/l209/SFC_Gamer/wreckingcrew.jpg
Choose between this or the '98 update

The '98 version is actually vastly different. In it you battle a CPU or 2nd player. Wielding a mallet, you navigate through your playing field smashing blocks trying to create enough trouble for the other player whereby his field is cluttered senseless

http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/f/fc/MarioWreckingCrew98-LuigiVSKoopaTro.png

What I thought to be a real stroke of genius: once a block touches "the line of death" at the top, that player's screen will flash like crazy, accompanied by the appropriate heart-attack-inducing sound effect. Once this happens you have 3 seconds to bring it down or you lose. It adds a great deal to the anxiety level of the game.

You connect 3 (or more) like colors in a row to eliminate the blocks. However, it is only with 4 (or more) that'll send varying obstacles over to the other player. These obstacles depend on what color you've rid of. Chain reactions also will do the trick. And when your field is lacking blocks, just hit "X" to rain down a new row

http://i97.photobucket.com/albums/l209/SFC_Gamer/wc98.jpg
Watch out for those green guys
Of which the 2nd player just sent over
If touched you'll be temporarily stunned


Players can climb and jump to higher floors via the girders. On the corner are handles. These can be used to slide the adjacent row, dropping unblocked pieces below to create potential matches

The computer is DAMN tough. I've yet to beat 'em. Matches can go 3, 4 minutes long. 8 characters are selectable (most have to be unlocked). 1P Story mode, 2P mode (or vs. CPU) and an option screen with multiple "how-to-play" samples

http://i97.photobucket.com/albums/l209/SFC_Gamer/WC98.jpg

Honestly I was a bit disappointed; it's certainly not the 1st puzzler I'd reach for, but it's still a nice little package of an old classic coupled with a version for the 90's. Copies of Wrecking Crew '98 are rather hard to find and expensive; mine ran $38 and was too good to pass up on. Mario & Wario is much more common and cheap -- a measly $6 in contrast though I probably got a bit lucky with that one as well

http://i97.photobucket.com/albums/l209/SFC_Gamer/WC98Wario.jpg


Have a great Thanksgiving

[Steven]

SUTTE HAKKUN

http://i97.photobucket.com/albums/l209/SFC_Gamer/Sutte.png

There are games you hear about, and instantly know it's right up your alley. But sometimes it all seems too good to be true, and you find the game's been cancelled, never made available on physical cartridge or whatever. Sutte Hakkun was that to me -- a game I thought was an exclusive BS-X game (a type of Super Famicom downloading service in Japan)

Fact is: Nintendo did put out copies in June '98 and upon discovering this revelation I knew I had to get my hands on one. My mercenary came through ;)

http://i97.photobucket.com/albums/l209/SFC_Gamer/SutteCart.jpg
IT LIVES!!!

Sutte Hakkun is a platform-puzzler. Taking command of a translucent creature who resembles a dipping bird, your goal is to reach the rainbow orb(s) in each level. Sounds simple, right? Right...

http://i97.photobucket.com/albums/l209/SFC_Gamer/dippybird.jpg

http://i97.photobucket.com/albums/l209/SFC_Gamer/SutteDouble.png
Some levels have 2 orbs

The buttons are very simple. "B" jumps and "Y" pecks. By pecking, you can absorb helpers (i.e. blocks) and move them to new positions to help you reach the exit. There are also jars which contain red, yellow or blue paint. By pecking, you can suck the color out of a jar and transfer the paint to blocks, causing the block to move in a set pattern, depending on the color you've injected

http://i97.photobucket.com/albums/l209/SFC_Gamer/SutteYellow.png

Red goes up and down, yellow diagonally and blue horizontally. Of course they do not travel the full length of the screen... there would be zero strategy in that case. They go a short distance back and forth


LOOK WHAT I CAN DO

Absorb blocks through your proboscis [Beak! BEAK! -Ed.]

http://i97.photobucket.com/albums/l209/SFC_Gamer/Sutte1.png
You are what you, er, absorb

Placing blocks in new positions (only after you absorb 'em)

http://i97.photobucket.com/albums/l209/SFC_Gamer/Sutte2.png

Suck paint

http://i97.photobucket.com/albums/l209/SFC_Gamer/Sutte3.png

Sutte Hakkun translates to "Suck and Blow" I've read. [We're all mature enough here right? -Ed.] And that's exactly what you'll be doing a lot of. In this game, I mean. At least in this game. [Oi -Ed.] You'll spend quite a lot of time sucking paint and transferring them into the translucent blocks

Of course you can freeze a block's movement by sucking the paint out of 'em, and it's this method that allows you to change a block's height to better suit your goal

Pictures to make life easier:

http://i97.photobucket.com/albums/l209/SFC_Gamer/Sutte4.png
Red causes that block to move vertically

[Steven]

http://i97.photobucket.com/albums/l209/SFC_Gamer/Sutte5.png
Jump on, then jump off

http://i97.photobucket.com/albums/l209/SFC_Gamer/Sutte6.png
Suck out the red and then put it back in

http://i97.photobucket.com/albums/l209/SFC_Gamer/Sutte7.png
Now the block travels higher based on where you injected it

http://i97.photobucket.com/albums/l209/SFC_Gamer/Sutte8.png
Easy huh!


You can actually solve the levels in more than just one way. And if you want to dump a color harmlessly, simply press down

http://i97.photobucket.com/albums/l209/SFC_Gamer/SutteDump.png


LEVEL 2 AT A GLANCE

http://i97.photobucket.com/albums/l209/SFC_Gamer/Sutte9.png
Hop on

http://i97.photobucket.com/albums/l209/SFC_Gamer/Sutte10.png
Suck it, then put it back in

http://i97.photobucket.com/albums/l209/SFC_Gamer/Sutte11.png
Hop on the "new and improved" block

http://i97.photobucket.com/albums/l209/SFC_Gamer/Sutte12.png
1 down, 1 to go
The last orb is easy as you can see

[Steven]

There are many stages, 10 levels in each. The further you advance the crazier they get. Trust me, the later ones are INSANE. Just be grateful there's no time limit

http://i97.photobucket.com/albums/l209/SFC_Gamer/SutteStages1.png ---> http://i97.photobucket.com/albums/l209/SFC_Gamer/SutteStages.png


Coming from Nintendo, you know there are bound to be nice little details. Look no further than the smiling stone that frowns the moment you hop on its head

http://i97.photobucket.com/albums/l209/SFC_Gamer/SutteStone.png ---> http://i97.photobucket.com/albums/l209/SFC_Gamer/SutteStone2.png

Press "R" to scan the level -- later stages have a bigger layout and this feature comes in handy

http://i97.photobucket.com/albums/l209/SFC_Gamer/SutteView.png

And of course, different slots are available to save high scores and whatnot


CLOSING THOUGHTS

A fine action puzzler that will last ages on account of the later stages being damn tough. I dare call it a must-have for every SNES owner who enjoys staring contemplatively at the screen until inspiration breaks through with the resolute "A-HA!"


1st four stages (2:10) (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vvsi4n1X2_s)

[Steven]

http://i97.photobucket.com/albums/l209/SFC_Gamer/Intro.png ---> http://i97.photobucket.com/albums/l209/SFC_Gamer/Intro1.png

Hmmmm, ohhhh-kay. Definitely would not get past NoA...

http://i97.photobucket.com/albums/l209/SFC_Gamer/Intro2.png

Hey there, lass. Ah, a fugly car then approaches [HEY! -Ed.]

http://i97.photobucket.com/albums/l209/SFC_Gamer/Intro3.png ---> http://i97.photobucket.com/albums/l209/SFC_Gamer/Intro4.png

The driver, obviously, is asking her to make him some coffee [NO! He's asking her to join him for coffee ya git -Ed.] Oh. Well, either way she's clearly hesitant. No sooner then does a ride that's more "fly" as they say, pull up

http://i97.photobucket.com/albums/l209/SFC_Gamer/Intro5.png ---> http://i97.photobucket.com/albums/l209/SFC_Gamer/Intro6.png

The new guy also requests her company. Stuck in the middle, with offers from both gentlemen, oh what's a modern lady to do?! I can't take this drama...

http://i97.photobucket.com/albums/l209/SFC_Gamer/Intro7.png
Oooh! Ouch

As they say in the commercial, "No play... for Mr. Gray!"

http://i97.photobucket.com/albums/l209/SFC_Gamer/Intro8.png ---> http://i97.photobucket.com/albums/l209/SFC_Gamer/Intro9.png

[Steven]

The rejected guy, cursing his lot in life, contemplates how a better set of wheels would right all wrongs...

What do you expect this sad bloke to do now? Will he

A. Take out his anger by vanquishing bad guys in a beat em up?
B. Jump on cutesy animal baddies in a platformer?
C. Work his way up the financial ladder in a sim?
D. Push boxes around in an empty warehouse?
E. Learn the art of ass kicking and throw fireballs in a 2D fighter?

...
...
...


If you picked "D"...

http://i97.photobucket.com/albums/l209/SFC_Gamer/BoxPush.png
Bob, tell him what he's won!


SUPER SOUKOBAN


GameBoy users may be familiar with this game as "Boxxle" (1989)

http://i97.photobucket.com/albums/l209/SFC_Gamer/GB-Boxxle.jpg

It's a mind-taxing logic game; the goal is to push boxes to cover the purple dots. You can't pull, you can only push and you can only move one box at a time. You can imagine the mess you'd create if you push a box in an ill-advised position. Thankfully, besides the option to restart a level at any point, pressing "L" rewinds the action and allow the player to go back as far as he wishes. Likewise, "R" is fast forward, in case you rewinded too far back. This is a God-send and very smart of the programmers. Kudos

There's no time limit however there is a step limit

Stage 1
http://i97.photobucket.com/albums/l209/SFC_Gamer/Souko.png

The solution to this stage?

http://i97.photobucket.com/albums/l209/SFC_Gamer/Souko1.png

Get each box in that position there, where the guy is in front of

Stage 2
http://i97.photobucket.com/albums/l209/SFC_Gamer/Souko2.png

Can you figure out the "hot spot" here? OK, here's the final hint:

http://i97.photobucket.com/albums/l209/SFC_Gamer/Souko2-2.png

Stage 3 (see below) introduces the "darkened box;" this indicates the box is already resting on a purple dot. Later stages may have multiple darkened boxes so you really have to be careful with them...

http://i97.photobucket.com/albums/l209/SFC_Gamer/Souko3.png

Stage 4
http://i97.photobucket.com/albums/l209/SFC_Gamer/Souko4.png

Stage 5
http://i97.photobucket.com/albums/l209/SFC_Gamer/Souko5.png

Stage 6
http://i97.photobucket.com/albums/l209/SFC_Gamer/Souko6.png

[Steven]

OH PLEASE, EVEN A FOUR-YEAR-OLD CAN SOLVE THESE...

OK wiseguy. There are a total of 300 (!) warehouses to tackle, with the option of jumping to any one at any time, and a password is given each time you clear a level. Of course, the first handful eases you in, before becoming gradually harder til DAMN! Notice as the puzzles get more complex, everything is properly reduced in size...

A look at some of the later stages then...

Stage 47
http://i97.photobucket.com/albums/l209/SFC_Gamer/Souko47.png

Stage 88
http://i97.photobucket.com/albums/l209/SFC_Gamer/SoukoHard.png

Stage 147
http://i97.photobucket.com/albums/l209/SFC_Gamer/Souko47-2.png

Stage 188
http://i97.photobucket.com/albums/l209/SFC_Gamer/Souko38.png
GOOD GRIEF!!!


Stage 234
http://i97.photobucket.com/albums/l209/SFC_Gamer/Souko34.png

Stage 277
http://i97.photobucket.com/albums/l209/SFC_Gamer/Souko27.png


GOD DAMN!!!

See! They become absolute conundrums in no time. In fact, rumor has it launch day buyers TO THIS DAY are still stuck on level 289!! [Oh? Where did you hear that? -Ed.] Er, moving on...

To cap it off, there's also an Level Edit option and a radical 2-player mode to see who finishes first. There's EVEN a choice of 10 characters to select from

http://i97.photobucket.com/albums/l209/SFC_Gamer/Souko2P.png


CLOSING THOUGHTS

Sokoban (note the missing "u") loosely translates to "warehouse keeper" I'm told, and has been around since the early 80's, pioneered by one, Hiroyuki Imabayashi. Its easy-to-play-but-difficult-to-solve gameplay is about as pure as it gets. It's a brilliant game that any one, even non-gamers, can really enjoy. The 2 player mode is nice, but it's really the 300 puzzles that will last players a lifetime

To borrow a phrase I used to describe Keeper and Sutte Hakkun, Super Soukoban is really a can't-miss for those who enjoy staring contemplatively at the screen until inspiration breaks through with a resolute A-HA!

This is, sadly, a underrated SFC gem. It's freaking ace


Awesome Sokoban Site (http://www.cs.ualberta.ca/~games/Sokoban/)
1st Four Stages (2:22) (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wXCmH9fOtUk)
Stages 5 and 6 (0:47) (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VQsmkGMBUFU)

[Steven]

Can't get enough Soukoban on your Super Famicom? Never fear, Nintendo is here. On New Years 1999 (yes, '99) they released an update to that ole classic...


POWER SOUKOBAN


Taking control of a devil, you go through a series of mazes with the same goal in mind as SUPER SOUKOBAN, pushing boxes (this time stones) to cover purple dots (this time pits). The modern twist? But of course, STAYING ALIVE. Staying alive? Yes, for from the excavation comes forth HELL'S ARMY!

http://i97.photobucket.com/albums/l209/SFC_Gamer/PSouko.png

OK, in all honesty, more like Hell's Rejects, no, Purgatory's Rejects

Baddies are more of a nuisance than legitimate threats. Two ways to dispose of 'em:

1. Pushing a stone over 'em
or
2. Zap 'em

Another modern twist is the ability to throw fireballs. You can also charge to create a powershot a la Megaman. And there's a "run" button as well

So then, this update is an action-puzzler with sort of a Zelda-y feel/atmosphere, very slightly, BUT it's certainly there, as anyone who has played it would surely attest to...

http://i97.photobucket.com/albums/l209/SFC_Gamer/PSouko1.png
Rocks can also be pushed via the powershot


Whereas SUPER SOUKOBAN was straight-to-the-point, POWER features multiple paths, multi-tier puzzles, and there are even friends to guide you along with hints (in Japanese, mind, but nothing you can't do without)

http://i97.photobucket.com/albums/l209/SFC_Gamer/PSoukoTalk.png

Speaking of friends, here's the cast:

http://i97.photobucket.com/albums/l209/SFC_Gamer/PSoukoCast.png

The game opens with that screen up there. The iron gate's locked so you must find an alternate route.... hey, what's that little crack in the wall...

http://i97.photobucket.com/albums/l209/SFC_Gamer/PSoukoBreak.png
BINGO! Only your powershot can break it


And off you go. There are many rooms and you can run to the next without solving the current one, but it's advisable you take care of each one as you go along


YOU CAN'T TEACH AN OLD DOG NEW TRICKS

Multi-tiered puzzles adds new dimension to the ole formula

http://i97.photobucket.com/albums/l209/SFC_Gamer/PSouko2.png ---> http://i97.photobucket.com/albums/l209/SFC_Gamer/PSouko3.png
Watch out for the statues up top; they'll come alive! No, not really


As you advance, more pits means more enemies. As long as the pits remain open, they will keep spawning. But again, they're really a non-factor... but at least they're there, eh? Plus, when defeated some drop a power-up to aid your quest

http://i97.photobucket.com/albums/l209/SFC_Gamer/PSouko6.png ---> http://i97.photobucket.com/albums/l209/SFC_Gamer/PSouko7.png
Some of the enemies look to me like rejects from Super Bomberman 5...


I said earlier it'd be wise to finish each puzzle as you confront 'em; however, for some the solution is not immediately available. Only by advancing do you later arrive at a point where you can then solve a previously impossible puzzle. Confused? You needn't be

Observe:

http://i97.photobucket.com/albums/l209/SFC_Gamer/PSouko4.png

See, here you enter this room on the lower floors. Blasted stones... how can you push them to cover the slots from this vantage point? The answer is you can't, and remember you can't pull

[Steven]

http://i97.photobucket.com/albums/l209/SFC_Gamer/PSouko5.png

A-ha! Later transversing to higher ground, you'll find a room leading downstairs, now you can use your powershot to shove 'em where they belong


DIFFERENT STROKES FOR DIFFERENT FOLKS

SS was going from one warehouse to the next, PS is not like that. [What are you saying about the Sega Saturn and Playstation eh? -Ed.]. Oi, anyway... POWER doesn't have "levels," per se. Rather it's interconnected like (Super) Metroid or Castlevania: Symphony of the Night


SOME MORE SHOTS

http://i97.photobucket.com/albums/l209/SFC_Gamer/PSouko8.png
More multi-tier madness

http://i97.photobucket.com/albums/l209/SFC_Gamer/PSouko9.png
Use your Powershot to break those dirt clumps

http://i97.photobucket.com/albums/l209/SFC_Gamer/PSoukoShot1.pnghttp://i97.photobucket.com/albums/l209/SFC_Gamer/PSoukoShot.png
The occult-ish statues add nicely to this dungeon underworld's atmosphere

http://i97.photobucket.com/albums/l209/SFC_Gamer/PSoukoShot2.png
"Quick, snap a shot of me!"

http://i97.photobucket.com/albums/l209/SFC_Gamer/PSoukoFire.png
Complete this while avoiding the circulating ring of fire


BE YOUR OWN BOSS

Another major diff in this modern update: you'll fight BOSSES! These include more traditional American-looking fiends such as Medusa and Frankenstein to name a few. These end-of-stage bosses are entirely combat-based


AUTOMATIC, NOT MANUAL

Something to take note of if you buy this game CIB: the game's manual is a fold-out map, with instructions on the back side. So don't fret when you don't find a "regular" manual inside the box

http://i97.photobucket.com/albums/l209/SFC_Gamer/PSoukoMap.jpg


CLOSING THOUGHTS

Which do I prefer? I love the update. But there's something pure about the original I can't deny. These two are must-own's if you love these type of games, and they complement each other well. POWER SOUKOBAN is one hell of a nice update, but I prefer SUPER SOUKOBAN by a hair

http://i97.photobucket.com/albums/l209/SFC_Gamer/Soukobans.jpg
Jan '93 vs. Jan '99! Both are well worth owning


Power Soukoban (2:19) (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fxE_re3E4qM)

[Steven]

*cue movie trailer voice guy*


ENTER A UNIQUE WORLD...

http://i97.photobucket.com/albums/l209/SFC_Gamer/CastleDoor.png


WHERE LIVES WILL CHANGE AND A NATION WILL CRY... or something


*end movie trailer voice guy* [Hey, how much does he cost us anyway? -Ed.]


http://i97.photobucket.com/albums/l209/SFC_Gamer/MysteryIntro2.png
http://i97.photobucket.com/albums/l209/SFC_Gamer/MysteryIntro1.png
http://i97.photobucket.com/albums/l209/SFC_Gamer/MysteryIntro.png


IS IT AN RPG? SIM?


NO!


It's....


LODE RUNNER TWIN


Lode Runner is like an old trusty friend to some of us. You may not call this friend every week, or even every month, but whenever you do, it's like you never left

Thanks to T&E Soft, Super Nintendo players have a version to call their own. And while the mechanics are similar, the look and atmosphere is distinctly different

http://i97.photobucket.com/albums/l209/SFC_Gamer/LRT.png ---> http://i97.photobucket.com/albums/l209/SFC_Gamer/LRT1.png
You can forego the map if you wish for the full monty and a tougher challenge


HEY THAT'S NOT JACK PERIL!

Indeed it's not. Say bye Jack and hello Justy and Liberty, two anime-esque chaps. There's a story mode (complete with password), free play and a couple 2-Player split-screen modes

http://i97.photobucket.com/albums/l209/SFC_Gamer/LRT2P.png


THE MORE THINGS CHANGE....

The more they stay the same. Let's check out how our protagonist fares in the first level:

http://i97.photobucket.com/albums/l209/SFC_Gamer/LTR2.png
Ninja mask!? No, just the odd gum-blowin'

Your goal is to collect all the candy wrappers. Only then will a ladder magically appear to whisk you to the next level

http://i97.photobucket.com/albums/l209/SFC_Gamer/LRT3.png ---> http://i97.photobucket.com/albums/l209/SFC_Gamer/LRT4.png
Gone are cannibalistic monks... in its place SD trident-wielding devil lackeys

[Steven]

The baddies quickly attempt to gang up on you, but like your ancestors you too can cave in floors where applicable, and walk safely over their head as seen there

http://i97.photobucket.com/albums/l209/SFC_Gamer/LRTrope1.pnghttp://i97.photobucket.com/albums/l209/SFC_Gamer/LRTrope.png
Rope-sliding feels spot-on and oddly becomes quite enjoyable to execute

Ah, our hero gracefully glides his way to safety, leaving the baddies in the dust. EAT MY SHORTS YA FILTHY SWINES!! [Have you your medication yet? -Ed.]

http://i97.photobucket.com/albums/l209/SFC_Gamer/LRT5.png ---> http://i97.photobucket.com/albums/l209/SFC_Gamer/LRT6.png
1 more candy to go! Hey... what's that oil-y thing dripping from the ceiling eh?

"What manner of witchcraft is this?!" That drippy thing is a new bad guy forming. Have at him!

http://i97.photobucket.com/albums/l209/SFC_Gamer/LRT7.png ---> http://i97.photobucket.com/albums/l209/SFC_Gamer/LRT8.png

You might have rid of that one, but notice his buddies quickly gaining ground. Now the magic sound effect blares off, indicating you've nabbed all the goodies. A ladder-to-the-next-level now awaits... of course... on your way there it's not 100% peaceful

http://i97.photobucket.com/albums/l209/SFC_Gamer/ropetrick.png
YOU WON'T TAKE ME ALIVE!

Toggle the map on/off as you please. This bit is easy, and it's these fun little moments that add tremendously to the game's value/appeal

http://i97.photobucket.com/albums/l209/SFC_Gamer/ropetrick1.png
Drop and he'll follow you accordingly

As soon as you land, make your way toward the ladder

http://i97.photobucket.com/albums/l209/SFC_Gamer/ropetrick2.png
JUST about home free now!

http://i97.photobucket.com/albums/l209/SFC_Gamer/LRTGoal.png
AH there we are


CLOSING THOUGHTS

I love retro games. It's the spirit of the age you know, the zeitgeist -- looking forwards by looking back. Or something like that. Heck, I just might be an old codger. I remember when games were rationed, you know

If you can overlook (figuratively speaking) the annoying music, what you have here is a nice variation of a classic theme


1st Level (0:52) (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_9dCn1FOsow)

[Steven]

*cue Movie Trailer Voice Guy* [Here we go again... *whips out big check* -Ed.]


IT IS AN ISLAND SATE WITH DANGER AND TRAPS...

http://i97.photobucket.com/albums/l209/SFC_Gamer/Island.png


Er... THATS PRETTY MUCH ALL I GOT THIS WEEK


*loud rumbling in the background, couple F-bombs and gunshots later...*


Ahem... well I guess we won't be seeing or hearing from him again. Neither, really. Anywho remember how Nintendo brought us a POWER update of a classic old game in Soukoban?


Weeeelll....


They're back at it yet again!


POWER LODE RUNNER


Released alongside POWER SOUKOBAN on New Year's 1999, this version of Lode Runner takes on a more modern feel, though indeed it plays much the same as ones before it. "B" digs a hole in the ground to your left, "A" to your right. If the bad guys fall through, you can safely walk over their head. Goal hasn't changed -- still have to collect the necessary items to unlock the rite to passage

Cute but in a different sort-of-cute compared to TWIN, you control a blue rabbit-y bloke, going through all manner of themes. There are three immediately selectable worlds, with themes changing every 5 levels


WORLD 1

http://i97.photobucket.com/albums/l209/SFC_Gamer/PLR.png

I love these World shots -- you'll see a couple more later on equally as ace

http://i97.photobucket.com/albums/l209/SFC_Gamer/Tree.png

Map on your bottom left (can be switched off), your item count bottom right (in yellow). Touch the logs there, leaving you 3 more pieces away

http://i97.photobucket.com/albums/l209/SFC_Gamer/Tree1.png
A spot of climbing. You'll do plenty of it

http://i97.photobucket.com/albums/l209/SFC_Gamer/Tree2.png
Piece number 2... 2 to go

I appreciate games with sensible gameplay... gameplay that allows the player to be efficient. You needn't climb to the bottom of a tree, not when you can slide off at any moment's notice (see above)

http://i97.photobucket.com/albums/l209/SFC_Gamer/Tree3.png
Those are the BAD guys?! Why yes

In this theme, these rather innocent-looking monkeys are the source of danger. As each theme alters every 5 levels, so too the enemies

http://i97.photobucket.com/albums/l209/SFC_Gamer/Treezap.png
DIE SCUMBAGS!

Applying some good ole Lode Runner know-how will make quick work of these chumps

http://i97.photobucket.com/albums/l209/SFC_Gamer/Tree4.png
There's sneaky contestant number 3

http://i97.photobucket.com/albums/l209/SFC_Gamer/Tree5.png ---> http://i97.photobucket.com/albums/l209/SFC_Gamer/Tree6.png
Ahh one of the game's simplest joys; esp. when you evade a bad guy in this way

[Steven]

http://i97.photobucket.com/albums/l209/SFC_Gamer/Tree7.png ---> http://i97.photobucket.com/albums/l209/SFC_Gamer/Tree8.png
A lone monkey soldier fails horribly to halt the progress of our furry protagonist

http://i97.photobucket.com/albums/l209/SFC_Gamer/Tree9.png
4 outta 4!

http://i97.photobucket.com/albums/l209/SFC_Gamer/Tree-Exit.png
Home sweet home

And onto the next level you go


THE OTHERS

http://i97.photobucket.com/albums/l209/SFC_Gamer/tree1-2.png
Some sweet climbing antics abound here

http://i97.photobucket.com/albums/l209/SFC_Gamer/tree1-3.png
It's a romp to work this one out

http://i97.photobucket.com/albums/l209/SFC_Gamer/PLRdark.png
Watch out for 'em spiteful beavers!

http://i97.photobucket.com/albums/l209/SFC_Gamer/PLRdark1.png
Kinda spooky here (sans Teddy of course)

http://i97.photobucket.com/albums/l209/SFC_Gamer/PLRape.png
"So... you come here often?"
"Yeah, great place to hang out"

http://i97.photobucket.com/albums/l209/SFC_Gamer/PLRape1.png
Metal parts are unbreakable

[Steven]

http://i97.photobucket.com/albums/l209/SFC_Gamer/PLRape2.png
Fruits can be used by enemies to stun you

http://i97.photobucket.com/albums/l209/SFC_Gamer/PLRexit.png
"Ninety-eight.... niiiinety-niiiine..."

http://i97.photobucket.com/albums/l209/SFC_Gamer/PLRape3.png
This bit's extremely fun to navigate through


WORLD 2

http://i97.photobucket.com/albums/l209/SFC_Gamer/PLR2.png
Freakin' gorgeous these World screens are

http://i97.photobucket.com/albums/l209/SFC_Gamer/PLRmountains.png
Our hero sporting a ninja-esque look

http://i97.photobucket.com/albums/l209/SFC_Gamer/PLRcave.png
"I'M TOO OLD FOR THIS S---!"

WORLD 3

http://i97.photobucket.com/albums/l209/SFC_Gamer/PLR3.png
Evokes a stealth-y adventurous aura eh?

http://i97.photobucket.com/albums/l209/SFC_Gamer/PLRship.png
Beware of menacing crabs and... ghosts!

http://i97.photobucket.com/albums/l209/SFC_Gamer/PLRship1.png
Kids -- don't try this at home

http://i97.photobucket.com/albums/l209/SFC_Gamer/PLRship3.png
Persistent little suckers eh


CLOSING THOUGHTS

I love Soukoban and Lode Runner. It's nice to see four different games of these two timeless franchises on the SNES. Two of which are 1999 updates from Nintendo. Overall, I enjoy Soukoban more, but Lode Runner I'll always be down with

I prefer Super Soukoban over the Power update, here I'll take the POWER version over TWIN. Power Lode Runner is graphically and sonically superior to Lode Runner Twin. The level design and enemy roster is also better; oozing with more creativity and that undeniable Nintendo charm

Twin is no slouch though. These are four fine games every "thinking" SNES fan simply must own


1st level (1:39) (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1nKiNOn4uZg)

[Steven]

http://i97.photobucket.com/albums/l209/SFC_Gamer/brucelee.jpg

This past Monday (Nov. 27) was Bruce Lee's Birthday. He would have turned 66. To honor the man, the myth, the legend... what more appropriate genre could we look at today than the beat em up?

http://i97.photobucket.com/albums/l209/SFC_Gamer/DragonBLee.jpg
The original Bruce clone: Kim Dragon!


I have a lot of good memories of THE COMBATRIBES. It was my 2nd import taste... my brother and I rented the Super Famicom version at this hotshot upstart diehard gaming rental outlet in late '92 or thereabouts. We friggin' loved it. And who could forget the comic ad that proclaimed "CYBORGS AIN'T LADIES!!"

http://i97.photobucket.com/albums/l209/SFC_Gamer/AintLady.jpg
Ahh Good Times


Oddly, I never bought the game back then. Sad but true: I rented it roughly 7 times.... at 6 different stores... over a 5 year span! I just never grew tire of swinging the carcasses around, knockin' out the other baddies in the process. Or, as the gif below shows, viciously re-arranging their furniture

http://i97.photobucket.com/albums/l209/SFC_Gamer/HeadSmash.gif


So then... what kind of sick twisted game on the innocent ole Super NES would allow you, the sadistic bloodthirsty gameplayer, to partake in such boisterous barbaric brutality?


IRON COMMANDO


One of the harder to find beat em up's on SNES, I never once saw this sucker online. I was forced, then, to summon my hired gun in Japan to scour the shops for me. Is it worth the hype? Let's find out...

Pick from Jack or Chang Li (no relation to Chun-Li I assume). Tackle the gangs by yourself or with a friend. There is a nice variety to the levels as you'll see


THE CITY

In this first level quotes will occasionally appear at the bottom. Adds a B-Movie feel and oddly, only appears in this stage

http://i97.photobucket.com/albums/l209/SFC_Gamer/IronQuote.png

Iron Commando has a myriad of weapons at your disposal. From 9mm guns to rifles to machine guns to knives and baseball bats, I'm almost shocked there wasn't a chainsaw as well

http://i97.photobucket.com/albums/l209/SFC_Gamer/IronBat.png
Now THATS what I call a double play!

http://i97.photobucket.com/albums/l209/SFC_Gamer/IronTruck.png
The 1st boss


THE ROAD
http://i97.photobucket.com/albums/l209/SFC_Gamer/IronBike.png
Run and shoot em down

http://i97.photobucket.com/albums/l209/SFC_Gamer/IronBike2.png
That'll teach 'em...

http://i97.photobucket.com/albums/l209/SFC_Gamer/IronSam.png
Or maybe not

[Steven]

http://i97.photobucket.com/albums/l209/SFC_Gamer/IronBike1.pnghttp://i97.photobucket.com/albums/l209/SFC_Gamer/IronBike3.png


THE FOREST
http://i97.photobucket.com/albums/l209/SFC_Gamer/IronForest.png
Rejects from SUNSET RIDERS!


THE WAREHOUSE
http://i97.photobucket.com/albums/l209/SFC_Gamer/IronDogs.png
BATTER UP! 'Oh the indignity' sez Nintendo

http://i97.photobucket.com/albums/l209/SFC_Gamer/IronDarkness.png

You'll go from sunny exterior to this flickering warehouse interior. It's a nice effect. After a brief jaunt, you'll face "Mr. Soukoban" Big Tom. He is the "warehouse keeper" y'know

http://i97.photobucket.com/albums/l209/SFC_Gamer/IronBigTom.png ---> http://i97.photobucket.com/albums/l209/SFC_Gamer/IronBigTom2.png


THE TEMPLE
http://i97.photobucket.com/albums/l209/SFC_Gamer/IronTemple.png
Bizarre enemy roster to say the least

http://i97.photobucket.com/albums/l209/SFC_Gamer/IronSnakes.png

Ugh, those serpents are unmercifully cheap-slash-annoying. You'll hate 'em even more than the Medusa Heads in Castlevania. Yes, they're that bad

[Steven]

http://i97.photobucket.com/albums/l209/SFC_Gamer/IronHuaco.pnghttp://i97.photobucket.com/albums/l209/SFC_Gamer/IronHuaco1.png

Not only do you have to contend with this crazed inhuman maniac, but the spikes on the left are constantly moving toward the right; a most deadly proposition...


THE BEACH
http://i97.photobucket.com/albums/l209/SFC_Gamer/IronBeach.png
DYK: they were extra's in "BEAT IT"


THE MINES
http://i97.photobucket.com/albums/l209/SFC_Gamer/IronMines.png
SHOOT EM ALL! LEAVE NO SURVIVORS!


THE CAMP
http://i97.photobucket.com/albums/l209/SFC_Gamer/IronDogs1.png
Oh jeez, the animal cruelty...


THE JEEP
http://i97.photobucket.com/albums/l209/SFC_Gamer/IronJeep.png
Like sitting (er, standing) ducks, if they could that is


THE ROBOT
http://i97.photobucket.com/albums/l209/SFC_Gamer/IronBot.png ---> http://i97.photobucket.com/albums/l209/SFC_Gamer/IronBot1.png

Yikes! Hit 'im with everything you got! Regular enemies rover onto the scene... beat 'em to gain more weapons, but beware the robot's laser eye and giant frisky hands. This fight lasts an eternity

http://i97.photobucket.com/albums/l209/SFC_Gamer/IronBot2.png
Good Luck!


SO IS IT GOOD OR BAD?

Nice looking graphics eh? I feel like I'm at the arcades. It just doesn't have the "typical" SNES look. It's visually distinct, and the weapon choice is pretty cool. Weapons are picked up by "X" which is not your "attack" button... bonus points for that

Here comes the "but" part.... it's a quarter-muncher. Pure and simple. Even on Easy, the game's hard. Enemies surround you. You suffer countless unavoidable hits. It's hard to really get into a flow with so many cheap hits abound

The damage distribution is horrible. Doing a 3-hit combo barely ticks their health. What gives? Am I controlling a little boy or a warrior here? This drags the game down in my opinion

http://i97.photobucket.com/albums/l209/SFC_Gamer/Iron.png
"Choose Your Little Boy" more like


You're probably assuming weapon damage ratio to be better, right? Sadly, not much


CLOSING THOUGHTS

Cheap mandatory hits and poor damage ratio are my two biggest disputes with the game. If you can look past that, it can be a decent good time, with unique graphics and a almost B-Movie feel. The 2 player mode is a big plus

Still, one can't help but feel IRON COMMANDO should be awesome; a beat em up for the ages, a brawler to be lionized by a legion of fans.... rather than merely being "not shabby" or "it's pretty good, BUT..."


THE CITY (1:33) (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1FJeHCA3UP0)

[Steven]

http://i97.photobucket.com/albums/l209/SFC_Gamer/sasuke.jpg
SHOUNEN NINJA SASUKE

Released by Sunsoft, this is a wacky sprawling no-levels-per-se-having beat em up with some RPG-ish traits thrown in for good measure. The music is very catchy. During fights it's upbeat and frantic. During town scenes calm and mellow. In either case, there's a decisively oriental flair backing it

http://i97.photobucket.com/albums/l209/SFC_Gamer/Shounen.pnghttp://i97.photobucket.com/albums/l209/SFC_Gamer/Shounen1.png

Most of the game you'll be engaging in fights such as these. See that coin up there, they crop up for each bad guy you vanquish. Money can be spent in shops to buy food, weapons or save your progress (that too will cost ya) [Damn @#!$%^ shopkeepers -Ed.]

http://i97.photobucket.com/albums/l209/SFC_Gamer/ShounenShop.png
Villagers pass by innocently


Y'ALL GON' MAKE ME LOSE MY COOL
[UP IN HERE! UP IN HERE! Sorry -Ed.]

http://i97.photobucket.com/albums/l209/SFC_Gamer/ShounenThugs.png
Ye ole trusty fist

http://i97.photobucket.com/albums/l209/SFC_Gamer/ShounenThugs1.png
Ye ole trusty foot

http://i97.photobucket.com/albums/l209/SFC_Gamer/ShounenRam.png
Flying shoulderblock

There is also a sword and shurikens. The jump kick can be repeated, without landing, multiple times. It's amusing to say the least. If you watch the video you'll see me jump kick a boss character -- without landing -- 22 (!) consecutive times

http://i97.photobucket.com/albums/l209/SFC_Gamer/ShounenBoss.png ---> http://i97.photobucket.com/albums/l209/SFC_Gamer/ShounenBoss1.png

http://i97.photobucket.com/albums/l209/SFC_Gamer/ShounenBoss2.png
Like the game itself, highly bizarre

[Steven]

I GOT PLACES TO SEE...

You'll travel a multitude of landscapes; some are cool-looking, others a bit creepy and a few even mythical

http://i97.photobucket.com/albums/l209/SFC_Gamer/ShounenBeach.png
Atmospheric if I do say so myself

http://i97.photobucket.com/albums/l209/SFC_Gamer/ShounenHaunted.png
No Soliciting

http://i97.photobucket.com/albums/l209/SFC_Gamer/ShounenHands.png
Need a hand?

http://i97.photobucket.com/albums/l209/SFC_Gamer/SNSWoods.pnghttp://i97.photobucket.com/albums/l209/SFC_Gamer/SNSWoods1.png
Warthogs can do a number if you're careless... the woods are filled with peril

http://i97.photobucket.com/albums/l209/SFC_Gamer/ShounenThugs2.png
Those heads are a bit creepy-looking

http://i97.photobucket.com/albums/l209/SFC_Gamer/ShounenStatue.png
"Now open your mouth and say AAAAH"


... AND PEOPLE TO BEAT

Along the journey you'll meet some straaaange cats

http://i97.photobucket.com/albums/l209/SFC_Gamer/ShounenFrog.png
Catmen can temporarily curse you

http://i97.photobucket.com/albums/l209/SFC_Gamer/SNSRiver.pnghttp://i97.photobucket.com/albums/l209/SFC_Gamer/SNSRiver1.png
Uh yeah... no words could properly explain this scene... so let's move on

[Steven]

http://i97.photobucket.com/albums/l209/SFC_Gamer/ShounenWTF.png
O_o


A WISE MAN ONCE SAID....

Two roads diverged in a yellow wood,
And sorry I could not travel both
And be one traveler, long I stood
And looked down one as far as I could
To where it bent in the undergrowth;

Then took the other, as just as fair,
And having perhaps the better claim,
Because it was grassy and wanted wear;
Though as for that the passing there
Had worn them really about the same,

And both that morning equally lay
In leaves no step had trodden black.
Oh, I kept the first for another day!
Yet knowing how way leads on to way,
I doubted if I should ever come back.

I shall be telling this with a sigh
Somewhere ages and ages hence:
Two roads diverged in a wood, and I —
I took the one less traveled by,
And that has made all the difference.

http://i97.photobucket.com/albums/l209/SFC_Gamer/ShounenPath.png

Unlike traditional beat em up's, Shounen has multiple paths; you're free, for the most part, to go where you please


A ONCE WISE MAG SAID...

http://i97.photobucket.com/albums/l209/SFC_Gamer/EGM-SNS.jpg


DOUBLE YOUR PLEASURE

Two can play. You can hit your buddy too

http://i97.photobucket.com/albums/l209/SFC_Gamer/Shounen2P.png


CLOSING THOUGHTS

Initially I didn't care for it much. A friend likes it a lot though, so I gave it a 2nd shot and came away with a more favorable impression. It's a nice little game. Reminds me of a mix between GANBARE GOEMON and RIVER CITY RANSOM/MIGHTY FINAL FIGHT. Not a must-have, but it's a nice-to-have game if you like the theme. Keep in mind there's some RPG-ish elements and some JP text to be worked through, but it's not extensive


Shounen Ninja Sasuke (1:06) (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vCOar_tz3hk)

[Steven]

BATTLE ZEQUE DEN

You gotta be GREAT if you're a beat em up using a 1-plane system... otherwise it's like peanut butter and squid -- the two just don't mix. Does Battle Zeque Den make the grade?

There are three female fighters, each with their own special moves

Enemies are status quo. The regular joe (see below), a fat guy, a fat pig (like from THE MONKEY KING) etc

http://i97.photobucket.com/albums/l209/SFC_Gamer/Zeque.png

I dug the Jason Vorhees clone though

http://i97.photobucket.com/albums/l209/SFC_Gamer/Zeque1.png

Her special move ("X") releases some dino friends

http://i97.photobucket.com/albums/l209/SFC_Gamer/ZequeSpecial.png

Level 2 sees a nice effect when it starts to drizzle

http://i97.photobucket.com/albums/l209/SFC_Gamer/ZequeRain.png

And then pours

http://i97.photobucket.com/albums/l209/SFC_Gamer/ZequeRain2.png
"Y+B" for a different special move


It's not too bad, it's just missing that "oomph"

On the upside, it's pretty tough. On the downside, it's one player only and the 1-plane restricts a feeling of freedom that, in my opinion, makes these games so fun to play

Overall, slightly above average for the genre

Battle Zeque Den level 1 (1:35) (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7qhrGVKhFPY)

[Steven]

KISHIN DOUJI ZENKI: BATTLE RAIDEN

Be careful... there are, including this one, three Hudson Zenki titles on SFC. Raiden is the beat em up of the bunch. For simplicity's sake "Zenki" will be used from here on out

Based off the manga, Zenki is slightly similar to Zeque in that it's a 1-plane side scrolling beat em up. But it's much deeper thanks to its platform-y essence

The dark creepy intro sets a nice tone

http://i97.photobucket.com/albums/l209/SFC_Gamer/Zenki-Intro.png ---> http://i97.photobucket.com/albums/l209/SFC_Gamer/Zenki-Intro2.png

You play a small dude, but certain levels he'll be his super hero alter ego. In level 1 you start out as the little guy

http://i97.photobucket.com/albums/l209/SFC_Gamer/zenki.png

The washed-out backdrop here is an excellent unique style. Kudos to Hudson. It reminds me of those paintings by the infamous painter with the fro back in the day -- he even appeared on THE SIMPSONS once or twice

http://i97.photobucket.com/albums/l209/SFC_Gamer/Zenki2.png
Cool bosses abound from the get-go

http://i97.photobucket.com/albums/l209/SFC_Gamer/Zenki3.png
Level 2 you become your alter ego

Level 2 is an icy world with typical platforming bits like disappearing ice blocks

http://i97.photobucket.com/albums/l209/SFC_Gamer/Zenki4.png
Some baddies pop out for a nasty surprise

This part is pretty neat; you break a pod which releases a wavy energy current, lifting our hero up high

http://i97.photobucket.com/albums/l209/SFC_Gamer/Zenki5.png

The shoulder buttons allow you to dash. Comes handy in this spot

http://i97.photobucket.com/albums/l209/SFC_Gamer/Zenki6.png

Some baddies look menacing enough to pass as mid-bosses when in reality are just regulars

http://i97.photobucket.com/albums/l209/SFC_Gamer/Zenki7.png

You have a super attack, but it'll cost you some health

http://i97.photobucket.com/albums/l209/SFC_Gamer/Zenki1.png


Yes, you're restricted to 1-plane but the nice thing here is it's more of a platform-slash-beat em up hybrid. There are some devious platforming bits to navigate, which keeps the game interesting. Some bosses not shown are awe-inducing. Giant wolf head, red dragon with an ace fiery background, etc. Health refills are hidden inside pods, but sometimes a spider baddie lies inside instead

It's relatively easy but there are some tricky bits, like the lava ride. Some stages have a force field at the exit, so you must collect a certain item on that level to deactivate the barrier

There's a lot more to do here than in Zeque. I'm not crazy about Zenki, but I like it; there's definitely some quality here. Of course, you'd expect that, coming from Hudson and all

Zenki level 2 (1:01) (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=unh_DXpZYF8)

[Steven]

Hey, yeah, you! Wow, we're finally caught up with the latest posts. I just posted a MESSLOAD of impressions over on page 4 (beginning with the end of page 3). Now with the next two games coming, we'll be up to speed. Hope you're finding some of this entertaining and useful

---

UFO KAMEN YAKISOBAN

A blatant marketing type game, you play a hero of a noodle brand

http://i97.photobucket.com/albums/l209/SFC_Gamer/UFO.png
Chicks love that ride y'know

http://i97.photobucket.com/albums/l209/SFC_Gamer/UFOthugs.png

You mainly fight those corporate thugs, but of course you'd expect a game of this nature to have some bizarre enemies. And you'd be right

http://i97.photobucket.com/albums/l209/SFC_Gamer/UFO1.png
That guy's taking a major fashion risk

http://i97.photobucket.com/albums/l209/SFC_Gamer/UFOkids.png
I mentioned blatant advertising, right?

Trash cans and the like reveal health refills or even a unicycle which acts as a devastating temporary weapon

http://i97.photobucket.com/albums/l209/SFC_Gamer/UFOwheel.png

Boss characters are as weird as the game itself

http://i97.photobucket.com/albums/l209/SFC_Gamer/UFOboss.png
Boy, only the Japanese lemme tell ya...

http://i97.photobucket.com/albums/l209/SFC_Gamer/UFOboss1.png
"STOP! IN THE NAME OF LOVE!"

When you beat a boss you get this cutscene:

http://i97.photobucket.com/albums/l209/SFC_Gamer/UFObanish.png
http://i97.photobucket.com/albums/l209/SFC_Gamer/UFObanish1.png
http://i97.photobucket.com/albums/l209/SFC_Gamer/UFObanish2.png


The game takes approx. 45 minutes to beat. UFO Kamen Yakisoban does nothing well. The hit detection is a bit off, the graphics and sound below par and the gameplay MEH. It's very ho-hum in every respect of the word

To its credit, it could be a lot worse, as these "advertisement games" usually are... but don't bother with this one unless you're a HUGE fanatic of the genre. Aside from its bizarreness, it's very vanilla, middle-of-the-road stuff

UFO level 1 (0:44) (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=p65W01rGOrE)

[Steven]

UNDERCOVER COPS

In '95 VARIE published this IREM port of the '92 arcade game. As SNES fans in-the-know will tell you, this is one of Super Famicom's most wanted. Complete copies frequently scorch the magical $100 mark, and some plop upwards to $85 for a LOOSE copy

Madness! What is this hard-to-find game like that has collectors up in arms for?

http://i97.photobucket.com/albums/l209/SFC_Gamer/CopsSelect.png

Select from Matt the powerhouse ex-football star, Zan the really skinny rough looking kickmaster or Rosa the quick and small token female

It's only 1-Player though (Arcade was multi-play)


SOAP? WHO NEEDS SOAP?

The first thing I noticed about UC Cops is how dirty it looks. I don't mean this in a bad way... I kinda like it in fact. Gives the game a rough and grim tone. So many SNES games have that cute saccharine look. Not a chance here

http://i97.photobucket.com/albums/l209/SFC_Gamer/UCThugs.png
"My box -- MINE!"

Battle your way through rundown abandoned buildings, grimy festering docks and inauspicious underground tunnels to name but a few. Everything is in a deep state of decay. The enemies are bordering on being subhuman. A wretched decrepit flock of sideshow freaks. You can bet they haven't showered in months. Even the good guys appear unpleasant and a bit... dour

http://i97.photobucket.com/albums/l209/SFC_Gamer/UCcrows.png ---> http://i97.photobucket.com/albums/l209/SFC_Gamer/UCcrows1.png

Little details like such are priceless. Crows fly off revealing in its wake two relics, who soon rise like zombies, so send 'em back to the hell hole they came from


HAVE A BITE

You don't consume hamburgers, or french fries, or drink beer to replenish yourself in this game. Oh no. That would make too much logical sense. So what does one eat? You had to ask....

http://i97.photobucket.com/albums/l209/SFC_Gamer/RosaMouse.png
High in protein y'know

Anything small and alive is up for grabs. Mice, chicken, even snails! Eat 'em before they can scamper (or crawl) away. Disgusting? For sure. But thanks to your character muttering a gruffly "GOOD!" when swallowed, it's also a bit... creepy


EVERYTHING BUT THE KITCHEN SINK

While other beat em up's have knives to throw, UNDERCOVER COPS is quite unconventional...

http://i97.photobucket.com/albums/l209/SFC_Gamer/RosaFish.png

http://i97.photobucket.com/albums/l209/SFC_Gamer/MattPick.png ---> http://i97.photobucket.com/albums/l209/SFC_Gamer/MattPick1.png
Giant concrete pillars can be unearthed to deliver major pain

Take a close look at the TV screen, pretty clever of Irem eh...

http://i97.photobucket.com/albums/l209/SFC_Gamer/Matt-Swing.png
Nice, I count 8 there

http://i97.photobucket.com/albums/l209/SFC_Gamer/Parcs.png
Use the metal beams to soften 'im up

[Steven]

JOY TO THE WORLD

"Special Joy" moves are available, in exchange for a small amount of health of course

http://i97.photobucket.com/albums/l209/SFC_Gamer/Parcs1.png ---> http://i97.photobucket.com/albums/l209/SFC_Gamer/Parcs2.png

After Parcs, boss of level 1, takes a beating, he sheds his skin -- revealing a cold steel interior! Crush him, if you can, for the ultimate satisfaction

http://i97.photobucket.com/albums/l209/SFC_Gamer/ParcsRobot.png ---> http://i97.photobucket.com/albums/l209/SFC_Gamer/ParcsCrush.png


LEVEL 2

This part was my favorite section. Kick the barrel of flames, or better yet, heave it

http://i97.photobucket.com/albums/l209/SFC_Gamer/ZanCarry.png

Upon impact it'll liberate a flurry of flame torches. WICKED!

http://i97.photobucket.com/albums/l209/SFC_Gamer/CopsFire.png
Eat that snail before it crawls away!

The scoundrels can toss the torches as well, and if you're knocked down, one rapscallion in particular enjoys a moment of debauchery at your expense

http://i97.photobucket.com/albums/l209/SFC_Gamer/CopsLaugh.png
He's a tough regular, that bat guy

http://i97.photobucket.com/albums/l209/SFC_Gamer/CopsFrans.png
Whoa baby


LEVEL 3

These underground diggers are deadly when traveling in packs

http://i97.photobucket.com/albums/l209/SFC_Gamer/CopsLevel3.png

Mines pop up at will and erupt

http://i97.photobucket.com/albums/l209/SFC_Gamer/CopsExplode.png
Get the **** outta dodge!

[Steven]

These suckers greet you with a nasty little love tap if you're in their path. They can't be killed so just steer clear as they mindlessly march on by

http://i97.photobucket.com/albums/l209/SFC_Gamer/CopsBugs.png

The end level guardian is a monster born from malpractice... and it wants you for dinner!

http://i97.photobucket.com/albums/l209/SFC_Gamer/CopsMog.png


ASSESSMENT DAY

After each level your performance is tallied up. Depending on how much $$$ you earned, you'll regain a certain amount of health for the next level, if necessary

http://i97.photobucket.com/albums/l209/SFC_Gamer/UCPayDay.png


PARTING IS SUCH SWEET SARROW

http://i97.photobucket.com/albums/l209/SFC_Gamer/UCCopsbox.jpg
Scheduled for a US release, but never saw American soil


DEJA VU

Being a huge World Heroes fan, I had a funny DEJA VU feeling 'bout Matt immediately. After conducting a series of strenous scientific studies I've concluded where Johnny Maximum's influence truly originated from...

http://i97.photobucket.com/albums/l209/SFC_Gamer/MattRam.png ---> http://i97.photobucket.com/albums/l209/SFC_Gamer/JMatt.png

http://i97.photobucket.com/albums/l209/SFC_Gamer/MattMax.jpg ---> http://i97.photobucket.com/albums/l209/SFC_Gamer/MattMax1.jpg


TAKE A LOOK FOLKS

http://i97.photobucket.com/albums/l209/SFC_Gamer/UCComparison.png vs. http://i97.photobucket.com/albums/l209/SFC_Gamer/UCCopsArcade.png


CLOSING THOUGHTS

Remember the Spike Lee movie "Do The Right Thing"? The character Radio Raheem sported a four-fingered ring on each hand -- "LOVE" on the right hand and "HATE" on the left -- to symbolize the struggle between the two emotions

That's how I feel about UNDERCOVER COPS. I love that it came out, I love how twisted it is.... but I hate that they canned the multiplayer aspect. It reeks of laziness. I hate how much better it should have been

If anything, it's a nice collector's item; a conversation piece. But is it worth the big bucks? Only you can decide that one...


Level 1 (2:56) (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LCu0vP9QJ9E)
Level 2 (0:56) (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tng5p4Zfias)

--

And that completes the impressions that went down while DP was down. Cheers

[Damaramu]

Undercover Cops is by far one of my all time favorite beat-em-ups. Right behind Streets of Rage and Final Fight. My friends and I were so disappointed when we heard the US release was cancelled! Bastards!

Hardcore Gamer 101 has an excellent write-up on Irem and Undercover Cops. IT CAN BE FOUND HERE (http://hg101.classicgaming.gamespy.com/irem/irem.htm)

[Steven]

ENIX is a favorite among many SNES fans. With hits like Soul Blazer, EVO, Actraiser and Ogre Battle, some folks place 'em right there with Konami and Capcom as their favorite 3rd party contributor

Indeed they gave us some great games in America. But did you know Enix also put out two SFC platformers? Judging from the small fanbase these two games have, I'm sure some of you already know

But if you don't, check this out

----


There's weird, and then there's weird

http://i97.photobucket.com/albums/l209/SFC_Gamer/PapuIntro.png

NANGOKU SHOUNEN PAPUWA-KUN

If there was ever a platformer destined to stay in Japan from the moment it was made, this would win by a country mile

It combines an anime feel (based off the anime after all), Japanese wackiness and standard platforming 101 techniques. There are 8 worlds to romp, with multiple levels for each one

http://i97.photobucket.com/albums/l209/SFC_Gamer/PapuMap.png
Each orange star represents a new world

Nangoku has a level-up system... any time you kill an enemy a number pops in its place, indicating how many experience points you just gained. After a set amount you'll level up. This is pretty cool. A password system is incorporated

Your guy will sweep kick, punch and jump kick his way to victory


WORLD 1

http://i97.photobucket.com/albums/l209/SFC_Gamer/PapuL1.png
Nutthin' like a light morning jog

http://i97.photobucket.com/albums/l209/SFC_Gamer/Papublock.png
Use the block to cover the bamboo spikes

http://i97.photobucket.com/albums/l209/SFC_Gamer/PapuBrella.png
Mid-boss madness

http://i97.photobucket.com/albums/l209/SFC_Gamer/Papubomb.png ---> http://i97.photobucket.com/albums/l209/SFC_Gamer/Papubomb1.png
"A" enables your special power attack (limited)

http://i97.photobucket.com/albums/l209/SFC_Gamer/PapuSunrays.png
Rays brilliantly pierce through the forest


WORLD 2

http://i97.photobucket.com/albums/l209/SFC_Gamer/Papuworms.png
Those are some big worms

http://i97.photobucket.com/albums/l209/SFC_Gamer/PapuKirby.png
Watch out for this Kirby sucker

[Steven]

http://i97.photobucket.com/albums/l209/SFC_Gamer/PapuLock.png
Now there's a REALLY big worm!

http://i97.photobucket.com/albums/l209/SFC_Gamer/PapuLock1.png
Mr. Potato Head's tough!

Grab the key and unlock the imprisoned worm. Looks can be deceiving... the thing's actually a helper believe it or not

http://i97.photobucket.com/albums/l209/SFC_Gamer/PapuL2-2.png
Level 2 of this world


WORLD 3

http://i97.photobucket.com/albums/l209/SFC_Gamer/PapuL3.png
Prepare for Asian hi-jinx

http://i97.photobucket.com/albums/l209/SFC_Gamer/PapuSpikes.png
He's nimble 'nuff to jump cross that

http://i97.photobucket.com/albums/l209/SFC_Gamer/PapuPush1.png
"I like to move it move it"

http://i97.photobucket.com/albums/l209/SFC_Gamer/PapuFire.png
Mandatory flamin' section

http://i97.photobucket.com/albums/l209/SFC_Gamer/PapuPillars.png
Don't get crushed by these moving pillars


WORLD 4

WHOA! LINK makes a special appearance!!

http://i97.photobucket.com/albums/l209/SFC_Gamer/PapuLink.png
I'll translate their dialogue

http://i97.photobucket.com/albums/l209/SFC_Gamer/PapuLink1.png
"Um.... did you take a wrong turn?"

[Steven]

http://i97.photobucket.com/albums/l209/SFC_Gamer/PapuLink2.png
"Wait a sec,
OH ****"

http://i97.photobucket.com/albums/l209/SFC_Gamer/PapuLink3.png ---> http://i119.photobucket.com/albums/o139/SFCGamer/wiizelda.jpg
Link must have accidentally found a time machine portal.... MY how games have changed...

http://i97.photobucket.com/albums/l209/SFC_Gamer/PapuSnail.png
"I told you your rent was due last week!"


WORLD 5

http://i97.photobucket.com/albums/l209/SFC_Gamer/PapuChick.png
That chick is actually an enemy

http://i97.photobucket.com/albums/l209/SFC_Gamer/PapuL5.png
Of course.... of course


WORLD 6

http://i97.photobucket.com/albums/l209/SFC_Gamer/PapuL6.png
Ace backdrop for an ace motif

http://i97.photobucket.com/albums/l209/SFC_Gamer/PapuPac.pnghttp://i97.photobucket.com/albums/l209/SFC_Gamer/PapuHinko.png
PACHINKO!


WORLD 7

http://i97.photobucket.com/albums/l209/SFC_Gamer/PapuL7.png
Ooooh, them dreary clouds

I'll leave the rest for you to discover. There's a lot more


CLOSING THOUGHTS

Beneath this strange world of offbeat characters lies a pretty standard, yet solid, platformer. Nothing new here, but it's enjoyable and everyone I know who has played it, came away liking it. So too have I. Recommended


PACHINKO! Stage 6-1 (1:03) (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bfVklBJdp3Y)

Let us now look at ENIX's 2nd SFC platformer...

[Steven]

http://i119.photobucket.com/albums/o139/SFCGamer/HamIntro1.png
http://i119.photobucket.com/albums/o139/SFCGamer/HamIntro.png


HAMELIN NO VIOLIN HIKI

AKA Hamelin no Violin Tamaki, Violinist of Hamelin and Hamel the P-I-M-P

http://i119.photobucket.com/albums/o139/SFCGamer/HamIntro2.png

Based off the anime/manga, the game kinda reminds me of the sensational DoReMi FANTASY. Your goal is to guide a young female (named Flute) to the exit of each stage. You control the violinist -- Hamel. It's an action/adventure game with puzzles mixed in, and the way you interact with Flute is a riot, as you'll see

http://i119.photobucket.com/albums/o139/SFCGamer/HamBlock.png
Push that block just like in NANGOKU

Don't ask why, but the girl can morph into one of 16 different things! Provided, of course, you locate the proper icon first. Certain sections require certain transformations. It's all about teamwork. This is not your everyday mindless platformer!

http://i119.photobucket.com/albums/o139/SFCGamer/HamSelect.png

Flute follows you around unless you press X to deactivate her. She'll stand still until you press X again

http://i119.photobucket.com/albums/o139/SFCGamer/HamStand.png

The interaction between Hamel, Flute and the level design is really what makes the game work so well. You can stand on her head, pick her up and carry her around, or even toss her like a cannon ball into enemies or impeding brick walls!

http://i119.photobucket.com/albums/o139/SFCGamer/HamThrow.png ---> http://i119.photobucket.com/albums/o139/SFCGamer/HamThrow1.png
Flute's expressions are priceless... don't worry this doesn't hurt her

A look at the first set of levels then:


FOREST DAYTIME

http://i119.photobucket.com/albums/o139/SFCGamer/Ham.pnghttp://i119.photobucket.com/albums/o139/SFCGamer/Ham1.png
Press "A" to unleash your deadly musical notes

[Steven]

http://i119.photobucket.com/albums/o139/SFCGamer/HamBomb.png ---> http://i119.photobucket.com/albums/o139/SFCGamer/HamBomb1.png
Sometimes you gotta hurl Flute, other times a bomb is provided

http://i119.photobucket.com/albums/o139/SFCGamer/HamGator.png
Ole Gator Face takes two hits

http://i119.photobucket.com/albums/o139/SFCGamer/HamIcon.png
Grab your first icon

http://i119.photobucket.com/albums/o139/SFCGamer/HamSpike.png
You're not Carl Lewis! What to do?

That's right, you hit 'START' and locate the proper transformation for the job. You only have 1 at this point, so it's pretty obvious what's needed here

http://i119.photobucket.com/albums/o139/SFCGamer/HamSpike1.png
Press X at any time to bring back Flute

http://i119.photobucket.com/albums/o139/SFCGamer/HamWater.pnghttp://i119.photobucket.com/albums/o139/SFCGamer/HamWater1.png
Oooooh


FOREST EVENING

http://i119.photobucket.com/albums/o139/SFCGamer/HamDuck.png
Duck those thorns and grab the 1-UP

http://i119.photobucket.com/albums/o139/SFCGamer/HamIcon1.png
2nd icon you'll find is a frog

[Steven]

http://i119.photobucket.com/albums/o139/SFCGamer/HamFrog.png
There's the little sucka

This level is one of my favorites. Just the aura of it is off the charts, and very reminiscent of DoReMi's 1st world in the forest with the lifts to ride. Here you and Flute get on a platform. Shooting the spindle with a musical note carries the two of you across

http://i119.photobucket.com/albums/o139/SFCGamer/Hame.pnghttp://i119.photobucket.com/albums/o139/SFCGamer/Hame1.png
Game has EXCELLENT music too, adding nicely to the atmosphere

http://i119.photobucket.com/albums/o139/SFCGamer/HamForest.png
Hey, it's either you or them


BONUS ROUND

If you collect enough stars throughout the levels you're treated to a little bonus game

http://i119.photobucket.com/albums/o139/SFCGamer/HamBonus.png
No Mario 3 influences whatsoever...


THE CASTLE

http://i119.photobucket.com/albums/o139/SFCGamer/HamCastle.png
DUN DUN DUN!

http://i119.photobucket.com/albums/o139/SFCGamer/HamIcon2.png ---> http://i119.photobucket.com/albums/o139/SFCGamer/HamDestroy.png
Those flames can be tricky

Right off the bat you'll collect your 3rd transformation icon. It's a robot that smashes any wall whenever you jump on its head

http://i119.photobucket.com/albums/o139/SFCGamer/Vio.pnghttp://i119.photobucket.com/albums/o139/SFCGamer/Vio1.png
"But you promised me there'd be NO bats, you lying bastard!!!!"

[Steven]

Best to carry her ass across the flame dripping bit. Relying on the "follow" command is not wise here (she's a bit of a ditz y'know)

http://i119.photobucket.com/albums/o139/SFCGamer/HamSnakeGuy.png
Like CASTLEVANIA's red skeletons...
This guy cannot be killed for good

http://i119.photobucket.com/albums/o139/SFCGamer/HamSnakes.png
SNAKES IN A CASTLE!!


A PUZZLE, A MISSING KEY AND A HUMAN DART

As I mentioned, puzzles play a part in the game. Here's a neat little one within the castle walls

http://i119.photobucket.com/albums/o139/SFCGamer/HamPuzzle.png

Hmmmm, I gotta get to the top...

http://i119.photobucket.com/albums/o139/SFCGamer/HamPuzzle1.png

First off, pause the game and enable the robot smasher transformation

http://i119.photobucket.com/albums/o139/SFCGamer/HamPuzzle2.png

Now position Flute on the little switch and deactivate her, so she won't move from that spot. By standing on the switch, the block up top disappears. Now fire a note at the crystal ball, which results in dropping the door. Hop on and now you're good to jump to the top

http://i119.photobucket.com/albums/o139/SFCGamer/HamPuzzle3.png

Once you get to higher ground, press "X" again to call Flute, and she'll properly climb the ladder. HURRAH! We're home free now....

http://i119.photobucket.com/albums/o139/SFCGamer/HamLocked.png
*Tires screeching*

You must find the missing key. Proceed left...

http://i119.photobucket.com/albums/o139/SFCGamer/HamCannon.png
"Sorry bitch... you know what it be"

http://i119.photobucket.com/albums/o139/SFCGamer/Hamkey.png

Kill the snake, grab the key, the new icon (not shown) and go!

http://i119.photobucket.com/albums/o139/SFCGamer/HamSweeper.png
Fourth transformation in effect


CLOSING THOUGHTS

This was one of those SFC games I heard people raving about (much like MAGICAL POP'N and MAJYUUOU) before I could discover it myself. Some of these games don't live up to the hype

This one does

If you love action/adventure SNES games and you don't own this, you're nuts. It's fairly common and goes for roughly $15

NANGOKU is good... VIOLINIST is stellar. Well done once again ENIX


Forest Evening (1:38) (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7l0U7pPL7zU)
Spindle Night Stage (1:34) (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pmEz6Iy14_s)

[DaBargainHunta]

I just gotta say, I love this thread. The Godzilla write-up was fantastic, and I can't wait to read on to see what else is posted here.

[Kitsune Sniper]

Re: Iron Commando

Am I the only one that noticed this is a pure and simple ripoff of Capcom's The Punisher? It looks and plays very similarly, and they even ripped off Frank's special (jump and press both attack buttons to jump higher and throw grenades down).

Also, I looked at Lode Runner Twin a while back. Hint hint.

[Steven]

During the summer of 2002, my cousins from Texas and theirs from Canada, crashed at my pad for two weeks. Along with my brother, the 6 of us engaged in some serious cutthroat PUZZLE FIGHTER warfare; where the winner kept playing and the loser made excuses until his or her next turn. It's one of my fondest gaming memories

http://i119.photobucket.com/albums/o139/SFCGamer/PuzzleFighter.jpg
Good times


---


NONTAN TO ISSHO: KURU KURU PUZZLE

In this abnormal puzzler you only need to match TWO like pieces. Two! The quirks don't end there -- you can't rotate the pieces... you can only flip

http://i119.photobucket.com/albums/o139/SFCGamer/NontanFlip.png ---> http://i119.photobucket.com/albums/o139/SFCGamer/NontanFlip1.png
Most show off their arse when flipped, but the fish has a skeleton

Regular pieces:

-Apple
-Owl
-Frog
-Fish

Special:

-Bee (more on this later)
-Cat (see below)

The cat can only be uncovered when you flip the regular pieces around. It doesn't appear straight up, so just flip constantly. Once in a while, instead of a frog or owl's ass, you'll find the feline instead

http://i119.photobucket.com/albums/o139/SFCGamer/NontanCat.png ---> http://i119.photobucket.com/albums/o139/SFCGamer/NontanCat1.png
Make the match

Any regular piece in the same row as the cats will be converted to cats

http://i119.photobucket.com/albums/o139/SFCGamer/NontanCat2.png
Transformation just about complete

Once that happens, they all dissipate

http://i119.photobucket.com/albums/o139/SFCGamer/NontanCat3.png ---> http://i119.photobucket.com/albums/o139/SFCGamer/NontanCat4.png

Note that a horizontal cat connection is only 1 row's worth. A vertical hookup on the other hand is double the trouble


MODES OF PLAY

1 Player
---
A: Play til your top is stacked
B: Well has two rows already filled, with a bee at the bottom

2 Player mode is played in mode B

http://i119.photobucket.com/albums/o139/SFCGamer/NontanB.png
1 Player mode B in action

The goal is to eliminate the bee at the bottom (with another bee). Like the cat, the bee isn't presented directly. A little detective work is required, then

http://i119.photobucket.com/albums/o139/SFCGamer/NontanB1.png

Even when later levels have multiple bee's, it's a piece of cake. You Game Over when the screen is filled, but that's hard to do

[Steven]

MISSING IN ACTION

There's no VS. CPU mode. I was also disappointed by the 2 player mode -- part of the fun is sending garbage blocks over to the opponent. Not found here


CHAIN REACTION

With only 2 like-pieces needed to match, it's simple to set up huge chains. Look at this 3-hitter

http://i119.photobucket.com/albums/o139/SFCGamer/NontanCombo.png
Bye fishies

Notice above how I've set up the owl pieces (both front and back sides) one spot higher, one column over. Once the fish are removed, everything drops accordingly

http://i119.photobucket.com/albums/o139/SFCGamer/NontanCombo1.png ---> http://i119.photobucket.com/albums/o139/SFCGamer/NontanCombo2.png


CLOSING THOUGHTS

If there were a crown for "MY FIRST PUZZLER" this would win hands down. It's perfect for children. But for us older cats, the gameplay is too unsophisticated. Still, it's no shame to own Nontan if you love the genre as much as I do... you just won't be playing it over TETRIS or PUYO PUYO


Nontan "mode A" (1:33) (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BINoW_AJWP0)


----------


Long before Puzzle Fighter, there was DOSSUN! GANSEKI BATTLE

http://i119.photobucket.com/albums/o139/SFCGamer/DossunIntro.png ---> http://i119.photobucket.com/albums/o139/SFCGamer/DossunIntro1.png
These guys all share the same hobby eh?


Dossun has a unique battle system. Two ways to claim victory:

1. The opposing player's well fills up
or
2. Their energy bar hits rock bottom

Energy bar? In a puzzler? Whaaaa??

http://i119.photobucket.com/albums/o139/SFCGamer/DossunHurt.png ---> http://i119.photobucket.com/albums/o139/SFCGamer/DossunHurt1.png

Eliminating 3 or more like pieces have varying results:

-Green Rocks: Sends forth a dragon (see above)
-Red Scrolls: Fireballs
-Yellow Swords: Piercing swords
-Blue Potion: Replenishes your health slightly (if needed)
-Purple Squares: No effect whatsoever


ONE PLAYER

Select from 3 heroes

http://i119.photobucket.com/albums/o139/SFCGamer/DossunSelect.png

And one by one, do battle with the game's numerous villains

http://i119.photobucket.com/albums/o139/SFCGamer/Dossun-vs.png

The loser is paid a visit from ole Grimsy

http://i119.photobucket.com/albums/o139/SFCGamer/DossunWin.png

[Steven]

TWO PLAYERS

Everyone's up for grabs

http://i119.photobucket.com/albums/o139/SFCGamer/DossunVS.png


TODAY'S SPECIAL

Most puzzle games have a special piece or power. Dossun is no different. When you have a special pellet stored, pressing "R" clears every purple square. Although Dossun's graphics could easily be confused for an early MEGADRIVE title, this visual effect is noteworthy

http://i119.photobucket.com/albums/o139/SFCGamer/DossunSpecial.png
Much cooler than simply fading out


DO A COMBO MEAL

Like fighting games, special moves are a good way to inflict damage, but the best players utilizes devastating combos. The same applies here. While clearing 3 pieces at a time is fine and dandy, pulling off 3-plus chain reactions is the meal ticket. Diagonal matches yield the best results if you set yourself proper

Observe this lethal chain. The green rocks match diagonally and disappear

http://i119.photobucket.com/albums/o139/SFCGamer/DossunCombo.png

The yellow sword falls down, connecting with 2 other swords

http://i119.photobucket.com/albums/o139/SFCGamer/DossunCombo1.png

The swords' elimination drops the red scroll....

http://i119.photobucket.com/albums/o139/SFCGamer/DossunCombo2.png

... forming a crushing 5-PIECE horizontal/diagonal red match to end the 3 hit chain


PICK A FIGHT

After completing a big combo, the character enlarges and performs a fancy attack

http://i119.photobucket.com/albums/o139/SFCGamer/DossunCombo5.png

http://i119.photobucket.com/albums/o139/SFCGamer/DossunAttack.png

http://i119.photobucket.com/albums/o139/SFCGamer/DossunAttack1.png

http://i119.photobucket.com/albums/o139/SFCGamer/DossunBlock.png
That ogre is bad news, folks


HANG IN THERE

Major attacks result in leaving the opposition hanging

http://i119.photobucket.com/albums/o139/SFCGamer/DossunCombo6.png
Annoying if you're on the receiving end!


ANY REQUESTS?

There's only 1 music theme throughout the entire game, and it can get tedious. When someone's energy bar flashes, the music breaks into a frenzy, sounding much better and adding nicely to the tension. But the regular music is a bit "meh"


CLOSING THOUGHTS

It's essentially COLUMNS with a medieval fantasy battle theme. Dossun really grew on me and I literally said "1 more game" several times. It's amazingly addicting. Sure the graphics and music are nothing to write home about, but the gameplay is largely enjoyable

Sweet game


Dossun (1:40) (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-D_2aAIocHA)

[Steven]

It's time for another edition of fight club! Today we examine KAMEN RIDER -- a two-player beat em up featuring the famed hero(es) of Japanese programming. This game's rather hard to find, and pricey. But is it good, or is it the much dreaded cheap cash-in?


LEVEL 1

As you make your way through the levels, the boss' health meter at the bottom slowly but surely increases. Take care of the baddies ASAP

http://i119.photobucket.com/albums/o139/SFCGamer/Kamen.png

The garish blokes are tougher, and more colorful, than their brethen

http://i119.photobucket.com/albums/o139/SFCGamer/Kamen1.png

Enter the warehouse... hmm it's awfully quiet in here

http://i119.photobucket.com/albums/o139/SFCGamer/Kamen2.png
TOO quiet...

PEARL HARBOR! But even their nefarious schemes are no match for your fleet-footed prowess

http://i119.photobucket.com/albums/o139/SFCGamer/Kamen3.png
Send 'em to an early grave!

Ole bug face is a sticky adversary

http://i119.photobucket.com/albums/o139/SFCGamer/KamenWeb.png

Take the elevator and enter the control room. In classic beat 'em up fashion, the boss is joined by a legion of low-tier foot soldiers

http://i119.photobucket.com/albums/o139/SFCGamer/KamenBoss.png

The bosses even resemble their real life cheesy rubber suits! Nice. When things get hot and heavy, press "X" to become the mighty Kamen Rider

http://i119.photobucket.com/albums/o139/SFCGamer/KamenTransform.png ---> http://i119.photobucket.com/albums/o139/SFCGamer/KamenEye.png

Not only is he a superior fighter, he has a separate health bar as well. A cutscene depicting the demise of the assailant is shown for your successful efforts

http://i119.photobucket.com/albums/o139/SFCGamer/KamenMode7.png ---> http://i119.photobucket.com/albums/o139/SFCGamer/KamenDefeat.png
That damn Mode 7

[Steven]

Kamen Rider is a hero of many skills. For starters, he's a hell of a dancer

http://i119.photobucket.com/albums/o139/SFCGamer/KamenTangle.png
"I'll lead, aiite?"

But back to serious matters. After all, the fate of the world IS at stake here, and you'll be damned if you let some rubber monsters get the best of you! ["I'VE GOT ANOTHER CONFESSION TO MAKE!" Er, sorry -Ed.]


LEVEL 2

http://i119.photobucket.com/albums/o139/SFCGamer/KamenCycle.png
Psst, show off...

Nothing says hello quite like a leaping kick

http://i119.photobucket.com/albums/o139/SFCGamer/KamenJumpKick.png

Mr. Veggie is a mid-boss of sorts

http://i119.photobucket.com/albums/o139/SFCGamer/KamenVeggie.png

"Wanna Get Away?" Airline commercial #152

http://i119.photobucket.com/albums/o139/SFCGamer/KamenTruck.png

Your travels take you to a fancy complex. Here's Johnny!

http://i119.photobucket.com/albums/o139/SFCGamer/KamenBoss1.png ---> http://i119.photobucket.com/albums/o139/SFCGamer/KamenDefeat1.png


LEVEL 3

... is home to waste dumps and the like, lending it a gloomy rundown atmosphere. Battle your way through the outskirts of town... before culminating in a rooftop tangle

http://i119.photobucket.com/albums/o139/SFCGamer/KamenStairs.png

http://i119.photobucket.com/albums/o139/SFCGamer/KamenWater.png

http://i119.photobucket.com/albums/o139/SFCGamer/KamenSplash.png

[Steven]

Not worthy... or bluff?

http://i119.photobucket.com/albums/o139/SFCGamer/KamenBoss2.png ---> http://i119.photobucket.com/albums/o139/SFCGamer/KamenDefeat2.png
BLUFF!


LEVEL 4

Similar to the legendary GOLDEN AXE series, gaping holes can be used to your advantage

http://i119.photobucket.com/albums/o139/SFCGamer/KamenHole.png
Say, how did VENOM sneak in there?

This boss encounter takes place in a highly industrial part of town

http://i119.photobucket.com/albums/o139/SFCGamer/KamenBoss3.png ---> http://i119.photobucket.com/albums/o139/SFCGamer/KamenDefeat3.png


LEVEL 5

This amusement park is anything but! But hey, at least it provides plenty of cool scenery, like this roller coaster track

http://i119.photobucket.com/albums/o139/SFCGamer/KamenCoaster.png

No park would be complete without one of these

http://i119.photobucket.com/albums/o139/SFCGamer/KamenHorses.png

Or this! And it's within these macabre halls that the end level confrontation occurs

http://i119.photobucket.com/albums/o139/SFCGamer/KamenR.pnghttp://i119.photobucket.com/albums/o139/SFCGamer/KamenR2.png
SHEESH! I told him to "MAKE LOVE NOT WAR" and he took it quite literally!


The rest I won't disclose
In between levels are some interesting cutscenes

http://i119.photobucket.com/albums/o139/SFCGamer/KamenCut.png


CLOSING THOUGHTS

Temptations to modernize this old franchise wouldn't come as a shock, but wisely they opted for the 70's suburban Japan setting. It's nice to see a game remain so faithful to its source material

What began as lukewarm impressions quickly developed into an affection. The levels are divided into segments and maintains a solid pace throughout. Kamen Rider is just a good ole fashion beat 'em up akin to those from the halcyon days


The Warehouse (1:39) (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IIKW362Edcg)

[Steven]

COSMO GANG: THE PUZZLE

Ever play Pac Attack? Then you've played this (Both from NAMCO). 3-piece arrangements fall from the sky, composed of bricks, Cosmo's or arrows. Arrow wipes out Cosmo's. The bricks disappear when formed into a solid line, a la Tetris

http://i119.photobucket.com/albums/o139/SFCGamer/CosmoGang2.png

The star extinguishes all Cosmo's

http://i119.photobucket.com/albums/o139/SFCGamer/CosmoGang.png ---> http://i119.photobucket.com/albums/o139/SFCGamer/CosmoGang1.png

It's fun to watch the arrow decimate the aliens

http://i119.photobucket.com/albums/o139/SFCGamer/CosmoGang4.png
IT SLICES!

http://i119.photobucket.com/albums/o139/SFCGamer/CosmoGang3.png
IT DICES!

http://i119.photobucket.com/albums/o139/SFCGamer/CosmoGang5.png
CALL NOW!

In addition to standalone, VS com/2P, there's also a mode to solve set puzzles. SUPER PLAY was not impressed, stating "Slick, colourful puzzle with a high novelty factor. Doesn't push you or your SNES, though, and is ultimately cupboard-fodder." It received a score of 58%

I'm with SPlay here, Cosmo's just an average puzzler with some decent twists, but ultimately, too weird for its own sake. Cool graphics though


Cosmo Gang Puzzle (1:19) (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vFa9wjwsnJw)

----

SD GUNDAM POWER FORMATION PUZZLE

http://i119.photobucket.com/albums/o139/SFCGamer/SDFormation.png
ONE piece drops at a time

Your goal isn't matching four like colors... when this happens, your OWN energy decreases. Forming four "P's" is what you want to do

http://i119.photobucket.com/albums/o139/SFCGamer/SDFormation1.png ---> http://i119.photobucket.com/albums/o139/SFCGamer/SDFormation2.png

When four P's are matched, your robot attacks. The victim is left with less health than before, plus all his pieces are blown up

http://i119.photobucket.com/albums/o139/SFCGamer/SDFormation3.png

It's nice to see a stab at some originality, but this is a classic example of a game that strays too far off the worn path. Drab sound, gameplay and graphics don't help it much either. Unsatisfactory all around


SD Formation (0:40) (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OBOZ_f6_zyg)

[Steven]

KUNIO NO ODEN

http://i119.photobucket.com/albums/o139/SFCGamer/OdenVS.png

This is essentially Puyo Puyo/Columns meeting Kunio blokes. Select from Puyo Puyo style gameplay or Columns. Oden features 1P practice, VS. CPU and 2 player modes

As you clear pieces, your power meter increases. When full, press "R" to send forth the clear-all icon

http://i119.photobucket.com/albums/o139/SFCGamer/OdenSpecial.png

Notice garbage blocks come via those sticks. They vastly hinder the hapless victim

http://i119.photobucket.com/albums/o139/SFCGamer/OdenCombo.png ---> http://i119.photobucket.com/albums/o139/SFCGamer/OdenCombo1.png
Just a very simple chain reaction

Combo's can flow like fine red wine. Observe these 3-hitters

http://i119.photobucket.com/albums/o139/SFCGamer/OdenChain.png
Follow the green...

http://i119.photobucket.com/albums/o139/SFCGamer/OdenChain1.png ---> http://i119.photobucket.com/albums/o139/SFCGamer/OdenChain2.png

This chain reaction shows how easy it is setting things up:

http://i119.photobucket.com/albums/o139/SFCGamer/OdenChain3.png

http://i119.photobucket.com/albums/o139/SFCGamer/OdenChain4.png ---> http://i119.photobucket.com/albums/o139/SFCGamer/OdenChain5.png

Some puzzle games just have that "right feel"... it makes all the difference in the world between a good and fun puzzler versus one that's best avoided. In my opinion, this has "it"


Kunio no Oden (0:59) (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S_o5TRUwxTQ)

[Steven]

http://i119.photobucket.com/albums/o139/SFCGamer/NintamaLand.png
http://i119.photobucket.com/albums/o139/SFCGamer/DarkEyes.png

Gee, it can only be.....

NINTAMA RANTAROU PUZZLE

http://i119.photobucket.com/albums/o139/SFCGamer/NintamaGang.png
That's them all right

Culture Brain released 3 SFC Nintama platformers and along the way had this puzzle spinoff. Thanks to its interesting concepts, it's pretty ace

Two pieces descend at a time. If you press R, you SEPARATE the two!

http://i119.photobucket.com/albums/o139/SFCGamer/Nintama.png ---> http://i119.photobucket.com/albums/o139/SFCGamer/Nintama1.png
WHOA!

Matching 3 (or more) is again the name of the game. But the beauty is, there's a plethora of ways to do so. You may connect any 3 like-symbols, EVEN if the colors are different

http://i119.photobucket.com/albums/o139/SFCGamer/NintamaSymbol.png
Like-symbols, different colors

Or you can match 3 like-colors, EVEN if the symbols are different

http://i119.photobucket.com/albums/o139/SFCGamer/NintamaColor.png
Like-colors, different symbols

Or if you have 3 like-colors AND like-symbols, you can forego the vertical/horizontal restrictions

http://i119.photobucket.com/albums/o139/SFCGamer/NintamaCombo.png
Merely touching does the trick!

These quirks collectively expand the combinations ten-fold. The modes you'd expect to be included are. You can also select from 1 of six characters

http://i119.photobucket.com/albums/o139/SFCGamer/NintamaSelect.png

The VS CPU mode is peculiar in that both wells START with many rows already in place! You don't see that often

http://i119.photobucket.com/albums/o139/SFCGamer/NintamaVS.png

Overall, Nintama is a solid puzzle game with some unique gameplay elements. I like Nintama and Kunio the most from these four. Cosmo is decent, Formation I found highly disappointing


Nintama (0:31) (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NqyEfxWPEyY)


Til next time, remember...

Puzzle games don't build brain power...

They reveal it

[Steven]

In a time of hostility and turmoil, only one hero has the courage....

http://i119.photobucket.com/albums/o139/SFCGamer/TetsuwanIntro.png

... the will of a nation's indomitable spirit...

http://i119.photobucket.com/albums/o139/SFCGamer/TetsuwanIntro1.png

HE IS....

http://i119.photobucket.com/albums/o139/SFCGamer/TetsuwanIntro2.png

TETSUWAN ATOM

Based off the classic manga/anime by Osamu Tezuka, Tetsuwan Atom is an action game featuring varied levels. Some are straight platforming romps. Others have you taking full advantage of Astro Boy's propensity for flight

A look at the first 5 levels (of 8 total)


LEVEL 1

http://i119.photobucket.com/albums/o139/SFCGamer/Tetsuwan.pnghttp://i119.photobucket.com/albums/o139/SFCGamer/Tetsuwan1.png

Typical easy introductory level. He moves a bit stiffly, and his punch lacks range, but the game is largely tractable

http://i119.photobucket.com/albums/o139/SFCGamer/TetsuwanRock.png
Ah the quintessential rock-bit

The 1st boss is a piece of cake. Air dash it to death (more on this later)

http://i119.photobucket.com/albums/o139/SFCGamer/TetsuwanLion.png


LEVEL 2

http://i119.photobucket.com/albums/o139/SFCGamer/Tetsuwan2.pnghttp://i119.photobucket.com/albums/o139/SFCGamer/Tetsuwan3.png
You face many horrors in this fright-filled haunted house

http://i119.photobucket.com/albums/o139/SFCGamer/TetsuwanPush.png
The strength of 10 men! (or something)

[Steven]

http://i119.photobucket.com/albums/o139/SFCGamer/Tetsuwan5.pnghttp://i119.photobucket.com/albums/o139/SFCGamer/Tetsuwan6.png
Crawl in that little space there and the ball harmlessly sails over your head

http://i119.photobucket.com/albums/o139/SFCGamer/TetsuwanGhost.png

True to form, his bright-eye lamps are put to use in the dark. This spirit boss requires several air dashes before submitting to the foul night


LEVEL 3

Pretty cool stuff here. The whole stage curves around. Kill everything on the 1st floor. Don't bother punching -- go straight for the air dash. Once you kill everything repeat on the 2nd floor

http://i119.photobucket.com/albums/o139/SFCGamer/TetsuwanDash.png
Air dash on display

The 3rd floor is the boss match. Beware his 2nd form!

http://i119.photobucket.com/albums/o139/SFCGamer/TetsuwanBoss.png


LEVEL 4

Swim or fly (air dashes are disabled here)

http://i119.photobucket.com/albums/o139/SFCGamer/TetsuwanWater.png
All the fish are robots

http://i119.photobucket.com/albums/o139/SFCGamer/Tetsuwan7.pnghttp://i119.photobucket.com/albums/o139/SFCGamer/Tetsuwan8.png

The spike sections are tricky. Occasionally, just to piss you off, the water current goes against you and this force is incredibly strong. The school of fish zooming by is a common visual effect when these tides occur

http://i119.photobucket.com/albums/o139/SFCGamer/TetsuwanShark.png

That's one bad mutha! Watch out for its long limb and electric bolts


LEVEL 5

The force-scroller stage. Many hazards attempt to slow you down... permanently

http://i119.photobucket.com/albums/o139/SFCGamer/TetsuwanAtom.png


MISC. NOTES

-You begin with 3 hearts. Along the way extra hearts can be gained (notice in the above picture there are 4). Each heart can withstand 2 enemy blows. Health refills and 1-UP's are also scattered throughout

-The default controls are awkward (B = jump, A = punch, X = charges the flight meter). Thankfully it's adjustable

-The flight meter must be charged before you can fly, and when you fly slowly decreases. Pressing A during flight executes the powerful air dash (a fist-first dive). This attack grants you temporary invulnerability. Press A during an air dash to cease abruptly, otherwise you'll zip 'cross til your meter is fully depleted


CLOSING THOUGHTS

This game has fans and critics alike. The fans cite it for good action, the critics blast it for not having enough. Go figure. I enjoyed it. If you're in the mood for a basic non-taxing action title, this does the job adequately


Level 1 (1:07) (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6X_qBaHnr2E)
Level 5 (0:39) (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bMgbF7apGfM)

[pragmatic insanester]

i applaud all of your beat 'em up reviews. of course i own almost all of those (still looking for SHOUNEN NINJA SASUKE, and i didn't think Battle Raiden was a BEU). There are a couple more you haven't touched on, like: Cosmos Police Galivan. Ghost Chaser Desei, etc.

[Steven]

PI, actually I did take a brief look at Ghost Chaser. It was part of my Halloween ghost-related trilogy posted on 10/31 along with Ghost Sweeper and "Ghost of Kitaro"

---

AMERICAN BATTLE DOME

4-player pinball! Intrigue anyone? Shame it's not as fun as it may sound then

http://i119.photobucket.com/albums/o139/SFCGamer/BattleDome.png

Different themes like Haunted House, Heaven, Fantasy etc. can't salvage this dud. If you hold the theory that ANY 4-player game is AT LEAST halfway fun, and wish to keep that theory, then stay far away from this... "game"

http://i119.photobucket.com/albums/o139/SFCGamer/BattleDome1.png


-----


BLOCK KUZUSHI

http://i119.photobucket.com/albums/o139/SFCGamer/Kuzushi-Intro.png
"GOOOOO VOLTRON!"

Imitation is the sincerest form of flattery. Arkanoid should be blushing then

http://i119.photobucket.com/albums/o139/SFCGamer/Kuzushi.png ---> http://i119.photobucket.com/albums/o139/SFCGamer/Kuzushi1.png
When hit, the gray buggers set off a sweet chain reaction

Block Kuzushi has a funky storyline, multiple paths to select from and all the typical power up's and down's you'd expect from this type of game. Reverse controls, longer thingie [Just great -Ed.], gun allowing you to easily mow down blocks, etc. There's even boss characters; the first appearing on stage 11

http://i119.photobucket.com/albums/o139/SFCGamer/Kuzushi2.png
Did that read DULL?

A two player mode with 3 different stages is thrown in for good measure

http://i119.photobucket.com/albums/o139/SFCGamer/Kuzushi2P.png
My favorite of the 3 designs

I liked BK initially, but it got "meh" after a while. It's alright


Block Kuzushi (0:51) (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7Ku3Y_DE83A)


-----


HARAPEKO BAKKA

Released on PAL SNES as Hungry Dinosaurs, this is... one strange game. Playing on a 9x9 grid, you lay an egg for each square you move. Pressing the Y button has your dino eating the opponent's eggs in a Yoshi-like manner

http://i119.photobucket.com/albums/o139/SFCGamer/Harapeko.png

You can change a row of eggs belonging to the rival into your own. That is, if you can sneak an egg at the front and back (i.e. GRRRRG). Whoever has the most eggs on the grid after 40 seconds is declared the winner

http://i119.photobucket.com/albums/o139/SFCGamer/Harapeko1.png

And, er, that's pretty much it. That's the whole damn game. Hell, the manual's only 6 pages!

http://i119.photobucket.com/albums/o139/SFCGamer/Harapeko2.png
Winning 32 eggs to 23

SUPER PLAY loved it. They just couldn't stand it

"Everything about HUNGRY DINOSAURS reeks of quality. Every aspect screams out "Instant classic!" The style, the characters, the sounds, the simple concept... it all points to a surefire hit. But then there's one problem. The gameplay is all wrong."

Gameplay received 31% and overall score a paltry 35%.... ouch

The only bright side is the four-player option. But much like American Battle Dome, not a game-saver. Best avoided

[Steven]

SUGOI HEBEREKE

Taking a break from their many puzzle games, those infamous Sunsoft knuckleheads star in a primitive version of SMASH BROTHERS

http://i119.photobucket.com/albums/o139/SFCGamer/Sugoi.png

Pick from 1 of 10 characters, each with their own special moves and attributes, and fight to be the last mascot standing

http://i119.photobucket.com/albums/o139/SFCGamer/Sugoi1.png
No ledges to be knocked off of...

http://i119.photobucket.com/albums/o139/SFCGamer/Sugoi2.png
... You must fight to the death

It is four-player compatible. However, sometimes with 4 on screen the action slows to a crawl. Momentarily

http://i119.photobucket.com/albums/o139/SFCGamer/Sugoi3.png ---> http://i119.photobucket.com/albums/o139/SFCGamer/Sugoi4.png
Hop on and use that set-piece to your advantage

It's alright in a 10-minute-spurt kind of way. I found it rather disappointing... it lacks the addictiveness and desirability that made others of its kind so fun to play


Sugoi Hebereke (0:59) (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JYxHxoS3N9Q)


-----


SUPER B-DAMAN

Yup, it's the sequel to Bomberman: B-Daman (highlighted a while back). Remember how the original came boxed with a figure? This comes with stickers to decorate said figure... you gotta admit, that's pretty clever on their part

http://i119.photobucket.com/albums/o139/SFCGamer/Bidaman.png

It's pretty much the same concept, except this time with MUCH MORE Japanese text to wade through. The shoulder buttons add a new curvy-power shot that is crucial to some of the layouts

The biggest difference is the new 4-player format. Now you're free to move where you wish, unlike the original where you were "on rails" so to speak. There are only three stages in this mode, but it's nice to see the upgrade to free movement. The goal now is to push the others over the edge, and be the last standing

http://i119.photobucket.com/albums/o139/SFCGamer/Bidaman1.png
Slippery shenanigans

http://i119.photobucket.com/albums/o139/SFCGamer/Bidaman2.png
Avoid the middle there

http://i119.photobucket.com/albums/o139/SFCGamer/Bidaman3.png ---> http://i119.photobucket.com/albums/o139/SFCGamer/Bidaman4.png
Oh snaps

I much prefer the original. This doesn't have the 'charm' of the 1st one for whatever reasons...


4-Player Battle (0:30) (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7lwhllv8sqo)

[Steven]

SUPAPOON

Block Kuzushi isn't the only Arkanoid clone around here!

http://i119.photobucket.com/albums/o139/SFCGamer/Supapoon1.png
Fun to see the big jewels flashing

It's pretty bare though, what you see is what you get in this 1-player game. There are 6 worlds to go through, with 6 stages per I believe. A total of 36, presumably

http://i119.photobucket.com/albums/o139/SFCGamer/Supapoon5.png
Sweet

Your goal is to eliminate all the yellow faces. There are some neat little features...

http://i119.photobucket.com/albums/o139/SFCGamer/Supapoon3.png ---> http://i119.photobucket.com/albums/o139/SFCGamer/Supapoon4.png
Like this flagitious skull for example

The "line protector" powerup is really cool. In other games if the ball touches the line once, it fades away. Here, the line is made of many individual blocks, and when hit only one block disappears, rather than the whole thing

http://i119.photobucket.com/albums/o139/SFCGamer/Supapoon.png ---> http://i119.photobucket.com/albums/o139/SFCGamer/Supapoon2.png
Cool stuff

Another awesome powerup: the almighty 1-hit-kills-all blazing ball

http://i119.photobucket.com/albums/o139/SFCGamer/Supapoon6.png ---> http://i119.photobucket.com/albums/o139/SFCGamer/Supapoon7.png
Like a knife through hot butter!

Decent Arkanoid clone. I like it over Block Kuzushi


Supapoon (1:06) (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mT_z_WlEXB8)


-----


SUPAPOON DX

The sequel/upgrade. It's very similar except now there's a password system

http://i119.photobucket.com/albums/o139/SFCGamer/SupapoonDX.png

And a 2-player mode

http://i119.photobucket.com/albums/o139/SFCGamer/SupapoonDX1.png


2 Player Battle (0:47) (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oarlVNKSVTI)


-----


That concludes the lightning round. Duds and niche games goes with the territory. Next time, a special guest of honor will be in the house. Til then, have a good one

[Iron Draggon]

Steven, I really wish you'd show everyone the greatness of Battle Pinball... I reviewed it in Import Mania (along with Super Pinball 2) a long time ago, but sadly I had no way to take screenshots of it... and I'd really like to see you review it with the full treatment that you give all your game reviews... plus, I think it's definitely your type of game, so it should be in your collection too!

[petewhitley]

Steven, this is soooo the best thread going on DP right now. In addition to continuing it, you should really compile everything you've got into a web page and concurrently add to this thread and that web page. You would have a pretty sweet document of some rarely played games right there, and it would be more permanent than just a thread on the DP boards. There's a million ways to do it, but I personally purchased a domain from GoDaddy and installed WordPress which couldn't have been any easier. Seriously, if you can post on DP you can do it yourself. Total cost is like $8 for the domain and maybe $20 for hosting all year (I'm sure you can get way cheaper hosting if you look even a LITTLE). Just a thought, but IMO you have something way better than a thread going here. It reminds me of the HardcoreGaming101 page that guy sporadically updates.

http://hg101.classicgaming.gamespy.com/index.html

[Steven]

Pete, thanks for the compliments. I'll be looking into it. Iron, I still haven't bought a copy of that game yet.

---

I was unconvinced when I saw SUPER PLAY trashin' ACTION PACHIO to the tune of 42%. At the time, for a few months already, it was on my want list. It seemed like a potentially fun little obscure platformer. With a hero bearing more than a slight resemblance to PAC-MAN (as well as CodeMaster's DIZZY)

http://i119.photobucket.com/albums/o139/SFCGamer/PachioEh.png
Hmmm.....

How bad could a blatant Sonic clone be?

http://i119.photobucket.com/albums/o139/SFCGamer/Pachio.png ---> http://i119.photobucket.com/albums/o139/SFCGamer/Pachio2.png

Surely not 42% bad?

http://i119.photobucket.com/albums/o139/SFCGamer/Pachio1.png

Sh'yeah, right

Clunky control, abominable gameplay... it's stilted like you wouldn't believe

http://i119.photobucket.com/albums/o139/SFCGamer/PachioSpikes.png
Insta-Death hurrah!

The 1st stage is littered with spikes. Terrible control + no way to scroll down = cheap deaths galore

http://i119.photobucket.com/albums/o139/SFCGamer/PachioBoss.png

Keeping hope that level 2 may somehow right the ship, I trudged on

http://i119.photobucket.com/albums/o139/SFCGamer/ActionPachio.png

Sadly, it was a case of blind optimism. This is the kind of game where you advance a bit further, die, memorize and repeat. Rather than tough enemies or tricky level design ousting you though, it's the pitiful control

http://i119.photobucket.com/albums/o139/SFCGamer/ActionPachio2.png

What wasted potential. On a side note the graphics remind me of SUPER BACK TO THE FUTURE II... except that one was halfway good

http://i119.photobucket.com/albums/o139/SFCGamer/Pachio5.pnghttp://i119.photobucket.com/albums/o139/SFCGamer/Pachio6.png

Far from the worst in SNES history, but bad 'nuff to induce an ulcer


Action Pachio (1:21) (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=olBvg0iYAb4)


-----


With that garbage out of the system (literally)... let's move on to bigger and better. What follows are two reviews from SUPER PLAY MAGAZINE -- in all their glorious entirety, to take us home

[Steven]

SANDRA NO DAIBOUKEN


http://i119.photobucket.com/albums/o139/SFCGamer/Sandra.pnghttp://i119.photobucket.com/albums/o139/SFCGamer/Sandra1.png

What initially looks like a rather poor Wonder Boy clone actually turns out to be a top-notch arcade adventure, enlivened by some very versatile controls. These take getting used to, but once learnt prove to be extremely rewarding -- if a bit frustrating at times.

http://i119.photobucket.com/albums/o139/SFCGamer/SandraStuck.png

Graphically Sandra's a mixed affair, with both lovely and rather drab bits. The main sprite has consistent appeal though, and the way he can jump and land on top of baddies with his fork is a joy -- and a lot less disturbing than it sounds!

http://i119.photobucket.com/albums/o139/SFCGamer/SandraStab.png

The gameplay is as patchy as the background graphics, however -- at some points it's simply great fun, while other bits are a real pain. Throughout it all the generally melancholy sonics add tons to the game, even if they do get slightly repetitive. Indeed, the whole feel of the game is tearjerkingly sad -- not just the music, but also the plot (our hero has to collect various special herbs to help cure his dying son), and general atmosphere.

http://i119.photobucket.com/albums/o139/SFCGamer/SandraIntro.png

Passwords are given at regular points, but it'll still take you a fair while to find the herbs, due to the fiendlishly designed levels -- you can almost feel the boy's life draining away as you struggle with a particularly tricky section.

http://i119.photobucket.com/albums/o139/SFCGamer/SandraSP.jpg

A real discovery, then, and a game that offers the player a lot more than it first appears. Things get better and more complicated as you progress (indeed, it's fiendlishly difficult in certain sections) but don't let the Japanese text that crops up occasionally turn you off -- understanding it all is not crucial to gameplay. This is likely to remain an obscure game in the UK, though we expect something of a cult around it -- great fun. -Jason Brookes

http://i119.photobucket.com/albums/o139/SFCGamer/SandraD.pnghttp://i119.photobucket.com/albums/o139/SFCGamer/SandraD1.png

Graphics: 84%
Sound: 89%
Gameplay: 82%
Gamelife: 91%

Overall: 88%

Verdict: A wonderfully versatile and highly unusual game that, as a slightly bizarre trip into Japanese eccentricity and mysticism, is hard to beat. Despite some infuriating sections, this is highly recommended, especially to hardcore gameplayers. One thing is for certain -- no one will finish this in a hurry.


Sandra no Daibouken (1:01) (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=f-CWuiab8Uc)

[Steven]

SUPER NINJA KUN

http://i119.photobucket.com/albums/o139/SFCGamer/EGM-Kun.jpg


We phoned up the Japanese Embassy in London to ask them what a Kun was. They slammed the phone down and have since instigated legal proceedings....

Japan is a land of contradictions and oddity. Take, for example, the ninja. Ruthless, silent assassins who didn't adhere to moral or ethical codes but whose sole purpose was eradicating people. Ninjas were nasty pieces of work.

But nowadays the Japanese proudly display them as part of their culture, and they're everywhere. Take this game, for example. A tiny, smiling Super Deformed ninja rushes around in a cute way, trying to save his sweet girlfriend. Not the sort of thing ninjas generally got up to.

http://i119.photobucket.com/albums/o139/SFCGamer/NinjaKun5.png

Right. The game, then. Well it's a platform job with lots of small, easily killable baddies, plenty of running and jumping and a crowd of bosses at the end of each level. As you progress, you collect extra weapons, but things get a tad trickier. It's like a million other games.

http://i119.photobucket.com/albums/o139/SFCGamer/NinjaKunBoss.png

In fact it is very much like a million other games. Perhaps even better than most. Super Ninja Kun doesn't have anything special in it at all, but it does all the usual stuff well.

STEAL THE SOULS OF THE DEAD

You, being a ninja, have the power to use various special weapons and effects. But before you can use them, you must collect power from the bodies of the baddies you've offed.

http://i119.photobucket.com/albums/o139/SFCGamer/NinjaKun.png

When you shuriken something, a little tadpole-like spirit rise from the body and you must grab it. This energy builds up on a bar at the bottom of the screen. Hitting the A button releases whichever attack or effect you've lined up. The default effect gives yourself a twin, who mimics your every move but can't be harmed. This is dead useful for attacking bosses because it doubles your fire-power.

http://i119.photobucket.com/albums/o139/SFCGamer/NinjaKun2.png ---> http://i119.photobucket.com/albums/o139/SFCGamer/NinjaKun1.png

There isn't much else to say. This is an above-average platform game with some quirky Japanese elements (the little ninja can swell to giant size after consuming a flashing orb for example)

http://i119.photobucket.com/albums/o139/SFCGamer/NinjaKun3.png ---> http://i119.photobucket.com/albums/o139/SFCGamer/NinjaKunBig.png

There's a two-player mode, which is worth five to ten percent on the overall score, surely. Yeah, and it's a big game as well. By big, I mean that there are many levels. The actual levels are rather short and you are faced with the choice of either flying through them in the quickest way possible (there's no time limit, though) or exploring, collecting and running a vastly increased chance of being killed. Luckily, when you die, you're regenerated where you were killed, so there aren't any gripes to be had about restart points or anything.

http://i119.photobucket.com/albums/o139/SFCGamer/NinjaKun4.png

You'd have to be a major platform fan to want this. And if you were a major platform fan, you'd probably find it too easy. It's a Catch-22 situation. Sorry. -James Leach

Graphics: 73%
Sound: 58%
Gameplay: 77%
Gamelife: 65%

Overall: 68%

Verdict: If platform games were cars, this one would have electric windows and a sun-roof. But it would be the same colour as all the rest, and would still be looked on with scorn by the Honda Fireblades which represent decent, imaginative games. It's a crap metaphor but you see what I mean.


Super Ninja Kun (1:04) (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5-Eov-6BX-s)

[Steven]

Today, tomorrow and Friday will be devoted to 3 little-known gems... well, at least in my book. This first one is my favorite of the 3

http://i119.photobucket.com/albums/o139/SFCGamer/PuzzlenDesu.pnghttp://i119.photobucket.com/albums/o139/SFCGamer/PuzzlenDesu1.png


PUZZLE'N DESU!


Hell of a mind-teaser, this one. You move the little guy on the left around a giant square arena, trying to match all the like-colors. You can only push 1 block at a time, and it'll travel until it's stopped by a wall or block

If you think this game's a cheap Soukoban clone, think again

3 like-colors, minimum, are required to make a successful match. Sometimes there are four instead of three, so you must connect all four. Match only 3 in this instance and fail -- as there'd be one block remaining

Here's the 1st stage:

http://i119.photobucket.com/albums/o139/SFCGamer/Desu.png
If you can't figure this out....

Stage 2:

http://i119.photobucket.com/albums/o139/SFCGamer/Desu1.png ---> http://i119.photobucket.com/albums/o139/SFCGamer/Desu2.png
The rest is easy to work out

The 3rd stage is where things get a bit trickier

http://i119.photobucket.com/albums/o139/SFCGamer/Desu3.png

The blue blocks are a cinch as you can see... but hmmm at the pink ones... what to do...

http://i119.photobucket.com/albums/o139/SFCGamer/Desu4.png
Set 'em up like such

http://i119.photobucket.com/albums/o139/SFCGamer/Desu5.png ---> http://i119.photobucket.com/albums/o139/SFCGamer/Desu6.png

There you go, now this pink formation's ripe for the pickings. Can you solve the rest? If not, you can always check the video to see the solution

Later on, the puzzles become murderous. A la Sutte Hakkun and Super Soukoban

http://i119.photobucket.com/albums/o139/SFCGamer/Desu7.png

[Steven]

BUT WAIT! THERE'S MORE!

An ace 4-player battle mode is included! Much more than a mere afterthought, this can rival Bomberman believe it or not! The goal is simple. Squish your opponent(s) via block pushing. The winner is the sole survivor. And for good measure, you get 10 different stage designs, whose block placement is randomly generated, enabling countless variants! (similar to the map system of the beloved WORMS franchise)

B = push

A = moves a block around you

Note the "A" command is only valid in the battle mode, for obvious reasons. Also, EVEN in this mode blocks will disappear when accidentally or purposely matched. Awesome

1.
http://i119.photobucket.com/albums/o139/SFCGamer/Desu-Stage1.jpg
Basic plain 1st stage

2.
http://i119.photobucket.com/albums/o139/SFCGamer/Desu-Stage2.jpg
Blue blocks with the % marks are immovable

3.
http://i119.photobucket.com/albums/o139/SFCGamer/Desu-Stage3.jpg
The ice blocks dissipate when pushed against a wall or block

4.
http://i119.photobucket.com/albums/o139/SFCGamer/Desu-Stage4.jpg
The arrows determine the path of destruction

5.
http://i119.photobucket.com/albums/o139/SFCGamer/Desu-Stage5.jpg
These arrows affect block AND player movement

6.
http://i119.photobucket.com/albums/o139/SFCGamer/Desu-Stage6.jpg
The arrow blocks here can only be pushed in the direction they're pointing. The numbered blocks travel their respective number (i.e. 3 spaces)

7.
http://i119.photobucket.com/albums/o139/SFCGamer/Desu-Stage7.jpg
Teleporters! Bomberman is rollin' in his grave =P

8.
http://i119.photobucket.com/albums/o139/SFCGamer/Desu-Stage8.jpg
Great gimmick here. Arrows guide block movement. Easy to kill yourself if you don't watch it. When walking on arrows, they act like butter, sliding you in their set direction

9.
http://i119.photobucket.com/albums/o139/SFCGamer/Desu-Stage9.jpg
The blocks here can be pushed despite touching each other. They fly across and through the screen disappearing whether they've crushed someone or not. Arguably the most chaotic stage, with the potential of numerous blocks zooming by at break-neck speed in all directions

10.
http://i119.photobucket.com/albums/o139/SFCGamer/Desu-Stage10.jpg
A veritable smorgasbord of the others. Nice


D'OH!

Unfortunately, this mode is restricted to human players. Why they didn't allow CPU opponents is a mystery. But it's better than nothing. Like Bomberman, 2 to 4 can play, with the win total required for a stage adjustable from 1 thru 10

To cap things off, a create-your-own-stage option is available


CLOSING THOUGHTS

These games possess a purity I can't help but love. They're simply brilliant and brilliantly simple (yet complex). If you love pitting your logic skills to the test, and especially if you have gaming buds, hunt this gem down. From what I understand though, it's fairly scarce

"Bomberman meets Soukoban" is one way to describe PUZZLE'N DESU! Another way would be, "bloody ace"


Stages 1-3 (2:08) (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Rl_qdnq5YqE)

[Steven]

LITTLE MAGIC (no relation to NES "Little Magic") is not what you'd call an epic game, or a showcase piece. Heck, it looks like something off the 8-Bit Nintendo... Adventures of Lolo comes to mind immediately. But as we all know, gameplay reigns supreme, and Little Magic is rock-solid in that department

Little Magic is a bit like Soukoban. As May, in each stage you must transport a fiery icon to its designated location. It's a simple concept, but the complexity of the level design becomes increasingly difficult

May walks one square for any D-Pad movement you make. So she cannot turn without moving. 3 ways to move the fire:

1. Push (just use the D-Pad)
2. Poke ("A" button)
3. Bubble. It'll pop pushing the fire 1 space forward ("B" button)

May cannot walk through water. Here she pokes the fire into the proper location

http://i119.photobucket.com/albums/o139/SFCGamer/LittleMagic.png ---> http://i119.photobucket.com/albums/o139/SFCGamer/LittleMagicPoke.png

The bubble should be used when May is out of poking range, as seen below

http://i119.photobucket.com/albums/o139/SFCGamer/LittleMagicBubble.png

Stage 6 is where business picks up. You're toast if you push the fire against the wall

http://i119.photobucket.com/albums/o139/SFCGamer/LittleMagic6.png ---> http://i119.photobucket.com/albums/o139/SFCGamer/LittleMagic7.png

Form a bubble next to the fire, then move May to the top corner and wait for the bubble to burst, pushing the fire toward May. Now you're home free

http://i119.photobucket.com/albums/o139/SFCGamer/LittleMagic8.png ---> http://i119.photobucket.com/albums/o139/SFCGamer/LittleMagic9.png

Stage 7 is much trickier. Those stairs vanish as soon as you step off

http://i119.photobucket.com/albums/o139/SFCGamer/LittleMagicLava.png ---> http://i119.photobucket.com/albums/o139/SFCGamer/LittleMagicLava1.png

The intro shows off clever techniques

http://i119.photobucket.com/albums/o139/SFCGamer/LittleMagicIntro1.png

[Steven]

It's sort of like a "how-to-play" video, really

http://i119.photobucket.com/albums/o139/SFCGamer/LittleMagicIntro.png

Later on, enemies crop up as well, in addition to teleporters, spikes, gaping holes, etc. In all, there are 99 levels. 6-character passwords are given for each stage

http://i119.photobucket.com/albums/o139/SFCGamer/LittleMagic14.png

http://i119.photobucket.com/albums/o139/SFCGamer/LittleMagic23.png

http://i119.photobucket.com/albums/o139/SFCGamer/LittleMagic35.png

http://i119.photobucket.com/albums/o139/SFCGamer/LittleMagic47.png

http://i119.photobucket.com/albums/o139/SFCGamer/LittleMagic53.png

http://i119.photobucket.com/albums/o139/SFCGamer/LittleMagic69.png

http://i119.photobucket.com/albums/o139/SFCGamer/LittleMagic77.png

http://i119.photobucket.com/albums/o139/SFCGamer/LittleMagic81.png

http://i119.photobucket.com/albums/o139/SFCGamer/LittleMagic92.png


CLOSING THOUGHTS

The Game Boy Color version also received a Japan-only release. Crap graphics make a bad game not. This is a classic example of gameplay triumphing over looks. Like Puzzle'N Desu, Little Magic seems hard to find and is a praiseworthy diamond in the rough


Stages 1-6 (1:25) (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=C1afCnate1A)
"How-To-Play" (1:02) (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kWCQTfIrwKM)

[poloplayr]

-kun = boy

[Steven]

DHARMA DOUJOU approaches the puzzle genre with a fresh take. Instead of descending, pieces are stationed on the screen. You must eliminate all like-pieces. Using a mallet, you hammer one piece at a time off the playing field and onto the bottom screen. ONLY those on the far left are applicable. At the bottom the match-making occurs, thereby eliminating the possibility of a chain reaction. If a match doesn't take place, the pieces simply go to the bottom of the well, bumping everything up

http://i119.photobucket.com/albums/o139/SFCGamer/DharmaMatch.png

You lose by:

1. The baddie reaching the top and cutting the rope

http://i119.photobucket.com/albums/o139/SFCGamer/DharmaLose.png

2. Going over the top

http://i119.photobucket.com/albums/o139/SFCGamer/DharmaLose1.png

The main game consists of a baddie trying to reach the top before the well is cleared

http://i119.photobucket.com/albums/o139/SFCGamer/DharmaDevil.png ---> http://i119.photobucket.com/albums/o139/SFCGamer/DharmaBurn.png
Matches momentarily stun the baddie, giving you precious breathing room

http://i119.photobucket.com/albums/o139/SFCGamer/DharmaFour.png ---> http://i119.photobucket.com/albums/o139/SFCGamer/Dharma4.png
Later, four like-pieces are required to form a successful match, not just three

http://i119.photobucket.com/albums/o139/SFCGamer/DharmaMap.png
A map highlights your journey

Amusing cutscenes abound inbetween bouts

http://i119.photobucket.com/albums/o139/SFCGamer/DharmaHmm.png ---> http://i119.photobucket.com/albums/o139/SFCGamer/DharmaFlip.png
Classic! [Say, you don't act like that behind my back, right? -Ed.]

[Steven]

In addition to the main game there are several others, including 2-Player, Endless and Puzzle. The endless mode drops a new stack occasionally. Fall behind and you're toast

http://i119.photobucket.com/albums/o139/SFCGamer/DharmaEndless.png
Work fast, young grasshopper!

In the puzzle mode you have a set move count to line up the pieces as the old man wishes. Matches are removed for obvious reasons

http://i119.photobucket.com/albums/o139/SFCGamer/DharmaDojyouJ0015.png
2 moves. First knock the cats down

http://i119.photobucket.com/albums/o139/SFCGamer/DharmaDojyouJ0016.png
1 move left -- now the red ones

http://i119.photobucket.com/albums/o139/SFCGamer/DharmaDojyouJ0018.png
Hurrah!

http://i119.photobucket.com/albums/o139/SFCGamer/DharmaDojyouJ0022.png
The later puzzles get much tougher


CLOSING THOUGHTS

Dharma, in my opinion, involves more logic than those standard falling piece puzzlers. Why? You constantly have to weed out the best method to set up matches. Sure you do that in the others, but it's different here. Believe me, it's a lot harder than it may sound. Tired of formulaic puzzle games? Looking for something different? Then be sure to check out Dharma Doujou

http://i119.photobucket.com/albums/o139/SFCGamer/Dharma-Tanuki.png
The tanuki lives


Dharma Doujou (2:24) (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FbIzaAZlrcE)
Endless mode (1:29) (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=m0i-IqGpQeA)

[Steven]

I have bad news and good news.

Over the past couple weeks I've been busy. I also did some thinking regarding this project.

It's time to pull the plug.

It had a great run, but these days I have my mind on other matters.

However, the good news is...

I finally sided with everyone who said I should get my own site. The reason I didn't start one earlier -- my lack of know-how. Therefore, don't expect a fancy page.

To those mods who stickied my topic, feel free to remove it at your discretion.

Are new SFC write-up's on the way? For sure.

Farewell, topic. It was fun

Adios.
-Steve


[.... Aren't you forgetting something? -Ed.]

Of course...

The madness lives on at

www.RVGFANATIC.com

[MrRoboto19XX]

Its too bad the thread will be no more, but thats great news about the site.

Thanks for being so informative, and best of luck!

[petewhitley]

Awesome Steven! The site looks great so far and I've bookmarked it. As always, I look forward to more of your SFC findings! :)

[Drag0nsfyre]

sad to see you end such an awesome thread. :(
Site looks great though and I bookmarked it. :)

[Ed Oscuro]

Oh, damn, I loved this thread. Well, no reason to give up on it now.

A couple notes:

SANDRA NO DAIBOUKEN - the main character here is the second player from Valkyrie no Densetsu in the arcade. Note that the caveman-like enemies look just like they do in that game as well, except side-view. Looks cool, I will definitely check this one out and maybe put it on my buy list. The full name of this game, rather unsurprisingly, is "Sandra no Daibouken - Valkyrie to no Deai"

Super Ninja-Kun seems to be an update of the Ninja-Kun games by UPL. Haven't played much of it, but enough that I'm pretty confident that it's a magnitude of fun better than the originals.

Dharma can be played in MAME, although I bet that version's tougher. It's worth it to see stuff like the main character overloading a bench and rolling off into the bushes while a kind old lady comes out to serve tea and not finding anybody. Actually, yeah, you'd better see that one for yourself.

[Spartacus]

Sad to see the thread end as well Steven, but I do like the idea of a structured site dedicated to your reviews. I've bookmarked it as well and look forward to your updates. Your efforts will be appreciated. Best of luck!

[DaBargainHunta]

I too am heartbroken to see this thread end, but I'm thrilled that you've set up a website that promises to have tons of goodies. After you port everything over to the site, will you add new reviews? I hope so!

[Damaramu]

Yup, one of my favorite threads here at DP. Sad to see it go. Love the new website though! Bookmarked it as well.

[Buns34]

Good stuff Kikko! I have been looking for Magical Pop'N for reasonable price for a while now. But i never see it on Ebay for less than a hundred bucks. :( I did get Doremi Fantasy on the Wii Virtual Console, and it is right up there with Keio Yu Gekitai as my favorite import platformer. Go Go Ackman is pretty awesome as well.