Buggy Run - SEGA Master System

    Buggy Run is an isometric racing arcade style game. It is difficult. This game makes you hit the ground running. You absolutely need to upgrade your engine and stock up on turbos to get a win. Your opponents are very quick and can take you out without warning with weapons. It took me lots of practice before I got my first win. Upgrading to max my speed was top priority, then the other upgrades followed. I can't stress enough that this game will not give you chances to catch up. It's get good to win. Use the prize money at every race to increase your speed and buy as many turbos you can. 

    Nothing wrong with a difficult racer. However, I would say all the upgrades are kinda superfluous, if all  you need to rely on is max speed and turbos to win a race. The game does offer a practice mode, so you can master all the tracks. It really feels like the game wants you to take it seriously, rather than treating it like a kiddy racer with colorful cars. Credit for not babying us.     

    It's not a bad game. It's just difficult. Maybe it takes itself too seriously at a fault. I say give it a shot if you're looking for a challenge. Just don't expect to win any races right away, unless you're an isometric racing game wizard. 

Airwolf - Nintendo Entertainment System (NES)

     Airwolf is based off an 80’s American television series. It is a fast-paced arcade style game, that takes practice to get use to playing. Once you do, it is a fun game to pass the time with. All in all, it is a score game. Each mission has the same objectives, but they get more difficult as you progress. Save the hostage, take out the enemy target, and escape. The enemies are frantic and infinite. Just keep firing and conserve your missiles for the bigger targets. When rescuing the hostages, take it slow. Don’t just drop like I instinctively did. You will crash. If you’re running out of fuel, head to the fuel station. More points can be gained by taking out the enemy control tower. If you don’t take it out, the enemies will be alerted and more will attack you rapidly. It’s a risk over reward points system. Very simple, but challenging. 

     If you need a quick game to pass a short time, Airwolf is good choice. Fast action and fun gameplay. May take practice, but once you get it, it’s a simple arcade style game. Get your best score and try to top it. 

Bubble Bobble - SEGA Master System

    It's Bubble Bobble! A Taito Arcade Classic! What's to say? It's Bubble Bobble, and it plays great! Controls are tight. Music is clean and faithful to the arcade original. There is sprite flickering, but not bothersome. It is difficult, as it is a port of an arcade game, but you get unlimited continues and passwords. This version is very faithful to the arcade original, and you get an additional 100 rounds! More Bubble Bobble to play! 

    Yes! Definitely play this version of Bubble Bobble, or even the Mega Drive version. They both have the extra rounds and are arcade faithful. It's even more fun with 2-players! 

Air Fortress - Nintendo Entertainment System NES

 

     Before Kirby, before Lolo, there was Hal Bailman. Your mission: Destroy the cyber alien space stations that threaten your home world. You are the last hope, because your fleet was already wiped out. Infiltrate and destroy each station’s power core, then escape before they explode. 

     Gameplay has two phases for each level. Flying into the fortress and traversing the inside to seek and destroy the power core. Collect as much power ups as you can in the flying segment, because they will increase your survival rate to accomplish your mission. You have unlimited continues, but a pro can beat the game within a hour. 

     Controls are tight and responsive. Enemies and level design is difficult, but very fair. Music is good and atmospheric. Graphics are simple, but very clean designed. A very solid title from Hal Laboratory. 

     I definitely recommend Air Fortress. It is a Certified Hal Laboratory classic. If you’re in the mood for a space shoot’em up and an exploration game, play Air Fortress.