Cool Spot - SEGA Master System

      Cool Spot is a 90’s 7Up mascot, that was popular enough to get his own video games. This game is an actual commercial to a soda brand. But, it’s not shovelware. There’s actual effort put into this. You play as Spot, the “Cool” tiny Red Dot of the 7Up soda logo. You’re on a mission to rescue all your Red Dot friends, that was put into cages by a villain named Wild Wicked Wy Will. The villain is trying to prove to the world that the Red Dots exist by exposing them. It’s up to Spot to save all his friends to keep their lives secret from humans. 

     This game is fun! The controls are tight. The level designs are fun and challenging. The music sounds really good. Especially the chiptune cover of “Wipeout” played during the game’s opening and the trance dance bonus song. If this music sounds good on the Master System, it must be great on the other consoles. My only complaint is the enemy placement, which is a little unfair. But, nothing a GIT GUD attitude can’t overcome. I got better and better with every retry of a level. 

     You definitely need to play this game, at least for the curiosity of it. It’s an excellent platformer, despite it being a glorified soda commercial. I still had fun with it. Can't review the 16-bit version.   

Arkanoid - Nintendo Entertainment System (NES)

     Arkanoid is an Arcade port of the Taito classic. You control a paddle ship called Vaus. Your mother ship was destroyed by an evil entity called DOH. While fleeing your mothership’s destruction, you are trapped in a warp zone fully controlled by DOH. Your mission is to escape the warp zone by completing all the levels and defeat DOH. Break all the blocks of each level with the ball to advance. Use power ups to break the blocks faster and easier. Watch out for enemies that crawl in and attack. Use the ball to destroy them and rack up more points. 

     Well, I highly recommend you play this game with the designed “Vaus Controller”, if you want tight controls. There is a oh so slight delay when you use the standard NES controller, and the precision is very awkward. Honestly, the biggest difficulty I had was controlling the ship to not miss the ball. I often overshoot my position and can’t seem to keep pace with the ball. It is not impossible though. With will power, I’m sure someone can adapt to the NES controls. I was able to beat a few levels. 

     Yeah… this game is simple, but it’s charming and can be fun. It’s just the controls holding it back to be fully appreciated. You can play it without the special controller, but it is much more difficult. If you like challenges and mental strength adapting, give this game a try. And if you can find the Vaus controller meant for this game, absolutely play it. It is a good time, with the right controller. A whole other challenge, with the standard controller.

Columns - SEGA Master System

  Columns for the SEGA Master System. Yup, Columns. Match three or more of the same color gems in a row to eliminate them. Try not to overflow them to the top. Wipe out enough and move on to the next stage, with increased speed. 

     It sure is Columns. The controls are tight and the music is ok. Columns. It’s Columns on the SEGA Master system. 

     What can I tell you? It’s Columns. It’s a good puzzle game on all SEGA consoles. It’s so good, it warranted two sequels. If you like dropping block games, and Tetris is not available to play, Columns is an ok alternative. Meh… 

Archon: The Light and the Dark - Nintendo Entertainment System (NES)

 

     Archon is a… unique game. It’s Chess. Chess with special attacks, spells, and totally new pieces with action battles gameplay. And make no mistake, this game will not be merciful to new players. It sure as Hell wasn’t for me. If you’re expecting traditional chess pieces and rules, well forget about it. This is definitely a game that requires reading of the instructions manual. Instructions that I do not have. Imagine renting this game as a kid from a video store in the 80’s, and being thrown into the battle pit. Oof. 

     Anyways, it’s fine. I can imagine this being fun, if you know all the rules and mechanics of the game. I gave it my all with my first try, and I still was amused by this game. 

     Archron is a unique spin of the classic game of chess. If you like try something different and challenging, give this game a go. My only complaints about it, is you need the instructions to know all the mechanics and rules, and the music is not so great. It's an ok game that many can enjoy. 

Cloud Master - SEGA Master System

     Cloud Master for the SEGA Master System is your standard, but challenging shoot’em up. Based on the story of “Journey to the West”, you play as the Monkey King on his flying cloud on a stage-by-stage side scrolling adventure. Blast a variety of silly and menacing enemies, collect fire power upgrades, and find hidden doors to purchase special power ups at a weapon shop to assist you, and fight bosses at the end of each stage. 

     Yeah, this game is HARD. Relentlessly attacking enemies. One hit deaths. No stopping for nothing action. Be quick or be dead gameplay. It’s possible with practice. You know what I always say when it comes to hard games: GIT GUD. 

     It’s as basic as a shoot’em can be, but its charming theme, and it’s fun, but difficulty gameplay well makes up for it. It’s not for the weak, that’s for sure. There is a good time here though. I definitely recommend Cloud Master, if you’re into the challenge of it. Give a try. 

Arch Rivals - Nintendo Entertainment System

    Arch Rivals is an arcade port of a goofy basketball game. Two teams playing dirty to win on a two-on-two match. Instead of stealing the ball, you punch your opponents. The crowd throws trash into the court for you to slip on. Watch out for the short referee, because you can trip over him. Slam dunk hard enough to break the backboard of the hoop. It’s all out bananas in this silly game! 

    Controls are ok. It’s only a little stiff and delayed. Wish the punching was more fluent. Then again, if the hitting was more efficient, the game would devolve into an endless brawl. I guess it makes sense for the attack to be a bit janky. It is also a bit hard at first. You get use to it with practice though. Other than that, I have no complaints about this cooky game. 

    Give this game a try. If you’re looking for a half-hour to kill, you can do worse than Arch Rivals. It’s goofy fun and nothing to be taken seriously. If you got retro buddies, invite them over for some competitive laughs.