Alpha Mission is an Arcade Port by SNK. It’s a space shoot’em up with your standard weapons upgrades, with the unique gimmick that you can transform your space fighter with the energy pickups. Controls feel tight and responsive. Music is not ear piercing high, so that’s always good. The difficulty is about what you expect from this genre. Nothing really offensive about this game. It’s everything done by the book of space shooters, with its own gimmick that to stand out. It’s just a “Git Gud” kind of game. Can’t complain much about it. It’s fine.
If you’re a fan of this genre, this is recommended. You will struggle, but that’s the fun of shoot’em ups. Give it a try and see if you can Master it.
Chase H.Q. is an arcade port for the SEGA Master System. It is honestly not an offensive port. It’s your standard driving game with car upgrades. Its controls are tight and responsive. The music is nice and charming.
I’m gonna be real here guys: This game is way too easy. It’s so easy, it’s kinda boring. If you run out of time, you can just press start before the timer runs out to continue the game with more time. I guess the idea was to replicate the true arcade experience, but it takes all challenges away from the game.
It is also very short. Only five stages, then it loops. It is an arcade port, so it’s all about points after all. I was hoping there would be more, but no. Just loop again to increase your score.
This game is a big Meh. The controls are good and the music is nice, but not much more is going for it. Even if you want to just play for points, it’s kinda an empty victory with the continues. If you’re in the mood for something short and easy to spend time, this game is fine. Otherwise you’re not missing anything.
I am no stranger to Basketball. I use to play in my American Jr. High team when I lived in Los Angeles. So, I figured I would nail this game easily. Oh, was I wrong. Two Words: GIT GUD
At first, the controls and the gameplay were confusing. It’s a bit clunky and fast paced, there’s a lot of position strategy and chance-luck involved in taking court shots. There’s two full teams on the court, so keeping track of yourself can be tricky. Nothing trial and error can’t handle. I was able to get the hang of it. The Free Throws is a precision challenge all on its own though. They don’t happen too often, so it may take some time to practice to master it.
Ok, enough about the fundamentals. The graphics are Amazing for an 8-bit game. The Slam Dunks and Blocks are so well done! I can see a lot of passion went into the sprite animations. It’s an art to appreciate. The halftime cheerleaders are a cute inclusion too. There’s even a post game report, with fun animations and well drawn sprite designs. Serious meticulous talented work is seen in this game. It’s really inspiring, if you’re into sprite art.
If you like basketball and want to play a challenging title, play All-Pro Basketball. It’s a bit clunky and will take practice to master, the short repetitive high pitched music is a little annoying with the length of the game, but it’s definitely a fun experience overall. Just put some music on and have some snacks ready for the halftime show intermission. Great basketball game!
Minnie Mouse has been kidnapped! It’s up to Mickey Mouse to brave the Castle of Illusion to save her! And boy, GOOD LUCK! This game is BRUTAL. A Renown SEGA Mega Drive / Genesis Classic, ported to the Master System. I haven’t struggled this hard on a platformer since I co-op with Melody playing Donkey Kong Country 2. The controls are fine and tight, but there is a slight delay when you want to jump. Not game breaking, but something to be mindful about. The enemies are sometimes unfairly placed and relentless. They even respawn, so you gotta make sure you keep pushing forward. The music is a bit repetitive and can be a little annoying with its high key melodies. You get 3 lives and 10 continues, so you gotta Git Gud to beat this one.
I am not one to quit on a difficult challenge. The game can be beaten, but it will take practice and persistence. I do recommend this game, but only if you’re up for the challenge. If you’re curious for the Master System Version of this beloved Classic, I say give it a try.
