Retro Gaming Videos, Reviews, Archiving, and Original Music by Mel 🐰 and Rina 🐮
This game is not very good. The controls are very stiff and the movement is slow. I struggle to move my character accurately to avoid danger and hit an enemy. The music is not very good too. Lots of unfair traps with no hints for avoiding them, unless I didn’t see it. And worst, when you die and get set back, your time does not restart. You need to beat each level flawlessly. That is a very game breaking oversight.
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Arkista’s Ring is a top down action-adventure game exclusively published for North America by Sammy. It can also be found on Famicom bootleg carts, like my Mother’s own copy of the game. You play as Christine on a quest to find the magic Artiska’ Ring. Traversing the lands, collecting power ups, penetrating fortresses, defeating monsters and bosses to save her world.
It’s a simple and short, but charming game. It’s pretty easy too, with the power ups and the continues you have. Nothing really to it. There’s only 32 Levels and the game loops. So I guess this is ideally for gamers who like collecting points. My only complaints is that the controls are stiff and the music is really high pitched.
This game is fine, and it was one of my mom’s favorite games to play in a boring afternoon. You can beat it in less than hour and go for multiple loops. I know there’s secret jewels I missed, so try to find them all.
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.
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.
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 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.