Desert Strike - SEGA Master System

     Desert Strike on the SEGA Master System. This game was a smash hit back in its day. It was ported on almost everything. This version is very impressive as well. Graphics are great and it controls very well. 

     You have a list of objectives to complete with each mission. You can see them all with the menu button. You must complete as many as you can, with the limited gas and ammunition you have during the mission. But don’t worry, there’s more resources to find in the field. Your map will show you locations to more resources you need. Blast enemy buildings to find them, and even uncover secrets for the mission objectives. Rescue Prisoners of War and find the Secret Agent. Capture the enemy commander to interrogate. Blast enemy base locations and destroy vehicles. You must prove you are the BEST of the Best, and stop the Mad Man from conquering the world. 

     The problem with playing this game on the Master System is its pixel perfect precision. You need to be exactly on the right position to rescue a P.O.W.. And you need to be careful too, because you can accidentally kill your allies on the field by shooting them. The game is not easy as well. Enemies are relentlessly attacking. You need to balance your positioning, avoid enemy fire, track your fuel and ammunition count, and try not to crash into buildings. Too many mistakes and it’s Game Over. 

     This game is Great, but you need to GIT GUD. It is absolutely doable, if you have the patience. I highly recommend this one, especially if you’re into war games. Now go out there and stop the Evil Mad Man! You can do it, Soldier! 

Back to the Future - Nintendo Entertainment System

     BACK TO THE FUTURE
ON THE NINTENDO ENTERTAINMENT SYSTEM. 

I knew this day would come. 

If you have not seen the original Back to the Future movie, watch it.
It is a timeless cinematic masterpiece. 

Everyone in the retro gaming community knows
of this infamous game by the Dreaded LJN. 

So, what’s my take? 

This game is… ok. 

Yes, its enemies make no sense. 

Yes, the mini games are clunky and difficult. 

Yes, the levels are repetitive. 

Yes, it’s weird Marty uses a bowling ball as a weapon. 

Honestly, it’s not that bad. I played and beaten much worse, and much more clunky and difficult. Just one thing, only one thing that makes this game very unbearable.

THE MUSIC!! 

SWEET MERCIFUL CRAP!! 

THE ONE SONG THAT PLAYS IS BAD!! 

My ears thanked me when I turned off the game!

     It has a lot of flaws, but it’s not the worst game ever. Try it, if you like challenges and a unique experience, that only this game can offer. Just, mute the sound and play some music on your home stereo system instead. 

Desert Speedtrap Starring Road Runner and Wile E. Coyote - SEGA Master System

Question: What breaks a platformer video game? 

Answer: THE CONTROLS 

     This game commits all the sins of a bad platformer. Bad Janky Controls. Unfair enemy placement. Bad level design. Repetitive boss fights. 

     The sprite work is beautiful. It really looks like an actual authentic Looney Tunes Cartoon. The still illustrations are so close to the real deal. It’s such a shame the controls ruin the experience of this game. Controlling Road Runner was a fight. Every jump was so much work to get done accurately. Especially with all the precision this game asks of you. What could take seconds to complete was almost impossible, especially with the unfair enemy placement. Running itself was a dangerous task. If you’re going to be a Sonic clone, you need a way to be invincible to enemies as you speed off. Sonic has a roll attack. Road Runner only has 4hp and a prayer. 

     I can’t recommend this game. It has too many flaws to be enjoyable. It’s not even a "it’s so bad, that it’s good" kind of game. Another Sonic Clone that belongs in the pit of failures. Darn shame, because this game's sprites look so good. 

Baby Boomer - Nintendo Entertainment System (NES)

     This is Baby Boomer. It’s an unlicensed light gun Zapper game on the NES. You help Boomer venture safely across traitorous environments, by shooting all hazards and enemies. You must also shoot the milk bottles to keep Boomer from going hungry, and make bridges by shooting clouds and waterways. Collect the gold nuggets to earn a 1up. 

     I don’t mind this game. It’s not that bad, when you play with a controller. If you’re playing this via real hardware with an actual Zapper, well your experience may vary. Its simple gameplay is kinda charming. You only need to memorize and practice to beat this game, and it’s a short one. It’s only 20 minutes long. I see this as another high score game, rather than being invested in Boomers journey. The music can be a little annoying and the enemies can be unfair with their placements, but it’s manageable.

     If you need a short and silly distraction, I wouldn’t mind this one to pass the time. Not the most complicated game, but that’s a part of its charm. The controller is also more reliable than the Zapper, if you’re wondering. Give it a try. 

Deep Duck Trouble Starring Donald Duck - SEGA Master System

     Donald Duck is on another adventure to free his Uncle Scrooge from a curse. He travels to an island to find clues and treasures, so he can return a jewel amulet to the island’s stone idol. Select the stage and make your way through obstacles and enemies, to find the treasure clue of that area. 

     The animation of this game is Awesome. Donald looks very fluid and his colors pop right out beautifully. Amazing that this is a Master System game. All the levels are nicely detailed and unique. I am very impressed by the quality of the game. 

     Here’s the thing: Donald’s animation is “TOO” Good. His animations causes a delay when he jumps, so timing and precision is hindered. This is a platform game. It’s kinda important to have accurate jumping in platform games. This was frustrating during my play through. You can get use to it, but it’s still a chore. My other complaint is Donald’s hit box is a little off. Enemies have an unfair advantage on you, because your hit box is too vulnerable. There is also unfair enemy placement. Very typical for games in this era to throw countless enemies at you. It’s very annoying.

     This is almost a perfect game. It has flaws, but it is still playable. If you can adapt to the delayed jumping and have the patience for the enemies, give this game a try. I played worse games, so this is still a fun time in comparison. 

Attack of the Killer Tomatoes - Nintendo Entertainment System (NES)

     Attack of the Killer Tomatoes. A video game, based on a Saturday Morning American cartoon, based on a spoof horror B-movie from the 1970's. Yes, this is a multi-span decade franchise, and a new movie has released this year in 2026. Quite the accomplishment, for a low budget indie movie. 

THIS GAME IS TERRIBLE. 

Sweet Merciful Crap! I was fighting the stiff controls the whole time! 

And the hit boxes for your character is so janky. Every jump to defeat an enemy is a gamble on your health bar. The jumping is so unreliable too. Jumping has a delay. This has sent me falling off platforms. I just eventually gave up and started running to avoid as many enemies as possible. After I don't know how many game overs I got, I gave up and quit. Terrible!  

     I can't recommend this Janky game. It's a shame, because there's a solid platformer here. This game needed more developed time. It's not the worst game ever. It’s beatable, but you'll be fighting its Jank The whole time.