Cheese Cat-Astrophe Starring Speedy Gonzales - SEGA Master System

    This is a Sonic clone. Not necessarily a bad thing to replicate and spin a popular game into your own intellectual property. But, it all comes down in the execution. Speedy Gonzales is just too fast for his own game. There’s no way to avoid enemies when running full speed, especially when they directly b-line for you. Not only that, but there’s leap of faith jumps, cryptic gameplay, and bad hit detection on enemies. I only managed to make to the first boss fight, and it was so confusing to figure out how to attack. The goal is to search each stage to rescue one of Speedy’s friends, then find the exit. Not easy when the biggest obstacle is your clumsy speed and unfair enemy placement. It took a lot of memorization by trial and error to get to the first boss. I can’t imagine trying to beat the whole entire game like that. 

    If you’re going to clone a popular game, at least understand the fundamentals of what made that game successful. Game developing is more intricate than just putting a fast character and enemies in a level. This game failed hard and I really can’t recommend it. Too many flaws bringing it down to be a potentially fun game to play. It was probably a rushed development and cash grab by Warner Bros.

Alpha Mission - Nintendo Entertainment System (NES)

    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. 

Taito Chase H.Q. - SEGA Master System

    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. 

All-Pro Basketball - Nintendo Entertainment System (NES)

   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!