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! 

Castle of Illusion Starring Mickey Mouse - SEGA Master System

    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. 

Alien 3 - Nintendo Entertainment System (NES)

     Alien 3 on Nintendo Entertainment System is a let down for me. The goal of the game is rescue all the captured prisoners that have been impregnated by the facehuggers, before the timer runs out and they are killed by the Xenomorphs bursting out of their guts. It sounds simple, but it really is an unfair game. The enemies are faster than you, and appear too rapidly for you to react in time to avoid or defeat them. The controls are stiff and Ripley has fast movement. Which is amazing that you can be both sluggish and slippery at the same time. Jumping has a slight delay, causing a lot of missed platforms. You need to be pixel perfect to go down a ladder. It’s so frustrating. The levels are large and full of dead ends. You lose precious time exploring them to complete each stage. Honestly, the only way this game is beatable is to memorize every enemy placement to kill them fast and know every location of the captured prisoners. What’s the fun in that!? 

    There is challenging and there is unfair difficulty. I did not enjoy my time with this game. It’s not the worst game ever, but I know there are better titles out there to play. Unless you want to tear your hair out and destroy furniture for this game’s grueling difficulty and broken controls, I say skip it. 

Captain Silver - SEGA Master System

 

    Talk about the most basic of basic. Captain Silver does not take any risks or tries to be different. Swing sword to attack. Collect points to gain 1Ups. Find keys to open hidden stores. Get power ups to raise your offense and defense. 

    The music is bland. Nothing special about it. The enemies are large, so it’s not difficult to hit them. Spam your attack to take out bosses fast. It’s not even a challenge when you’re fully powered. And from what I learned, the game is short. Depending on what version you have, there are only 3 to 6 levels. Since this is the U.S. Master System Version, there are only 4 levels. 

It’s so slow and boring. The biggest problem is not the gameplay, but how mediocre it is to play. It’s not a bad game, it’s just not very interesting. I say skip it if you’re looking for something more exciting to play. 

Alfred Chicken - Nintendo Entertainment System

     This is Alfred Chicken. A platformer for the Nintendo Entertainment System. It’s your standard platform game, with some variety. Alfred controls well with tight controls. He uses a dive attack to take out enemies with his beak. Lots of platform gimmicks in the level design and some obstacle puzzles. He even uses a little fun spaceship to fight bosses firing projectiles. 

     The music can be repetitive and a little annoying, because the songs are short and loops nonstop. The color palette is too washed out for my liking, but I can objectively see its charm for it.  The enemy placement is a little cruel, but nothing a little practice can’t handle. I did die a lot, but I managed to beat the first boss. GIT GUD is all it takes. 

    If you’re looking for a different platformer that isn’t Mario, I say try Alfred Chicken. It’s a little difficult, but that just means beating the game will be more triumphant. 

California Games - SEGA Master System

     California Games. Yup, It’s California and you are playing games. Well, trying to play games. A collection of Mini-games with the most unintuitive controls. Are you serious? Like really? REALLY!!? Why is moving right such a trial!? I am pushing every button on the controller. The SEGA Master System only has 2 and the directional pad!! Uhh!! To quote my favorite childhood YouTuber, “WHAT WERE THEY THINKING!?” -Angry Video Game Nerd 

     OK! Let’s get pass the bad controls. Let’s take a hour to figure it out. Well, MOSTLY figure it out. How are the games? They are Score Games. Your only goal is to get the highest score possible. You are competing against yourself, unless you have friends who are willing to play California Games with you. Yeah, good luck with that. 

     Final Verdict: This game is LAME! I hate it. I would title it “Rina HATES California Games”, but this is the first video of our new branding designs. Terrible controls. Boring mini-games. I do not recommend it. Go outside and play real games instead of this.

Al Unser Jr.'s Turbo Racing - Nintendo Entertainment System (NES)

     Al Unser Jr.’s Turbo Racing is an ambitious and difficult game. A professional racing simulator on NES is a welcoming idea, but the execution is what makes or breaks the game. Simulators are very niche, because it is usually the hardcore fans that like them. Objectively, this is a good game. The controls are tight and responsive. The graphics are excellent. Gameplay is a bit confusing, but you can learn the mechanics. You need to constantly shift gears to adjust your speed for turns and stay alert of your opponents on the track. Honestly, if you’re a retro racing fan, you’ll have a good time here. You’ll just need to practice the tracks, a lot. Going in without a feel of the tracks will likely send you crashing at every turn. So, Git Gud. 

     Overall, good game, just difficult and a little unintuitive. Probably be easier if you have the original instructions manual. I never figured out how to refuel my car during the race. You definitely need a tutorial before you start a race. Give it a shot if you’re a fan of racing simulators. It’s definitely interesting to see simulators on the Nintendo Entertainment System.

Buggy Run - SEGA Master System

    Buggy Run is an isometric racing arcade style game. It is difficult. This game makes you hit the ground running. You absolutely need to upgrade your engine and stock up on turbos to get a win. Your opponents are very quick and can take you out without warning with weapons. It took me lots of practice before I got my first win. Upgrading to max my speed was top priority, then the other upgrades followed. I can't stress enough that this game will not give you chances to catch up. It's get good to win. Use the prize money at every race to increase your speed and buy as many turbos you can. 

    Nothing wrong with a difficult racer. However, I would say all the upgrades are kinda superfluous, if all  you need to rely on is max speed and turbos to win a race. The game does offer a practice mode, so you can master all the tracks. It really feels like the game wants you to take it seriously, rather than treating it like a kiddy racer with colorful cars. Credit for not babying us.     

    It's not a bad game. It's just difficult. Maybe it takes itself too seriously at a fault. I say give it a shot if you're looking for a challenge. Just don't expect to win any races right away, unless you're an isometric racing game wizard. 

Airwolf - Nintendo Entertainment System (NES)

     Airwolf is based off an 80’s American television series. It is a fast-paced arcade style game, that takes practice to get use to playing. Once you do, it is a fun game to pass the time with. All in all, it is a score game. Each mission has the same objectives, but they get more difficult as you progress. Save the hostage, take out the enemy target, and escape. The enemies are frantic and infinite. Just keep firing and conserve your missiles for the bigger targets. When rescuing the hostages, take it slow. Don’t just drop like I instinctively did. You will crash. If you’re running out of fuel, head to the fuel station. More points can be gained by taking out the enemy control tower. If you don’t take it out, the enemies will be alerted and more will attack you rapidly. It’s a risk over reward points system. Very simple, but challenging. 

     If you need a quick game to pass a short time, Airwolf is good choice. Fast action and fun gameplay. May take practice, but once you get it, it’s a simple arcade style game. Get your best score and try to top it. 

Bubble Bobble - SEGA Master System

    It's Bubble Bobble! A Taito Arcade Classic! What's to say? It's Bubble Bobble, and it plays great! Controls are tight. Music is clean and faithful to the arcade original. There is sprite flickering, but not bothersome. It is difficult, as it is a port of an arcade game, but you get unlimited continues and passwords. This version is very faithful to the arcade original, and you get an additional 100 rounds! More Bubble Bobble to play! 

    Yes! Definitely play this version of Bubble Bobble, or even the Mega Drive version. They both have the extra rounds and are arcade faithful. It's even more fun with 2-players! 

Air Fortress - Nintendo Entertainment System NES

 

     Before Kirby, before Lolo, there was Hal Bailman. Your mission: Destroy the cyber alien space stations that threaten your home world. You are the last hope, because your fleet was already wiped out. Infiltrate and destroy each station’s power core, then escape before they explode. 

     Gameplay has two phases for each level. Flying into the fortress and traversing the inside to seek and destroy the power core. Collect as much power ups as you can in the flying segment, because they will increase your survival rate to accomplish your mission. You have unlimited continues, but a pro can beat the game within a hour. 

     Controls are tight and responsive. Enemies and level design is difficult, but very fair. Music is good and atmospheric. Graphics are simple, but very clean designed. A very solid title from Hal Laboratory. 

     I definitely recommend Air Fortress. It is a Certified Hal Laboratory classic. If you’re in the mood for a space shoot’em up and an exploration game, play Air Fortress. 

Bruce Lee - SEGA Master System

 

    Bruce Lee on the SEGA Master System is a Fan-Made Home Brew port of the Classic Commodore 64 game from 1984. You play as Bruce Lee on an epic treasure hunt. On your way, you must fight and avoid two competitors. A heavy sumo wrestler and a fast ninja. Dodge traps and unlock secret doors, to beat your enemies to the great treasure. 

    This is an excellent port of a vintage computer game. Full of nice colors and great sprite designs. Bruce looks great and is fun to control. This game plays similarly to the Namco arcade classic, Mappy. You run around avoiding your enemies as you collect tokens and find hidden doors to progress the game. It’s difficult, but I’ve beaten much more difficult games, so it’s not an issue. My only complaint is that Bruce’s attacks are faulty. His punches are useless due to his lack of reach. If you punch an enemy, expect to take a hit or two before he goes down. The only effective way to beat enemies is to do a jump kick repeatedly at them. 

    If you’re a Bruce Lee fan, a SEGA Master System fan or a curious retro gamer, definitely play this game. To think this is a Fan-Made Home Brew game, and it is more entertaining and enjoyable than other games I’ve played on the Master System. 

The Adventures of Tom Sawyer - Nintendo Entertainment System NES

 

    Alright. The Adventures of Tom Sawyer on the NES. You play as Tom Sawyer and Huck Finn as the second player. Tom is sleeping in class and is dreaming that he’s on a mission to save his girlfriend, Becky. Tom and Huck must traverse a variety of six stages. Each with their own bosses. 

    This game is ROUGH. Where do I begin? Tom and Huck attack with projectiles that arch. You can get a slingshot upgrade. But it is temporary and you can’t hit enemies low to the ground. The music is not great, too. You have no momentum when you jump. You are so stiff, that any jump can cost you a life. The enemies are relentless. You need to keep attacking to avoid fast approaching attacks. I know that games like Adventure Island does the same with its enemies. But, Tom Sawyer is no Master Higgens. At least Master Higgens has momentum when he jumps. 

    Uhh!! Honestly, it’s bad, but it’s not the worst game ever. It’s like a C- grade. If you like to play this as a lawls play through with a friend, I can see some enjoyment out of this. If you’re curious and like a very stiff playing challenge, I guess give it a shot. I rather play Super Mario Bros. instead with Rina. 

Bonanza Bros. - SEGA Master System

 

     Bonanza Bros. is a port of the SEGA arcade game of the same name for the SEGA Master System. You play as the anti-hero criminal siblings, Robo and Mobo. You must break into different highly guarded stages to steal loot and make your way to the exit. Each stage is full of guards and you have a timer to complete the job. 

     For an arcade port on the SEGA Master System, this is very well done. The pre-render graphics still look good to this day. The controls are tight and the music is very well composed. It isn’t too difficult of a game. Honestly, the only reason I lost is because I was being careless or not really paying attention. My only complaint is this version of the game is not 2-player co-op. However, the characters Robo and Mobo have their own design perks. Robo, the tall red one, can swing down ropes to escape enemies. Mobo, the blue short one, can dodge enemy projectiles with ease. 

     If you like arcade classics and are a fan of the Master System, definitely play and add Bonanza Bros. to your retro collection. Just the novelty of this being on the Master System and it playing well is very charming. Very recommended. 

The Adventures of Rocky and Bullwinkle and Friends - Nintendo Entertainment System NES

THE ADVENTURES OF ROCKY AND BULLWINKLE AND FRIENDS IS TERRIBLE!! 

THE CONTROLS ARE BAD!! 

THE GAMEPLAY IS BROKEN!! 

THE MUSIC IS EAR PIERCINGLY PAINFUL TO LISTEN TO!! 

WHAT WAS WRONG WITH THESE DEVELOPERS!!? 

There is nothing redeeming about this game. There are no pros. I got nothing. Play anything else. Don’t waste your time. 

Bomber Raid - SEGA Master System

    Bomber Raid is a flying shoot’em up. It’s your standard affair. You are a lone plane fighter taking on a whole army. Each stage is a mission to destroy a target. You can upgrade and increase your firing power by collecting power ups. It’s as basic as it gets. 

   The key to a good shoot’em up is the charm and fun factor. Bomber Raid is, ok. It is difficult, but nothing that practice can’t accomplish. My tip is if you lose a life within the first minute of a level, just restart with a fresh set of lives to recollect power ups. There are unlimited continues. Those power ups are dire for defeating the boss of each level. Unless you’re a wizard of dodging, don’t fight the bosses with your stock pea shooter weapon. 

    If you’re a fan of the genre, by all means play Bomber Raid. Good tight controls, fair and difficult gameplay, and the music is fine. You can do a lot worse on the SEGA Master System. No complaints here. Just practice and GIT GUD. 

the Adventures of Rad Gravity - Nintendo Entertainment System (NES)

    I’m gonna give it to you straight: I did not enjoy playing this game. I gave it a few hours and all that I got from it was an assault to my senses, frustration and a headache. This game physically hurt me when I played it. What’s so bad about it? Well, let me tell you.
    First thing that happens when you power on the game is a terrible pain to your ears. High pitched frantic sounds that hardly make comprehensive music. The gameplay music is also terrible. There are only three music tracks in the whole game. Only three! The title theme, the space theme, which is really only atmospheric sounds than music, and the gameplay theme. That’s it!
    The game is very unfairly difficult. I like challenging difficult games, but this is difficulty done wrong. The level designer can kiss my anime cottontail Ass! The enemies endlessly respawn. There is no point of defeating them, when they immediately come back. You have to be pixel perfect on platforms, or you will miss them completely. I did not beat the first and second level with skill, but with brute force and luck.
    The controls are just bad. There is a delay when you jump. In a pixel perfect platformer, this is unacceptable. I ran off of and missed so many platforms, all because the jumping is so off timing. Majority of my time playing this game is missing crucial jumps. Uhh!! 

    Rad Gravity is an ambitious game. I give it that. His character design is interesting too. I cannot recommend this game whatsoever though. Find something better to play.