stealthrush
1996
This review contains spoilers
This game was cryptic!
On the surface you have a delightful pre-rendered 2D run 'n gun that included platforming, item collecting, unique hovering mechanic, complete with boss battles. What's not to like? The moment you press start to begin your journey on the first stage it became clear something is off. Several things are wrong. What is considered background and foreground in order to jump on, slippery walking and running controls, hit detection of enemies, hit detection of your gun. But that isn't game breaking, more of a nuisance instead - besides it wasn't programmed by some big name developer. Then you realize you need to utilize the flying mechanic of shooting your gun down while doing a running jump in order to hover over obstacles such as spiked vines. Tricky at first but eventually will need to become second nature to progress throughout later stages.
So far not a terrible game, sloppy but not terrible. Now I will explain the cryptic elements. Stage 3 has you needing to move by shooting, a briefcase to use as a trampoline in order to jump on a roof of an exit door. A second one in order to collect a poorly visible ticket stub in the air. Bosses show little to no indication they are being attacked. Your charge shot ability takes fifteen seconds to shoot that is practically useless since enemies will walk into you or shoot you from across the screen. Charge shot also doesn't damage bosses and certain enemies. I'm still unsure what the importance of collecting musical notes were. On top of all this is the quick deaths from leap of faith jumps, soon your credits will expire.
I will give credit to the Kitchen stage, and tunnel they were not as obscure on the requirements to complete them. The second to final stages falls back to being cryptic returning to several elevators, melting monsters, and retrieving headphones to name a few. The wheelchair stages were a good change of pace. Overall a very amateur, sloppy, experience with a fantastic soundtrack. If it wasn't for all the issues it would have been an average score but it suffers from several that make it unnecessarily more difficult then it should be.
On the surface you have a delightful pre-rendered 2D run 'n gun that included platforming, item collecting, unique hovering mechanic, complete with boss battles. What's not to like? The moment you press start to begin your journey on the first stage it became clear something is off. Several things are wrong. What is considered background and foreground in order to jump on, slippery walking and running controls, hit detection of enemies, hit detection of your gun. But that isn't game breaking, more of a nuisance instead - besides it wasn't programmed by some big name developer. Then you realize you need to utilize the flying mechanic of shooting your gun down while doing a running jump in order to hover over obstacles such as spiked vines. Tricky at first but eventually will need to become second nature to progress throughout later stages.
So far not a terrible game, sloppy but not terrible. Now I will explain the cryptic elements. Stage 3 has you needing to move by shooting, a briefcase to use as a trampoline in order to jump on a roof of an exit door. A second one in order to collect a poorly visible ticket stub in the air. Bosses show little to no indication they are being attacked. Your charge shot ability takes fifteen seconds to shoot that is practically useless since enemies will walk into you or shoot you from across the screen. Charge shot also doesn't damage bosses and certain enemies. I'm still unsure what the importance of collecting musical notes were. On top of all this is the quick deaths from leap of faith jumps, soon your credits will expire.
I will give credit to the Kitchen stage, and tunnel they were not as obscure on the requirements to complete them. The second to final stages falls back to being cryptic returning to several elevators, melting monsters, and retrieving headphones to name a few. The wheelchair stages were a good change of pace. Overall a very amateur, sloppy, experience with a fantastic soundtrack. If it wasn't for all the issues it would have been an average score but it suffers from several that make it unnecessarily more difficult then it should be.
1995
Abysmal frame rate resembling a picture slide-show. Graphic glitches from pop-ins, texture warping, and chopping image clipping when turning your wheels on stages. Good music and subpar sound effects. Three courses that allows for Automatic or Manual transmission. Would have been the lowest score ranked but I've used emulation to boost CPU speed allowing for smoother gameplay. Still a very poor 32-bit 3D racing game, one of the worst!
1997
Definition of underrated! Captivating story (in English) for an action-adventure game of the 32-bit generation. Graphics are good keeping it simple with engaging gameplay through 27 stages. Solid experience. Beautiful opening and closing music as well!
1997
Intriguing exclusive weapon based 3D fighting game, with rough controls.
1994
Straight-forward 2.5 platform action platform game that is short but sweet.
2008
Seamless experience but lost the charm of the series.
1997
Solid vertical shooter with a ridiculously long final boss! Without spoiling try to save as many bombs as possible for the final stage.
Wonderful atmosphere on par with the best shoot'em ups has to offer! Not to mention excellent original soundtrack worth buying.
1995
Fun exclusive isometric action-adventure game! Possible to complete without English translation.
1997
Feels like a crisp PC Engine shooter on steroids, very good!
1995
Below average futuristic racer. Graphics are average- overall frame rate, draw distance, stages design are better than Hi-Octane also on Sega Saturn. Unfortunately weapons usually miss hitting the opponent, frame rate drops significantly in 2-Player mode, and the voice acting is terrible. One highlight was the soundtrack consisting of heavy metal tracks throughout.
1992
Average robot action game with detailed cut scenes, too bad the game is very short to complete.
1993
Aesthetics. The first impression is pure aesthetics.
Visually the idea of blending pre-rendered super deformed small chibi units on a textured 'realistic' world map would sound preposterous- but instead was pulled off majestically. A truly unique looking strategy RPG, heavy on the tactical battles rather story, complete with a shredding soundtrack.
One of the most straight-forward RPG I've played, but with its simplicity comes managing battle stats, items, weapons, and armor. One item even allows the player to capture the enemy to have them join your party to fight along side you. Another interesting move is the combo attack where you must connect to a fellow party member of the same armor type to dish out a devastation spell that damages multiple enemies or in other cases heal multiple allies. Appreciate save option that is readily available during a stage and when you exit a stage on the world map. Only drawback is the final few stage layouts become disorienting since you must rely on warps to find your way around.
If you're looking for a pick-up and play tactical RPG this is for you.
Visually the idea of blending pre-rendered super deformed small chibi units on a textured 'realistic' world map would sound preposterous- but instead was pulled off majestically. A truly unique looking strategy RPG, heavy on the tactical battles rather story, complete with a shredding soundtrack.
One of the most straight-forward RPG I've played, but with its simplicity comes managing battle stats, items, weapons, and armor. One item even allows the player to capture the enemy to have them join your party to fight along side you. Another interesting move is the combo attack where you must connect to a fellow party member of the same armor type to dish out a devastation spell that damages multiple enemies or in other cases heal multiple allies. Appreciate save option that is readily available during a stage and when you exit a stage on the world map. Only drawback is the final few stage layouts become disorienting since you must rely on warps to find your way around.
If you're looking for a pick-up and play tactical RPG this is for you.
1996
Capturing the best elements of the previous generation elevating them in it's 32-bit glory. Well thought out stage designs, weapon upgrade shop system that have you re-visit completed stages collecting currency. Beautifully drawn animated cut scenes in the beginning and end of the game. Easter eggs throughout from the bonus artwork, characters cameos and more. Above average entry in the series.
Distinct pre-rendered graphical style with the characters complete with 3D map locations. Battles are the most satisfying unlocking new abilities and party members. Primary focus on the strategy aspect with a linear story-line and small world map. Role-playing elements come in second by talking to town locals, shops, having a natural story progression. Some optional side-quest are available but not necessary to complete the game.