Publisher: Toshiba-EMI

Super Back to the Future II (1993)

by Nish
written by Nish 5 minutes read

Summary

Super Back to the Future II: A Nostalgic Journey Through Time

Released exclusively in Japan for the Super Famicom in 1993, Super Back to the Future II is a side-scrolling platformer that takes players on an unforgettable journey through time alongside Marty McFly and Doc Brown. Based on the iconic second film in the Back to the Future trilogy, the game faithfully recreates many of the movie’s memorable moments and locations, while also introducing new challenges and obstacles.

A Blast from the Past

Super Back to the Future II captures the charm and excitement of the movie perfectly. Players take control of Marty McFly, who must travel through time to prevent Biff Tannen from altering the past and creating a dystopian future. Along the way, he is joined by Doc Brown, the eccentric but brilliant scientist who invented the time machine.

The game features many of the iconic locations from the movie, including the McFly residence, Hill Valley High School, and the Twin Pines Mall. Players will also encounter familiar characters such as Jennifer Parker, Biff Tannen, and Mr. Strickland.

Gameplay that Stands the Test of Time

As a side-scrolling platformer, Super Back to the Future II offers challenging and varied gameplay. Marty can run, jump, and shoot his trusty slingshot to defeat enemies and overcome obstacles. The game also features a variety of puzzles that require players to use their wits to progress.

One of the unique aspects of Super Back to the Future II is its time-traveling mechanic. Players can use the DeLorean time machine to travel between different time periods, including the past, present, and future. This adds a layer of strategy to the gameplay, as players must carefully consider when and where to travel in order to complete their mission.

Visuals and Sound that Transport You to 1985

Super Back to the Future II features charming 16-bit graphics that perfectly capture the look and feel of the movie. The character sprites are detailed and expressive, and the backgrounds are rich and colorful. The game’s soundtrack is also excellent, featuring catchy tunes that will get stuck in your head long after you stop playing.

A Timeless Classic for Fans of the Movies

Overall, Super Back to the Future II is a fantastic game that is sure to please fans of the Back to the Future movies. It is a faithful adaptation that captures the spirit and excitement of the film, while also offering challenging and engaging gameplay. Whether you are a long-time fan of the franchise or a newcomer to the series, Super Back to the Future II is a must-play for anyone who loves a good platformer.

Additional Features and Trivia

  • The game features a two-player cooperative mode, allowing players to team up as Marty and Doc to take on the forces of evil.
  • The game’s soundtrack was composed by Yuzo Koshiro, a legendary video game composer known for his work on Streets of Rage and Sonic the Hedgehog.
  • Despite never receiving an official English release, Super Back to the Future II has been translated by fans and is available to play on emulators.
  • The game was originally planned to be released in North America, but the plans were scrapped due to the poor sales of the first Back to the Future game on the NES.

Conclusion

Super Back to the Future II is a timeless classic that deserves to be rediscovered by a new generation of gamers. It is a fun, challenging, and nostalgic experience that will appeal to fans of the Back to the Future movies and platformer enthusiasts alike. So if you are looking for a great way to travel back to the 1980s, grab your DeLorean and fire up Super Back to the Future II today!

Review Score

7.5/10

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Aquattack (1984)

by Christopher
written by Christopher 4 minutes read

Summary

Aquattack: A Deep Dive into the Classic Action Game

Released in 1984 for the Commodore 64 and ZX Spectrum, Aquattack is an action game that combines thrilling gameplay, varied level design, and challenging enemies. Players take control of a lone warrior navigating treacherous waters and hostile skies, earning points and battling relentless foes in a quest for survival.

Gameplay Overview

Aquattack presents players with four distinct levels, each offering unique gameplay mechanics and challenges.

  • Level 1: The player pilots a motor boat, traversing a river filled with enemy ships and obstacles. The goal is to reach the end of the level while avoiding collisions and shooting down enemy vessels. Fuel is limited and must be replenished by collecting refreshments dropped by allied planes.

  • Level 2: The boat section continues, but with increased difficulty and faster-paced gameplay.

  • Level 3: The player switches to a hang glider, soaring through the air and engaging in aerial combat against enemy aircraft. Fuel is no longer a concern, but the player must navigate treacherous terrain and avoid crashing.

  • Level 4: The final level tasks the player with crossing a guarded energy field, transporting four bombs to the other side. Only one bomb can be carried at a time, and the player must race against a time limit while dodging enemy fire.

Enemies and Obstacles

Aquattack boasts a diverse range of enemies and obstacles that pose constant threats to the player. From torpedo-firing submarines to kamikaze planes and heavily armed fortresses, each level presents unique challenges that require quick reflexes and strategic thinking.

Scoring and Progression

The primary objective in Aquattack is to earn as many points as possible before the inevitable final death. Points are awarded for destroying enemy units, collecting refreshments, and completing levels. The game features a loop system, where upon completing all four levels, the player returns to Level 1 with increased enemy difficulty and faster gameplay speed.

Technical Aspects

Aquattack showcases impressive technical achievements for its time. The Commodore 64 version features vibrant colors, smooth scrolling, and detailed sprite work. The ZX Spectrum version, while graphically simpler, offers a solid and playable experience. The game’s sound effects and music are catchy and enhance the overall atmosphere.

Critical Reception and Legacy

Upon release, Aquattack received positive reviews for its innovative gameplay, challenging difficulty, and impressive technical presentation. Critics praised the game’s varied level design, which kept players engaged throughout the experience. Aquattack has since become a respected classic among retro gaming enthusiasts, fondly remembered for its addictive gameplay and nostalgic charm.

Conclusion

Aquattack is a timeless action game that continues to entertain and challenge players today. Its varied gameplay mechanics, relentless enemies, and rewarding score system provide hours of engaging entertainment. Whether you’re a seasoned retro gamer or a newcomer to classic gaming, Aquattack is a must-play experience that will test your skills and leave you craving for more.

Review Score

8.5/10

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B.C.’s Quest for Tires (1983)

by Nish
written by Nish 5 minutes read

Summary

B.C.’s Quest for Tires: A Prehistoric Side-Scrolling Adventure

Released in 1983, B.C.’s Quest for Tires is a side-scrolling action game for the Atari 2600 based on the popular comic strip B.C. by Johnny Hart. The game features Thor, the main protagonist of the comic strip, on a quest to rescue his beloved Cute Chick from the clutches of a dinosaur.

Gameplay

The gameplay of B.C.’s Quest for Tires is simple yet challenging. Thor rides his trusty unicycle through a variety of prehistoric landscapes, including forests, deserts, and swamps. Along the way, he must jump over obstacles, such as rocks, trees, and rivers, and avoid enemies, such as pterodactyls and Fat Broad, the dinosaur’s dim-witted henchman.

Thor can also collect power-ups, such as extra lives and invincibility, to help him on his quest. The game is divided into several levels, each with its own unique set of challenges.

Graphics and Sound

The graphics in B.C.’s Quest for Tires are simple but effective. The characters and environments are rendered in a cartoonish style, and the colors are bright and vibrant. The game’s sound effects are also well-done, and the music is catchy and memorable.

Reception

B.C.’s Quest for Tires was a critical and commercial success. It was praised for its fun and addictive gameplay, its charming graphics and sound, and its faithfulness to the original comic strip. The game was also a commercial success, selling over 1 million copies worldwide.

Legacy

B.C.’s Quest for Tires is considered to be one of the best video games based on a comic strip. It is also one of the most popular Atari 2600 games of all time. The game has been ported to a variety of other platforms, including the Commodore 64, the Nintendo Entertainment System, and the Game Boy Advance.

Historical Significance

B.C.’s Quest for Tires is an important game in the history of video games. It is one of the first side-scrolling action games, and it helped to popularize the genre. The game is also notable for its use of licensed characters, which was a relatively new concept at the time.

Cultural Impact

B.C.’s Quest for Tires has had a lasting impact on popular culture. The game has been referenced in numerous other works of popular culture, including movies, TV shows, and music. The game is also a popular choice for retro gamers, and it is still enjoyed by many people today.

Conclusion

B.C.’s Quest for Tires is a classic video game that is still enjoyed by many people today. The game’s simple yet challenging gameplay, its charming graphics and sound, and its faithfulness to the original comic strip make it a timeless classic.

Review Score

7.5/10

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Hydlide (1984)

by Ji-yeong
written by Ji-yeong 6 minutes read

Summary

Hydlide (1984): A Classic RPG with Innovative Combat and a Captivating Storyline

Released in 1984 for the NES, Hydlide is a classic action role-playing game that introduced several innovative features to the genre. Players control Sir Jim, a brave knight on a quest to rescue Princess Ann from the evil demon Varalys, who has cursed her and turned her into three fairies.

Gameplay

Hydlide’s gameplay is a mix of exploration, puzzle-solving, and combat. Players traverse a large overworld map, visiting towns, dungeons, and other locations. Within dungeons, players must battle monsters, solve puzzles, and find keys to progress.

The combat system is one of Hydlide’s most unique features. Unlike most RPGs of the time, which used a simple hack-and-slash system, Hydlide allows players to choose between three different fighting stances:

  • Defensive Stance: This stance reduces the damage Jim takes from enemy attacks, but also reduces his attack power.
  • Offensive Stance: This stance increases Jim’s attack power, but also makes him more vulnerable to enemy attacks.
  • Magic Stance: This stance allows Jim to cast magic spells, which can be used to attack enemies, heal himself, or buff his stats.

Players must carefully choose which stance to use in each situation, depending on the enemy they are facing and their own health and mana levels.

Story

Hydlide’s story is simple but effective. Princess Ann has been cursed by the evil demon Varalys, and Sir Jim must travel across the land to find her three fairy forms and defeat Varalys in order to break the curse. Along the way, Jim meets a cast of colorful characters, including a wise old wizard, a beautiful princess, and a brave warrior.

The story is told through dialogue with NPCs and cutscenes, and it does a good job of keeping players engaged and motivated to continue playing.

Graphics and Sound

For an NES game, Hydlide’s graphics are quite impressive. The overworld map is large and detailed, and the dungeons are varied and atmospheric. The character sprites are also well-drawn and expressive.

The sound is also very good, with catchy music and sound effects that add to the game’s atmosphere.

Legacy

Hydlide was a critical and commercial success upon its release, and it is still considered one of the best RPGs of its era. The game’s innovative combat system and captivating storyline have been praised by critics and players alike.

Hydlide has also had a significant impact on the RPG genre. The game’s stance-based combat system has been imitated by many other RPGs, and its use of cutscenes to tell the story has become a staple of the genre.

Conclusion

Hydlide is a classic RPG that is still worth playing today. The game’s innovative combat system, captivating storyline, and beautiful graphics make it a must-play for fans of the genre. If you’re looking for a challenging and rewarding RPG experience, then Hydlide is definitely worth checking out.

Tips for Playing Hydlide

  • Choose your fighting stance carefully. Each stance has its own advantages and disadvantages, so you need to choose the right stance for each situation.
  • Use magic spells wisely. Magic spells can be very powerful, but they also consume mana. Make sure to use them sparingly, and only when you really need them.
  • Explore every nook and cranny. There are many hidden items and secrets to be found in Hydlide. Be sure to explore every area thoroughly to find everything.
  • Don’t be afraid to grind. Hydlide is a challenging game, and you’ll need to grind for experience and levels in order to progress. Don’t be afraid to spend some time fighting monsters in order to level up.
  • Have fun! Hydlide is a great game, so make sure to have fun while you’re playing it. Don’t get too caught up in trying to beat the game as quickly as possible. Take your time and enjoy the experience.

Review Score

9/10

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