First Wii points purchase!

Short report here as I just purchased my first Wii points card. So I'm checking out the VC store and I"m narrowing it down to these games:

-Kirby's Adventure

-Startropics 2

-Final Fight 3

-Super Mario Bros. 2 (jap)

-Kid Icarus

Hmm...I only have 2000 points to spend too. So maybe Startropics 2 and Kid Icarus for 500 points each and Final Fight 3 for 800. With 200 left over. Some good times ahead!

The Revenge of Shinobi (Genesis)

Difficulty: ***1/2
Controls: ***
Sound: ****
Graphics: ***1/2
Rating: 14 stars out of 20

On the Wii Virtual Console: YES

[REPORT]
Started the game playing on Normal Mode.

STAGE 1- First stage in the village went well. Did a perfect run and kicked the boss' butt.

STAGE 2- Lost 4 lives and 1 continue! Waterfall area kicked my butt this time. The ninja's really blend into the background nicely. What wasn't so nice is that they kept firing their stupid shurikens at me (causing me to fall off into the pit below). The boss in the disco club was easy to beat. Just knelt down and fired my shurikens at him until he bit the dust.

STAGE 3- Lost 1 life. The military compound. This stage is easily handled by using one of your ninjitsu's (the one with the force field) around the middle of the stage. At the end you get that ninjitsu back via a power-up. Brain boss in the spherical shell gave me little problems.

STAGE 4- Lost 2 lives and my second continue! Damn you pit right at the beginning of the factory! Took care of the Terminator boss in two tries (really easy pattern, hit the head, avoid object and jump his dash attack).

STAGE 5- Lost 6 lives and my last continue! What a pain getting through the building with all the security lasers. Figured out way too late that instead of carefully going through the level, you can just jump and rush to finish it. Joe met his end on the second area (the freeway) as a guard blew him up via grenade.


The classic box art we all know and love!

The Japanese game is titled "The Super Shinobi". Really cool art that's a part of the in game title screen.


The cover of the Mega Drives version of Shinobi. Can you tell the difference?

Streets of Rage (Genesis)

Difficulty: ***1/2
Controls: ***
Sound: ****
Graphics: ***1/2
Rating: 14 stars out of 20

On Wii Virtual Console: YES

Decided to pop in my Sega classics collection today, enjoyed a great game of Streets of Rage. I forgot how great the sound and the graphics were. They still look solid today. Selected Adam and I was off to the races! Made it to stage 3 before I lost my first life and by stage 4 I'd lost my first continue. Not bad for HARD mode!

I bit the dust in stage 6 at the dual boss. For those Streets of Rage veterans, the pair of bosses with the red shirt, spiky blonde hair and razor claws (the name eludes me at the moment). I think I would have done better if I had someone else gaming with me. Anybody else think it was weird using your special attack (the cop car that comes screeching in) and seeing it in the factory and the ferry? Ha, ha, ha...what the hell?!


The Streets of Rage cover we all know and love in North America. Not too shabby looking if I say so myself. But Blaze is wearing white? And that punk is carrying a gun? Those aren't in the game...

A variant cover. Even better than the one we got. Adam kinda' looks twisted though!

This is the Japanese cover of Streets of Rage (called Bare Knuckle) for the Sega Mega-Drive. Notice the grid-less background? So Retro Nation any of you guys have any fond memories of this game? Send me some comments or feedback!

Pro Wrestling (NES)

Difficulty: ***
Controls: ***1/2
Sound: **1/2
Graphics: ***
Rating: 12 stars out of 20

Wii Virtual Console: NO (as of Nov. 2010)

Instead of the usual write-up I do for my reviews I'm doing something else instead. Something more fun. So here's some various art off the webs for your viewing pleasure. And notice the different box art! Cool!


So this is the box are us North Americans recieved. Kinda' blah.

The Eropeans got a MUCH better cover for Pro Wrestling! Notice how Starman cries out "WAAA!"...ha, ha, ha, funny stuff.

The Japanese got a picture of Fighter Hayabusa with the belt. Very nice! Most cover art that we got is really uninspired and boring.

Pro Wrestling flyer! I had to share this as I thought this was a great pic. I love the fact that the wrestlers looked aged in the picture, really great throwback from the past.

Finally, the infamous words most of us grew up with, "A winner is you!" Thanks Nintendo! Any thoughts on todays review? Leave me a comment.

Speed Ball 2 (Genesis)

Difficulty- ***1/2

Controls- ***

Sound- **

Graphics- ***

Overall- 11 1/2 stars out of 20

Due to extreme violence and 'illegal acts' speedball has been forced underground! You control a new expansion team called Brutal Deluxe. Its up to you to lead and manage the team all the way to the top. Do you have what it takes?

When you select any of the available 3 game modes your team pretty much stinks (you are an expansion team...) It doesn't help that the game doesn't match you up against teams of the same skill level as you.

You'll win a few games here and there, but until you buy better players you will be hurting. The lack of an onscreen HUD to know the placement of your teammates is inexcusable. It makes the passing game difficult.

The players are easy to move around and the controls are simple. Each button does basically the same thing. Pass, slide tackle and jump. That's it. Maybe adding a punch button for up close attacks would have spiced things up. Also the fact that you can't switch players in-game is downright crappy! (What were the programmers thinking?)

Music selection is almost paper thin. The opening theme is hard on the ears too. Once you start a game, no music is played whatsoever! Thankfully there is some good sound effects. The announcer yells "replay!" when you score a goal. Also you get a blarring horn that sounds great. Your slide tackles and hits don't sound too convincing though.

If you like the colour gray, this games for you! I know its supposed too be the future but c'mon! Every player is the same colour! And so is the arena (really?) The only way to tell your guys apart is their health meter above their heads. On a side note you get a great replay when you score goals. Couple that with a little victory animation makes things nice.

Overall, if you had the choice between this and Power Ball, I say grab Power Ball. While the game is fun (don't get me wrong) it does have some glaring flaws. The controls are nice and simple, but you think they could have added a switch player button? The music is also non-exist ant but the sound effects are decent. The graphics look nice but its marred by the fact that the players and the arena is in gray! Unless its dirt cheap..buyer beware!

Space Harrier 2 (Sega Genesis)

Difficulty: ***1/2
Controls: ***
Sound: ***
Graphics: ***
Overall: 12 1/2 stars out of 20

A call for help comes from deep in the 214th sector of the universe. Fantasyland is in trouble! Evil aliens are spreading fast and only Space Harrier can stop them. Its just you and your laser cannon. Can you handle it?

There are 12 stages in this game. You get an option of 3 difficulty modes (easy, normal and hard). You also can use a stage select mode. No need to input any codes! One thing you will notice is that the enemy fire is hard too see as Space Harrier will usually get in the way. Not good. This particularly sucks if the enemy boss is right in your face! The levels increase in difficulty the further you progress but the stages that increase in speed as you avoid obstacles is brutal!

The controls are limited in this game. 'A', 'B' and 'C' buttons are used for firing. That's pretty well it. Perhaps they could have added a bomb button and a secondary side arm? Hmm...

Each stage has its own music track (very nice!) Although most of the music is just alright (Harrier Saga, Inverse Infect and Motion are the standouts). The sound effects are a bit thin. Your laser sounds like a cap gun. And the explosions are pretty wimpy sounding. You get some nice voice synthesizers too ("Arrgh!" and "Get ready" are neat).

Space Harrier 2 is loaded with big sprites. The lesser enemies are big and colourful, the bosses are even bigger. You even get the checker board ground (which I happen to really like, so 80's!) and on a few levels your treated to a ceiling. The backgrounds for the most part are well done too. Although Space Harrier just looks funny running around in a red jump suit.

Space Harrier 2 won't cost you much money. I was surprised how much fun it is. You have 3 difficulty modes and 12 stages to blast through. The controls are simplistic (maybe too simple). Perhaps a few other moves could have been added to the game (bomb or secondary weapon?) The enemies have some diversity and the bosses are huge. I especially like how frantic Space Harrier runs, lol. If you find it cheap (and you probably will) strap on your red jump suit and get it!

Golden Axe (Sega Genesis)

Difficulty: ***1/2
Controls: ***1/2
Sound: ***
Graphics: ***1/2
Overall: 13 1/2 stars out of 20

Death Adder has kidnapped the King and Princess of Yuria! You select one of the three heroes; Gillius the Dwarf, Ax Battler the barbarian and Tyris the Amazon. Each one has a motive for wanting to set Death Adder's head on a pike, so get at it!

There are a few tricks that will help you stay alive in Golden Axe. First and foremost never lining yourself up with an enemy that is far away. It will always charge at you. And letting the dinosaur escape instead of riding it (most of the time your just a big target if you get on).

Also using the various pits in the game will be an energy and time saver (chuck those punks in there!) the game sports a few difficulty modes (beginner and arcade), and you even get ranked on how well you played when the game ends (super!). In the later levels the skeletons will be your worst nightmare. They are numerous and hit hard. Having a buddy play along with you will definitely help!

The controls are spot on. The default setting has the 'A' button using magic, the 'B' button uses your weapon and the 'C' button jumps. B+C will have you doing a back attack and double tapping the left or right key will make you run. In the latter levels (the inner sanctum of Death Adder) there are some tricky jumping parts.

Golden Axe has some varied music. The opening tune definitely gets you pumped up to beat the hell out of anyone who gets in your way! The map music is also pleasant to hear. Some sound effects are better than others. Swinging your weapon wildly sounds awful. But when you actually connect it sounds great. The added bonus of death cries as you slay Death Adder's horde is also sweet.

The game keeps its high fantasy feel although some of the backgrounds are muddy looking. However Turtle village looks good. There are various shapes and sizes of the enemy sprites but for the most part they're just colour swaps (skeletons) You also get to ride some awesome looking dinosaurs! Some of the moves you perform (notably the throw) just look awkward. You also get treated to a nice animation whenever you use magic (each character has they're own unique animations!) big thumbs up there.

Overall if you have a Sega Genesis grab this game. Its two player co-op, head bashing fun. You won't be beating this game on your first try that's for sure! The controls while responsive could have used a block button. The sprites are good while most of the enemies are palette swaps. There is some great variety in height and weight though (nice). The sounds and tunes are also top notch. I swear the death cries will never get old. Delve into Death Adder's dark castle. But will you leave with the King of Yuria and his beautiful princess? Or end up utterly destroyed?

Bart vs. The Space Mutants (NES)

Difficulty: ***1/2

Controls: ***

Sound: ***1/2

Graphics: ***

Overall: 13 stars out of 20

You play as the "underachiever and proud of it" Bart Simpson. Space Mutants have landed in Springfield and Bart and the rest of the Simpsons are the town's only hope! Cool huh?

What makes this game difficult is how Bart jumps. Learning and mastering the jump and super jumps will determine if you can beat this game or not. Doing a super jump in the mall level for example (jumping from candy bar to candy bar) needs precise timing.

There are five levels in the game and you start with only 3 lives. Fortunately, there are plenty of ways to earn extra lives (Krusty symbols). Also by killing various enemies you earn letters that summon that particular Simpson to help you in that stages boss fight. And trust me, they help!

Moving Bart around seems a bit off. And like what was mentioned above the jumping isn't so tight. Doing a super jump will often having you slide off whatever platform you were jumping to. Which leads to plenty of lost lives and frustration. Also pausing the game is a bit of an annoyance. You have to scroll through your inventory screen to select it. But those are just minor problems.

You get the classical Simpsons theme which is great to listen to. There is plenty of variety in the music department (really just a variation of the original theme). There are plenty of voice synthesizers in the game (Bart yells "cool man" and "eat my shorts" very clearly!) The other sound effects sound nice (spray painting, meeting a goal, collecting the various letters).

Nice intro at the beginning with the Simpson clan gathered around the TV! The Space Mutants land and there is some great detail there. Most of the sprites in game are fairly simple, but colourful. The Springfield, Krusty Land and Museum levels look great (especially that T-Rex!) Having to use your X-Ray glasses to see if people are aliens is a really nice touch! I wish more games would incorporate that.

For their first foray into the video game biz, Bart vs. The Space Mutants is a good game. The jumping parts of the game are challenging (and will have you d'oh-ing for hours on end!) The controls are decent but the slide after the super jump is very unforgiving. The various music and voice synthesizers from Bart are superb. The graphics while plain, are colourful and fun. Go get this game, its the best of the 3. If not, you can eat my shorts!

Slalom (NES)

Difficulty: ***
Controls: ****
Sound: **1/2
Graphics: **1/2
Overall: 12 stars out of 20

Gather your winter coat, a tuque and your ski's because your hitting the slopes today! But can you avoid the myriad of skiers, trees and other hazards? Nintendo presents one of its launch titles, Slalom!

You get to select which peak to start from (the higher the peak the more difficult). There are 3 peaks to choose from for a total of 24 different courses! Its you versus the clock as you try to bob and weave into the various gates and make it to the bottom.

It won't be so easy as early as the third course the speed picks up. By the seventh or eighth course you'll wish you had a ski pole to throw at your TV!

The controls are tight and responsive. Holding up speeds you up, and holding down slows you. The 'A' and 'B' buttons allows you to jump. When you hit a snow ramp you can pull off a trick by holding the 'down' arrow key. Its a pain to have to hold up to maintain your speed though. They should have assigned it to either the 'A' or 'B' buttons. But that's just a minor nit-pick.

The sound is fun and catchy in Slalom. You really only get a few musical tracks in the game. But it is catchy. There are some cute little sound effects too (bumping into things, crashing, and jumping). But overall there could have been more!

While there is some nice detail in the background (the purple mountains in the distance), the foreground is plain white and grey. Whoop-dee-do! Your opposing skiers are all the same pink-ish colour too which is also disappointing. You do however get a nice little animation of your skier hopping up and down when you complete a course.

There is some great challenge and varied courses in the game. You get 24 tracks to plow through which is nice. You'll be tearing off you parka though when you fail a course by a second or two later on! The controls are great but using both buttons to jump? Why not use one of the buttons to maintain your speed? The sounds while limited are nice and catchy. The graphics are just below par however. But what's there isn't terrible, just plain. Slalom really is a fun game that's great for a retro game party. So don't spill your hot chocolate as you dash down the icy mountains!

technorati stuff

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The Adventures of Bayou Billy (NES)

Difficulty: ****1/2

Controls: **

Sound: ***1/2

Graphics: ***1/2

Overall: 13 1/2 stars out of 20

You play as the swamp superhero known as Bayou Billy. Your Cajun Queen Annabelle has been captured and help hostage by the local kingpin Gordon! It'll take strength, hard nosed driving skills and a sharp trigger finger to get her back!

First and foremost the game is very hard. The poor hit detection in the beat 'em up stages will cause you to lose many upon many of lives. Added to the fact that the driving stages have very loose controls means you won't be having a good time. There are 9 stages total and aside from the zapper gun stages, are brutal.

The controls have already been mentioned but you have to wonder how Konami (who are known too be a top rate gaming company) got away with these shoddy controls. During the beat 'em up stages you press the 'B' button to punch, 'A' button to kick and A+B to jump kick. When you get a firearm you can select it via the 'select' button.

There is nice variety in the music. You get some very southern Cajun style tunes as you slog away through the baddies. Your attacks don't sound to convincing though. But on the bright side you're treated to some nice voice synthesizers (Gordon laughing at you, the title being said and the grunt of death by Billy himself)

Bayou Billy sports some sharp graphics. You get cut scenes between levels and they all look nice and crisp. There is a plethora of bad guys to dispatch. Frogmen, various punks, cars, planes, birds and even alligators! The driving stages look nice too (especially the highway stage). There is some slowdown and flicker issues in the driving stages but nothing too much to scoff at.

Pick this game up only if you find it for a rock bottom price (I picked mine up for $2) The game is very hard due to the poor hit detection in the beat em' up stages. The driving stages have you controlling a jeep that is very loose and frustrating. The sound with its various voice synthesizers is a treat to hear. The graphics are also very well done (standard Konami fare). Overall, this could have been one of the ultimate beat 'em up games on the NES. Not being able to have a second player join in the bayou brawl is a shame. With all its diversity the game is marred by poor controls. A shame really...

The Immortal (NES)

Difficulty: ****
Controls: ***1/2
Sound: ***1/2
Graphics: ****1/2
Overall: 15 1/2 stars out of 20

In the ancient depths of the once fabled city of Erinoch lies and old labyrinth. Your teacher of the mystical arts Mordamir has been said to have been down in the dungeons. But he has not surfaced. Although you are growing old with age you still have your excellent training in fighting and magic. You decide to help find your former master. This is The Immortal from EA Games!

You are allowed three tries in each stage before the game boots you out to the password screen. You'll be seeing it often as the game hosts many instant death traps. Even when you begin in the first dungeon the place is littered with cannons, fire traps and poisoned darts! Talk about safety issues. Add in flesh eating worms, killer spores, spikes that shoot up from the floor...whew, you'll be having fits for sure! However, the game never seems totally unfair. When you get the hang of each dungeon you can maneuver around it easily.

Controlling the wizard will get some getting used to. The 'A' and 'B' button fires a fireball when your not in combat. When you are the 'B' button attacks while the 'A' button and a direction of the D-pad will dodge. Later on in the game you'll be given the task of controlling certain items around a dungeon level. These levels are very tricky as the items will bounce off of walls if you're not careful.

The mood is set for you epic journey as the opening theme is outstanding. The music overall is just great to listen to. The dungeon theme is very dark and spooky. Like death lingers just around the corner (and probably is!) The sound effects are also quite good. Using your various items, casting magic are all solid. You even get treated to a death groan when you kill your various opponents! (sweet!)

The Immortal has some of the best graphics in the entire NES library! All the sprites in general are excellently detailed. The combat screens have big detailed sprites too. Although the background is just a solid black colour. You'll especially come to appreciate the dragon at the end of the game! One of the most chilling and horrifying enemies in the game for sure. A tiny gripe though, the bats are a real pain to see in the already dark dungeons.

While this game is often overlooked, it is one of the best in the NES library. It is a challenging game with the various death traps. But it never seems unfair as countless replays will have you figuring out the levels. You'll need to adjust to the way things control in this game. But once you do it'll be too easy. The sounds are very dark, spooky and often times bone chilling! While the sound effects are good, there could have been some more variety. The graphics will have you saying "that's an NES game?" As the sprites are big, colourful and greatly detailed. If you can find yourself a copy, get it. Until you find Mordamir in the Labyrinth of Eternity...

Game Genie - Alien Syndrome (NES)

The invading aliens need too be taught a lesson! Now you and a buddy can get through the onslaught and rid the colonies of the bad guys. Try these great codes to boost up your timer, lives and well...some are just plain weird! Enjoy!

• Timer at 540 - IUONPPLL
• Timer at 240 - ZUONPPLL
• 14 lives! - YAOGPIGE
• Weird gun...- PAUKGIAE
• Other weapons act like the Fireball thrower - KKISTV
• Weird...the 'B' button resets the game! - GKISTV

Game Genie - Shinobi (NES)

The master ninja has his work cut out for him. The Ring of Five have some nasty tricks for you. But with these codes so can you!

• Mega run - IEKONILE
• Scarce enemies - PAGEUG
• Bosses and enemies can't use their projectiles! - GKISTV
• Music changes - ENEALYNN
• For pro Shinobi players only, one hit kill's! - EZNIPN
• Weird... sometimes after getting hit, you complete the level! (Note: at the beginning of the next level you will die.) - XZNIPN

Game Genie - Rolling Thunder (NES)

Mabu got you down? The Evil Society giving you fits? Well not anymore with these great Game Genie codes! Some power you up, others make the game more difficult, and others are just...weird. Enjoy!

• Some enemies have radioactive colours! - IXZGEG
• 8 Lives - OEOVLALE
• Start with ZERO lives (when you use a continue you will get the normal 3) - PEOVLALA
• One code, infinite lives! - OEOULALA
• Self Replenish Bullets (185) - XLVITYPE
• Bumping into enemies doesn't kill you (but bullets still can!) - EEEVSAZE

Rolling Thunder (NES)

Tengen week comes to an end.

Difficulty: ***1/2
Controls: ****
Sound: **
Graphics: ***1/2
Overall: 13 stars out of 20

Secret agent Leila has been kidnapped! The nefarious Evil Society has nabbed her as she was about to unwrap one of their conspiracies! As Agent Albatross you're sent from your organization to rescue her!

With five stories and a multitude of areas to get through, Rolling Thunder is no walk in the park. You have three lives and two continues to get to Leila before the Evil Society puts an end to her! Going around and rushing through each area is a sure fire way to get yourself killed. And in the latter stages (the jumping ones) you'll want to take your time! One of the most difficult parts of this game is the platform areas. You'll have to jump from place to place usually with a flying enemy coming straight for you! Not fun.

For the most part Albatross controls very well. You fire your various guns with the 'B' button. You jump with the 'A' button. If you hold 'up' while pressing 'A' you'll do a super jump. Also one thing that really bugs me is the fact that once you jump, your only going one direction (which is realistic). Make sure you plan your jumps accordingly.

One of the low points of the game. You get maybe four tracks in the game. Not very much variety in each tune either. The ones that are there are just ho-hum really. The sound effects are decent enough. But the sound your machine-gun makes...its like you're stretching a cat! One other good point however, when you run out of continues Mabu appears on screen and laughs at you (I love that!)

You see an abundance of mask enemies in the game. And while there is some variety to them, they are mostly colour swaps. But you also get some variety with bats, panthers and fire creatures! And those guys look cool. After completing a few areas you'll begin to see some cut scenes of the fair Leila. What will happen to her!? One more thing. When you bite the dust as Albatross he'll flail around and slump to the ground (awesome death sequence!)

Rolling Thunder will have you swearing with its brutal enemy placement. As well the jumping areas are very difficult in the latter portions. Thankfully there are passwords you can obtain! The controls are nice and tight, although when you jump you can't change your destination. The sound is very limited. While the music that's there is alright, more could have been done. The graphics are nice, clean and colourful. The masked enemies for the most part are colour swaps of one another, but there is some variety. Now lets all do the masked guy pose!

Gauntlet (NES)

Tengen week keeps rolling on!

Difficulty: ***1/2

Controls: ****

Sound: ***

Graphics: ***

Overall: 13 1/2 stars out of 20

Morak the Evil One has stolen the sacred orb! The villagers plead for your aid. They say that the evil wizard took the treasure deep below the earth, and has locked it in his gauntlet! Grab your weapon and ready your magic and head down to the horrors below...This is the arcade smash hit, Gauntlet from Tengen!

You'll have your work cut out for you if you go solo. You can enlist the aid of a friend (which helps out tremendously). The Gauntlet has five worlds with about twenty stages in them. Adding to the difficulty is the fact that you have to collect letters to form a message in order to get into the very last levels of the game! Damn! While the enemies themselves are no real danger in small groups, once they surround you...you're in for some pain. And just wait until you get to the trickier levels with teleporters, stun pads and invisible walls!

Moving one of the four heroes around the dungeon is quite good. But for some reason your guy will move slower when you travel diagonally. The 'A' button fires your weapon and the 'B' button uses any magic you've collected.

The sound effects really save the game. While the music that's in there is alright, it quickly repeats. The opening theme is very good. A moody tune that fits the dark, unknown mystery of the gauntlet! Your weapons firing, collecting treasures and using magic all sound terrific. Heck your guy shouts out in pain if its taking too much damage! You also hear them blurt out 'Oh!' after he has eaten some food. Nice touch.

The opening screen with all the monsters and the flashing 'GAUNTLET' title is superb. Unfortunately, while the four heroes are nice to look at, the enemies are boring and void of detail. On the password screen you see the face of Morak himself and he even taunts you as you collect the various bits of the message! Great stuff. Note: there is some massive slowdown in this game. Even in the earlier parts as enemies fill up the screen.

There are five worlds with many rooms to conquer. Its not a short one. Added that you must collect various letters to form a message to even get into the last few stages, adds to the difficulty. The controls are good but moving diagonally is a drag. While the music is repetitive and lacking, the opening theme and the sound effects make up for it. The graphics are just par and there is a lot of slowdown. The game however is a blast to play. Even better with a friend! So beware if you venture down into the gauntlet. Because you may not see the light of the day again...

Ms. Pac-Man (NES)

Tengen week continues!

Difficulty: ***1/2
Controls: ****1/2
Sound: **
Graphics: **1/2
Overall: 12 1/2 stars out of 20

You all know Ms. Pac-Man right? Eating pellets is the name of the game as you run around each maze and avoid ghosts! Tengen brings us a great arcade port with many new features added in. This is Ms. Pac-Man!

Right from the bat you get four different difficulty modes to choose from. Easy, normal, hard and crazy. The ghosts adjust their speed accordingly. Even on easy mode by the apple level the ghosts will speed up and come after you (Clyde is still pretty stupid though!) As well your power pellets (that make the ghosts edible, crazy eh?) don't last as long the further you go. Overall, there's a good challenge for newcomers and veterans alike!

Very easy controls. In fact its pretty bare bones! Just press each arrow key to direct Ms. Pac-Man. You can also turn on the boost mode on the selection screen. You can set it to 'always on' or
'use the A or B buttons'. Mind you, using the boost is great for straight aways but no so for sharp turning. Beware.

You don't get much music in the game. Not even an opening theme! Once you do begin the game you're treated to the classic 'Ms. Pac-Man' theme. During the cut scenes you get a nice little melody too, but that's about it. The sound effects as you munch on pellets, get the power pellets and eat the ghosts are all great. But you think the people at Tengen could have added something more for the console release?

The sprites and the layout of each stage is very colourful. But there is no great attention to detail. This is after all a Pac-man game! You come for the tight game play, not to see their ugly mugs (especially you Clyde!) One nice touch is the various bonus items you get. Turning on the strange mode you will come across a lot of zany things (glass shoe, ice cream cone among others!)

With many different modes to choose from (1 player, 2 player co-op, competitive, alternate). As well as four different difficulty settings AND maze selection, this has got too be the greatest iteration of Ms. Pac-Man! While the graphics and music are nothing really outstanding (more like lacking) it is a Pac-Man game. The controls are simple as anyone can just pick up and play the game. Despite its low rating don't hesitate to grab this game. Its a wonderful party game that will have everyone taking turns! Waka, waka!

Shinobi (NES)

Thanks for all those that voted in the poll! This week; Tengen games!

Difficulty: ***
Controls: ****
Sound: **
Graphics: ***1/2
Overall: 12 1/2 out of 20 stars

The most notorious criminals around the world have banded together. And they've kidnapped the children of various political figureheads! They call themselves the Ring of Five. You are called Shinobi. A master ninja hired to rescue the children and put an end to the Ring!

You have five missions (each about 3-4 stages), 3 lives and no continues to beat the game. In the latter portions of the game you'll be tested on how well you can leap in and out of danger, so mastering the jump/super jump is essential! Also figuring out the weak point of each boss will have you staying alive a lot longer. The one fact that makes this game a little easier than most other games of its ilk is the fact you have a life bar. Thanks Tengen!

Moving and controlling Shinobi around is a piece of cake. The 'B' button throws either a shuriken, dart or fires your gun (whichever one you have gained). The 'A' button jumps as well you can do a super jump by holding the up arrow key. Killing ten enemies in a stage will permit you to use one of your ninjitsu arts (if you won any in the previous bonus round) by pressing A+B. Two gripes, when you use your super jump you cannot move around, so make sure you plan your jump accordingly. Two, for a ninja he moves really slow!

No opening theme? Not even a little ditty on the mission screen? Ugh..no excuse for that! Once you do start the game you'll be treated to the same theme over and over again. Its not bad but it gets repetitive. The sound effects are just OK too. The main standout however is the sound your super jump makes (very mystical!) There could have been so much more to this game...

Graphically Tengen games are known to sport some good visuals. Shinobi is filled with enemies while not too detailed, are colourful and big. The bosses look alright, but the helicopter from mission two and Mandara bosses look sweet. You are treated to basically white clumps as children, why couldn't they have more diversity then that? Maybe a little speech bubble that says "HELP! HELP!" would have been nice. And the level design is quite good too. Some detail in the backgrounds helps the game from getting the 'yawn' treatment. I would like to note the Marilyn Monroe posters in stage 1-2 look excellent though!

While not one of the longest games. Shinobi does provide an action packed evening of gaming goodness. The controls are responsive and save for some jumping hiccups, is great. The music is uninspired, repetitive and lacks a ton of variety. However the sound effects are good. The sprites aren't too detailed but they are big and colourfull. The layout of each stage is nice and some attention to detail can be seen. Ninja grab a copy if you see one for cheap. Someone has to break the Ring of Five, so it may as well be you! Won't someone think of the children?

Ring King (NES)

Difficulty: ***1/2

Controls: ****

Sound: **1/2

Graphics: ***

Overall: 13 stars out of 20

Have you got what it takes to ascend to the top of the boxing ranks? Or do you think you can take it all in the world title tournament? Put on your gloves and come out swinging, its Ring King from Data East!

The game sports a few different modes for you to play. First and foremost you'll probably want to enter the Training Mode. Create your fighter by spending points in three categories (Power, Speed and Stamina). The game is quite challenging at the start. Your just a low level fighter who will most likely come out with an average win/loss record. But hey that's why its called training! Once you build up your attributes than you can take on the Tournament and Ranking modes.

The controls are responsive and simple. The 'A' button punches and the 'B' button dodges/blocks. Depending where you are situated in the ring you can throw other various punches too. On top of that, the more power your boxer has the more special punches he can throw!

The sound is probably the only real weak point in the game. While the opening music is fun and catchy, once you get in the ring and fight...its pretty boring. The punches sound good and the referee calls for the 10 count even! (Well, as best as can be in an NES game).

Graphically you and your opponents are almost indistinguishable from the next guy. The boxers are not varied in size or shape (unlike in Punch-Out). You face just massive colour swaps of yourself! The balding ref looks cool though, and you get a play-by-play team between rounds. The ring also changes colour depending on which mode you play in (which I like). The various special power punches you can inflict on your foe is really good (sending them flying in the air and out of the ring is so cool!)

Ring King may not be the undisputed champion of boxing games, but its damn close. You may have some difficulty at the beginning stages. But once you upgrade your attributes you'll be fine. You get some different modes to play in (you can even watch a bout or a tournament!). The controls while simple, are easy and responsive. You even get a few different moves depending on the position of your boxer. The music is boring for the most part. The sprites while colourful, are just blatant colour swaps. No variety at all! But moving past that the game is very addictive and is a fun party game. Ring the bell!

Zelda II: The Adventure of Link (NES)

RPG week is coming to a close!

Difficulty: ***1/2
Controls: ****1/2
Sound: ****
Graphics: ****
Overall: 16 stars out of 20

While the game is not super long per say, it is not that short either. It strikes a happy medium but unfortunately the game does not sport a 'second quest' like the first game. Running around Hyrule you will get stuck at various parts in the game (finding the hammer is tricky). The latter palaces are mostly labyrinth nightmares too (oh boy!)

Controlling Link is a cinch thanks to the programmers at Nintendo. The 'A' button jumps and the 'B' button swings your sword. Start access' your menu and select uses your magic. You also get various techniques as you advance in the game. Oh and the moves are pretty cool too. The only real gripe is when you're struck by an enemy you will bounce off them a little. This frustratingly leads to deaths as you can fall into various pits.

Like in the first game you're only going to get a handful of music. But, all of it is quite memorable and catchy as hell! The town theme is very well done as is the simply awesome opening theme. The sound effects are also top notch. Swinging your sword, using magic and destroying enemies all sound terrific. And if you die on your last man, you'll be treated to Ganon laughing at you! (how cool is that?)

For the most part the graphics are big and decently detailed. Most of the bosses are bad ass looking too (the dragon, horse and magician really stand out!) There is some slowdown in the game play (especially on the overland map) but all in all, its not too noticeable. The layout of the land is simple but good (attention to detail in the mountains and forests are sweet) But the palaces are truly excellent and set a very dark and mysterious mood!

Link's second coming to save Princess Zelda is a great one. While there is no second quest, the game is far from easy. You'll be tearing your hair out trying to find the hammer and various heart/magic containers. The controls are near perfect, and the sprites are well detailed. The bosses look memorable and downright epic. While there is some slowdown issues, its really not all too noticeable. Charge up your sword and remember to bring your candle, because the depths of the palaces hold many evils...

Swords and Serpents (NES)

RPG week continues!

Difficulty: ***1/2
Sound: **1/2
Graphics: ***1/2
Overall: 9 1/2 stars out of 15

Gather your steel and wit. Its time to go serpent hunting! Grab a few of your buddies for a nice brawl through some dark dungeons! Acclaim brings us its unique four-player RPG Swords and Serpents!

There is a total of 16 different mazes to explore in the game. There are many traps and teleporters that will make your life a living hell down there. The latter levels are truly devious. The game would be next to impossible without a strategy guide or making your own maps. Its that tough. Oh and another thing, you'll need to find your magic spells by finding them writen on the walls! Be sure to check every corner as most of the latter spells are must haves.

The game will have you finding various items to get through certain parts of the game, and there is quite a bit of backtracking. Remembering (and hopefully writing down) the various clues will get you further ahead in the game. What really sucks is that you only get three healing temples in the game (levels 1, 5 and 10!) so use your magic points wisely.

The opening music is pretty catchy. A very high fantasy theme that just screams go out and explore! But the main theme is just okay. Come to think of it, you don't really get that much to hear otherwise. Bummer. The sound effects however, are really nice. Defeating an enemy, moving between levels and the hearing the zoom tubes... all nice! The sounds that your weapon makes on contact with the enemies...not so nice.

The game hosts many enemies that are colour swaps of one another. But, the sprites are big, colourful and well detailed (I like the spider and the trolls!) The mazes themselves are usually fitted in one solid colour. And that's about it. Oh, and why is it that your characters are never shown in the game? Not even a picture or anything? Ugh.

Swords & Serpents is a really unique game that allows 4 players to try to slay said beast. There are plenty of levels to delve into, but getting side tracked by zoom tubes and teleporters can be a real drag! Being far between temples when you are badly hurt and in need of some MP also adds to the games difficulty. While the music is not all that special, the various sound effects are its saving grace. The sprites are big, colourful and detailed. But the maze itself leaves you with a bland environment to explore. If you want an RPG that can support up to four players, you can't beat this game.

Dragon Warrior (NES)

RPG week continues!

Difficulty: ***1/2
Sound : ***
Graphics: ***
Overall: 9 1/2 stars out of 15

The once peaceful land of Alefguard is plunged into darkness. Thanks to the evil Dragonlord the ball of light was stolen from the castle and hidden within the dark halls of Charlock Castle. You are one of many brave warriors to come into the village. But you are young, inexperienced and have no magical gifts, can you survive and restore the land?

One of the oldest RPG's for the NES still holds its edge. It is old school brutal to the core. Dying (oh yes, you will die) not only is a drag but you lose half of your gold...ouch. You have many treasures to find and not a whole lot of clues to find them. You will also encounter many bad guys around Alefguard. And I do mean a lot. Moving a few steps and bam! You're in a battle. It can be quite tedious when you have to get to a far off place. Dragon Warrior is not for the impatient.

The opening theme as you turn on the game is simply fantastic! A very regal piece that really sets the stage for your heroic adventures. For the majority of the game you will be hearing one of two themes. That of the overland map and battle. Good thing both are not an ear sore! The sound effects while limited, are good (the wings of the wyvern is a classic for a reason.)

The sprites are nice and to the point. Not too plain but not too detailed either. In battle you get a nice picture of the enemy, however, there is no animation. I would like to note that some monsters (the slimes for instance) don't really seem like enemies. They smile! What the hell? I don't know if I should pet you or chop you in half! The scenery is simple and well done. Too bad there is no day/night mechanic like the sequels.

While the game isn't as challenging or long as the other sequels, it will have you running around for hours looking for various items. The fact that if you die your gold is halved is a REAL bummer. The sounds are catchy (especially the opening theme), but you'll mostly be listening to the overland map and battle music. The graphics are simple and straight to the point. While some enemies look really menacing, most of the latter enemies are just colour swaps. And one more thing, enemies should never smile! It just leaves you with a sinking feeling as you hack away at them!

Ultima: Exodus (NES)

RPG week begins!

Difficulty: ****
Sound: **
Graphics: **1/2
Overall: 8 1/2 out of 15 stars

The nefarious minions of Minax and Modain are terrorizing the land! Lord British asks for your aid in these troubling times. But some other ancient evil is spreading fear and death throughout Britannia! FCI brings us the PC hit to the NES, Ultima: Exodus!

Like most old school RPG's you get very little info about where your supposed to go and what to do. You go around and piece together clues from various townsfolk. Without a guide or online walk through, you'll be having a really tough go. But this game will keep you busy. Buying food to keep your party from starving (lol, realism), up keeping your weapons and armour among other things. Oh and did I mention that when you do level up your characters your enemies also get tougher? Ouch...

Let me say this about the sound. Everything but the combat music is very catchy. But for the majority of the game you'll be in combat grinding for gold or experience. And the battle theme is about...two seconds long and then looped! Argh! This could have been so much better.

Graphically, the game is below par. You have a 'fog of war' viewpoint (which is actually cool because like in real life, you can't see through walls!) The various sprites are plain but varied. The paladin, lark and ranger look really sweet. The enemy sprites are not very detailed, and that goes for some of the larger enemies too. There is also a lot of screen tear and flicker. But you get some nice environments to walk around. Oh and when you do find the various dungeons around Britannia, its in 3D!

Ultima Exodus is a challenging RPG. The lack of any real sense of direction is a real let down. But finding a magazine or online walk through will help immensely! There is a lot of screen flicker and tear, but the class sprites are good. The sounds are good but the battle theme is very annoying. If you find a cheap copy of Ultima: Exodus give it a try. The more you delve into it the more fun it gets!

Gyruss (NES)

Shoot 'em up week comes to a close!

Difficulty - ***1/2
Controls - ***1/2
Sound - ***
Graphics - ***1/2
Overall - 13 1/2 stars out of 20

Ultra Games (the sister company of Konami) brings the unique arcade game Gyruss to the NES! The Gyrusian Force has taken over our solar system! Its up to you to stop this planetary madness as you travel from Pluto all the way to the sun! But no problem right?

The game is quite the challenge. With forty stages to warp through and no continues, you'll be tearing your brain out and throwing it at the screen in no time!

But the game does ease you into the challenging portions. Especially with the boss'. For the most part you will take on the enemy base that has a number of pods attached to it. In the beginning it will have four. By the end, it will have up to nine! Learning how to disarm its various blasters and blockers will be the key to victory.

What makes Gyruss unique than all the other shoot 'em up games is the fact your ship rotates around the screen! Yes you travel forward into deep space as enemies come at you! Its really neat. You have two types of control options to pick from. Option A you press all eight directional arrows on the pad to move. Option B has you just pressing left or right on the pad to rotate. It takes some time to learn either of them. I say try both and see which one you prefer. Overall, solid controls.

You're treated to some Bach in the opening shot. Very rad of you guys at Ultra to put that in. For the most part what's there is good. But there is not that much in regards to music. Maybe a handful of tracks. With forty stages what else could they have done eh? The sound effects of your weapons firing, explosions, warping etc. is all great.

Right from the get go your treated to some nice graphics of our (doomed?) solar system. The bad guys are detailed and there is quite some variety too (I enjoy the ship that spits out the mines, ooh nasty!) Like I mentioned before the boss sprites are big, but you'll be seeing them throughout the game. However, there are two bosses that are totally different which is nice.

While there are forty stages to plough through, it isn't as difficult as you might think. The controls while totally unique will have you getting the feel of the ships movement. You get the option of two movement types which is great. The music while almost lacking, is good for whats there (Bach in an NES game!) The graphics are easy on the eyes with some good variety in enemy sprites. Snatch up a copy of Gyruss and hop in your ship so we can take back the sun!

1943 (NES)

Shoot 'em up week shuffles along!

Difficulty - ***1/2

Controls - ****

Sound - **1/2

Graphics - ***

Overall - 13 stars out of 20

Scramble! Scramble! Get into your P-38 plane and take off to eliminate your targets. Capcom brings us its smash arcade hit, 1943!

1943 spans twenty four action loaded stages. Each one of them is going to be a test of not only how you gun down your foes, but how you avoid them, upgrade your plane and select which special weapons to choose!

If this all sounds like a lot trust me its not. Thankfully Capcom gives you a password every few stages. Unlike most one hit kill shoot em' ups in 1943 your plane begins with health. Getting hit, using your lightning attack and just gradual time will tick health off the meter. If you happen to get hit with zero health, your ship blows up and you start the stage all over.

Piloting the P-38 is a cinch. The 'B' button fires your guns and the 'A' button uses your special lightning attack. That's right, not only can mother nature use lightning but so can you! Your plane can also do a somersault to avoid enemy fire (really cool feature). Your plane however is rather slow.

For twenty four stages there isn't much music to choose from. You get maybe a handful of different tunes. The one really annoying music you'll hear (especially in the later stages) is the 'out of health' theme. Ugh. The sound effects of your various sub-weapons are really good. One thing that I really enjoyed was the sound of your plane taking off at the start of each stage.

While the graphics are good its nothing really outstanding. You get some detail in the enemies and larger planes you face off against. There is a lot of screen flicker in the game (lightning attack for example). And while the icons look good its really weird too see some of them in the game (Dragonfly, barrel, space man and even a cow!). After each stage you're treated to a big screen shot of the enemy boss bursting into flames (awesome!)

While there isn't much variety in the music and some of it is downright annoying, you do get twenty four stages. Tight controls and varied weapon and ship upgrade selections make this game unique. The graphics are solid but nothing spectacular. All in all this is one solid shooter that's a blast from the past!

Life Force (NES)

Shoot 'em up week rolls on!

Difficulty - ****
Controls - ****
Sound - ****
Graphics - ****
Overall - 16 stars out of 20

The planet devouring Zelous has travelled through space on an eating spree! You hop into your ship and decided to end the threat once and for all. But can you withstand the onslaught of its innards as you blast your way out? Konami brings us its arcade hit Salamander (re-titled Life Force) home to your NES!

Much like Gradius, Life Force will have you cursing and swearing for hours. But not too worry, you won't be the only one because there's a two player option! There are six tough stages to slug through with only two continues. The game is loaded with bad guys spraying bullets, asteroids that must be avoided, and 'pop up' death attacks (the fire in level 3 for example). A controller with slow motion capabilities as well as rapid fire will be an added bonus to your survival.

Life Force uses the same control layout as Gradius. You use the 'B' button to fire and the 'A' button upgrades your ship. The controls are responsive but do yourself a favour, don't upgrade your speed too much. You'll soon be smashed your ship into millions of pieces.

Life Force has a host of tracks for the game. Each one is unique and expect to hear the game over theme a lot! I found that some of the tracks really get you in the mood to incinerate aliens (level four for instance). There is even a mock theme from Gradius in the game! Who wouldn't love that? The sound effects are nice, but a little more originality would have been better (some effects are ripped off from other Konami games).

Unlike its predecessor your ship looks good. With a little more detail this time. The enemy sprites look really awesome (the fire birds and purple spinning tops). The bosses though is what this game is about. Huge sprites with with nice detail. The Pharaoh and the giant skull really look freaky! Well done Konami!

This is one of the best shooters on the NES. With great graphics, music and game play you'll probably be busy with this one for quite awhile! Speaking of which it is also one of the most unforgiving shooters too. The game doesn't dumb itself down if you happen to make a mistake late in the game. Many 'pop up' deaths will have you screaming but you do get the option of enlisting extra help. A second player can be added to the mix. Fly yourself to your nearest dealer and blast yourself up a copy.

Gun Smoke (NES)

Shoot 'em up week continues!

Difficulty - ***1/2
Controls - ****
Graphics - ***1/2
Sound - ****
Overall - 15 stars out of 20

The Wingate gang has ransacked Hicksville! Not only that but they've shot and killed the sheriff! A lone gunman rides into town with his six shooters ready to set things straight. This is Capcom's Gun Smoke!

You get a good feel for game in the first few stages. You control your gunman and learn the ins and outs. But by the time the third stage begins, you'll need eyes in the back of your head to stay alive! The enemies begin to swarm you from behind shooting off some of their lead. Also, knowing which weapon is best used against each boss helps tremendously (I like to use the shotgun on Cutter in the second stage.)

The controls for Gun Smoke are very good. The only real problem is the fact that you will be smashing the 'A' and 'B' buttons to shoot straight (apparently the arcade had three buttons to Nintendo's two). Needless to say a controller with rapid fire capability is a must as you're going to hurt if you opt out.

At the beginning of the game is a very nice intro. You see the lone cowboy headed towards the town with his horse (cool!) Each stage looks great. Not some much detail but just enough for you to notice as you're blasting away thugs and outlaws. The horse animation as it enters is pretty sweet. The townspeople and enemies are just OK though. And before each stage is the wanted poster for each nasty varmit you have to gun down (really nice).

The theme music is really good. Almost reminiscent of Bionic Commando (also another great game by Capcom). Each stage has a unique and catchy theme (like in the third stage Commanchi Village). The sound effects are also well done. Nothing to over-the-top. But good.

If you're tired of the same old space ship shoot 'em ups I would highly recommend you get a copy of Gun Smoke. While there is some slow down towards the end of the game and the boss sprites are a little underwhelming. Its great controls, catchy stage music and intense action, will have you coming back to save Hicksville time and time again! Although I should mention that having rapid fire at your disposal is a must. Pack away your smoking pistols and jump on your horse and grab a copy. You won't be disappointed.

Gradius (NES)

Shoot 'Em Up week begins!

Difficulty - ***1/2
Controls - ***1/2
Sounds - ***
Graphics - ***
Overall - 13 stars out of 20

Planet Gradius is in peril! The evil enemy Bacterion fleet is coming, and boy are they hungry! You've been entrusted with the planet's prototype ship, the Warp Rattler. The objective is clear, blast the Bacterion armada and destroy its super fortress.

Strictly speaking, if you're playing this game with the Konami code or using any of the warp tricks or full power-up tricks, this game is not that hard. Sure you'll lose some of your 30 lives, but you should be able to beat it. However, if you are playing this game as is, it will be quite the challenge. Specifically when you're in levels 4 to 6. One slip up and bam! Your ship upgrades are gone. Left with a slow lumbering sack of soon-too-be space junk. You're done. Game over.
That's Gradius!

Konami is well known for having tight responsive controls. The 'B' button fires your current weapon and the 'A' button upgrades your ship. Pretty easy. The only real problem I have with the game is if you power-up your speed way too much. Your ship will fly around and most certainly smash into some terrain. But all in all, very good stuff.

Pretty basic tunes in this game. Some variety in stage music, but in the later levels it does repeat. One thing that bothers me is at the beginning of any stage you'll hear the space flying theme and no sound effects will be heard. When the actual stage begins, you'll hear the sound effects! What the hell?

The graphics in Gradius are pretty simple compared to later shoot 'em up games. Your Warp Rattler looks pretty plain and so do most of the enemies (nice animation when you move your ship up or down though). You'll face the same looking boss ship for the first few stages. There is however some variety down the way. The giant brain boss at the end looks really cool. Even the title screen is ho-hum.

It is one of the games that paved the way for future shoot 'em up games. Gradius while sometimes plain and dull to look at, sports some OK tunes, tight controls and tense knuckle biting action. The bosses are big and somewhat detailed, but the enemies for the most part are...nothing special. And what the hell is a Warp Rattler? Pretty dumb name Konami! Oh well, pick this game up, its a classic for a reason! Now where did I put my Warp Rattler?

Spider Man: Return of the Sinister Six (NES)

Comic book week comes to a close!

Difficulty - ***1/2
Controls - **1/2
Graphics - ***
Sounds - **
Overall - 11 stars out of 20

Doctor Octopus plans on dominating the world! If that weren't bad enough for our favorite web-head, he's brought back the Sinister Six to finish off Spidey for good!

You have six stages, one life, and one continue to finish this game. On top of that your energy does not replenish after each stage! This one may take some persistence to crack. In order to face off against the boss character you have to find some sort of item to be able to pass an obstacle. Once you find the said item, it will always be in the same place you're next go around.

Controlling Spider Man is a little awkward. He runs and jumps almost a little off pace when you input the commands. A frustrating point, when you're pressing the punch button rapidly you'll usually take off and do a side kick (and hoping over your enemy which you wanted to waste!) Slinging your webs while tricky, can be overcome with practice. There's nothing more satisfying like saving yourself from perils below!

The sprites are nice looking. Nothing exceptional, but nice. Spider man looks the part and its pretty cool seeing him do a somersault. The title screen looks good as well. The intro scenes look amazing though! You would think that the programmers ripped it right out of a comic book! The stages are also nicely detailed (the factory stage with Mysterio looks really cool).

Now comes to the sounds. There's nothing much to cheer about. The same two themes are used in every other stage. The sound effects are severely lacking in some areas (no electric noises in the Electro stage? C'mon!) The title theme is pretty catchy (very super hero-ish).

Spider Man: The Return of the Sinister Six is an above average game with awkward controls, great stage detail, and has sweet comic book intros. Although the sound effects are lacking, the music while limited, won't get on your nerves. If you find a cheap copy, give your favorite neighborhood Spider Man a try!

X-Men (NES)

Comic book week continues!

Difficulty - ****
Controls - **
Sound - **
Graphics - **
Overall - 10 stars out of 20

Professor Xavier's old foe Magneto is on the loose! As the mighty X-Men you'll need all your powers (and some luck) combined to stop him!

This game is pretty hard. One player or two it doesn't matter. You have a choice of six X-Men to play as. And each of them has only one life! Lose all your characters and the game is over! No continues, no nothing.

If you're going to play a 1 player game, good luck. The computer is about as dumb as a sack of bricks. Often it will get surrounded by enemies and blasted into mutant paste! My suggestion, conserve the projectile users (Cyclops, Storm and Ice Man) and have the computer control the hand to hand guys (Colosus and Wolverine).

The controls are pretty straightforward. The 'A' button punches or launches a projectile. The 'B' button jumps. Now, that's not the case for some characters. Some of them don't even get a jump button! How crazy is that? The 'select' button switches between characters in a 1 player game.

While in each stage (there are six of them) there is some music diversity, none of it really stands out. The sound effects are below average at best. Although the title tune is pretty good.

Here's the big problem. The graphics. You would have thought that a Marvel franchise would have gotten the proper video game treatment. Oh no. The sprites are simply blocks with some colours. The enemies are uninspiring and dull, and the terrain is a jumbled mess! You would play thinking that you can walk over some section of the floor when really that's an obstacle! Did I happen to mention that most of the stages are in mono colours? Yep, now its even harder to differentiate what is a wall and what is a part of the floor. Ugh.

While the difficulty is up there game play wise, you'll be muting the sound as its dull and boring. The character sprites are blocky and not very detailed. Although the title screen is nice. The controls are good but the lack of a jump button for some characters is unforgivable! Leave the mutants back at home, this is one time where you want Magneto to win.

Robocop (NES)

Comic book week continues!

Difficulty - ***1/2

Controls - **1/2

Sound - ***

Graphics - ***1/2

Overall - 12 1/2 stars out of 20

The officers of old Detroit have gone on strike! But who needs an entire police station when you have the awesome Robocop! Its up to you to clean up the streets and uphold the law.

You get six stages packed to the brim of action. The first few stages get you used to handling the controls of Robocop. But once you enter stage four (O.C.P. HQ) you're in for a rude awakening. With only a handful of continues, (three of them) the game can get really frustrating really fast.

I also would like to note that you can only use your handgun in certain points of the game (which really stinks!) Adding to the difficulty is the fact that your health meter does not recover after beating a stage. You get some bonus health back for every point of time is left on the clock (ouch!)

The controls are loose at best. Robocop can't jump at all in this game (big bummer), and going up or down stairs/elevators can be a pain.

You get some cut scenes after beating certain stages which is nice. But they do repeat. The game does look very good for an NES game. One of my favorite animations is that of an enemy that falls out of a window after you shoot him (cool!) The boss characters are nicely detailed (ED-209) but some of the enemy sprites...yawn!

The sound effects from punching, shooting various weapons are great. Some of the enemies yelp as you beat them up (the dogs and ED-209 for instance). Unfortunately, you only get one main theme throughout the game. Its good but there should have been more variety.

While there are some control issues, it doesn't detract that its a fun, old school beat 'em up. The difficulty really ramps up in the latter stages. As you only get three continues you'll be coming back again and again. The graphics are very detailed giving you the feeling that old Detroit has seen better days. Robocop has some variety in the game as you get bonus shooting stages to earn extra lives. If you have some spare cash give this title a whirl. And remember, stay out of trouble!

Batman (NES)

Difficulty - ***
Controls - ****
Sound - *****
Graphics - ****
Overall - 16 stars out of 20

The Joker is out running rampant on Gotham City! With your wits and trusty utility belt you head off in your Batmobile to confront the bedlam. This is Sunsoft's Batman!

The game is packed with action the moment the cut scene ends and the game play begins. You ease into the learning curve of the game pretty quickly. Learning to jump in and out of danger is crucial (especially near the end). As well as learning which of your weapons is best suited to take out foes. The bosses are quite tricky and you may run into many frustrating climbing areas. All in all its a rather challenging game.

With all the blistering action you would hope the controls are tight and responsive. And Sunsoft delivers. You punch and jump with you respective A and B buttons, you can climb off of walls with rather ease (you'll need to master this technique towards the end of the game. It could mean you beating the game or failing in frustration!)

Unfortunately, the start button selects which weapon you will use. The select button pauses the game. Most players (myself included) are used too using the start button to pause. It can be really annoying when you want to use a weapon, hit the select button and pause the game instead.

One of the great things about Sunsoft is their musical composition. The level theme's really give you a dark, moody and terrifying Gotham City. I especially like the sewer level, really creepy! The sound effects are well done. The batarangs, dart gun and dirk have simple sounds. The problem is when there is slowdown the music drags as well. Some of the music gets rehashed in other levels too.

Batman sports some of the best graphics. The streets of Gotham (Level one) looks stunning. The sprites are compact, but have some great detail. Batman doesn't look imposing and he's in a blue costume! Where's the black one like in the title screen? You'll also receive cut scenes as you enter a new level. These are well detailed too (I'm a big fan of cut scenes) and reveal a little of the story bit by bit. You do however get some slowdown as enemies and objects fill the screen.

Batman is one of the greatest superhero games in the NES library. Really great in fact. Blistering action with a solid challenge will have you flip your mask! The bass infused tunes of the graphically appealing Gotham City will have you come back over and over again. There are some slowdown issues and the sprites, while small, are nicely detailed. So go out and get this game, Gotham City needs someone to put an end to the Joker!

Castlevania (NES)

Difficulty - ****

Controls - ***

Graphics - ****

Sound - *****

Overall - 16 out of a possible 20

Grab your garlic and whip and let's get cracking! Konami gives us this horror classic from 1987! You play as Simon Belmont the famed vampire killer. Dracula's evil has spread across the land and only you have the power to put an end to him!

You have an assortment of weapons to aid you in your quest. Each one of the sub-weapons can easily be used by holding the 'up' arrow key and pressing 'B'. A small gripe, if your using one of your sub-weapons near a set of steps, you'll usually climb them (thus not being able to use your weapon.)

Using your whip is nice and easy but jumping is the real problem. When you jump you are committed to it. Often this will lead you to bounce off of baddies and into a pit. Or undershooting your jump and plummeting to your death.

The graphics are clean, dark and moody. Perfect for this type of game. You'll be slugging your way into Dracula's castle and through it as well. The sprites are nicely detailed (I really enjoy the giant bat in the first stage!) Most of the end bosses actually are really great looking.

The music and sound effects are so well done. Each stage has a really catchy tune, from pulse racing beats to thunderous anthems. The sound effects from cracking your whip, getting hit, destroying enemies, hell, even when you close or open doors it sounds great!

All in all your trip to Dracula's castle will be an enjoyable one. The sound and graphics are some of the best on the NES. The challenge of the game will keep you screaming for more (just wait until you fight Death!). Controlling Belmont is rather easy until you hit some jumping areas. The less than forgiving jump mechanic will lead you to many deaths. Graphically Simon could have been detailed with a little more colour, but its only a minor quibble. Castlevania is one trip you definitely don't want to miss!

Kung-Fu (NES)

Difficulty - **1/2
Controls - ***
Graphics - **1/2
Sound - **
Overall - 10 out of a possible 20

The evil Mr. X and his gang have captured your girlfriend Sylvia! You control Thomas, a kung-fu master bent of rescuing your girl. You'll smash your way through five levels in Mr. X's hideout. Hiyaa!

Keeping in mind that Kung-Fu was one of the release titles back in the NES day (the 'black box' games) it does show its age. While the game isn't too difficult on standard 'Game A', there is an option to make it harder. 'Game B' makes the enemies hit a lot harder but overall the game won't have you tearing off your Kung-Fu gi.

With only five basic moves to pull off in the game there isn't a whole lot of selection of what you can do to the bad guys. Jumping feels a little awkward by pressing the 'up' arrow key. Thank god there's no jumping area's in Mr. X's hideout! Too be fair all your regular moves are simplistic and respond well. So kicking in a thugs head has never been easier!

Remember how I told you that Kung-Fu has really shown its age? Well graphically this game isn't to visually appealing. Your sprite Thomas is really bland (he just so happens too be wearing his Kung-Fu gi?) but he looks better than some of the enemies! The bosses are somewhat descent looking but they too are almost indistinguishable from the cast of faceless punch bags.

There isn't much music to please your ears either. One title track for the entire game, an end of the level theme, hurrying after Sylvia theme and...not much else. Although the sound effects are nice. Thomas yells out when he kicks or punches a bad guy. You also get an evil laugh if one of the bosses kills you (a classic sound effect by nintendo!)

Don't get me wrong Kung-Fu is good at what it delivers. A simplistic beat 'em up with little music to detract you from your main objective; kicking some major kung-fu ass! The controls are nice and simple but don't give you much in variety. The sounds are classic but at the very least could they have had a few more level tunes? The sprites while boring, are clean and simple. All in all its a great way to kill an hour or two. And hey, why not bring some friends over and have a night filled with bashing skulls and kicking thugs? At least these kung-fu lessons won't cost you anything!