Reviews – Page 11 – RETRO GAMESMASTER

R.C. Pro-Am

21st January 20168th April 2022 Peter Ward

Published by Nintendo of America Inc. Developed by Rare, Ltd. Released Feb, 1988 Also For Arcade, Genesis Released in 1987 by Rare R.C. Pro-Am is a really fun racing game played from an isometric viewpoint, this game has much to enjoy if you can get past the very harsh learning curve. The gameplay is so much fun, playing like an even more intense version of Micro Machines (but 4 years earlier). There are 32 very challenging tracks, you must compete with 3 cpu controlled cars for first place. After you have completed a race…

A Link to the Past

20th January 20168th April 2022 Peter Ward

Developed by: Nintendo EAD Published by: Nintendo Released (initially): November 21, 1991 (Japan) April 13, 1992 (North America) September 24, 1992 (EU) Consoles: SNES, GBA, Virtual Console As the third cannon game released, Zelda fans got better graphics, three more dungeons from the traditional eight, more weapons, no spending one rupee for shooting an arrow, and that is the only the beginning… Timeline theorist or not, this game has something for the average gamer and for the diehard Zelda fan alike… For the average gamer, this game can save anywhere…

Tekken 2

19th January 201624th May 2021 Peter Ward

Published by Namco Hometek Inc. Developed by Namco Limited Released Aug 28, 1996 Also For Arcade, PlayStation 3, PSP, PS Vita, Zeebo Tekken 2 was released in the UK in 1996, a sequel to the original Tekken and a conversion of the arcade game from Namco. The original Tekken really showed how a 3d one on one beat em up should play with its simple and fun gameplay but with hidden depth, this sequel improves things even further. Graphically the game is even better than the original with extra texture mapping on the…

Metropolis Street Racer

18th January 20168th April 2022 Peter Ward

Published by SEGA of America, Inc. Developed by Bizarre Creations, Ltd. Released Jan 16, 2001 Platform Dreamcast Metropolis Street Racer was released for the Sega Dreamcast in the summer of 2000, this was the first game developed by Bizarre Creations who would go on to make Project Gotham Racing series on Xbox and Xbox 360 and after a short play time the similarities are apparent. Firstly the graphics are superb with big shiny and well detailed cars and stunning tracks that take place in London, Tokyo and San Francisco. The soundtrack is awesome with local…

Cruis’n USA

15th January 201624th May 2021 Peter Ward

Published by Nintendo of America Inc. Developed by Midway Games, Inc. Released Oct 31, 1996 Also For Arcade, Wii Cruis’n USA was released for the Nintendo 64 in 1997, a conversion of the arcade game that falls short compared to rival games on other consoles (namely Ridge Racer) but still has much to enjoy. Firstly the graphics are nicely done with chunky cars and very detailed colourful backgrounds spanning several landmarks on the North American Continent, there are 10 tracks in total including San Francisco, Chicago and Washington DC. The sound effects and music are…

Battle Arena Toshinden

14th January 201624th May 2021 Peter Ward

Published by TAKARA Co., Ltd. Developed by Tamsoft Corporation Released Jan 01, 1995 Platforms DOS, PlayStation Released alongside the Playstation in Europe in the autumn of 1995 Battle Arena Toshinden madea massive impact upon all those early adopters largely due to the stunning graphics for the time. The game features massive sprites and texture mapped backgrounds which were way ahead of the competitors of the day (namely Sega’s Virtua Fighter), the sound is also decent although a little raw at times. The gameplay is simple and fun, essentially a 3d beat em…

Streets of Rage 3

13th January 201624th May 2021 Peter Ward

Published by SEGA of America, Inc. Developed by Sega AM7 R&D Division Released Mar 17, 1994 Also For iPhone, Wii, Windows Released in late 1994 Streets of Rage 3 was the final game in the legendary series and despite being a decent game it is easily my least favourite of the 3. Firstly the good points, graphically the game is superb with massive sprites and very colourful and detailed backgrounds. The actual stages themselves are also impressive ranging from a seedy nightclub, a construction site and even an elevator. The basic gameplay is unchanged from the…

Crash Bandicoot 3: Warped

12th January 201624th May 2021 Peter Ward

Published by Sony Computer Entertainment America, Inc. Developed by Naughty Dog, Inc. Released Nov 04, 1998 Also For PlayStation 3, PSP, PS Vita Released in late 1998 Crash Bandicoot 3: Warped was the final game in the series created and developed by Naughty Dog (not including spin off games such as Crash Bash and Crash Team Racing), and what a way to exit! This game is superb. This game has all the best points of the previous Crash Bandicoot games such as the awesome pick up and play game mechanics and inventive level design whilst adding…

Spyro The Dragon

11th January 201624th May 2021 Peter Ward

Published by Sony Computer Entertainment America, Inc. Developed by Insomniac Games, Inc. Released Sep 09, 1998 Also For PlayStation 3, PSP, PS Vita Released in the summer of 1998 Spyro The Dragon is a superb 3d platform game that shows the original Playstation is just as capable as the Nintendo 64 in the right hands. This game has so much to offer, superb graphics with no glitches or imperfections, a cute as can be main character and some of the best gameplay mechanics available on the console. Unlike other 3d platformers of the time this game…

Super Mario Land

8th January 20168th April 2022 Peter Ward

Developed by: Nintendo RD&1 Published by: Nintendo Platforms: Game Boy and Virtual Console Released: April 21, 1989 (Japan) July 31, 1989 (North America) September 28, 1990 (EU/PAL) The Year: 1989! The System: Game Boy Brick (original)! As any hardcore Nintendo fan will tell you; a Mario game (or any character from the Mario universe) will have a launch title for its respective console: this side scrolling title got that coveted prize: Super Mario Land!The 8-bit wonder (yes I say 8-bit because it looks like Super Mario Bros. 1 except it…