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Indie developer badcomputer is back with another stellar Master System release, one that rivals even the best shmups on the console. Razing core is a fast-paced vertical shooter that will challenge even the most hardened 8-bit pilots, and it does so with virtually no slowdown or flicker. It shows what the Master System can do in capable hands and should definitely be on the radar of any shmup fans., especially for such an amazingly low price.
Sega tapped into the cultural zeitgeist with Shinobi, an action-packed title that launched one of its longest-running and beloved franchises. Joe Mushashi’s initial adventure set arcades on fire and gave players all the ninja action they could ask for, and it still holds up damn well. With varied stages, huge bosses, and great sword-slashing action, the game remains as tough to conquer today as it was in 1987. It’s still as much fun, too, and a game every action fan needs to play.
Sonic has made appearances in just about every genre out there, so why not a puzzle game? Sonic Eraser does a decent enough job representing the Blue Blur, but it’s not as deep as Columns or Dr. Robotnik’s Mean Bean Machine. It was only released in Japan as a downloadable title for the Mega Modem, so simplicity is was baked into its DNA.
Woody Pop came bundled with Sega’s paddle controller, but it’s not necessarily the best game to use with it. Poor presentation and problematic gameplay keep it from reaching the heights of other classic paddle games like Arkanoid or Kaboom!, and it even falls short compared to similar Master System games. Unless you’re looking to complete your Master System collection, this one shouldn’t be a priority.
Argonaut Software’s attempt at a 3D platformer on the Saturn is original enough to remain fun, despite suffering all the growing pains the genre endured during the 32-bit era. A finicky camera and tank controls are likely to turn some players away, but there’s enough quality here to occupy an afternoon for those willing to make the adjustment.
Fans of graphic adventures like Snatcher take note! Pixel Pusher Games’ is working on bringing some of that same cyberpunk action to the Genesis. Chords is an exciting new project that looks to rival Kojima’s masterpiece by carving out a space of its own with amazing presentation, excellent dialogue, intriguing characters, and a great story.
Not content to bring its arcade classic, Darius, to Sega’s 16-bit mini console release, M2 further refined the game for a full-blown cartridge release called Darius Extra Version. The game improves several areas significantly, making it more robust than arcade original and offering Genesis owners perhaps the seminal version of Darius.
Mike Fischer began his Sega tenure at a young age and spent his first few years in Japan before transferring over to Sega of America. He went on to executive positions at Namco, Square/Enix, and Xbox. One thing that made Fischer’s experiences so unique was that they were at key points in each company’s history. He spent the better part of two hours telling us about his time at Sega and Namco and some of the historic events he witnessed.
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