The story of Peter Pan has been around for over a century, and while everyone knows the classic Disney rendition, many have tried to put 1991’s “sequel” Hook out of their minds. Love it or hate it, it was a huge hit, telling the story of a grown up Peter who must return to Never Never Land to rescue his children from Captain Hook. In typical summer blockbuster fashion, it received a video game for several consoles. Sega fans had their hopes raised for the Sega CD version, expecting all kinds of goodness. Instead, they got the Genesis game with a CD soundtrack.
Author: Ken Horowitz
Magical Taruruuto-Kun
Paltformers were a major staple of the Genesis gamer’s diet during its run, and as often happens when something gets really popular, you can indeed have too much of a good thing. Case in point: Magical Taruruuto-Kun, a anime-based game that relied on its license and blatant cuteness more than its gameplay, and the result was a bland affair that was only magical at putting people to sleep.
Double Take: Thunder Force III
If you ask a Genesis fan which shooter they’re most partial to, most of them will likely mention one of the Thunder Force games. Better known than probably any other series in the genre, the three titles released on Sega’s little black box have become the stuff of legend. Most would argue that the fourth game, confusingly (and incorrectly) renamed Lightening Force in the U.S., is the best, but there are those with a soft spot for the epic third installment. The latest installment of Double Take looks back at Techno Soft’s masterpiece and recalls fond memories of the great times playing it.
Rastan Saga II
The name Rastan means something to arcade goers who are old enough to have played Taito’s classic in the arcades. It was difficult, great-looking, and it’s twin stereo speakers fired off an awesome soundtrack for everyone in the area to hear. Yes, Rastan rocked hard, and for that reason it’s a shame that the sequel never quite lived up to its predecessor. The Genesis scored an amazingly accurate port, but all the bad came over with all the good, and the result is a mediocre product that fails to do the Rastan legacy justice.
Interview: Namco Bandai (Splatterhouse)
Namco Bandai recently announced a new game in the Splatterhouse series, one that would revisit the mythos and reboot the franchise instead of being a true sequel. Electronic Gaming Monthly (EGM) had the scoop with lots of great details and screen shots of Rick’s latest foray into the macabre mansion of Dr. West. As major Splatterhouse fans ourselves, Sega-16 knocked on Namco’s door in hopes of getting some insight on how the game compares to the previous Genesis releases, as well as what we could expect from the gameplay. Namco was gracious enough to let us chat with the game’s two producers, and we have the complete interview available for you! Set aside the hockey masks and meat cleavers, and take some time to read up on the rebirth of a classic!