Author: Sebastian Sponsel

Sega CD Reviews

Radical Rex (CD)

Sonic The Hedgehog opened the floodgates for a slew of furry mascot characters that had attitude and some lame nemesis to destroy for the greater world good. Activision’s Radical Rex, released on both the Genesis and Sega CD (as well as the SNES), varied from that tired formula in one way: its hero wasn’t furry. Yes, Rex the Dinosaur bravely decided to stand out from the crowd by having skin and not fur, and his jumping, skateboard-riding, item-collecting talents were the envy of the platforming world. And thanks to his individuality and war against conformism, video games are better now.

Genesis Reviews

Chuck Rock

The Flintstones weren’t the only ones to rock the stone age! In 1991, Core Design and Virgin Games released a hit platformer called Chuck Rock for multiple formats, and the game was a massive hit. It boasted lush visuals, large and detailed bosses, and possibly the most unattractive protagonist this side of Boogerman. It was followed by an enhanced Sega CD version and the eventual sequel. We’ve a full review of the Genesis original for ya, so put down that Brontosaurus (Apatosaurus?) burger and read up!

Genesis Reviews

Will Harvey’s Zany Golf

Many gamers grew up with the local mini golf center, or “putt putt.” Ah, spending a Saturday night playing a few rounds, wasting quarters on Ms. Pac-Man and other classic coin-ops, and finishing it all off with some tasty nachos. Not a bad way for a young teen to spend an evening, but what did you do when it rained or you had no money? Why, you played Zany Golf! Well, at least you did on the computer. The Genesis port didn’t fare too well in the transition, and that’s a shame, as Will Harvey’s classic was a true blast to play when it debuted for the Apple II in 1988. Sluggish control is a constant reminder that this is a game meant to be played with a mouse, and the overall package hasn’t aged well at all.

Genesis Reviews

Second Samurai

Region-specific games are the bane of fans of all consoles. No matter how many great games come to one’s specific region, there is always a ton more that got left somewhere else. The Genesis is no exception, and there are more awesome titles left in Europe and Japan than you can shake a Menacer at. Second Samurai is one such title, and we wouldn’t be surprised if you’re right now wondering what the heck game it was that we just mentioned. See? That’s what happens when games stay in just one region!

Features, Hacks & Homebrews

Hacks & Homebrews: Lion King 2 & 3

Disney’s monster hit The Lion King racked up sales in both movie theaters and game stores. The Genesis adaptation is considered by many to be a classic, and that adulation has motivated some to go as far as to create unofficial sequels. Two such bootlegs found their way to Sega’s 16-bit console, but the question is: are they worth checking out? Most bootlegs aren’t, but these might just surprise you. Read all about them in the newest installment of our Hacks & Homebrews series.