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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.
Sega’s new CD-ROM add-on was meant to bring bigger and better game experiences, but its first RPG entry was sadly off-key. In a world where the Genesis was finally hitting its role-playing stride, Funky Horror Band should have been a magical game that showed off the CD-ROM’s power. Instead, it wasn’t much of an upgrade at all.
Sega complemented Columns on the Game Gear with 1991’s Slider, a cute little action puzzle title highly reminiscent of Adventures of Lolo or Zoom!. Tight gameplay and colorful visuals make this one a fun experience in short bursts, despite the lack of boss battles and sometimes frustrating level design.
Action Fighter tried to be the Master System’s answer to Bally/Midway’s Spy Hunter, but it lacked the same charm and excitement. The result is an average game that doesn’t quite live up to its name. “Average Fighter” would perhaps have been a more accurate moniker.
Gain Ground was a great arcade experience, and SIMS managed to capture that magic and charm for the Genesis port. Unfortunately, it decided against a U.S. release. Thankfully, Renovation stepped up to the plate and gave us a chance to play this awesome co-op action title.