It might say “Shinobi” on the box, but brother, this ain’t Shinobi. My sprite disappeared behind the scuba enemy, into the nethers of the salmon-colored house. PLAYERS: 1 PUBLISHER: Tengen DEVELOPER: Tengen GENRE: Action RELEASE DATE: 1989 Shinobi is indeed a Sega-developed game and franchise, so yes, it … Continue reading #562 – Shinobi
#560 – Shatterhand
David Arquette finally loses it. That green vest just screams good taste. PLAYERS: 1 PUBLISHER: Jaleco DEVELOPER: Natsume GENRE: Action RELEASE DATE: December 1991 In Shatterhand, you play a man – let’s call him Biff ShatterPow – whose hands can literally cripple nations. Or at least shatter them. … Continue reading #560 – Shatterhand
#559 – Shadowgate
Pretty intense cover for an NES game. Shadowgate got away with a fair amount, considering Nintendo’s strict censoring policy. You think you’ve heard it all, and then…. PLAYERS: 1 PUBLISHER: Kemco DEVELOPER: ICOM Simulations GENRE: Adventure/Point-and-click RELEASE DATE: December 1989 Believe it or not, the NES was home to … Continue reading #559 – Shadowgate
#558 – Shadow of the Ninja
An evil metropolis, cyborg enemies, and futuristic ninjas. Harvest Moon, this ain’t. Yup, I’m almost dead. PLAYERS: 1-2 simultaneous PUBLISHER: Natsume DEVELOPER: Natsume GENRE: Action RELEASE DATE: December 1990 Shadow of the Ninja is a cult hit, revered and championed by a small few, and forgotten by the … Continue reading #558 – Shadow of the Ninja
#556/557 – Sesame Street: 123 AND Sesame Street: ABC/123
My final Sesame Street game. A moment of silence. You crazy for this one, Ernie. PLAYERS: 1 PUBLISHER: Hi-Tech Expressions DEVELOPER: Rare GENRE: Edutainment RELEASE DATE: January 1989 Not to be confused with Sesame Street: ABC or the aborted time-traveling disco sequel Sesame Street: 456*, 123 is the … Continue reading #556/557 – Sesame Street: 123 AND Sesame Street: ABC/123
#555 – Sesame Street: Countdown
The Count bends down and whispers in your child’s ear. Also, no seven-year-old would want to play this game. Countdown might look complex, but it is anything but. PLAYERS: 1 PUBLISHER: Hi-Tech Expressions DEVELOPER: RSP GENRE: Edutainment RELEASE DATE: February 1992 Sesame Street: Countdown stars yours and my favorite … Continue reading #555 – Sesame Street: Countdown
#554 – Sesame Street: Big Bird’s Hide & Speak
Big Bird talks and plays at you, rather. “The waning sun will put an end to your spelling fun”… that’ll be five dollars. PLAYERS: 1 PUBLISHER: Hi-Tech Expressions DEVELOPER: RSP GENRE: Edutainment RELEASE DATE: October 1990 Put your thinking caps on for this preschool throwback. It’s time to … Continue reading #554 – Sesame Street: Big Bird’s Hide & Speak
#553 – Sesame Street: ABC
Age 6 is pushing it, Hi- Tech. Ernie’s Super Fun Splash. Warning: the term “Super Fun” is super subjective. PLAYERS: 1 PUBLISHER: Hi-Tech Expressions DEVELOPER: Rare GENRE: Edutainment RELEASE DATE: September 1989 If you’ve ever wanted to guide a rubber ducky to a lonesome, bathtub-engulfed Ernie, or detach … Continue reading #553 – Sesame Street: ABC
#552 – Seicross
Seicross was originally called Sector Zone in the arcades. “Seicross” was obviously more marketable. Yes, this is the NES version, not the Commodore 64 port. PLAYERS: 1-2 alternating PUBLISHER: FCI DEVELOPER: Nihon Bussan GENRE: Racing/shmup RELEASE DATE: October 1988 “Arcade Classic” the Seicross box claims in a bright … Continue reading #552 – Seicross
#551 – Section-Z
Another boss Capcom cover. Stuck between a rock and a hard place… wait, where are the portals? PLAYERS: 1 PUBLISHER: Capcom DEVELOPER: Capcom GENRE: Shoot-em-up RELEASE DATE: July 1987 There’s no better “retro gaming” moment than beating an incredibly challenging game, and the NES is full of examples: … Continue reading #551 – Section-Z
#550 – Secret Scout in the Temple of Demise
What happened to Secret Scout’s leg? So does this take place during the 80s or biblical times? Secret Scout is confused! PLAYERS: 1 PUBLISHER: Color Dreams DEVELOPER: Color Dreams GENRE: Action RELEASE DATE: 1991 What’s it gonna be, Secret Scout? Will you explore and conquer the Temple of … Continue reading #550 – Secret Scout in the Temple of Demise
#549 – S.C.A.T.: Special Cybernetic Attack Team
These characters’ names are actually Arnold and Sigourney. I don’t think so, Natsume. Good thing your orbs are facing the correct direction. PLAYERS: 1-2 (simultaneous) PUBLISHER: Natsume DEVELOPER: Natsume GENRE: Shoot-em-up RELEASE DATE: June 1991 The future! If videogames are to be believed, the future is scary and … Continue reading #549 – S.C.A.T.: Special Cybernetic Attack Team