Mega Man - NES Review

 Mega Man

Capcom - 1987

 The Mega Man series is one that I fondly recall from my youth, sitting for hours in front our RCA television, (with it's stylish wood grain plastic sides and rotary dial channel selection knobs) battling it out with the maniacal Dr. Wily and his robot creations bent on world domination. I must admit however, that the bulk of my experience with the series lies with later installments in the series (mainly 3-6). So when I put myself to the task of revisiting the NES library for the eventual goal of playing and reviewing every North American release on the system, this game was high on my list of first titles to tackle due to my love of the latter games in the franchise.

 Let me say now, that the experience was very humbling. I remember renting this game at least once from the local video store after I first got my NES for Christmas in 1988, but I have virtually no recollections as to my original experiences with the game other than being put off by the laughably bad cover and manual art - Mega Man NES Cover Art.  After a few assurances from classmates on the playground (the "forums" of the day) that Mega Man was in fact a decent game, I took the chance and used a precious weekend game rental to see what it was all about.

 Looking back now, I can only surmise that I knocked myself unconscious attempting to emulate an advanced Ninja maneuver I saw on TV and never actually managed to play the game, or that the reality of the challenge was so overwhelming that my young brain kicked itself into some kind of self-preservation mode and repressed the memories of my subsequent gaming failure to protect my fragile, developing psyche.  I can offer no other explanations why I would not remember such a profound ass whooping.

This game is hard.

Mega Man is brutal, unforgiving and gives no shits about pulling your gamer card, ripping it to shreds and throwing it onto the pile confiscated from players before you that it sent packing back home to mama.  There are no shortage of difficult NES games, but the list of games that depend on genuine challenge and are not simply hard due to broken controls or ill conceived gameplay mechanics is much shorter.  Mega Man fits into the former category for the most part. There are some instances of cheap enemy placement and platforming elements that require near superhuman reflexes to successfully navigate, but both can be overcome with some practice and level memorization.

You can chose to play any of the first six stages from the beginning of the game, which added some much needed variety to the typical NES game of the era.  Most games of the day started on the same level every time which could be frustrating if you wanted to practice on a certain stage that was giving you trouble. The enemies move in regular and predictable patterns and you can shoot while climbing on ladders which is a welcome feature.

Most of your deaths will likely come from the death-defying platform segments over the many unfathomable pits and spiked floors. One area that I find to be especially annoying is this part in Ice Man's level where they drop you into an icy pit with an enemy that can only be killed with certain weapons and the platforms above you appear and disappear in a specific pattern. If you already know the pattern or have the weapon needed to dispatch the enemy, you're all set.  But if you don't have the required weapon or know the platform pattern you are pretty much screwed, its a beginners trap the only purpose being to kill you.

As if this ice pit segment wasn't bad enough, as you progress through the stage you reach a point where the platforms needed for progression over the bottomless void below are not only moving around in a seemingly random pattern, they are also shooting at you !

Don't let the cute googly eyes fool you, these platforms want you dead.

Everything in the game is trying to stop Mega Man from taking the battle to Dr. Wily and they are doing a pretty damn good job of it.  The other levels are just as challenging as Ice Man's in their own way, and the method the game uses to establish checkpoints when you are defeated can be unforgiving as well, such as dropping you directly into the above mentioned ice pit.  You can, however use this checkpoint system to your advantage as dying during a regular boss battle will drop you back into the corridor immediately prior to the robot master. This is useful for getting yourself back up to full health before the fight if you have additional lives in reserve. (your special weapon energy is not replenished however).

Further adding to the challenge of Mega Man are the lack of elements that made the later installments memorable (and less frustrating), most notably the energy tanks and password system.  The omission of any kind of progress saving system forces you to play through it in one go and increases the frustration factor dramatically, (although emulation through a traditional emulator or Nintendo's Virtual Console makes this a non-issue). If you are gonna attempt to do it "legit" with a real NES cart keep this in mind.

Mega Man is worth a play, and is actually quite good if you aren't bothered by the merciless difficulty.  If you are a Mega Man veteran but missed this one somehow its nice to go back and see the series roots and experience a new challenge worthy of any hardcore NES gamer.  If you are new to the Mega Man series or even just the 8-bit Mega Man games, i would recommend starting with MM2 or 3 and saving this one for when you have mastered the more polished installments and need additional challenge.


Cheats and game suggestions -

Boss order and weaknesses (not required, but I find this order the easiest):

Robot Master	Weapon to utilize
Bomb Man	Mega Buster [P]
Guts Man	Hyper Bomb [B]
Cut Man	Super Arm [G]
Elec Man	Rolling Cutter [C]
Ice Man	Thunder Beam [E]
Fire Man	Ice Slasher [I]

Game Genie Codes:

Effect	Code
Infinite Lives	OZSKPZVK
Infinite Energy	SZKZGZSA
Mega Jump	TAOOYTGA
Only bosses deal damage	AVVXLPSZ

Balloon Fight - NES Review

 Balloon Fight 

Nintendo 1986

Balloon fight is a single screen arcade style action game released by Nintendo for the NES in 1986.  The gameplay is influenced heavily by Joust released to the arcades by Williams in 1982, so if you've played that game you will know what to expect.  The player controls a Mario looking character wearing a helmet with two balloons attached. Pressing the A button causes the player character to flap his arms, generating lift. Pressing the B button also flaps the characters arms but holding the button will result in continuous arm flapping as long as the button is held, allowing you to ascend rapidly or quickly arrest a descent.  The player steers the character with the D-pad.

There are three game modes available: A, B and C.

Game Mode A

Mode A is a single screen where the object is to defeat all of the enemies in the stage by ramming them when your character is at a higher elevation than the enemy. This will cause the enemy's balloon to pop and they will deploy a parachute as they fall to the platforms below, or into the water.  If you can sabotage the enemy's parachute before they reach the ground you will receive extra points vs. defeating them once they have landed on the ground or platform. Defeated enemies will cause bubbles to rise from the water which can be popped for extra points. If an enemy's balloon has been popped and they manage to safely land on the ground or a platform they will attempt to inflate another balloon and get back into the fight after a short time.

If the player takes too long to defeat all enemies onscreen, the clouds in the background will turn to storm clouds and begin firing lightning sparks that will meander all over the screen.  Since you have two balloons you can take two hits from regular enemies before losing a life, but contacting a lightning spark will pop all of your available balloons resulting in a one hit defeat.

Every three stages you are treated to a bonus level where you try to collect as many balloons as possible that float up towards the top of the screen from pipes located at the bottom of the play field.

Mode B is the same as mode A but allows simultaneous two player cooperative action.

Game Mode C

Mode C is called "Balloon Ride" and is a side scrolling obstacle avoidance game where you must pilot your balloon flyer through increasingly difficult course while collecting as many balloons as possible to gather points for the high score.

Easy to pick up and play, as you progress through the later stages the difficulty ramps up precipitously. The game is very fun and failing to complete a stage just makes you want to play another round and try again.  The physics feel suitably floaty and the control responds very well, though it will take practice to master the maneuvers needed to conquer later levels. In all Balloon Fight is an entertaining little gem that is even better if you have a friend along for the two player mode.

While it may not offer much in the way of depth, there is enough good old fashioned arcade action and challenge here to keep most retro gamers busy for a good while. Balloon Fight is a definite must play.  


Cheats and game suggestions -

Effect	Code
Infinite Lives	SUNNIZVI
Unpopable ballons (not effective against sparks)	AVXTNYKA

Castlevania - NES Review

 Castlevania

Konami - 1987

Castlevania is a series that despite my love of the NES and for Konami games (especially those released from the late 80's to the late 90's) I never had much experience playing until many years after its release.  I had a couple of friends who owned the original NES release and played it at least a dozen times during the system's lifespan but it just never clicked with me to the point that i felt the desire to own the game for myself.

I think the lack of interest on my part was due to fact that Castlevania's theme and setting never appealed to me in my youth.  I was much more into ninja, military and space themed games, movies and television, so the classical horror elements and atmosphere of Castlvania was simply lost on me. Now that I am older, wiser and have had much more exposure to the source material Castlevania draws its inspiration from, I can appreciate all the things it does right and not focus on the shortcomings that would put me off otherwise.

Castlevania's intro sets the tone perfectly.

Following a short intro that does a surprisingly effective job of setting up the spooky atomosphere, Castlevania thrusts you into the role of Simon Belmont who is determined to take down the vampire lord Dracula and anything that stands in the way of completing that task. Dracula apparently heard that Belmont was in town to kick ass and chew bubblegum and has recruited a roster of classic monster villains to his castle to make Belmont's day a living hell.  Simon will do battle with zombies, skeletons, Medusa heads, mummies, Frankenstein's monster and even Death himself.

Castlevania's gameplay takes on a side-scrolling platforming format where you will traverse each level navigating through traps and pitfalls while defeating enemies with your whip or one of 5 sub-weapons including a dagger, holy water, cross, axe and stopwatch.  Each use of a sub-weapon consumes a number of hearts you collect, which act as ammunition.  The whip can be upgraded, effecting its striking distance and attack power. You will collect items and hearts by breaking candelabras as well as defeating enemies and can find hidden items and health in breakable walls and floors concealed throughout the levels.

Map screen displayed between levels

Making your way through the six levels which are broken down into three stages each can be quite challenging.  Simon controls well, but the game has some design decisions which limit his moves and agility. You can only whip straight ahead and while crouching or jumping and this makes attacking enemy's above and below a challenge.  Certain sub-weapons give the ability to attack beyond the horizontal plane but for the most part you are limited to only engaging enemies directly in front or behind your character. Simon's whip is also slightly delayed upon pressing the action button which gives a nice feel of realism due to the nature of the weapon, but makes quickly dispatching a close foe challenging. Jumping is also a bit handicapped as you don't have the ability to change direction in the air and Simon is not very agile. I've heard the controls described as "stiff" many times and I would have to agree that is the word that best suites a summation of the control, however they are quick and responsive within the limitations.

Graphics are typical of an early NES title and are a bit bland with repetitive color usage and somewhat primitive sprites, though everything is well drawn and recognizable. The music is outstanding, and my hat is off to Konami for doing such amazing work early on with the NES sound chip.  The background tracks are very memorable and they will be stuck in your head for days afterward.

The challenge of Castlevania is the most likely aspect of the game that will turn people away from it and here is where most of my criticisms lie. The game is rampant with cheap deaths from intentionally difficult platform segments when combined with the stiff controls and relentlessly spawning enemies just off-screen. Dying in this game reverts to back to the last checkpoint, but without your previous whip upgrades, sub-weapon or heart count. Nothing is more frustrating than dying at a boss battle and having to respawn with only the basic whip and having to run a gauntlet of enemies while attempting to upgrade your weaponry and still save enough hit points for the ensuing boss fight. Once you do beat a stage, it leaves you with sense of accomplishment and somehow makes the struggle and frustration worth it.

Castlevania has been lauded by many as one of the best games on the NES and I have to say that despite the shortcomings it is a very rewarding experience. If you haven't experienced it yet, or have just been away for a while, you owe it to yourself to check it out.


Cheats and game suggestions -

Effect	Code
Infinite Energy	SZSVLYSA
Infinite Lives	OXNGLZVK
Keep weapons after death	GZOGYUSE
80 Hearts to start	ASOGOPIA

Contra - NES Review

 Contra

Konami - 1988

Dutch Schaefer and John Rambo ?  Nah, just their lesser known brothers Bill and Lance. 

Freaking Contra ! What more needs to be said really ?  If you missed this game back in the heyday of the NES it might not seem like quite the masterpiece it is, but I assure you that everyone was raving about this game in the late 80's and with good reason.

Contra is an arcade port of the Konami classic run and gun side scrolling action game of the same name.  The conversion to the NES, in my opinion, was one of those rare instances where the home version actually exceeded the arcade in terms of play-ability and quality of execution. The control is more fluent and easier to control, the difficulty strikes a better balance between challenge and fun and while the graphics have taken a hit, I actually find the NES sprites more visually appealing.

 

Action takes place on a multi level play-field where you will guide your Schwarzenegger or Stallone look alike character through relentless enemy fire to confront each of the stage bosses.  Some levels switch things up to a pseudo 3D perspective where you will control your character from behind and engage enemies in the foreground.  The 3D stages aren't much to look at any more, but in the day they were quite impressive and still do an effective job of providing some variety to the gameplay.

Not Oculus Rift compatible.

 Contra's 8 stages will take you through sweltering jungles, high tech enemy strongholds, frozen snowfields and even into the heart of an alien breeding ground. All levels are bright and colorful with well detailed backgrounds and some pretty good backing tracks that will get you immersed into the action. Sound effects are not quite on par with the graphics and consist of some lackluster weapon sounds, but the explosions are pleasing and overall the sound department is solid.

Forgot my snowboard !

The control is spot on and the tight play control gives you a fighting chance against the endless waves of enemy combatants. There are a variety of weapon upgrades available ranging from awesome (spread gun) to borderline useless (laser). You start play with 3 lives but gain extra's after racking up a certain number of points.  One hit from an enemy will defeat your character however, so watch those projectiles.  For an easier time you can enter the famous Konami code to start the game with 30 lives for one or both characters (2 players).

Contra is one of the best games on the NES and arguably one of Konami's finest achievements in video game art. Sadly I never owned this game during the NES lifecycle, but enough of my friends and family owned the game that I never really lacked for any opportunity to play it while I concentrated on getting games that either no-one had or I had an interest in (though unfortunately most of those games were not of the caliber of Contra).

If you like run and gun 8-bit games, or even just a good old NES challenge, Contra is a worthy addition to your library and any one who appreciates old school games needs to play it.


Helpful Codes and Game Genie cheats -

30 Lives - (enter at title screen before demo)
one player- Up, Up, Down, Down, Left, Right, Left, Right, B, A, Start
for 2 players - Up, Up, Down, Down, Left, Right, Left, Right, B, A, Select, Start

Game Genie -

Effect	Code
Unlimited Lives	SLAIUZ
Keep weapons after death	GXIIUX
Start new life with MG	PEIIXZ
Start new life with Spread gun	LEIIXZ

Super Mario Bros. - NES Review

Super Mario Bros.
Nintendo - 1985
Side Scrolling Platformer

Super Mario Bros. is a game that should need no introduction to gamer or even non-gamer alike.  This is arguably THE game that put Nintendo on the map and pushed the NES into the homes of millions of people around the world.  Without Super Mario and the NES, the video game crash of '83 may have persisted for much longer and the state of video games as we know it today may have been very different.  Looking back at this game 31 years later it is still quite apparent why this game was, and continues to be, so popular.

The bright, colorful graphics still look pleasing today even without the rose colored lens of nostalgia and the on screen action flows smoothly with minimal slowdown or flicker. There is a nice variety of environments to explore and each world has it's own unique "feel" and set of platforming challenges.

Control is quick and responsive, though not as crisp as the later Mario Bros. installments. The only real complaint I have is that Mario's "run-up" speed feels a bit sluggish and can make some platform segments quite difficult.

The music and sounds are decent for such an early NES title and the catchy tunes will stick with you long after the play session has ended. The sheer number of Super Mario Bros. remixes out there will tell you all you need to know about the lasting impact of this game's soundtrack.

While not as laden with secrets as later installments, SMB still has plenty of discoveries to be made. While not the first to use the term, Super Mario is basically responsible for the term "Warp Zone" having permeated the video game lexicon.  Mention "Warp Zone" and I would hazard a guess that most people will think immediately of the Mario games.

 A variety of power-ups will assist you on your mission to rescue the kidnapped princess including power mushrooms, fire flowers and super stars. You will likely need all the assistance you can get to reach the final castle and battle with Bowser, the King of the Koopa race.

If you haven't played SMB before, or haven't in a while, I really recommend giving it a go. If not just for the appreciation of this early groundbreaking game which continues to influence game design 30+ years on, but because it is a genuinely fun and challenging experience.

Helpful Tips and Game Genie cheats -

Once you run out of lives and see the "Game Over" screen, when you return to the title screen hold the A button and press start.  You will continue from the beginning of the world you left off in.





Game Genie -

Effect	Code
Unlimited Lives	SXIOPO
Start with 9 lives	AATOZE

Batman - NES Review

 Batman

Sunsoft - 1990
Side Scrolling Action Platformer

"Let's get Dangerous". Wait.. wrong game.

Batman was a video game that was developed and published by Sunsoft for the Nintendo Entertainment System (NES) in 1989. The game was based on the film with the same name that was released the same year. Batman was a game that was highly anticipated at the time, and it was well-received by both gamers and critics.

One of the key selling points of Batman was its graphics, which were among the best on the NES at the time. The game's color palette was vibrant and attention-grabbing, and the character designs of Batman, The Joker, and other villains were impressive. The game's cutscenes were also a showcase of the NES graphics capabilities, and they conveyed the story of the game well.

The gameplay was also well-received, with players getting to control Batman through levels based on various locations in Gotham City. Each level ended with a boss fight, adding to the game's challenge level. Batman had an arsenal of moves, including his batarang and grappling hook, which he used to traverse through levels and defeat enemies.

Despite having an overall satisfying experience, some reviewers criticized the difficulty of Batman, stating that it was significantly harder than most NES games of the time. The game lacked a password system or save feature, which meant that players had to play through the game in one sitting to finish it.

Despite its criticisms, Batman was a defining example of a licensed video game that stands out for its quality and balance of gameplay. It was one of the must-have games for any NES owner and a fantastic accomplishment for Nintendo. The game still holds up reasonably well today, even if the difficulty level makes it a difficult accomplishment to beat it without a save feature. Overall, Batman is a standout title on the NES that continues to be a fan favorite and a must-play experience for fans of the Caped Crusader.

Super Mario Bros. 2 - NES Review

 Super Mario Bros. 2

Nintendo - 1988
Side Scrolling Platformer

Super Mario Bros. 2, released in 1988 by Nintendo for the Nintendo Entertainment System (NES), was a game that represented a significant departure from the original Super Mario Bros. game. It was released to critical acclaim, becoming one of the defining games of the NES era.

One of the most striking features of Super Mario Bros. 2 was its graphics and visuals, which were a significant upgrade from the original game. The game featured new enemies, varied backgrounds, and imaginative level designs that perfectly complemented the game's shifting gameplay mechanics. The game's visuals showed Nintendo's prowess in the gaming industry, and it proved that they were industry leaders in creating innovative and visually appealing games.

Gameplay-wise, Super Mario Bros. 2 was a significant departure from the first game. Players could now choose between four characters to play, including Mario, Luigi, Toad, and Princess Peach, each with unique abilities, adding an extra dimension of depth to the game. The game's main mechanic, where players had to uproot vegetables and throw them at enemies, was also new, requiring a different set of skills from the original game.

Super Mario Bros. 2 also boasted an impressive soundtrack that is still iconic to this day. The game's audio was impressive, with catchy, memorable tunes that perfectly complemented the game's visuals and gameplay.

However, some critics did have reservations about the game. While some praised the game's difficulty, others criticized it for being too easy, which may have put off hardcore gamers. Additionally, for some, the game's unconventional gameplay and lack of continuity with the previous Mario title was an issue.

In conclusion, Super Mario Bros. 2 is a classic video game that showcases Nintendo's ability to innovate and create new gameplay mechanics. With its engaging gameplay, memorable characters, and impressive graphics, it remains an iconic game of its time and is still enjoyed by many retro gamers today. Despite its minor flaws, it remains a game that helped shape the video game industry and continue to inspire future game developers.

720 - NES Review

  720 

Mindscape - 1989

720, developed and published by Mindscape for the Nintendo Entertainment System (NES), was a game that provided gamers with a unique and entertaining gaming experience. It was first released in 1989 and was a home port of an Atari arcade game.

One of the most striking features of 720 was its graphics and sound. The game featured bright and colorful visuals that showcased the game's skateboarding theme. The levels were intricately designed and varied, with players skating through skate parks and city streets. The sound was excellent, featuring catchy tunes and well-designed sound effects that immersed players in the game.

Gameplay-wise, 720 was a challenging game that required players to master the game's controls to successfully progress through the game. Players skate through the game's levels, collecting coins and performing tricks, all while avoiding obstacles and enemies. One of the most impressive features of the game was its open-world design, allowing players to explore and interact with the game's environment on their own terms.

720 also boasted an impressive leveling system, where players earned points from performing tricks that could be used to upgrade their skills or purchase new tricks. This added an extra layer of depth to the game, making it more enjoyable for players who wanted to invest more time in the game.

Despite the game's positives, it was not without its flaws. One of the game's most significant issues was its difficulty level, which was incredibly challenging, even for experienced gamers. The game's steep learning curve and high difficulty level may have put off some players, especially those who were not used to the game's style of gameplay.

In conclusion, 720 was an excellent game that offered gamers a unique and enjoyable gaming experience. Its impressive graphics, sound, and gameplay mechanics made it a standout title of the 8-bit era. While its challenging difficulty level and learning curve may have put off some players, it remains a classic game that stands the test of time. If you're a fan of skateboarding games, 720 is a great title to revisit, even after all these years.

1942 - NES Review

 1942

Capcom - 1986

1942, developed and published by Capcom for the Nintendo Entertainment System (NES), was a game that showcased the company's expertise in the shoot 'em up genre. Released in 1986, it quickly became a popular title among NES owners.

One of the most striking features of 1942 was its intense and fast-paced gameplay. Players took on the role of a World War II pilot, fighting against hordes of enemy planes and bosses across various levels. The game's vertical scrolling mechanics and the constant barrage of enemies kept players on their toes, creating an adrenaline-fueled experience.

The game's graphics, considering the limitations of the NES, were impressive for the time. The detailed enemy planes and varied environments added depth and immersion to the gameplay. The attention given to the small details, like the explosions and bullet patterns, contributed to the overall satisfaction of the shooting experience.

1942 also boasted a memorable soundtrack that complemented the action-packed gameplay. The energetic and pulsating music perfectly matched the intensity of the battles, further enhancing the immersive experience of the game.

However, despite its positives, 1942 was not without its flaws. The game's difficulty level was punishingly high, even for seasoned gamers. While some may appreciate the challenge, it may deter more casual players, leading to frustration and limited enjoyment. Additionally, the lack of checkpoints or save points meant that players had to start from the beginning of the game each time they were defeated, further adding to the game's difficulty.

Another issue with 1942 was its lack of variety. While the shooting mechanics and enemy patterns were well-executed, the game offered little innovation or surprises as players progressed through the levels. Repetition quickly set in, making the overall experience feel somewhat monotonous after extended play.

In conclusion, 1942 remains a classic shoot 'em up game that showcases Capcom's expertise in the genre. Its intense gameplay, impressive graphics, and memorable soundtrack create an immersive experience for players. However, its punishing difficulty level and lack of variety may deter some players from fully enjoying the game. If you're a fan of challenging shoot 'em ups and can handle a high level of difficulty, 1942 is definitely worth revisiting.

1943: The Battle of Midway - NES Review

  1943: The Battle of Midway

Capcom - 1988

1943, developed and published by Capcom for the Nintendo Entertainment System (NES), is the sequel to the popular game, 1942. It was released in 1988 and offered several new features and enhancements over its predecessor.

One of the most notable improvements in 1943 was the game's graphics. The game featured enhanced graphics, better character designs, and more detailed backgrounds compared to its predecessor. In addition, the game now featured a horizontal scrolling mechanic, allowing players to view broader landscapes and detailed environments in greater detail.

The gameplay in 1943 was similar to 1942, where players control a World War II pilot and fight enemy planes and bosses across several levels. However, the game introduced new elements, including power-ups, bombarding levels, and the ability to choose between three different planes with unique attributes. These additions made the gameplay more varied, engaging, and enjoyable for players.

The soundtrack was another aspect in which 1943 excels. The music was memorable and both complemented and enhanced the fast-paced and action-packed gameplay. The sound effects, including the sound of enemies exploding, were also well-designed and added to the overall immersive experience of the game.

However, 1943 is not without its flaws. The game was challenging, even for experienced players, with the final levels requiring considerable skill and patience to overcome. While this may be a positive factor for some, it may deter more casual players and limit the game's appeal.

Additionally, 1943 provided limited opportunities for players to gain additional lives, forcing players to manage their lives stock carefully and rely on skill to progress through the game. While this does add an element of nail-biting anticipation, it also means that one minor error can result in defeat, bringing frustration along with it.

In conclusion, 1943 is a notable improvement over its predecessor, offering enhanced graphics, varied gameplay, and a memorable soundtrack. The game's challenging difficulty level and limited opportunities for extra lives may deter some players, but for those willing to invest the time and skill, 1943 is a satisfying and engaging shoot 'em up game that is well worth revisiting.

Adventures of Lolo 2 - NES Review

 Adventures of Lolo 2

Hal Laboratory - 1990

The Adventures of Lolo 2, developed by HAL Laboratory and published in 1990 for the Nintendo Entertainment System (NES), is a puzzle game that builds on the success of its predecessor, The Adventures of Lolo. While retaining some of the original game's features, Lolo 2 introduces a range of new levels, enemies, items and challenges.

The game features a colorful and cute design, which is well-suited to the puzzle genre. Players control Lolo, a blue ball-shaped creature, and navigate him through dungeons while solving increasingly difficult puzzles. The graphics are well-designed and charming, with each level possessing its unique visual style.

The puzzles in Lolo 2 require the player to utilize a combination of strategy and critical thinking to progress through the game, involving puzzles such as pushing blocks into place, deflecting enemy attacks, and avoiding traps. The game also introduces new items such as hammers and ladders that add an extra layer of complexity.

The game's audio components are well-executed, and the game's music and sound effects are both upbeat and memorable, reflecting the game's bright and colorful aesthetics.

One of the game's key drawbacks is its level of difficulty. While the game's puzzles start off relatively easy, they become increasingly complex as the player progresses through the game's numerous stages. At times, players may become stuck or stumped by particular challenges, necessitating considerable trial and error or even the use of online guides, which detracts somewhat from the game's overall enjoyment.

Another issue with the game is its lack of innovation. While The Adventures of Lolo 2 does a good job of expanding and enhancing some of the original game's features, it doesn't venture far from the formulaic game design, which may make the game feel stale for some players.

In conclusion, The Adventures of Lolo 2 expands on the success of its predecessor, featuring well-executed graphics, tight gameplay mechanics, and charming sound design. However, the game's high level of difficulty and its lack of innovation may limit its appeal to some players. Despite this, for puzzle enthusiasts, The Adventures of Lolo 2 is a game worth exploring, offering numerous hours of challenging and enjoyable gameplay.

The Adventures of Lolo 3 - NES Review

  The Adventures of Lolo 3

Hal Laboratory - 1991

The Adventures of Lolo 3, developed by HAL Laboratory and published in 1991, is the third installment in the Lolo puzzle game series for the Nintendo Entertainment System (NES). It is similar in gameplay and design to its predecessors, but features new mechanics, gameplay elements, and a variety of new puzzles.

The graphics in Lolo 3 are bright and charming, maintaining the series' signature bright color palette and simple character designs. The game features fantastic visual variety in terms of level design, as each area in the game has its own unique theme.

The game's audio components are well-executed, with memorable music pieces that fit the game's whimsical mood. The sound effects are similarly well-implemented, with each sound effect perfectly complementing the action on-screen.

Lolo 3 introduces a range of new mechanics to the series, including the ability for the player to switch between and control two characters, Lolo and his girlfriend Lala. Additionally, the game incorporates more enemies and puzzles that are more difficult than those of its predecessor, The Adventures of Lolo 2.

Despite these improvements, Lolo 3 does suffer from a lack of innovation when compared to earlier entries in the series. Much of the game's puzzle design is similar to what was seen in earlier games in the series, with a few exceptions to the formula. This may be disappointing to those who hoped for significant innovation and change in the third installment.

Another issue that some players may have with Lolo 3 is its level of difficulty, which may prove too challenging for some. The puzzles in Lolo 3 are incredibly complex and require meticulous attention to detail to solve, making progress through the game slow and frustrating at times.

Overall, The Adventures of Lolo 3 is a solid continuation of the series, featuring many improvements over its predecessor while maintaining the charm and whimsy of the series. However, the game's lack of innovation and high difficulty level may deter some players. For puzzle enthusiasts who enjoy a challenging experience, The Adventures of Lolo 3 is a must-play game.

Adventure Island - NES Review

 Adventure Island

Hudson Soft - 1988

Hudson's Adventure Island, developed by Hudson Soft and published in 1986 for the Nintendo Entertainment System (NES), is a side-scrolling platformer game that has become an NES classic. The game features an endearing main character, bright graphics, and a catchy soundtrack that make for an enjoyable experience, but the game's design does have a few notable flaws.

The game stars the character Master Higgins, who is tasked with saving his girlfriend from the clutches of the evil Witch Doctor. As Higgins runs through the lush island landscape, players must avoid various obstacles such as pits, enemies, and falling boulders while collecting fruit for health and bonus points.

The graphics in Adventure Island are bright and colorful, with environments that are cartoonish and jungle-themed. The game's visuals are enjoyable and charming, and they are well-suited to the lighthearted, adventure-filled tone of the game.

The audio components of the game are also well-executed, featuring a catchy soundtrack that is sure to stick in the player's head. The sound effects are classic NES and fit perfectly within the game's aesthetic.

One of Adventure Island's notable flaws is its difficulty level, which can be unforgiving for players. The game is designed to require frequent use of the jump button, with enemies constantly spawning and moving in unpredictable patterns. Combined with the character's limitations of one-hit deaths and a slow running speed, players may find the game overly frustrating.

Another noticeable flaw is the game's lack of variety in its gameplay. While the game includes a range of enemies and obstacles, there is a repetitive nature to the platforming and combat that eventually becomes tiresome. This is especially true in later levels, where the game's difficulty ramps up without adding any significant new mechanics.

Despite these flaws, The Adventures of Adventure Island is still a fun and enjoyable game, with charming graphics and a memorable soundtrack. While its difficulty level may be too high for some, its simple gameplay design makes it a strong entry in the NES platforming genre. For retro game enthusiasts and fans of the NES, this game is worth checking out.

Adventure Island 2 - NES Review

  Adventure Island 2

Hudson Soft - 1991

Adventure Island II, developed by Hudson Soft and published in 1991 for the Nintendo Entertainment System (NES), is a side-scrolling platformer and a sequel to the original Adventure Island. The game features the same cutesy graphics and catchy music, but with several significant improvements and additional features, including new gameplay mechanics, a more diverse range of worlds, and an increased difficulty level.

The game follows the adventures of the main character Master Higgins, as he sets out to rescue his girlfriend and her sister from the clutches of the evil Witch Doctor. Higgins runs through six different worlds, spanning from ocean depths to an active volcano, all while defeating new enemies such as dinosaurs, bees, and other creatures.

One of the most significant improvements in Adventure Island II is the addition of new gameplay mechanics, including the ability to ride on the back of several different dinosaurs, each with unique powers such as a fire breath or an ice attack. Additionally, the player now has access to new weapons such as boomerangs and axes, adding to the game's replay value and variety.

The graphics and sound in Adventure Island II have also received notable improvements over the original. The graphics are sharper and more detailed, with improved animations and a more expansive world. The music remains infectiously catchy and upbeat, perfectly complementing Higgins' adventurous escapades.

The difficulty level in Adventure Island II has been ramped up considerably, with a range of challenging obstacles and enemies that make for a more difficult and rewarding gameplay experience. Like its predecessor, the game still suffers from some of the same faults, including a repetitive nature to the gameplay and a punishing one-hit death system.

Overall, Adventure Island II is a solid and engaging game that builds upon the groundwork laid by its predecessor. With improvements in graphics, sound, and gameplay mechanics, the game manages to surpass the original and offer much more content. While the game's difficulty may deter casual players, fans of platforming games and retro gaming enthusiasts will find much to enjoy in Adventure Island II.

Adventure Island 3 - NES Review

 Adventure Island 3

Hudson Soft - 1992

Adventure Island 3, developed by Hudson Soft and published in 1992 for the Nintendo Entertainment System (NES), is the third installment in the Adventure Island franchise. This time around, the game features much more diverse gameplay and a new adventurous storyline, but also retains the same design flaws and challenging difficulty level as its predecessors.

The game follows the same protagonist, Master Higgins, as he sets out to save a mysterious girl named Tina from an ancient evil. The game takes place across eight different worlds, each with its unique theme and challenges. Higgins must overcome obstacles, dodge and defeat new enemies, and gather hidden items throughout each level to progress and unlock new powers.

One of the significant improvements in Adventure Island 3 is the addition of new power-ups which offer new abilities. For example, the player can transform into different forms, including a flying pterodactyl and a mermaid that can swim underwater. Each form has different strengths and weaknesses and the game's design requires players to strategically select which form to use at any given time.

The graphics in Adventure Island 3 show significant improvements compared to the earlier titles. The world-building is more extensive and features lovely visuals with vibrant colors and diverse scenery. The soundtrack holds up well and features classic chiptune-style music that stays true to the Adventure Island franchise.

However, there are some issues with this game. Firstly, the game's difficulty level is much higher than its predecessors, making it quite challenging for most players. Additionally, the game's mechanics quickly become repetitive, with most of the challenges being similar throughout the levels.

Overall, Adventure Island 3 is a worthy installment in the series. While it does have some design flaws and a high difficulty level, it is still an enjoyable and challenging platformer game that fans of the Adventure Island franchise will appreciate. If you enjoy retro gaming and platforming titles, then Adventure Island 3 is worth checking out.

Adventure Island 4 - NES Review

  Adventure Island 4

Hudson Soft - 1994

*Note: This game was never released outside of Japan but is playable in english due to a fan patch*

Adventure Island 4, developed by Hudson Soft and published in 1994 for the Nintendo Famicom, is the fourth and final installment in the Adventure Island series. The game offers a fresh take on the series with new gameplay mechanics, improved graphics, and an engaging storyline that makes it stand out from its predecessors. 

Adventure Island 4 follows the series protagonist, Master Higgins, as he sets out to save his beloved from the clutches of an evil witch doctor. The game consists of six varied worlds, each with its unique settings and challenges to overcome. 

One of the most prominent features in Adventure Island 4 is the addition of new gameplay mechanics, including the ability to control a skateboard, access new weapons, use the grappling hook to swing across gaps, and transform into different forms, such as a lion or a fish. The game also has a password save system which allows players to save their progress and continue from where they left off.

The graphics in Adventure Island 4 have improved considerably from the previous titles, featuring vibrant colors, better animations, and an overall more polished look. The music holds up to the classic chiptune-style music of the series and adds a good deal of atmosphere and excitement to the gameplay.

Adventure Island 4 maintains the series' difficulty level, posing a challenge for both new players and fans of the Adventure Island franchise. However, it is less punishing than its predecessors, with checkpoints throughout the levels and a less stringent one-hit death system.

Overall, Adventure Island 4 is a strong conclusion to the series. The addition of new mechanics and improvements to graphics and sound make it a worthy title in the franchise. While it may not meet the standards of modern gaming, it offers a nostalgic and enjoyable platforming experience that fans of retro gaming enthusiasts will enjoy.

Adventures of Lolo - NES Review

Adventures of Lolo

Hal Laboratory - 1989 

The Adventures of Lolo, developed by HAL Laboratory and published in 1989 for the Nintendo Entertainment System (NES), is a classic puzzle game that still holds up today. The game features charming graphics, challenging gameplay, and a simple yet engaging storyline that makes it a title that players of all ages can enjoy.

The game follows Lolo, a blue ball-like creature, on his quest to save his love, Lala, from evil monsters. The game consists of dozens of puzzle rooms that are interconnected through a repeating overworld map. Each puzzle room presents a unique set of challenges, and players must use logic and deduction to figure out how to progress to the next level.

One of the most striking features of The Adventures of Lolo is its graphics and sound. Despite being an 8-bit game, the graphics are colorful, sharp and full of personality. The sound effects and music are simple but memorable, adding an extra layer of charm to the overall experience.

The gameplay in The Adventures of Lolo is both rewarding and challenging. Unlike other puzzle games of the time, Lolo's levels do not follow a specific formula. Every room is different, and the player must figure out the various solution strategies to progress. The game's difficulty level is well-balanced, starting off relatively easy and gradually increasing in complexity as the player advances through the levels.

However, The Adventures of Lolo does have its flaws. The game can become repetitive after a while, with the same gameplay mechanics and puzzle structures being repeated throughout the entire title. Additionally, the game's lack of replayability may not appeal to players who expect more content or variety from their games.

Overall, The Adventures of Lolo is a must-play for fans of the puzzle genre and the NES console. The game's charming graphics and sound, engaging gameplay, and simple yet effective plot make it a title that stands the test of time. In a world where puzzle games are abundant and sometimes too complex, The Adventures of Lolo offers gamers a perfect blend of simplicity, fun, and logic.