If you haven't picked up the Sega Mega Drive Ultimate Collection, your missing out on alot of games. Many of which can be found in the Sega Vintage Collection. Every game except Gunstar Heroes can be found on the Ultimate collection disc. Playing these games brought me back to the days of getting my haircut with my cousins while fighting over who got next on Comix Zone. Lets see if these games live up to its history.
One of the first Sci Fi based RPG's I've played in my yester years. Phantasy Star II visually plays similar to with todays Pokemon games with a top down point of view with your squad following behind you. Just like Pokemon you will have random battles. I would've loved to have a couple of tutorial fights or some sort of instructions. For any veteran RPG player you can jump right in and enjoy. If your new to the RPG scene, once you get past the first couple of encounters, you'll be in for hours of fun.
Enter the fast paced platformer, Sonic the HedgeHog 3. Sonic 3 plays like the other two Sonic but with addition of power ups. These power ups give you new attacks as well as shield you from one hit. The music is also on point. The Sonic soundtracks are one of the most memorable game soundtracks out there. You also have access to Co Op within the game. The kicker, its only offline. But fear not, you can play versus mode online with your friends and enemies.
In Shinobi you play a ninja sent to save kidnapped children from terrorists. Your given an unlimited amount of ninja stars to throw at these baddies as you journey through the levels taking on goons and bosses. If one of them get to close, you can whip out a blade and chop it up. You venture through each level jumping back and forth from each of the two paths clearing the way for you search and rescue. Shinobi also includes a multiplayer mode, although turn based, very enjoyable.
One of my favorite games in the Vintage Collection. Gunstar Heroes takes Megaman and adds mayhem. Your given several weapons with elemental powers and characters that might as well be Olympic gymnasist. Your running around shooting everything in sight. The mayhem is extremly entertaining. If any enemy comes close enough to you, your character can toss them into the air. The levels are varied, one second your fighting on a train, 3 minutes later your fighting down the side of a mountain. This game is a gem and a must get.
I can honestly say Altered Beast is one of the worse Beat em up games I have ever played. You start off as a human with very stiff and slow movements. Through out the level you collect orbs to beast out into your beast mode. In beast mode your movement is faster, alot stronger and pretty much leads to the game becoming playable. This enjoyable moment is quickly taken away from you at the end of each level. I couldn't understand why I was fighting to make the game enjoyable. This game really put a bad taste in my mouth and will most likely sit in a dark corner of my hard drive.
Another classic in the Sega Vintage Collection. Comix Zone was an adventure beat em up. Filled with great graphics and equally as good story. You play a comic book artist zapped into his own comics. After playing Altered Beast this was a breath of fresh air. You have use of a inventory system which gives you access to health boost, special moves and your trusty rat. The game does cheat at times with hard jumps that ultimately lead to game overs due to the 1 life no continues in this game. It can be frustrating at times but you learn quickly how to handle many situations and the game returns back to its enjoyable state.
All in all the collection is a perfect add to any gamers collection. I would suggest to avoid the eye sore Altered Beast, which I believe ruined the collection. Enjoy the Vintage Collection and lets hope Sega continues to bless us with more of the old.
AnalogHype Rating: 9/10
Buy, Rent Demo: Buy
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