Classic Review: TMNT: Hyperstone Heist (Sega Genesis)

With an upcoming, re-release of Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Turtles In Time that features brand new 3D graphics (a preview of which can be seen here), I thought it only appropriate to review a TMNT arcade game experience of my own with Hyperstone Heist.

Though I never actually played the arcade version, I did own the Genesis version (and still do), and it was one of my all-time favorite games. The "hack 'n slash" action is definitely taken straight from the arcade, and is one of the most memorable parts of the game. But, to be truly fun, you need a partner; having two players really is twice the fun.

The overall experience is greatly improved by the very smooth graphics (for the Genesis days, that is), though it cannot compete with Turtles In Time's superior color palette on the SNES. The sound quality is also very poor, with the voices of the turtle's sounding "raspy" and the background music being very scratchy.

Length is also a big issue in the game; while each of the five levels is very fun, they are not incredibly long, and the game can be played within a very short time frame. The competition in co-op that is created when each player attempts to kill the most enemies to get extra lives also may deter players from going multi-player.

Still, if you stick to the olden days and still own a Sega Genesis (or own an emulator), this is definitely one of the best titles to pick up. 8.5/10

Image credit: Rustaq (here).

Then And Now: Sonic The Hedgehog

"Then": A shot from the first Sonic game ever.

Sonic The Hedgehog's life has been complicated. He was originally created by SEGA in an attempt to beat out Nintendo's mascot, Mario. He didn't exactly succeed in crushing his foe, but he did make a name for himself with a series of classic 2D games. Unfortunately, things didn't go well after that.

While a few of Sonic's games have been adored by fans, the 3D games were bashed by critics, and most did not sell well at all. Eventually, with the collapse of their mascot, and the growing threat of the PS2, SEGA lost. They dropped out of the game console market and resorted to becoming a developer/publisher.

However, despite the major downfall, SEGA continued to release new Sonic games, even if it was for different systems. These 3D games have become infamous, as they do not capture the original Sonic "feel". However; this may have changed. Critics have recently come around and have praised the new "Sonic Unleashed". Unfortunately, the new Sonic and The Black Knight could be a backwards move into the years where Sonic was almost universally hated.

Perhaps one day Sonic will regain his old glory. If only SEGA realized what the people want: a completely 2D Sonic game for the DS. This would introduce new levels, but be very similiar to the original Genesis games (which basically shows what I want from developers: I don't want a sequel, I want a giant expansion pack!).

"Now": The official image of Sonic from Super Smash Bros. Brawl.