|
|
Post by anagrama on Apr 17, 2005 20:11:09 GMT
It's time once again for a new selection to be given up for mass-consumption, and this week we are relying on Hades to maintain the very high standard of recent choices... So, what's it to be?  |
|
dezanuebe
Sonic the Hedgehog
Master System, the best of all times...
Posts: 2,178
|
Post by dezanuebe on Apr 17, 2005 20:27:34 GMT
Passing the torch....  |
|
|
|
Post by Hades on Apr 18, 2005 6:13:21 GMT
Maintain a high standard, bah!
My pick is a favourite from childhood, not something that everyone has played or heard of. A game which most will think is crap. A game about ninjas that isn't Ninja Gaiden, a game about a ninjas quest to save the princess a game about...
The Ninja
(If someone wants to put a picture in that'd be great!)
As I said, I think you all may find this crap as I am the only person I know who actually likes this game!
Anyway, the story is a gripping tale of treachery and betrayel. Full of lust, drama and anything you'd expect from a huge hollywood blockbuster.
You have to save the princess.
Gameplay consists of mostly vertically scrolling stages in which you must work your way upwards defeating Ninjas on the way with either darts or pinwheel darts, which are super-powerful darts that rip through the enemies like, well I was gonna put a Michael Jackson joke, but they are old. You can either shoot in any direction or shoot only forward by using the 2 button, which is very useful. If you tap both buttons together your character goes invisble for a second and also cannot be harmed.
There are 13 levels in total, but you do not have to do everyone to finish. Though it's not as simple as going from point A to point B in every level, cause if you do that your not going to ever finish the game. In order to finish the game the player must collect 5 green scrolls in order to find the secret entrance to the princesses prison.
The music in the game is alright, but for the most part there is only one song playing. As soon as you collect the power up for the Pinwheel darts the music changes to what I call "powered up music", and since the game becomes pretty easy once you have them you probably won't hear the other music in the game. Unless you intentionally die on every level to hear it's music ( I don't know how many different tunes there are).
As for graphics, I think this game was released in 1986 so I am going to say these are pretty d**n good graphics. Not the best for the console or anything, but compared to some of the other stuff released that year these aren't bad. All the different enemy types are easily distinguishable, and most of the levels add at least a few new graphics or enemies.
Well thats what I've got to say about The Ninja. It is not the best game on the SMS, or even the best game in it's genre. But I feel it is under-appreciated, and this may raise awareness of it.
Thank you for your time and enjoy!
|
|
|
|
Post by JellyCrystals on Apr 18, 2005 6:38:15 GMT
I do find this game very difficult, but it's mostly due to hand cramps!! I have decided that I need a rapid fire controller if I am to have any success. I rememeber being 10 and getting to level 2 once... To use a Seinfeld quote "the pizza grease was just right on the joystick" that night.
Since I have had the game again I can't get past the first bridge/doors on level 1.... But I do like the graphics and music for the game. I'll give it another go but I get frustrated quite easily with this game, mostly due to the one hit death type thing...
Still, a lovely nostalgic choice Hades!
|
|
|
|
Post by anagrama on Apr 18, 2005 8:51:49 GMT
Heh, a slightly unexpected choice... I've got a little soft spot for this one aswell - it's not exactly an AAA title, but isn't quite as bad as it's often made out to be. I was playing it the Mark III version last week, so I'll fire it up again and try to get a bit further... |
|
|
|
Post by Kenneth on Apr 18, 2005 10:02:49 GMT
I do love the ninja, but it is sooooooo difficult  |
|
|
|
Post by Roth on Apr 18, 2005 11:54:27 GMT
Yes! A game that I just recently received in the mail! After playing it, I definitely think it's an awesome game! It has a unique feel to it. The "straight" shot is definitely the most handy, as it makes it more easy to move backwards while shooting at the enemy. The great part about doing that is the enemies don't do a reappearing trick when you go back up to the first spot you encountered them at! I especially thought the level with the boulders coming down at an angle was innovative, and a bit on the tricky side. Also, the boss man at the end of each level gets increasingly difficult! It gets to the point where he throws weapons that you can't knock down with your ninja stars!  Yes, the "powered up" music is awesome! It gets me pumped and wanting to play more! Great choice, Hades! |
|
|
|
Post by RaccoonLad on Apr 18, 2005 16:13:01 GMT
By my estimates, it's the third most common European title, right after Sonic 1 and 2.
I've made it as far as the "Frogger" stage.
|
|
|
|
Post by Stan on Apr 18, 2005 17:30:53 GMT
I love this game. The frogger level is rough, you have to keep using your ninja invisibility to get through it. I like making the best attempt to get a perfect hit ratio on each level, all you have to do is run back the way you came (in the levels where this is possible) and corral as many enemies together as you can, then, if you have the super star, take them all out with one shot.
|
|
|
|
Post by ian on Apr 18, 2005 17:54:51 GMT
Excellent choice! ;D
This, without a doubt, is one the SMS's most under-appreciated games. It's great fun to play and I'll definately be giving this one a go this week.
What I noticed myself and by looking at other people's comments is that it can be quite hard at first. Even I got frustrated on first time of playing and was not able to do the second level. But after a bit of practice I can complete it easy now. Everyone, give this game a chance and you'll learn to love just as Hades and I do.
If anyone need help with this game just give me a shout.
Once again, great choice!
Good work. ;D
|
|
|
|
Post by Sinistral on Apr 18, 2005 19:24:04 GMT
Just had a go on the JAP version, is it just me or is the second level different?
|
|
|
|
Post by anagrama on Apr 18, 2005 19:41:36 GMT
By my estimates, it's the third most common European title, right after Sonic 1 and 2. It was 'only' 5th in the figures me & Sim gathered - behind Castle of Illusion & Lucky Dime Caper aswell |
|
dezanuebe
Sonic the Hedgehog
Master System, the best of all times...
Posts: 2,178
|
Post by dezanuebe on Apr 18, 2005 20:18:55 GMT
here´s a real cool game, much like Rambo II and time soldiers!!! why don´t they make games like that anymore...  |
|
|
|
Post by Tonto on Apr 18, 2005 22:51:13 GMT
Tough game. I think that made it hard for me to like as a kid. I'll give it a proper go this week and report back.
|
|
|
|
Post by anagrama on Apr 19, 2005 0:29:36 GMT
Just been playing a bit more and yeah, the Mark III version is slightly different - there's an extra stage before the falling boulders. Anyone know if there's any other changes later on?
|
|
