2020 Review

As per usual, it's another time for 2020 review article. Also like in previous year, it only consists 12 MVPs (Most valuable pictures) and top/most-viewed 12 articles. Much to my surprise that there's lots of article with the same reader count for this year. Note that the MVP is in chronological order while the top 12 articles is sorted by reader counts.

I) MVP (Most Valuable Pictures)

1. The Firemen (SNES)

I played The Firemen off-the-record to the finish. The ending is not worth the trouble that i had along the way but it's quite breathtaking. After breaking glass that results in huge explosion that extinguish the flame, the crisis ends. Rain turns into snow fall as we bask in our victory. Frank Weller the architect see the error of his corruption and feel guilty. But Pete the captain of the fire brigade, forgives him because it's Xmas moment! Medic_positivevocalization01.wav  

2 & 3. Mario Is Missing! (SNES)

They need King Kong to be returned to Empire State Building? What were they thinking? Yes, i try to imitate James Rolfe or better known as Angry Video Game Nerd. The reason why it's baffling is explained well by Nerd in his video here. I can explain it myself but i'm lazy less competent than him so you should watch that video instead.

Here's the ending of Mario Is Missing!: Mario comes out from that hole on right. Bowser jump from balcony on center to prevent the bros reunited. But then Luigi pull the lever to reveal a giant cannon that immediately traps Bowser within. Luigi fires the cannon and Bowser flies to the sky and later plummet to snowfield and cracked. Bowser waves at me first before blown out. Demoman_taunts08.wav  

4. Blood-over- (PC)

Sadly, i can't finish Blood-over-  because it keep crashing on my PC. What a shame. I like the gameplay. This gif will be wonderful memorial of this 2D shooter action game.   

5. Warriors All-Stars (PC)

That dog person being surrounded by dwellers and Yoki. It's time for me William to shine. Go, Soirsen!

6. Beauty and The Beast - Roar of The Beast (Genesis)

 

It's very rare to see the final boss being so dorky or lame like Gaston here that run away from Beast's fang. Demoman_laughlong02.wav

7. Cuphead (PC)

In what other game that you can make Devil cries besides Cuphead? Devil May Cry, perhaps? Anyway, The Devil cries but not down yet! This is his last phase though. Beat him one more time and you will get the last laugh over The Devil!

8. Bioshock 2 (PC)

I didn't think i ever see Big Daddy that do any other work than strolling around with or without little sister. But here it is! He keep doing maintenance work even though Rapture is beyond repair, socially. Good job, bro!

9. Super Ghouls 'n Ghosts (SNES)

I know that you hate Red Arremer/Firebrand but i love to see his happy dancing while either mocking me to hit him or celebrating my doom. Most people see him or Arthur's demise as frustrating but to me they're the charm of this game. Yes, i love to this game even though it's tedious ones. Speaking of it, there's race of this game by 4 persons and you can see their misery here. It goes without saying that they don't like this game unlike me. XP

10. Alpha Mission II (Arcade)

On the opposite feeling of Gaston, this final boss from Alpha Mission is so freaking magnificent! I don't think it's often to fight giant walking robot as final boss in any other vertical shmup game. As you can guess that this fight is tedious but i like this giant bastard anyway.

11. Alien vs. Predator (Arcade)

That's true! Predators is the best hunter in whole galaxy. For instance, i carry bigger gun than you, fatty!  

12. Gadget Twins (Genesis)

The final MVP goes to wacky surprised expression of King's and Gadget Twins'. I bet you're surprised with this uncalled taste. :P

II) The Top 12 List

12. DX-Ball (PC) / Alien vs. Predator (Atari Jaguar) / Art of Fighting 3 - The Path of The Warrior (Arcade)

This Arkanoid clone is intense and fun but do mind that you don't get continue/credit at all. Nonetheless it's fun only for the sake of reaching high score. Perhaps, there's someone who finish the game even without breaking a sweat but he is definitely not me.

This game is said to be the best in Atari-Jaguar's library but it feels too jank for me. Apparently someone else think the same. My problem with this game besides loose hit detection on melee attack, is enemies respawn after loading my game. The Predator can utilize that to rake more honor point (that access to better weapon) but for the other, it's more hassle than beneficial. Up to this time, we have better Alien Vs Predator games than this so play them instead.

Ryo's quest to search his best pal/rival: Robert Garcia, is achieved by kicking anyone he meets while his sister Yuri watch from the roadside as the fights unfold. One of his opponent is Kasume Todoh who her father is beaten up badly in the first game. The path of the warrior is filled with adversaries that need to be kicked, i see.

 

10. Beauty and The Beast - Belle's Quest (Genesis) / Dead Angle (Arcade) / Contra Hard Corp (Genesis) as Browny / Guardian of Paradise (PC) - Part 1 / Super Double Dragon (SNES) / Top Gear 2(SNES) / Super Ghouls 'n Ghosts (SNES) - Part 1
Aliens vs. Predator - 2010 (PC)

I can say that people read this article certainly follow the "Walt Disney cartoon movie" fad of its time. The game itself is rather friendlier to play or at least compared to "The Beast" counterpart. But its control is quite peculiar because there's dedicated button to crouch instead of using "down" button on D-Pad.

 

This Seibu Kaihatsu's gallery shooter is probably unique because the protagonist can float anywhere to shoot out any Italian mafia that lurk on every corner of the level.

 

I reckon this Contra game is one of the best one so no wonder people like this review. Plus i play as my main: Bronwy which is the easiest character to pick because of his smallest hit spot and the boss-killer Yoyo.

This indie Zelda-clone is relatively obscured so my mission to make this game more popular can be considered success. Even with rough early portion of the game where i don't have weapon to deal with enemies, i still recommend this game.

 

It's Double Dragon game on SNES. What could possibly go wrong? Well, fairly everything. This side-scrolling brawler game is unfinished and not polished enough. Compare to Double Dragon 2 on NES, this game is sluggish, arduous, and boring. At least there's dragon meter that allow you to execute more powerful moves.

 

Usually, i don't root for racing game but i consider Top Gear 2 is pretty great. The main problem is: you are forced to rely on Nitro boost to get pass your opponent as your normal top speed isn't up to the task.

Rejoice, SNES owner! For you get this exclusive Ghosts 'n Goblins / Makaimura game as launch title. Instead of straight console port of Ghouls 'n Ghosts that Sega Genesis/Megadrive owner got. What do you mean you don't like it? Just kidding. I'm aware that every Ghosts 'n Goblins / Makaimura game is acquired taste thanks to its brutal difficulty. Plus in this one, Arthur (the protagonist) is deprived of ability to shoot his weapon up or down. Instead, he gets double jump ability. But combined it with inability to change his flight during jump, he quite often falls into dangers instead of safe landing.

I like this better than the one in Atari-Jaguar and it seems quite lots of people agree with me. The melee mechanism is good. The stealth kill is pretty well applied. Marine isn't lame thanks to shotgun and smartgun. My only problem with this game that i don't get to stab Weyland Yutani himself to death.

10. Streets of Rage 4 (PC) - Part 1 / Flame Gunner (Arcade) / Aliens Vs. Predator (Arcade)

Streets of Rage 4 is one of bliss in 2020. I mean, sure. There's still lots of Side-Scrolling brawling games are made to this day. But Streets of Rage is one of famous trademark on its genre (besides Final Fight that's stuck to 3rd game in 1995  TmT ). They're back [This link to the OST on Youtube] indeed!

 

I'm also proud to the fact that Flame Gunner review is within this list because not many people know this game. This game could be your favorite if you're into TAD's Cabal or its clones. Someone points me out that this game resembles Crisis City on PSX. Maybe, one day i will check that game.

It's kind of crime to use picture of Maj. Schaefer beating Xenomorph as representation of Aliens vs. Predator (Arcade) which doesn't represent the title well. But it can't be helped as he's my main and this rapid knee strike looks cool, don't you agree?

9. Groove Coaster (PC)       

Maybe you wonder "How can i enjoy the beauty of danmaku pattern on Touhou Project without getting hit by it?". The answer is simple: play Groove Coaster plus buy related music. :p     

8. Fat Princess - Fistful of Cake (PSP) / Gadget Twins (Genesis)

This game accurately represents the tediousness of being King's men that do King's bidding even the dirty work such as kidnapping his rival's princess. I didn't know that the game is part of its series! Shall i try the other game of the series? I don't think i can because i don't own Playstation 3. Quite a shame.

 

This game also about King's men but has more childish tone. For you who don't know about this game, it's not horizontal shooter game like what the game suggest. Not until you get flying bomb that moves very slowly, that is. But the metal weight is decent bomb drop weapon, for sure!

7. Warriors All-Stars (PC) / Guardianof Paradise (PC) - Part 2

I have strong interest towards Crossover games especially with characters that i know and Warriors All-Stars is one of them. William from Nioh is certainly my top choice because obviously i love that Soulsborne made by Koei-Tecmo. If you like to play more mindless fun version of Nioh or Ninja Gaiden, this game could be the alternative.

I'm happy that both part's review of this game is in the list. I hope this game get more popularity than before because this Zelda-clone is fun and enjoyable. Plus the story is some quality. The story of brother's love toward his sick sister, is simply touching. There's also bit of plot twist at near the end of story. I would say that this game is more in my favor than Crusader of Centy.

6. M.I.A (Arcade)

Everyone need freedom in their live. Those M.I.A who's imprisoned, must be rescued! It's up to this green beret to save them with only his impressive stabbing skill and wit. Also weapon that he loot from enemy's cold dead fingers. Warning! This game forces you to commit (digital) dog murder. Be advised, especially if you're dog lover!       

5. Cuphead (PC) / HellSign (PC) -Part 1

For this year my blog's birthday, i review the famous Cuphead. Due to its reputation, no wonder lots of people read this review. It seems Cuphead is more lovable than any Ghosts 'n Goblin / Makaimura game because it has purchasable upgrades/weapon plus the music is superb. Although i can't deny the quality of Makaimura track, it's even very memorable to me (and i can whistle it). There's also secret feature that is unlocked with intense skill such as this black & white filter.

 

I know this game from advertisement on Youtube and it piqued my interest. I thought i was ready for ghost or demon hunting as advertised but no. I still get big trouble from generic giant insects here. I should learn one thing at a time and eventually i get there. I hope.

4. Jim Henson's Bear in The Big Blue House (PSX) / Dragon View (SNES)

People who read this article probably thought "What could be this sucker writes in early 2020, i wonder?" and they were sold by game review about adaptation of Sesame Street's creator other show. I was just "Wow!". Since this is game for kids, you will expect rather shallow difficulty on gameplay. But i have trouble in some game such here where i have to choose the correct color on highlighted part inside the painting. I can barely feel the difference between option from second left and third left. Maybe i have low sensitivity toward color.

This action RPG with Side-Scrolling Brawler display is very magnificent to me and lots of people apparently. Usually, i feel that one-man RPG is arduous to play but not this one. Perhaps because this RPG has "action" element on it. If i had mage or archer as my companion, i would have better way to deal with this butterflies. That's just my minor complaint, though.  

3. Beauty and The Beast - Roar of the Beast (Genesis)

I think the people who read this article have the same bad childhood experience as my cousin. Lucky for them, there's this git who finish the game so they know the entire game looks and plays. I'm "action genre" type gamer but even so i can't recommend this game over the less-action Belle's part. This game is simply too cruel and Beast is too fragile.    

2. The "Crikey" Hunter Collab (Video) / HellSign (PC) - Part 2

It seems lots of people love to see Team Fortress 2's Sniper that keep failing on his hunting games. You can tell that he's not bright because he nonchalantly touches tiger's head. No wonder he tend to have miserable time along the video.

 

It's the other part of review about the paranormal investigation in Australia. The game isn't entirely about shooting. Searching for evidences also important part in this game as you can sell them for cash. The searching part closely resemble point 'n click adventure's pixel searching part but with hint such as blood trail or creepy noise. There's also poltergeist intervene like flying furniture or lamp breaks on its own.       

1. Street Fighter (Arcade)

Ah, yes! It's the Street Fighter game that people don't want to talk about it yet people like to read about it the most. It's reasonable that the first game of the series tend to be unpolished but this Street Fighter is too janky in my opinion. It has many issue such as: small hop instead of smooth walk like in sequel or inconsistent command input detection. Also i get punched in the nuts by Adon in mid-air and it's very unpleasant.

That's it for now. Usually, i don't have plan for next year but i get the gist of it. I will like to review more GBA or PSP games because i don't review much of them. Also NDS games as i don't review them yet. This sounds too ambitious but i will make "Top 100...Games". I will definitely review more Side-Scrolling brawler or Beat 'em up games because that's me being me.

Next, i would like to have final words for this year. As we all know Covid-19 hit us really hard and i wish you well or at least get well. Desperate or overly pessimism only lead to worse situation. So, please. Keep your hope up! What i can do to make this year brighter a bit is keep writing this entertaining non-senses and i hope you enjoy them. Have nice end-year, everyone! Also have nice new year, reader!

Gadget Twins (Genesis)

Today's game revolves around King's men like in previous game. This time they can fly and looks like still kid but they're old enough to drive drill into cute villains and hold gold coins that enough to buy second apartment on their own. They're Gadget Twins (1992). 

This title screen looks childish but there's some rather unsettling part of it. The twin's face, yeah a bit. The controllers on bottom, obviously. The mantrap claw on "w", is simply "What the heck?". The menu only contain "1-player mode" and "2-players mode". No option setting or whatnot but at least i don't have to worry about true ending is locked if you go with "normal" difficulty setting.     

 

Of course, there's story of this game and it's pretty simple: At night, Thump the bad green plane steals Magic Gem that kept on King's palace while constantly wiggling his eyebrows.   

Then morning comes, The king very surprised that the gem is missing. Then he summons the gadget twins.

 

The twins also surprised with the fact that the gem is missing! Why the twins have worse expression than the king? Is the gem really that important? Or the artist just have fun drawing wacky surprised expression? Anyway, Bop and Bump (which to be honest i don't know who's who) goes after Thump although they barely have any clue that leads to him. Maybe they know Thump before this on that day where he stands at Gadget Plaza (every place or thing in this game starts with word "Gadget", you have to take my word for it) and swears with megaphone that he will steals the magic gem on this fateful day.

Level 1. Gadget Bay

 

You probably can guess that Gadget Twins is shooter game because the protagonists (and other persons) are plane. But Bop/Bump only has spring with boxing glove at its end. So the genre is horizontal punch 'em up instead of horizontal shoot 'em up at least for now. Here's the control: d-pad to move Bop/Bump around, 'A' button to unleash attack, and 'B' button to switch weapon. By switch weapon, i mean cycle Bop/Bump's weapon on his side. See that small yellow arrow? That means i prepare my down-directional weapon. You can only cycle weapon in clockwise order but at least i can attack enemies on my behind and i really appreciate it.

Then i delve into water thankfully i don't need oxygen to breath so i can be underwater as long as i want. Defeated enemies will drop either big coin (that worth 20 money) or small coin (that worth 5 money) and you can guess that i can buy something in shop. To enter shop, you have to press 'C' button near that shop hole.     

 

Here's the shop screen. The purchasable items are on bottom row. I can buy either bigger boxing fist or the aforementioned mantrap claw. I can put the former on every side but the latter only for top and bottom side. Unlike the boxing fist, the mantrap claw will stays for awhile after reaching its maximum range before retracting. Therefore this weapon has slower rate but has potency to be more accurate to hit enemies.    

 

You can find power ups on chest but -get this- they're not fixed, they're entirely random. In other shoot em up game, there's certain pattern on power up drop or you can cycle them by shooting them but not in here! I test it with save/load state. Sometime this chest contain 1up but in this occasion speed-up item appears. It's quite baffling and tedious especially in this relentless game. Yes, you heard me. This game is relentless despite the kindergarten-ish setting. I mean sure Bop and Bump has health bar instead of adapting one-hit death system. But the problem is there's no post-hit invincibility at all! So once fish/plane/boot/etc make thorough skin contact with them, they will get hit multiple time and the feeble range of their attack can't help much. The enemies can get stun when hit but only for tiny split second. So if you can't get health refill consistently (which happen quite often to me), you will have really hard time playing this.    

 

There's Thump on submarine shark that can draw his false teeth in and out. Every boss and sub-boss have their own weakpoint and you can't just punch them anywhere even though they're all big target. In this case, the weakpoint is the shark's eye. I know what you think "Why not attack Thump's cockpit?". Any hit on it just doesn't register. My strategy is" hide in corner left bottom so the sub-boss is lured to approach me then i swiftly get his eyes by using the claw. Rinse and repeat. You can see the sub-boss/boss' health on bottom-left corner and represented by yellow stars.

 

You get various pick up such as 1-up (small yellow plane), speed up (fast forward symbol), speed down (rewind symbol), instant-use screen-clearing bomb (cartoon bomb), health refill ('E' symbol), and temporary invincibility bubble (shield symbol). I also like to point out that there's 2 row of star on top hud. The top one (red color) is the health bar while the bottom one (yellow color) is Gadget Twins' speed level. By the way, i replace the bigger boxing fist with yoyo which has more range and damage power.

 

The first boss is Thump...on purple giant plane that shoot-out mantrap claw from its mouth and its weakpoint is his eyes. You probably think that the boss is quite the same with the sub-boss. Well, you're quite right moreover most bosses in this game is stronger version of the sub-bosses on same stage, so get used to this sub-boss & boss similarity few times! And also Thump escapes everytime his subordinate/vehicle/vassal is destroyed. As for this boss, he has more capability than the submarine shark which is: he can send missiles at me that can be either avoided or smacked.

 

The level doesn't ends with the boss defeated. You have to go through a bit more where you will get some chest that hopefully contain health refill to repair the damage you get during boss fight. I don't have it but at least i bought this hammer. Heavy_mvm_loot_common02.wav.

Level 2. Zeppelin Attack

 

Yes. Yes. Impressive. Hammer hand may have big damage power and longer range. But it has slower attack rate and also there's "blank" spot on the arm because the only hitting spot is the hammer, not the whole weapon.

 

Therefore i re-buy the yoyo. Plus, i bought new top and bottom side weapon: spiked drill or whatever is it. Thing for sure is, you don't want it to make full contact with your molar. Thump is back and now he rides on balloon and not zeppelin. You can say that balloon is barebones of Zeppelin but this thing still barely Zeppelin. He can punch with those mean Morningstar and that's about it. The weakpoint is obviously the balloon part. I can say that because of that red star which marks a successful hit on enemy. There's also yellow star mark that appears when you get hit.     

 

The weather is getting bad but Bop/Bump still proceed dauntlessly...with his vacuum cleaner. Ironically, the weapon doesn't suck (both literally and figuratively). It's faster than the hammer arm and doesn't have "blank" spot. Although the level named "Zeppelin Attack", i don't get to defeat said zeppelins because they're just indestructible terrain and they can only unleash balloons and bombs. They're guarded with this cute robots that walks like ED-209, robot in Megaman X, or that bipedal robot that professor rides on in Contra Hardcorp.    

 

The boss is probably more resembles to Zeppelin, perhaps? It can drop bombs besides punching with that nasty spikes. The weakpoint also the same: the balloon part. It's nice aesthetic touch that the balloons will pop out if their "health" depleted so you have to target others balloon after bursting one.

 

Much to my surprise, there's bonus stage after level 2. You get lots of chest but they only contain big coins and i don't think they're useful, not as useful as 1-up at least. The fast way to open the chests is park above them and open them with the bottom weapon. Kind of like corkscrew open up a bottle of Champagne. There's time limit here but i'm not so worried about that as long as i get hefty money here.

Level 3. Lost City

 

If you grown up with wacky cartoon films, you should know the mightiness of metal weight! It's the proper drop bomb in this game and the best bottom side weapon too! It has the fastest travelling speed and deal tons of damage. Get it? Tons. Weight. ;D

 

This time, Thump is on spherical cuckoo bird that can springs his head, wing, and tail. My tactic is simple: just constantly drop metal weight on the cockpit. Heavy_specialweapon08.wav 

 

Haha! Look at that dumb face of the shark, he's so dumbfounded with the almighty metal weight! There's no chest in this level, instead the items stored in those yellow pots. So feel free to break those pots with high historical value!

 

I have no idea what this mini-plane does but i buy a couple of it anyway because i'm rich! Also i replaced the vacuum with flying bomb which is the slow-moving projectile that can only exists two of it on screen at a time.

 

The boss is this big goofy lobster and he loves to blow lethal-to-touch bubbles. Because he stands on the bottom, he's much easier target form my metal weight bombing. Demoman_specialcompleted04.wav

Level 4. Submarine Attack

 

Those submarines has weary expression of player that come to this point. Not me though. Ok, i feel bored a bit but i'm still curious what lies ahead next. Thump and his vessels, most certainly. By the way, that tiny barrel hold the pick-up items now.

 

Loch ness monster, sure why not? Or at least a submarine shaped like the legend monster as you can see their cockpit glass on his body. Just drop weights on his neck. That's my advice.  

 

On the other hand, the boss level is this goofy yet creepy octopus submarine. I should not replace the flying bomb with this hammer because it's pretty hard to use it against this boss or even any sub-boss/boss in this game. In my defense, the bombs are too cumbersome against the mooks that relentlessly come after me one by one in fast pace. Also i like to remind you that the main part of the level is auto-scrolling section that fairly often scrolls too fast even with maximum speed level. But regarding the sub-boss/boss, you can take your time easily to land a hit on them plus there's no time limit, thankfully.

Level 5. Crystal Lake

That's right, we're going to meet the big bastard with hockey mask, FREAKING JASON VOORHEES...not really. This level is just plain snow/ice level. Boring, i know. Those 3 arrows indicate secret place that you can visit to get more power up.

After passing section where penguins and whales live, i encounter Thump (for the 9th time). Now his spherical cuckoo bird can swing a wrecking ball which inspired by Robotnik's flying vehicle, for sure. The problem in this sub-boss fight is: he reluctant to fly low thus the opportunity to drop metal weight on him kept minimum. So i'm resorted to using the slow bomb. Demoman_jeers08.wav

 

I hope you don't keep expecting Jason Voorhees cameo in this level because i ensure you there's none of that here at all. Perhaps this upside-down sinister-looking snowman can ease your disappointment.  

This time Thump is on fish that like to swing spiked wrecking ball and spit some vicious piranhas. Due to his slower movement, the fish is easier target than the blue cuckoo bird. As you can see that the bombs pass Thump without making explosion but that's how they work. They don't blow themselves upon contact instead they fly through enemies which potentially deal thorough damage but i have to wait for them to disappear after reaching their maximum distance before i can fire another ones. Nonetheless, the flying bomb is a must-have because without it you can't get the real experience of "horizontal shoot 'em up"!    

Strangely this bonus stage has exit door that very close to entrance. Maybe the developers are lazy to design another bonus stage so i'll be lazy too. Pick some coins above and immediately head on to exit.

Level 6. Thumps World

 

I didn't know what Thumps world means. Then i realize that Thump is the main antagonist which means this is his homeworld and hopefully the final stage. This level is filled with wicked-looking kites and jack-in-a-box that deal devastating damage if it manages to ram at you. Despite the cutesy look of this level, it's pretty bastard.

 

I was fool to keep thinking that the yellow box is chest that contain power up but turns out it's the dangerous jack-in-a-box. Instead, the power up container is chocolate coins as you can see above me. I forget to tell you that there's magnet that like to pull you toward it. There's also nigh-invisible current inside the water that alter your flight/swim plan.

 

Some enemies pose minimum threat such as that rubber duck and toy train. They just mind their own business, walking left and right. If you get hit by them, it's entirely your fault. 

This time the sub-boss is the mother of all hovercraft that i defeat in Lost City level and she looks pretty calmed or to be more accurate stoned. She stays on the ground which means she's sitting duck for my weight bombardment. When she hides on left corner, she sends her child that can fly straight up. And when she hides on right corner, she shoot out smokes from her exhaust pipe. Quite disgusting.

 

I forget to tell you that there's this boots around this level that reminds me of trap in Deception game. Also note that they're deadlier than the jack-in-a-box because they reach longer and faster.

 

The boss is significantly different than the sub-boss. It's Kangaroo that loves to jump around and occasionally punch at me. Often than not, i'm forced to hide on top-left corner. I can try to fly to other side but the boss hop really fast that i get trampled by him most of the time. Besides, i can aim at Thump really well in that corner. Both this boss and the hovercraft sub-boss has maximum health of 12 stars! But thankfully, they're easy to hit with the flying bomb. Ok. Calling it bomb is inaccurate because it doesn't explode at all. Maybe it's UXB (unexploded bomb).

Finally, Thump is on his last wit and decides to fight me plane-to-plane fair and square. Much like me, he has weapon on each side: boxing fist in his front, hammer in his rear, pizza cutter in his topside, and spinning blades in bottom side. I have hard time to hit him with the flying UXB so the metal weight is the best against him. Just mind that pizza cutter!  

 

As per usual, Thump leaves the screen with invincibility bubble after defeated. But this time, he's back with white flag and the magic gem! I thought it was cue for me to pick the gem myself but turns out i only need to wait for him to get to the other side of the screen then the level ends. Cm_sniper_gamewon_01.mp3

 

The gem is returned. The king is pleasant and show gratitude to the twins but they receive no reward or anything like that. Just a complimentary. But again, they twins get 1,210 money from their quest. It can't be helped. The only good thing to but is the bomb and the metal weight, that's it! Gadget Twins returns to their home in Gadget Town and they begin to think to buy home in some tropical island of "Gadget Island". Meanwhile The King have high-security device installed around the Magic Gem and put some regular patrol schedule so he can sleep soundly every night. While Thump goes to gadget hospital for intensive medical care. How he get the money for it? He sell the scraps of his friends/vehicles/vassals, of course. Happy end!

Imagitec Design Inc's Gadget Twins (1992) isn't Fantasy Zone and well-polished game. It feels tedious to play thanks to no post-hit invincibility and melee attacks that have relatively short range. The metal weight is probably the best weapon but sadly i can only install it for bottom side weapon. I forget to mention that the options are the most useless/worst in gaming history. They only exist to damage any enemy that touch them. You can't change their formation/position except they will always around your front side whether you facing left or right. The arsenal variety need more work. Most of the melee weapon feels same-y like bigger boxing fist, vacuum cleaner, Yoyo, and the mantrap claw. Put more projectile weapon is my advice. The weapon cycle feels too slow to be intuitive. I wish the "C" button is another "Cycle weapon" button but in counter-clockwise order. Maybe put the "enter the shop" function to shoot button or something. The randomness on pick up spawn feels bit baffling. Or maybe i wish the health refill spawns more frequently. The economy feels quite fair although there's not much use of money if you already have flying UXBs and metal weight. Dying will drop your equipped weapon but if you are fast and lucky enough, you can get it back. The game provides you with no password and 3 continues thus i feel that the game don't want to be cleared in relatively fair way. There's cheat that allow you to access stage select though. I give the game some credit because i can attack backward and defeating enemies has other purpose than securing my way which is to get coin. The coin will spin around wildly if you don't pick it some seconds after spawning. Whether this is good or bad, you decide. The bosses and sub-bosses have interesting design...in visual. In gameplay aspect, most of them are quite arduous to deal with thanks to their specific and small weakpoint. The music is strangely good for me. Not much i can speak about the sound effect though. The presentation is family-friendly although there's spikes, trap claw, or spiked drill around.

Gadget Twins (1992) is barely proper horizontal shooter game. I believe there's many horizontal shoot em up game in Sega MegaDrive/Genesis that better than this. You should play them, instead. I play this so you don't have to. Despite the cheerful tone of the game, it's not meant to play casually because it's still rough as unpolished magic gem.