Batman Forever (Rating: 1/10)
Okay, so Batman Forever on the Genesis wasn't actually that bad of a game. It's Batman Mortal Kombat mixed in with platforming. It may not have the best control scheme (Press Up + C and B, all at the same time, to use the grappling hook), but it wasn't harmful enough to ruin the game. However, the Game Gear version was ruined forever.
The main situation is that you have to beat up all the enemies in an area to progress. And there are platforms that are above Batman with enemies atop. With the Game Gear having no C button, it seems that Acclaim didn't implement being able to go up there and down correctly at all. I keep mashing buttons to see how to go to the above platforms. Guess what? I was never able to figure it out whatsoever, leaving me unable to get past the first room in the game. Unbelievable.
The main situation is that you have to beat up all the enemies in an area to progress. And there are platforms that are above Batman with enemies atop. With the Game Gear having no C button, it seems that Acclaim didn't implement being able to go up there and down correctly at all. I keep mashing buttons to see how to go to the above platforms. Guess what? I was never able to figure it out whatsoever, leaving me unable to get past the first room in the game. Unbelievable.
Mega Man (Rating: 9/10)
Now, don't be confused here. MegaMan for the Game Gear isn't a remake or port of the first game for NES, neither is it a port of the Game Boy version. Instead, this game contains bosses from MegaMan 4 and 5.
The gameplay is just like as it was in the NES and Game Boy series. You face evil robot masters, and then before actually fighting one, you must go through a lengthy stage filled with challenge. And then after beating the robot master, you take their power. That sort of gameplay never gets old and is always fun.
Here, the robot masters are Bright Man, Stone Man, Napalm Man, and Star Man (No relation to the power-up in the Mario series, obviously). The stages are just like as they were in the NES games. It's kind of like how the Game Boy series did it, but here, it's even closer to Mega Man 5 (and 4) on the NES.
The game is just as good as the NES and Game Boy games. It's too bad that it was well forgotten due to how overlooked the Game Gear is.
The gameplay is just like as it was in the NES and Game Boy series. You face evil robot masters, and then before actually fighting one, you must go through a lengthy stage filled with challenge. And then after beating the robot master, you take their power. That sort of gameplay never gets old and is always fun.
Here, the robot masters are Bright Man, Stone Man, Napalm Man, and Star Man (No relation to the power-up in the Mario series, obviously). The stages are just like as they were in the NES games. It's kind of like how the Game Boy series did it, but here, it's even closer to Mega Man 5 (and 4) on the NES.
The game is just as good as the NES and Game Boy games. It's too bad that it was well forgotten due to how overlooked the Game Gear is.
Mortal Kombat (Rating: 8/10)
Mortal Kombat, like any game, would happen to have multiple versions of itself. It is even ported onto the Sega Master System, the Game Gear, and the Game Boy.
They are all the same game, but they differ by music and color.
The Game Boy version, however, suffered from one fatal flaw: The slow gameplay. The gameplay is REEEAALLLLYYY slow.
Thankfully, the Master System and Game Gear versions didn't have that problem, making them playable.
The gameplay is pure one-on-one fighting fun, although without the blood and gore. There are only 6 characters, unfortunately, so if you are a person who plays as Johnny Cage often or someone else that dropped out, then this is bad news for you.
The graphics are great and they almost match the arcade game's graphics style....kinda.
So after you fight several enemies, you would later fight a mirror version of your character. After that, you begin to fight one person after another. That will happen 3 times before you fight the final enemy. This makes the game stand out from the crowd.
There are 3 difficulty modes: Easy, Normal, and Hard, so everybody can have a shot at it.
Overall, this is a good game that you should purchase for your Game Gear. Or maybe you can get a Master System version, instead. Don't get the Game Boy version, though. I'm warning you.
They are all the same game, but they differ by music and color.
The Game Boy version, however, suffered from one fatal flaw: The slow gameplay. The gameplay is REEEAALLLLYYY slow.
Thankfully, the Master System and Game Gear versions didn't have that problem, making them playable.
The gameplay is pure one-on-one fighting fun, although without the blood and gore. There are only 6 characters, unfortunately, so if you are a person who plays as Johnny Cage often or someone else that dropped out, then this is bad news for you.
The graphics are great and they almost match the arcade game's graphics style....kinda.
So after you fight several enemies, you would later fight a mirror version of your character. After that, you begin to fight one person after another. That will happen 3 times before you fight the final enemy. This makes the game stand out from the crowd.
There are 3 difficulty modes: Easy, Normal, and Hard, so everybody can have a shot at it.
Overall, this is a good game that you should purchase for your Game Gear. Or maybe you can get a Master System version, instead. Don't get the Game Boy version, though. I'm warning you.
Mortal Kombat 2 (Rating: 8/10)
Mortal Kombat II was always known as the pinnacle of the long-running series (To think Mortal Kombat 9 is coming). While MK2 dominated arcades and home consoles once again, the question is: Did it do well on Game Gear? It wasn't probably sold as much as the game's console cousins, but the game was actually pretty good.
In fact, it's a lot like the Game Boy version. They both have the same layouts, the same menus, and even a bit of the same gameplay. The Game Boy version goes at a smoother pace, though. The Game Gear version does have blood, too, if that adds to your appeal.
You choose your character (out of 8) and fight 10 other fighters, each with their own abilities. This goes for all of the Mortal Kombat games (Not in these specific #s though). The gameplay is pure arcade fighting on the go. The graphics are awesome, and the sounds/music were great.
The downside, however, is the fact that there are only a few arenas in this port, and their background musics are swapped. Plus, the game could be beaten in about 10 minutes or so. But, is it worth replaying? Yes. It truly is.
In fact, it's a lot like the Game Boy version. They both have the same layouts, the same menus, and even a bit of the same gameplay. The Game Boy version goes at a smoother pace, though. The Game Gear version does have blood, too, if that adds to your appeal.
You choose your character (out of 8) and fight 10 other fighters, each with their own abilities. This goes for all of the Mortal Kombat games (Not in these specific #s though). The gameplay is pure arcade fighting on the go. The graphics are awesome, and the sounds/music were great.
The downside, however, is the fact that there are only a few arenas in this port, and their background musics are swapped. Plus, the game could be beaten in about 10 minutes or so. But, is it worth replaying? Yes. It truly is.
Space Harrier (Rating: 5/10)
I really like Space Harrier. Very much. But when it comes to an 8-Bit port on the Game Gear, you're going to have to expect ugly graphics while also expecting the familiar shooting gameplay.
The sprites on the Game Gear don't look like as if they're on the ground. It looks like they are rather destroying the ground, because there are blue spaces around the objects. That's terrible.
At least the 3D-ish shooting gameplay is still addicting. There are 18 stages, with the last stage being having to destroy all of the bosses over again. Each stage has tons of obstacles to either avoid or shoot through as you maneuver your way through the level killing everything.
It's too bad that the Game Gear version just doesn't fit the 3D gimmick well. That and there's a little less room for you to dodge upcoming attacks.
The sprites on the Game Gear don't look like as if they're on the ground. It looks like they are rather destroying the ground, because there are blue spaces around the objects. That's terrible.
At least the 3D-ish shooting gameplay is still addicting. There are 18 stages, with the last stage being having to destroy all of the bosses over again. Each stage has tons of obstacles to either avoid or shoot through as you maneuver your way through the level killing everything.
It's too bad that the Game Gear version just doesn't fit the 3D gimmick well. That and there's a little less room for you to dodge upcoming attacks.
Sonic Blast (Rating: 7/10)
The 16-Bit wars were somewhat over when this game came about. The Nintendo 64 and the Sega Saturn were already coming under way, and the Playstation already bashed into the competition. The 8-Bit handhelds, however, were still duking it out and not one was replaced yet.
Sonic Blast, given the mid-90s release, was trying to take advantage of pre-rendered 3D graphics, while also providing the same fast-paced 2D action that the series was known for best.
The game plays a lot like Sonic Chaos and Sonic Triple Trouble. The improvements here are the double-jumping, the inclusion of Knuckles as a playable character, and entirely new level layouts, enemies, and bosses. Sonic Blast is exactly as fun as those games. The level designs are neat, the sounds are good, and the graphics are downright cool, considering the fact that this game is for an 8-Bit system.
There are also Special Stages, but they aren't really so great. They are easy and boring.
The game is also short, too, but I wouldn't actually care. Even short games are awesome, including DuckTales, Star Fox, and Super Mario Land, to name a few.
Sonic Blast, given the mid-90s release, was trying to take advantage of pre-rendered 3D graphics, while also providing the same fast-paced 2D action that the series was known for best.
The game plays a lot like Sonic Chaos and Sonic Triple Trouble. The improvements here are the double-jumping, the inclusion of Knuckles as a playable character, and entirely new level layouts, enemies, and bosses. Sonic Blast is exactly as fun as those games. The level designs are neat, the sounds are good, and the graphics are downright cool, considering the fact that this game is for an 8-Bit system.
There are also Special Stages, but they aren't really so great. They are easy and boring.
The game is also short, too, but I wouldn't actually care. Even short games are awesome, including DuckTales, Star Fox, and Super Mario Land, to name a few.
Sonic Chaos (Rating: 9/10)
Like the Master System/Game Gear games that succeeded it, Sonic Chaos features all of the high-speed fast-paced action you would always expect from a good Sonic game, as well as short levels, though.
The level design is interesting, but normally, I'd beat an act in under a minute. The graphics are also neatly detailed and not bad to look at. The sounds and music are good, but the music isn't memorable. Strangely, that also seems to go for Sonic Triple Trouble and Sonic Blast (two of the games that succeeded this).
What I find to be pretty cool are the item boxes that contain springs. As shown on the boxart, it's like bouncing as high as Mario with a pogo stick.
This game is a forgotten Sonic classic that deserves more attention. Heck, pretty much all of Sonic Game Gear games need as much attention. This game is as good as any 2D Sonic game out there.
The level design is interesting, but normally, I'd beat an act in under a minute. The graphics are also neatly detailed and not bad to look at. The sounds and music are good, but the music isn't memorable. Strangely, that also seems to go for Sonic Triple Trouble and Sonic Blast (two of the games that succeeded this).
What I find to be pretty cool are the item boxes that contain springs. As shown on the boxart, it's like bouncing as high as Mario with a pogo stick.
This game is a forgotten Sonic classic that deserves more attention. Heck, pretty much all of Sonic Game Gear games need as much attention. This game is as good as any 2D Sonic game out there.
Sonic Drift 2 (Rating: 7/10)
The Game Gear isn't exactly my personal recommendation for a video game system, but it still has a decent library of games. It just doesn't have as much charming titles as its competitor, the Game Boy, offered. Sonic Drift 2, according to the average Sonic fans, is one of the rather questionable games that came out of the system. You play as Sonic and friends as they....race...through certain zones..in cars.
The game plays like Namco's arcade classic, Pole Position, but with Mario Kart-style elements, such as items. The items you get from the boxes either slow someone down, speed you up, or make you bounce.
The game features Quick Race mode, Multiplayer Vs, and Grand Prix (with 5 tracks per cup). The tracks may be based off of certain zones in the Genesis Sonic games, but it surely doesn't differ too much from one other. Sure the maps are different, and the theme is, too, but that's it. Mystic Cave Zone is an exception, as it contains a few tunnels. Those tunnels, however, are frustrating because you are pushed to the very edge of the screen.
Overall, it's Pole Position with a nice Sonic flavor. I just wish there was more variety.
The game plays like Namco's arcade classic, Pole Position, but with Mario Kart-style elements, such as items. The items you get from the boxes either slow someone down, speed you up, or make you bounce.
The game features Quick Race mode, Multiplayer Vs, and Grand Prix (with 5 tracks per cup). The tracks may be based off of certain zones in the Genesis Sonic games, but it surely doesn't differ too much from one other. Sure the maps are different, and the theme is, too, but that's it. Mystic Cave Zone is an exception, as it contains a few tunnels. Those tunnels, however, are frustrating because you are pushed to the very edge of the screen.
Overall, it's Pole Position with a nice Sonic flavor. I just wish there was more variety.
Sonic Labyrinth (Rating: 4/10)
It's honestly hard to believe this game was released in 1995. It's the same year that brought us Vectorman, Rayman, Windows 95 and its games, and lots more stuff (Movies like Toy Story!). But why Sonic has to step into the ring with Sonic Labyrinth on the Game Gear is beyond me. Yes, folks. Even Classic Sonic had skeletons in his closet, and this is one of them.
So apparently, Sonic happens to be wearing super-slow shoes built by none other than Dr. Robotnik. But the question is: Why? Why does Sega have to offer us a game that could have been the Game Gear equivalent for Sonic 3D Blast, and remove Sonic's trademark speed? And to have to utilize a stupid storyline to go with it (Robotnik waits outside Sonic's HOUSE while he's sleeping, and gives a speech about his "evil" plan)? This would've been MUCH more fun if Sonic was Sonic. Granted, he still has the Spin Dash, but you'll have to be using that every single time if you want to go somewhere. It gets annoying really.
On top of all that, the music (for once) is terrible and forgettable, and while the graphics are decent, they won't be able to make up for the utter mess Sonic Labyrinth has to offer. Stick with any other Sonic game. Sonic Labyrinth is not worth the money.
So apparently, Sonic happens to be wearing super-slow shoes built by none other than Dr. Robotnik. But the question is: Why? Why does Sega have to offer us a game that could have been the Game Gear equivalent for Sonic 3D Blast, and remove Sonic's trademark speed? And to have to utilize a stupid storyline to go with it (Robotnik waits outside Sonic's HOUSE while he's sleeping, and gives a speech about his "evil" plan)? This would've been MUCH more fun if Sonic was Sonic. Granted, he still has the Spin Dash, but you'll have to be using that every single time if you want to go somewhere. It gets annoying really.
On top of all that, the music (for once) is terrible and forgettable, and while the graphics are decent, they won't be able to make up for the utter mess Sonic Labyrinth has to offer. Stick with any other Sonic game. Sonic Labyrinth is not worth the money.
Sonic the Hedgehog (Rating: 5/5)
The original Sonic the Hedgehog on the Sega Genesis was, and always will be an all-time classic. However, who would've thought that Sonic would be so much fun on the 8-Bit Game Gear? As technically limited as the Game Gear was, Sonic was reworked to be a perfect fit for the handheld. The result was significantly different than the Genesis hit, but was nevertheless a great game.
Players were treated to a pretty good variety of levels. We've got Green Hill Zone like in the original, but now Bridge Zone and Jungle Zone come to replace the Marble and Spring Yard Zones. Honestly, I prefer those zones over Marble and Spring Yard. They are just so much more fun to roam through (Although this game could've gone just fine without an autoscrolling level). There's also Sky Base Zone, which takes place after Scrap Brain Zone. It serves as an all-new challenge that Sonic enthusiasts need to triumph over to deal with Robotnik for the last time (Until a sequel comes around and then we'll have to beat him again)!
The graphics look gorgeous on the Game Gear, and while it certainly can't beat the Genesis's graphics capabilities, they still look lovely and well-detailed.
The music is arguably catchier in this version of Sonic, though. The all-new zones had really lively and upbeat tunes that just sounded so much better than the zones they replaced. Not to mention, the old zones that still exist on here (aside from Green Hill) have their tracks redone for the better!
So how exactly does the game PLAY? After all, that IS the most important aspect in a video game. Well, it doesn't pack any loop-de-loops, nor the many multiple paths, or even the ability to recollect the Rings you dropped after being attacked, but it does offer plenty of the enemy-pouncing and Ring-collecting that we also adore so much in the original game. Plus, the Zones help affect certain elements of gameplay. Green Hill contains slopes, Bridge Zone features crumbling platforms (and autoscrolling in the second Act), Jungle Zone has some platforms being eroded by the waterfalls, as well as running on logs, and a level in which Sonic must keep going up and up and not fall down whatsoever (The bottom of the screen kills you), ETC. The game is not afraid to introduce players to new game mechanics as they advance through the levels, and it is all the more satisfying for doing so.
One hook to the game is that there are 6 Chaos Emeralds Sonic has to collect in order for the player to access the game's "Good Ending". Where do you find these Emeralds? Well, apparently, you don't go into the Special Stages this time around to find them (Although the newly revamped Special Stages present here are pretty rad, and you can earn extra lives/continues in them), but rather do you go look IN THE LEVELS THEMSELVES. Yup, that's right. Exploration still manages to be a key element, but this time, for finding Chaos Emeralds! This quest for the Good Ending is nice way to add replay value.
Overall, Sonic's portable debut is a pretty awesome game. Definitely pick this one up if you can!
If you don't have a Game Gear, you're not out of luck - It's available on Sonic Adventure DX (as an unlockable game), Sonic Mega Collection Plus, and the Sega Master System version (Which is the same game with a few small differences) is on the Wii Virtual Console!
Players were treated to a pretty good variety of levels. We've got Green Hill Zone like in the original, but now Bridge Zone and Jungle Zone come to replace the Marble and Spring Yard Zones. Honestly, I prefer those zones over Marble and Spring Yard. They are just so much more fun to roam through (Although this game could've gone just fine without an autoscrolling level). There's also Sky Base Zone, which takes place after Scrap Brain Zone. It serves as an all-new challenge that Sonic enthusiasts need to triumph over to deal with Robotnik for the last time (Until a sequel comes around and then we'll have to beat him again)!
The graphics look gorgeous on the Game Gear, and while it certainly can't beat the Genesis's graphics capabilities, they still look lovely and well-detailed.
The music is arguably catchier in this version of Sonic, though. The all-new zones had really lively and upbeat tunes that just sounded so much better than the zones they replaced. Not to mention, the old zones that still exist on here (aside from Green Hill) have their tracks redone for the better!
So how exactly does the game PLAY? After all, that IS the most important aspect in a video game. Well, it doesn't pack any loop-de-loops, nor the many multiple paths, or even the ability to recollect the Rings you dropped after being attacked, but it does offer plenty of the enemy-pouncing and Ring-collecting that we also adore so much in the original game. Plus, the Zones help affect certain elements of gameplay. Green Hill contains slopes, Bridge Zone features crumbling platforms (and autoscrolling in the second Act), Jungle Zone has some platforms being eroded by the waterfalls, as well as running on logs, and a level in which Sonic must keep going up and up and not fall down whatsoever (The bottom of the screen kills you), ETC. The game is not afraid to introduce players to new game mechanics as they advance through the levels, and it is all the more satisfying for doing so.
One hook to the game is that there are 6 Chaos Emeralds Sonic has to collect in order for the player to access the game's "Good Ending". Where do you find these Emeralds? Well, apparently, you don't go into the Special Stages this time around to find them (Although the newly revamped Special Stages present here are pretty rad, and you can earn extra lives/continues in them), but rather do you go look IN THE LEVELS THEMSELVES. Yup, that's right. Exploration still manages to be a key element, but this time, for finding Chaos Emeralds! This quest for the Good Ending is nice way to add replay value.
Overall, Sonic's portable debut is a pretty awesome game. Definitely pick this one up if you can!
If you don't have a Game Gear, you're not out of luck - It's available on Sonic Adventure DX (as an unlockable game), Sonic Mega Collection Plus, and the Sega Master System version (Which is the same game with a few small differences) is on the Wii Virtual Console!
Sonic the Hedgehog 2 (Rating: 10/10)
While Sonic 1 for Game Gear was a good game, it didn't have much of the high-speed action we expected. Sonic 2, on the other hand, contains that.
Sonic 2 for Game Gear is not what you expect to be if you had played the Genesis version: It has a completely different storyline and zones. Tails is kidnapped by Robotnik and Sonic must save him. Isn't Tails supposed to be the sidekick?
Anyways, the gameplay is identical to the Genesis games, which is great. The music and sounds were still well-developed. What is kind of a letdown is that there are no Special Stages. You gotta find the Chaos Emeralds in the zones themselves. There's your challenge for ya.
Overall, it's another great Sonic game....that was eclipsed by the more well-known Genesis version.
Sonic 2 for Game Gear is not what you expect to be if you had played the Genesis version: It has a completely different storyline and zones. Tails is kidnapped by Robotnik and Sonic must save him. Isn't Tails supposed to be the sidekick?
Anyways, the gameplay is identical to the Genesis games, which is great. The music and sounds were still well-developed. What is kind of a letdown is that there are no Special Stages. You gotta find the Chaos Emeralds in the zones themselves. There's your challenge for ya.
Overall, it's another great Sonic game....that was eclipsed by the more well-known Genesis version.
Virtua Fighter Animation (Rating: 2/10)
Virtua Fighter Animation can be best described as the Game Gear equivalent to Virtua Fighter 2 for Genesis...except while the visuals and soundtrack are rich and detailed, the gameplay is totally lackluster here. There was at least an appealing challenge in VF2 Genesis. Here, the dumb-as-rocks AI makes it all totally easy. And you don't even get to start the game with all characters.
That's right. You have to unlock all characters as you progress in the game. But even then, you can just simply button-mash that same Punch button over and over to win. Once you unlock Kage, and play as him, the game then becomes a 100% cakewalk, because even when the computer player blocks your attacks, you can still button-mash to push him/her off the arena and still win.
Virtua Fighter Animation is a masterpiece in presentation. The actual game is garbage.
That's right. You have to unlock all characters as you progress in the game. But even then, you can just simply button-mash that same Punch button over and over to win. Once you unlock Kage, and play as him, the game then becomes a 100% cakewalk, because even when the computer player blocks your attacks, you can still button-mash to push him/her off the arena and still win.
Virtua Fighter Animation is a masterpiece in presentation. The actual game is garbage.