• Tag Archives SNES

  • Super R-Type (Super Nintendo)

    Posted on by Azrael Comment

    Super R-Type is a horizontal side-scrolling shooter published by Irem for the Super NES in 1991. This was one of the more popular genres in the 16-bit era and the R-Type series was one of the most iconic examples. Super R-Type was kind of a hybrid conversion of R-Type II with additional unique levels and features. Super R-Type was one of the earliest releases for the Super NES and one of the first games I owned for that system.

    The graphics were always a standout feature of the R-Type series and the Super NES version is no exception. The R-Type series in general is known for its mechanical look and gigantic bosses. The graphics have a bit of a Geiger-esque feel and the Super NES version compares favorably to the arcade version. In general it did not disappoint fans of the arcade originals.

    Likewise, the sound and music were also very good. Combined with the graphics, this helped to create a very atmospheric games. There were a lot of great 2D side-scrolling shooters but the R-Type series is one of the most memorable.

    All was not perfect with the Super NES version, though. Super R-Type, like a lot of Super NES games (especially early ones) suffered from slow-down when there were lots of sprites on the screen at once. While not ideal, I didn’t think this detracted from the game too much. Some say this made the game easier but I was never good enough to beat it on anything harder than the easiest level anyway. The lack of mid-level checkpoints is a notorious sore spot with this game. Whenever you die, you are sent back to the beginning of the level no matter how far along it you were.

    There’s nothing groundbreaking about the game play but there are a few unique touches. There is a variety of levels, power-ups, enemies, and more. One of the more unique aspects is the “force pod” which attaches to the front or rear of your ship and is indestructible. It can also detach and operate as an autonomous weapon. Super R-Type also has a charge mechanic where you hold the button down for a stronger weapon blast.

    If you are at all a fan of this genre, then I think this is a must play game. Super R-Type has an atmospheric impact that few games are able to achieve and despite its flaws, it is a blast to play. The unique levels make it worth playing even if you have played the arcade version of R-Type II.

    Over the years, there have been a couple of re-releases that make it a bit easier to play. It was released on the Wii Virtual Console in 2008 and more recently on the Nintendo Classics service in 2024. You can of course also track down an original copy or play it via emulation.

    The ad above is from the January 1992 issue of VideoGames & Computer Entertainment.


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  • GamePro (April 1993)

    Posted on by Azrael Comment

    GamePro was the most popular gaming magazine in the U.S. after Electronic Gaming Monthly. They were usually pretty close in sales though I always preferred EGM. The April 1993 issue includes:

    • Letter from the GamePros – Despite the fact that more powerful systems had been available for years at this point, the NES still had strong sales in 1992 with support planned for 1993. It probably would have been doing even better except for the fact that the NES wasn’t that much cheaper than a Super NES.
    • The Mail – Letters from readers about StarFox, the Super NES expansion port, the Super 8 NES converter for the Super NES, Zelda sequels, Sega CD pack-in games, and more.
    • April Fools! – A GamePro parody.
    • Hot at the Arcades – A look at some of the latest arcade games including Holosseum (another hologram game from Sega) and Time Killers (a lesser known but somewhat entertaining fighting game).
    • Cutting Edge – Pioneer teams up with Sega and NEC to create the LaserActive Player designed to play Genesis, Sega CD, TurboGrafx-16, Turbo CD, and Super CD games as well as create a new LaserDisc format for games. It’s expected to cost $1200. Also, a look at VR tech being developed by Sega.

    • ProReviews –
        • Nintendo – Reviews of DuckTales 2, Dizzy the Adventurer (Aladding), R.C. Pro-Am II (I always loved this series of RC racing games), and Bomberman 2.
        • Genesis – Reviews of Cyborg Justice, Battletoads, Cool Spot, Tiny Toon Adventures: Buster’s Hidden Treasure, Chakan the Forever Man, OutRun 2019, and G-LOC.
        • Sega CD – Reviews of Road Avenger, Hook (based on the movie of the same name), and The Adventures of Willy Beamish.
        • SNES – Reviews of Star Fox (the first game to use the new SuperFX chip), Super Turrican, Shadowrun(the cyberpunk RPG though this version is quite a bit different than the Genesis version), Inindo, MechWarrior, Pocky & Rocky, and Tom and Jerry. Plus previews of Lord d of the Rings and Final Fight II.
        • TurboChip – A review of The Legend of Hero Tonma.
        • Neo Geo – A review of Super Sidekicks.
        • Game Boy – Reviews of Kid Dracula and Milon’s Secret Castle.
        • Game Gear – Reviews of Shinobi II: The Silent Fury and Global Gladiators.
        • Lynx – A review of Power Factor.

    • Special Feature: Star Fox – A detailed look at the first (and one of only a few) games to use the Super FX chip.
    • Special Feature: Where’s Bubsy? – Though it ended up being a good game, Bubsy did suffer from delays. Here’s an interview with Bubsy himself about why that is so.
    • Special Feature: The Winter Consumer Electronics Show ’93 – The Consumer Electronics Show used to be one of the premiere places to get a look at new games. Some of the ones on display this year were Aerobiz, Chase HQ II, Dinosaurs for Hire, Dizzy, F-15 Strike Eagle II, James Bond 007, James Pond II, The Last Action Hero, Micro Machines, Mig-29 Fulcrum, Jungle Strike, Mutant League Football, NFL Quarterback Club, Pirates Gold, Populous II, Road Riot 4WD, Rolling Thunder 3, Splatterhouse 3, Wayne’s World, X-Men, Aero the Acrobat, Aladdin, Aliens vs. Predator, Blaster Master 2, California Games II, Cool World, Crash Dummies, Duck Dodgers and Marvin the Martian, Fatal Fury 2, Final Fantasy 3, Final Fight II, Jurassic Park, King of the Monsters 2, Mario is Missing, The Ren and Stimpy Show, Rock ‘n’ Roll Racing, Rocky & Bullwinkle, Sonic Blastman, Super Bomberman, Super Mega Man, Superman, The Terminator, Toxic Crusaders, Carmen Sandiego, Taz-Mania, Yoshi’s Cookie, Battletoads/Double Dragon, Bases Loaded 4, Bonk 3, Kirby’s Adventure, John Madden Football ’93, Afterburner III, Macross 2036, Alien, Batman Returns, C+C Music Factory, Dune, Ecco the Dolphin, Rebel Assault, Darkwing Duck, The Legend of Zelda: Link’s Awakening, Star Trek: The Next Generation, Super Dodge Ball, The Land of Illusion Starring Mickey Mouse, and many more.
    • Overseas ProSpects – A look at games being released in Japan including Time Gal (Mega CD), Ranma 1/2 II (Super Famicom), Final Fantasy V (Super Famicom), and more.
    • The Sports Page – Reviews of some of the latest sports related games including Tony La Russa Baseball (Genesis), Super NBA Basketball (Super NES), Pigskin Footbrawl (Genesis), Pro Quarterback (Genesis), World Sports Competition (Turbo Duo), and more.
    • Hardware Helpers – A look at some of the latest video game accessories including The Activator (Genesis), The Street Fighter Firestick (Super NES), Game Genie (Game Boy), TopFighter (Super NES), STD ProgramPads (Super NES, Genesis), and more.
    • S.W.A.T. – Tips and tricks for King of Casino (TG16), The Addams Family (SNES), Tecmo Super Bowl (NES), Night Trap (Sega CD), Cal Ripken Jr. (SNES), Ninja Gaiden (Game Gear), Alien 3 (Genesis), The Addams Family (TurboGrafx-CD), Yoshi (NES), Splatterhouse 2 (Genesis), Super Adventure Island (SNES), Sonic The Hedgehog (Genesis), Prince of Persia (SNES), Battle Clash (SNES), and Wings 2 (SNES).
    • GameBusters: Alien 3 (SNES) – Tips for Alien 3 on the Super NES.
    • ProNews – Capcom licenses Street Fighter II products; EA changes name of sports line of games to EA Sports; John Madden Football Championship Edition to be available only via rental; Sega to work on in flight video game systems; Turtles III movie coming; and more.
    • Special Feature: The Starlight Foundation – A look at this organization which provides video game systems to hospitals.

    …and more!


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  • Claymates (Super NES)

    Posted on by Azrael Comment

    Claymates is a side-scrolling platformer developed by Visual Concepts and published by Interplay in 1993 exclusively for the Super NES. The was by far the most popular genre of gaming in the 8 and 16-bit era so this one probably got lost in the crowd a little. The most unique thing about this game is its claymation style animation similar to what the same company did in ClayFighter which was released around the same time. ClayFighter had pretty big success and judging from the three page ad layout in EGM, Interplay must of thought they had a big hit on their hands with Claymates as well. Honestly though, I didn’t remember this game at all so I’m not sure it was as popular as they hoped…but maybe it was just me.

    This game follows the same general formula as most other side-scrolling platform games of the time. Run and jump avoiding obstacles and defeating or avoiding enemies along the way. The unique play mechanic in this game is the fact that the main characters is a ball of clay that can transform into one of four animals. These include Muckster the Cat, Doh-Doh the Duck, Oozy the Mouse, Goopy the Guppy, and Globmeister the Chipmunk. The ad here features Goopy the Guppy leaving me to wonder if there were ads for all of the animals. In any case, each animal has its own special abilities that will help you in different situations.

    This game has a fair amount of variety. As you work your way through different levels you will progress through places such as your back yard, the Pacific, Japan, Africa, and even outer space. The story doesn’t really matter much but you are basically trying to rescue your father from the bad guy that stole his transformation serum and turned you into a clay ball.

    The graphics are kind of a mixed bag. On one had, the backgrounds are nice and the claymation effect is very unique. On the other hand, these clay animated figures, though well done, don’t necessarily look as good as the sharp and colorful looking sprites found in most games. I guess it’s a personal preference thing. There’s also nothing to complain about with the sound and music.

    This game was generally reviewed well. If I were playing a side-scroller like this at the time, other than Mario, I would have been more into sci-fi themed games so I would probably have passed this one by. A pin-up of Goopy the Guppy sure wouldn’t have made me want to play it, lol. However, if you are a fan of the genre and the SNES, then this is definitely a decent one to pick up. This would seem to be a case of not wanting to judge a book by its cover.

    There are a couple of interesting development notes. Development initially started on the NES but moved to the Super NES early on. There was also a Genesis version planned but for some reason never completed. I’m not really sure why. It doesn’t seem like it would have been a particularly difficult port but perhaps the sales weren’t what they were expecting and they chose not to pursue additional ports. I’m just speculating but Clayfighter had a number of sequels and I don’t think there were any sequels to this game.

    Claymates was added to the Nintendo Classics service in 2021. If you have a Nintendo Switch or a Switch 2 then that is an easy way to play this game. Otherwise, you will have to track down an original copy for your Super NES or use emulation. As far as I know, there haven’t been any other releases of this game.

    The ad above is from the March 1994 issue of Electronic Gaming Monthly.


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