• Tag Archives Super Nintendo

  • Electronic Gaming Monthly (March 1996)

    Posted on by Azrael Comment

    Source: Electronic Gaming Monthly – Issue Number 80 – March 1996

    In early 1996, EGM was covering the PlayStation, Saturn, Super NES, Genesis, 32X, 3DO, Atari Jaguar, CDi, Neo Geo, Game Boy, Game Gear, and the yet to be released Ultra 64. It was definitely a much more varied era of videogaming. The March 1996 issue includes:

    • Insert Coin – An editorial on the high price of games…generally $60-$70 for new releases at the time.
    • Press Start – Konami releases Hyper Blaster light gun for the PlayStation in Japan; SNK releases Neo Geo CDX with double speed CD-ROM drive; Namco releases new controllers, Goldstar to cease producing 3DO consoles; Atari plans 16 new CD-ROM PC titles; Infinity Multimedia working on new 3D display; ZON sensor eliminates need for controllers; and more.
    • Review Crew
      • Real Bout Fatal Fury (Neo Geo) – The latest Fatal Fury fighting game.
      • Pocahontas (Genesis) – Disney action platformer with puzzle elements.
      • Darius Gaiden (Saturn) – Decent side-scrolling shooter.
      • Mortal Kombat II (Saturn) – The best MKII home translation so far.
      • Zero Divide (PlayStation) – A somewhat unique polygon fighter.
      • A-Train (PlayStation) – Another city simulator from Maxis.
      • Descent (PlayStation) – PC port of the classic.
      • Star Fighter (3DO) – A good but difficult shooter reminiscent of Star Fox.

    • Gaming Gossip – Atari to get out of video games but produce PC games; Sony adjust release schedule to better compete with Ultra 64’s pending release; Nintendo predicts selling 3 million Ultra 64s during the first year, rumored prices include $250 for the console and $100 to $150 for the games; disk drive for Ultra 64 to use disks that contain up to 64 MB of data with 20 MB being re-writeable.
    • Tricks of the Trade – Tricks, tips, strategies and codes for Loaded (PlayStation), Earthworm Jim 2 (Super NES), Zero Divide (PlayStation), Ultimate Mortal Kombat 3 (arcade), Doom Troopers (Genesis), Earthworm Jim 2 (Super NES), The Raiden Project (PlayStation), Sega Rally Championship (Saturn), Toshinden 2 (PlayStation), Destruction Derby (PlayStation) – one of my favorites!, and much more.
    • Special Features
        • First Look at the Games of CES – Previews of some of the games shown at the Winter CES including Pocahontas and Maui Mallard by Disney Interactive for the Genesis, Casper for the PlayStation, VR Golf and VR Soccer for the PlayStation and Saturn, Bubsy 3D from Accolade for the PlayStation, Star Control 3 from Accolade for the PC (DOS), Power Rangers for the PlayStation and Saturn, Independence Day, Planet of the Apes, Hell Raiser, NCAA Basketball, Time Lapse, Alone in the Dark 2, Metalwerks, Orion Burger, and more.
        • The Developers of Resident Evil Spill Their Guts – An interview with Mr. Shinji Mikami, director of Capcom’s Resident Evil for the PlayStation.
        • Cover Story: Tekken 2 – A first look (with screen shots) of the Tekken 2 arcade conversion for the PlayStation.
        • Killer Instict 2 – A look at the Killer Instinct sequel in the arcades, including a list of combos and how to perform them.
    • Next Wave
        • Maui Mallard (Genesis) – A platform game featuring a Donald Duck look alike (85% done).
        • Pocahontas (Genesis) – An action/puzzle game from Disney (100% done).
        • Mortal Kombat II (Saturn) – Closest version to the arcade original (100% done).
        • Darius Gaiden (Saturn) – Destroy the mechanical fish armada (100% done).
        • D (Saturn) – A horror/adventure game (100% done).
        • Battle Arena Toshinden 2 (PlayStation) – Classic 3D fighter (80% done).
        • Descent (PlayStation) – Port of the classic PC sim (100% done).
        • Zero Divide (PlayStation) – A more obscure 3D fighter (100% done).
        • Krazy Ivan (PlayStation) – Sounds like it should be a submarine game but it’s a mech game (100% done).
        • A-Train (PlayStation) – Another city sim from Maxis (100% done).
        • Casper (3DO) – An adventure game featuring the friendly ghost (80% done).
        • Real Bout Fatal Fury (Neo Geo) – The latest Neo Geo fighting game (100% done).

    • Next Wave Protos
      • Magic Carpet – An early look at this PC game.
      • Dungeons and Dragons: Tower of Doom (PlayStation/Saturn) – Action/adventure game that might remind you of something like Golden Axe (10% done).
      • Earthworm Jim 2 (Saturn) – Sequel to the popular 16-bit game (70% done).
      • Dirt Race Extreme (PlayStation) – Off-road racing game.
      • Shining Wisdom (PlayStation) – An RPG from Working Designs.
      • D (PlayStation) – Horror themed puzzle/adventure game.
    • Team EGM – An interview with Magic and Kareem in regards to Slam ‘n Jam ’96. Reviews of various other sports games including VR Soccer ’96 (PlayStation), F-1 World Championship (PlayStation), F-1 Live Information (Saturn), Bottom of the 9th (PlayStation), VR Golf ’96 (PlayStation), and Valora Valley Golf (Saturn). Previews of Hang On GP ’95 (Saturn), Goal Storm (PlayStation), Road Rash (PlayStation), and Atari Karts (Jaguar).
    • Contest – Simply complete the entry form for your chance to win a Run N’ Gun arcade machine, In the Zone video game, or a Konami T-Shirt.
    • Interface: Letters to the Editor – PlayStation vs. Saturn, next-gen RPGs, FMV games, Ultimate Mortal Kombat 3 and more.

    …and more!


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  • Electronic Games (September 1993)

    Posted on by Azrael Comment

    Source: Electronic Games – September 1993

    Electronic Games was the first major North American gaming magazine. It lasted only a few years before succumbing to the effects of the video game crash. However, it had a rebirth in the early 1990s. The September 1993 issue includes:

    Departments

    • Power On! – A rant against the perception that games (electronic games in particular) are just for kids.
    • Feedback – Letters from readers with topics such as a video game rating system, Camerica’s bankruptcy, CD based games, and more.
    • Hotline – The news this month includes: Bubsy starring in his own cartoon; Charles Barkley signed by Accolade for basketball games; Sega announces future plans for the Sega CD; a full motion video upgrade for the CD-i; Tandy sells computer manufacturing division to AST Research Inc.; Spectrum HoloByte and MicroProse merge; MPEG 1 becomes a standard; Acclaim signs deal for games based on James Cameron movies…first up is True Lies; new Disney and roller coaster screen savers for DOS; and more. Top games this month include StarFox (SuperNES), X-Men (Genesis), Super Mario Land 2 (Game Boy), Kirby’s Adventure (NES); Sonic the Hedgehog 2 (Game Gear), and Batman Returns (Sega CD).
    • Insert Coin Here – New and upcoming arcade games include Jurassic Park Pinball from Data East, Tee’d Off from Premier Technology, Title Fight from Sega, The Punisher from Capcom, Saturday Night Slam Masters from Capcom, Daioh from American Sammy, and more.
    • Game Doctor – Questions answered about Street Fighter II, video quality on CD games such as It Came from the Desert and 7th Guest, Out of this World on the SNES, Sega’s Virtual VR, Q Sound, updated Activision games, and more.
    • Fandom Central – A look at the latest fanzines, including The Atari Zone Vol.5 #3, Fantazine #2, The Gaming Edge #1, Game Force #2, High Density #1, and Video Game Review #5.
    • Video Game Gallery – Video game reviews this month include Mortal Combat for both the Super NES and Genesis, Vegas Stakes (Super NES), T2: Judgement Day (Super NES), Jurassic Park (Genesis), Rocket Knight Adventures (Genesis), Street Fighter II Turbo (Super NES), Magical Chase (TurboGrafx-16), Super Bomberman (Super NES), Bill Walsh College Football (Genesis), and Wing Commander: The Secret Missions (Super NES).
    • Software Gallery – Computer game reviews this month include Prince of Persia 2 (DOS), Rags to Riches (DOS), Blue Force (DOS), Might & Magic: Dark Side of Xeen (DOS), Aces Over Europe (DOS), Eternam (DOS), and Lunar Command (DOS).
    • CD Gallery – CD-based game review this month include Indiana Jones and the Fate of Atlantis (DOS) and Sherlock Holmes Consulting Detective III (DOS, Mac).
    • Portable Playtime – There’s only one Mobile game review this month and that’s King of the Ring for the Game Boy.
    • The Kunkel Report – A look at the Summer Consumer Electronics Show. Attendance was lower than usual and except for the electronic entertainment side of things there wasn’t much that was very interesting. The big news was that Sega’s display and popularity were much more impressive than Nintendo’s. Some games highlighted included Aladdin for the Genesis, Jurassic Park for the NES, Super NES and Genesis, White Men Can’t Jump, and Demolition Man among others.
    • The Jury – Reader reviews for Star Fox for the Super NES.
    • Lore – Reviews of gaming books including “Compute’s Conquering Zelda Adventures, 2nd Ed.” and “The Complete Wargames Handbook: How to Play, Design & Find Them.
    • Test Lab – A hands on look at some accessories for the Game Boy, including the Game Light Plus from Nuby, the Bright Beam from Naki, The Handy Boy from STD, the Action Pack battery from Naki, the Snap ‘N’ Power from Nuby, the Naki Solar Pack, and much more.
    • Playing it Smart – An overview of some educational games, including Cuckoo Zoo (DOS, Macintosh), Reader Rabbit 2 (DOS, Macintosh), and Pepper’s Adventure in Time (DOS).
    • Gaming On-Line – Sierra releases standalone version of their online game The Shadow of Yserbius; TSN subscribers can play NTN users (typically from hotels, bars and restaurants) in various games; MPG net schedules a series of Empire Builder tournaments with modems as prizes; MPG developing 2300 A.D. gaming environment; Prodigy eliminates extra surcharge for 9600 baud modem users; and more.
    • Coming Soon – The Players’ Guide to Science Fiction, The Eye of the Jaguar, Down Mean Streets with Darryl Gates, Re-fight World War II, and more.

    Features

    • Jaguar Roars to Life – A look at the hardware and first software for the Atari Jaguar to be released in the Fall. Initial games include Cybermorph, Aliens vs. Predator, Jaguar Formula One Racing, Battlezone 2000 and Tempest 2000. About 50,000 units are expected to be available initially at $200.
    • Players’ Guide to Fall and Winter Games – Previews of games due out in the near future, including The Adventures or Rocky & Bullwinkle (Genesis), Bugs Bunny: Rabbit Rampage (SNES), Chuck Rock II: Son of Chuck (Genesis, Sega CD), Daffy Duck: The Marvin Missions (SNES), Dashin’ Desperadoes (Genesis), Goofy (Genesis), James Pond III: Operation Starfish (Genesis), Kaboom: The Mad Doctor’s Revenge (SNES), Mr. Nutz (SNES), Mario & Wario (SNES), Pink Goes to Hollywood (Genesis), Pitfall Harry: The Mayan Adventure (SNES), Puggsy (Genesis), Sylvester & Tweety: Cagey Capers (Genesis), Wizzy ‘n’ Lizzy (Genesis), Blades of Vengeance (Genesis), Captain America and the Avengers (SNES), Clayfighter (SNES), Eternal Champions (Genesis), Lethal Enforcer (Genesis), Turtles Tournament Fighters (Genesis), World Heroes (SNES), Alien vs. Predator (SNES), BattleClash II (SNES), BioMetal (SNES), Robocop vs. The Terminator (SNES, Genesis), River Raid: The Mission of No Return (SNES), Soldiers of Fortune (SNES, Genesis), Super Empire Strikes Back (SNES), Turn and Burn: No Fly Zone (SNES), Rolling Thunder 3 (Genesis), ABC’s Monday Night Football (SNES), John Madden Football ’94 (SNES, Genesis), Dan Marino’s Touchdown Football (Genesis), Quarterback Club (Genesis), Beastball (Genesis, SNES), World Series Baseball (Genesis), 2020 Super Baseball (Genesis), NBA Jam (SNES, Genesis), Brett Hull Hockey (SNES, Genesis), NHL Hockey (SNES), International Soccer (Genesis), Nigel Mansell’s World Championship Racing (NES, SNES, Genesis), Pele Soccer (Genesis, SNES), Pro Moves Soccer (Genesis), Formula 1 World Cup (Genesis), FX Trax (SNES), Speed Racer (Genesis, SNES), Riddick Bowe Boxing (SNES), WCW: Main Event Wrestling (Genesis, SNES), Andre Agassi Tennis (SNES), Beauty and the Beast (Genesis), Castlvania: Bloodlines (Genesis), Eye of the Beholder (SNES), The Journey Home: Quest for the Throne (SNES), Might & Magic III (SNES, Genesis), Star Trek; The Next Generation (SNES), Runes of Virtue (SNES), Ultima: The False Prophet (SNES), Dennis the Menace (SNES, NES), Goof Troop (SNES), Zombies Ate My Neighbors (SNES), Ghengis Khan III: Clan of the Gray Wolf (SNES, Genesis), Metal Marines (SNES), Super Battleship (SNES), Super Battletank 2 (SNES), Walker (Genesis, SNES), SimAnt (SNES), Caesar’s Palace (SNES, Genesis), Championship Pool (SNES), and Side Pocket (SNES).Then there are the computer games: Dracula Unleashed (DOS), Bloodnet (DOS), Bloodstone (DOS), Quest for glory 4: Shadows of Darkness (DOS), Gabriel Knight (DOS), Jagged Alliance (DOS), Shadow Caster (DOS), Fantasy Empire (DOS), Forgotten Castle: The Awakening (DOS), The Elder Scrolls Chapter 1: The Arena (DOS), Dungeon Hack (DOS), Inca 2 (DOS), Arborea (DOS), Simon the Sorcerer (DOS, Amiga), The Dig (DOS), Star Trek: Judgement Rights (DOS), Gateway II: Homeworld (DOS), Kronolog: The Nazi Paradox( DOS), Innocent Until Caught (DOS), Police Quest 4: Open Season (DOS), Shadow of the Comet (DOS), Leisure Suit Larry 6 (DOS), Sam and Max Hit the Road (DOS), Tom Landry Strategy Football (DOS, Amiga), Front Page Sports Football Pro (DOS), Joe Montana NFL Football (DOS), MPS Football (DOS), NCAA Basketball: Road to the Final Four 2 (DOS), David Robinson NBA Action (DOS), Brett Hull Hockey (DOS), Aliens vs. Predator (DOS), Alone in the Dark II (DOS), Homey D. Clown (DOS), Imperial Pursuit (DOS), Walker (Amiga), Goblins 3 (DOS), The Terminator 2029: Rampage (DOS), Doom (DOS), Secret of the Seventh Labyrinth (DOS), Seal Team (DOS), Wing Commander Academy (DOS), Sub Wars (DOS), and MechWarriors II: The Clans (DOS).

      Then of course there are the mobile games: Aliens vs. Predator (Game Boy), Batman: The Animated Series (Game Boy), Desert Strike (Game Gear), Mortal Kombat (Game Boy, Game Gear), Robocop vs. The Terminator, Speedy Gonzales (Game Boy), Tiny Toons: Montana’s Movie Madness (Game Boy), WarioLand (Game Boy), Formula 1 World Cup (Game Gear), Nigen Mansell’s World Championship Racing (Game Boy), WCW: Main Event Wrestling (Game Boy), Turtles: Radical Rescue (Game Boy), and Ultima: Runes of Virtue II (Game Boy).

      That’s a lot of games.

    • Dungeons and Dragons – A look at the history of Dungeons and Dragons, its future on computers and what’s next for SSI. Some upcoming D&D games include Dark Sun: Shattered Lands, Stronghold, Eye of the Beholder III: Assault on Myth Drannor, Fantasy Empires, Dungeon Hack, Isle of the Mad Genie, and Ravenloft.
    • Multimedia Explosion – While technically just about any computer or video game would be considered “multimedia”, the term was largely aimed at CD based software and games. There was even a short-lived terms for PCs with CD-ROM drives (MPC). Upcoming multimedia games expected to lead to the multimedia revolution include Americans in Space (DOS, MPC, Macintosh), Eagle Eye Mystery in London (DOS, MPC, Macintosh, Mac-CD), Peter Pan (DOS, MPC, Mac, Mac-CD, 3DO), Hell Cab (MPC, Mac-CD), Kings Quest VI (MPC), Aegis: Guardian of the Fleet (MPC), Dragon’s Lair (MPC, 3DO), Mad Dog II (MPC, Sega CD), Rebel Assault (MPC, Sega CD, CDi) – I had this one!, Global Golf: The Earth Invitational (MPC, Mac CD), MegaRace (MPC, 3DO), Betrayal at Krondor (Sega CD, 3DO), and lots more.Also included is a comparison of multimedia systems including the Sega CD, Turbo Duo, CD-i, and computers with CD-ROM drives.
    • EG Interview – Paul Samulski – Paul Samulski was a producer at Acclaim and the man most responsible for acquiring the home game rights for Mortal Kombat for Acclaim.

    …and more!


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  • EGM2 (December 1994)

    Posted on by Azrael Comment

    Source:  EGM2 – Issue Number 6 – December 1994

    I think that December 1994 represents the absolute peak (at least in terms of page counts) of video game magazines. Electronic Gaming Monthly, one of the most popular gaming magazines, actually had two publications each month at the time and in December 1994 and averaged close to 400 pages. the December 1994 issue of EGM2 (or EGM^2 or EGM Squared or whatever you want to call it) weighed in at 356 pages, covered at least the Super Nintendo, Genesis, Sega CD, 3DO, CD-i, Atari Jaguar, PlayStation and arcade games and included:

    Features

    • Meet the New, Tough Cast of Samurai Showdown 2! – A detailed look at SNK’s new Samurai Showdown 2 including the large number of fighters.
    • The Sony PlayStation is Making Waves in Japan! – A look at the PlayStation, first games available and an interview with Hiroshi Koyomoto fomr the marketing division of Sony of Japan’s Computer Entertainment Division a few days ahead of the official launch in Japan.
    • Hear the Roar of the Jaguar and it’s Games! – The Atari Jaguar was a terrific system for its time and quite powerful. It came out strong but sadly, Atari repeated its mistakes of the past and failed to put sufficient resources into first party game development and third party support. A look at Checkered Flag, Bubsy, Syndicate, Theme Park, and Iron Soldier.
    • Capcom Mania is Striking the Video Game World! – A detailed look at new and upcoming Capcom games including X-Men: Mutant Apocalypse and Mega Man X2 for the Super NES.
    • Earthworm Jim Exposed! – A look at the making of Earthworm Jim 2 as well as some strategies for the original.
    • The Adventures of Batman and Robin – A detailed look this game for the Sega Genesis based on the animated series of the same name.

    Departments

    • Insert Coin – A positive look at the Atari Jaguar and indeed, the first batch of games looks pretty good…at least the ones mentioned here.
    • Interface: Letters to the Editor – Letters about playing Super Famicom games on the Super NES, Quarterback Club vs. NFL ’95, how to get into the game business, Satan’s snubbing from MK II, R-Type 3, and more.
    • Fandom Central – A look by Arnie Katz at the latest in gaming fanzines.
    • Press Start – Nintendo sponsors online conversations about Donkey Kong Country via CompuServe, Capcom announces Mega Man: The Wily Wars exclusively for the Sega Channel, who’s on the Street Fighter 2 soundtrack, EA Sports and Catapult sponsor XBand superbowl of gaming, and more.
    • Gaming Gossip – Sony PlayStation prepares for launch, Namco announces support for PlayStation, Street Fighter III in the works, Mortal Kombat II and NBA Jam Tournament Edition rumored for 3DO, Wayne Gretzky signs deal for hockey game on the Super NES, Genesis and Sega CD, and more.
    • Tricks of the Trade – Tips and tricks for Mickey Mania (Genesis), Belle’s Quest (Genesis), Roar of the Beast (Genesis), Lemmings (Super NES), Death Valley Rally (Super NES), Speedy Gonzalez (Game Boy), EXO Squad (Genesis), Daffy Duck: Marvin Missions (Super NES), Fire Power 2000 (Super NES), Pirates of Dark Water (Genesis), Super Game Boy (Super NES), Aero the AcroBat (Super NES), Ultimate Fighter (Super NES), Batman: Return of the Joker (Genesis), Urban Strike (Genesis), Mickey Mania (Sega CD), Earthworm Jim (Genesis), Final Fantasy III (Super NES), Shaq Fu (Super NES), and much more.
    • Next Wave – Previews of Eternal Champions CD (Sega CD), Mega Bomberman (Genesis), RapJam Volume One (Super NES), Brutal (32X), ATP Tour Championship Tennis (Genesis), Midnight Raiders (Sega CD), Ogre Battle (Super NES), Ecco: The Tides of Time CD (Sega CD), Marko’s Magic Soccer Ball (Game Gear), Power Ranger (Sega CD), NHL All-Star Hockey ’95 (Genesis), Home Improvement (Super NES), Flying Nightmares (Sega CD, 3DO), The Legend of Illusion Starring Mickey Mouse (Game Gear), and Ignition Factor (Super NES).
    • International Outlook – A look at new and upcoming releases from Japan including Chrono Trigger (Super Famicom), Front Mission (Super Famicom), King of the Fighters ’94 (arcade), Rockman Mega World (Mega Drive), Wonder Project (Super Famicom), Go! Go! Ackman (Super Famicom), Godzilla (Super Famicom), Battle Racers (Super Famicom), Super Tetris 3 (Super Famicom), Hashire Hebereke (Super Famicom), and World Heroes 2 Jet (Game Boy).
    • Arcade Action – The latest news from the arcade world. This month, updates to Primal Rage, arcade game based on Cops, Midway readies Killer Instinct, and a new Street Fighter style X-Men game is coming. Plus, the top arcade games in Japan and the U.S. Sports Fishing by Sega makes it to number 1 in Japan and in the U.S. it is Revolution X by Midway.
    • Arcade Strategy – Midway sponsors T-Mek tournament, a detailed look at Samurai Showdown 2, Bubble Symphony, Power Spikes II, Raiden DX, and Killer Instinct.

    Fact Files

    • International Fact Files – See International Outlook above.
    • Super NES Times – A look at new and upcoming Super NES games including Super Punch Out (Nintendo), X-Men: Mutant Apocalypse (Capcom), Mega Man X2 (Capcom), and Rise of the Robots (Acclaim).
    • Outpost Sega – A look at new and upcoming games for Sega systems, including: Ristar (Sega for the Genesis), NFL Quarterback Club (Acclaim for the Genesis), Exo Squad (Playmates for the Genesis), Great Circus Mystery (Capcom for the Genesis), Wolverine: Adamantium Rage (Acclaim for the Genesis), Star Trek: Deep Space Nine (Playmates for the Genesis), Star Wars Arcade (Sega for the 32X), Doom (Sega for the 32X), Flashback (Sega for the Sega CD), Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein (Sony Imagesoft for the Sega CD), Popful Mail (Working Designs for the Sega CD), and Flink (Vic Tokai for the Sega CD)
    • Planet 3DO – A look at new and upcoming games for the 3DO, including: Street Fighter II Turbo (Panasonic).

    …and more!


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