• Tag Archives Super Nintendo

  • Pac-Attack (Super Nintendo)

    Posted on by Azrael Comment

    Source: GameFan – Volume 2, Issue 2 – January 1994

    While Pac-Man was originally famous for maze games starting in 1980 (eat the dots, flee the ghosts), there have been numerous Pac-Man games over the years in a variety of other genres. Pac-Attack, released in 1993 is one such game and fits into the puzzle game genre. Pac-Attack has the distinction of being the first Pac-Man game released exclusively for home systems.

    Pac-Attack was initially released for the Super Nintendo and Sega Genesis late in 1993. In 1994 versions were released for the Game Boy and Game Gear. In 1995, a version for the Philips CD-i in 1995. both the Sega Genesis and Super NES versions have been re-released as unlockable content in other games and/or as part of various compilations over the years. The Genesis version seems to get slightly better reviews but the Genesis and Super NES versions are very similar. While this was technically the first Pac-Man game released exclusively on home systems, it was based on another game called Cosmo Gang the Puzzle which was released in arcades.

    This game is similar to games like Tetris and Columns in that you must clear blocks that fall from the top of the screen. The unique twist with Pac-Attack is that sometimes ghosts will fall instead of blocks. To clear ghosts you must guide special Pac-Man pieces to fall on them. Pac-Man will eat any ghosts in his path with the direction he is facing determining the path he will take. There is also a two-player mode in which clearing blocks will cause extra blocks to fall on your opponent.

    If you like puzzle games, then you will probably enjoy this one. However, it was criticized as having less depth and less replayability than some other similar puzzle games at the time. It was frequently compared to Tetris, Dr. Mario and Dr. Robotnik’s Mean Bean Machine among others and Pac-Attack did not come out on top. Still, reviews were more positive than negative and it’s worth giving a try.

    If you do want to give this one a try, you can of course track down an original or use emulation. There are also several re-releases that you could consider. In 1998 there was a Japan only release of the Genesis version along with a remake as part of Namco Anthology 2. The Genesis version was also available as an unlockable bonus in Namco Museum for the PS2, Xbox, and GameCube in 2001. The remake that was released in Namco Anthology 2 also showed up as an unlockable bonus in Pac =-Man World 2 for the GameCube, PS2, Xbox, GBA, and Windows in 2002. The Genesis version was once again re-released as Pac-Man Museum collection released in 2014 for the Xbox 360, PS3 and PC. Most recently, the Super NES version was re-released as part of Pac-Man Museum + for the PS4, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch and PC which was released in 2022.

    The screen shots and ad above are all for the Super NES version of the game.


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  •  Nintendo Power (December 1995)

    Posted on by Azrael Comment

    Source: Nintendo Power – Issue Number 79 – December 1995

    At the end of 1995 the Super Nintendo was at its peak. Though it would have a few more good years, it would be mostly downhill from here as the Nintendo 64 would be released the following year. This was the holiday season that the Virtual Boy was around also. It lasted all of about five minutes on the shelves. This was probably Nintendo’s biggest flop…by far. Though I wish I would have bought about a 100 of them when they were put on clearance. Could probably make a fortune today. The December 1995 issue of Nintendo Power includes:

    Full Coverage

    • Donkey Kong Country 2: Diddy’s Kong Quest – A full guide to this blockbuster game. One of the more technically impressive games for the SNES and a very good side-scrolling platform game.
    • Wario Land – While the 3-D graphics were certainly unique on the Virtual Boy, the novelty of the all red display wears thin pretty soon. Also, I don’t think any of the games were really THAT good, including this one.
    • Waterworld – As I recall, this movie was a pretty big flop in that it cost a lot more to produce than it made. This version of the game for the Super NES is a combination of side-scrolling and isometric view adventure/puzzle game. This game ended up being only released in PAL territories. That must have been a late decision given this lengthy look at the game in Nintendo Power. Maybe the movie did better in Europe.
    • Sports Scene – A look at three new sports games for the Super NES, including NBA Give ‘N Go, Frank Thomas Big Hurt Baseball, and NFL Quarterback Club ’96.
    • WWF WrestleMania: The Arcade Game – A conversion of the arcade game for the Super NES. I guess it was an ok conversion though it only kept 6 of the 8 characters.
    • Vegas Stakes – For those who like gambling without the gambling part. This game is similar to Vegas Dream for the NES and includes poker, craps, roulette, blackjack and slots. It’s presented here as a Super Game Boy game but I assume it worked on the Game Boy too.
    • Mortal Kombat 3 – Another Game Boy/Super Game Boy game. If I wanted to play it on the Super NES I would play the Super NES version though.

    Take 2 Reviews

    • Mechwarrior 3050 – Not to be confused with the first person Mechwarrior games, this is a continuation of the isometric action series though this one has less plot than the original.
    • Urban Strike – The sequel to Jungle Strike and part of one of the better shooter series for the Super NES (and Genesis for that matter).

    Special Features

    • Shoshinkai Preview – The place where the Nintendo 64 will be officially unveiled (in Japan at least).
    • Earthworm Jim 2 Preview – A look ahead what was to be one of the better platform games for the Super NES.

    Epic Center

    • Epic News – An update on the upcoming Super Mario RPG, screen shot of Tactics Ogre, Square Soft and Enix soon to release Romancing Saga 3 and Dragon Quest VI respectively, and more.
    • Secret of Evermore – The second part of a guide for this RPG, though Nintendo Power insists this is a review.
    • P.T.O. II – Review/guide to this World War II action/strategy game in which you take command of either the U.S. Navy or the Japanese Navy.
    • Epic Strategies – Strategy guide for Civilization on the Super NES.

    Every Issue

    • Player’s Pulse – Readers write in with their ideas for dream games. Some would eventually happen (like a Mario Kart sequel).
    • Power Charts – The Top twenty games for the Super NES this month include Killer Instinct, Chrono Trigger and Donkey Kong Country at the top of the list. The top Game Boy games include The Legend of Zelda: Link’s Awakening, Donkey Kong Land and Tetris, then there is also a top 10 sports games list and top 5 Virtual Boy games list (probably close to the total catalog).
    • Classified Information – Codes and other tricks for Killer Instinct, Bubsy II, Syndicate, Chrono Trigger, Judge Dredd, Batman Forever, Mega Man VII and more.
    • Counselors’ Corner – Questions answered and problems solved for Doom (Super NES), Yoshi’s Island (Super NES), Mortal Kombat II (SNES), Mortal Kombat II (Game Boy), and more.
    • Arena – Challenges for Yoshi’s Island, Killer Instinct and Doom.
    • Now Playing – A quick look at some of the latest releases including Donkey Kong Country 2, Frank Thomas Big Hurt Baseball, Kawasaki Super Bike Challenge, Mechwarrior 3050, Mortal Kombat 3, NBA Give ‘N Go, NFL Quarterback Club ’96, P.T.O. II, Porky Pig’s Haunted Holiday, Urban Strike, Vegas Stakes, Wario Land, Waterworld, Wayne Gretzky and the NHLPA All-Stars, and WWF Wrestlemania: The Arcade Game.
    • Pak Watch – Previews of upcoming games including Revolution X (Super NES), Final Fight 3 (Super NES), Frank Thomas Big Hurt Baseball (Game Boy), PGA Tour ’96 (Super NES), Waterworld (Game Boy), Tetris Blast (Super NES), Toy Story (Super NES), Zoop (Game Boy), and more.
    • Next Issue – Coming next month, coverage of Earthworm Jim 2, the Ultra 64, Revolution X, and more.

    …and more!


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  • Nintendo Power (August 1993)

    Posted on by Azrael Comment

    Source: Computer & Video Game Magazines – Nintendo Power – Issue Number 51 – August 1993

    While I was never a subscriber, there’s no doubt that Nintendo Power was the magazine to have for Nintendo loyalists. August 1993 was just past the peak of my NES/SNES playing days as I was moving on to college (and PC gaming) but I still played from time to time. The August 1993 issue of Nintendo power includes:

    Super NES

    • Street Fighter II Turbo – An overview and strategy guide for Street Fighter II Turbo. I was really excited about the original Street Fighter II coming out on the SNES but I honestly didn’t care much about the subsequent variants.
    • Zombies Ate My Neighbors – Strategy guide for this underrated game that could best be described as comedy/horror. It is an overhead action game reminiscent of Gauntlet.
    • Alien 3 – Guide for this game based on the movie of the same name. Not the best Alien movie…or the best game.
    • Goof Troop – Disney games from Capcom tended to be quite good and this one is no exception.
    • Nigel Mansell’s World Championship – I never played this Grand Prix racing game but it looks reminiscent of Grand Prix Racing from Accolade which I played on the Commodore 64.

    Game Boy

    • Speedy Gonzalez – A side-scrolling platform game from Sunsoft featuring your favorite Looney Tunes mouse.
    • Star Trek: The Next Generation – Take command of the STTNG crew in various missions while on the go.
    • 4-In-1 Funpak Vol. II – Includes Solitaire, Dominoes, Cribbage, and Yacht(zee). Most can be played with either one or two players.

    NES

    • Jurassic Park – The movie was absolutely huge when it came out. It was even a huge deal when it was first shown on network television. Licensed games aren’t generally the best but this one isn’t terrible. This strategy guide will help you through it.
    • King’s Quest V – The King’s Quest series is better known on the PC but this conversion of King’s Quest V for the NES wasn’t too bad if you like this sort of game. This guide can be helpful…and also spoil the game.

    Tips From The Pros

    • Nester’s Adventures – The continuing adventures of Nester. This is an ongoing comic book that puts Nester in the game.
    • Classified Information – Tips, cheats and codes for Double Dragon (unlimited continues), Super Valis IV (easy mode), SimEarth (sound test), Aerobiz (sound test), Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles IV (bonus turtles), Batman Returns (extra man), Cal Ripken Jr. Baseball (all Ripken team), The Combatribes (extra credits, super hard difficulty, one round match), Deadheat Scramble (track select), and more.
    • Counselors’ Corner – Help with Inindo: Way of the Ninja, Road Runner’s Death Valley Rally, Ultima V, and Final Fantasy Adventure.

    The Info Zone

    • Next Issue – Coming next month, coverage of Final Fight 2, Rock ‘N’ Roll Racing, Indiana Jones & The Last Crusade, Final Fantasy Legend III, and more.

    Video Updates

    • Now Playing – A brief look at soon to be released games including Final Fight 2 (SNES), Super Aquatic Games (SNES), Aliens vs. Predator (SNES), First Samurai (SNES), Dracula (SNES), Goof Troop (SNES), Street Fighter II Turbo (SNES), Nigel Mansell’s World Championship (SNES), Zombies Ate My Neighbors (SNES), Super Baseball 2020 (SNES), Jurassic Park (NES), Jimmy Connors Tennis (NES), Dracula (NES), Nigen Mansell’s World Championship (NES), Goal! (Game Boy), Spider-Man 3 (Game Boy), Muhammad Ali’s Boxing (Game Boy), Tesserae (Game Boy), and Speedy Gonzales (Game Boy).
    • Pak Watch – Previews of games accessories still in development including Clay Fighter (SNES), F1: Pole Position (SNES), Plok (SNES), Battlecars (SNES), Power Plug (SNES), Star Trek: The Next Generation (SNES), SimAnt (SNES), Mega Man VI (NES), Final Fantasy Legend III (Game Boy), Mega Man IV (Game Boy), and more.

    Player’s Forum

    • Player’s Pulse – Letters from readers about Blaster Master, game achievements, Star Fox, and more.
    • Power Player’s Challenge – High scores and other challenges for various games including Phalanx, F-Zero, Super Black Bass, Track and Field, Wave Race, Asteroids, NES Open Tournament Golf, Yoshi, Duck Tales 2, and more.
    • Player’s Poll Contest – Win a seven foot Alien and Ripley’s cryotube (actual prop from the movie). Other prizes include an Alien 3 video tape, Alien 3 game for the system of your choice and t-shirts.
    • Top 20 – The top games this month include Star Fox for the Super Nintendo, Super Mario Land 2 (Game Boy), and Super Mario Bros. 3 (NES).

    Comics

    • Star Fox – Star Fox in comic book form.

    Special Features

    • The Name of the Game – A look at games with the same name on different systems. Sometimes they are (basically) the same game. Sometimes they are completely different.

    …and more!


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