Reviews

The ZX Spectrum classic which defined the cassette tape generation, Manic Miner, has recently been released on Xbox Live Arcade under the independent section. But how does the updated port stack up to the original ZX Spectrum version?

The NG:DEV.TEAM are becoming well known for their bold efforts to keep our beloved consoles afloat. After releasing a handful of stand-out scrolling shooters, the homebrew developers have stepped out of their comfort zone to create an iconic run and gunner - with a certain retro gaming inspiration shining through.

"You all know about the gangs busting up the city? Geez, I wish someone would blast them..." Only the Road Blaster can clean up the streets, in this arcade iPhone port that actually suits the platform!

If someone had told you in 1992 that the future would bring a single cartridge that could hold the entire Sega Mega Drive library, would you have believed them? Probably not, but twenty years on we have been gifted with such a device - the Mega Everdrive.

I have been called many things in my life, most of which are unprintable and probably would get the editorial red pen. One of the best things I have ever been called that is printable is 'Deadly'. This is the highest rating I ever achieved whilst playing one of the greatest computer games ever created. I am of course talking about 'Elite'.

She can shoot lightning from her hands. She has four powerful monsters for friends. She’s on a mission to destroy an evil wizard. She is....Alisia Dragoon! This high fantasy, platforming zap-em-up on Sega’s Mega Drive is something of an ignored classic. The game doesn’t receive the attention it deserves even though there are some great moments and [ … ]

Just as I had thought the dust had settle on my multi-coloured, vector inspired shape shooting exploits, along comes Luxor Evolved from Mumbo Jumbo to offer more explosions and mayhem, but this is not your average shooter, there is a puzzle game at its heart.

Had enough of Mario's turtle-stomping ways? Is the Sonic series just not colourful enough for you? Put your home consoles away- for a very bizarre slice of platform gaming pie, you'd better have a gander at the arcade-only J. J. Squawkers.

Arcade racing games were not exactly uncommon in the mid 90’s with titles like Ridge Racer and Daytona USA doing the rounds in arcades and various home console ports. However, Screamer was specifically released and designed for the PC, a little unusual as the PC was mainly seen as the home for other genres of gaming than arcade racers.

On paper, Kale In Dinoland on iOS is a nice – if niche – concept. A loving homage to the black and white Game Boy platformers of the 90’s, it had the potential to rekindle the nostalgia of retro gamers and allow the younger audience to see what they missed out on.