Author: Ken Horowitz

Double Take, Features

Double Take: Thunder Force III

If you ask a Genesis fan which shooter they’re most partial to, most of them will likely mention one of the Thunder Force games. Better known than probably any other series in the genre, the three titles released on Sega’s little black box have become the stuff of legend. Most would argue that the fourth game, confusingly (and incorrectly) renamed Lightening Force in the U.S., is the best, but there are those with a soft spot for the epic third installment. The latest installment of Double Take looks back at Techno Soft’s masterpiece and recalls fond memories of the great times playing it.

Genesis Reviews

Rastan Saga II

The name Rastan means something to arcade goers who are old enough to have played Taito’s classic in the arcades. It was difficult, great-looking, and it’s twin stereo speakers fired off an awesome soundtrack for everyone in the area to hear. Yes, Rastan rocked hard, and for that reason it’s a shame that the sequel never quite lived up to its predecessor. The Genesis scored an amazingly accurate port, but all the bad came over with all the good, and the result is a mediocre product that fails to do the Rastan legacy justice.

Features, Interviews

Interview: Namco Bandai (Splatterhouse)

Namco Bandai recently announced a new game in the Splatterhouse series, one that would revisit the mythos and reboot the franchise instead of being a true sequel. Electronic Gaming Monthly (EGM) had the scoop with lots of great details and screen shots of Rick’s latest foray into the macabre mansion of Dr. West. As major Splatterhouse fans ourselves, Sega-16 knocked on Namco’s door in hopes of getting some insight on how the game compares to the previous Genesis releases, as well as what we could expect from the gameplay. Namco was gracious enough to let us chat with the game’s two producers, and we have the complete interview available for you! Set aside the hockey masks and meat cleavers, and take some time to read up on the rebirth of a classic!

Genesis Reviews

Lakers vs. Celtics & the NBA Playoffs

Electronic set the gaming world on fire with its incredible Lakers vs. Celtics & the NBA Playoffs for MS-DOS, and the Genesis port was the proverbial “bigger, badder, better” in all areas. Take control of Magic and sweep Boston or guide Bird and the Celtics to yet another championship. Heck, why not take Barkely’s ’76ers and finally give him that ring?

Genesis Reviews

Richard Scarry’s Busytown

Game analysts everywhere are quick to point out that there’s a large sector of people who aren’t interested in all the bells and whistles of modern consoles (or their high price tags). This, they say, explains why Nintendo’s Wii is such a success. Well, if analysts had just stopped to talk to the preschooler set, they would have found this out years ago! Yes, as long as a game is good, young kids don’t care what console it’s on, and in this area the Genesis can hold its own against the competition – modern or not. Take Richard Scarry’s Busytown, for example. Here’s a game that covers all the bases and provides an instantly accessible world to kids who aren’t even old enough to read yet. It even supports the Mega Mouse!