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Electronic Arts has long been associated with quality sports games, but some of its releases have flown a bit under the radar, and with good reason. The NHLPA Hockey series evolved into the popular and long-lived NHL juggernaut, but did EA hit the rink running with this initial installment or serve up a body check? Read on and see!
Coming to America as World Championship Soccer, World Cup Italia ’90 originally saw a release in Europe, where it featured a few differences from its U.S. counterpart. Aside from some realistic player names (and a new title and box art, obviously), it also boasts an official FIFA license, something the American version lacked. Primitive when compared to EA’s efforts, it can still be fun with a friend.
Cute takes on standard genres are common in video gaming. Shooters with cute characters are a sub-genre all their own, and the trend even extends to sports. Namco made some of the better known examples, and its World Stadium series was highly popular in Japan. Sadly, the west saw it only in the first R.B.I. Baseball game and Batter Up on the Game Gear.
Though Accolade’s attempt a a space sim falls short, there’s enough done right to still make it worth some time. Slow and repetitive gameplay are likely to turn off gamers expecting a Genesis equivalent of TIE Fighter. However, those willing to stick to it for a while might find a title that’s playable and enjoyable, despite some major shortcomings.
Just about every cartoon character has had a video game, so why not Woody Woodpecker? Some time with this poor title is all one needs to find out. Just about everything is below expectations, and the result is a classic example of great ideas being poorly implemented. But hey, at least it lives up to its name!