Sega did a great job porting Data East’s arcade shooter, and Darwin 4081 is sure to offer a decidedly different take on space shooters for those who think they’ve seen it all. This Japan-only import sports some solid gameplay and an interesting weapons system, and while it’s not the best shmup around, it’s one that’s worth checking out.
Genesis Reviews
Super Skidmarks
Racing is fun, but racing with cows is SO much better! That’s a feature of Super Skidmarks that other racing games don’t offer, and the only thing really setting this game back (aside from a weird way of keeping cars together onscreen) is the fact that it doesn’t really run well on NTSC TV sets thanks to its PAL exclusivity. If you can play it though, check it out!
NFL ’95
The NFL season is winding down, and what better way to get revved up for the playoffs than with some 16-bit gridiron action? Sega’s NFL ’95 was a clear evolution of the franchise, and its innovations in presentation and gameplay kept Sega in the game against EA as gamers prepared for the next generation of hardware.
Aworg: Hero in the Sky
A neat little game released for the Genesis modem in Japan, Aworg manages to be fun despite its flaws. The sparse presentation is thankfully overcome by great level design and challenging gameplay, something maze/puzzle fans will appreciate. It might not be the most complex game around, but it’s one that’s worth spending some time with.
Formula One
The Genesis has a ton of racing titles, and while there are the classics like OutRun and Micro Machines, there are stinkers like Formula One. This game skimps on the graphics in favor of speed but forgets one major detail: control. A racer is nothing if it controls poorly, and that about sums this one up.