The concept of “eductainment” games on consoles never really seemed to make sense. Aside from your Sesame Street kind of fair, there really seems to be no reason for the genre to exist. Still, developers churn them out, and publishers press and release them, so some is obviously buying them. That was probably the philosophy used by Software Toolworks when it released San Diego Zoo Presents: The Animals!. Simple and dull, it’s nothing more than an excuse to throw some full-motion video on a disc and call it “multi-media.”
Tag: 1994
Mario Andretti Racing
It’s time to exit the pit and regain the pole position! Racing games are a staple of any console’s library, and the Genesis boasts its share of hits and misses. One of the better releases is EA’s Mario Andretti Racing, which offers stock car, F1, and dirt track racing. Career and tournament modes make this one a time sink, so suit up, head to the track, and read our full review for more details.
Microcosm
Full-motion video games are love ’em or leave ’em, and most left a long time ago. There are some out there who actually enjoy them all, and those who have an open mind are sure to find a few that they might *gasp* like! Psygnosis’ Microcosm is one title that tends to split people right down the middle, so read our full review and see where you stand.
Bloodshot
First-person shooters on the Genesis are few and far between. What’s worse is that some of that minuscule number didn’t even make it to all territories. Domark’s Bloodshot was one such game. Released in Europe (and in Germany as Battle Frenzy), it didn’t shoot its way to America until Good Deal Games snatched up the rights to the Sega CD version a decade later. Most likely a victim of a change in hardware focus, Bloodshot is actually a pretty competent FPS.
A/X-101
On-rails FMV shooters pop up every now and then, but the only difference between them is usually the quality of the video. As consoles progess in power and features, this particular genre never really seems to go anywhere. Perhaps that’s why they’re still not a lot of fun to play, even after so many years. Take Absolute Entertainment’s A/X-101 for the Sega CD, for instance. Grainy video, dull enemies, and some bland gameplay are everything you’d expect going in, and at least in this regard, the game doesn’t disappoint. Too bad that’s the only expectation it will ever meet. Read our full review and then go play some Android Assault to make the hurt go away.