Flat, two-dimensional graphics, usually constructed of pixels. Not three-dimensional.
Developed by Nintendo and TOSE Co., Ltd., Kid Icarus: Of Myths and Monsters is the sequel to Kid Icarus – a much-loved game released for the Nintendo Entertainment System in 1986. Of Myths and Monsters was published by Nintendo, exclusively for the original Game Boy, in 1991 in North America, and 1992 in Europe. For some reason, it wasn’t released in Japan, where it was made.
Continue reading Kid Icarus: Of Myths and Monsters, Game Boy
3D Bomberman (aka 3-D Bomber Man aka Sanjigen Bomberman) is an early, first-person interpretation of the Hudson Soft Bomberman concept. It was released in – Japan only – for MSX, Sharp X1, FM-7, PC-6001 and PC-8000 home computers in 1984.
In spite of the game’s title, this is not a true 3D game as it doesn’t contain any polygonal graphics, it’s just an old school way of describing a game that takes place along the ‘Z’ axis of an X,Y,Z three-dimensional grid.
The Commodore 64 version of Konami‘s arcade hit, Salamander, was programmed by Peter Baron, with graphics by Bob Stevenson and music by Mark Cooksey. It was first published by Imagine Software in Europe in 1988, and Konami themselves in North America in 1989. It is considered by many to be the best 8-bit home computer version of Salamander, and it’s not difficult to see why…
The ZX Spectrum version of Poogaboo: La Pulga 2 – the sequel to the classic Bugaboo (The Flea) – was coded by the same guy who created the original (Paco Suárez), so plays similarly, and is also what I’d call an authentic sequel.
Poogaboo was only ever released in Spain – by Opera Soft, in 1991 – so is relatively obscure as Spectrum games go. I’m a big fan of the original Bugaboo, but hadn’t heard of this sequel until recently, so was pleasantly surprised by its existence.
Released by Visco Corporation as a Neo Geo-based arcade game in 1999, Captain Tomaday is a one or simultaneous two-player shoot ’em up, featuring a cartoon tomato with bionic fists.
The PC Engine version of Sega‘s Shinobi was developed and published by Asmik Corporation in 1989, and it features some interesting changes to the arcade version.
Developed by Hand Made Software and published exclusively for the Atari Lynx by Atari Corporation in 1993, Malibu Bikini Volleyball is exactly what it says it is: a game featuring girls in bikinis playing volleyball on Malibu beach in California…
To be fair, there are men in shorts as well, although some may be disappointed that they’re not wearing Speedos… The opening title graphic (and box art) features model Karen Isely (I’m assuming Ms. Isely is/was a beach volleyball player, but a search turned up no information confirming this).
This exclusive Game Boy Advance remake of Street Fighter II Turbo was first released by Capcom in 2001, and it is arguably the best fighting game on the system.
Continue reading Super Street Fighter II Turbo Revival, Game Boy Advance
Based on the animated show of the same name, Biker Mice From Mars is an isometric race game for one or two players. It was first published by Konami, exclusively for the Super Nintendo, in 1994.
Bomberman Quest is an action Role-Playing Game based on the Bomberman series that was released exclusively for the Game Boy Color in 1998. It was developed by a company called “Eleven” and published by Hudson Soft in Japan; Electro Brain in North America, and Virgin Interactive in Europe.
The King of Grabs 