Game:

Alien vs. Predator (1993)

Duration: 0:00

0 views

0

00:00 Beginning (Theme Song by James!)
09:17 Jangun-Ui Adeul (Sega Master System; 1992; Daou Infosys Corp.)
20:40 Cliffhanger (SNES/Genesis; 1993; Malibu Interactive)
1:12:40 Alien vs Predator (SNES; 1993; Jordan Information Service Co. Ltd.)

We start this week by checking out Jangun-Ui Adeul, an unlicensed South Korean Sega Master System beat 'em up that we couldn't get working before. The emulation is still imperfect, but it runs well enough to get the general experience: this is a game with solid chiptunes, exceptionally stylish graphics (that make great use of the SMS colour palette), an interesting mileu (occupied mid-century South Korea), and flat, repetitive action. The peak here is the title screen, where an even cooler version of that very cool box art swirls into view over a moody, noir-esque tune, followed by a very well-illustrated story sequence. It's just a shame that the game is not any fun at all! VERDICT*: GOON Tier, but it's *high GOON!

Then, we're on to Malibu Interactive's licensed Cliffhanger beat 'em ups! We play two of the three different versions here, because once we've verified that the SNES and Genesis versions are the same game and learn that the Sega CD version is just the Genesis version with driving sequences, it doesn't seem necessary to fire it up a third time to reach a verdict.

There are some real strengths to this game, which include a spirited effort by the developers to get interesting a varied backgrounds out of a movie that takes place entirely on a snowy mountain and some sweet basslines in both soundtracks (I give the nod to the SNES version, because I always love bass samples through the SFC/SNES sound chip!). The fighting is decent, the climbing-while-dodging-bullets sequences are mercifully short, and I really appreciate the "Gabe halts his own momentum instead of running off edges to instant death" mechanic. It's just not a thrilling game to play overall, even if it's a worthy effort! *VERDICT*: MID Tier!

Then, the third adaptation of the night: Alien vs Predator for the SNES, by... Jordan Information Service Co. Ltd. This is okay. It's disappointing that it's only one player (even if Predators usually do hunt alone), the fighting is just okay, the graphics are decent but don't quite mesh together, and the music is held back by some weak, tinny-sounding samples. It's fine, but... wouldn't you like the game where you play as a Predator beating down wave upon wave of Xenomorphs to be more than fine? *VERDICT*: MID Tier!

Next time, we're back to Japan-only licensed adaptations for the Super Famicom, as we find out if Bishojo Senshi Sailor Moon R improves at all on it's predecessor and then learn if Kamen Rider will catch us off guard by being a really, really cool game...

****************************************************************************************************
Greg and James Beat 'Em Up is our ongoing exploration of the beat 'em up genre! Broadcast on any Tuesday evening where schedules and Greg's health allow at https://twitch.tv/58DreamStreet

In Phase One, we played 40 "notable or notable-adjacent" beat 'em ups released through the year 1993!

Now, in Phase Two, we're playing the NINETY-EIGHT other beat 'em ups released through the year 1993!

Theme Song composed by James, using Famitracker!