Flashback, 1994 Delphine Software/US Gold (20 From Sega/Mega CD #15)
11This awesome, revolutionary action/platform'strategy game originally found life on the Amiga/PC, then shortly afterward on other systems (including the Sega Genesis, of which I owned a port), and then on the Sega CD. The Sega CD port has great animated cutscenes and music (which was typical for the system) and it really enhances the appeal. The gist of the game is that you're a secret agent in the future with amnesia named Conrad, and you will not only gradually get your memory back but learn of an alien invasion of Earth, and that the police are under their influence-- and yes, you have to kill cops in this game (folks; don't try this in real life)! Other enemies include little flying droids, little robo-tanks, mutant guards, teleporting enemies, and the shape-shifting aliens themselves. Mastering all the moves that Conrad can execute is an absolute must and is a delight to witness, as the fluidity of these moves is poetry in motion! Conrad can jump up to higher ledges, drop down from them, hang from them, run and jump/hang from higher ledges across gaps from you, duck and roll (SUPER important), etc. The strategy aspect of the game has much to do with finding keys to open doors, touching sensors to open doors or activate something, and knowing how to deal with certain enemies or perhaps using switches to eliminate certain dangers, as well as tons of other ways to circumvent various obstacles. Conrad has a gun as his primary weapon, and it fortunately has unlimited ammo. However, you can't climb or move fast while armed (though you can duck and roll with it-- super useful against teleporting enemies or shape shifting aliens). The rotoscoped graphics look dazzling, featuring backdrops like a lush green jungle, a futuristic city, a multiple floored futuristic game arena, an alien planet, and more. But it's the animated cutscene and the voice dialogue that really win me over (though the latter sometimes has bad acting). Well worth checking out if you haven't played the Sega CD port-- or any version, for that matter. Have a great weekend and I'll see you sometime for game #14!