Keith Courage in Alpha Zones (TurboGrafx-16) Playthrough [4K]
2"Keith Courage in Alpha Zones" is a science fantasy platform game developed by Hudson Soft and released by NEC for the TurboGrafx-16 in 1989. It served as the pack-in game for the TurboGrafx-16 console in North America. The game is based on the anime television series of the same name. Players control Keith Courage, a member of N.I.C.E. (Nations of International Citizens for Earth), tasked with defending Earth from an invasion by the planet B.A.D. (Beastly Alien Dudes).
Utilizing the Nova Suit, an advanced mechanical armor left by his father, Keith must defeat the alien forces and restore peace to Earth. Along the way, Keith receives assistance from four friends who provide advice, weapons, and extra lives. The ultimate goal is to reach the Robo Zone, the headquarters of B.A.D., and reclaim Earth. Gameplay is divided into two styles depending on whether the player is in the overworld or underworld. There are seven levels in total, each with two areas: overworld and underworld.
In the overworld, players control Keith in his human form, using a dagger to fend off enemies and collecting coins to purchase power-ups and equipment upgrades. In the underworld, Keith dons the Nova Suit, gaining additional health and wielding a more powerful sword. The underworld levels are more complex, with aggressive enemies and a focus on both horizontal and vertical navigation. At the end of each underworld level is a boss encounter.
Overall, "Keith Courage in Alpha Zones" for TurboGrafx-16 has vibrant colors and large sprites, and the music is great too. Gameplay is unfortuntely not very exciting. The first section of each stage has some very basic platforming. Upon reaching the end of the area and transitions to the underworld, it becomes a slightly bigger challenge. But the game is still very easy, and the overall gameplay remains a boring and lackluster. There's a general feeling that something is missing from this game to make it more interesting and exciting.