Risky Woods (Genesis) Playthrough [4K]
6"Risky Woods" for Sega Genesis is a side-scrolling platform game with a fantasy theme, developed by Dinamic Software and Zeus Software and published by Electronic Arts in 1992. The ancient monks, guardians of the wisdom of the Lost Lands, have been petrified by the antagonist Draxos and his minions. To free them from their stone prison, young protagonist Rohan must brave the perilous depths of the Risky Woods.
Gameplay has players control Rohan as he navigates through the terrain, leaping between platforms, battling monsters, and releasing the imprisoned monks. Divided into four distinct worlds, each comprising two levels, Rohan encounters formidable bosses at the conclusion of each world: the Mountain Pass, Hanging Gardens, Catacombs, and the Hidden World. Initially equipped with an infinite supply of throwing knives, Rohan collects coins from defeated enemies, including skeletons and flying demons. These coins are then spent at the end of each level for various items such as fire, an axe, a chain, or a boomerang.
The goal is to free all good monks from their stony prisons. Identifying and avoiding these malevolent monks becomes crucial in subsequent playthroughs. Additionally, each level features "Eye toll gates" that require Rohan to assemble an Eye-Key by finding its two halves and then use it to unlock the exit. Chests occasionally descend from the sky, containing items with either beneficial or detrimental effects. Continues are scarce, with only two available throughout the entire game. Once exhausted, the game concludes, culminating in a final showdown with Draxos in his castle.
Overall, "Risky Woods" for Sega Genesis has impressive graphics and solid gameplay mechanics. On the downside are annoying enemy respawning, and a difficulty level that's all over the place. Sometimes it's easy, sometimes it's very hard. Therefore, while Risky Woods may offer moments of enjoyment, be prepared for frustration along the way.