Mortal Kombat Trilogy (NES)

I posted previously about "demakes" on the Atari 2600 which are basically just clones of newer games on an older system. There can be a fine line as to what is legal and not, particularly when selling such products. But then there are those who just don't give a crap.

Mortal Kombat Trilogy was released officially on various home platforms in 1996 and 1997 but these were 32-bit releases on the PlayStation, Saturn, Nintendo 64 and DOS/Windows. There were no official releases on older platforms. However, that didn't stop Cony Soft from developing an unlicensed bootleg version for the original Nintendo in 1998.

Cony Soft, a Hong Kong based company that went by a variety of other names made a number of bootleg games for the NES from 1993 through at least 1998. Most of them were fighting games. I suppose there must have been some demand for them somewhere at some point but it's hard to imagine that they are very good. Though I suppose given the limits of the system, Mortal Kombat doesn't look half bad on the NES.

T&C Surf Designs (NES)

Town & Country Surf Designs: Wood & Water Rage was released in 1987 and reminds me a little bit of California Games. In part, this game seems to be an advertisement for the surfboard manufacturer of the same name. Where California Games has multiple events, this game has only two: skateboarding and surfing.

The skateboarding subgame is the better of the two. In it you maneuver through an obstacle course while performing as many tricks as you can. The surfing subgame works in much the same way. You are attempting to ride the wave all the way to shore while performing tricks and avoiding obstacles. It's kind of like the surfing part of California Games with a few more complexities.

Overall, the game isn't great and there isn't a enough to keep you interested for very long. The graphics are well done and the music is pretty good if limited but there just isn't enough game. This would be a good game to rent if such games were still rented.

You'll have to emulate or find an original NES cart for this one because there have been no re-releases I know about. However, there was a somewhat better sequel called Town & Country II: Thrilla's Surfari released for the NES several years later in 1992.

Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles II: The Arcade Game (NES)

I don’t know why they have to be so confusing with game numbering sometimes. Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles II: The Arcade Game was in fact based on the original arcade game. However, when the original arcade game was released in 1989, a different Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles game was released at the same time for the NES. Hence when they released the one actually based on the arcade game a year later, they put a II in the title. The home computer ports just stuck with Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: The Arcade Game and left off the II.

he NES version is probably the best known port and included a couple of extra levels with new enemies and also extended many of the original arcade levels. The NES version also added some Pizza Hut product placement advertising. I believe that the computer ports (Amiga, Atari ST, Commodore 64, DOS, etc.) were more straight ports of the arcade.

The original NES version, to the best of my knowledge, has not seen any subsequent releases. A port of the arcade version appears as a hidden bonus in Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles 2: Battle Nexus for the PS2, Xbox and GameCube and an emulated version of the original arcade game appeared for Xbox Live Arcade in 2007 but if you want to play the NES version with extra levels, you’ll have to track down an NES or emulate.

The NES and arcade versions were especially good with most of the other versions being worthwhile as well. If you like arcade style games then this is one of the better ones from that era. And who can resist the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles?

Super Mario Bros. 2 (NES)

Super Mario Bros. 2 is of course the sequel to what was at the time the most popular video game ever, Super Mario Bros. However, Super Mario Bros. 2 in North America and most of the rest of the world was not the same sequel that was released in Japan. Nintendo of America deemed the Japanese sequel to be too difficult and too much like its predecessor to be successful. Instead, an unrelated game called Yume Kōjō: Doki Doki Panic was improved upon and retrofitted with Mario Bros. related graphics, characters, etc. and released as Super Mario Bros. 2.

Despite being derived from a non-Super Mario Bros. game, SMB 2 was still a huge success. In fact, it was so successful that it was later also released in Japan as Super Mario Bros. USA. The original Japanese sequel was also later released to the rest of the world as Super Mario Bros.: The Lost Levels as part of Super Mario All-Stars on the Super Nintendo.

Super Mario Bros. 2 as a whole is very similar to the original. It is the epitome of the side-scrolling platform adventure game. However, gone is the two-player mode of the original and you now have four protagonists to chose from instead of just two. In addition, each one has slightly different abilities as opposed to all playing identically. One key new feature was the ability to lift and throw enemies and objects. This ability, along with a several new characters, have been included in a number of sequels and spin-offs since.

Super Mario Bros. 2 was hugely successful, selling in the neighborhood of 10 million copies and becoming the third highest selling video game for the original Nintendo Entertainment System. Because of its success, it has seen several re-releases. In 2001 it was released as Super Mario Bros. Advance for the Game Boy Advance. It was also included as part of Super Mario Bros. All-Stars for the Super Nintendo which was itself expanded and re-released multiple times for the Super Nintendo and Wii. It has also seen various Virtual Console releases for multiple subsequent Nintendo systems. This is one of those games that every gamer should at least try and it's pretty easy to come by in one form or another so what are you waiting for?

BreakThru (NES)

BreakThru was originally an arcade release by Data East in 1986. I don't believe the arcade version was ever officially released in the U.S. but the NES conversion came along about a year later. This game fits into the sub-genre of side-scrolling vehicle shooter games. It reminds me a bit of a cross between Silkworm and Jackal.

Your goal in this game is to recapture a stolen jet fighter. There are five levels to overcome and obstacles include enemy soldiers, other ground vehicles, aircraft, mines, rockets and even falling rocks. Of course your vehicle has its own weapons and also the ability to jump which is useful for overcoming certain obstacles (e.g. rock slides).

This isn't the greatest game in the world but it is an okay diversion if you are looking for a new old game to play. In addition to the NES, it was also released for the Commodore 64 at the same time. Less than two years ago it was also re-released as Johnny Turbo's Arcade: Break Thru on the Nintendo Switch. I think this is the arcade version of the game. Other than the Switch release, I don't believe there have been any other re-releases.

If you are looking for an original copy, the cartridge is available on eBay for pretty reasonable prices. Otherwise, emulation works well also.

Lethal Weapon (NES)

Lethal Weapon is a side-scrolling action game released for the Nintendo in 1992 which was a pretty late release for that system. Despite the name, it is really based on the first three Lethal Weapon movies, not just the first one.

As far as games based on movies go, this one is probably better than most. The graphics and music are excellent. However, it is not without its drawbacks. The biggest drawback is the fact that this game is really, really hard. Expert gamers intent on their next harder challenge may enjoy this one but more casual gamers will just find themselves frustrated.

Lethal Weapon consists of three levels each of which contains three stages. You use both the main characters from the movie, Murtaugh and Riggs, and swap between them throughout the course of the game. While a character is not being used, he gains back some of his health. The characters have slight differences. Riggs can jump higher, pick up knives and has a special high kick attack. Murtaugh can pick up crates and has a stronger punch. Some other items can be picked up along the way as well, including grenades.

In addition to the NES version, there were also a number of other versions. The Game Boy version was essentially a port of the NES version but with a slightly cut down number of stages. There was another version of Lethal Weapon developed and released for the Super Nintendo, Atari ST, Amiga, Commodore 64 and DOS based PCs but this version is substantially different from the one released for the NES and Game Boy.

Lethal Weapon has not been re-released and probably won't given that it is a movie license (though I hear another movie is coming). While it is a nice looking and sounding game on the NES, it is hard to recommend because of its difficulty. However, if you are a masochist or a really big fan of Lethal Weapon, it might be worth picking up. Otherwise, give it a try on an emulator and see how you like it.

Screen shots above are from the NES version of the game.

Laser Invasion (NES, 1991)

Laser Invasion was a 1991 game by Konami for the Nintendo Entertainment System. It's sort of a strange hybrid 1st person shooting game. You can use the controller but much of it is really designed for the NES Zapper light gun (or Konami's own LaserScope which is a head mounted version of the same thing).

There are a three main parts to this game. In the first part you pilot a helicopter (and shoot stuff) but landing the helicopter at the end of the stage is a specific challenge as well. In the second part, the screen scrolls right to left while you try to shoot the bad guys. The third part is a sort of a 1st person explore and escape the maze type of thing. The game consists of missions which usually include all three parts. All in all it's a pretty average game at best. It's something you might want if you really like light gun games but something to avoid otherwise.

Metroid (NES)

Metroid was one of the killer apps for the NES. This game is frequently ranked high on top 10 and top 100 lists. In terms of game play, it isn’t fundamentally different than 2D platformers like Super Mario Brothers. You run, jump and battle enemies in a 2D environment. The difference is that Metroid is more of an adventure game. The world is larger and more open ended and there is more of a process of discovery in that there are things to find, some of which must be found to complete the game. In other words, exploration is an important part of the game.

In Metroid, you play the role of Samus who is sent to destroy Mother Brain, the biomechanical creature that commands the Space Pirates. It seems that the Space Pirates have attacked a research vessel that was carrying parasitic life-forms discovered on another planet called Metroids (hence the name of the game). The Space Pirates intend to use these creatures as biological weapons.

There have been many sequels over the years. The original Metroid has been re-released a few times as well. The original Metroid is available as a bonus upon completing the 2004 game Metroid: Zero Mission for the Game Boy Advance. Metroid: Zero Mission itself was an enhanced remake of the original. There was also a standalone Game Boy Advance version released in 2004 as part of the Classic NES Series. In addition, the original Metroid was released for the Wii Virtual Console in 2007 and for the 3DS Virtual Console in 2012. This is definitely a must play game for all fans of video games and there are plenty of ways to give it a try.

Palamedes (NES)

Palamedes (NES): Palamedes is a relatively obscure puzzle game for the Nintendo Entertainment System that was released in 1990. It's probably far more obscure than it really should have been as it was originally an arcade game by Taito and it is a fairly solid game for those that like the puzzle genre. It's not terribly flashy and I think it just got lost in the shuffle in what was probably the most prolific time for the NES and probably puzzle games as well as Tetris had been released the year before.

Nintendo Power (August 1993)

Nintendo Power (August 1993)

While I was never a subscriber, there's no doubt that Nintendo Power was the magazine to have for Nintendo loyalists. August 1993 was just past the peak of my NES/SNES playing days as I was moving on to college (and PC gaming) but I still played from time to time. The August 1993 issue of Nintendo power includes:

Super NES

• Street Fighter II Turbo - An overview and strategy guide for Street Fighter II Turbo. I was really excited about the original Street Fighter II coming out on the SNES but I honestly didn't care much about the subsequent variants.


• Zombies Ate My Neighbors - Strategy guide for this underrated game that could best be described as comedy/horror. It is an overhead action game reminiscent of Gauntlet.


• Alien 3 - Guide for this game based on the movie of the same name. Not the best Alien movie...or the best game.

Game Boy

• Speedy Gonzalez - A side-scrolling platform game from Sunsoft featuring your favorite Looney Tunes mouse.


• Star Trek: The Next Generation - Take command of the STTNG crew in various missions while on the go.

NES

• Jurassic Park - The movie was absolutely huge when it came out. It was even a huge deal when it was first shown on network television. Licensed games aren't generally the best but this one isn't terrible. This strategy guide will help you through it.


• King's Quest V - The King's Quest series is better known on the PC but this conversion of King's Quest V for the NES wasn't too bad if you like this sort of game. This guide can be helpful...and also spoil the game.

_{Table of Contents from the August 1993 issue of Nintendo Power}

Tips From The Pros

• Nester's Adventures - The continuing adventures of Nester. This is an ongoing comic book that puts Nester in the game.


• Classified Information - Tips, cheats and codes for Double Dragon (unlimited continues), Super Valis IV (easy mode), SimEarth (sound test), Aerobiz (sound test), Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles IV (bonus turtles), Batman Returns (extra man), Cal Ripken Jr. Baseball (all Ripken team), The Combatribes (extra credits, super hard difficulty, one round match), Deadheat Scramble (track select), and more.

The Info Zone

• Next Issue - Coming next month, coverage of Final Fight 2, Rock 'N' Roll Racing, Indiana Jones & The Last Crusade, Final Fantasy Legend III, and more.

Video Updates

• Now Playing - A brief look at soon to be released games including Final Fight 2 (SNES), Super Aquatic Games (SNES), Aliens vs. Predator (SNES), First Samurai (SNES), Dracula (SNES), Goof Troop (SNES), Street Fighter II Turbo (SNES), Nigel Mansell's World Championship (SNES), Zombies Ate My Neighbors (SNES), Super Baseball 2020 (SNES), Jurassic Park (NES), Jimmy Connors Tennis (NES), Dracula (NES), Nigen Mansell's World Championship (NES), Goal! (Game Boy), Spider-Man 3 (Game Boy), Muhammad Ali's Boxing (Game Boy), Tesserae (Game Boy), and Speedy Gonzales (Game Boy).


• Pak Watch - Previews of games accessories still in development including Clay Fighter (SNES), F1: Pole Position (SNES), Plok (SNES), Battlecars (SNES), Power Plug (SNES), Star Trek: The Next Generation (SNES), SimAnt (SNES), Mega Man VI (NES), Final Fantasy Legend III (Game Boy), Mega Man IV (Game Boy), and more.

Player's Forum

• Player's Pulse - Letters from readers about Blaster Master, game achievements, Star Fox, and more.


• Power Player's Challenge - High scores and other challenges for various games including Phalanx, F-Zero, Super Black Bass, Track and Field, Wave Race, Asteroids, NES Open Tournament Golf, Yoshi, Duck Tales 2, and more.


• Player's Poll Contest - Win a seven foot Alien and Ripley's cryotube (actual prop from the movie). Other prizes include an Alien 3 video tape, Alien 3 game for the system of your choice and t-shirts.

Comics

• Star Fox - Star Fox in comic book form.

Special Features

• The Name of the Game - A look at games with the same name on different systems. Sometimes they are (basically) the same game. Sometimes they are completely different.

_{Back cover of the August 1993 issue of Nintendo Power}

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Nintendo Power (January 1991)

Nintendo Power (January 1991)

While perhaps not exactly impartial, Nintendo Power was the go-to magazine for all things Nintendo. Early 1991 was really peak NES. The Super Famicom had already been released in Japan but it would be August before the Super NES would arrive in the U.S. Coverage was all NES and Game Boy except for a few previews. The January 1991 issue includes:

Features

• Mega Man III - A strategy guide for the latest Mega Man game.


• The Immortal - A strategy guide for this isometric action/adventure game from Electronic Arts. I really wanted this game but when I got it, it did not work correctly with my TV for some reason (wavy picture) so it ended up being returned. I don't think later reviews were very good so maybe I dodged a bullet.


• Deja Vu - Strategy guide for this point and click murder mystery. You shouldn't really use these guides unless you are completely stuck because they basically ruin the game. Especially this kind of game.

Video Updates

• Now Playing - A brief look at recent releases including Conquest of the Crystal Palace, Jackie Chan's Action Kung Fu, Silver Surfer, The Adventure or Rad Gravity, Werewolf and Arch Rivals.


• Pak Watch - Previews of soon to be released games, including G.I. Joe, Metal Storm, Base Wars, Monopoly, Zombie Nation, Uninvited, Galaxy 5000, and Mini-Putt. Plus a look at the first Super Famicom games, Super Mario World, F-Zero, and Pilotwings.

Game Boy

• Dragon's Lair - Dragon's Lair turned into a platform game.


• Mercenary Force - Medieval Japanese squad based combat on the Game Boy.


• Burai Fighter Deluxe - A sci-fi shoot-em-up.

_{Table of Contents from the January 1991 issue of Nintendo Power}

Player's Forum

• Player's Pulse - Readers write in about Tetris and playing the Game Boy around the world.


• NES Achievers - High scores and achievements in Adventures in the Magic Kingdom, Captain Skyhawk, Crystalis, Final Fantasy, The Mafat Conspiracy, Ninja Gaiden II, Pinbot, Rescue Rangers, Revenge of the Gator, Rock 'N Ball, Rollerball, Snake's Revenge, Solstice, Stealth ATF, Tetris, Tombs & Treasure, and Wall Street Kid.

Tips from the Pros

• Classified Information - Tips, tricks and cheats for Castlevania II, Heavy Shreddin', Final Fantasy, Dungeon Magic, Dragon Spirit, Alien Asylum, Image Fight, Skate or Die 2, Swords and Serpents, and Thunderbirds.


• Howard & Nester - A monthly comic from Nintendo Power. Not sure why this is in the 'Tips From the Pros' section but that's where they have it.

Special Reports

• Today's Technology - A look at some of the upgrade hardware for the NES that was included in game paks (cartridges). These include extra RAM, MMCs (Memory Management Controllers) that added various capabilities. MMC1 = used in many games, allowed scrolling. MMC2 = used in Punch-Out!!. MMC3 = added the ability for split screen scrolling and scrolling at an ange and is used in Super Mario Bros. 3 and Play Action Football. MMC5 = improved battery backup, better color definition, partial screen scrolling, increased max cart size; used in Castlevania III among others.


• The Miracle Piano Teaching System - A look at a keyboard and cartridge combo for the NES that teaches you how to play the piano.

The Info Zone

• Player's Poll - Answer a few questions for a chance to win various prizes.
  
• Celebrity Profile - A feature on New Kids on the Block and their gaming habits.

_{Back cover of the January 1991 issue of Nintendo Power}

Read more: https://www.megalextoria.com/wordpress/index.php/2023/07/06/nintendo-power-january-1991/

Nintendo Power (March 1992)

Nintendo Power (March 1992)

If there is a single magazine that most people have the most nostalgia over, it is probably Nintendo Power. I was never really that big into Nintendo Power because, even though I had both an NES and Super NES during their peak (as opposed to the Genesis or other systems), I was always curious what was out there for other systems. Also, I didn't exactly consider Nintendo Power to be impartial. Nevertheless, it was always a great resource for Nintendo owners. The March 1992 issue includes:

NES

• The Empire Strikes Back - While most licensed games are pretty crappy, Star Wars has done pretty well on average and The Empire Strikes Back was a solid platform game on the NES...especially if you were a Star Wars fan. This guide will help you through it.


• Terminator 2 - A guide to this multi-staged platform game based on the movie of the same name. Another licensed game that isn't as bad as most.


• Nightshade - A guide to an adventure game I'm not very familiar with. My biggest complaint with game like this was that they tended to be not long enough and lacked much in the way of replayability. Probably a good rental.

Game Boy

• Mega Man II - A guide to the second Mega Man game for the Game Boy. A great game if you liked Mega Man and the Game Boy (Mega Man was ok but I was never fond of Blur Boy).


• Tiny Toon Adventures - A guide to this game based on the excellent cartoon of the same name.

Super NES

• Lemmings - An excellent game on the SNES (and other platforms). Though it could definitely be frustrating at times.


• Joe & Mac - A pretty good platform game with a caveman theme and humor.

_{Table of Contents from the March 1992 issue of Nintendo Power}

Tips from the Pros

• Classified Information - Tips, tricks and passwords for Rockin' Kats (NES), Captain Planet (NES), Spud's Adventure (Game Boy), ActRaiser (Super NES), Super Tennis (Super NES), Super Mario World (Super NES), Sim City (Super NES), and Mystical Ninja (Super NES).


• Counselors' Corner - Questions answered about Lagoon, Drakkhen, Dragon Warrior III, and Metroid II.

The Info Zone

• Celebrity Player Profile - An interview with Corin Nemec, star of Parker Lewis Can't Lose.


• Next Issue - Games featured in the next issue include The Addams Family, Captain America and the Avengers, Star Trek, and WWF Super Wrestlemania.

Video Updates

• Now Playing - Opinions on some of the latest releases, including Blazebusters, The Empire Strikes Back, Godzilla 2, Super Square Deal, High Stakes, Terminator 2, Wizardry II, Pop Up, Pyramids of Ra, Star Trek, and more.


• Pak Watch - Previews of recently released and upcoming games including WWF Super Wrestlemania, The Addams Family, The Duel: Test Drive 2, and Gargoyle's Quest.

Comis

• Zelda - For those that like Zelda and their comics based on games.


• Super Mario Bros. - Ditto the above but replace Zelda with Super Mario Bros.

Player's Forum

• Player's Pulse - Readers answer the question, "What do you want?".


• Nester Awards - The best games as ranked by Nintendo Power in various categories. Winners include Battletoads (NES), Battletoads (Game Boy), Actraiser (Super NES), Adventures of Lolo 3 (NES), Caesar's Palace (Game Boy), Final Fantasy Adventure (Game Boy), PilotWings (Super NES), Final Fantasy II (Super NES), Castlevania II (Game Boy), and more.


• Power Players - High scores and accomplishments for ActRaiser, Battletoads, Battle Unit Zeoth, Castlevania II, Drakkhen, Dr. Mario, Duck Tales, Faria, Final Fantasy II, Final Fight, The Immortal, Klax, The Little Mermaid, The Adventures of Lolo III, Ninja Gaiden III, Princess Tomato in The Salad Kingdom, Super Mario World, Tetris, The Uninvited, and U.N. Squadron.

_{Back cover of the March 1992 issue of Nintendo Power}

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Nintendo Power (January/February 1989)

Nintendo Power (January/February 1989)

In early 1989, Nintendo Power only had the NES to cover. Nintendo Power was only a few months old but the NES had already been around for several years. The January/February 1989 issue includes:

Features

• Wrestlemania - A wrestling game from an era near the peak of the WWF.


• Captain Nintendo - Part 2 of a story involving a member of Nintendo's R&D team and the Mother Brain from Metroid among other gaming themes.


• Sesame Street 1.2.3 - A couple of educational Sesame Street themed games that had previously been released on home computers, including Astro Grover and Ernie's Magic Shapes.


• Zelda II: The Adventure of Link - A detailed guide to the sequel to one of the most successful Nintendo game ever, including maps, items lists and more.


• Skate or Die - A guide to the classic skateboarding game from Electronic Arts.

_{Table of Contents from the January/February 1989 issue of Nintendo Power}

Now Playing

• Marble Madness - A guide to the classic isometric marble game.


• Operation Wolf - One of the better light gun games on the NES and a decent port of the arcade version.


• Nintendo Power Bowl - A comparison of three football games for the NES, including Tecmo Bowl, John Elway's Quarterback and N.F.L. Football.


• Metal Gear - The beginning of a franchise. I still prefer this 2D overhead version to more modern incarnations.

_{Table of Contents from the January/February 1989 issue of Nintendo Power (continued)}

Player's Forum

• NES Journal - A look at a hands free controller designed for special needs kids. Also, a look at Nintendo's PlayChoice-10 arcade game (I used to love playing Excitebike on this), new music from Debbie Gibson, Julian Lennon, and Huey Lewis and the News, and more.


• Mail Box - Mail from readers with topics such as Super Mario Bros. 2, Dragon Warrior, Metroid, a 4-year old's high score on Super Mario Bros, and more.


• NES Achievers - Reader high scores on 1942, Arkanoid, Athena, Castlevania, Commando, Contra, Duck Hunt, Excitebike, Ghosts 'N Goblins, Golf, Golgo 13, Gradius, Gun Smoke, Hogan's Alley, and lots more.

_{Back cover of the January/February 1989 issue of Nintendo Power} Read more: https://www.megalextoria.com/wordpress/index.php/2022/11/14/nintendo-power-january-february-1989/

Nintendo Power (July 1993)

Nintendo Power (July 1993)

If you were a Nintendo fan it was hard not to appreciate Nintendo Power, Nintendo's official publication. While I don't know that I would trust its impartiality, if there was a Nintendo game you could at least find info about it in Nintendo Power. In 1993 the Super NES was relatively new and the original NES and Game Boy were still going strong. The July 1993 issue includes:

Super NES

• WWF Royal Rumble - A great game for WWF fans. A look at the various characters and moves.


• Run Saber - I never played this one but it's a platform game that reminds me a bit of games like Strider. All the levels are shown here and it appears the game is fairly short.


• E.V.O. Search for Eden - A game from Enix in which you must create creatures that survive the evolutionary process.


• Edutainment - A look at several different educational games broken down by category, including Learning (Mario Is Missing, Miracle Keyboard), Fact Recall (Where in the World Is Carmen Sandiego?, Where in Time Is Carmen Sandiego?, Jeopardy), Strateg simulation and creativity (SimCity, SimEarth, Aerobiz, and Mario Paint). Not sure some of those are really "educational".

Game Boy

• The Legend of Zelda: Link's Awakening - The cover story this month is the release of Link's Awakening for the Game Boy. Includes tons of maps.


• Gargoyle's Quest II - Quite similar to the NES version of this game, it reminds me of a cross between Castlevania and Zelda.

NES

• The Addams Family: Pugsley's Scavenger Hunt - An ok platform game. Though the naming convention for these games on the NES vs. the SNES is rather confusing.


• Mighty Final Fight - A beat-em-up for those looking for yet another one on the NES.

_{Table of Contents from the July 1993 issue of Nintendo Power}

Tips from the Pros

• Nester's Adventures - A comic strip but I'm not sure why it's listed under the 'Tips From The Pros' category.


• Classified Information - Secret codes for MechWarrior, Road Runner's Death Valley Rally, Super Bases Loaded, Wayne's World, Cybernator, Prince of Persia, Tiny Toon Adventures, Bases Loaded, Super Conflict, and Mega Man V.

The Info Zone

• Next Issue - Next month's issue features Street Fighter II Turbo, Alien 3, Jurassic Park and Star Trek The Next Generation.

Video Updates

• Now Playing - Brief reviews of new games including Ultima: The False Prophet, Troddlers, Super Turrican, Dungeon Master, WWF Royal Rumble, Run Saber, Where In The World Is Carmen Sandiego?, Mario Is Missing, Bubsy, Alien 3, Tuff E Nuff, Rocky and Bullwinkle and Friends, Super Widget, P.T.O., Mighty Final Fight, The Addams Family: Pugsley's Scavenger Hunt, Bubble Bobble Part II, Gargoyle's Quest II, T2: The Arcade Game, and Star Trek: The Next Generation.


• PAK Watch - Previews of upcoming games including Street Fighter II Turbo, Mortal Kombat, Jurassic Park, TMNT Tournament Fighter, NHL Stanley Cup, Ken Griffey Jr. Major League Baseball, Mega Man X, Wayne's World, Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade, Beauty and the Beast, Felix the Cat, FX Trax, Super Off-Road, Cool Spot, Family Feud, Pinball Dreams, Goof Troop, Super Tecmo Bowl (one of the few sports games I really liked), and more.

Player's Forum

• Player's Pulse - Letters from readers about Super NES button lettering and Mario Paint, envelope art, Simpsons contest winner and more.


• Power Player's Challenge - Player accomplishments in Street Fighter II, Pilotwings, Desert Strike, Wave Race, NES Open Tournament Golf, Top Gear, F-1 Race, Prince of Persia, and Super Mario Kart.


• Player's Poll Contest - A contest in which you can win a game for a week for 50 weeks, 5 Game Boys each with 5 games (not sure why you would need 5 Game Boys), a $500 gift certificate, a party for 50 friends at your local arcade, or 50 pounds of quarters. If you couldn't tell, this was to celebrate the 50th issue of Nintendo Power. Incidentally, 50 pounds of quarters is a much better prize than the $500 gift certificate. According to the internet and my calculations a pound of quarters is about 80 quarters so 50 pounds would be $1000.

Video Updates

• 50th Issue Special - A look back at the last 5 years of Nintendo Power. Includes things like best cover, worst cover, issue with the highest circulation, biggest mistake, worst contest, biggest giveaway, most popular strategy guide, highest power meter rating, and much more.


• Super Power Shop - Buy the first 50 issues of Nintendo Power for $50 plus t-shirts, hats and other stuff.

_{Back cover of the July 1993 issue of Nintendo Power}

Read more: https://www.megalextoria.com/wordpress/index.php/2022/11/10/nintendo-power-july-1993/

Electronic Gaming Monthly (July 1989)

Electronic Gaming Monthly (July 1989)

While VideoGames & Computer Entertainment may have been my favorite gaming magazine, EGM was a close second. It got its start basically at the dawn of 16-bit gaming. The July 1989 issue covered a wide variety of systems from the Genesis, TurboGrafx-16 and of course NES to the PC, Amiga and even the Commodore 64, a testament to its staying power (though not for too much longer). This issue includes:

• Cover Story - Next Generation Gaming - An article covering the next wave of gaming systems including the Sega Genesis, TurboGrafx-16, Super Famicom/Nintendo (The U.S. version was still a couple of years away at this point), the Game Boy (the first successful cartridge based mobile). There is detailed information for each including technical specs and early games and peripherals.


• EGM's Review Crew - Reviews of the following games:
• Guerill War (NES) - A translation of SNK's top down action arcade game.
• Ironsword (NES) - A decent sequel to Wizards & Warriors.
• Fester's Quest (NES) - I'm convinced this game is impossible. If you say you finished it you are a liar.
• Mega Man 2 (NES) - The second game in what was one of the most famous franchises for the NES.
• 3 Stooges (NES) - Really, a collection of mini-games. It was better on the Amiga.
• Adventures of Lolo (NES) - An action/puzzle game with lots of addictive game play.
• Operation Wolf (NES) - One of the better light gun games available for the NES. I remember a friend renting this one from Blockbuster.
• Q*Bert (NES) - A classic arcade game I never really liked. However, if you like the original or other ports, then you will like this one.
• Mappyland (NES) - Another good translation of a classic arcade game.
• Flying Dragon (NES) - A karate game that really isn't anything special.


_{Table of Contents from the July 1989 issue of Electronic Gaming Monthly}

• Next Wave - Sneak peeks at upcoming games including Double Dragon II: The Revenge (NES), P.O.W. (NES), Thundercade (NES), and Super Dodge Ball (NES).
• International Outlook - Previews of some games released internationally (usually Japan) and that may make it to North America. Games looked at include Super Mario Bros. 3 (NES) and Gradius (NES).


• Top Secret! - Tips, tricks, strategies and maps for various games including Blaster Master (NES), Zanac (NES), Mega Man (NES), Star Soldier (NES), Wizards and Warriors (NES), Milon's Secret Castle (NES), Kid Icarus (NES), Ring King (NES), John Elways' Quarterback (NES), Metal Gear (NES), RBI Baseball (NES), Metroid (NES), Posiden Wars 3-D (SMS), Track and Field II (NES), R-Type (SMS), Simon's Quest (NES), Rambo (NES), Double Dragon (NES), Legacy of the Wizard (NES), Desert Falcon (Atari), Zanac (NES), and many more!


• Interface: Letters to the Editor - Questions about the Mega Drive (Genesis), Mega Man 2, the chip shortage going on at the time, and more.


• Press Start - A look at a new joystick for the NES from Beeshu called Gizmo. It looks a little odd and this whole thing read like an advertisement.


• Gaming Gossip - Rumors and gossip from Quartermann including rumors that Namco and Atari are developing 16-bit machines, Dragon Warrior is coming to the U.S. for Christmas and much more.

Read more: https://www.megalextoria.com/wordpress/index.php/2022/03/16/electronic-gaming-monthly-july-1989/

Nintendo Magazine System – Issue Number 8

Nintendo Magazine System – Issue Number 8

Nintendo Magazine System was published in several countries and was the official Nintendo magazine in at least some of them. This particular one was published in Britain. Issue number 8 includes:

Features

• Cover Story - A cross between Alien Syndrome and countless space-bound horror films, Operation Logic Bomb blasts its way here for an exclusive NMS review. With loads to shoot, and loads of weaponry with which to do so, how does it fare?


• Exhaust Heat II - Just when you thought racing games couldn't get any faster, here come Seta with a game so fast it leaves scorch marks on your screen! Forget F-Zero, forget Exhaust Heat. The latest and greatest race game is for your Super NES - and we give it the full Mansell treatment...


• NMS Goes To The Movies
- Lights, camera - and ACTION! With the likes of Batman Returns, Cool World and Lethal Weapon reviewed this very issue, we decided to lump them all together in a special section! So, buy yourself a large bucket of popcorn, irritate people by getting out of your seat and moving along the aisle every five minutes, and keep rustling a jumbo bag of salt and vinegar crisps whenever possible...

Regulars

• News - Big Arnie returns for another bout of Nintendo mayhem as Sony sign up the rights to his new movie, The Last Action Hero! Meanwhile Sylvester Stallone is set to hit the Super NES in a game based on his new film, Cliffhanger. Cripes! There's all this and lots, lots more as we scour the world for all the tidbits of gossip you want to read.


• Seal's Mailbag - Arf, arf! Reeking of fish and suitably bewhiskered, SEAL returns for another bout of letter answering. However, if you really want to get on his good side, send him tins of sardines with your letter - it's almost certain to get in then. Oh, and chocolate. He really likes chocolate. And crisps. And Toffee...


• NHS: Nintendo Help System - Like Florence Nightingale did to countless soldiers all those years back, NMS cools the fevered brows of you struggling players out there. This month, Prince Of Persia and Alfred Chicken are dissected by our hand-picked team of butchers...sorry surgeons, and their innermost secret removed and placed in specimen jars for your delectation. All this and Small Tips, too. Blimey!


• Will You Ever? - After revealing in our own, inimitable way the end of Axelay last month, this time we reveal what happens at the end of Super Mario World! That's right, after the Mario has leapt on to Bowser for the very last time, and all that Mode 7-type related malarkey with the spiky one zooming in and out of the screen has gone, this is what happens...


• High Scores - Is your sad fizzog featured within these hallowed pages? No, then get playing your fave game, attain a marvelous score, send us a dippy picture, and then wait for us to mock you in the next issue - all in harmless fun, of course.


• Charts - Rockadoodledoo, Pop Pickers, it's charteroony time! As well as the official Super NES, NES, and Game Boy charts, there's the all-important NMS team chart where we scrap amongst ourselves just to get our favorite titles in there. Ah, so that explains why Kirby keeps making all those comebacks...


• Blagman - Another new idea, and rather a daft one if we do say so ourselves. Blagman is King Scrap, without a doubt. If there is an industry freebie, this Robin Hood of the software industry is there to pinch it and distribute it amongst the needy and greedy. This month, Acclaim's offices have been stripped bare of all manner of goodies, as the masked wonder offers a massive selection of poached freebies. If you want one, get writing...


• Index - Ah, the Game Boy, How do we love thee? Let us count the ways. What a beautiful little device. So beautiful in fact that we have acquired the services of the lovely Sarah Ewing, EMAP beauty expert and Game Boy fan to deliver THE ultimate in looks tips and Game Boy info. What's more, every Game Boy title under the sun is listed for your delectation. There's never been anything quite like it, which is probably just as well...

Super NES Reviews

• Exhaust Heat II
• Tuff E Nuff
• Super James Pond
• Outlander
• Batman Returns
• Cool World
• The Terminator
• Operation Logic Bomb
• Shanghai II

NES Reviews

• Pugsly's Scavenger Hunt
• Lethal Weapon
• James Pond II: Robocod
• Mr Gimmick

Game Boy Reviews

• Universal Soldier
• Lethal Weapon

Previews

• Alien 3
• Terminator II
• Striker
• Biometal
• Crash Dummies

Tips

• Small Tips
• Prince of Persia
• Alfred Chicken

...and more!

Nintendo Power (December 1993)

Nintendo Power (December 1993)

I was never a huge fan of Nintendo Power but there's no doubt it was a great way to see what games were coming around for Nintendo systems. In 1993 it was primarily the Super Nintendo being covered but there was also Game Boy and NES coverage as well. The December 1993 issue includes:

Super NES

• Disney's Aladdin
• NHL Stanley Cup
• Clay Fighter
• Daffy Duck: The Marvin Missions
• Battle Cars
• Super Scope Roundup

Game Boy

• Tom & Jerry: Frantic Antics
• Mega Man IV

NES

• Mega Man VI
• Tetris 2

Tips From The Pros

• Nester's Adventures
• Classified Information
• Counselors' Corner

The Info Zone

• Raya Systems
• Next Issue

Video Updates

• Now Playing
• Pak Watch

Comics

• Star Fox

Player's Forum

• Player's Pulse
• Power Player's Challenge
• Player's Poll Contest
• Top 20

...and more!

Nintendo Magazine System – Issue Number 6

Nintendo Magazine System – Issue Number 6

Nintendo Magazine System (a bit of a play on Nintendo Entertainment system I guess) was an officially endorsed Nintendo magazine published in the U.K. (at least this iteration). Issue Number 6 (according to the cover) or issue number 4 (according to the contents page) from March? 1993? includes:

Cover Story

• StarFox - Get set for the next generation of Nintendo gaming, and a cartridge so hot it's going to blow you out of your seat. The amazing Star Fox is here, and NMS grabs another World Exclusive with an incredible 8-PAGE Review! You've never seen anything quite like this game on any home console anywhere, so seeing is believing as you turn to page 18 and feast your eyes on the products of Nintendo's Top Secret SFX super chip.

Super NES Reviews

• Star Fox
• Tiny Toons
• Ranma 1/2
• Jaki Crush
• Tennis
• Ki Ki Katai
• Chester Cheetah
• Flying Hero
• Syvalion
• Wordtris
• The Combatribes
• Aliens V Predator
• Congo's Caper
• Jeopardy
• Tetris 2

NES Reviews

• Spider-Man
• RC Pro-Am 2

Game Boy reviews

• Alfred Chicken
• Humans

Exclusive Previews

• B.O.B.
• Xandra's Adventure
• Human Grand Prix
• Super F1 Hero

Regulars

• News - The Nintendo News Network goes into hyperdrive this month! Not only do we have all the usual white hot little items which make this section so essential, we've pushed the boat out to give you an amazing 8-page CES report across the centre too!


• High Scores - Incredible! This month's sad and pathetic excuses for High Scores resulted in the top level NMS executive decision to drop them until next issue! This means you have four weeks to bring those scores up to the standards we expect, or we're going to start getting tough...


• Q&A - It's that time of the month again. Jaz dons his doh-resistant motorcycle helmet to sift through the sad, misguided souls who still think Streetfighter Championship Edition is coming for the Game Boy. What words of wonder can he pour on these troubled waters? Find out with Q&A!


• S.E.A.L's Mail Bag - There's never been anything quite like him, and the S.E.A.L. is back with his barbed comments to reel in any sad, unsuspecting readers who reckon they're a bit tasty when it comes to backchat. S.E.A.L. has all the answers, so why not check them out now!


• NHS - Next patient, nurse. There's no need for laughing gas in the outrageously unprivate world of the Nintendo Help System. Lack of cash injection and ridiculously long waiting lists are simply not our concern, while we dissect cheats and tips for all our lovely patients.


• Charts - Here they are - all the top-selling games in the land and your guide to what everyone else is shelling out for. This issue we have an important new addition - the NMS Chart, in which we detail our favorite games regardless of price or release dates!


• Index - It just gets bigger and bigger! It's the comprehensive guide to EVERY game you can get your hands on, complete with review ratings and even some new info on the games. It's great, it's essential, it's right here.


• Next Month - You've had a fabulous time, you're feeling great, but sadly NMS has come to its final page. Do you fret? Do you worry? No - you simply check out our Next Month page and wait 28 days or so for all that incredibility to arrive...

...and more!

Club Nintendo – Vol. 3 Issue 5 (1991)

Club Nintendo – Vol. 3 Issue 5 (1991)

Club Nintendo was a name used for official Nintendo magazines in various countries. This particular iteration comes from the U.K. Volume 5, Issue 3 from 1991 includes:

Feature Reviews

• Goal!
• Kabuki Quantum Fighter
• Isolated Warrior
• Battle of Olympus
• Shadowgate
• Boulder Dash
• Shadow Warrior

Sneak Peaks

• Super Mario Bros 3
• Low G Man
• Top Gun Second Mission
• The Simpsons
• WWF
• Ski or Die
• Rollergames
• Defender of the Crown
• Kickle Cubicle
• Power Blade

Tips and Tricks

• Tip & Tricks
• Tip From The Pros
• Readers' Tips

Game Boy Special

• Game Boy News
• Super Mario Land Tips
• Reviews
• Batman
• F1 Race
• Motorcross Maniacs
• Robocop
• Duck Tales
• Chase HQ
• R-Type

...and more!

GamePro (April 1992)

GamePro (April 1992)
Though I preferred EGM and the slightly more obscure VideoGames & Computer Entertainment, GamePro was one of the most popular gaming magazines published in the U.S. lasting from 1989 until the end of 2011. The April 1992 issue includes:

• Letters from the GamePros
• The Mail
• Cutting Edge - Play video games by telephone or by television!
• Hot at the Arcades - Ride with Sunset Riders. Roll with B.O.T.T.S.
• Special Feature: Genesis and Super NES Games for '92 - 16-bit gamers are in for some treats this year, no matter which system you own.


• Pro Reviews
• Nintendo: King's Quest, G.I. Joe: The Atlantis Factor, Wacky Racers, Gemfire
• Genesis: Kid Chameleon, Earnest Evans, Where in Time is Carmen Sandiego?, Devilish, Toki
• Super NES: The Super Scope, Xardion, Preview: Out of this World
• TurboGrafx-16: Ballistix
• Game Boy: Batman: Return of the Joker; Snow Bros, Jr; Ultima: Runes of Virture
• Game Gear: Fantasy Zone, Popits


• Special Feature: Big Basketball Blowout II
• ProReviews: Jordan vs. Bird (Genesis), Double Dribble: Five on Five (Game Boy)
• Previews: Arch Rivals (Genesis), David Robinson's Supreme Court (Genesis), Bulls vs. Lakers (Genesis and SNES), Roundball (NES), Tecmo Super NBA Basketball (NES), NBA Super All-Star Challenge 2 (Game Boy), Basketbrawl (Lynx)
• Special Review: Michael Jordan Flight for IBM PC


• Overseas ProSpects - A new Tetris surfaces in Japan - Tetris Plus Bombliss
• S.W.A.T. (Secret Weapons and Tactics) - The hottest tips and tactics from GamePros everywhere.
• Ask the Pros - The GamePros answer your questions about G.I. Joe (NES), Mega Man (NES), Streets of Rage (Genesis), Darius Twin (SNES).
• ProNews - All the video game news that's fit to print.
• Advertiser Index - Here's what's coming up next in GamePro.

...and more!