Rambo III (Sega Master System)

Rambo III was a game released in 1988 based on the Sylvester Stallone film of the same name and it is another one of those games that was available on a variety of systems but depending on the system had different developers and was a significantly different game.

The Sega Master System version (title screen above) was developed by Sega and was very similar to Operation Wolf. It is essentially a rail shooter in which you use the light gun (preferably) to shoot at on screen enemies. The game was also an arcade game (developed by Taito), available for the Sega Genesis (developed by Sega), and available for various computers including the PC (DOS), Commodore 64, Atari ST and Amiga among others (these were developed by Ocean). The Ocean developed games were completely different games than the Sega developed games and even games developed by the same developer for different systems have significant differences.

Sega Master System (poster)

The Sega Master System was a competitor to the Nintendo Entertainment System and a predecessor to the Sega Genesis. Although technically superior, it never did as well as Nintendo in most of the world (Brazil excepted). I was surprised to learn that in sold less than the Atari 7800 in North America. This was for a number of reasons including but not limited to: a slightly later entry into market, poorer marketing, and Nintendo's draconian and anti-competitive licensing scheme.

Above is a poster from 1987 that was included in many of the games. It features classic Sega artwork depicting characters and other various Sega gaming scenes.

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/

Electronic Gaming Monthly (November 1989)

Electronic Gaming Monthly (November 1989)

Electronic Gaming Monthly and VideoGames & Computer Entertainment were really the only two video game magazines I cared about. VG&CE was my favorite but EGM was far more successful. The November 1989 issue of EGM includes:

• Cover Story - Ghouls and Ghosts - Heralded by EGM as one of the best video games of all time, Ghouls and Ghosts is bound to sell Genesis machines just as well as Mario sells Nintendos! This fantastic 16-bitter packs a full five meg of power to generate some of the slickest graphics, most brilliant sounds, and exciting game play we've ever seen! See if you agree in this special Ghouls and Ghosts Game of the Month spectacular - compete with reviews, tips and maps!



• Behind The Screens Look At GameBoy - Find out the future of this pocket powerhouse from the white shirts and other top-level executives that make the industry move! Get the first word on new soft and other exciting developments going on behind the scenes at the top game companies!



• A New Look At The P.C. Engine - Although NEC has finally given the go-ahead to the P.C. Engine on these shores under a new name, Japan is still buzzing over the 8-Bit machine that does all the things 16-Bitters do. Get sneak peeks at loads of new P.C. Engine games that may be coming this way for the TurboGrafx, as well as the latest updates on the Super Famicom and the first look at a new 32-Bit system!



• Top Secret! - The Game Busters strike again with a whole new assortment of super secrets that will let you become video invincible! Great tips for the TurboGrafx and Genesis, combined with all new tricks for Nintendo and Sega, make this "For Your Eyes Only" info more valuable than a Super Mario 3 cart! Lots of new stuff from readers too!



• P.O.W. - The War Rages On - EGM continues its "How to Master" photo maps of SNK's latest battlefield epic! Get Bart out from behind enemy lines and take on the ruthless leader of the Government of Destruction! Also look for new maps on River City Ransom, Scramble Spirits, Blazing Lazers, and more!



• Also in this issue:
• Insert Coin
• Interface - Letters
• Gaming Gossip
• International Outlook
• Contest - Win a GameBoy
• At the Arcades
• Nintendo Player
• Sega Masters
• Atari Adventures
• Turbo Champ
• Outpost: Genesis
• GameBoy Club

...and more!

SWATPro (Fall 1990)

SWATPro (Fall 1990)

SWATPro (or S.W.A.T. Pro...I see it both ways), was a spinoff of GamePro that focussed on tips, tricks, cheats and that sort of thing. In fact, SWATPro started as a GamePro insert. S.W.A.T. stood for "Secret Weapons And Tactics". While tons of games were covered in each issue, it always seemed like sort of a ripoff to me. The contents of SWATPro were not unique, it was all stuff pulled from previous issues of GamePro. I suppose that if tips and tricks were your thing and you needed to catch up because you missed some GamePro issues then it would make sense. However, GamePro had much more content and cost the same price. The first issue of SWATPro was published in the Fall of 1990 and covered the following systems:

• Nintendo (NES)
• Sega Genesis
• Sega Master System
• TurboGrafx-16
• Game Boy

There were more than 120 games covered between those systems.

VideoGames & Computer Entertainment (September 1989)

VideoGames & Computer Enterainment (September 1989)

VideoGames & Computer Entertainment was the first video games magazine I bought and it always remained my favorite. The September 1989 issue includes: Features

• Power Glove: Get a Grip on your Games - Mattel is ready to take video gaming a step into the future, and VG&CE has the whole story for you.


• Adventure Island Strategy Guide, Part I - Master Higgins is stranded on a secluded island. We'll help you save him from death's clutches.


• Lady Luck: Are you an Electronic High Roller? - Video gambling lets you bring Vegas into your living room, and you can bet that we'll show you the games to choose from.


• Zelda II: The Adventure of Link Strategy Guide, Part III - After this final segment, you'll be fully prepared for your confrontation with Ganon.


• Dinobytes: Bringing Back the Behemoths - Dinosaurs have made a big comeback in computer programs. Stalk out what's available.


• The Maestro of Microcomputing - These days, soundtracks are as important to games as the programming. Meet Russell Lieblich, one of the premier computer-tune talents.


• Victory at Sea: A Player's Guide to Seagoing Simulations - There's an ocean of software for all forms of boating battles, and we've got a rundown to help you pick your favorites.


• Computer-Game Strategies - This month, our resident expert helps you play at your best in Kings of the Beach, Pole Position II and Hostage.

Reviews

• Video-Game Reviews
• Super Doge Ball
• Time Soldiers
• Wrestlemania
• Marble Madness
• P.O.W.
• Skate or Die
• Y's


• Computer-Game Reviews
• Chomp
• Thunder Blade
• Rampage
• Barbarian
• Fire Zone
• Northern Fleet
• Wizardry V

Departments

• Editor's Letter
• Reader Mail
• News Bits
• Easter Egg Hunt
• Inside Gaming
• Game Doctor
• Advertiser Index

...and more!

Mega Play (November 1990)

Mega Play (November 1990)

Sega Visions (June/July 1993)

Sega Visions was more or less Sega's answer to Nintendo Power. It was the official Sega magazine though I don't recall seeing it on store shelves. It may have only been widely available as a subscription. Generally, you could get a free trial subscription by sending in a registration for a Sega product. In 1993 the Sega Genesis, Sega CD and Game Gear were being covered. The June/July 1993 issue includes:

• Say What?...Overheard at Sega - Time Warner forms agreement with Sega to distribute Genesis games via cable; Genesis is number one selling toy for December 1992; new Sonic pinball game in development; Sega announces upcoming release of Aladdin on the Genesis; Valiant and Image "Deathmate" announced; and more.

• Yo Sega! - Questions and comments from readers about "blast processing", Sonic 2 giveaway with Genesis, details about Conic, Tails and Robotnik, the Game Genie, Sega Genesis power draw, connecting a Game Gear to a TV, and more.

Sega Game Features

• Jurassic Park for Genesis - A preview of the upcoming Jurassic Park game for the Genesis that is based on the, at the time, still upcoming movies.

• The Making of Jurassic Park - A look at all that went into making the game from learning about dinosaurs to creating animation sequences of animals that no longer exist to creating the backgrounds and more.

• Sneak Peeks
  • Joe Montana's NFL Football CD - A football game with a behind the quarterback 3D view for the Sega CD.
  • Mad Dog McRee CD - A light gun game for the Sega CD based on the arcade game from American Laser Games.

• Sega CD Software
  • Terminator - This CD enhanced action game is based on the original Terminator movie.
  • Dracula - This game is based on the Bram Stoker's Dracula movie and includes digitized graphics, 3D effects and CD quality sound and music. Mostly the game plays as a side-scrolling beat-'em-up.
  • Ecco the Dolphin - There was also a cartridge version of this game but the CD version adds five new levels and some additions to the other levels as well. It also adds "3-D" stereo sound.
  • Final Fight - Another formerly cartridge only game that has some significant enhancements in the CD version, including a two-player simultaneous mode, new areas and stereo sound.

Just Review It Genesis

• Shining Force - This is really a must play game for those who are fans of the Genesis and RPGs.

• Cool SPOT - While the advertising theme and character (7-Up's Spot) seems odd, this platform game is one of the relatively few licensed games that are any good.

• Jungle Strike - The sequel to Desert Strike. The Strike series in general was an excellent series of overhead shooter games.

• Mig 29 Fighter Pilot - Not a bad simulator but I always though these kinds of games played better on the PC for a variety of reasons. More powerful hardware and better controller options come to mind.

• F-15 Strike Eagle II - The Genesis really did have some of the best sims of any game console. However, still better on a PC.

• Puggsy - A humorous side-scrolling platform game from Psygnosis.

• B.O.B. - A sci-fi themed platform game in which you play the role of an android that has crash-landed and must escape the planet he is on.

• Rocket Knight Adventures - A platform action/adventure game featuring a space age opossum.

• R.B.I. '93 - The Genesis was known for its excellent sports games. This baseball game is one of those.

• Wrath of the Gods - A PC port, this one seems very much like Populous.

• Thomas the Tank Engine - An educational game for the kids featuring Thomas and friends.

Just Review It Game Gear

• Dracula - The Game Gear version isn't quite as impressive as the Sega CD version but it is a reasonable approximation.

• Tengen World Cup Soccer - A decent portable soccer game.

• Hook - The Game Gear does a reasonable job with this movie based platform game that was also released on the Genesis and Sega CD.

• Jeopardy - Featuring a digitized Alex Trebec and over 400 categories, this is a pretty good home version of the game. The only downside is having to spell out answers with the D-Pad.

• W.W.F. Steel Cage Challenge - I don't think this kind of game works particularly well on a small screen but it isn't terrible and you have to give it nostalgia points if you are a WWF fan.

Sega Visions Features

• Sonic Comic - A mini comic-book featuring Sonic.

• Game on Tap - More on the new Sega Channel. The initial line-up of games is supposed to feature a constantly rotating line-up of games.

• Chakan and Green Dog: Behind the Scenes - An interview with the creator of the Chakan comic book and the Chakan game producer. Likewise, there is a brief interview with the Greendog character creator and the Greendog game producer.

• Sega Visionaries - Hints, tips, codes, passwords, etc. for various games, including Road Rash 2, Toe Jam & Earl, Chuck Rock, Joe Montana '93, Sonic 2, Greendog, Ecco the Dolphin, and more.

• Totally Sonic - An overview of some of the many Sonic products available from trading cards and board games to kites and underwear and much more.

• Fast Takes - Brief game reviews for LaRussa Baseball (Genesis), Hook (Genesis), King of the Monsters (Genesis), Bulls vs Blazers (Genesis), Toys (Genesis), Journey From Darkness: Strider Returns (Genesis), Paperboy (Game Gear), Pacific Theater of Operations (Genesis), Wolfchild (Genesis), Chester Cheetah (Genesis), Championship Bowling (Genesis), Blaster Master 2 (Genesis), Dracula (Genesis), Crash Dummies (Game Gear), and Arch Rivals (Game Gear).

• Power Shopper - A list of games, systems, and accessories available directly from Sega.

• Incoming! - A list of games being released over the coming months. A few of the titles listed include Chester Cheetah (Genesis), Spider-Man: Return of the Sinister 6 (Game Gear), Batman Returns (Sega CD), B.O.B. (Genesis), Crash Dummies (Game Gear), Spider-Man (Sega CD), Dracula (Genesis), Bart vs. World (Game GEar), and Terminator (Sega CD) but there are many more.

...and more!

Game Player’s (February 1991)

Game Player's covered a variety of video game system and home computers. In 1991 this list included the original Nintendo Entertainment System (NES), Sega Genesis, Sega Master System, Atari Lynx, Amiga, PC (DOS), and TurboGrafx-16. The February 1991 issue included the following:

• Tip Sheet - Tips for Back to the Future 2 & 3 (NES), Gargoyle's Quest (NES), Maniac Mansion (NES), Les Manles in: The Search for the King (PC), Phantasy Star II (Genesis), Shinobi (NES), Super C (NES), and Alex Kidd in High-Tech World (Sega Master System).
• Player's World - Game Player's Annual Awards for 1990. Top honors went to Super Mario Bros. 3 for the NES, Duck Tales for the Game Boy, John Madden Football for the Sega Genesis, Bonk's Adventure for the TurboGrafx-16, S.T.U.N. Runner for the arcade, Shadow of the Beast for the Amiga, Todd's Adventures in Slime World for the Atari Lynx, and Railroad Tycoon for the PC. Tons of other games were awarded with lesser accolades as well.
• Nintendo News - This month, the news was all about Dr. Mario, a puzzle game similar in some ways to Tetris.
• Game Boy Players - Here the news was all about Dr. Mario as well.
• Arcade Action - Emphasizing pinball this month with coverage of Diner, Funhouse, The Simpsons and Riverboat Gambler
• Amiga Players - Coverage of new Psygnosis games Shadow of the Beast II, Awesome and The Killing Game Show.
• PC Players - Featuring Blue Max: Aces of the Great War.
• Atari Safari - Featuring Robo-Squash for the Atari Lynx.
• Sega Players - Covering Joe Montanna football and comparing it to John Madden Football, as well as Sword of Sodan, Crackdown and Trampoline Terror all for the Genesis.
• Turbo Players - Coverage of Jack Nicklaus Turbo Golf for the TurboGrafx-16.
• Nintendo Game of the Month: The Immortal - This was a 3/4 view isometric adventure game that I really wanted at one point. For some reason it cased the display on my crappy tiny color tv to be wavy so it was returned and I never played it. I've heard mixed things about it so maybe I didn't miss much...
• Sega Genesis Game of the Month: Strider - I loved this platformer for the NES but never played the Genesis version.
• Computer Game of the Month: Test Drive III: The Passion - My experience with the Test Drive series ends with the original Test Drive on the Commodore 64. At a glance, the actual game play screens don't look all that much better graphically. I assume the animation was smoother.

• Game Reviews:
  • Yo! Noid (NES) - Domino's actually brought the Noid back in commercials recently but didn't do a very good job of it. To think he was once popular enough to have his own game.
  • Aero Blasters (TG16) - A side-scrolling shooter for the TurboGrafx-16. It's ok but doesn't really stand out.
  • Dick Tracy (NES) - A Nintendo platformer based on the movie of the same name. This review refers to it as "above average". I have my doubts.
  • Streetfighter 2010 (NES) - Not to be confused with Street Fighter II though it is by Capcom and based more or less on the same series that started with the original Street Fighter.
  • NBA All-Star Challenge (Game Boy) - I am not a fan of basketball games generally and less a fan of sports games of any kind on the Game Boy.
  • Snake Rattle N Roll (NES) - An action game that is graphically reminiscent of Marble Madness.
  • Columns (Genesis) - I played quite a bit of this on the Game Gear (I believe it was the pack-in). Everybody was trying to compete with Tetris at the time. I don't think Columns beat it but it was an ok game if you are a puzzle game fan.
  • Circus Caper (NES) - A circus themed action/platform game. Presumably with the younger game player as the target audience.
  • Ishido (PC/DOS) - A puzzle/strategy game that can be played solo or against the computer or against another player.
  • Skull and Crossbones - A pirate-themed platformer. This is another game I wanted at some point based on the ad. I never played it though. Apparently it is a difficult single player game but a more balanced two-player game.
  • Little Nemo - No, not based on the Disney movie Finding Nemo. That came much later. This one is based on a turn of the century comic strip character. Like 1900 turn of the century not 2000 turn of the century.
• Game News & Previews - Covering new and upcoming games including Time Lord (NES), InfoGenius (NES), RollerGames (NES), an updated version of Stellar 7 (PC/DOS), Vegas Dream (NES), Castlevania III (NES), and A-10 Tank Killer (Amiga).

...and more!