The Official Sega Saturn Magazine (January 1998) | PeakD

Unfortunately, the Saturn had a relatively short commercial life as did the few magazines dedicated to it. This was the official Sega Saturn magazine in the U.K. The January 1998 issue includes:

Source: The Official Sega Saturn Magazine (January 1998)

Maximum: The Video Game Magazine – Issue Number 4 – 1996

Maximum: The Video Game Magazine – Issue Number 4 – 1996

You can think of Maximum as Next Generation's sister magazine in the U.K. Much of the content of Next Generation came from Maximum and the magazines were very similar. Next Generation was one of my favorite magazines though I wasn't really aware of Maximum until much later and being in the U.S., I was unlikely to ever see it anyway. Maximum targeted an older demographic than GamePro or even EGM. Issue Number 4 of Maximum from 1996 includes:

Maxiumum Extended Play

• Soul Edge - The cover game of Maximum issue #4 is a true showcase of arcade fighting titles, based on the PlayStation technology System 11 board. Soul Edge is graphically breathtaking, and features a technical level to the gameplay that's quite outstanding.


• Space Hulk - A firm hit on the 3DO, Electronic Arts have been busy bringing their top-rated game onto the PC CD-ROM, Saturn and PlayStation systems. In this triple-format Extended Play, Maximum brings forth huge amounts of info on this involving game.


• Heretic - The first third party game to use the Doom engine was Raven's Heretic, which has since been superseded by the excellent Hexen. However, the first game never received a general review and the boys at GT Interactive have just put out the latest version with extra levels. Maximum investigates..


• Real Bout Fatal Fury - Some have been saying that the latest Fatal Furty is (get this) better than Street Fighter Alpha! Is this true, or is Real Bout just another outing for Geese Howard and a pair of outrageous trousers? Perhaps both, maybe neither. Full details later on.


• Guardian Heroes - When Treasure produce a new video game, true game fanatics tend to sit up and take notice - especially when the game is on as powerful a system as Sega Saturn. True to form, Treasure have performed miracles with this game.


• Street Fighter Alpha - First revealed in Maxiumum issue #3, Capcom have handed in a truly arcade-perfect conversion of their monster arcade game which Virgin are handling in Europe. We'eve already covered the coin-op, so this Extended Play covers the art of Street Fighting, from throwing your very first punch to pulling off incredible 19 hit Super Combo finishes.


• Magic Carpet - Bullfrog scored a bit of an own-goal with their last action game translation to the super consoles. Yes, although Hi-Octane was a bit poor, the conversions of Magic Carpet are absolutely spot-on, and for any Saturn or PlayStation owner, it should be considered an essential purchase.
• Virtua Fighter 2 - The final part of our unrivaled Virtua Fighter 2 coverage gives our valued readership an in-depth examination of the combination system in the game. Hugely damaging multi-hit strikes are revealed, along with basic techniques on improving your play.

Maximum Close Up

• Virtua Cop - Now that the game is a couple of months old, Maximum is pleased to announce the full range of hidden options found in this excellent blasting game.


• X-Men: Children of the Atom - Well, many apologies for the lack of Magneto action, but this single page of mutant mayhem should clue you in to the true power of the unstoppable Juggernaut!


• Battle Arena Toshinden 2 - Well, to be frank we think this game is pretty bad - however, it seems to have attracted its own legion of fans on PlayStation and in the arcades, so we reveal all of the boss-related secrets.


• Doom - The third and final installment of Maximum's coverage reveals the five secret levels in Doom, including the celebrated "Club Doom".

Maximum Regulars

• New Games...Places...Events... - Well, Maximum's coverage of the places and events is probably a bit lacking this month, since we'eve been enslaved to Lord EMAP and super-glued to our desks to meet an impossible deadline. Again. Still, the coverage of hot games remains pretty decent regardless, with Saturn WipeOut, Formula One and of course PlayStation Tekken 2 taking pride of place in the Maximum line-up. Also worth checking out are the first pictures of Street Fighter Alpha 2 along with Virtua Fighter Kids and more on the Sonic Fighting Game.


• Maximum Response - After finally being swayed by popular opinion, Maximum unveils its first letters page. For intelligent debate on gaming in general plus a slagging off for Killer Instinct 2, look no further.


• Reviews - Despite the lean times in terms of software, Maximum retains its enormous 23 page reviewing section where we tell you in plain English whether selected software is worth buying or not. No useless "ratings" and suchlike here - just our informed opinions on the latest wares.


• Next Edition - For full details on the forthcoming Namco Special Edition of Maximum, it could well be worth your while checking out this page. It's going to be big...

...and more!

Official Sega Saturn Magazine (February 1998)

Official Sega Saturn Magazine (U.K.) (December 1995)

Official Sega Saturn Magazine (U.K.) (December 1995)

Hi Octane (Sega Saturn)

Hi Octane (Sega Saturn)

Electronic Gaming Monthly (November 1996)

Electronic Gaming Monthly (November 1996)



In the mid 1990s, EGM was the best gaming magazine around and it was at the height of its popularity. Weighing in at nearly 300 pages, the November 1996 issue includes:

Cover Story

• Twisted Metal 2 - Find out the entire twisted story line behind the Twisted Metal 2 characters.

Departments

• Insert Coin - Our editor expounds on his worldly travels for new gaming info.
• Press Start - The news that's making headlines in the world of video games.
• Gaming Gossip - THE inside source on the gaming industry from Q-Mann.
• Next Wave Protos - Exclusive first-looks at games on the horizon.
• Review Crew - A no-holds-barred critique of gaming's latest releases.
• Tricks of the Trade - Want a power trip? Check out the hottest cheats here.
• Special Features - An in-depth look at the newest of the new.
• Next Wave - Get a sneak peek at upcoming titles for all systems!
• Contests - Don't miss your chance to win BIG!
• Team EGM - Previews and reviews for sports games.
• Interface - An open forum for readers' questions and concerns.

Features

• Saturn Has a Lot to Offer RPG Fanatics! - While PS owners have been complaining about the lack of role-playing games for their system, Saturn owners have been happily playing the genre on theirs. In this issue, check out what fantastic RPGs are coming out for the Sega Saturn!
• EGM Travels Around the World for Gaming Info! - The EGM editors scoured the globe for international gaming news! First, they traveled to London to find out what was hot at the ECTS show. Then it was on to Japan for the Jamma show where Street Fighter III and Virtua 3 were making mouths drop.
• Fighting Games Galore Spotlighted in This Issue! - With waves of fighters being released, picking out the top-notch game can be a touch choice. EGM explores roughly 20 fighters (such as Toshinden URA and X-Men Vs. Street Fighter), pointing out each one's strong points.

Next Wave

• Nintendo 64 - The system's first killer fighting game comes home!
• Saturn - You won't want to smash the bug in Bug Too!
• PlayStation - It't the end...or is it...in Final Doom for the PS.
• Genesis - Clean up the globe with VectorMan 2.

...and more!

Skeleton Warriors (PlayStation, Sega Saturn)

Source: Electronic Gaming Monthly - June 1996

This game was a rather obscure license and an early release for the PlayStation and Sega Saturn. Skeleton Warriors the game is based on a short-lived animated series and toy line. It's a pretty basic side-scrolling platform game but with 3D rendered graphics.

As a game based on a license I guess it is okay. Contemporary reviews were mostly positive but I think everyone was still enthralled by the new 32-bit systems so any game that wasn't complete garbage often got positive reviews at this point in time. There are 21 levels and more than 100 types of enemies in addition to the main villain, Baron Dark. This isn't a bad game but there's not much special about it either unless you were just a big fan of Skeleton Warriors.

Skeleton Warriors was released for both the Sega Saturn and PlayStation but as far as I know there have been no re-releases and given the nature of licenses, it seem pretty unlikely that there would ever be one. You can probably find an original pretty cheap though if you want it. I haven't compared versions directly but it seems unlikely that differences would be substantial so pick your favorite system.

The ad above is from the June 1996 issue of Electronic Gaming Monthly and the screen shots are from the PlayStation version of the game.

Next Generation (September 1995)

Next Generation (September 1995)

GamePro (October 1996)

GamePro (October 1996)
GamePro was never one of my favorite gaming magazines. It did have a lot of good content but the organization always seemed...random. Nevertheless, it was a popular and long lasting magazine. The October 1996 issue includes:

Cover Feature

• Nintendo 64: The U.S. Launch
• The N64: It's Heeeeeeeeeere!
• Let the Games Begin: N64 Release Calendar
• The Game Names: Updates on MK Trilogy, Turok: Dinosaur Hunter, and Freak Boy
• The Cutting Edge: Nintendo 64 Graphics Hardwired
• Super Mario 64 ProStrategy Guide

Special Feature

• Star Wars: The Empire Strikes Gold! - An inside look at LucasArts' five hot Star Wars games: Shadows of the Empire (N64), Dark Forces (PlayStation), Rebel Assault II (PlayStation), Jedi Knight: Dark Forces II (PC-CD), and X-Wing vs. TIE Fighter (PC-CD).

SWATPro Strategy Section

• Super Mario 64 Nintendo 64 ProStrategy Guide - Mario's most essential moves, how to use camera views, and a breakdown of the first two areas.
• The Fighter's Edge Presents: Tekken 2 (PlayStation), Conclusion - Best combos, special moves, linking moves, and throws for the remaining bosses: Anna, Devil, Angel, Bruce, Kuma, Ganryu, Roger, and Alex.
• SWATPro - Secret coedes and tips! Play as Akuma in X-Men: Children of the Atom, Toshinden 2 boss codes, Game Shark codes, and more!

ProReviews

• N64
• PlayStation
• Saturn
• SNES
• Sports Pages
• Role-Player's Realm

Departments

• Head-2-Head
• The Mail
• Art Attack
• Buyers Beware
• ProNews - Johnny Cage will appear in Mortal Kombat Trilogy!
• GamePro Online - AOL games and hot Web sites
• GamePro Labs - ASCII Saturn Stick, Psychopad K.O., and Saturn 3D Analog Controller
• Overseas ProSpects - CoolBoarders and Motor Toon 2!
• Sneak Previews - Fighting Vipers, Soviet Strike, Treasures of the Deep, Doom, and more!
• PC GamePro - Starcraft, Interstate '76, and more!
• Hot at the Arcades - Soul Edge Version II

...and more!

EGM 2 (June 1996)

EGM 2 (June 1996)
Unlike the world of today where physical video game magazines are extinct for all practical purposes, the mid 1990s were overflowing with such publications. So much so that Electronic Gaming Monthly couldn't get enough into their main multi-hundred page publication and they published a second monthly magazine, EGM^2. The June 1996 issue includes: Departments

• Insert Coin
• Interface: Letters to the Editor
• Press Start
• Previews
• Tricks of the Trade
• Strategies
• Advertising Index

Tricks

• Alien Trilogy - Finally, the long-awaited Cheat Menu has now been found...great cheats available!
• Night Warriors - Double your turbo speed and get a non-shaded pause screen with this code!
• Game Shark Codes - The Shark can be your friend if you enter the passwords correctly for the SS and PS.
• SFA 2 - Uncover Chun-Li's old uniforms and two hidden fighting stages by entering this code.

Cover Story

• Play with the Power of a God in this Latest Fighter - The latest entry into the fighting genre is another great title by the gurus at Williams but not by the same MK team. This new 3-D fighter was designed by a completely different group, however, they do the Williams name proud. It is an exceptional example of true 3-D perspective fighting, with all the moves, combos and fatalaties to keep fighting fans happy. Check out the first of many articles on War Gods, covering the initial stages and moves that will get you up and playing.

Strategies

• Fight or Die for your Party in Guardian Heroes - Guardian Heroes, Treasure's first action/adventure title for the Saturn, pits you against a number of worthy (and just plain tough) foes. In this EGM^2, there is a six-page jam-packed guide to help players with moves, opponents, levels and more. It also details characters' backgrounds and strategy. As well, there are several detailed maps pointing out important information gamers should know. There is also a quick reference guide that gives players some very useful tips.


• Skeleton Warriors Has More Than Meets the Eye - Deceptively complicated with gameplay and skill level gradually increasing, Skeleton Warriors might be too much for a non-observant player. With huge numbers of enemies on screen at one time, many can become overwhelmed during any point in this action game. However, in this issue there is a detailed guide that takes the reader by the hand and helps him/her through the more difficult levels of gameplay. With much-needed hints on Bosses and levels, this guide won't leave anyone stranded.


• They Don't have a Backbone, But They Sure Are Tough - Who said playing with worms couldn't be fun? They are if you send in a unit to destroy an opponent with mines, missiles and sheep (yes, sheep!). In this mud-free strategy guide, players will be victorious because everything to know about this game has been packed into this issue. Find out which strategy works best and what weapons to use during certain situations. For example, the Prod works well if an enemy is close to a cliff. However, if you want to knock the opponent forward, the Dragonball works best!

...and more!

EGM 2 (August 1996)

EGM 2 (August 1996)

Believe it or not, there was a time that not only were there multiple successful video game magazines on the market, but in at least one case, one issue a month wasn't enough. Electronic Gaming Monthly was probably the most successful video game magazine and they were in fact so successful that for several years they published EGM^2 as well. The August 1996 issue includes: Departments

• Insert Coin
• Press Start
• Interface: Letters
• Previews
• Tricks of the Trade
• Strategies
• Advertising Index

Tricks

• Iron Storm - In this great trick take control of opposing forces or play a multi-player game in Campaign Mode!
• Toshinden 2 - Play as the hidden characters (Sho, Uranus, Master and Vermilion) on the U.S. version!
• Ultimate MK3 - Fight as Human Smoke (who carries most of the same moves as Scorpion) on the Saturn!
• WWF: Wrestlemania - Gamers will be able to kick the computer's butt easily with this awesome cheat!
• Toy Story - An invincibility and level select code will be granted if you follow the procedure correctly!

Cover Story

• The Plumber Hits the Nintendo 64 With Some Attitude! - Everybody's favorite plumber is back in action, and this time around he's kickin' Bowser's butt! With its diverse levels, awesome 3-D effects, secrets and intense action, Mario 64 will leave gamers completely satisfied. In this issue, we give you a sample of what everyone will be craving, but make sure to stay tuned to EGM2 for updates.

Strategies

• RPGs, RPGs and More RPGs! - What do Dragon Force, Shining Wisdom and Legend of Oasis all have in common? Besides all being RPGs, this issue highlights each game with blowout strategies! Dragon Force pits you against other conquerors to see who can get the most land for their kingdoms. However, in Shining Wisdom, your adventure begins when you see a strange character walk into the shire near the castle. In Legend of Oasis, battle against enemies while trying to figure out puzzles. While all three have different story lines, all are awesome. Check out each RPG's strategy guide!

• Gamers Can Learn the Moves and Combos for the PS' Version of Tekken 2! - So you wanna impress your friends when playing the PS version of Tekken 2, but you don't quite know all the moves. Don't sweat it, because in this issue, there are six pages totally packed with all the characters' moves and combos. Do you wanna pull off Jun's Arm Lock, Law's Crescent Kick or Michelle's G-Clef combo? This guide has them all plus more. Also, to let you in on a secret...this is only the first section of a two-part guide! Your friends will be wowed once you study up on these cool moves for Tekken 2!



• EGM2 Has a Lot of Soul in this Issue - Soul Edge V II - Fans of the original Soul Edge (as well as other fighting game fans) will be thrilled with Soul Edge V II. There have been numerous improvements that gamers will enjoy. For example, in this game there are air-floating combos, new backgrounds, 10 playable characters and a new Time Attack Mode where you face all the characters in a certain order and you are ranked in 15 categories like Attack/Guard. There's a whole lotta soul shakin' goin' on in this issue!

...and more!

Electronic Gaming Monthly (August 1995)

Electronic Gaming Monthly (August 1995)
There were a vast number of home video game systems to chose from in the mid 1990s and EGM covered them all. From the older but still viable 16-bit classics to Segas frankenstein add-on system to the latest and greatest 32-bit systems and systems that were never really mainstream, they were all here. It makes today's video game scene look tame by comparison. The August 1995 issue of Electronic Gaming Monthly includes: Cover Story - Super NES, Genesis, PlayStation? Which system will have the best translation of Mortal Kombat 3? Check out this issue's cover story! Departments

• Insert Coin
• Interface: Letters to the Editor
• Press Start
• Review Crew
• EGM Hot 50
• Gaming Gossip
• Special Features
• Arcade Action
• International Outlook
• Next Wave
• Tricks of the Trade
• Team EGM
• Lifestyles
• Advertising Index

Fact-Files

• Super NES - Save the kiddies from the baddies in SWAT Kats!
• Genesis - Go on a deadly adventure with Indiana Jones!
• Sega CD - Drive a bus across the desert and back again in Penn & Teller!
• 3DO - Play s a brain on a scavenger hunt in Daedalus Encounter!
• PlayStation - Wear a cosmic powersuit in the futuristic RPG Space Griffon!
• Game Gear - Stop the evil terrorists with the portable game, Jungle Strike!

Features

• Which System Will Be Crowned King of the Home Translation of MK3? - The Super NES, Genesis and PlayStation will be battling this holiday season for the best translation of the arcade smash, Mortal Kombat 3. The Genesis version, although a bit grainy, contains smooth animation and excellent sound. The Super NES version has everything from the Versus Screen with the secret code on the bottom to the Continued Screen. Don't forget the PlayStation version with its fantastic graphics, and the game might even be shipped with the system. It's up to gamers now to judge the winner!


• It's Mario's 10th Anniversary and Nintendo Celebrates with Yoshi's Island! - Mario, the famous plumber, is in trouble again and it is up to Yoshi to help his Italian pal out. Super Mario 2: Yoshi's Island will be slamming onto the Super NES. In this issue, we have hot pictures, secrets and a cool two-page map of the game. This cart falls in nicely with the other Mario games and sticks to its genre, with all the Mario secrets, techniques and loads of levels. However, this time the classic look is traded for an almost childlike perspective with crayon style graphics and cuteness at every angle.


• EGM Travels to the Tokyo Toy Show to Bring Back Exclusive Pictures - The Tokyo toy show is one of the most highly anticipated shows in Japan and EGM was there! Housing tons of video game companies and toy manufacturers, we received exclusive pictures on Rockman 3 (Mega Man X3) and Final Fight 3. Also check out the shots of Mickey Mouse 3, DarkStalkers for the PSX, RayTracers, Zeitgeist, Hat Trick Hero, Darius Gaiden (Darius 3 in the U.S.), Race Drivin', Clockwork Knight 2, Kabuki Fighting Lore and many more. Also, EGM snuck in and photographed the highly anticipated 3DO M2 unit!

More than 60 games are reviewed, previewed or otherwise covered in this issue.

GamePro (April 1997)

GamePro (April 1997)

I never read GamePro much but it competed strongly with EGM throughout the 1990s. In early 1997 there were lots of systems to cover. The 32/64-bit war was at a fever pitch but the 16-bit systems were still hanging on as well. The April 1997 issue of GamePro includes:

Cover Feature

• Soul Blade (PlayStation) - Soul Blade could be the fighting game of the year! Part One of this experts' strategy guide features basic moves, specials, combos, and more for the fighters Taki, Hwang, Voldo, Li Lang, and Mitsurugi.

Special Features

• LamePro (April Fool's, Fool!) - If you're looking for our annual LamePro feature, do not turn to page 31. Repeat: Do NOT turn to page 31!
• Code Name: Namco! - Namco has arcade hits like Tekken 3 and PlayStation winners like Time Crisis just waiting to happen.
• Hunting the Big Game - The Lost World: Jurassic Park - The latest from DreamWorks lets you play as both hunter and hunted.

SWATPro Strategy Section

• Blood Omen: Legacy of Kain PlayStation ProStrategy Guide - How to live in the world of the undead.
• The Fighter's Edge - Soul Blade, Part One
• Street Fighter III (Arcade) - The basic move list will help you stay in the fight.
• WWF: In Your House (PlayStation, Saturn) - Special moves and combos for all ten grapplers!
• SWATPro - Secret codes and tricks for Soviet Strike, Star Wars: Shadows of the Empire, Disruptor, and more!

ProReviews

• PC GamePro
• Nintendo 64
• PlayStation
• Saturn
• Super NES
• Sports Pages
• Role-Player's Realm

Departments

• Head-2-Head: Letter from the GamePros
• The Mail
• Art Attack
• Buyers Beware - The consumer's hotline!
• ProNews - The PlayStation and the Nintendo 64 go head-to-head.
• NetPro - You don't have to pay to play online games.
• The Cutting Edge - "Yaroze" means you can program your own PlayStation games.
• Overseas Prospects - Fighters Megamix stars fighting characters from a gang of Saturn games including Virtua Fighter 2, Fighting Vipers, and even Daytona.
• Sneak Previews - Castlevania X, Herc's Adventures, and more!
• PC GamePro - Realms of the Haunting, Unreal, and Red Baron II lead the lineup.
• Hot at the Arcades - Street Fighter III, Tekken 3, and Maximum Force!

...and more!

VR Golf ’97 (PlayStation, Saturn)

Yet another golf game. That's how I think of VR Golf '97 (known as Actua Golf in parts of the world other than North America). As you could probably guess, I'm not the biggest fan of golf games. I don't play golf in real life either though I don't mind the occasional round of miniature golf. To be fair, I'm not a big fan of sports games in general and for a golf game, this isn't bad.

VR Golf '97 was released in late 1996 for both the PlayStation and Sega Saturn. It competed with PGA Tour 97 which was really the benchmark for golf games at the time. On the PlayStation, you were better off with PGA Tour 97 as it had more features and advantages in licensing. However, on the Saturn, the PGA Tour 97 port was not as good as it could have been and was very slow. VR Golf '97 was also choppier on the Saturn but still a much better experience. Mediocre ports like these no doubt helped kill the Saturn...

There was a sequel to VR Golf '97 but it was titled Fox Sports Golf '99 and released for the PlayStation and Windows. Ratings for it were not so great though and this would be the last game in the series. Far better golf games have come along since but if you want to give this one a try, you'll have to track down an original. The PlayStation version is a little better in that the graphics are a bit smoother and is also probably cheaper and easier to find.

VR Golf ’97 (PlayStation, Saturn)

Electronic Gaming Monthly (February 1995)

Electronic Gaming Monthly (February 1995)

When you think of video game magazines, it's hard not to think of Electronic Gaming Monthly. While there were a number of popular video game magazines, EGM was king of the hill for a long time. The May 1995 issue includes:

• Saturn Vs. PlayStation: The Battle Begins For #1! - The battle of the systems has begun, and in this issue we look at the Sega Saturn and the Sony PlayStation! We have compared both systems' release of the wooden labyrinth game, TAMA. Don't forget to check out the PlayStation's cool games Ridge Racer, Parodius and Hot Blooded Family plus Saturn's Myst and Gale Racer. Who will take the number one spot?


• Mortal Kombat III: Could This be the Last Bloody Fight? - Just when you thought the kombat was over, plans for Mortal Kombat III have been brewing. In this exclusive story, take a look at who will be in the game and who won't be returning. Plus, secret moves, new outfits, rumors circulating about the game and when it will be released. It's time to go back to the Outworld for Round Three!


• NBA Jam: TE Comes Home; Pippen Talks with EGM! - In Team EGM, NBA JAM:TE comes home to the Super NES and Genesis. Also, go into the locker room for a chat with Scottie Pippen of the Chicago Bulls on his new game, Slam City with Scottie Pippen for the Sega CD.


• Departments
• Insert Coin
• Interface: Letters to the Editor
• Review Crew
• EGM's Hot Top Tens
• Gaming Gossip
• Press Start
• Arcade Action
• International Outlook
• Tricks of the Trade
• Next Wave
• Special Feature
• Team EGM
• Lifestyles
• Ad Index


• Fact Files
• Super NES Times - This Valentine's Day, make your Valentine's heart beat wildly with the latest Super NES games! He/she will fall in love with such games as The Flintstones, Lemmings 2, Itchy & Scratchy and Rise of the Phoenix!
• Outpost Sega - I'm in the mood to play Sega Genesis carts, simply because they're near me ... and because they're terrific games that include Thor, Metal Head and Shadow of the Beast.
• Planet 3DO - Be a kid again as you take over a TV station in Station Invasion!
• Jaguar Domain - Okay, maggots! Either shoot or get shot in Cannon Fodder!
• Super Gear - The famous cat-and-mouse team hack it up in Itchy & Scratchy!

...and more!

NAKI Lunar Gun

The third party controller market seemed to peak in the 16-bit era but there were plenty of third party controllers in the 32-bit era and even today. This particular ad is for a company called NAKI that developed controllers and other accessories. However, the latest stuff I could find from them is for the PS2.

This ad is highlighting a gun controller by NAKI for the PlayStation, Sega Saturn, and Nintendo 64 called the Lunar Gun. What is unique about this particular gun is that there was also an optional accessory for it called the Red Sight Laser Target System. That’s a pretty fancy name for something that basically amounted to a laser pointer. In theory, it makes it easier to hit what you are aiming for because, just like a laser sight on a real gun, you just have to put the red dot on what you are trying to hit.

Overall, the Lunar Gun was a pretty good choice if you needed a light gun. It’s main competition was the Justifier and while that one is better known, the Lunar Gun has more options like auto-reload, easy (three round burst) and a laser sight among others. My one problem with it is philosophical. I’m not sure I could see buying an accessory for my accessory. I couldn’t find prices but i’m guessing the price of the Red Sight Laser Target System was not trivial making the combined price of the gun pretty hefty. It would have been nice if they could have just made a slightly more expensive gun and included the laser. They probably felt that they couldn’t have competed on price with the Justifier that way and that once they suckered you in with the gun then you would want to buy the laser anyway. No doubt the gun packaging includes advertising for it.

This ad is from the August 1997 issue of Electronic Gaming Monthly.

Shining Wisdom (Sega Saturn)

Source: Electronic Gaming Monthly - Issue Number 87 - October 1996

Shining Wisdom was the first game in the Shining series for the Sega Saturn. Previous entries in the series, the first being Shining in the Darkness, were made for the Sega Genesis and Sega CD. Shining Wisdom was also intended for the Genesis or Sega CD but at the last minute it was decided to develop it for the Saturn instead. Unfortunately, this was a hurried change and it shows as the graphics are really not up to the standards of a 32-bit system like the Saturn.

The Shining series started life as a turn based role-playing game. Shining Wisdom was the first in the series to be an action RPG, similar to the Zelda series. Personally, I prefer the turn-based approach. It was translated and released by Working Designs in the U.S. and while not a terrible game by any means, it is not one of their better releases or one of the better games in the series. To date, the 1996 Sega Saturn release is the only version of this game available.

The above ad is from the October 1996 issue of Electronic Gaming Monthly.