Find Games

Go

• Channels
• Home

1. News
2. Games
3. Reviews
4. Previews
5. Cheats & Tips
6. Features
7. Blogs
8. Tags
9. Forum

• Mobile Gaming
• Nintendo DS
• Sony PSP
• iPhone
• Game Boy
• N-Gage
• myMO
• Forums
• Modojo Biz

• myMO
• Register

• Tools
• For Developers/Publishers
• Private Messaging
• Search Forums
• New Forum Posts

• Modojo Partners
• 
• 
• 

Sega's Game Gear: A Look Back

It was clear in 1990 that the Game Gear, with its backlit, color screen, was destined to rule the handheld gaming roost. We take a comprehensive look back at the one retro handheld that *almost* made it...

...Continued From Page 3 All systems are defined by their games, and the Game Gear definitely has several great ones. Sega made sure to have titles available in almost every genre, and while there were plenty of crappy titles (as there are with all machines), there are definitely some must haves (the import Gunstar Heroes being one of the best). Here are some of my favorites. Disagree with the Senor Cha Cha if you dare to do such a foolish thing.

Alien 3: Crappy movie, decent videogame. Alien 3 is a pintsize version of the Genesis classic (yes, I said classic). You play as Ripley, and the goal is to run about the prison colony blowing slimy aliens to bits and saving people from certain doom. And throughout the adventure you'll wield a machine gun, flame thrower, and rocket launcher. Plus, if you fail to save everyone before time runs out, a cool movie plays in which you see chest bursters erupting from their unfortunate hosts. Alien 3 is by no means perfect, but if you love the franchise like I do and want to take the Genesis game on the go, this title delivers.

Star Wars

Star Wars: How's this for getting shafted? The Genesis is devoid of Star Wars games while its little brother, the Game Gear, has two, the first of which is Star Wars. Although the classic John Williams' theme has been altered to sound...umm...unsavory, the game is decent enough. Chronicling the major events of the film (and embellishing on several of them), you'll go from Princess Leia's blockade runner all the way to the assault on the Death Star. Plus, you'll get to play as Luke, Leia, Han, and a few other characters from the movie. It's definitely worth owning, especially to watch Leia's jumping skills. Check out the video!

Sonic the Hedgehog: Ok, so it's not a port of the Genesis game, but Game Gear Sonic is pretty damn snazzy. There's multiple worlds to explore, plenty of loops to spin around, and that all important trademark speed. The underwater levels are a huge pain in the butt since Sonic (unlike Mario) can only hold his breath for limited periods, but overall, this was a solid pack in title (it replaced Columns) and worth owning if you have the system.

Sonic the Hedgehog 2: The sequel bests the original because of its much cooler sequences (Sonic rides in a go kart in the opening level) and the improved graphics. But it's also just a bit more difficult. I recall losing my cool many times while battling some of the game's annoying bosses. In fact, I'm surprised that I just didn't whip the Game Gear into a wall.

Terminator 2: The Arcade Game: This is a faithful rendition of the arcade classic, featuring all of the action found in the SNES and Genesis versions. Blast Terminators to bits while avoiding other terrors and scoring power ups. The action is frantic and the game is quite challenging. Highly recommended.

Super Return of the Jedi: Ok, so the Genesis loses out on Star Wars games while the Game Gear gets a watered down port of SNES Super Return of the Jedi!?! Yes indeed! It's maddeningly frustrating (Han Solo's levels...[shudders]), but this is a quality portable experience in a galaxy far, far away. You'll take a lightsaber to Jabba's guards, pilot a speeder bike on Endor, and battle Darth Vader on the second Death Star. If you're really into Star Wars and just so happen to own a Game Gear, this one is a must buy.

Mortal Kombat and Mortal Kombat 2: If you absolutely have to have portable Mortal Kombat games, then pick up a PSP with Midway Arcade Treasures, but just know that the Game Gear ports aren't terrible. The fighting system is decent, the controls respond well, and you can perform most of the signature fatalities.

Joe Montana Football: There are more sophisticated pigskin games on the Game Gear, but for pure arcade thrills, I'm going with old school Joe Montana each and every time. The classic horizontal perspective, the high-powered offenses, the same touch down animation of the dude dancing in the end zone. It's a classic gem that's a must with each and every Game Gear purchase. To own it is to love Joe Montana, football, Sega, Game Gear, cheap AI, and life itself.

(Digg This)