The debate over whether the Sega Mega Drive or Super Nintendo is better continues to this day. The console war between Sega and Nintendo in the ’90s became iconic in the history of the gaming industry, bringing us many great games on both platforms. Often, when discussing Sega games, we mention Mario and other great game systems where you can find interesting games. In this article, I propose looking at a mix of games from different genres. Maybe you’ll find something interesting for yourself.
Indiana Jones needs no introduction. This guy in a hat is always drawn to dangerous yet very exciting adventures. Factor 5 and LucasArts joined forces to create a great game about one of the most charismatic treasure hunters and ancient relics. This project turned out to be exclusive to the Super Nintendo, although a version for Genesis was in development and screenshots often appeared in gaming magazines. What makes The Greatest Adventures of Indiana Jones noteworthy? This game retells key events from all three films, offering 28 levels filled with the hero’s favorite elements: dangers, traps, enemies, and ancient mysteries. Playing for a short time, it becomes clear this is not just a platformer but an adventure game with many elements. You’ll find platform episodes, action scenes with shootouts, and even chases, especially in the latter half of the game.
The visual style and mechanics of some levels add significant variety to the gameplay. You’ll explore dark caves, fight local inhabitants, and engage in shootouts with bandits. Shooting isn’t very frequent since Indiana Jones’ main weapon is the whip. Despite this, you won’t get bored. The developers mastered game design, filling the game with rich content. One downside is the high difficulty at some points, but I think you’ll manage. After all, it’s 2020. You know what to do. This is a case where multiplatform games are more diverse and interesting.
Sega and Nintendo were in search of exclusive contracts, which sometimes led to very different games under the same name on different consoles. These things added extra points in the console war. For example, people still praise Nintendo for getting “Turtles in Time,” while Genesis got “Hyperstone Heist.” It’s business, nothing personal. Speaking of Batman, let’s remember the adventures of Batman and Robin. It’s a great example of a completely different approach to game creation. On Sega, we got an action-packed running game, while Konami recreated detective stories for Batman and his sidekick Robin on the SNES. This version is more authentic to the cartoon, with character design, enemies, and comic book-style graphics.
The gameplay here is more of a detective action game rather than an arcade game. You’ll have to solve specific tasks instead of just beating bad guys. I especially like the Penguin’s Museum level where his gang stirs up trouble. You have to save hostages, solve puzzles, and interact with your partner to learn the latest news. The story gradually leads the player forward, requiring attentiveness and ingenuity. Unlike Sega’s Batman, this one is more thoughtful and requires tactical approaches in battles, choosing the right weapons. Such a game process suits Batman perfectly. Which version do you prefer, Sega or SNES? Write in the comments. Let’s move on.
Not long ago, I discovered that Cybernator (Assault Suit Valken) is a sequel to Assault Suits Leynos. I love games about big combat robots, but this one didn’t catch on due to its complexity and confusion, which cannot be said about Cybernator. This was one of the first games I bought on SNES ten years ago. It hooked me with its simplicity and replayability. Here, you’ll have epic adventures solving planetary-scale problems. You usually need to destroy enemies quickly, and the controls are well-done, giving a good feel of the robot’s heavy movements. When necessary, it can dash, which is crucial during swift attacks or when dodging enemy fire. You can choose between powerful strikes, machine gun fire, and three special weapons, all of which can be upgraded with modules scattered across the levels. The developers simplified the customization and combat system, resulting in a solid platform shooter for robot lovers. You can still enjoy playing it now. The graphics hold up well, with detailed, vibrant sprites and excellent 16-bit effects. Want some robot action? Play Cybernator.
In the early ’90s, a game called Solstice with a blonde hero was warmly received by a niche audience. It was hard to classify this game—adventure or RPG. It was essentially a puzzle game with hundreds of rooms, each with its own challenge, forming the whole story. Years later, SNES saw the release of a sequel called Equinox. The new platform allowed for more levels and more spacious rooms, creating a full-fledged game world. Initially, without weapons or special abilities, things seem unclear. But over time, you’ll start leveling up and collecting weapons, gradually improving your character. Don’t forget to collect items—they’re invaluable in any adventure. Like the first game, Equinox primarily involves solving puzzles to progress or find the right key. There aren’t many enemies, and the main danger comes from traps. At least mastering the controls is essential to avoid falling on spikes. There are also bosses that can be quite nerve-wracking. The game stands out due to its puzzle-centric gameplay. Notably, it was published by Sony Computer Entertainment in 1994, just as the PlayStation was on the horizon.
On the console front, Alien vs. Predator was handled by Activision. They, or rather the subcontractors from Jorudan, made a game for Super Nintendo. It would have been better if they had looked at Capcom’s work for the arcade version. However, there are positives to be found. If you like Final Fight, you’ll enjoy Alien vs. Predator. Large sprites and recognizable heroes fight off aliens. The combat physics and overall controls remind one of Final Fight. I noticed that many beat ’em ups on SNES share this feature, where slow physics and limited animations hinder attacking more than two enemies at once. Your hero can vanish, which you’ll need to use often, especially when surrounded by aliens. The level designs are consistently dark, fitting the alien theme, so this isn’t a downside. Overall, it’s a decent beat ’em up with notable characters and the vanishing ability. Since its engine is similar to early Final Fight games, don’t expect much, but it’s worth playing through at least once if you’re a fan. It’s hard to find fault with it, and it’s a pleasant way to spend an hour or so. As a beat ’em up enthusiast, I enjoyed it. Sometimes, you need a break from crime-filled streets.
That’s it, friends. Some might find this selection questionable, but I always support diversity and expanding horizons. Everyone knows the most popular games, but few are aware of the lesser-known ones.
Share in the comments which games you liked and if you played any from this list. See you soon. Bye!