Devil May Cry 2

Something I don’t say too loud at parties is that I’m not a huge fan of the original Devil May Cry. I certainly think it’s a unique game and I enjoyed my time with it but I’d never call it one of the best games on the Playstation 2 and I don’t think it’s a pillar of the genre like people insisted it was. However, I did appreciate that it was something unique. It knew what it was and I have some modicum for respect for it. It was unique and interesting, if nothing else. Its sequel, Devil May Cry 2 on the other hand is a focus-tested, soulless product that directly flies in the face of everything neat about its predecessor.

Splatterhouse (2010)

Splatterhouse is one of the most successful reboots in recent memory. Unlike games like 2005’s NARC and 2008’s Golden Axe: Beast Rider. Splatterhouse feels like the logical next step in the series. It’s by no means perfect or even “great” but it serves as an example of how you do a reboot without totally alienating past fans of the series.

Shatterhand

By PirateHigemaru

Overall Grade: B+

Hundreds of games today are recognized as "cult classics". Games like Journey to Silius and Jackal have found new audiences despite being ignored at the time of their release. However, there are those other games. Games that possess all the qualities found in popular titles and, in some cases, are every bit as good as the titles that get a ton of attention. These game, for whatever reason, have yet to find a dedicated audience and as such are doomed to obscurity. And then there are games like Shatterhand.

Shatterhand was developed by cult favorite, Natsume in 1990. Before their cash cow (Harvest Moon) rolled in, Natsume developed several well-done albeit uninspired action games for the NES. Shatterhand, while not entirely unique, was still far more original than some of Natsume's other games. And as such, it may be one of the best NES games ever developed by Natsume.

Ninja Warriors (Super Nintendo)

By Pirate_Higemaru

Overall Grade: B

Ninja Warriors is so criminally underrated, it hurts. Released by Taito in 1994 to almost universal praise, it was mostly ignored by the general public. At the time, the beat em' up craze was winding down and that probably contributed to the lackluster sales of Ninja Warriors. Don't let the lackluster sales fool you though; Ninja Warriors is one of the greatest beat em' ups of all time. 

Streets of Rage Remake

By Pirate_Higemaru

Overall Grade: A

Streets of Rage is without a doubt, one of the most memorable beat em'ups of the 90s. It was beautiful, action-packed and had one of the greatest soundtracks on the Genesis. Unfortunately, it seemed to have fallen to the wayside when Sega made the move to 3D. As a result, we haven't seen any Streets of Rage games since Streets of Rage 3. People haven't forgotten about the series though and fans have been clamoring for a new game since 1994. These prayers for a new game have been answered albeit not legally. Enter "Streets of Rage Remake", a fan-game that has been in the making for the past 7 years. It includes all the playable characters from the past SoR games plus several new ones, it includes every stage from past games plus some brand new ones. On the surface it appears to be the most comprehensive Streets of Rage game ever envisioned but should it really have that title

Batman (Sega Genesis)

By Pirate_Higemaru
Overall Grade: C+

I always get sort of annoyed when people say superhero games all suck. People have been revoking this statement as of late due to hits like Batman: Arkham Asylum and Marvel vs. Capcom 3. In all fairness, good superhero games have been around since the days of the NES. A lot of people are familiar with the NES Batman game based of the 1989 Tim Burton film. People cited that as one of the few good superhero games for many years. Were they not aware of its Genesis counterpart? That's what I'm here to review, the Genesis version of Batman. The Genesis "Batman" game is a completely different game from the NES version. There isn't a wall-jump, it's not nearly as difficult and you only have Batarangs and your fists. There are also driving and flying (in the Batwing, no less!) sections. 

Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: The Hyperstone Heist

By Pirate_Higemaru

Overall Grade: B-

The Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles were a staple of the late 80s and the the early 90s so  it's only natural that they had tons of games in that period of time. One such game is Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: The Hyperstone Heist for the Genesis. This title is often compared to Turtles in Time for the Super Nintendo because they came out around the same time and they were both beat em ups.  Sometimes Hyperstone is even mistaken for a port! Be warned however, these games are fairly different. Underwhelming, I know.