:: Wonderboy in Monster World
Gameplay Footage.
One of the first RPG style games I ever played, and contender for greatest Mega Drive title of all time. In essence, a 2D platform game, the RPG elements added a surprising amount of depth. Charming visuals and varied landscapes and monsters made for a very satisfying experience. One of my fondest memories from my gaming childhood.
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:: Silent Bomber
Gameplay Footage.
An often overlooked PS1 gem. Played like a cross between Bomberman and Metal Gear Solid boss battles. A purely arcade based 'shooter'. You could either plant bombs or launch them using an intuitive lock on system. Relentless quick-fire play, gorgeous visuals for the time, and some very cool bomb upgrades. Really good fun, and one of the more unique experiences available on the console.
SB sits just under Metal Gear solid as my second favourite PSX game.
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:: Evil Zone
Gameplay Footage - Special Moves.
Another overlooked and under-appreciated PS1 title. The game was pretty much panned by critics, but held a very loyal and passionate cult following, and for very good reason. The hugely unique combat system used a single button for attack, and one more for guard. Pressing the attack button alone would fire a string of mid ranged fire ball style attacks that varied in style from character to character (gun shots, wand blasts, sword slashes), while pressing it in conjunction with a direction would unleash a more powerful assault each with its own very unique animation.
Each character had semi-automated attacks that launched with a throw type manoeuvre, and entered into a short cut-sequence (character spitting into four and attacking target, slashing a hole in the air and pushing a sword through it to have it tear another hole in front of the target and strike them, etc...). These animations added a very dramatic feel to battles, and never got tedious as they were so much fun.
If characters rushed at each other at the exact same time, they would start running along side each other. Whoever tapped their attack fastest would floor their opponent at the end of the dash.
A three tier charge system allowed players to power up an ultra attack. The gauge would charge faster the more health your character had. Once charged, you could unleash a super powerful move with a cool animation sequence. Most battles were a race to launch this attack, with either landed hits charging your bar, or holding down the button and charging on the spot (a la Dragon Ball), but it never felt boring as each move was so unique and there were enough characters on offer to keep things feeling fresh every time.
Highly recommended.
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Honourable mentions: Street Fighter Ex Plus Alpha (PSX), ToeJam & Earl (Mega Drive), Flashback (Mega Drive), Quackshot (Mega Drive).
