Reviewed
11.21.2000
Publisher
Sega
Developer
Sega
R&D2
Format
2
Megabit
Origin
Import/Domestic
Available
1988
(USA)
Exclusive
Yes
Difficulty
Normal
Dimensions
2D
View
Top
Genre
Action
Player(s)
1
Options
Control
Pad
Control
Stick
Requires
n/a
Importable
90% |
| INTRO: |
|
> Aztec Adventure (known as Nazca '88 in Japan)
is a classic maze action title, which takes place in the land of the ancient
Aztecs -- actually the Nazca's, but it was changed to Aztecs outside Japan.
In this setting, money talks and enemies can be bought. The player
takes control of a wanderer, traveler and adventurer named El Nino.
The game also features light RPG elements for extra depth. If one
can reach the Aztec Paradise (El Dorado?), untold happiness and wealth
awaits... |
| GRAPHICS: |
|
> When I first purchased it back in 1988, Aztec Adventure
didn't graphically wow me. So obviously, it isn't going to knock
anyone's socks off these days. The game's mazes are fairly straight
forward, and the backgrounds change in color and style. Eleven rounds
await the player, which take place in different areas like a forest, desert,
ruins, underground waterway, marsh, and phantoms' shadows. As the
player ventures forth, he'll encounter 14 standard enemies, 5 different
obstacles, and numerous end of round bosses. |
| CONTROL: |
|
> Naturally, the gameplay is pretty easy to get into. One can move
in 8 directions, attack (sword), and select special weapons. Along
the way one can collect money, which can be used to bribe various enemies
into becoming temporary allies. The special weapons the player collects
are iron ball, spear, 4-directional iron balls, and various round-specific
items. The player spends most of the time navigating the maze of
locales, and avoiding enemy attacks while returning the favor. |
| SOUND: |
|
> Aztec Adventure features some pretty good happy-go-lucky
background music. It fits well with the action, and never becomes
bothersome. The game's sound effects are simple and effective.
Good job. |
| FUN: |
|
> I played Aztec Adventure endlessly when I first bought
it. It offers a good challenge, and lots of rounds. These days,
it's nice to go back and experience a few levels of old-school Sega
excellence. |
| BOTTOM
LINE: |
|
> Aztec Adventure is one of my favorite 8-bit action games.
It's part of the foundation of Sega creativity. Although
it's surely dated in the year 2000, you know how much I appreciate retro-gaming.
It's a fine example of action/adventure gaming in the 80s. |
| RATINGS: |
| Overall:
7.9 | Graphics: 8.5 | Control: 8.0 | Sound: 7.5 | Fun: 7.5 |
~ Shinobi
~
|
