SEGA Mega-Drive / Genesis action games
Apart from a wide selection of shoot-'em-ups 2d arcade style action games were also well represented on Sega's 16-bit console with games like Contra, Shinobi and Gun Star heroes but there are plenty more titles worth checking out Ranger X can be described as a run-and-gun 2d action game with some interesting mechanics.
The player controls a giant mech to fight off the hostile invaders the levels vary from free-roaming to horizontal and even vertical scrolling stages in every stage you have to locate and destroy a number of stationary enemy targets the controls may take a short while to get used to as you switch your firing direction with a tap of a button instead of using the d-pad you can use your jetpack to fly or hover for a limited time there are also special weapons to obtain like flamethrowers and heat-seeking missiles they have their own power gauge that can only be refilled on specific power docks or by sunlight and if that wasn't enough you're also accompanied by a support vehicle depending on level it could be a cyber cycle or a floating weapon platform which Ranger X can board to switch his special weapon or drive the cyber cycle through the stage to give you an extra life bar as well as the ability to shoot homing missiles.
It's a unique kind of gameplay that really makes Ranger X stand out from the crowd Ranger X was developed by GOU entertainment which soon after became NextTech creators of the excellent Mega Drive adventure Crusader of Centi Atomic Runner is a side-scrolling shooter by data East released in 1992 with his dying breath Chelnovs father tells him of his secret research an atomic suit that grants its users superhuman powers allowing him to thwart an alien invasion and save his sister.
You can level up your firepower fire rate and range with power-ups and choose between a number of weapons from lasers to morning stars to homing missiles the game features some beautifully designed background artwork including a level inspired by Gaudi which oddly enough is called Siberian snow land in the game The boss designs are also quite a marvel to behold.
There are seven stages in total with wave after wave of bizarre creatures making for an excellent but challenging run and gun shooter. Atomic runner originated in the arcades in 1998 but was titled Chelnov the storyline was linked to the accident in Chernobyl which led to some negative feedback shortly after its release In the Megadrive version all references were removed and the levels were redesigned Alisia Dragoon was a joint effort between the Japanese animation studio and the small developer called Game Arts who went on to develop the RPG series Lunar and Grandia as far as the storyline is concerned the player must control Alisia and guide her to Baldor his palace to avenge the death of her father she can use thunder magic to attack enemies which automatically locks onto the closest target but after extensive use Alisia needs to recharge her powers leaving her momentarily vulnerable.
When the Thunder magic is fully recharged she can unleash a powerful attack. Alisia may call upon the help of friendly monsters that can aid her in battle. You can select one at a time each with their own attack and life bar but when one of them dies you'll lose them to the rest of the game so be careful the game can be pretty challenging at first especially since you start out with only one life The trick is to find all the hidden Thunder power-ups to make your attack as strong as possible and use your charge attack at close range for massive damage against the level Guardians.
