Die-Hard Gamer, Issue #1 - December 1985 (Black & White) by Die-Hard Gamer

DIEDIE-HARD GAMER ISSUE #1 DECEMBER, 1985

John “Hunter” Norman Editor-in-Chief Matt Turner Assistant Editor Chris Dammacco Brandon “DDG” Davis Joshua Jaeger Ernest “Otaku” Johnson Michael Lee Jeff Lewis Dan Loosen Byron McDanold Kevin O’Born William F. Rose Steve Summers Kevin “Vinnk” Tambornino Paul Weller Chris “Musashi” Wisner Editorial Team Joshua Jaeger Kevin “Vinnk” Tambornino Tips & Tricks Paul Weller John “Hunter” Norman Page Design T.J. Minnich Consultant Eric “Vikung-fu” Beck Andrew Darovich Marty Goldberg Special Thanks

DIE-HARD GAMER is published on a semi-monthly basis. DIE-HARD GAMER subscription rates: $24.95 in U.S.A. currency for the U.S.A., Canada, and Mexico. All other countries: $99.95 in U.S.A. currency and by airmail only. The editors of DIE-HARD GAMER are not associated with the entities that create the materials it reviews and therefore receive no monetary gain from these entities. No part of this publication may be reproduced without the expressed, written consent of its editor, John Norman. Copyright 1985, DIE-HARD GAMER. All rights reserved. Printed in the U.S.A.

Shall We Play a Game?

ver two years ago I was given an assignment with my “day job” to oversee work in our Asian branch located near Tokyo, Japan. I bid farewell to my family and friends—not to mention my Atari—and looked forward to my assignment in another country and its culture. About the time I left the land of forks and knives, (or simply known as the United States), the once burgeoning video game industry went south and in a big hurry. According to some numbers I’ve been quoted, the industry peaked at somewhere above $3 billion in 1983 and is on its way to somewhere around $100 million this year. For those of you good with math, that’s about a 97% drop off in about two years! If my passion for video games had been my career choice, it is very likely that I would have been out of a job. Sadly, that’s just what happened to many in the industry. Industry stalwarts Atari and Activision remain, but at a small fraction of what they were just two years ago. Many companies like Mattel and recently Coleco have closed their video game divisions entirely. Simply put, if you’re a gamer like me and living in North America, things look pretty bleak. On the opposite side of the world things were hardly so bleak. In fact, I can’t even say I noticed the game crash beyond what my State-side friends said. Shortly after I arrived in the land of chopsticks, (or simply known as Japan), Donkey Kong manufacturer Nintendo released a new system named the Family Computer, or “Famicom” for short. It launched with three nearly arcade perfect games: Donkey Kong, Donkey Kong Jr., and Popeye. The Famicom sold well at launch—and following a short recall mishap—it is now the most popular game console in Japan. By the time I left in October of this year the Famicom boasted a games library of just about 70 games from publishers including Nintendo, Taito (Space Invaders), Namco (Pac-Man), Hudson Soft, Konami, Irem, and more! It could easily be said that the Famicom is reaching the popularity levels in Japan that Atari reached in the States with its VCS/2600. On the plane trip home, I was already contemplating if I’d run into any problems playing the Famicom in the States. So you’ll imagine my surprise then— while making a brief detour at my company’s New York offices in early November—when I noticed Nintendo selling a “Nintendo Entertainment System” at toy retailer FAO Schwarz along with several games! I immediately purchased this “NES” with the available games and had a chat with the fine Nintendo representatives monitoring the display. It seems that the system is selling “well enough” in New York, but the market here is still very skeptical of this new “Control Deck” following what could easily be described as a video game market crash in North America, no matter how well it is doing in Japan. Gamers, if you haven’t given up on the video game industry and still enjoy your trips to the local arcade, you have to help us get the word out on this new Nintendo Entertainment System. This may not be the next Atari, but it is darn well close to it and could be exactly what we need to help revitalize the industry here in North America. That revitalization is the reason for this magazine. This is why we chose the name DIE-HARD GAMER. We can’t give up on this hobby we all enjoy so long as there are still great games being made! - John “Hunter” Norman

REVIEWS LEAD REVIEW FACTBOX SYSTEM: NES PUBLISHER: Nintendo DEVELOPER: Nintendo GENRE: Action PLAYERS: 1 or 2 Simultaneous

It’s Bubbles the balloon fish versus black holes and sea urchins in a confusing quest to recover the stolen gold ingots of Clu Clu Land. I say confusing because the lengths at which Nintendo decided to overcomplicate the control scheme is baffling. Rather than just straightforward movement, instead you’re forced to swing around posts until you let go of the directional pad, thus flinging Bubbles in whatever direction the fish is facing. This is clearly Nintendo’s play on Pac-Man, but it lacks much of the fun found in Namco’s arcade hit. The legend of Atlantis has lived on for centuries, but the legend of Clu Clu Land shall be forgotten by next year. –Musashi

LEAD REVIEW FACTBOX SYSTEM: NES PUBLISHER: Nintendo DEVELOPER: Nintendo GENRE: Shooter (Light Gun) PLAYERS: 1 Player

Duck Hunt seems to be catching on as the premier light gun game experience on the Nintendo Entertainment System; it is a pack-in game after all. I however, am not as impressed by it's overt simplicity. Gun games in general are very fun, and this one is no different. My problem comes in the form of a lack of variety. Shooting ducks of increasing speed can get stale rather quickly. I love Nintendo's smart use of color since the ducks never get lost in the background, and the giggling dog is indeed quite charming, but I need more environments and targets to take down. This is a worthy effort, but I require more complexity than simply faster ducks or clay pigeons. -Otaku

LEAD REVIEW FACTBOX SYSTEM: NES PUBLISHER: Nintendo DEVELOPER: Nintendo GENRE: Racing PLAYERS: 1 Player

The NES’s launch lineup is pretty slim on racing games, but what Nintendo has provided with Excitebike is one of the best racers I’ve played on a home consoles to date. Excitebike is a horizontal left-to-right 2D racing game featuring motorbikes where you have to dodge and pass the other riders while also traversing a variable obstacle course of mud, hills, and grass at the same time. Landing jumps is also key since pulling too far forward or back slows you down, or worse, throws you from your bike. It provides a variety of tracks and a few different modes, including a mode to build-your-own track; a welcome addition that’s sure to add lots of value to your time with the game. -Steve

LEAD REVIEW FACTBOX SYSTEM: NES PUBLISHER: Nintendo DEVELOPER: Nintendo GENRE: Sports (Golf) PLAYERS: 1 or 2 Alternating

This is a pretty impressive addition to the new Nintendo Entertainment System’s library. I mean, the aptly named Golf is just one of the first NES launch games and it is already light-years ahead of the last golf video game that I can remember enjoying, PGA Golf on the Intellivision. This is quite the achievement for Nintendo! If you enjoy your sports games with a strategic bent, then you should look no further! Golf takes into consideration all sorts of real life situations on its 18-hole course putting you in control of the various swing adjustments, aiming your shot, random wind speeds that can dramatically change a hole, and more! Nintendo's Golf is a true 'hole-in-one'! -Joshua

DIE-HARD GAMER

REVIEW I think Nintendo was onto something with Clu Clu Land’s unusual controls, but the game they fit around it is mediocre at best. Finding hidden ingots is straightforward but the levels are easily memorized, and pushing stunned enemies into a wall isn’t terribly fun either. A two-player simultaneous mode is enjoyable for a short time, but it doesn’t hide the mediocre game play. Maybe this control mechanic would have been better suited for a racing game? -Hunter

REVIEW Duck Hunt is one of the three light gun games for the NES, and while it may not be the most robust of them, it probably has the most charm. The shooting game mechanics uniquely focuses on moving targets, and it includes a clay pigeon shooting mode for an extra challenge. The music jingles are frequent and catchy, and your canine helper adds some extra character to a genre where you’re usually by yourself. Absolutely worth a try for Zapper enthusiasts. -Steve

REVIEW Solid controls make what is already a great racing game into an awesome experience. The option to play against computer-controlled racers is possibly even more challenging than you’d expect, but it makes coming in first place even more rewarding. The level editor mechanic is above all my favorite. Taking the time to build your own ultimate track and then racing it or handing the controller off to see if a friend can beat your own time... I need more games like this! -DDG

REVIEW This is probably the greatest designed golf game I’ve ever seen which makes its only serious quirk even more irritating to me. Players can aim their shot, adjust for wind, over & under swing, slice the ball, and really do most everything a golfer does in real life. Why then doesn’t Golf tell you how far you are from the cup? Given a lot of practice you can figure out just what club to use to hit the ball the right distance, but this feature should have been a mulligan. -Hunter

ISSUE #1, DECEMBER 1985

REVIEW Clu Clu Land is a simple puzzle/action game with some charm to it, but I would not quite place it as one of the better examples of its own genre. Still, I found a lot of enjoyment from both the single player and two player modes. My only complaints were that, for me, the controls weren't as smooth as I would have liked and the music became a bit repetitive but it still got the job done. I'm looking forward to playing this some more later; probably with a friend. -DDG

REVIEW Duck Hunt is a clever light gun shooter for the new Nintendo Entertainment System. Shooting increasingly faster ducks can get quite intense when they are blasting across your screen in seemingly random directions at the higher levels. Clay pigeon shooting is just as entertaining, and both modes work well in a party setting with friends! This comes highly recommended, though points off for not being able to shoot at the laughing dog if you miss your targets! -Byron

REVIEW Excitebike is an absolute gas to play! While it may seem like an odd little horizontal dirt-bike racer, the thrilling sense of speed and control is addictively satisfying. I don't think I've ever had this much fun with a racing game! The graphics are clean albeit a little plain, but pay them no mind since the animation is top notch. I can all but guarantee you'll melt away hours at a time in the very smart track editor mode. Everyone with a new NES should own this game. -Otaku

REVIEW Nintendo’s Golf features an 18-hole golf course experience, so there’s a good amount of content, but the look and feel of the game aren’t very engaging or entertaining. The game screen is a mostlyblack screen with lots of text data, a map of the current hole, and a side shot of your golfer. The swing system leaves something desired and there’s no music or ambient sound to speak of, leaving it feeling empty, especially when a full game takes around an hour. -Steve

REVIEW My love of Solar Fox has been well documented, and I’ve been waiting for that game play to be updated. Clu Clu Land tries to be that game, but falls a bit short. The game features better enemies and gives the player offense to beat them, but the control isn’t as simple. While you do eventually get used to it, it’s different enough to confuse me again after taking breaks from it. Overall a good attempt, but I still prefer to go back and play Solar Fox on the Atari 2600. -Dan

REVIEW It's time to grab your trusty Nintendo Zapper light gun, join your hunting hound, and embark on a Duck Hunt! As one of the first games to use Nintendo's amazing light gun peripheral, Duck Hunt challenges you with three different game modes—one for beginners, one for more advanced players, and a clay pigeon simulation. Though the game lacks true depth, it’s a great pick-up-andplay option for quick gaming sessions or amongst your friends. -Jeff

REVIEW Excitebike lives up to its name as an exciting motorcycle racer with many play options. There are two main game modes encompassing five challenging tracks. The controls are extremely responsive which is essential for navigating the variety of course obstacles as well as avoid other riders. My favorite feature, however, is the option to design and race your own custom tracks! Overall Excitebike is an excellent racing game for the new Nintendo Entertainment System. -Byron

REVIEW Wow! We’ve had a couple different attempts at golf before from Atari and Mattel, but for as simple as golf is compared to games like baseball or basketball, it seemed that it couldn’t be turned into a video version without becoming boring. Golf for the NES changes that with a bar on the bottom that easily tells you how hard and accurately you hit the ball. Golfing becomes quite addictive over 18 holes, and I find myself returning time and time again to this game. -Dan

REVIEWS LEAD REVIEW FACTBOX SYSTEM: NES PUBLISHER: Nintendo DEVELOPER: Nintendo GENRE: Shooter (Light Gun) PLAYERS: 1 Player

Of the three light gun games available for the Nintendo Entertainment System at launch, Hogan’s Alley is easily the one with the most variety and value for your money. Police training is the overall theme of the game, and it features three different modes: a closed room target practice, an urban structure-based practice, and a tin-can juggling mode. All three modes present different challenges that can keep you occupied for quite a while, and the light gun works particularly well here, since the targets are bigger than in the other light gun games, Duck Hunt and Wild Gunman. Hogan’s Alley is definitely worth a try for any NES light gun fan. -Steve

LEAD REVIEW FACTBOX SYSTEM: NES PUBLISHER: Nintendo DEVELOPER: Nintendo GENRE: Action PLAYERS: 1 or 2 Simultaneous

When a condor (that looks more like a pterodactyl) steals the village’s food supply, it’s up to Eskimos Popo and Nana to ascend every arctic mountain and reclaim their precious harvest of eggplants, pickles, and lettuce. Ice Climbers is punishing in its difficulty thanks to unreliable hit detection and frustrating jumping mechanics. You’re also tasked with fighting off dive-bombing birds, furry yetis (which have replaced the seals found in the Famicom version), and polar bears sporting sunglasses and surfing shorts. I hated every minute of this game because the concept of fun is entirely absent from the start. It’s easier to build an igloo than beat this mess of a game. -Musashi

LEAD REVIEW FACTBOX SYSTEM: NES PUBLISHER: Nintendo DEVELOPER: Nintendo / Irem GENRE: Action PLAYERS: 1 Player

This home version of the arcade Kung Fu Master is a fun challenge. You play as Thomas, a Kung Fu expert out to rescue his girlfriend Sylvia from mysterious gang boss Mr. “X”. The game makes use of expertly timed jumps, ducks, kicks, and punches to advance through five increasingly difficult (and repeatable) floors. Each floor is guarded by a boss with their own unique attacks and weaknesses that are fun to learn how to exploit. For example, one boss cannot be attacked with any standing or jumping attacks or else he’ll disappear for a time. A risk-reward scoring system rewards you if you use shorter range punches and well-timed jump kicks. It all makes for an exciting experience. -Mike

LEAD REVIEW FACTBOX SYSTEM: NES PUBLISHER: Nintendo DEVELOPER: Nintendo GENRE: Video Pinball PLAYERS: 1 or 2 Alternating

The appropriately titled “Pinball” rounds out an already impressive Nintendo Entertainment System launch lineup. With a main playfield that’s two screens high, plus a hidden bonus screen, Pinball sports some pretty basic visuals compared to the other NES launch titles like Kung Fu and Super Mario Bros. Visuals aside, Pinball is a fun game when playing Mode A, but switch to Mode B and the action really heats up with a faster ball speed and a greater challenge. It is also worth noting that Nintendo’s mascot, Mario, also makes a cameo appearance in Pinball’s hidden bonus screen. Pinball is a good representation of its namesake and a recommended purchase. -Matt

DIE-HARD GAMER

REVIEW I was quickly bored with Hogan’s Alley’s type A that tasks you with quickly shooting at gangsters mixed in with friendly bystanders. I was mildly amused by type B that changes the setting to an urban environment. What does make this game great, though, is its type C which has you shooting flying cans—guiding them both vertically and horizontally—across the screen into slots worth varying point totals; a bit like pinball or pachinko. That alone makes this game worth it. -Hunter

REVIEW I wanted to like this game! It has that “Nintendo look” of a Mario Bros. or a Popeye, but the controls are sluggish and the hit detection is terrible, (meaning you can pass through objects it doesn’t seem you should be able to which makes platform jumping tedious). Also, the game is supposed to be on ice, so why then is there a single slippery ice type that only pushes you in a single direction, much like a conveyor belt? This game could have been a lot of fun! -Hunter

REVIEW Kung Fu, (also known as Kung Fu Master by developer Irem in the arcade), features our hero Thomas out to rescue his girlfriend Sylvia from the clutches of the sinister Mr. X. I punched and kicked my way all the way to the end, beating each “son of the devil” up to Mr. X who, when defeated… promptly kidnapped Sylvia again and sent me all the way back to the very first floor of the temple (*cough*). Still, repetitiveness aside, it's quite the fun beat ‘em up game. -DDG

REVIEW Nintendo’s Pinball is a fairly standard TV version of pinball, with some fast-paced pinball game play and various targets to hit. The flippers feel snappy and the ball physics feel as good as they can be on the hardware, but the game contains only one table to play with only a moderate amount of objectives and few other options. This was a noble attempt to bring the pinball experience to a home console, but falls very flat due to a lack of content, variety, and options. -Steve

ISSUE #1, DECEMBER 1985

REVIEW This game should be pretty simple— shoot the bad guys while sparing the innocent civilians. Well it's not, especially when you have an itchy trigger finger and poor response times like me! When those cardboard cutouts spin around you just want to shoot everything on the screen before the villains can shoot back. When it’s all said, this game will help you with that itchy trigger finger as well as improving your reflexes. Hogan’s Alley is a great light gun game worth a play. -DDG

REVIEW Ice Climber could have been an amazing game but the jumping makes it far too frustratingly difficult to play. The main characters are responsive until you have to jump to a higher level, which sadly is the main mechanic of Ice Climber. If you can’t get the jumping right in a platformer like this, you've got trouble my friend. What a shame because the music and level design are on point. Had they ironed out the jumping I would have loved playing this. -DDG

REVIEW If you were a fan of the movie Karate Kid from last year like I am, Kung Fu nicely fills the ‘karate’ void in the Nintendo Entertainment System lineup as a great punch and kick game. The visuals are way cool, with some amazing sound effects when the main character busts the skulls of his many opponents. The end of level bosses can be extremely challenging too, as well as containing loads of character. Kung Fu is totally rad beating out many other NES launch titles! -Matt

REVIEW As impossible as it may seem to replicate the pinball feel in a home video game, Nintendo does a great job integrating all of the thrills of having your own pinball machine into its aptly named "Pinball". This cart features a two-level playfield with accurate ball physics, as well as enough tricks and creative ways to score points to have you spending hours chasing the high score! Pinball even has a hidden playfield where Mario makes an appearance! -Joshua

REVIEW This game is like playing the shooting gallery at your local county fair but without the smells or the annoying carnival folk! Hogan’s Alley is a neat little shooter comprised of three modes where you either shoot criminals in a lineup, shoot criminals in the city streets, or shoot tin cans with a limited supply of ammo. Playing it won’t win your sweetheart a giant stuffed teddy bear, but it sure beats listening to a man with four teeth tell you your aim sucks. -Musashi

REVIEW When I first saw screens of Ice Climber, I expected we would have another Donkey Kong-like hit from Nintendo. Unfortunately, it seems they took the idea of slipping on ice a little too far. The control for this game is not nearly as accurate as Donkey Kong or Mario Bros. which I hope come to the NES soon. For a game that seems to be all about arcade-style action, it becomes frustrating far too quickly. NES owners are better off trying Wrecking Crew instead. -Dan

REVIEW Action games like this are my bread and butter and Kung Fu is in the upper echelon of the genre. The challenge is high but fair as you're forced to employ timing and pattern familiarity to make your way through each floor, all of which are full of new surprises. The hit detection is spot on, and the sprites are colorful (though lacking in some detail) and numerous, as enemies can quickly pile up if you're not very careful. Kung Fu comes highly recommended for NES owners. -Otaku

REVIEW While it may lack the thrill of playing an actual pinball machine, Nintendo’s simulator is incredibly addictive and surprisingly captures some pinball physics with the “Game B” mode which gives players a heavier ball. There’s even a fun bonus mode modeled after Atari’s classic Breakout that finds Mario trying to save Pauline sans his nemesis Donkey Kong. The only downside is the lack of variation in Pinball, but for what it sets out to be, it delivers. -Musashi

REVIEWS LEAD REVIEW FACTBOX SYSTEM: NES PUBLISHER: Nintendo DEVELOPER: Nintendo GENRE: Action PLAYERS: 1 or 2 Alternating

There's something magically addictive about jumping to smash bricks or flattening poor little goombas in this perfectly concocted recipe. The formula of the original Mario Bros has been expanded to include power-ups, and stages that used to be a single-screen affair now scroll from start to finish. I don't know if it's the happy, memorable music, but I could not put this down until I made my way through all eight worlds. If you're determined, skilled, and persevere, you'll discover hidden warp zones, plunder underwater depths, and time hops through fireladen castles to reach King Bowser. It's a prime reason to own a new Nintendo Entertainment System. -Otaku

LEAD REVIEW FACTBOX SYSTEM: NES PUBLISHER: Nintendo DEVELOPER: Nintendo GENRE: Shooter (Light Gun) PLAYERS: 1 Player

This light gun game features an overall Wild West theme including cowboys, saloons, bandits, with the main focus on your speed rather than simply on your accuracy. There are essentially two modes which test your speedy reflexes. The first mode faces you off against either one or two bandits at a time in a simple quick-draw duel, while the other mode features the backdrop of a Western town with multiple enemies appearing from windows and doors in quick succession for you to shoot down. The NES Zapper works well here regardless of which mode you play, providing you with an overall fun experience that stands apart from similar games well enough to warrant your time. -Steve

LEAD REVIEW FACTBOX SYSTEM: NES PUBLISHER: Nintendo DEVELOPER: Nintendo GENRE: Puzzle PLAYERS: 1 or 2 Alternating

Acting as a pseudo-sequel to the original Mario Bros., Wrecking Crew is an enjoyable—yet somewhat exhausting—experience. Mario and the rest of his “Crew” are tasked with some hammer-pounding demolition of a construction site, but there are evil walking wrenches and other strange creatures out to stop them. The graphics are adequate and fit in nicely with the other Nintendo Entertainment System titles. The game itself is fun as you climb several stories to reach the many demolitions that often need to be destroyed in some sort of order. The enemies can be relentless, though, as they trap Mario causing some frustration in the later levels. Still, give this game a try. -Matt

LEAD REVIEW FACTBOX SYSTEM: Mark III (Japan) PUBLISHER: Sega DEVELOPER: Sega GENRE: Racing PLAYERS: 1 Player

Sega’s arcade racer Hang-On has made its way to home consoles, and this port is a similarly great experience like it is in the arcade. This Mark III version keeps the sense of speed and variety of colorful tracks from the arcade version with only a few downgrades in the audio and visual experience. Of course, you don’t get to sit on a cool, lifesized motorcycle replica as you do in the arcade, so the controls won’t feel quite as satisfying, but the Mark III version is still one of the best home racers available right now. Hang-On is a few steps above what Nintendo has been able to do with its own Nintendo Entertainment System / Famicom 3D racing games so far. -Steve

*Import Review

DIE-HARD GAMER

REVIEW If there has ever been a video game quite as revolutionary as Super Mario Bros. before now I have yet to play it. With bright, cartoon-like graphics, SMB is unlike anything that has been released on any home console to date. It even looks better than many recent arcade games! There are coins to collect, secrets to uncover, a massive quest spanning eight worlds, and plenty of challenge; SMB is without question the definitive NES launch title. An essential purchase. -Matt

REVIEW There isn’t a lot that distinguishes Wild Gunman from Nintendo’s own Hogan’s Alley (though there’s no enjoyable can shooting mode here…) What is mildly entertaining about Wild Gunman is that each gunman draws at a different speed, so you’ll need to quickly make up your mind which to shoot before firing. I did at least like the “Gang” mode that moves through an old western town for a little while. Wild Gunman is a good game in short spurts, but it lacks longevity. -Hunter

REVIEW I could go either way on this one. On the one hand Wrecking Crew is an enjoyable puzzler that forces you to think about the order in which you destroy things or risk being unable to reach something later. On the other hand there are 100 stages that can range from devilishly clever to controller-throwing inducement. It has a level editor to challenge your friends with, but the levels can’t be saved without a “Data Recorder” that has yet to be released in North America. -Hunter

REVIEW Sega’s flagship racing game comes home to the Sega Mark III! Hang-On has an amazing 3D track effect that really draws you into the action. While the motorcycle sprites are smaller in this port, and the dynamic zooming effects which made the animation feel so smooth in the arcade are also gone, the game still does a great job keeping you on the edge of your seat after you shift into high gear. If you buy a Mark III, consider this game a mustbuy. -Jeff

ISSUE #1, DECEMBER 1985

REVIEW I’m completely blown away by the amount of depth found in Super Mario Bros. Every time I play this game I’m finding new hidden areas, hidden bonuses, imaginative play mechanics, or making seemingly impossible jumps that lead me to new ways of finishing and even skipping entire levels. The power-ups are great, the levels are clever, and it has the best controls on the NES. I just can’t stop playing it! Matt said it: anyone with an NES should own this game! -Hunter

REVIEW Nintendo has yet another good light gun game on its hands. I have no real complaints about this one; the response time between the gun and the game is solid and I had a great time with the Gang (Game ‘C’ mode) shoot-out version. The one- and two-bandit versions of Wild Gunman are both a lot of fun! I really want more NES games similar to this, especially with quick-draw timers that are accurate down to the hundredths place like this one has. -DDG

REVIEW Wrecking Crew sounds so straight forward, but it is anything but that. You play as Mario carrying out the destruction of a work site comprised of destructible walls, pillars, and ladders. I had an interesting time figuring out just what order to demolish said objects, plus Wrecking Crew controls fairly well. I truly enjoyed this game. If you also enjoy puzzlers that offer good controls and some pretty well-thought-out obstacles, pick up Wrecking Crew and give it a try. -DDG

REVIEW Wow! I thought Hang-On was going to be just another Pole Position clone but it offers so much more! Imagine my surprise when the boring green grass setting suddenly morphs into a desert theme and then into a late night on the city! All this while I'm blasting through three gears, shifting up and down to try and optimize every turn while avoiding other bikes! Hang-On is a real racing fan’s game. Pardon the obvious pun here, but this game is one to hang on to! -Byron

REVIEW One of the biggest surprises for me about Super Mario Bros. is that it is unlike any previous Mario game. It is like SMB’s world is an amazing dream Mario is yet to wake up from that’s filled with imaginative characters, levels, and game play elements that surprise you when they work but feel like they were intuitive all along. For example, push down over a pipe and you may fall down the rabbit hole into yet another new world. It’s simply an amazing game not to be missed. -Kevin

REVIEW Wild Gunman challenges you (and your new NES Zapper!) to an Old West showdown against a gang of outlaws! Players choose from two games modes—the main game includes timed quick draw duels against one or two desperados, and the “gang” mode places you into a shooting gallery against multiple opponents. Like the other Zapper offerings so far, this game lacks much longterm playability, but it makes up for it by being a fun party game. -Jeff

REVIEW It’s certainly odd playing a game where Mario can’t jump! Wrecking Crew manages to be challenging but fair through its trial-and-error design. You run around smashing walls and ladders wielding a large mallet, but if you destroy the wrong ladder or accidentally fall into a barrel, it’s time to quit and start over all over. Wrecking Crew also has a level editor much like Excitebike, but the peripheral to save and load your designs is currently unavailable. -Musashi

REVIEW Hang-On features bright, colorful sprites that really show off the new Mark III’s superior color capabilities as well as flicker free visual processing. The sense of speed is fairly well represented here and there are a number of locales that change on the fly as you race. Unfortunately, there is no music to speak of and your bike instantly explodes the moment it makes the slightest contact with anything. It's a good bit of fun, but there isn't much depth to be found here. -Otaku

REVIEWS LEAD REVIEW FACTBOX SYSTEM: Mark III (Japan) PUBLISHER: Sega DEVELOPER: Sega GENRE: Action PLAYERS: 1 or 2 Alternating

One of the first games released for Sega’s new Mark III, Teddy Boy Blues makes the jump from arcade to home without losing too much. In it, you play as a young boy tasked with clearing out a maze filled with monsters using your trusty gun to shrink and collect them before they begin depleting your timer. The graphics are very true to the arcade, with bright colors and smooth scrolling. The music gets the job done, though it’s missing the Yohko Ishino soundtrack from the arcade version which the Teddy Boy Blues derives its name from. While simple and fun in small doses, the lack of variety in game play left me putting down the controller more than I would have liked. -Jeff

SOLO REVIEW FACTBOX SYSTEM: NES PUBLISHER: Nintendo DEVELOPER: Nintendo / Irem GENRE: Sports (Football) PLAYERS: 1 or 2 Simultaneous

While this is a vast improvement over Atari’s home football offerings, 10-Yard Fight still leaves a lot to be desired as a football simulation. There’s no ability to select different teams or even different offensive and defensive formations. The actual game play makes me think that the developers have never even watched an American football game before. Unlike the arcade game, the NES version does add a two-player mode where players control defense as well as offense, but it’s not enough and the second player oddly seems to have a heavy advantage over player one. If you’re itching for a football game for your NES, I would hold off until a better offering comes along. -Jeff

SOLO REVIEW FACTBOX SYSTEM: NES PUBLISHER: Nintendo DEVELOPER: Nintendo GENRE: Action PLAYERS: 1 Player

Professors Hector and Vector are in a tough situation; dynamite and birds called Smicks want them dead! Their only hope is to cooperate and get help from their robotic creation, R.O.B. All levels consist of a series of blue and red gates that must be raised and lowered by R.O.B. so the Professor can safely disarm the dynamite and collect turnips used to distract the Smicks. Gyromite also includes a B mode where you take control of R.O.B. to safely guide a sleepwalking Professor Hector. I really want to like this game, but unfortunately R.O.B. moves a little too slow resulting in some frustrating deaths. That said, a second player can fill in for R.O.B., but isn’t this all about R.O.B.? -DDG

SOLO REVIEW FACTBOX SYSTEM: NES PUBLISHER: Nintendo DEVELOPER: Nintendo GENRE: Sports (Tennis) PLAYERS: 1 or 2 Simultaneous

If you think about it, nearly every tennis game up until this point has been a game of Pong with boundaries and a button that swings your racket. Nintendo’s Tennis doesn’t reinvent these mechanics, but rather adds to them with abilities like lobbing (the act of hitting the ball high and hopefully over your opponent’s head) thanks to the NES’ two-button gamepad. Two players can even compete with the computer in a doubles match, but mysteriously the game will not let you play a singles match against a human opponent, only a computer opponent of varying difficulty. Overall this is a good tennis (or make that a Pong) game, but it’s nothing really all that revolutionary. -Hunter

*Import Review

DIE-HARD GAMER

REVIEW

REVIEW Run, jump, and fire in a straight line at enemies of increasingly complex patterns before time runs out. That about covers what this game is about, right? I give Teddy Boy Blues credit for the high number of enemies it can throw at you all at once—a testament to how much more powerful the Mark III hardware is compared with even the NES—but I was quickly bored with TBB and didn’t really care if I made it to the next level or not. That’s not a good thing. -Hunter

REVIEW

Teddy Boy Blues left me with some very mixed emotions. The level design and the music fit together quite well, however, the controls were a bit unresponsive and your character moves a bit too slowly considering you can only fire at what’s in front of you. Had they tightened up the controls and sped up your movement speed they would have had a winner here. Unfortunately, this game comes in just under par which is sad because it has true potential. -DDG

An odd title for sure, I was nonetheless charmed by Teddy Boy Blue's bright, colorful palette and smooth scrolling. Hopping around while shrinking enemies with your gun to advance feels original and unique, and presents a high level of challenge that I enjoy. While some repetition is to be expected on the smaller Sega Card format, I would have liked a bit more variety than this. Teddy Boy Blue’s one hit kills also feel pretty extreme considering its fast paced action. -Otaku

SOLO REVIEW The Nintendo Entertainment System launch is giving us various, creative ways of bringing competitive sports to our living room TVs, and Baseball is a shining example of recreating the experience whether you’re playing a friend or the computer. I’m not a big sports fan by any stretch of the imagination, but this is one of the best representations of baseball that we’ve seen at home so far. The controls give you lots of options whether you’re batting or fielding, with the exception that the outfielders are not controlled by you, but done automatically without your input. Besides the lack of control in its fielding, Baseball captures the fun and spirit of the sport in every way. -Steve

FACTBOX SYSTEM: NES PUBLISHER: Nintendo DEVELOPER: Nintendo GENRE: Sports (Baseball) PLAYERS: 1 or 2 Simultaneous

SOLO REVIEW One of two R.O.B.-compatible titles, Stack-Up is an unusual game because much of it takes place off-screen. Players do compete with either the computer or a human to send R.O.B. commands through an onscreen bingo-like board game, but the whole point is to have R.O.B. stack the most multi-colored plates on one side of itself or the other. In addition, there is a single-player, more puzzleoriented mode where the number of moves you make or your timing matters. Trouble is, beyond a few tense moments in the two-player mode, none of this is really all that fun. The game play is monotonous to the point that most games end once players simply get bored of it and quit. -Hunter

Hogan’s Alley (NES)

Super Mario Bros. (NES)

ISSUE #1, DECEMBER 1985

FACTBOX SYSTEM: NES PUBLISHER: Nintendo DEVELOPER: Nintendo GENRE: Puzzle PLAYERS: 1 or 2 Simultaneous

Wild Gunman (NES)

Hang-On (Mark III)

PREVIEWS Developed By Konami

NES PREVIEW Is it a racer or an adventure game? The answer is a simple YES! Antarctic Adventure is a fast-paced and surprisingly addictive run and grab game that features a penguin named Penta as its main character. Players control Penta as he races around the entire Antarctic from one research station to the next before time runs out. What could be cooler than that?! -Byron (The puns, Byron! -Ed.)

Developed By Workss

NES PREVIEW What an interesting game! It features a character in a spacesuit that uses his or her own weapon to propel themselves around the screen in order to collect energy cells for said weapon. Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;m not quite sure what genre to put this in because it feels a bit like a puzzler, a platformer, and even an action game while passing through its many levels. I'm keeping an eye out for this one! -DDG

Developed By Hudson Soft

NES PREVIEW Challenger is a rather unique action game that features both side-scrolling and overhead levels. It begins on a speeding train with a nice foreground/ background parallax effect that adds to the sense of speed, but then it transitions to a large overhead map where you begin your search for the missing princess. Up to 16 levels of difficulty determine the number and type of enemies. -Hunter

Developed By Hudson Soft

NES PREVIEW After successful journeys on the VIC-20 and Apple ][, Douglas E Smith's Lode Runner will be blasting it's way to the Nintendo via Hudson Soft. Championship Lode Runner requires precision jumping and a puzzle orientated mind. This version promises to have 50 even tougher levels than the original Lode Runner, scrolling screens, new music, and new and improved graphics! -Joshua

DIE-HARD GAMER

Developed By Jaleco

NES PREVIEW The arcade hit comes home with Jaleco’s upcoming release, City Connection. This game puts you behind the wheel of a Honda hatchback in a race to see the sights of cities across the world, while avoiding police (and cats!) along the way. Expect fast-paced game play and competitive high scoring when it becomes available for your Nintendo Entertainment System! -Jeff

Developed By Nintendo

NES PREVIEW Hot off the heels of Donkey Kong, Popeye and Mario Bros., Nintendo game designer Shigeru Miyamoto is preparing his next hit game - Devil World! In the game you will play as Tamagon, a little dragon who must collect dots spread around a hellish maze and avoid demons that try to hunt you down. An interesting take on the Pac-Man genre that we’re excited to see! -Jeff

Developed By Namco

NES PREVIEW One of Namco’s best arcade action games recently received a port for the NES in Japan, and it captures the fun of the arcade game wonderfully. This version keeps all the bright colors, fun music and sound, as well as the original game play, making it all feel just as good as playing the original cabinet. This could be a treat for Western NES owners. Hopefully this one makes it to the West. -Steve

Developed By Nintendo

NES PREVIEW Donkey Kong is an exciting home version of the popular Nintendo arcade game from a few years ago. Just like the arcade game, you must save Pauline from the clutches of the giant gorilla Donkey Kong! Only this time you can do it from the comfort of your own home and without any quarters, though this port is missing the 50M (pie factory) level. Look for it on your NES soon! -Byron

ISSUE #1, DECEMBER 1985

PREVIEWS Developed By Nintendo

NES PREVIEW Another home port of an excellent Nintendo arcade game, Donkey Kong Jr. turns the tables on Mario and Donkey Kong. This time Donkey Kong has been captured by Mario and its up to Donkey Kong Jr. to save him! Featuring even more level variety than the original Donkey Kong, Donkey Kong Jr. will be an excellent addition to any Nintendo Entertainment System game library! -Byron

Developed By Nintendo

NES PREVIEW Somewhat of a black sheep in the Donkey Kong trilogy, Donkey Kong 3 plays virtually nothing like the previous DK games. Take control of Stanley as he sprays the bugs trying to make off with his flower pots, all the while pushing Donkey Kong back up his ropes with your spray gun until heâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s no longer any danger. This NES port is a solid conversion of the arcade original. -Hunter

Developed By Koichi Nakamura/Chunsoft

NES PREVIEW Door Door is a collaboration of publisher Enix and developer Chunsoft, a popular Japanese computer developer. The game is a single-screen affair where you take control of Chun as he both evades enemies and traps them by strategically opening and closing various types of doors on them. Door Door shows some promise and we hope to see more from these companies in the future. -Matt

Developed By Taito

NES PREVIEW Elevator Action is one of my current arcade favorites, so I'm excited to see how this version will shape up. Conceptually, it's not a hard sell. Who wouldn't want to ride up and down elevators, shooting at bad guys? The execution itself is masterfully done, oozing with style and aesthetic. If the NES can pull off the deliberate pace with accuracy, this will be one to watch for. -Otaku

DIE-HARD GAMER

Developed By TOSE / Jaleco

NES PREVIEW Exerion is an intriguing upcoming title—a vertically oriented shooting game featuring parallax effects with its moving backgrounds as well as inertial force. You have two types of weapons: a slow, unlimited ammunition dual beam and faster, limited ammunition single beam. As you may guess, knowing when to use these weapons against the waves of alien enemies is key to a high score. -DDG

Developed By Nintendo

NES PREVIEW At first glance Nintendo’s Formula One racer looks suspiciously like Namco’s Pole Position. Indeed, judging by the visuals and game play, you could be forgiven for assuming F-1 Race is a port of that popular coin-op title. But even if it is a bit unoriginal, this 3D racing game gives that same sense of speed and adrenaline. F-1 Race contains ten courses and three skill levels. –Vinnk

Developed By TOSE / Jaleco

NES PREVIEW At first Field Combat feels like a pretty standard shooting game with the exception that your shots arc towards a target rather than hitting an enemy dead-on. The real catch is you can literally ‘catch’ your enemies and then turn them or use your own reserves to help you fight your battles. Still, the game feels pretty easy and it could use some added variety before heading to North America. -Hunter

Developed By Namco

NES PREVIEW The staggeringly popular arcade spaceshooter from Namco is now available for the NES in Japan, and it’s one of the most faithful arcade shooter ports on the market today. The game play, look, and sound of the arcade version is maintained almost perfectly, making this an easy recommendation for any shooting fan and especially fans of the arcade game. -Steve

ISSUE #1, DECEMBER 1985

PREVIEWS Developed By Konami

NES PREVIEW Konami has already released a Famicom sequel to Track & Field (Hyper Olympics) in Japan called Hyper Sports, itself based off of a recent arcade game. However, this port includes the High Jump that was missing from Track & Field’s Famicom port, as well as adding in Hyper Sport’s Skeet Shooting, Archery, and Triple Jump. As far as sequels go, Track & Field may be the better game. -Hunter

Developed By Hudson Soft

NES PREVIEW Broderbund has licensed its popular Apple ][ and Commodore 64 game, Lode Runner, for the Famicom in Japan. The game is a side-scrolling platformer/ puzzler in which you search for gold while evading or trapping enemies that constantly hone in on your position. With over 50 levels, Lode Runner is sure to challenge even the bravest gold diggers out there. -Matt

Developed By Namco

NES PREVIEW Running on the Super Pac-Man hardware in the arcades, Mappy finds the titular mouse furiously dashing and bouncing his way through a mansion as he fights off a gang of cats that has stolen all sorts of goods. I’ve had the pleasure of playing this one at my local Aladdin’s Castle. It’s great fun, easy to pick up, and should port well to the Nintendo Entertainment System. -Musashi

Developed By Nintendo

NES PREVIEW Nintendo’s mascot, Mario, sees his first headlining game come to the NES straight out of the arcades. In this singlescreen adventure we see Mario—and his brother Luigi in cooperative play—take action to clean up turtles, bugs, crabs, and all other manner of foul beasts that have invested the sewers. Be sure to bring your best gaming skills along when this game hits! -Matt

DIE-HARD GAMER

Developed By TOSE / UPL

NES PREVIEW Ninja-kun: Adventure of Devil Castle is a three-level action game where you must defeat all the enemies to advance to the next increasingly-difficult level. You utilize shurikens to neutralize your foes, as well as stomping on their heads to stun them. Orbs are occasionally dropped which grant you a bonus level if you collect all three. Chances are this arcade port may never make it here to the States. -DDG

Developed By Hudson Soft

NES PREVIEW As the first third-party game released for the Famicom, Nuts & Milk combines single screen arcade action with puzzle elements. You play as "Milk", collecting fruit and dodging obstacles (including your rival "Nuts") all while trying to reach your girlfriend named "Yogurt". This is a title you need to keep an eye on if you are into titles like Donkey Kong and Popeye. -Chris

Developed By Namco

NES PREVIEW Pac-Man comes to the NES five years after the arcade smash hit video arcades around the world! For those unfamiliar with it, you control Pac-Man traversing countless mazes while being chased by vile ghosts in this slightly scaled down portrayal of the arcade cabinet. After the abysmal Atari 2600 wafer chasing romp, we're anxious to see how this version turns out. -Joshua

Developed By Hudson Soft / Konami

NES PREVIEW Konami's arcade game â&#x20AC;&#x153;Pooyanâ&#x20AC;? may be headed for your living room! After successful ventures on Tandy and Commodore computers (sans one poor Atari 2600 home console release), Hudson Soft really shows how powerful the Nintendo is! For those unfamiliar with Pooyan, it centers around Mama Pig defending her home with bow and arrow from balloon riding wolves. -Joshua

ISSUE #1, DECEMBER 1985

PREVIEWS Developed By Nintendo

NES PREVIEW Popeye sees the spinach-eating protagonist take on Bluto in a single-screen romp to acquire the affections of Olive Oil, while also avoiding the bottle-throwing Sea Hag. With the colorful graphics and music translating well from its arcade parent, Popeye looks like a solid home port for the NES. As a Japanese Famicom launch title, Popeye should make it’s way here soon. -Matt

Developed By Konami

NES PREVIEW Konami sure has entered the scene with a diverse line-up between Yie Ar KungFu, Track & Field, and this entry into the racing genre. Road Fighter has you driving a red sports car through different locales while dodging other cars, semitrucks, and oil slicks in order to reach the next checkpoint under the time limit. Here’s hoping it controls as good as it looks! -Musashi

Developed By Taito

NES PREVIEW The grandfather of arcade shooting games is already playable on the Japanese NES thanks to Taito’s new port. This version feels dumbed-down from the arcade version in some ways, but the core game play is still present. If you’re still a big Space Invaders fan, this is a great chance to bring the arcade experience home; that is if it comes out here in North America. -Steve

Developed By Hudson Soft / Tehkan

NES PREVIEW Tehkan’s hot arcade shooter, Star Force, is the latest in a stream of arcade conversions coming to your NES! Take the controls of the “Final Star” spaceship in a quest to save the galaxy. If this conversion is anything like its arcade big brother, expect smooth multi-directional scrolling, spot-on controls, and fast-twitch shooting action. We can’t wait for this one! -Jeff

DIE-HARD GAMER

Developed By Sun Soft

NES PREVIEW So far this is looking like a spot-on port of Arabian from the up-and-coming developer Sunsoft. Just like the arcade game, you have to jump your way through a variety of environments in order to save the princess that has been captured by a band of crows. Collecting letters to spell a word gives a bonus. Here’s hoping it plays as well as it looks since it looks entertaining. -DDG

Developed By Namco

NES PREVIEW Tower of Druaga is another excellent port of a Namco arcade release, but unfortunately at this time it doesn’t look like it’ll be making it to North America. You play as Gilgamesh, climbing 60 floors as you do battle with slimes, dragons, warlocks, and other assorted beasties. Tower of Druaga is an action puzzler with roleplaying elements and a fantastic soundtrack! -Musashi

Developed By Konami

NES PREVIEW Known as Hyper Olympics in Japan, Track & Field is a very faithful port of the arcade game original. Up to two players can compete for world records in long jump, running, hurdles, and javelin throw. The majority of the game involves rapidly tapping a button to gain speed and power, while the other button is used to timely release a javelin or aim your long jump. -Hunter

Developed By Nintendo

NES PREVIEW It may not be out yet, but from what I’ve seen, Urban Champion looks like an awful bum fighting simulator with bland backgrounds and even blander character design. The sole purpose appears to be knocking your opponent into an open sewer while dodging a woman who drops flower pots on your head. I’d rather head downtown and watch the hobos duke it out for real. -Musashi

ISSUE #1, DECEMBER 1985

PREVIEWS Developed By Namco

NES PREVIEW Namco’s revolutionary next step in arcade shooters now has a home version in Japan, but unlike most of Namco’s NES ports, the NES hardware struggles to reproduce the arcade feel to a satisfactory level. Xevious takes a big hit in the visual department, feeling like quite a different game than it did in the arcade. It may still be worth a look for die-hard Xevious fans. -Steve

Developed By Konami

NES PREVIEW If you've been to an arcade lately, chances are you've seen Konami’s Yie Ar Kung -Fu. It's strikingly more playable than the popular Karate Champ arcade and infinitely more stylish. I can see this one-onone fighter also becoming a popular hit, provided it remains intact on the NES. Utilizing a two-button attack system, there is a high learning curve that could make or break this conversion. -Otaku

Challenger (NES)

Donkey Kong (NES)

Donkey Kong Jr. (NES)

Yie Ar Kung-Fu (NES)

Hyper Sports (NES)

Nuts & Milk (NES)

Super Arabian (NES)

Star Force (NES)

DIE-HARD GAMER

GAME-SET-MATCH.

SPOILER ALERT!

SKIP THIS PAGE! (If you don’t want to see how a game ends…)

SPOILER ALERT!

GAME ENDING Shortly after Thomas ascends the staircase to the final level, he is confronted by his arch nemesis and Kung Fu master, Mr. X. Unlike previous opponents, Mr. X can block, parry, and moves with the same speed and skill as Thomas, making this one of the most grueling battles in the game. After a series of hit-andrun attacks by Thomas, Mr. X finally lies defeated. Thomas then frees Sylvia and the two go on to live happily ever after… Or for at least a few seconds until the game boots up a second, even more challenging round. -Hunter

GAME ENDING After being denied the princess in all of the seven previous levels, Mario confronts King Bowser again; only this time Bowser is far more powerful than before. He throws hammers, repeatedly breathes fire, and moves with a seemingly more deliberate pattern. Finally, after plunging King Bowser into the lava by sneaking past him and then retracting the bridge while King Bowser stood above it, Mario’s quest to save Princess Toadstool ends. Mario is then offered a new, harder quest by the princess. How could Mario refuse the princess at this point?!? -Hunter

ISSUE #1, DECEMBER 1985

TIPS & TRICKS For Nintendo Entertainment System BEGIN WITH 9 LIVES To begin Clu Clu Land with nine extra lives, do the following at the title screen:

• Press and hold the A and B buttons on controller one. • While holding the buttons on controller one, press and hold the right directional, A button, and B button on controller two. You can now prolong your stay in Clu Clu Land even longer! Great fun for masochists!

For Nintendo Entertainment System CONTROL THE DUCKS Everybody seems to really enjoy Nintendo’s pack-in Duck Hunt (well, everybody except for our own Otaku, though he hates just about everything and everyone… we joke!), but disappointingly it is a single player game. Or is it?!? A second player can do their best to save the ducks by grabbing a gamepad connected to controller port two and moving the ducks around with the directional pad. They could just as well make it easier for you to shoot the ducks by pulling them into a corner, but where is the fun in all of that? Free the ducks!

For Nintendo Entertainment System 5,000 POINTS For you high-score fanatics out there, you can grab 5,000 points by jump kicking every twelfth grabber (purple-colored) enemy. The trick is repeatable, so long as you can count to twelve! That is more fingers than I have!

For Sega Mark III (Japan) HIDDEN CHEAT MENU To access the developer’s cheat menu, do the following from the title screen:

• On controller one, press Up, Down, Left, and then Right. You can now access the developer’s cheat menu where… you really can’t do much of anything! You can turn off the disappearing floors by toggling the “Fire” option and you can force a two-player game by toggling the “1-P” option, but that’s about it. There is a “Continue” option, but you can’t toggle that option, unfortunately.

For Nintendo Entertainment System GOLDEN HAMMER In Phase 6 there are a total of five bombs: Two on the bottom of the level, two in the middle of the level, and one on at the very top of the level. Hit the two bombs on the bottom with just two swings and then hit the left most bomb in the middle of the level with one more swing. Wait for a few seconds and a hammer will appear. Hit the hammer to obtain it. You now have the golden hammer! The music will change and you will now be able to swing faster, destroy anything in just one hit, and you can even strike enemies with the hammer which you can’t normally do! Best of all, you get to keep the hammer until you die. The trick seems to be related to how many swings you use, so be sure to perform the trick above with only three swings! It is said that you can get the golden hammer in later levels as well, so experiment, and if you come across any more golden hammers, drop a line and we’ll add them in a future issue!

DIE-HARD GAMER

For Nintendo Entertainment System WARP ZONE #1’s HIDDEN LOCATION IN LEVEL 1-2 The very first Warp Zone is located at the end of level 1-2. In order to reach it, you need to ride the second elevator to the top and then jump onto the brick ceiling. Run all the way to your right past the green pipe and you will find the first Warp Zone. Enter one of the numbered pipes to skip to levels two, three, or four!

WARP ZONE #2’s HIDDEN LOCATION IN LEVEL 4-2 Level four actually contains two Warp Zones: one easy-to-find location that only takes you to level five that’s located at the end of the level, and a second Warp Zone that’s a bit trickier to find but it takes you to levels six, seven, or eight which is located in the middle of the level. Finding this Warp Zone requires you to look for a high three-brick-long platform that is too far for you to reach, located across from the first elevator platform. There are some invisible blocks that you will need to make appear in order to reach the far left block, which contains a vine. You will first need to hit the invisible blocks from below to create a staircase allowing you to reach the vine block. Once the invisible blocks are made visible, break the two right-most bricks above where the invisible blocks were. Hit the final, left-most brick to activate the vine. Climb the vine and you’ll reach the hidden Warp Zone that can take you to levels six, seven, or eight depending on which pipe you enter.

WARP ZONE #3’s HIDDEN LOCATION IN LEVEL 4-2 To reach the final Warp Zone in level four, you will need to reach the ceiling from an elevator platform and then run all the way across it to the right, much like the trick you used to reach the Warp Zone in level 1-2. Likewise, you could smash the bricks from the tall green pipe just before the exit and jump onto the ceiling bricks to reach the Warp Zone. However, unlike the other two Warp Zones, this Warp Zone only has one pipe that takes you to level five. It is a little easier to reach than the previous Warp Zone, but now that you know what to look for, make sure you grab the other Warp Zone to head straight to level eight!

LOOK FOR MORE SUPER MARIO BROS. TIPS & TRICKS IN FUTURE ISSUES OF DIE-HARD GAMER!

ISSUE #1, DECEMBER 1985

FEATURES

Despite how bleak the video game industry appears here in North America, it’s important to understand that the video game industry remains robust around the rest of the world. In fact, the only real talk about a “great crash” outside of North America is the fall and splitting up of Atari. It is certainly true that Atari was sold around the world, but in Europe for example, consoles really never took hold like they did here in the States. In Europe, inexpensive home computers are often the gamer’s system of choice. In Japan, many of the companies that North American arcade companies like Bally-Midway licensed games from continue to expand. Some have even released their own competing game consoles and inexpensive home computers. Now that Nintendo is testing the North American market with its popular Famicom console, its very possible that other companies will follow suit and breathe life back into the floundering North American game industry. With that in mind, Die-Hard Gamer takes a look at many of the game consoles and “gamer” computers that are popular around the world!

JAPAN

Famicom Manufacturer: Nintendo Type: Game Console Release Year: 1983 Considering that most of this first issue of Die-Hard Gamer revolves

around the Famicom (what the NES is known as in Japan), we’ll keep this somewhat brief and talk a little about what’s different in Japan. First of all, the R.O.B. accessory that comes with each Deluxe Set NES in New York is a relatively new concept in Japan, and it most certainly is not a console pack-in there. The same two games available in the USA are all that’s available in Japan as well. It is too early to say if R.O.B. will be much of a hit in Japan, but reports that Nintendo created the R.O.B. accessory as a Trojan Horse to sell their systems in North American toy stores seems likely. Second, Famicom gamepad controllers come attached to the unit unlike here where the controllers have long, detachable cords. That said, you can still plug in peripherals like the Zapper / Light Gun or even accessories like a keyboard that works alongside a BASIC programming cartridge. Finally, there are reports that Nintendo may soon release a new attachment for the Famicom that will let gamers use higher capacity disk-based games. The additional space will allow for longer, more detailed games, as well as the ability to save your game so you can return to the point you left off when you turn the system back on again! If true, this would be a key advantage over cartridges that so far have needed bulky add-ons to save games with, like the cassette-based Famicom Data Recorder. The Famicom continues to sell very well in Japan; far better than even its closest competitors. It stands to reason then why Nintendo is so anxious to test market the system here in the United States, but if this test market fails it could spell an even longer drought for the North American video game industry.

SG-1000 Manufacturer: Sega Type: Game Console Release Year: 1983 Considering the SG-1000 looks and plays a lot like a ColecoVision, you would expect this system to have launched at least a year before the powerful Famicom hardware. Instead, the SG-1000 and its computer hybrid SG-3000 were released practically the same day as the Famicom in Japan. As you may guess, the SG-1000 and SG-3000 have struggled against its competition. Shortly after releasing the SG-1000, Sega released an SG-1000 II that featured detachable controller cords as well as a “Sega Card” port that plays simple, inexpensive games initially only playable on the SG-3000. There are a few notable games on the system including a Sega-developed port of Namco’s Galaga, as well as a few Sega arcade ports including Monaco GP, Congo Bongo, and Flicky, but the system’s lack of horsepower means the games pale in comparison to their arcade brethren. The controller is also pretty awful. They’re loose and very unresponsive for even simple tasks like jumping or steering. Maybe that’s why Sega made the controllers detachable from the SG1000 II? Now if you throw the controller across the room in a fit of rage, the system will no longer fly along with these unresponsive pieces of junk?

DIE-HARD GAMER

So far there haven’t been any games really worth mentioning, but unlike Casio’s PV-1000, Epoch is still actively supporting the Super Cassette Vision and promises more games as well as popular arcade ports.

PV-1000 Mark III Manufacturer: Sega Type: Game Console Release Year: 1985 Just this past October, Sega released a new, more powerful SG-1000 called the Mark III that is said to outperform Famicom hardware in every measurable way—more colors, more sprites, more simultaneous colors, added visual effects, nicer audio, etc. The Mark III has a cartridge port and a Sega Card port for games, as well as two controller ports for detachable controllers. It is also backwards compatible with SG-1000 games and accessories straight out of the box; no additional adapters are required.

Manufacturer: Casio Type: Game Console Release Year: 1983 The Casio PV-1000 was all but a blip on the radar in Japan. The system is roughly as powerful as a ColecoVision or SG-1000, but it had the misfortune of being released about 3 months after the Famicom and SG1000. It launched alongside a computer hybrid called the PV-2000, but unlike the SG-1000 and SG-3000, the games are not cross-platform compatible, only their controllers. The PV-1000 is notable for having a few arcade ports from Konami and Namco like Super Cobra and Dig-Dug, though nothing even approaching the near arcade-perfect quality found in arcade-to-Famicom ports.

So far only two games exist that take advantage of this extra horse power, a port of the arcade hit Hang-On and a game called Teddy Boy Blues that is loosely based on a popular song by Japanese pop singer Yohko Ishino. Interestingly enough, these two games use Sega’s inexpensive “Sega Card” format instead of the more robust cartridge format. This means that the games are far more simple than your average cartridge release due to a limited amount of ROM space on the Sega Cards. The games certainly look nicer than what was previously possible on the SG-1000, but nothing really screams Famicom killer just yet. Rumor is that Sega is considering test marketing the Mark III here in the USA, but first they’ll have their work cut out for them against the Famicom in Japan. We’ve already reviewed both games this issue just in case!

ISSUE #1, DECEMBER 1985

Super Cassette Vision Manufacturer: Epoch Type: Game Console Release Year: 1984 The Super Cassette Vision is the next iteration of Epoch’s Cassette Vision, which itself was a console roughly as powerful as an Atari VCS/2600. The ‘Super’ Cassette Vision features a few hardware advantages over the Famicom, but overall the games look and play inferior to your average Famicom title… Definitely not something you would expect from a system released well after its competition.

MSX Manufacturer: Various / Microsoft Type: Computer Release Year: 1983 & 1985 The MSX is not so much a brand of computer as it is a standard set in conjunction with Microsoft that several computer manufacturers adhere to. All MSX computers share similar hardware based on the Spectravideo SV-328 (which ironically is not itself MSX compatible), and a custom DOS operating system developed by Microsoft (which is not DOS compatible). While this may sound a bit confusing, unlike your standard IBM PC, accessories like controllers are plug-and-play, meaning you do not have to install pesky drivers before using them. MSX computers also feature at least one cartridge port (often times two) that several Japanese video game developers support. Recently, the MSX standard was upgraded to a new MSX 2 standard that features more memory, a better video display processor, and a video resolution that is higher than what is supported by game consoles (typically producing crisper visuals than those found in game consoles). At least in Japan, MSX computers rival home game consoles in terms of popularity with gamers. MSX ports of several popular arcade games like PacMan and more recently Yie Ar Kung Fu were already decent, but the MSX 2 standard could make what is already a popular format in Japan even more popular with gamers. -Hunter

FEATURES

NORTH AMERICA

Atari 7800 Manufacturer: Atari Type: Game Console Release Year: 1984 Chances are if you’ve picked up something Atari lately you’ve heard about the Atari 7800 but haven’t found one on store shelves. The Atari 7800 was actually released about a year ago in New York and California test markets, but since then Atari has shelved it while their new and old owners squabble about just who actually owes GCC (the system’s design group) the money for developing the system. Whether the system ever sees a wide release is just about anyone’s guess right now, but supposedly some recent progress has been made resulting in a re-release within the next year. Backroom dealings aside, the Atari 7800 is a system comparable in power to the Nintendo Entertainment System. So far about half of the 14 initially announced titles have been released in test market: Ms. Pac-Man, Joust, Dig Dug, Centipede, Food Fight, Galaga, and a pack-in game Pole Position II. Each arcade port stays mostly true to their source material, with the exception that the sound is noticeably inferior. One nice Atari 7800 feature is that it is compatible with almost every Atari VCS/2600 game out there without the need for any special adapters. The system also features a more robust twobutton joystick, as well as an expansion port that Atari promises will be utilized in the future for computer add-ons like keyboards, printers, and even a highscore backup cartridge.

One thing at a time, though; first we would just like to see Atari giving this console a wide release! -Hunter

Apple //e Manufacturer: Apple Type: Computer Release Year: 1983 The Apple //e is the enhanced version of the earlier Apple ][ and ][+ models and offers improved features for gaming from the previous models. With backwards compatibility for most programs, the available library of games can still be used as well as new games which take advantage of the expanded memory. The system features the 6502 processor, 64KB of RAM, and a 40 or 80 column mode with up to 15 colors. The audio is played from a built in speaker. Floppy drives also are standard for the machine, and the system is very user friendly by self booting the program on a disk. However, to connect a special Apple compatible joystick you’ll have to open up the machine. Notable games for the computer include the seminal Boulder Dash, Beyond Castle Wolfenstein, the Ultima series, and the recently released roleplaying game, The Bard’s Tale. -Mike

While many manufacturers have been releasing a variety of home video game consoles over the years, Atari's venerable 8-bit computer line is still proving to be a powerful home entertainment machine. Despite the Atari 400 being released six years ago, the hardware continues to prove powerful and versatile for gaming purposes. Offering cartridge based, cassette tape, and floppy disk media, the Atari 8-bit line of computers is easy to use and fun without the complexities of some of the other computer offerings. The Atari 8-bit line sports a still competitive MOS 6502 CPU that continues to prove plenty powerful to run a variety of exciting games. Originally equipped with only 8 KB of RAM, the Atari 8-bit line of computers now comes with 48 KB of RAM allowing for even more complex software. In addition, the floppy disk medium allows for huge games with a much faster load than the traditional cassette media. Sound is still produced by the POKEY chip, though it is typically sufficient for most games. To combat the offerings of other computer manufacturers, a new more cost effective and powerful system version was released a few years ago called the Atari 800XL. Offering 64 KB of RAM, the 800XL surpasses what both the Atari 400 and 800 are capable of. New games have started showing up in stores that take advantage of the extra RAM offered by the 800XL. Overall, the Atari 8-bit line is a cost effective and versatile gaming platform. While it is aging, it is doing so gracefully and still has much more to offer savvy home computer gamers! -Byron

Commodore 64 Manufacturer: Commodore Type: Computer Release Year: 1982

Atari Computers Manufacturer: Atari Type: Computer Release Year: 1979 - 1983

It’s no surprise the Commodore 64 is so popular since it is such an affordable and flexible computer. The C64 has a great video game experience with its

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ease of use and ability to use tapes, disks, and even cartridges. The system features the 6510 processor, 64KB of RAM, and 40 columns with up to 16 colors. The disk drive is an add-on option. One unique C64 feature is the synthesized sound generated from a custom chip. This allows for music and sound effects not possible on competing platforms. Also, it has the ability to use standard joysticks that are easy to connect, as well as the option to use a dedicated monitor or connect directly to a TV to make it the perfect gaming machine. For more on the C64, please see our write-up in the European section of this article. -Mike

IBM PC 5150 Manufacturer: IBM Type: Computer Release Year: 1981 The IBM PC has traditionally been a business-only machine due to it’s high cost, but with the advent of inexpensive clones and compatibles hitting the market, games have become more readily available. That said, your experience will depend on the hardware you’ve got. The IBM PC features an Intel 8088 processor and between 64KB to 640KB of RAM depending on expansion. Monochrome video is standard with CGA color being available as an upgrade. Disk drives are built into the machine and a hard drive is also available. However, for joystick compatible games, you’ll need another add-on card and an IBM compatible joystick. This is probably not a gamer’s first choice in computers, but there are a few popular games including installments of the Wizardry series. -Mike

ISSUE #1, DECEMBER 1985

EUROPE

Commodore 64 Manufacturer: Commodore Type: Computer Release Year: 1982

Amstrad CPC Manufacturer: Amstrad Type: Computer Release Year: 1984 Of the three leading micro computers in the UK, the Amstrad CPC falls inbetween the ZX Spectrum and the Commodore 64 (C64) as far as graphics and sound are concerned. Utilizing General Instruments’ AY-38912 sound chip, the CPC outperforms the Spectrum’s tiny one-channel “beeper”, but lags far behind MOS Technology’s SID chip used in the C64. Using the popular Z80 processor running at 4 MHz, the CPC contains a built-in tape deck for loading programs and games, plus a proper keyboard that’s much improved over the Spectrum’s squishy plastic membrane. Amstrad also has given its customers a choice between a full color or green screen monitor. Using three display modes the CPC can output sixteen colors out of a palette of twenty-seven in Mode 0 for low resolution, four colors in Mode 1 for medium resolution, and two colors in Mode 2 for high resolution graphics. Seeing a need for game software, Amstrad has created its own software publishing arm, known as Amsoft, which would scout for interested thirdparty publishers to develop games. Titles such as Alien, based on Ridley Scott’s popular movie of the same name, Harrier Attack, and the Roland series have been released based on Amsoft’s push to get games out for the CPC. -Matt

Currently vying for top position in what’s become a heated clash of the titans, Commodore’s 64k equipped C64 has risen from the ashes of its predecessor, the VIC-20, to nearly dominate the US and British sales of microcomputers. With more RAM than its closest rival (Sinclair’s base model ZX Spectrum maxes out at 48k), hardware sprites, and MOS Technology’s SID chip offering arcade-quality sound, the C64 packs quite a wallop. Released in the US in 1982 retailing for $599, the C64 has seen numerous price-drops to bring it more in line with its competition. This falls in line with former Commodore CEO Jack Tramiel’s vision which as he puts it, computers are “For the masses and not the classes.” This marketing strategy has made quite an impact in the West, but nowhere greater than in the UK where the predominate method of loading a game is through a tape deck medium. While in North America the most popular method of data storage is the expensive disk drive option, British gamers instead opt for the cheaper cassette tape medium. Though the loading times may be longer, cassette tapes are a far less expensive option. With arguably better graphics and sound, the C64 has no shortage of wonderful games available. British software houses are running full steam with games like Micro-Gen’s atmospheric Pyjamarama and Hewson’s actionpacked Paradroid. Though the impending releases of upgraded 16-bit computers are imminent, there doesn't seem to be much that can stop the C64's popularity anytime soon. -Matt

FEATURES

ZX Spectrum Manufacturer: Sinclair Type: Computer Release Year: 1982 Sir Clive Sinclair has been a trailblazer in terms of home micros in the UK. Starting with the ZX80, then the immensely popular ZX81, Sinclair really hit the mark with the release of the full color ZX Spectrum in 1982. Available in either 16K or 48K models, it quickly became the most accessible micro to suit the home budget, with the respective prices of $175 and $245. This canny pricing ensured that the Spectrum quickly took the top spot and the Spectrum Plus - a new model with a revised and more hand-friendly keyboard - accounts for over half the home computers sold in the UK. The Spectrum may appear less capable than some of its current rivals. The display is limited to only two colors per 8x8 attribute block and there is no hardware support for sprites or scrolling. However, this is partly made up for with the high-resolution graphics that can make some Commodore 64 games look blocky and primitive by comparison. Sadly, the Spectrum's sound is limited to a single channel beeper, although this is all set to change soon. Sinclair's Spanish distributor, Investronica, is about to release a 128K version of the Spectrum. With a new, vastly improved sound chip and an incredible amount of memory to play with, this could really be the machine that keeps Sinclair ahead of the pack. The catch? No news about any release plans in the UK, the home of the original Spectrum. We await further information with baited breath. -Paul

Ladies and gentlemen, we have now arrived in a new era of video games. No, I don't mean leaving behind the failing days of Atari's bumblefest, nor that of the bungled Vectrex (so much wasted potential, I tell you); what I proclaim is an era that looks beyond kill screens and endless stage loops, one that provides, dare I say it, a real ending? Nintendo's Entertainment System provides enough memory on the cartridge that we now see some real fruits of our labors, rather than having to be content about high scores and bragging rights (here's looking at you, Billy Michell, I WILL beat your Ms. Pac Man score, you hear me?). There is a light at the end of the tunnel, and that is to save the princess after eight worlds of constantly being had by seven of her toady stooges. But, to our hero, Mario, it is more than just the reward of getting it on with the regent of a nation, it is his purpose in life. Thus, why he chooses to do it, over and over. Mario is an odd one, he is a plumber from New York, so you know he can pull in some serious dough, but he chooses to rescue a princess that gets kidnapped after each eighth level over and over, and he has to go and save her, over and over. Why does he do it? Is it worth getting to at least third base with a princess that he battles through an army of homicidal turtles and mushrooms? No, I tell you, Mario does it because it is the reason he chose for his entire life.

would simply be on call 24-7 to save a dame that schedules her kidnappings by the week; it is his “raison d'être.” Can't blame him, since I imagine it would be better than plunging toilets in the Bronx for the rest of his life. Mario's existentialist views are what we're observing here. First coined by Friedrich Nietzsche, it was the belief that life has no inherent meaning, and that it is all pain, so you have the opportunity to create your own meaning. Either sewer snaking commodes or saving a sovereign from a mad turtle dragon has no relevance in the universe, so you decide which task your life is defined in. Even if the challenge becomes harder the second time around, Mario chose his path in life, and he's content. I got to hand it to him, you can't go wrong with saving a head of state all the time; imagine the bonuses, and that she's obligated to put out for him. For a princess, you bet I'll run through lava flooded dungeons for a piece of Princess Diana's... *ahem*… So, while you are considering what you should do in life, you can't go wrong saving a princess, even if you have to do it for an infinite amount of times. With that, I have to wonder how often he's going to have to do that in the future. Sheesh, I bet that's going to become a full-time job, there. -Will Professor William Fredric Rose has a real B.S. in Video Game Philosophy. What “B.S.” really stands for in this case is up to anyone’s best interpretation. -Ed.

You see, Mario knows there is no meaning to life—no meaning at all—so you got to decide what you want in life. Our hero here, Mario, decided that he

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GAME OF THE MONTH

think we can safely say that there is still some life left in this hobby that we all enjoy, but will it ever reach the same heights that we saw at the pinnacle of Atari’s success? Throughout this first issue of DIE-HARD GAMER we’ve tried to make the case that at the very least our best days are not quite behind us just yet. Really, the games I’ve personally played so far on the Nintendo Entertainment System have been more fun than I can say I’ve had with any game console in quite some time. Literally the entire staff at DIE-HARD GAMER has had nothing but great things to say about the NES and its games since the first day we picked up its unique gamepad controllers and began to play.

RUNNERS UP

TOP 10 UPCOMING GAMES WE MOST WANT TO PLAY 1. Star Force

Yet I have no crystal ball, no way of telling if Nintendo is going to be the catalyst of better things to come. Strange for me to say that considering we just spent the better part of this first issue covering the NES, but all I have right now is a hunch. Nintendo has had great success in Japan, but that doesn’t mean it will be a big hit here. For example, Atari was a big hit here in North America but it was never a big success in Japan. In fact, you would be hard pressed to even find an Atari in Japan. Though you want to know why? The Atari VCS/2600 (known as the Atari 2800 in Japan) wasn’t officially released in Japan until 1983… The same year Nintendo released its Famicom console (or what we know as the NES here in North America!) There is no doubt that the Atari 2600 was long in the tooth by the time it hit Japan, but if you’re the console that bumped off the Atari in Japan… Well, just saying! Then again, is the future of gaming to be found in a game console or possibly in a computer? The home computer industry is fairly chaotic right now. Actually, for at least the past year there has been a major pricing war that has already decimated quite a few competitors. If the home computer industry begins to consolidate behind one or two feature-rich yet inexpensive choices, will the revitalization of our hobby have a keyboard and a printer attached to it? Or do game consoles begin to look more like computers and computers look more like game consoles? There is already some evidence of that trend if you look at the computer attachments Nintendo sells for the Famicom in Japan, or the cartridges and plug-and-play nature of some computers like the MSX platform. We don’t know quite yet how it will play out, but this hobby of ours will rebound. There is no doubt about that. There is no chance that video games were some passing fad as I’ve heard some skeptics say (and rolled my eyes at!)

2. Donkey Kong 3 3. Elevator Action 4. Yie Ar Kung-Fu 5. Track & Field 6. Devil World 7. Donkey Kong 8. Championship Lode Runner 9. Door Door 10. Xevious

What we do know is that things in this hobby will remain exciting for some time to come, and we hope that you will allow us here at DIE-HARD GAMER to cover it for you. With our next issue, we will go where the games are at and let you know where to play them! Whether that is game consoles, computers, or even arcades, we want to be the ones that bring you all the news and reviews. In fact, we already dabbled with this a little bit, but we are actively looking at reviewing games from overseas and teaching you how to get your hands on them because there is so much great content out there if you only know where to look for it. Tell your friends about what we cover too! We’ll do our best to get this magazine on more magazine shelves and in more hands, but if you want this hobby to rebound, I cannot stress enough just how important talking about games with your friends helps this hobby rebound even faster. If you’re excited about what’s out there and what’s to come, it won’t take long for your friends to follow suit! - John “Hunter” Norman

ISSUE #1, DECEMBER 1985