T2 The Arcade Game		Grade: F
	Publisher: LJN (1991) Reviewed: 2004/2/24

For years I've wondered how light gun games got such a lousy reputation, but after playing through the arduously bad T2 Arcade Game, I believe the mystery has finally been unraveled. Set in a few uninteresting locations from the film, you move a cursor around the screen, blasting away at endless terminator endoskeletons and Arnold look-alikes. T2 was designed for use with the Super Scope controller - a poorly conceived, oversized light gun that looks more like a bazooka. I don't own one, and probably wouldn't admit if I did. Fortunately (or not), T2 can also be played with a normal controller or the SNES mouse. The control pad is terribly clumsy and inexact, so I opted for the mouse instead. Actually, I was able to control the cursor fairly well, but the sorry gameplay made the whole experience feel like a pointless exercise. The first stage is excruciatingly long as you mow down endless waves of terminators loafing around on a post-apocalyptic battlefield. Human reinforcements are always in the way, and they "yelp" pathetically when you accidentally shoot them. The stages are very uneven both in terms of length and difficulty, and a few feature "golden" terminators that look more like a bunch of C3POs! In one unintentionally hilarious stage, they run like chickens alongside a moving truck. Even Arnold doesn't look like himself, leading me to believe a less-beefy, digitized imposter was used instead. The explosions are awfully weak, with hulking vessels that shatter like glass when hit. T2 The Arcade Game was clearly just a weak attempt to cash in on the success of the film. © Copyright 2004 The Video Game Critic.

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1 or 2 players

Tecmo Super Bowl		Grade: B
	Publisher: Tecmo (1993) Reviewed: 2004/8/26

Tecmo Super Bowl for the SNES plays like the original NES version, only with crisper graphics and clearer sound effects. But although the game was an institution on the NES, it barely made a splash on the SNES. To gamers who cut their teeth on Madden, Tecmo may look a bit outdated. The field is viewed from the side in 30-yard chunks. The players are small but nicely animated, making it easy to see plays unfold. The playbooks and controls are minimal compared to Madden, but Tecmo has an arcade sensibility that Madden lacks. You can knock down players on offense or defense by tapping the A button, allowing running backs to shake off would-be tacklers. On passing plays, cycling through receivers is fun, but you can't see those who run deep routes. One problem with defense is that once you select a player you can't change him after the play begins. Tecmo Super Bowl features cool cut-scenes that embellish kicks and diving catches, but what's the deal with that lame clown in the half time show? Where are the cheerleaders? Despite its flaws, Tecmo football is always a good time, and this is probably the definitive version of the classic game. © Copyright 2004 The Video Game Critic.

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1-2 players

Tecmo Super NBA Basketball		Grade: D+
	Publisher: Tecmo (1993) Reviewed: 2004/8/26

This basketball game has a great look, especially compared to the chunky early EA basketball games like Bulls Vs. Blazers (SNES, Genesis). Tecmo Basketball's court and players are well defined, and its smooth (but slow) animation features plenty of nifty slam dunks. Unfortunately, the gameplay is marred by numerous flaws that drag down the fun factor. Your view of the action is from the side, but the camerawork is awful. When you bring the ball up the court, you can't even see whom you're passing to! In general, it's hard to tell whom you're controlling. The block button is the same as the shoot button (bad idea!), resulting in balls being inadvertently flung the length of the court! There's no "turbo" function, making it awfully hard to penetrate to the hoop. Referees call fouls even on minimal contact, and you can't adjust the foul frequency. Cut-scenes often flash during three-point shots or blocks, but these tend to be disorienting, interrupting the flow of the game. On a positive note, Tecmo Basketball provides a sweet half-time show with cheerleaders, and tracks player stats thanks to a battery backup. It's not a total loss, but basketball games have come a long way, and Tecmo Super NBA Basketball offers little reason to go back. © Copyright 2004 The Video Game Critic.

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1-2 players

Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles IV: Turtles in Time		Grade: B+
	Publisher: Nintendo (1992) Reviewed: 1999/10/11

Wow - talk about eye candy - this game looks fantastic! In this fourth game of the series, one or two players select from the four Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles in this side-scrolling brawler. Its sharp graphics resemble a cartoon, with vibrant colors and smooth animation. The upbeat music is excellent and the control is remarkably tight. Only two buttons are used, but there's still a nice variety of moves. My favorite allows you to throw the enemy into the screen (towards the player!). It's a cool scaling effect, and it's actually necessary to defeat one of the bosses. Enemies tend to be generic ninjas dressed in different colored outfits, but the bosses are quite imaginative and well-armed with special attacks. The diverse stages locales include city streets, a sewer, the prehistoric past, and a pirate ship, to name a few. The action is fast and never lets up, but it does have a few faults. Although you can choose between four characters, there's not an appreciable difference between them. Also, battling the same ninjas over and over can get monotonous. All in all, this is a solid arcade fighter, but Turtles in Time is anything but deep. © Copyright 1999 The Video Game Critic.

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1 or 2 players

Tetris 2		Grade: A-
	Publisher: Nintendo (1994) Reviewed: 1999/11/1

How do you top what is arguably the most popular video game of all time? It's not easy, but Nintendo comes close with Tetris 2. The game looks similar to Tetris, but its gameplay is much different. Instead of completing rows, you must instead destroy "flash blocks" scattered around the board. Blocks are destroyed by lining up three or more of the same color. As they explode, chain reactions can occur, which can be extremely satisfying. You really have to play the game to appreciate how brilliant it is. While simple in concept, Tetris 2 requires both skill and strategy. Modes include a one-player puzzle mode and an incredibly addictive head-to-head mode. A wealth of options allows you to customize the difficulty, speed, round, and music. If Tetris 2 has a weakness, it lies in the graphics. Nintendo couldn't have been expected to do much with the blocks, but the backgrounds are painfully simple and dull. The music is not bad, but can get annoying after playing for a few hours straight (which is not uncommon). Still, these are minor quibbles considering the outstanding gameplay. © Copyright 1999 The Video Game Critic.

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Save mechanism: Password 1 or 2 players

Tetris Attack		Grade: A-
	Publisher: Nintendo (1996) Reviewed: 1999/12/21

In case you haven't noticed, Nintendo is big on Tetris. They've released many variations of the game, so I put this cartridge in thinking the cow had run dry. As it turns out, I was wrong. This is yet another excellent Tetris-inspired puzzle game which will keep you riveted for hours on end! This time, you are presented with a mountain of blocks which rise as new rows bubble up from underneath. The only move you can make it to swap blocks that are side-to-side. Line up three or more of the same color and they explode. In sounds simple but the possibilities are endless. In the one player game, your goal is to keep the pile below a certain level, and in the two-player game you compete for score. Tetris Attack is easy to play but tough to master - a sure sign of a great game. © Copyright 1999 The Video Game Critic.

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Save mechanism: Password 1 or 2 players

Tetris and Dr. Mario		Grade: A-
	Publisher: Nintendo (1994) Reviewed: 2000/1/10

How many versions of Tetris can Nintendo release?? For the love of God man!! That Russian guy must be a billionaire by now! I guess I really can't blame Nintendo however, since these puzzle games are easy to program, fun to play, and people just can't get enough of them. This cartridge offers two games, including a nice version of the original Tetris, with all the playing modes and settings you would ever want. The second game called Dr. Mario. What's the difference between Dr. Mario and Tetris 2?? Well, it's a subtle distinction. The main difference as I can tell is that the falling pieces in Dr. Mario are two-part "capsules" instead of four-part shapes. I definitely like the music and the sound of pills clicking against each other. There's also a mixed game that allows two players alternate between Tetris and Dr. Mario. No question about it - this cartridge combo offers more than enough puzzle fun to go around. © Copyright 2000 The Video Game Critic.

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1 or 2 players

Thunder Spirits		Grade: A-
	Publisher: Seika (1991) Reviewed: 2001/11/24

Genesis fans will instantly recognize this as a port of the classic shooter Thunder Force 3 (Genesis, 1990). Now SNES players can see what all the fuss is about! Imaginative graphics, catchy music, awesome weapons, and addictive gameplay distinguish this insanely fun side-scroller. Each stage is set on a planet with its own distinctive environment, usually suited for a specific weapon. I love being about use the shoulder buttons to toggle my weapon and adjust my speed. My only problem I have with Thunder Spirits is not being able to select the order in which I play the stages. It's not a show-stopper, but it gives the Genesis version a slight edge. Hint: Go into the "hidden" (Start + Select) option menu to turn on rapid-fire. Pretty sweet! © Copyright 2001 The Video Game Critic.

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1 player

True Lies		Grade: A-
	Publisher: LJN (1994) Reviewed: 2001/6/6

Not only is True Lies one hell of a game, but it does a fine job of staying faithful to the movie. The stages follow the storyline, and each is preceded with a digitized still image from the film. True Lies is basically an overhead scroller with endless shootouts in locations like a chateau, mall, park, and refinery. Fine-tuned controls include a diving roll and a strafing move that's incredibly useful. Harry is armed with uzis, flame-throwers, shotguns, and grenades. There's no shortage of ammo, and I like how enemies splatter with blood and fall to the ground when shot. Just be careful not to shoot three civilians, because then you're forced to restart the level. The background music is good, and the sound effects are remarkable. For example, when on the docks, you not only hear the water, but you can even hear the rats scurrying! Harry's partner (Tom Arnold) posts advice on the bottom of the screen and a password saves your progress. True Lies shows a lot of originality, and really captures the spirit of a great action film. © Copyright 2001 The Video Game Critic.

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1 player