I can never get enough of the early-mid 90s fighting games. The pre-Super Special moves era where fighters only had 3 to 5 special moves each -- there's just something beautiful about that, and I thought BATTLE MASTER would fit right in. Shame the controls aren't responsive, the animation choppy and frames lacking. It leads to a disappointing fighter for me. Oddly, the fight in the video is pretty cool, go figure.
Toshiba EMI's other SFC game, SUPER BACK TO THE FUTURE II, is thankfully much more playable and enjoyable. It's no masterpiece but it's a fun little diversion. I was surprised at how decent it actually is. GAMEFAN magazine ABSOLUTELY slammed it.
They're right that the game does suffer from bouts of slowdown, but nothing severe nor anything that hinders the overall outcome of the game. Also, SBTTF II is liked by many SFC players on the net, so what does that tell you? Super Back to the Future II deserves a 12% about as much as (Saturn) Skeleton Warriors deserved a 98% !
So whats the deal with the game?
Doc tells you some jibberish about righting the time periods
You control Marty McFly on his hoverboard, pouncing on all sorts of bizarre enemies as you travel through time. The game has a very pleasant SD look and the classic BTTF overture was ported over flawlessly. The game provides 4-character password.
Let's look at some of the levels...
1-1
BOSS - GRIFF (1-2)
Really simple boss. To hurt him just touch the buttons which sends the TV's flying at him
2-1
BOSS - GRIFF 2 (2-2)
Very familiar scene for those of you who watched the movie. Touch the buttons to splash the water.
3-1
Love this night stage, and I told ya the enemies are bizarre. Look at that slobbering weirdo!
3-2
I just dig this stage... great soft yellow backdrop and the BTTF overture from stage 1-1 returns
BOSS: JAZZMAN (3-3)
Break open the suspended makeshift floor so the balls can slip through the cracks, crushing Jazzman's skull
3-4
Somewhat tricky travels here as you'll be lifted up with plenty of obstacles waiting for you. Thankfully, if hit you'll be flashing and invincible for JUST long enough to go up again and safely make it to the next section. This stage stumped me for a while but ya just gotta gut it through
BOSS: HAMMERMAN AND RINGMASTER (3-5)
So incredibly easy you might not believe it yourself
4-1
Ooh, spooky. Check out the thunder clouds and creepy looking trees splattered across this ghoulish graveyard level. Be on your toes for the Sunday drivers
4-2
The rain is a nice touch. A very tricky stage as seen in the last 2 pics. This is another one of those repeat-and-gut-it-through levels. Took me several attempts to beat it.
4-3
This foor is littered with knife-wielding goons. Be particularly weary of doors as these foot soldiers love to surprise ya
BOSS: 1985 BIFF (4-4)
Gotta love the cool backdrop here. 4 buttons when pressed releases sparks. Only the lower buttons will the spark hurt Biff. The upper two can only harm you. Like all boss fights up to this point, it's another cakewalk.
Well the game has several more levels but I won't spoil the rest. It's a fun little platformer that all Back to the Future fans should enjoy.
Lastly, the password screen allow for some pathetic sophomoric jokes, luckily I'm just not that kind of guy....
*cue ALAN SILVESTRI overture*
TO BE
CONCLUDED...
no not really but you know....
Battle Master (that arm attack is ridiculously powerful!)
Super Back to the Future II