SEGA Vintage Collection: Alex Kidd & Co. (XBLA): "A Trip Down Memory Lane"

If you grew up in the 80's, or 90's it's likely that you have enjoyed some of the classic video games that are now classified as "Retro". These pixelated titles sparked an entertainment industry that has grown beyond anyone's wildest dreams. The innovations in game design seem to be forever changing, and evolving on a constant basis. While there will always be a demand for newer video game titles there will also be a demand for the classic titles as well. As gamers of the 80's/90's most of us like to revisit the classic game titles that got us interested in the entertainment genre in the first place. I definitely have a special place in my heart for the classic games that I played as a child. Being able to afford, and experience all that the wonderful world of gaming had to offer has shaped me into the video game enthusiast, and video game player I am today. Without babbling on to much further It's pretty much a fact that there were certain game companies that dominated this era of gaming. Among those classic, and still functioning companies was SEGA. Sega released several different consoles throughout the years including the 'Sega Genesis', and 'Sega Master System'. It was inevitable that they would eventually go back to their roots after producing games, and consoles for as long as they have. This is definitely good news for gamers like me who enjoy taking a trip of nostalgia back to the days when we were young.

When it comes to respecting the old Sega is definitely king. For many years Sega has kept true to it's roots by releasing games that are related to it's most memorable characters. You've likely seen the new generation of 'Sonic the Hedgehog' titles that currently inhabit the Xbox 360 marketplace. Aside from Sonic games there's also been quite a few other titles released that add to the nostalgic library. The title I'm covering in this particular review comes from one of Sega's XBLA vintage collections. Most of you will know it as "Sega Vintage Collection: Alex Kidd & Co.". This collection, or set of games features three individual game titles that aren't directly related in any way. You've got "Alex Kidd in Miracle World" which is a challenging 2D platformer. In it you play as Alex Kidd, a little dude with big ears and a jogging uniform. I'm not 100% sure what the plot is, but from the in-game images it seems that Alex is trying his best to rescue a damsel in distress. Along the way (during gameplay) Alex encounters various animals, creatures, and bosses that stand in the way of his goal. Alex isn't totally defenseless though as this little fellow can pack a wallop with his punch. along the way he collects money which enables him to purchase vehicles, and other items from a merchant who resides in the strange world. Ultimately it is up to you (The Gamer) to guide Alex on his quest, and rescue the girl.

The second game in the collection is none other than "The Revenge of Shinobi". There have been several different versions of this game series released on Sega consoles, and even on the PC/MAC. This version of the game exhibits the classic 2D side-scrolling gameplay that most of you who are interested in this title will likely remember. You take on the role of a shinobi/ninja named Joe Musashi who has to hack, slash, kick, and throw his way through waves of enemies. Joe's goal in this particular title is to rescue his bride Naoko from the evil emperor Neo Zeed, and exact revenge for his master's death. It's not an easy task to say the least. Along the way you'll encounter dogs, other shinobi, samuari, and larger than life bosses that require specific strategies to defeat. Aside from a sword you also have at your disposal kunai throwing knives, power-ups, and special elemental attacks you can use to make your way to the end of each stage. In order to make it to the final stage where Neo Zeed resides though you'll need to use all of your skills efficiently.

The final game in this rather impressive collection is "Super Hang On". In all honesty I had never heard of this game in my life. When I began playing it though it reminded me a lot of the classic PC games such as "Outrun" only with motorcycles as the focus of game. If you're not familiar with "Outrun", or "Super Hang On" they are basically timed racing games where the objective is to make it through checkpoints before the timer runs out. In "Super Hang On" you ride a racing motorcycle through various stages that take place in different locations throughout the world. Each continent is given a difficulty ranking, and requires you to make it through a certain number of checkpoints until you reach the goal (finish line). Along the way you'll have to learn when to accelerate, and when to brake as the curves in the road come into focus. If you happen to barrel off the side of the road you'll likely crash into one of the many banners, or terrain features the litter the sides of the road. Another significant threat you'll encounter is the other motorcyclists that race along side of you, and in front of you. Running into them, or getting run off the road by them will definitely cost you a loss of significant time. In this game time is of the essence, and cannot be wasted.

All three of the games in this collection feature enhanced graphics, a revitalized classic soundtrack, Xbox LIVE achievements, and two modes of play. The main mode of play for each given game is titled "Local". It presents the games as they were when they were initially released. You can of course tweak certain settings pertaining to the game type (Region, Console), visual filters (smoothing, screen lines, screen size), and sound settings. The second mode type is a competitive feature that adds trials to each game. The trials will have you completing certain portions of each game in specific ways. Each game has their own unique trials that deal with things that only coincide with that given title. All of the trials are timed, and the results (if you you complete the trial/s) will automatically be uploaded for others to see via the global leaderboards.

In closing I have to say I was quite pleased with this collection. While "Alex Kidd in Miracle World" did prove to be rather difficult for me I just couldn't get over the vividly amazing visuals it offered. The graphics were dated, but when I applied the "smooth" filter setting the game looked as if it were next-gen quality. "The Revenge of Shinobi" also looked impressive. It still had that pixelated appearance, but I had no issues with that since it kept true to to the original game. With that being said I did have one problem with "The Revenge of Shinobi". The double jump just didn't function properly. It was usually a hit or miss situation that made me think that the game translation wasn't done exactly right. Even so it's still a playable game that will likely satsify the game's hardcore fans. Last but not least is "Super Hang On". I absolutely loved this game! I spent a majority of my playthrough playing the local, and trial mode of this game. It was sheer fun! You're probably wondering at this point what I think of this game collection, and whether or not it is worth it. If you're up for a nice trip of nostalgia then this game is perfect. In fact it's one of the best retro game translations I've ever played, or seen. In my opinion the game definitely warrants the 800 msp asking price. If you haven't picked up this collection yet, and have 800 msp to spare I'd definitely suggest adding it to your video game library!