Taz in Escape From Mars

"Who Doesn't Like Taz?"

I grew up with this game... I absolutely loved it and I still do. It's full of big levels, some funny animated characters, yet has a knack for being insanely difficult sometimes.

Story:

Very simple. Marvin the Martian needs a Tazmanian Devil for his Zoo on Mars. Poor Taz is abducted on Earth, and finds himself escaping the Zoo on Mars in a matter of moments after arriving.

Gameplay:

Although I wish Taz could jump higher and walk faster, you should never find yourself in serious trouble in terms of jumps and such. There are tons of characters to destroy, nearly all of which are very easy to kill.

There are sufficient amounts of health, explosives and such for you to collect. Obviously food is gonna help you, explosives are gonna hurt you. Gas cans allow you to spit fire at enemies, rocks allow you to shoot rocks at them. That's what makes the game a little more interesting as you go on.

Levels are very interactive. There are shrinking and growing machines, sand which you can spin your way through, levers to pull, and hovering machines that levitate when you spin on them. Animation with Taz and the other sprites are done very well and will probably get you to crack a smile.

The bosses however, are frustrating. It's all about proper jumping and quick moving... keep cool and you will eventually make it (barely clinging onto life.)

Sound:

The music always seemed a bit mysterious and somewhat monotonous.

As for the sound effects, it's the same thing over and over again. Enemies killed get the same effects and such. Each level, however, has it's own unique effects. Planet X has "hovering" spinning sounds, where Mexico has gunshot and stampeding sounds. It is all really good in the end.

Buy It:

I've seen a couple of these at used game stores and such, prices vary from 5-10 dollars. Get it, you'll enjoy it. It has long gameplay and an interesting story. THE ENDING ITSELF is worth buying the game.

I've always been a fan of Taz... get the game and you'll like it.

-Peter Anthony

Reviewer's Score: 9/10, Originally Posted: 09/05/06