Generations Lost

"A underrated platformer/puzzle hybrid"

Generations Lost is a sort of adventure/platformer/puzzle hybrid with some fisticuffs and lasers thrown in for good measure.

You play as Monobe, a tribesman who is told by the village leader that he must venture outside of the village and discover the mysterious past of his people. However, before he leaves, the leader gives him a special energy suit that allows him to fire a wrist-mounted laser, as well as create a stream of energy which he can use to pull himself up to ledges and swing around like a sci-fi Spider-Man.

Graphics: 8
For a Genesis game, the graphics are quite nice, with a fair amount of detail in each area. The jungles look quite colourful and appropriately lush, while areas like the technological levels towards the end have several details and flourishes in the background, such as flashing control panels and wires. It may not be the most complex, but it works.

What also looks quite nice is the animation. While the animation for most enemies is fairly jerky, the animation for Monobe looks great, with his hair smoothly swaying through the air when he delivers a punch.

The only real problem there is with the graphics is that there's not enough variation in the levels themselves. There's a big difference between each level's style, such as temples or a space ship, but there's little variation in the graphics displayed, so you'll see the same type of tree or rock formation many times.

Controls: 8
You have three controls. The A button fires your laser and lets you use the plasma climbing rope, the B button is your punching and kicking attacks, and the C button lets you jump. The controls work just as they should, and respond just fine.

Sound: 9
The ambient sound effects work as they should, although the humming that is active whenever you go into an area where you can swing can quickly become annoying. However, those areas are few and far between.

What really stands out in this game though, is the soundtrack. A great mix of styles from ambient tribal music to driven techno beats, it really fits the game well and never becomes annoying.

Story: 8
A pretty good story for a platformer-type game. It keeps your interest, although it definitely takes a back seat to the gameplay. However, it is fairly well written.

Gameplay: 9
This is where the game shines. Instead of placing emphasis on speed and twitch reactions, this game rewards a slow and methodical pace. The best way to accomplish something in the game is to proceed carefully and to explore everywhere. That's not to say the game is slow paced, though. There are literal hordes of monsters out to get you, and you'll have to defend yourself many a time, as well as there being boss fights. The game starts off almost completely linear, but by the later levels, you are given some choice on where to go in the levels. The game can be quite difficult though, and even on easy you can get killed quite easily if you're not careful. There are many puzzles to solve, and although not on the level of point and click adventure games, they're still quite enjoyable. Unfortunately, the game is quite short, being able to be finished in a couple of hours. Still, those hours are quite fun.

Overall: 8
A fun, underrated game with an interesting plot and some great puzzle and platformer gameplay. Definitely pick this one up if you see it.

Reviewer's Score: 8/10, Originally Posted: 11/19/07

Game Release: Generations Lost (US, 1994)