Gain Ground

"There's no denying it...the GREATEST STRATEGY GAME EVER MADE! And I don't even like strategy games..."

So...you like Herzog Zwei or Warsong? You haven't seen anything until you've played Gain Ground a must-have for the Genesis. At first GG looks like some sort of fan made title with slow movement and few characters. I didn't plan on buying GG until I tested it further and unveiled its stunning and undeniable brillance and addicting play. This, is the stuff dreams are made of.

Gain Ground was developed for the Genesis/Mega Drive in 1992 thanks to Renovation. Never reaching half its deserved praise and lacking proper marketing, this title has been unforseen for years. Only recently have some uncovered its greatness and I'm here to let more experience its magical splendor. The plot of Gain Ground is a little foreign to me: you travel through over 90 (yes, 90!) stages either killing all enemies or getting all your characters through the exit. Each stage is increasingly more fun as the game progresses through history, first starting with ancient times with crossbows and horses leading up to cars, missiles and other major weaponry. Add in the fantastic 2-player mode and you can forget every SWAT and Diablo PC game you’ve ever played…

Graphics: 7/10
Here’s where GG’s weak point is as do most strategy games. The game’s background (or grounds) are fairly well illustrated as are the character pictures themselves. Unfortunately there’s no awesome 3D effects to impress here, but splitting missiles and tons of grenades will do the trick just fine. There’s never any slowdown, and that’s always a plus. Just don’t expect any fancy artistry here.

Sound: 10/10
Wow! This is some of the best game music out there. These themes are incredibly long not repeating until minutes are finished! Fantastic scores are set for each ten stages setting the time period they’re in flawlessly in the acoustic matter that they should. Nothing makes a strategy gam e more enjoyable that wondrous music while you’re thinking about a flank attack. Fantastic themes fill Gain Ground, better than any strategy game out there.

Gameplay: 10/10
Now this is the good stuff. The levels are short and brilliantly designed with a wonderful learning curve. There are 90 of these short stages divided into 10 each representing their own time period. At the end of each stage is a massive boss to take down and with each coming stage is a wide array of illustrious enemies each with different skills and attacks. I’ve only just begun. You start with three primitive characters fighting enemies with crossbows and arrows. Once approximately every two stages you find a hostage, a new character to add to your line-up. The further you are the more powerful the new character is. Eventually you lead up to lasers, bazookas, and fire bombs. Each character has two attacks: a normal fire and a “special” which can range from shooting in two directions to creating tornadoes to obliterate your nemesis’. However, there’s another part to all this. You can finish the stage by eliminating all your enemies (watch out for the time limit) or by getting all your characters to the well-guarded exit. This creates constant obstacles and creative challenges to overcome and explore. The enemies range from wizards that disappear to charging swordsman. Add a 2-player mode to all of this and you have an action-packed strategy game you can’t stop playing. A killer in the gameplay department.

Lasting Value: 10/10
It will take months to finish this incredibly challenging title and even after you’ll return with a friend to take down those archers from the roof tops. The strategy involved will work your mind to its potential in setting traps and sneak attacks either by yourself or by plotting with a friend the fun is endless. The great music serves as a fantastic bonus and the massive amount of hostages and levels leaves much to be conquered. With over 20 unique characters, over 50 unique enemies, 9 bosses, and 90 levels GG never fails to impress. You’ll be playing this more than your new Gamecube.

Overall: 10/10
I don’t like strategy games at all. In fact, I Dislike them so if GG can convince me, it can convince you as a must-own original title for the Genesis. Pick this gem up off ebay for $5 and bribe your buddy to take hours out of his weekend.

Reviewer's Score: 10/10, Originally Posted: 12/31/01, Updated 12/31/01