"This game is unique, that's all I've got to say."

Comix Zone, simply put, we never saw it coming. This game made it's way into existence in the early-mid 90's. Now since I was a kid at the time, I can never say I knew this game had a lot of hype, but I certainly remember going into the electronics area of a superstore, and seeing kids huddled around the Genesis, checking out this game that was made to look like a comic book. It simply blew their minds how the game played, and every time I went back there, there was another group of kids simply amazed at the game. Is the game that amazing? Taking a look back, it did deserve whatever hype it got (and it even came with a bonus rock compilation CD). The only problem was, this game was on the Genesis, the struggling 2nd placer for most of that generation in console gaming. Even though it was an impossibility, this game would've been given a lot more justice if it were also released on the Super Nintendo. So let's tally this game up, see what went wrong, and why it gets the score it gets.

Story (7): When the name ''Comix Zone'' comes to mind, you're probably thinking that it has something to do with a comic book. Well, it does. But it's not just any comic book story. The author of an outrageous comic book gets sucked into his own creation when the evildoer in this author's said comic comes to life and promises to kill him off in his own comic book. With the author dead, this evil guy will be free to take over the world. You know the drill, you're going to make this author NOT be dead, and this monster of a creation be confined to the pages of a comic book. This is certainly not an ordinary story, but it doesn't progress that much, however, as you make your way through the levels, there is a strong point, or a twist or two in the plot, but that's for you to find out.

Music/Sound (6): This game is a complete rock soundtrack, so you know you could be in for some good jamming while playing throughout the game. If rock music isn't your style, you won't care much for it while playing through the game, so listen to something else on a nearby stereo if you absolutely have to. The sound effects are pretty generic, with a ''THWOCK, THWOCK'' for almost every move you throw out to the monsters. The sounds also vary between boxes or cans being hit, or breaking, or a monster groaning, and they all sound decent. I wouldn't worry about the sounds being drowned out by the music either, since the sound levels allow you to hear the effects, accompanied by the level music.

Graphics (8): Most certainly a high point, considering this is a Genesis game, not that I'm bad mouthing Genesis, but let's admit it, graphically, it just couldn't compare to some Super Nintendo games. This game could give something like Secret of the Stars a run for it's money. The comic colors are just so vibrant, or dark, and the backgrounds and stage levels are very well detailed, giving it a real comic book feel.

Gameplay (6): Somewhat of a low point, the game doesn't have a real easy feel to it, unless you're used to playing on a Genesis controller, it may take you a minute to get used to playing the game first. Even then, there are a few parts of the game that are ridiculously made. In a couple strips, you have to kick your way through moving monster nests, a few others are bearable with an onslaught of monsters. The worst offense of all, however, is that Comix Zone is one of those games that has the worst kind of level gaps: jump at the very end to make it, and sometimes, flying monsters could make that task harder than usual. So look over these terrible obstacles and you can have fun playing this game.

Replayability (5): Bad. There are only three levels in the game, and one difficulty level. You'll have kind of a hard time getting through these levels anyway, so it'll keep you coming back for more. But with only three levels and two or three pages for each (along with two possible endings), the game won't keep you coming back when you've beaten it. At least, not until you're ready for a nostalgia kick...or if it's only one of three Genesis games you have.

Overall (6): Perhaps I have been too hard on this game, but hey, ratings are ratings, the game just seemed to be too generic for something that looks like it tried to go with a stylish gimmick. Where it's unique story and bold graphics were good marks, an all rock soundtrack (along with a rather good collection of sounds), bad gameplay points, and terrible replayability due to a small amount of levels, and no multiplayer, gets this game a 6. It's not bad, it's not great, it's just good enough, considering it's neat approach.

Rent? Buy?: If you still have a dusty black box marked ''Genesis'' in your entertainment center, go ahead and give it a shot, this game really is rather neat. The only chances you have of renting it is through some mom-and-pop rental store that still rents Genesis cartridges, since you'll never see it in the big league rentals anymore. To buy, looking hard enough in the old bargain bin joints will probably snag you a copy under $20, you have little to lose to enjoy a truly unique experience.

Reviewer's Score: 7/10, Originally Posted: 07/30/03, Updated 07/30/03