Comix Zone

"An ingenious and original game with a few flaws"

Comix Zone was released towards the end of the Sega Genesis's lifespan in 1995, which is a shame, since it was an original game that put a twist on the beat-em-up genre.

Story (4/5)

The plot of the game goes well with the style and gameplay. However, it's nothing too new.

On one stormy night in New York, generic starving artist Sketch Turner is working on his comic book. However, when lightning strikes his work, the comic's villain, Mortus, breaks free. Mortus plans to wreak havoc on the real world, but in order to become real, he must destroy his creator. To that end, Mortus sends Sketch and his pet rat Roadkill into the comic book, and starts drawing in his minions to get rid of him.

Gameplay (5/5)

This is one of the game's strongest points.

Rather than your normal platformers, the game has you going from panel to panel of the comic, fighting Mortus's various minions including the android brute Gravis and crowbar-toting mutant Strigil. At some points, right when you think you've beat someone, Mortus redraws them for more. The game has some small puzzles, but a little thought (and maybe some explosives) will get you through.

Graphics (4/5)

The graphics are good for the Genesis.

The game's backgrounds have that comic book style to them, and the sprites fit in with it. I don't know if it's true, but an ad for the game said actual comic book artists did the backgrounds. Either way, it's good.

Sound (3/5)

The music pushes the Genesis beyond what it normally does, but the sound is nothing impressive.

The music consists of rock music and guitar riffs, which is notable due to the fact the Genesis is poor at emulating the guitar. Howard Drossin, who did music for the later Genesis Sonic games, does a lot of the music here, as well as a lot of the voices. While the sound fits in, it's nothing notable. Also, the various vocal quips of the characters get old after a while.

Replayability (2/5)

This is one of the game's poor points.

The game only has 3 levels (each divided into two areas), and the choice of routes is somewhat small. However, the game's redeeming quality here is several hidden items, and the alternate ending.

Overall, Comix Zone is one of Sega's more impressive games, along Streets of Rage 2 and 3 and the Sonic games. Give the game a whirl, you won't be disappointed, but you probably won't be amazed either.

Reviewer's Score: 8/10, Originally Posted: 10/16/03