6-Pak

"A small collection of Sega classics..."

Introduction:

I remember getting this game as a child, when the Sega Genesis was starting to die out and the console's games were being put on clearance. When I saw the variety of games that the Sega 6-Pak offered, I jumped at the chance.

Gameplay:

As the name on the cartridge suggests, the Sega 6-Pak offers six of Sega's classic games. They include Sonic the Hedgehog, Golden Axe, Columns, Revenge of Shinobi, Streets of Rage, and Super Hang-On. I'll just do a brief summary of each:

Sonic the Hedgehog:

Story: The evil Dr. Robotnick (known to many nowadays as Eggman)is capturing wild animals and turning them into evil robot minions. It's up to you, Sonic the Hedgehog, to thwart the evil doctor's plans!

Gameplay:

It's a side scrolling Sonic game, where you dash through levels, pick up rings, and destroy every robot that crosses your path. If you get hit by an enemy, you lose your rings. If you get hit by an enemy while all your rings are gone, you lose a life. It's the standard Sonic the Hedgehog gaming that we've come to know and love. Also, you can gain access to Special Zones where you can obtain the Chaos Emerald. Complete all six standard zones to beat the game.

Graphics and Sound:

Okay, so this is the first Sonic game, so we can't expect that much. But all things considered, it's not that bad. It certainly emphasizes the wide array or colors and somewhat detailed characters that were possible on the Genesis. The music is questionable though; you may be better off playing this game on mute. Same goes with some of the sound effects. The sound of Sonic's jumping still haunts my memories.

Golden Axe:

Story:

The castle in under siege by an enemy force. Your job is to clear the out and restore order to the kingdom.

Gameplay: This is yet another side-scroller. There are three modes: Arcade, Beginner and The Duel. Arcade lets you play through five levels of hacking and slashing anything that moves. Beginner mode only lets you go through three levels. In The Duel mode pits you against twelve enemies in one-on-one fights. If you get knocked out, you lose. You can choose three characters: the male human warrior, the female human warrior, and the little dwarf with an axe. You play through the levels, hacking and slashing your way up to the boss.

Graphics:

The graphics in Golden Axe aren't the best I've seen on the Genesis. This game would look much better on an arcade console, but all things considered regarding the Genesis, the graphics are sub-par. But you won't be paying attention to the graphics, since you'll be having fun slaying several enemies.

Columns:

Story:

Columns was a puzzle game played by the ancient civilization of Phoenicia.

Gameplay:

Columns plays just like Tetris. Jewels rain down from above, and you must line up the jewels in a row or column according to their appearance. Rack up high scores by aligning as many jewels as possible.

Graphics:

The graphics in Columns is mediocre at best. You can find similar graphics in any of the Internet versions that are out right now. They may satisfy for basic online gameplay, but it could have been done much better on the Genesis.

Revenge of Shinobi:

Story:

You have trained your whole life to master the ways of the ninja. The evil Neo Zeed organization has killed your sensei and kidnapped a beautiful girl named Naoko. You must avenge your sensei and get the girl.

Gameplay:

Shinobi is yet another side scrolling game. There are eight levels, each divided into three sections. You annihilate anything that crosses your path using your katana, shurikens, and special Ninjitsu techniques. Proceed through the levels and face the boss. The game flows well enough, but double jumping can be a pain when it comes to timing. Practice makes perfect.

Graphics:

Excellent all things considered. the detail is noteworthy on both the level and character designs.

Super Hang-On:

Story:

There's no real story behind Super Hang-On; it's a motorcycle racing game.

Gameplay:

There are two different modes, Arcade and Original. In Arcade mode, you race to beat the clock. You can choose the continent you want to race on, as well as the background music. In Original Mode, you face opponents in hopes of winning the race and collecting prize money. You can customize your bike using your victory money. You can even hire a mechanic to take care of your bike. Also, Super Hang-On has a password feature which allows you to start from your previous race victories. The controls are responsive enough to be actually enjoyable, unlike some of the games during Super Hang-On's time on the console.

Graphics: The graphics here aren't too bad. There is some decent detail in the backgrounds of the race courses, as well as the characters themselves.

Streets of Rage:

Story:

A city has fallen under control of an evil crime syndicate. Fed up with their unresponsive police department, three cops have turned in their badges and have turned into vigilantes. Your goal is to fight through the Streets of rage and take down the crime syndicate.

Gameplay:

Streets of Rage is a side scrolling beat-em up game. Since the three playable characters have quit the force, they must rely on hand to hand fighting techniques. You walk from scene to scene, beating up all the enemies before moving on. What really shines about this game is the multiplayer. You and a friend can team up and take on the bad guys together. It's much more fun facing down hordes of gangsters when you have someone ready to take a hit or two on your behalf.

Graphics:

The levels are well-detailed; there is litter that blows past in the streets, and the lighting works well to create the appropriate atmosphere. The sound isn't too pleasant though. The characters actually yell ''Blarg!'' when knocked out. Since the death cry applies to all voices in the game, it can get annoying quickly.Of course, you could always put the television on mute...

Overall:

Play Time/Replayability:

These are some of Sega's classics here, but I doubt that many gamers today will appreciate the simplicity of these games. All of these games are fairly short, but they are addictive. It really depends on your patience for older games.

Final Recommendation:

If you're into the classic Sega games, or are just collecting, give this old cartridge a go if you find it.

Reviewer's Score: 7/10, Originally Posted: 02/17/04