Sega Megadrive Quackshot Review

December 19th 1991 the world welcomed a new hero to the Sega Megadrive for his first all action adventure. Enter the hero; he is charismatic, energetic, intelligent, sprightly and daring. But more, much more than all of the above, he is a duck, Donald Duck. After the raving success of Mickey Mouse: Castle Of Illusion Sega Japan was ready to drop another hit using the winning combination of an established character with fantastic game play. It was not like Sega had issues with creating good characters and establishing them, however the combination with Disney certainly added something to this game as it had its predecessor.

Whilst perusing some books in his uncle Scrooge’s library, Donald comes across a treasure map, that of King Garuzia, the ancient ruler of Duckworld. Thinking of the potential untold treasures that this map will lead to, Donald readies himself to set off in search of it. Why I hear you asking. To quote Indiana Jones, on which so much of this game is based “Fortune and glory kid, fortune and glory.”

The game starts off with a map in which you can choose three locations Duckburg, Transylvania or Mexico. When the level is chosen you are dropped off by airplane by Donald’s nephews Huey, Duey and Louie. Donald plays this game dressed as Dr. Jones, another way in which the game pays homage to the fantastic films.

The main weapons in this scrolling plat-former are the plunger gun, of which Donald can get upgrades for, the bubble gum gun and the corn gun. The aim of the intrepid duck is simple; get the treasure and the fortune and glory that go with it. Enter the antagonist, Donald is not the only person after this treasure, so is the evil Peg Leg Pete (dressed in the manner of René Belloq, one of three antagonists in Riders of the lost arc) To make things even worse, the map that Donald has isn’t the real map.

We follow Donald on a journey that will take him around all corners of the earth. Including what I consider the best level of the game Transylvania. What is the treasure of King Garuzia and will Donald reach it before the evil peg leg Pete?

The game itself holds such a fantastic charm that makes you feel as if you are playing a Super Nintendo game. This is not to take anything from the games of the Sega Mega Drive but it was rare for them to have such childish charm due to the colour pallet that it had available. That coupled with the plain and uninhibited way in which it pays homage to the Indiana Jones films makes it a piece of art.

The music is melodic and catchy throughout and stays true to its settings. Whether you’re in the built up metropolis that is Duckburg or the icy regions of the South Pole the music compliments the scene perfectly.

The game falls foul in an area that many Mega Drive aficionados can understand. At times the controls can be very awkward and clunky. In situations where Donald must be accurate or face mortal peril, this can be highly frustrating. However all in all this can be forgotten quite easily due to other elements of the game that are done so well.

I would not go as far to say that this game is a must have for the Mega Drive, however whilst I do that I am being very mindful of my love of the Indiana Jones films and this game which I grew up playing. It is a very well constructed game with an amazing story line, a cracking soundtrack and playability that will keep you coming back for more. I give this game a hugely respectable 8 out of 10.

For everything retro related go to [http://www.norwichretrogaming.co.uk]

Author: James C Adams
Article Source: EzineArticles.com
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