Dungeon Explorer for Sega CD

Image: MobyGames

Dungeon Explorer

A musical Gauntlet

Genre: adventure - overhead

Publisher: Sega

Year: 1995

System: Sega CD

Gameplay Score: 3

Gameplay Notes:

Plays just like the original TG16 version, with a very small changes. Most notably is a timer/food meter that counts down and must be replenished with pickups or a return to the hub world outside of the dungeons. I hate this addition as it deiscourages exploration and backtracking and cause the labyrinthine level design and lack of map to be even more annoying than they need to be. Despite all that, it's fun, just like the TG16 version. I had a good time with it.

Level Design Score: 3

Level Design Notes:

Huge open world. Lots of locked areas like any good Metroidvania. Unfortunately, I got lost constantly and could never get out of the dungeons. I would've enjoyed this far more with a map.

Theme Score: 3

Theme Notes:

Nothing stands out

Art Style Score: 3

Art Style Notes:

Significant upgrade from the TG16 version, but ugly for a 1995 game. The sprites are nice but the background and foreground effects are grainy, dark, and unimpressive.

Audio Score: 5

Audio Notes:

Amazing soundtrack. I'd play this game for no other reason than to listen to the upbeat, epic music.

Overall Score: 64

Review ID: 12030