Majyūō for SFC

Image: MobyGames

Majyūō

Contravania

Genre: action - gun

Publisher: KSS

Year: 1995

System: SFC

Gameplay Score: 3

Gameplay Notes:

Oppressive camera. Stiff controls, reminiscent of Ghouls n Ghosts. You're committed once you've jumped. You get a double jump, further enhancing this comparison. Tough to avoid enemy attacks so best to hit them just off screen. Each level features a new transformation which changes the gameplay. The second one has a terrible weapon with a weird looping arch that's annoying to deal with. Could be better but better than many games. There's an unfair, oppressive timer that is far more likely to kill you than the enemies are.

Level Design Score: 5

Level Design Notes:

Each level is distinct and memorable. The first is a subway tunnel from hell while stage 2 is a jungle. Love the variety. Platforming isnt too much of a chore, despite the stiff controls. The designs mostly play to the strengths of the gameplay. Great boss battles.

Theme Score: 5

Theme Notes:

Dark, foreboding atmosphere. Your best friend became a demon, murdered your wife, and kidnapped your daughter. Blood, guts, and demons are everywhere. Good stuff

Art Style Score: 4

Art Style Notes:

Good, but the sprites are so tiny. Double the size of everything and this would be a great looking game.

Audio Score: 3

Audio Notes:

I like the music but some of the sound effects are downright awful. Like, what the heck were they thinking bad. What a shame.

Overall Score: 74

Review ID: 1745