Egg Mania (Hot Gen Studios)
Platform: GBA  Genre: Action    Available: September 2002

HotGen Studios has went all out to deliver its upcoming puzzle franchise on all platforms, including a handheld edition for the Game Boy Advance. In essence, the game retains the style and core gameplay elements like its console counterparts. As a recap, your objective is to construct a tower of blocks within in the fatest time frame possible. Aside from the CPU opponent (or your competitive buddy), you’ll also go against an assortment of environment hazards and enemies to impede your progress. While the game is easy to grasp, long-term play will reveal a substantial level of depth. You’ll definitely want to have the gameplay fundamentals down to a science. Thankfully, a modest tutorial mode will put you through the basics required to get you through the more advanced levels. Make no mistake that you’ll get the same degree of challenges and enjoyment as you would from any of the editions developed for the Xbox, PS2 or Gamecube. Egg Mania supports the GBA link cable, allowing you and a friend to compete against each other for added challenge and variety. Consider this a recommended pick especially when you’re looking for some fun on the go.

Click here for our GBA screens!

Woody Woodpecker in Crazy Castle 5 (Tantalus Interactive Pty)
Platform: GBA  Genre: Action    Available: October 2002

I had a mild interest with the series when the franchise starred Bugs Bunny, and to be truthful – I can’t recall the time when Woody took the spotlight. Crazy Castle 5 is a conventional platform game, primarily geared for younger players.

Our star woodpecker has set out on a heroic adventure to aid Mother Nature in releasing the Fairy World from evil forces. The game consists of several elemental worlds, in which Woody goes against a variety of enemies, locating useful items and collecting keys which will help him advance throughout each level. I took a run through the Egyptian level, which surprisingly like all the levels in the game are quite large, yet simple enough for any younger player to complete. In addition, I found the AI to be rather sharp, as zombies tracked my progress – darting up and down ladders and choking Woody whenever one got in his path. Fortunately, by searching throughout each level for treasure chests will reveal helpful items including fruit pies and dart guns which temporarily immobilize enemy pursuit. In addition, Woody can make use of a disguise (signature to each level – for example, Woody will use a desert gear outfit), allowing him to easily slip by any enemies within his vicinity. Due to its size and mild complexity, another helpful tool allow you to navigate the camera angle to pan throughout the level to map out different areas in which to proceed.

The controls are tight and responsive, which is always a vital element for players regardless what your age group may be. My only gripe lies with Woody’s game design which has adopted a pseudo-3D style. To its credit, he animates smoothly, but it’s not nearly as sharp and impressive as a 2D sprite could offer. Overall, Crazy Castle 5 is a solid package, one which gamers fond of the looney woodpecker can pick up and enjoy when it ships this October.

   
   

Crazy Chase

Boulder Dash EX (Kemco)
Platform: GBA  Genre: Action    Available: October 2002

Kemco unveiled a more complete version of its upcoming action game based on the SNES title “Kid Clown”. Initially on display last year in a very early format, it was great to see what new changes had took place.

Every story has a beginning, and Crazy Chase has quite an amusing theme to say the least. Much to the misfortune of the regal brat, Princess Honey, has been kidnapped by a space pirate named Dirty Joe. By order of the king, Kid Klown (that’s you btw) has been chosen to bring her back home safe and sound. Well, as antagonists typically be, Dirty Joe’s not too thrilled about your heroic plight to rescue Princess Honey, and sets out to give you an explosive reception – literally.

Each level, you’ll be faced with a large line of bombs connected by a rather extensively long fuse which you must successfully outrun, while avoiding various obstacles along the way. Your goal – reach the space ship which Joe is relentlessly aiming to blow up to thwart your progress. Crazy Chase as the title implies is basically a race against time, so to speak, leaping over and around various obstacles that lie in your path. The levels vary from city streets, to forest levels to ice, and many more. Take caution as not to stumble, lest you decrease the degree of time you have left to clear the level. Kemco has created a wide range of comical animations that ensue based upon your stumbling moments. Trip over rocks, and Kid gets flattened, or watch as he gets set ablaze for running through fire. There’s plenty of variety and personality to leave a smirk on your face from beginning to end. But don’t spend too much time being fascinated with the mishaps, you’ve got a damsel in distress.

While the game shows substantial improvements, there’s still some control issues that have to be ironed out. Oh, and make no mistake, that while this game can also be enjoyed by younger players as well, more experienced, older gamers are sure to find Crazy Chase addictive and appealing too! We’ll have our eye out for the final product when it rolls out to retail shelves this October.

   
   

Boulder Dash EX (Vision Works)
Platform: GBA  Genre: Action    Available: August 2002

Players of the Golden Era will certainly recall the original Boulderdash, which in some respects could be likened to a more technical version of Dig Dug. And if you didn’t, that’s o.k. too, because one doesn’t even have to be familiar with the game’s prior roots to enjoy the updated installment Boulder Dash EX, featuring all new graphics, sound and challenges.

Based on the coin-op classic, you’ll take on the role as an explorer who discovers a hidden cave leading to the remains of an ancient culture. Basically, Boulder Dash is a puzzle game, consisting of six worlds - full of treasure and oh yes, plenty of enemies (see, nothing is ever easy). The objective is to collect all of the treasure chests in each area in order to advance to the next level. The action takes place in a top-down perspective, which can be scaled and rotated at your leisure. Your character burrows through the dirt, which in turn will cause rocks underneath to drop. If you happen to remain under them, they’ll remain in place. The key is establishing a strategy using this game mechanic to reach all of the treasures within the level. BD EX introduces some new elements to the series, including a mechanical arm that can help acquire items out of your reach. Plus, rocks can be moved and used as a means to defeat enemies – just be certain to think out your actions in advance or else you might end up reaching a dead-end and having to restart the game. Back to the future…

Boulder Dash EX delivers two games for the price of one, featuring the classic game (complete with all the original graphics and sound). It’s an excellent addition to the entire package that will be an instant hit with fans of the series and certain to offer plenty of nostalgic value. Not going anywhere for awhile? Boulder Dash EX features a total of 185 levels to explore. In addition, there’s also support for the GBA link cable, allowing you and a friend to pair up. But don’t worry if they don’t happen to have the game, similar to F-Zero, you’ll only need one copy of the game to bask in some multi-player fun! Due to limited play time, I couldn’t comment any further in what else Boulder Dash EX has in store, but with its release just around the corner – enjoy these screenshots to hold you over until our upcoming review!