Star Tropics
Reviewed by Tom Kelly
Star Tropics is an NES adventure that's not to be missed. You play the role of
Mike Jones, a city kid who came to the C-island to visit his Uncle, Dr. Steve
Jones. However, upon arriving to C-island, Mike finds that Dr. Jones has been
abducted! And guess who has to save the day empty-handed? OK, so the story's
not so great. But still, prepare yourself for an adventure in island settings
no other RPG (Role Playing Game) can offer!
Graphics 6 out of 10
Star Tropics offers bright, colorful visuals (obviously because of the island
setting) that complement the happy mood expressed in the overworld. The
underworld, on the otherhand, consists of "wonderful" vomit greens and browns
that will make you sick if you stare at them. On the flip side, there are some
good-looking transparency effects and a cool series of end boards in neon blue.
In addition, the graveyard and fireworld levels contain visuals that were state
of the art for the day and still look half-descent. Overall, even with some graphical
pluses, the game has an appearance that comes across as slightly above average.
Music and Sound 7 out of 10
How can you hate NES sound? Seriously, Star Tropics has more of those NES tunes
that are like cocaine to the ears (How can't you resist Chapter 7's music?).
Overworld tunes make you sick with their high-pitched major melodies. However,
underworld themes, are well-done, and sound reminiscent to Mega Man (Especially
the alien spaceship level). Star Tropics "musical" score, perfectly accompanies the
mood in every area. The graveyard music is plain scary. The underworld music is
that perfect level music in every NES game. Boss themes are perfectly done. None
of the music in Star Tropics sounds out of place. Overall, the sound won't blow
your ears off, but it isn't atrocious so that you have to put on a CD instead.
Game Challenge 9 out of 10
Game challenge is especially different in Star Tropics. When the game was
developed, the control was horrid (Jumping and turning the character). So
instead of tweaking the control, the programmers simply created odd ways out
of situations, requiring the least amount of movement possible. This game will
get you thinking in ways you never thought before. The action sequences (fighting
and battling, which are NOT turn-based I must add) are quite easy, but navigating
levels is the challenging aspect of the game. Some secrets MUST be found to
progress through the level. Also, Mike has the ability to (barely) jump. Jumping
sequences come across as a challenge mainly because you can only jump over
one block at a time. As if that wasn't bad enough, there are the infamous "step
and they crumble blocks", which make jumping that much harder. Also, a few
enemy attacks will kill you. This requires intense dodging techniques. The
challenge of Star Tropics is ! one that shouldn't be overlooked.
Game Play-Fun 8 out of 10
Star Tropics is fun sometimes, that is when you have control of the character.
Other times, the controller decides to fail and you perish to your death. Star
Tropics is a double-edged sword. If you have a good day, the game is quite
rewarding to play and offers fresh objectives to overcome. If not, your wall
will dented from the impact of NES controllers.
Frustration
In this game the controller is a worse enemy than the end boss, Zoda. Keep that
reset button nearby, you will use it frequently. Upon losing a life in Star Tropics,
you will start at the beginning of a level with three hearts (it's a situation
similar to starting of Level 9 of Zelda with 3 hearts). Warning: Do not play this
game if you are having a bad day.
Replayability 2 out of 10
Like any other RPG, Star Tropics fails in the replay department. Objectives are
linear, and therefore offer no new challenges upon replaying the game.
Game Value 10 out of 10
$3.97 for the game new at KB or Toyworks. Any Questions?
Overall 7 out of 10
At worst, your pitching skills will benefit will improve as a result of throwing
your controller. But hey, Mike is an Ace Pitcher (see the instruction booklet) and
each time you play you'll be better suited to help him. Star Tropics overall is a
worthwhile addition to your NES library. Hey, for $4, how could you say no?