Sword Master
Reviewed by Spinner 8
I remember seeing this game in an old issue of Nintendo Power. It looked really
fantastic and I knew that I just had to play it. Unfortunately, the game is something
of a rarity, and I never did get to play it until just recently. At first glance, it was
great. It had everything Nintendo Power had bragged about; unfortunately, that was
about it. If I had had any money back then, I would be ashamed to have paid for it.
Fortunately I got a very reasonable offer this time around. :)
Graphics 10 out of 10
Superb graphics, almost up to par with some of the graphics on the Super NES
(the operative word being "almost"). Multiple levels of background scrolling are
very cool, and every one of the enemies (all six of them) is beautifully done. It's
also cool how the "bosses" explode in flames, and the little clip at the beginning
of the game is absolutely breathtaking.
Music and Sound 7 out of 10
It's got some of the best music I have ever heard in an NES game (seriously), with
music that not only fits the mood and scenery properly, but is also incredibly cool.
The end boss music, while minimal at times, is truly awesome. However, most of the
sound effects merely consist of your character grunting as he swings his sword.
Game Challenge 10 out of 10
Good luck. Most of the "bosses" seem almost indestructible, usually throwing some
sort of projectile at you, that you must either block with your shield or jump over,
only to fall on another projectile that was thrown immediately after the first. Then,
after you gather your senses from the blow, you are hit with yet another projectile.
Process repeats. However, the most challenge comes from the levels without enemies
(except, of course, the end boss), and you have to jump across ledges and dodge
various bouncing things, which requires perfect split-second timing. This game has
"challenge" written all over it, dude.
Game Play-Fun 3 out of 10
With a game like this, one gets bored easily. There's not much to do except walk,
kill bats, then walk some more. And getting killed time and time again is never fun.
Frustration
Frustration? All kinds of it. One "boss" in particular, which I shall use for an
example: a sorcerer. He either lobs projectiles a short distance ahead of him (leaving
you unharmed if you're close to him), throws a projectile directly at you, or casts a
wall of lightning that travels across half the screen before dissipating. All with little
to no warning. Put it all together, and you'll be screaming obscenities in no time. Even
worse are the "bosses" with weapons, who swing constantly and never leave an opening
for you to attack. Being slow doesn't help in this case. Another problem: You can't
corner a "boss" at the right side of the screen; the "boss" can go off the screen, but
can still attack you. This forces you to pull beck so he can at least move back so
you can try to attack him again.
Replayability 1 out of 10
Once you've beaten it, there's no reason to play it again. No hidden surprises of any
sort, just walk and swing your sword. Only one path to take, you get the idea, hm?
Game Value 2 out of 10
Value? Depends on how much you paid. This game is essentially worthless, and would
be unplayable if it weren't for the graphics and music. Only if you're a collector.
Overall 4 out of 10
Looks and sounds great! And that's it. The poor gameplay and "bosses" that defy
playability make this game not worth any kind of money. Play it once for the pretty
graphics, and sell it.