The Curse of Illmoore Bay

Played the demo ROM (available for free at Second Dimensions website) for much longer. Bought the PC version so I could play on the big screen with an Xbox joystick. Installed very fast with a simple launcher for help docs. But, the joystick binding worked without additional configuration on my end. Gameplay is very old school platforming. Get used to planning out your routes and conserving shots. Saving keeps the old school difficulty tolerable. Music and graphics match perfectly with that 90’s ska punk rock vibe. Haven’t delved into the awards or ?????????? mystery features but if they’re anything like Bomb on Basic City features I’m all for it. About the only complaint I can dredge up is: the 3 kids all feel the same to start. Oh, and sometimes the basic attack does less damage than you think. But, I could also chalk those quibbles up to failing retro gamer skills :)

I'm through most of the game at this point (on my phone using Retroarch). It's a great game though a bit frustrating at times because of some game design choices. Enemies have extremely precise hit boxes. Your attacks have very little reach, and your special abilities have to be conserved because they share the same energy bar. The platforming mechanics, story, and level layouts are all great though. The frustrating combat translates what would be a fun quick platformer into a slow strategic platformer with almost puzzle-like decisions revolving around your abilities. All in all, it's a great Sega/Mega Drive game that I recommend with the understanding that the gameplay is not what you expect at all, yet it's fun once you figure it out.

fun