Mean Machines
1st December 1991Laser Ghost
Every thirteen years, a place known as Ghost City appears. This ghastly town is inhabited by all manner of evil and grotesque creatures who take great pleasure in committing any number of vile and horrifying acts on the populace of nearby towns. Worst of all however, is the tendency of these monsters to kidnap a child, steal its soul and then sacrifice it.
This is where you come in. You are a good ghost, committed to being nice, and you have decided to save the kidnapped child with the aid of your laser rifle. This is by no means an easy task, as the child's soul has already been stolen. As a result of this, she cannot act of her own accord and needs you to direct her out of Ghost Manor to Ghost Headquarters, whilst blasting all the evil ghosts that bar your way.
Laser Ghost is another of Sega's not-quite conversions insofar that although the Operation Wolf-esque gameplay has been retained, a new element has been thrown in, that being the child you must protect. This adds a new angle to the gameplay, as you must remember to guide her around obstacles whilst all the time checking the ceaseless efforts of the ghosts as they try to keep hold of their captive.
Groovy Ghoulies
Don't You Just Love Being In Control?
Guiding the girl around is simple. It's just a case of shooting the ground at her feet to make her turn around. She will then take the first passage she faces, making it possible to direct her into tunnels to her left or right. Guiding the gun sights around is slightly more difficult, as they are automatically attracted to the centre of the screen, and therefore always drift that way when the control pad is released. Firing steadies the weapon, but this means it is impossible to move the gun and fire at the same time.
Gizza Go
There are two modes of play open to would-be Laser Ghosts: one-player where the joypad is used to control the gun sights, trigger and special weapon, and simultaneous two-player in which the light phaser controls the gun sights and trigger, and the joypad controls the special weapon. This means that if you've got a mate who's a complete crip but wants to join in, you can give him the joypad and put him in control of when to use the smart bombs, where he can't do too much damage!
Rad
Julian
A stunning-looking super-sounding ground-breaking game this isn't. But it's a good laugh, and that's what's important. The ever-moving cursor seems a bit of a pain at first, but once you get used to it the game soon becomes addictive and you start to enjoy yourself. There are loads of baddies to shoot, and I like the idea that you've got to keep one eye on the girlie, which adds a new dimension to the game and really keeps you on your toes. If you're looking for a fun light phaser game, or are just after a shoot 'em up that's a bit different, check this out.
Verdict
Presentation 68%
No options, but plenty of intermission screens.
Okay sprites with average animation. Nothing to get all excited about.
Sound 48%
Screechy tunes and few effects. Turn the sound off before plugging in the game.
Playability 77%
The control system takes a bit of getting used to. but after that it's great fun.
Lastability 72%
Not all that difficult, but there's plenty of levels and lots of secret rooms and bonuses.
Overall 76%
A neat little light phaser title which offers plenty of blasting fun and frolics.
Scores
Sega Master System VersionPresentation | 68% |
Graphics | 64% |
Sound | 48% |
Playability | 77% |
Lastability | 72% |
Overall | 76% |