Video game developer Sega has released six more titles to the "Sega Vintage Collection" tier of classic games on Xbox Live Arcade. The new additions include Comix Zone, Sonic the Hedgehog 3, Altered Beast, Gunstar Heroes, Phantasy Star II and Shinobi.
Role Playing Games
Phantasy Star II
Phantasy Star II is widely considered to be the best of the early Phantasy Star games, if not one of the best in the rpg genre. This narrative driven role playing game has a turn based fighting system and allows for much character customization; leveling up your character with the right armor, weapons and items.
- 1 Player
- Voice Chat
Platformers
Sonic the Hedgehog 3
Sonic the Hedgehog 3 is a fast paced platformer featuring the famous blue hedgehog - Sonic. In typical fashion the goal is to collect the chaos emeralds and defeat Dr. Eggman (Dr. Robotnik). While it may not be as highly regarded as Sonic 1 and 2, it is a milestone in that it is the first title in the series to feature the ambiguous Knuckles the Echidna.
- 1-2 Player
- Online and Split-Screen Co-op
- Voice Chat
Action/ Adventure
Comix Zone
Comix Zone is a sidescrolling beat'em up. The player assumes the role of comic book artist Sketch Turner as he is mysteriously transported into the very pages of the comic book he was in the middle of working on.
- 1 Player
- Voice Chat
Shinobi
In this sidescrolling action game, the player takes control of the ninja Shinobi making his way through five blisteringly difficult stages in order to rescue kidnapped children from the Oboro Clan.
- 1-2 Player
- Split Screen Co-op
- Voice Chat
Altered Beast
On a quest commissioned by Zeus, the player travels through the underworld in order to save Athena (Zeus' daughter). In this side scrolling romp the player collects powerups and transforms into a variety of mythical beasts with improved strength and abilities.
- 1 - 2 Player
- Online and Split - Screen Co-op
- Voice Chat
Shooters Gunstar Heroes
This fan favorite is a high energy side scrolling shooter. The main protagonist's twin brother has been put under mind control and enslaved by the insidious Colonel Red. The game features a slew of powerful weapons and powerups to aid tha player as they plow through 7 explosive levels.
- 1-2 Players
- Online and Split-Screen Co-op
- Voice Chat
Closing Notes
All games are priced at 400 Microsoft Points, or about 5 dollars. Each game supports leaderboards, but multiplayer options may vary from game to game. Strangely enough some games with multiplayer include online play while others do not. For those who were not around during this age in video games, this is a great opportunity to become acquainted with some old school classics.
