Astal

Guess what, another dear damsel is in distress, and you have to save her! But this isn't any ordinary run 'n' jump. For you are Astal, a weird monkey-like thing that has the strength of Superman! You can pound on the ground to stun enemies, blow a fierce gale across the screen to send enemies reeling and even lift up objects that are twice the size of the screen! Plus, you even get a handy sidekick. After rescuing a little bird in the first level, he gratefully helps you out with special attacks/abilities. Or, you can have a friend join in to control the bird to beat up the baddies for you. It's run and jump with tons of muscle!

FIRST IMPRESSION

Lots of pretty music and backgrounds almost give a sort of "child's dreamland" feel to it.

BEST FEATURE

Either the fact that Astal is monstrously strong or that a friend can join in the battle as Astal's sidekick bird.

WHAT'S MISSING

Well, the levels are pretty short in comparison to other platform games. Also, even though the graphics are spectacular, the enemies are too few in both number and in kind. Overall (apart from the Bosses) there are only about five or so types of enemies in the levels to fight against.

WILL YOU LIKE IT?

Admittedly, the graphics are exceptional looking--with shifting colored backgrounds and the whole Crystaline-style layout is cool.

Apart from a few one-hit wonder levels, this game isn't that difficult to beat. It's a neat trip, but stops short on play a bit.

MANUFACTURER - Sega of Japan

DIFFICULTY - Easy

THEME - ACTION

NUMBER OF PLAYERS - 1 or 2