1994 Summer CES

1994 Summer Consumer Electronics Show, June 23 through 25, 1994, Chicago, Illinois

The 1994 Summer Consumer Electronic Show in Chicago was not as big or extravagant as last years show, and several companies (i.e. Sega and Electronic Arts) were absent, but companies still laid out their wares for the buyers and media, but not (ironically) for the consumers this year. One of the largest areas of the shows was the electronic gaming pavilion, with Nintendo having the largest display. Atari and 3DO also had large exhibits of their new titles for the Christmas season, as did a slew of 3rd party companies. There were also separate pavilions for Virtual Reality and for new CD-ROM technology. But probably the biggest news at the show was the announcement that this CES was to be the last in Chicago. On the first day of the show, the Electronic Industries Association (the group that runs the CES) announced that the show will be replaced by the CES-Interactive which will take place in Philadelphia in May. But enough of this, let's get to the major video game news from the big companies...

(Author's Note-Before we get started, I'd like to thank Sean Pettibone, Chris Johnston, and Andy Saito for their help in putting this article together. - Ben)

3DO

The 3DO company had several new multiplayers on display by companies such as Sanyo, Goldstar, and AT&T along with their software for the fall and winter months. Some of the highlights were Way of the Warrior by Universal Interactive, Road Rash: Blood of the Couriers by Electronic Arts, Burning Soldiers by Panasonic Software, FIFA Soccer by Electronic Arts, Samurai Shodown by Crystal Dynamics, Pataank by PF Magic, GEX by Crystal Dynamics, Super Street Fighter II Turbo by Capcom, Power Slide by Elite, Tetsujin by Panasonic Software, Demolition Man by Virgin, Return Fire by Silent Software, AD&D Slayer by Electronic Arts, Virtuoso by Elite, and REAL Pinball by Panasonic Software.

ATARI

Atari's booth was filled with new software that they and their licensee's hope to get out for the Christmas rush. Notable highlights include Doom by ID software, the long awaited Alien vs. Predator by Atari, Flashback by U.S. Gold, Battle Zone 2000 by Atari, Dragon's Lair by Ready Soft, Kasumi Ninja by Atari, Ultra Vortex by Beyond Games, Syndicate by Ocean, Rise of the Robots by Accolade, and Theme Park by Ocean. Atari also showed off their $250 CD-ROM with a non-playable demo of digitized clips from hit movies such as Star Wars and Back to the Future III.

ACCLAIM

Obviously, Acclaim's centerpiece was their multiple conversions of the arcade hit Mortal Kombat II. Also spotlighted in their booth was The Simpson's: Virtual Bart for Super Nintendo and Genesis, WWF Raw on the two 16-bitters, Aliens Trilogy on 3DO, True Lies for multiple systems, Stargate on virtually everything, and Maximum Carnage for the Super Nintendo and Genesis.

CAPCOM

Super Street Fighter II for the SNES was showcased on Capcom's video wall, and the lines were huge to play this 32-Meg fighter. Previewed in the booth were Mega Man X2 for Super Nintendo, Mega Man: the Wily Wars for the Genesis, Punisher for the Genesis, Mega Man V for the Game Boy, Marvel's X-Men for the Super Nintendo, and Demon's Crest for the Super Nintendo.

JVC

JVC's big titles included Super Return of the Jedi for the Super Nintendo, Indiana Jones: His Greatest Adventures for the Super Nintendo, Rebel Assault for the Sega CD, Rise of the Robots for the Sega systems, and Samurai Shodown and Fatal Fury Special both for the Sega CD.

KONAMI

Konami once again had the usual licensees with Tiny Toon Adventures for multiple systems, Contra Hard Corps for the Genesis, Animaniacs for the 16-bit systems, Lethal Enforcers II: Gunfighters for the Sega systems, and Snatcher for the Sega CD.

NINTENDO OF AMERICA

Nintendo's booth was decked out with a jungle theme as they showed their masterpiece, the 3-D adventure Donkey Kong Country (which was done completely on Silicon Graphics Machines). Nintendo other titles included Super Punch Out! for the Super Nintendo, a new RPG Illusion of Gaia (which was developed by Enix) for the Super Nintendo, Wario's Woods for the SNES and NES, and Uniracers for the SNES. Nintendo also was showing their new 64-bit system (now called Ultra 64) to select persons at a private invitation-only event.

SEGA OF AMERICA

Sega wasn't on the show floor but they had a small press room where they showed off a slew of titles. Leading the way on the Genesis was Dynamite Headdy, Sonic and Knuckles, Ratchet and Bolt, Taz in Escape from Mars, Ecco 2: The Tides of Time, and Jurassic Park: Rampage Edition. Also expected in the next 6 months is the Mighty Morphin Power Rangers for all three systems, Baby Boom for all three systems; some good looking TruVideo CD titles including Eternal Champions, Shodow of Atlantis, Surgical Strike, Midnight Raiders, and Wirehead. Star Wars Arcade and Metal Head for the 32X were being demoed, along with a cinepak with an Ecco the Dolphin short for the 32X CD.

SUNSOFT

Sunsoft was showing off a lot of sequels and unique ideas with their offering of Daze Before Christmas for the Super Nintendo and Genesis, Aero the Acrobat 2 for both 16-bit systems, and from the same vein as Aero comes Zero the Kamikaze Squirrel for Super Nintendo and Genesis. Also on display were Myst for Sega CD, Porky Pig's Haunted Holiday for Super Nintendo and Genesis, Justice League for Super Nintendo and Genesis, and Scooby Doo for both 16-bit systems.

THQ

THQ was trying to repair their shoddy reputation at the show with such licenses as SeaQuest DSV for the 16-bit systems and Game Boy, Akira for virtually every home system, The Ren & Stimpy Show: Time Warp for Super Nintendo, B.A..SS. Masters Classic for Super Nintendo, and The Mask for Super Nintendo. THQ was also showing off the Catapult Modem which allows players to get closer together.

VIRGIN

The Jungle Book for the NES, Super Nintendo, Game Boy, and Genesis was being shown by Virgin. Along with The Lion King (which was showing by private screening only) for the Super Nintendo and Genesis, Heat of the Alien: Out of this World II for Sega CD, Dune for Sega CD, Dune II: The Battle for Arakis for Genesis, and Demolition Man for the Super Nintendo.

Now, you're probably saying to yourself, "So what? If I wanted a list of what each company was showing, I'd read EGM. What games were that best and worst?". Well, to answer what was hopefully your question, we first present the games that got us waiting in line to try. Basically it's the...

THE HITS: The Top 50 of the SCES

• Aero the Acrobat 2
  (Sunsoft for the SNES & Genesis)
  More circus-crazy action as that wacky Acrobat takes a bite out of the big-top. Much improved over the original adventure. Looks like an okay game.
• Akira
  (THQ for the SNES, Genesis, Sega CD, Game Gear, Game Boy)
  This game was only 10 to 15 percent done, and it really looked like it because there wasn't that much there except for a couple of motorcycle racing stages, a side scrolling sewer scene, and a 3-D hospital scene (ala Lawnmower Man). But some of the effects that were in place were pretty promising, like the sludge at the bottom of the sewer looked like it was scaling and rotating, so don't lose heart anime fans. And I know a lot of you will be breaking out the pitchforks and torches if THQ screws this one up.
• Aliens Trilogy
  (Acclaim for the 3DO)
  Wow! This Wolfenstein-style adventure game brings 3DO graphics to a new level. Liquid-smooth scrolling and animation make this the best looking 3DO title yet. We'll see on play control.- Andy Saito
• B.A.S.S. Masters Classic
  (THQ for the SNES & Genesis)
  This may seem like a boring fishing game, but with outstanding graphics, hokey music that fits the mood of the game, the ability to talk to a variety of people, multiple lures and equipment, and some good Mode 7 rotation of the floor of the lake while you're reeling in your catch made this title kinda' fun to play.
• Beavis and Butthead
  (Viacom New Media For the Genesis & Game Gear)
  This was probably my favorite game of the entire show. You can take control of both Beavis and Butthead as they search for a pair of shredded GWAR tickets throughout almost every scene from the show's first season. But this game stands alone from its SNES counterpart, because it's like an RPG. You can go back and forth through every scene looking for different items to use in different areas. The sounds and voices are straight from the show itself, and there's more humor than anyone could possibly stand. This game is just so perfect, there's so many little features and nuances, that make you feel like you're playing the cartoon. I hate to be a pitchman for Viacom, but this game rules!
• Burning Soldier
  (Panasonic Software for the 3DO)
  A first-person shooter where you, once again (sigh) "defend Earth from the onslaught of evil aliens". The graphics are mostly digitized and feature some wicked looking spaceships. And definitely a lot of blasting action for you shooter fans.
• Contra Hard Corps
  (Konami for the Genesis)
  This is a love/hate sorta game. Konami did a good job with scaling and rotating in this game, along with explosive sound and action and some comical stand still animations. But the graphics are a little sub-par, there's a little flicker, and the sprites are a little small. Maybe they can improve on it just a tad.
• Cruis'n USA
  (Nintendo for the Ultra 64)
  The first racing title for Nintendo's future 64-bit system was previewed at an elite press conference and party, but a friend got in and saw both it and another title called "Killer Instinct" (see preview below). Anyway, from his description it sounds like a cool game. Basically it's a totally digitized driving experience where you can cruise from San Francisco to D.C. destroying vehicles (such as police cars) and such while trying to win the ultimate race.
• Demolition Man
  (Virgin Interactive for the 3DO)
  After a great full-motion video opening straight from the movie, you are immersed in a totally interactive film with such levels as a shooting gallery stage, a couple of side-scrolling stages, and even a hand-to-hand combat stage where Wesley Snipes and Sylvester Stallone actually duke it out.
• Donkey Kong Country
  (Nintendo for the SNES)
  Nintendo does it again with a side-scrolling adventure featuring Papa Kong and son. The game features advanced 3-D graphics that were done on the same Silicon Graphics computers (the same type of computer that created the effects for "Terminator 2" and "Jurassic Park"). They really look phenomenal, and will "wow" you as you traverse through forests, jungles, mines and shacks. I really liked it, and it seemed to be the biggest game of the show.
• Dynamite Headdy
  (Sega for the Genesis)
  From the developers of the over-hyped Gunstar Heroes comes Dynamite Headdy, a toy who can use different types of "heads" to do battle with. Very large sprites and bosses who move quickly and fluidly proving once again that the Genesis can still kick butt (Sega PR firm, here I come!).
• Earthworm Jim
  (Playmates Interactive for the SNES & Genesis)
  David Perry (the guy who did Aladdin for the Genesis) and his new company Shiny Entertainment created this blockbuster that you'll probably slap down cash for in an instant. Featuring the same animation techniques as used in Aladdin, with some awesome levels like a 3-D plasma tube and a satanic junkyard. The animation and sound will also blow you away. Definitely one of the best of the show.
• Ecco the Dolphin 2: The Tides Of Time
  (Sega for the Genesis)
  Beautiful visuals and backgrounds and calm "Enya-type" music accompany another undersea adventure. Once again I was pressed for time and didn't get to play this one for long, but it'll probably please any gamer.
• FIFA International Soccer
  (Electronic Arts for the 3DO)
  This truly blew me away. Very good, heck, it was amazing. The graphics and animation of the players left me awestruck. But the most extraordinary features of this game were the quickness of the animation and the perspectives that the game took. For example, the game seemed to follow the position of the ball very closely, as if the camera was right by the ball. Like in one scene when the soccer ball was kicked far into the air, the perspective stayed "right on the ball" (with the stadium scrolling back quickly in the background) as it went up and then came back as gravity took over. And all this occurs in 5 to 10 seconds! Amazing.
• Final Fantasy III
  (Squaresoft for the SNES)
  Yes, RPG fans, it's finally here. After years of waiting and wading through other RPG's, Squaresoft releases the next adventure in the FF series. This time the magical Espers return from ages past to destroy mankind, and just guess who's going to stop 'em? A very dynamic looking adventure with a large memory and plenty o' enemies to fry.
• Full Throttle
  (LucasArts for the PC)
  A graphic adventure about a futuristic biker that has some good cartoonish graphics and features speech, much like Sam and Max Hit The Road. Features lotsa' humor, like Sam and Max Hit The Road, so if you like Sam and Max hit the road...
• GEX
  (Crystal Dynamics for the 3DO)
  Yes, it's another side-scrolling adventure with a small animal (in this case, a gecko) as the hero, but this one has some cool features. Like after getting one power-up, you start to change colors rapidly and leave little "echos" of yourself as you move through the stages. Check it out.
• Gridders
  (Springbok Technologies for the 3DO)
  An enthralling geometric 3-D puzzle game where you and your cyber-dog Fidex must find your way through 36 underground levels to a secret power. On your way you must avoid the "hunter" and "killer" Griders (automated geometric robots who move across "grids") and solve several challenging puzzles.
• Indiana Jones: His Greatest Adventures
  (JVC for the SNES)
  I've been waiting for a game like this for along time! A good side-scrolling action/adventure game (it'll probably remind you of the Super Star Wars games) that encompasses all three Indiana Jones films and some has cool Mode 7 effects (like the boulder at the beginning of Raiders of the Lost Ark).
• The Jungle Book
  (Virgin for the SNES & Genesis)
  Another good side-scroller with Aladdin-type animation. The backgrounds and graphics were gorgeous, and plenty of characters make appearances. Couldn't hear the sound because Virgin had the monitor behind some glass, but the press kit said that it would include some of the tunes from the movie, including "Bare Necessities".
• Jurassic Park 2
  (Ocean for the SNES)
  Just when you thought the hype from last year's movie was over, Ocean comes up with another title to see if there's any money still out there (and just in time for the video release too). The dark and moody graphics and backgrounds, along with the animations and the layout of the levels will probably remind you of Alien3, but it's still mucho fun.
• Killer Instinct
  (Williams/Rare for the Ultra 64)
  Developed by Rare, the first fighting game for the new system had some pretty amazing features. Such as a stage where two combatants are battling in a high school gym (complete with pennants and basketball hoops). During the battle one of them gets knocked out a window, and a second later the battle continues in the parking lot outside (which is complete with both parked and moving cars). Sounds amazing.
• The Lion King
  (Virgin for the SNES, Genesis)
  Over 2200 Digicell drawings were used in this masterpiece, along with music straight from the movie. The play mechanics were good, ranging from standard side-scrolling fare to an amazing reverse first-person perspective chase scene. Looks like a winner boys and girls.
• Mega Man: The Wily Wars
  (Capcom for the Genesis)
  Capcom brings together bosses from the first three Mega Man adventures to give Mega Man trouble. The screen shots showed that Capcom mostly just did a 16-bit revamping of the first three games. So I guess you could basically call it "Mega Man All-Stars". But I'm still excited about this title.
• Mega Man X2
  (Capcom for the SNES)
  Mega Man is back once more to battle against injustice and oppression, etc., etc., Once again good 16-bit graphics are featured in this rehash of previous Mega Man adventures. The two stages that were playable were a "dirt and garbage" stage and a "weather stage". Hopefully it'll get better...
• Metal Head
  (Sega for the 32X)
  Sega was showing this as a non-playable demo, but from I saw I liked it. It's basically a 3-D Battletech game with quick moving polygon graphics. And of course lots of explosions and firepower for you war-mongers out there.
• Mortal Kombat II
  (Acclaim for the SNES, Genesis, Game Boy and Game Gear)
  The game that every one has been waiting for. Both 16-bit versions looked good, but the SNES one was slightly better. But don't worry Genesis fans. Probe Software (the people that made the original Mortal Kombat on the Genesis) kicked up the speed and improved the graphics from the last version. And yes, all of the fatalities, babalities, secret characters and friendships are included. I even saw the "toasty" guy and a couple of de-capitations on the SNES version. Even the two handheld versions were good.
• Nickelodeon GUTS
  (Viacom New Media for the SNES)
  Based on the hit game show from Nickelodeon, you select a smiling youngster to lead through games such as slam-dunk and the wall-climb. This game uses rotoscoped animation and actual physics in the game play to create more realism (from the company that brought you "The Real World"). Anyway, it seems like a kid's game, but the rest of you might want to check it out.
• Pataank
  (PF. Magic for the 3DO)
  An extremely innovative kinetic "pinball" game where you take the part of a saucer-like ball from shifting viewpoints as you fly through tunnels, off ramps, and into bonus plates positioned on the walls. Promising pulsing techno music and five levels of action; it's hard to get into but great fun once you do. -Sean Pettibone
• Phantasy Star IV: The End Of The Millennium
  (Sega for the Genesis)
  Another eagerly awaited RPG. This time the evil Dark Force has returned after a 1,000 years to wreak havoc on society, and you and your band must stop him. Like its predecessors, this game features excellent gameplay.
• The Ren & Stimpy Show: Time Warp
  (THQ for the SNES)
  The first two Ren & Stimpy games looked promising, but they kinda fell flat in the end. But this version changes all of that totally and more than makes up for all of the sorrows it gave us. In this version the graphics and have improved majorly on "Veediots" and "Fire Dogs" already perfect sprites. Both Ren and Stimpy have so many funny animations, it'll really make you laugh. Like in the first stage you can use your partner as a weapon. Plus their "stand-still" animations are fabulous, with Ren "knocking" on the glass to wake you up. In another stage, you can use a beaver as a saw. Plus there's other things straight from the show. This was probably one of the top 10 of the show, so when it comes out this fall, GET IT!
• Road Rash: Blood Of The Couriers
  (Electronic Arts for the 3DO)
  Another riotous visual driving experience. EA has taken their hit motorcycle combat series from the Genesis, and have added so much more to it. All of the graphics, sprites, and backgrounds are digitized, adding a sense of realism to the whole game. In fact the levels are so realistic that on one stage, a player even gets a sense of vertigo from driving on coastal highway with the ocean on one side, and a sheer rock wall on the other.The player can also cruise along at 150 miles an hour while doing such enthralling activities as clubbing cops or targeting pedestrians. Ah the open road...
• Samurai Shodown
  (All versions)
  Wow, this game's coming out on more systems than MKII (with Takara handling the SNES and Genesis, JVC doing the Sega CD, and Crystal Dynamics with the 3DO), but it's understandable since this is such an awesome game. The 3DO version is a perfect translation, with the Super Nintendo and Sega CD versions close behind. Everything seemed to be included in all the translations, so there's nothing to worry about.
• SeaQuest DSV
  (THQ for the SNES, Genesis & Game Gear)
  This one was only in the beginning stages, but the levels that were playable were ones where you could control little auxiliary seacraft, and even the dolphin Darwin. All of the vehicles looked like they were 3-D rendered in by a computer. A very impressive job by Sculptured Software (the people who did Mortal Kombat on the SNES).
• Sparkster
  (Konami for the SNES, Genesis)
  Sparkster returns in a fast-paced fiery blast-a-thon that looked really good on the SNES. I really liked the original Rocket Knight Adventures on the Genesis, and this looks like a good sequel.
• Star Control II
  (Crystal Dynamics for the 3DO)
  The original Star Control was one of my favorite games, and now Crystal Dynamics has ported over the sequel from the PC with improved features such as digitized graphics and sound. Cool.
• Star Trek: Deep Space Nine - Crossroads of Time
  (Playmates Interactive for the SNES & Genesis)
  This title has improved majorly from the version that I saw at the Winter CES in Las Vegas. The graphics are better, and the control is better. It's another side-scroller, but Star Trek fans will enjoy the fact that the game has locales straight from the show. Like the space station, a Cardassian ship, Bajor, and even the wormhole.
• Star Trek: The Next Generation - A World For All Seasons
  (Spectrum Holobyte for the 3DO)
  An extremely delayed game, but nonetheless enjoyable. Help Captain Picard, Commander Riker, Data, and the rest of the crew of the Enterprise as they save the universe. Again, Star Trek fans will probably eat this up (if they can afford the 3DO), even thought the computer-rendered faces of the characters look kinda hokey.
• Star Wars Arcade
  (Sega for the 32X)
  Sega had this game on display at their special press room, and it looked very good. Based on their arcade game, this game boasts polygon graphics that moved fairly quickly, and had two different perspectives from which you could duel with evil Empire. Probably makes the price tag of the 32X seem worthwhile.
• Super Bomberman 2
  (Hudson Soft for the SNES)
  Time for more intense bombing action for you and your friends, with improvements such as colored bombs to avoid confusion and new icons to help you grind you trusted companions into the ground. Also new are a variety of new stages that'll keep you interested.
• Super Punch-Out
  (Nintendo for the SNES)
  Yep, it's another 8-bit upgrade. But it's a good upgrade, as you once again lace on the gloves to battle for the World title. Features some of the fighters from the 8-bit version (like Mr. Sandman) plus some new challengers for you to brutally knockout on your way to glory. Looks a lot like the original arcade game and seems like a pretty good game overall.
• Super Return of the Jedi
  (JVC for the SNES)
  The hit Star Wars series reaches its finale with Luke and the rest of the Rebels battling the Empire (duh). The version that was being shown was about 10 to 20 percent done. It looked much like the two previous games, with a lot of side-scrolling stages taking place in Jabba's palace, the Endor forest, etc., with an occasional Mode 7 (Death Star attack, Speeder Bike chase) stage thrown in. There are some new features though, such as the ability to play Leia or Wicket the Ewok. It's all impressive, but nothing revolutionary.
• Super Street Fighter II
  (Capcom for the SNES, Genesis)
  This game got hype supreme in all of the magazines, but it probably deserves it. Capcom was running the SNES version on their video wall, and I only got a chance to play it once because of the lines, but it looked outstanding. Now only if they'd bring out #3...
• TIE Fighter
  (LucasArts for the PC)
  In the tradition of the space combat game X-wing, you dabble on the dark side of the force as a TIE fighter pilot and seek to destroy the rebel scum. The game has improved vastly from the Winter CES, and also improves on X-wing. The polygon graphics are a lot faster and are more detailed, adding realism to the whole game.
• Top Gear 3000
  (Kemco for the SNES)
  Set in the future, this fast paced racing game follows in the footsteps of its two predecessors with speedy split-screen racing action and all sorts of options for you racers out there.
• Uniracers
  (Nintendo for the SNES)
  A fast-paced unicycle racing game that has over 6000 frames of animation for each unicycle and up to 256 screens per stage. A lot of cool twists, turns, jumps, and surprises in this addictive racing cart.
• Vortex
  (ElectroBrain for the SNES)
  An interesting Super FX game that borrows a lot of its features from StarFox. But it looked really intense, and I really liked it.
• Way of the Warrior
  (Universal Interactive)
  A fierce fighting game with video-quality graphics and plenty o' blood and gore. One fatality has a character flying through a couple floors and landing in a bloody pulp in the basement. Another one has a character's skeleton being removed and the whole screen being soaked with blood. But beside this gimmick, the game seems okay, with the play control being a little stiff.
• Zero the Kamikaze Squirrel
  (Sunsoft for the SNES & Genesis)
  Sunsoft brings another small furry animal to the home screens to battle evil, injustice and oppression. Looks and plays okay, so if you liked Aero the Acrobat, I'm sure you'll like this.

ACCESSORIES

And as for new accessories, besides the bumper crop of new controllers, there were only a few notable gadgets to make gamers lives more easier, and to help them get more into their games. Some of the best were:

• AURA INTERACTOR
  (Aura Systems)
  A new virtual reality vest from Aura that players can wear to get more into their games, movies, and music. The Interactor hooks into the audio jacks of your game system, VCR, or CD player and then converts soundwaves into "kinetic feedback" in the vest. In other words, If there's a crash, punch, or boom in your game, movie, or song, you'll feel it. Just another way companies trying to bring gaming into the next century, and involve the player on a new "personal level". Available in the 4th Quarter.
• CATAPULT SYSTEM
  (Catapult-Distributed by THQ)
  This is a simplified modem that is available for both the Super Nintendo and Sega Genesis systems. Players can plug a small apparatus into their system, connect any cartridge and a phone line into the adapter, and then plug the whole thing into their system. Players then call a toll-free number where a computer can find a suitable opponent, deliver electronic mail, and can deliver up-to-date video game news. Special features include a "charge card" of sorts, which players can use to pay for time on-line, and a "lock-out" which parents can use for piece of mind. Should be available around Christmas.
• THE GAME SAVER
  (Nakitech)
  A unique invention that saves a player's game at critical points to keep player frustration down to a minimum. It works much like a Game Genie, where you plug your cartridge into the Game Saver, and then plug the whole thing into the video game system. This really helps with games with no password feature, so no more cursing out that little piece of plastic about having to start over from the beginning. The Game Saver will be available for all popular game systems and should be available around the winter months.
• SEGA'S MEGA MOUSE
  (Sega of America)
  A sleek looking black mouse for the Genesis that will help RPG and puzzle fans get control of their games. Is compatible with most to all of the RPG, paint, and puzzle games on the Genesis and Sega CD. It comes with a orangish colored mouse pad and should be available around Christmas time.

Now that you've seen the tops of the show, let's head on down to the dark basement for...

THE PITS: The Slop 10 of the CES

• Baby's Day Out
  (Hi-Tech Entertainment for the SNES, Genesis & Game Boy)
  From what I saw at the show, this title was just a bunch of pasted together levels based on the upcoming movie. One of which was a stage where you must guide some sort of flying bubble through different obstacles. I don't know if they're trying to rush something out to get in on some cash, but this really sucks.
• Beavis and Butthead
  (Viacom New Media for the SNES)
  At the Winter CES in January, both the Genesis and Super Nintendo version of this game were the same. But in-between January and June, Viacom turned the SNES version into generic side-scrolling action game. And yes, I also some flicker too. So much for playing with "super power". I mean, even the Game Gear version is more fun than this!?! WHY!?!
• Dark Force
  (LucasArts for the PC)
  Usually I love Star Wars games more than anything else, but this really sucks. LucasArts first stole the plot from games such as Doom, Wolfenstein, and Terminator: Rampage. Basically the story revolves around a secret Rebel agent trying to escape from an Imperial base with secret plans. Okay, even this is plausible, but once you get into the game, you'll realize that you've played this game somewhere else! Basically, it's Doom. I mean, this game is such a rip-off, that even the architecture from Doom is still there. Three cheers for reverse-engineering!
• Double Dragon V: The Shadow Falls
  (Williams Entertainment for the SNES, Genesis, & Jaguar)
  Choppy, slow, and repetitive. It also doesn't help itself by being a one-on-one fighting game either. Once again a title that was probably rushed to meet the hoopla surrounding a new movie. Steer clear.
• Duelin' Firemen
  (RUNANDGUN! Inc. for the 3DO)
  Probably the stupidest game at the show, as far as the plot goes. Get this: "Duelin' Firemen takes place in the great Chicago fire of 1995. All of the city's fire, police, and rescue services have abandoned their posts, leaving the city fair game for two competing bands of lunatic 'fire brigade.' The player's job is to lead his fire crew to safehouses throughout the city and, once inside, create an intricate dance to accompany the captain's musical selection of choice." Uh, yeah, I guess they had some footage left over from Cop Rock or something.
• Itchy & Scratchy
  (Acclaim for the SNES, Genesis & Game Gear)
  Here's the bottom line folks, it's really just another poorly done title that was conceived purely to milk money off of what's left of the Simpson craze (but it did have some good explosions though).
• Kasumi Ninja
  (Atari for the Jaguar)
  Atari's weak attempt at a fighting game. The digitized graphics and animation are choppy, and the control is really sluggish. Keep this up Atari, and, well... remember the great crash?
• The Shadow (Ocean for the SNES & Genesis)
  It seems that Ocean sacrificed originality for a good license in this cart. They basically rip-off all of the play mechanics from Konami's Batman Returns and Capcom's Final Fight (you know, battle large, colorful opponents who all look alike repeatedly until their power bars are gone). You think that they could do something original...sheesh. And once again they probably rushed this title to get it out for the movie.
• USHRA Monster Truck Wars
  (Acclaim for the SNES & Genesis)
  Okay, a monster truck game. Yeah, uh..I don't think that we game players are that desperate enough yet. Maybe the developers are for new ideas...
• Virtual Bart
  (Acclaim for the SNES)
  You could easily call this Bart's Nightmare II. It's just a whole bunch of surreal adventures that Bart (and you) must suffer through to save something or the other. Just another rehash of stuff Acclaim's given us in an attempt to milk more money from the Simpson craze.

Conclusion

All in all, it was a good (albeit smaller) show, and just in case you are wondering what in store for the Winter Consumer Electronic Show in Las Vegas this January, well here some predictions.

• Nintendo will most likely unveil their 32-meg sequel to the hit Super FX title Star Fox
• Sega most definitely will be showing off Sonic the Hedgehog 4 for the Genesis
• Acclaim will have NBA JAM: Tournament Edition ready to show
• Some Ultra 64 software will be at the show
• And Atari will finally debut their Jaguar CD for public play.

So until we head for the desert early next year, have fun and bang the rocks together.

-Benjamin

Originally appeared Vol 2, Iss 5 (11-12/94), recovered to website Nov, 1 2015.
(ed note, due to a publishing error the "Top 50" only has 49 entries in it.)