Page 48 - OSG Presents Classic Gamer Magazine #1

advantage of the fact that they can not too sure but pointless
simply throw stakes to kill you. I heard it’s game to play
You can always escape by turning where the in order to kill
into a bat, and we also encourage PMRC takes some time.
you to use this bat transformation shelter.) You, So to speak.
technique to catch unsuspecting in turn, have to While both
victims off guard. Once you’ve bit- avoid the ma- of these
ten your victims’ necks, they trans- niacal stabbings games have
mute into zombies and you can of Mr. Myers violent
send your new legion of the dead who seems to themes, the
to exact revenge on the stake- supernaturally graphics are
wielding police. For a good old- (illogically) pop out of Dracula hardly what you would
fashioned thrill we recommend this nowhere. However, you call “graphic.” But
one. Just be sure to have Drac in can turn the tables and stab the Wizard was the true pioneer in
bed before dawn, ok? unwanted homicidal lunatic intruder what would later become standard
when you find the knife which lays gore in video games.
Halloween and The Texas Chain- randomly around the house. You
saw Massacre for the Atari are rewarded points for every child Ghost Manor for the Atari
VCS/2600 by Wizard Games. you deliver unharmed to the “safe VCS/2600 by Xonox.
When Wizard released these rooms.” This game at the very A few unique characteristics
games, it cre- least gets an stand out in this game. The first
ated quite a honorable thing you’ll notice is it’s one of the
stink with par- mention for “Double-Ender” cartridges put out
ents which, of the eerie mu- by Xonox. (On the other end of the
course, just sic which ac- cartridge, you’ll find a game called
made us kids companies it. “Spike’s Peak”.) Another unique
want them all trait is found in the game play. Be-
the more. In In The Texas fore playing the game, you are able
retrospect, it’s Chainsaw to choose if you would like to play
comical to try Massacre the boy or girl character. Role
and determine you get to be choosing in gaming was pretty
what the big the chainsaw much unheard of at this point.
deal was about these Halloween toting Leatherface. For The object is to rescue your
games. They both lack some reason (you had friend from the evil castle of Drac-
any real significant game play and a bad childhood, I would imagine) ula AND find your way back out
the graphics are rather bland. you chase down victims through a within a certain timeframe. This is
However, gruesome stabbings and field and when you manage to also unique since most games of
decapitations do seem to make a catch up to them, you proceed to this time period ended when you
good selling point. mangle their bodies with your reached the goal of rescuing the
Your Craftsman® damsel in distress. (I mean, what
job in power tool. exactly did happen after Mario res-
Hallow- What stands cued the girl from Donkey Kong?)
een is to in the way This game has five levels of chal-
play the between lenging fun and is appropriate for a
role of frustration scare-themed evening. However,
babysitter and the sim- when you look at the “Rainbow
and pro- ple glee of Ghost” you have to wonder what
tect some churning hu- exactly the programmer was smok-
children man torsos ing.
in a to your
large, heart’s con- Pac-Man (for various systems)
two-story tent, are Yeah, so it doesn’t make your hair
house cow skulls, stand on end. We know that. But
from the fatal Ghost Manor fences, thickets you DO get chased by ghosts! And
intentions of The ghost of Jerry Garcia attacks! and wheelchairs. that should count for something,
a knife wielding Michael Myers (not It is also imperative that you ration don’t you think?
of Austin Powers fame). You have your chainsaw’s gas for maximum
to first locate the children (who are decapitation enjoyment. You earn Happy Halloween!
hiding) and corral them into “safe 1000 points for each victim and a
rooms” at either end of the house. fresh supply of gasoline every 5000
(Why these rooms are “safe”, I’m points. Overall, this is a fun yet

Classic Gamer Magazine Fall 1999 48