To all my esteemed readers, I present to you the SwitchArcade Round-Up for the eleventh of June, 2024. The one new release we have today is top-notch. The quality is so high that I am prepared to write a review.
The relevant title is Rocket Knight Adventures: Re-Sparked, which resurrects a handful of 16-bit classics for the benefit of all the decent kids out there who adore those games. The only things left after reviewing the game are the lists of current and past sales. Still, today you can find some great new sales. Shall we begin?
Reviews and Quick Takes
R-Sparked: Rocket Knight Adventures ($29.99)
The Limited Run Games Carbon Engine titles haven’t really wowed me, to be honest. Unusual problems have arisen on occasion with the emulation. There hasn’t been a plethora of customisation possibilities or standard features. Because of the overuse of the generic user interface, new products seem like they were mass-produced. Most releases utilising the Carbon Engine have seemed somewhat average and laborious, more Ratalaika than M2, despite all the boasting about it from LRG’s camp.
I was a little worried about Rocket Knight Adventures because of that: Awakened again. Rocket Knight Adventures deserves better than Bill & Ted or Felix the Cat shoved into generic hot dog packaging, in my opinion. M2, Hamster, and Digital Eclipse were among the Switch developers that worked on previous Konami collections. What a letdown to see that this package was going to be a Carbon Engine release; I was hoping for nothing less than the finest.
At least Limited Run deserves some credit for this. I feel like this collection is getting a bit more juice than before. This is not your run-of-the-mill menu; it’s a delightful custom job with an animated introduction. This is where we may launch any of the three games that came with it: Sparkster: Rocket Knight Adventures 2 (SEGA Genesis/Mega Drive), Sparkster (Super NES), and Rocket Knight Adventures (SEGA Genesis/Mega Drive).
There’s a Museum area where you can find films, design documents, and scans of the game boxes, manuals, and advertisements. You may also listen to the music from all three games using the included music player. An adorable bonus is the Boss Rush option, which is available in each game instead of the regular game mode.
These parameters are standard for Carbon Engine in-game. Unlike in earlier versions, this one actually works when you press the rewind button. Although there is only one save state each game, you are free to save whenever you choose. A variety of screen sizes and aspect ratios are available, and you have the option to activate a CRT filter.
To round off the presentation with a variety of Rocket Knight artwork, you may pick from multiple borders. My guess is that the Super NES game’s Boost Mode makes the frame rate run more smoothly. I can only speculate because it doesn’t specify its function. That concludes everything! Fine, the only thing that’s lacking is control remapping.
From what I can see, the emulation is working well here. If there are any problems, I failed to detect them. Okay, I see. Now we’re down to the games, and what a terrific trio they make. Out of all the games, Rocket Knight Adventures stands head and shoulders above the rest. The game’s presentation is superb, the rocket pack is a fun gag, and the controls are excellent, but it’s not easy. Rocket Knight Adventures is the epitome of Konami’s imaginative prowess during that time.
In what was probably an effort to sell more than two copies in Japan, Konami chose to release Rocket Knight 2 on both the Super NES and the SEGA Genesis/Mega Drive. I take it we’re playing the same game here twice, huh? A few more hues for the Super NES, maybe, and less cropping for the Mega Drive.
No, Konami’s wacky developers took advantage of each platform in their own unique way and created two separate games. Both are excellent, but the Super NES version is head and shoulders above the Mega Drive one in my book. Really, though, you won’t regret your time spent playing either of these action games. There are three excellent games in one collection, and they’re all unique.
As far as improvements to Rocket Knight Adventures: Re-Sparked go, the only things that come to mind are the inclusion of the mediocre 2010 Rocket Knight and the addition of additional save states.
Anyone familiar with the games may confidently pick up this package and enjoy reliving their fond memories. If you’re a fan of 2D platformers and have never played any of these games before, I highly recommend this bundle. For Sparkster fans and aspiring fans alike, I’m relieved that everything worked out.
Choose Recent Arrivals
R-Sparked: Rocket Knight Adventures ($29.99)
When you see those “Hidden Gems” lists floating around, chances are good that Genesis/Mega Drive games like Rocket Knight Adventures are on them. Quite rightly, too! It has all the polish and charisma of an era Konami game, plus some new mechanics, and it’s a great action platformer.
This compilation features not just the original game but also its two sequels, Sparkster for the Super NES and Sparkster for the SEGA Genesis/Mega Drive, both developed and published by Limited Run Games using their Carbon Engine. Just a few additions, nothing too extravagant. Nonetheless, this is a surefire method to play these fantastic games if you’ve been intending to.