In the latest revival of classic console games, the Rocket Knight Adventures: Re-Sparked Collection takes players on a nostalgic journey with the beloved opossum knight, Sparkster. Developed by Limited Run Games and published by Konami, this collection brings together three fondly remembered side-scrolling adventures, reintroducing them with a few modern enhancements and additional features.
The collection includes Rocket Knight Adventures and Sparkster: Rocket Knight Adventures 2 for the SEGA Genesis/Mega Drive, as well as and Sparkster for the Super NES – a version of the sequel that launched on SEGA’s console. The 2010 reboot isn’t included here, which we feel is a missed opportunity because that PS3/X360 era title isn’t available for modern systems. As a result, this is a 16-bit collection, where each game follows Sparkster as he battles against an army of robots and pigs to save a princess. The narratives are straightforward but engaging, with each installment offering its own twist on the ongoing battle between good and evil. The charm of Sparkster and his adventures remains intact here, and retro platforming enthusiasts will enjoy what’s on offer.
The gameplay in Rocket Knight Adventures: Re-Sparked Collection is a testament to the enduring appeal of classic 2D platformers. The original Rocket Knight Adventures stands out with its challenging yet rewarding gameplay, where the rocket pack mechanic adds a unique layer of strategy and fun. The sequel, Sparkster: Rocket Knight Adventures 2, offers two distinct versions for the Genesis and the Super NES, with small differences between them. The Genesis version, for example, features tighter controls, while the Super NES version has slightly smoother animations. Both versions provide a solid action-platforming experience though, and keep the player engaged with varied level designs and enemy encounters.
The controls in all three games are responsive and precise, which is crucial for navigating the intricate levels and defeating enemies. The collection also introduces modern enhancements that we’ve seen in other emulation packages, like a rewind feature that allows players to correct mistakes instantly. There’s also a save state function, which makes it easier to pick up and play without losing progress. These additions are particularly helpful for players unfamiliar with the higher difficulty of retro games, though we wish there had also been an option to remap buttons.
Visually, Rocket Knight Adventures: Re-Sparked Collection retains the charm of the original pixel art, enhanced with options such as CRT filters and various screen ratios to cater to different preferences. The Museum mode is a nice touch, offering scans of original box art, manuals, and advertisements, along with design documents and videos that provide a nostalgic trip down memory lane. The Music Player feature allows players to enjoy the soundtracks from all three games, further enhancing the nostalgic experience. The audio design remains faithful to the original, with the iconic sound effects and music tracks that fans will remember fondly – though the lack of the 2010 title keeps this from being a full “anthology” release in terms of museum content. The Boss Rush mode is another notable feature we should mention, allowing players to jump straight into the game’s boss fights, offering a quick and intense gameplay experience without the need to progress through entire levels.
Ultimately, the Rocket Knight Adventures: Re-Sparked Collection successfully revitalizes three classic games with its blend of nostalgia and modern convenience, though it doesn’t pull out all the stops. The collection benefits from a few useful enhancements and additional content that respect the legacy of the original titles, and it’s a polished and enjoyable collection that will appeal to both veterans of the series and platformer fans alike – it just could have been slightly more than that.
Score: 7.5/10
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