Tiger Road (TG-16)

Tiger Road Box Art

Tiger Road

System: TG-16

Release Date: October 1990

Developer: Advance Communication Company

Publisher: NEC

Genre: Action

Show how your kung fu is better than all other kung fu in Tiger Road! You are Lee Wong, master of the Oh-Lin boxing technique. During your travels, the master of Dragon God boxing came through town and abducted all the children. The first rescue attempt failed miserably, but now that you’re back, you’re the only one who can save the day.

This action platformer has you running to the right and jumping with Button I. Instead of punching things, as master of a punching martial art, you have one of three weapons. The sickle, which looks more like an ax, attacks in an arc. The sword stabs forward and is quick to attack with. The morningstar is a slightly longer range weapon, but isn’t as fast. I didn’t have a favorite weapon, with each being less than friendly to wield. But I did earn the ability to throw tiger spirits at high health.

Up to three enemies can be on a screen at once. They spawn each time you trip their pixel. You have to take them out or they will attack without remorse. Enemy placements are just rude, forcing you to stop where those trip lines are. These knights are just straight up jerks, some dying and others regenerating immediately. The swordsmen outreach me as they jump on screen and are therefore annoying. Occasionally, enemies will drop items. Some give you points, while others can help by restoring health. Don’t get the yellow potion, it steals your life. Just jump over these bad boys.

Stages have a bit of variety to them. There are straight forward levels. There are mazes where you need to jump platforms. There are flying stages where you have to avoid obstacles. There are bonus rounds that require you to mash the button to chop the candle down or beat off 50 monks without getting hit. There are bosses, too. The boss of stage two boss hits HARD! I couldn’t figure out the boss of level three and gave up after awhile.

Graphics: 1.5

Graphics are average at best. Sprites aren’t very crisp or animated very fluidly.

Sound: 1.0

The music and sound effects aren’t pleasing.

Gameplay: 1.5

The design of levels and enemies aren’t balanced well, making the gameplay unsatisfying.

Difficulty: 1.0

Only three continues and enemies want to swarm you constantly.

Fun Factor: 1.0

I didn’t enjoy my time on Tiger Road very much at all.

Overall Rating: 1.2

Tiger Road earns a D+. This adventure wasn’t a very fun time and I don’t recommend it.

Tiger Road Video Review on YouTube