Marvel Land
System: Genesis
Release Date: October 1991
Developer: TOSE
Publisher: Namco
Genre: Action
Save the kingdom from the evil King Mole in Marvel Land! King Coni’s land is basically a big amusement park. A group of fairies have been charged with protecting the citizens and Princess Wondra is their overseer. As the king passes away, the evil Mole amasses an army and takes over Marvel Land! You are the last scion of King Coni, Prince Talmit. You must go through all four sections of Marvel Land to free the fairies and the princess. Can you get through it?
First things first, oh boy are these controls floaty. Like I have a lot of problems with the controls. The only thing you are guaranteed able to do is jump. You can’t always attack. Of course you can kill most enemies by jumping on them. Note, most enemies. Which ones can’t you kill by jumping on them? You’ll find out through trial and error!
Levels aren’t particularly long, but each section has up to 7 areas. You can make your way to the end of each level, but sometimes you’ll find doors that warp you ahead. Or, if you’re unlucky, back to a previous section. These infuriated me and after it happened the first time, I resorted to time travel if when it happened again. Momentum is an important tactic to learn as you move through the levels.
Each area of the park has its own gimmick, but it doesn’t change the gameplay up at all. You’ll be jumping platforms, avoiding enemies, and collecting some items. One item gives you the ability to attack, but every time you connect it gets weaker. Another gives you wings and allows you to jump really high and flap down softly. The wings only last for so long, though, so get through the area you need them for quickly.
The final battle of each area is against one of King Mole’s henchmen. It’s not a traditional boss battle that you’re taking part in. Instead, it’s a mini game. First is a game of rock, paper, scissors. If you randomly win, you need to attack with a face button and if you lose you need to defend with the d-pad. The second boss requires you to fill up a balloon by finding the right pump. The third boss has you matching a card from a batch of sixteen. The final boss is a game of whack-a-mole. Beating King Mole allows you to save the Princess. Yay!
Graphics: 2.0
Everything looks alright, but it’s really pixelated.
Sound: 1.5
I can’t say I really liked the music and sounds, but they were okay.
Gameplay: 1.0
The controls are floaty, the enemies are placed in ways that kind of suck, and the lack of attacking ability is annoying.
Difficulty: 2.0
There are a lot of extra lives to be had, at least.
Fun Factor: 1.5
I guess it’s almost competent, but not very fun.
Overall Rating: 1.6
Marvel Land earns a C-. I didn’t really like this one and I don’t recommend it… unless you like badly designed platformers.