Mig-29 Soviet Fighter
System: NES
Release Date: September 1991
Developer: Codemasters
Publisher: Camerica
Genre: Shoot ‘em up
Comrade, it is up to you to save the world in Mig-29 Soviet Fighter! It’s quite often we play as someone from the West during the Cold War, but occasionally you get to play as a Soviet, and this is one of those times. The sinister Colonel Crackov and his World Terrorist Army are seeking to destroy both the East and the West and reimagine the world in his own image. Do you have what it takes to stop this madman in his tracks?
You take control of the titular Mig-29 in six missions to save all of humanity. If you pop this in, there are two modes of play in your future. First, you have a behind the back shoot ‘em up. You’re flying along in a surprisingly smooth level when planes appear on the horizon and you need to line yourself up to blast them. Otherwise, they come forward and launch missiles at you while also seeking to smash into you. Get clipped and you die. If you have spare planes you come back and are invincible for a moment, but it’s not helpful.
I died so many times learning the patterns on just the first level. It wouldn’t be that bad, but missiles occasionally appear from ground enemies that you can’t do anything about. Later levels intensify this problem and constantly barrage you in ways that will kill you. I wouldn’t have seen past the third mission without time travel. You are constantly running your fuel down and when you get low are sent to a refueling plane. This is super easy, though, you just have to lock onto the swinging cord to replenish your fuel and get an upgrade to your weapons.
There are three weapon upgrades from the default shot. There’s a twister, triple shot, and then combo shot. They increase in utility as you gain them. You can switch among these with the B Button and you’ll lose your highest level upgrade if you die. There are bosses you have to fight during your flight. I liked using the default weapon or the triple shot on these guys the best as the range seemed to be a bit farther. Having to dodge the little projectiles that are sent out from the enemy plane is difficult, but doable.
Killing these typically sends you on to the Close Combat portion. This is a typical vertical scrolling shoot ‘em up, but very plain and stripped down. There are a few flying enemies and a lot of ground fortifications. You need to be very careful about the missile launchers, as those bad boys are heat seeking. Occasionally, there is an Ultra Close Combat mode, where you need to target a certain enemy and kill them. This is easy enough as keeping a target on them for a moment in order to win. Then all you need to do is land your plane and you’ve won.
Graphics: 2.0
This is surprisingly smooth scrolling compared to other things I’ve seen from Codemasters.
Sound: 1.5
The sound font is uniquely Codemasters. I don’t like it, but I respect how they handle their rig.
Gameplay: 2.0
You’ve got a standard behind the back shooter and a less than average vertical scrolling shoot ‘em up.
Difficulty: 1.0
The missiles come out of nowhere and will murder you. There are no continues.
Fun Factor: 1.0
I didn’t enjoy this one very much at all.
Overall Rating: 1.5
Mig-29 Soviet Fighter earns a C-. This could have used a lot more gameplay polish, but at least it’s playable.