Teddy Boy
System: SMS
Release Date: September 1986
Developer: Sega
Publisher: Sega
Genre: Action
I wasn’t expecting much from Teddy Boy for Sega Master System, but much to my surprise, I was given more. This launch title was a port of a popular arcade game. Teddy Boy was apparently a vehicle to help get over Japanese pop star Yohko Ishino in Japan, but the music was changed for the international releases.
Teddy Boy is an action game that is novel for its use of level design. The level wraps around on itself in all four directions. The screen scrolls, too making each level seamless. This makes for interesting navigation as you get your bearings in order to get to your enemies.
In each level is a number of loaded dice that eject enemies, who seek to destroy you. The number on the dice is how many more enemies will be ejected from it. Luckily, Teddy Boy is equipped with a Microgun, which shrinks enemies down to kickable size when shot. To conquer each level, you must shoot and kick every enemy. If you take too long to kick the shrunken enemy, it turns into an eyeball bug, which snacks on the level timer.
The enemies come in a variety, the plain blue masked monster, he looks like a person and runs and jumps after Teddy Boy. Dharman typically flies out in a swarm and flies through the air in diagonal fashion to get you. The Oshishi that has a powerful jump. Denden, which is protected from back shots by its shell. The Imorin, which is a sluglike guy that crawls on the walls and ceiling. There are more enemies that I didn’t reach, as well.
After a few rounds, you find yourself in a bonus level. There are platforms with a ton of dice that you shoot. You earn points for every bonus item you uncover. Also in the dice are eyeball bugs and Dendens. The level ends and you lose your bonus if you touch a Denden. You need the timer to run all the way down to get your points.
Graphics: 2.0
The backgrounds are just solid colors, but Teddy Boy and the enemies look neat and are well animated.
Sound: 1.5
The looped song is ok. The sound effects are bare. It’s not a hindrance.
Gameplay: 2.5
I didn’t think I was going to care for the gameplay, but then I got into it and was enjoying the gameplay loop.
Difficulty: 3.0
It can be tough to get the patterns at first and understand the level scrolling, but once you get in the zone, it’s challenging.
Fun Factor: 3.0
I thought it was a pretty satisfying play. I would go back to it in my spare time.
Overall Grade: 2.4
Teddy Boy earns a C+. I didn’t expect it to work like it does, but was much happier than I thought I would be.