Bass Masters Classic

There just aren't enough awesome side-scrolling action games for the SNES. Although Time Slip probably won't knock you off our feet, it'll do until another Contra shows up.

Slip Slidin' Away

In the year 2129, the small planet of Tirmat got caught in a temporal space time rift, sort of like a galactic washing machine on spin. Unfortunately, it's on its last rinse. The Tirmatians have their eyes on Earth and they're sending agents back through time to destroy man's ability to develop sophisticated weaponry, in the hope of scoring the best real estate deal since the colonists bought Manhattan.

Earth responds with the time-traveling Dr. Vincent Gilgamesh. The Doc wants to put an end to these illegal aliens, but you'll be hard-pressed to make that happen.

At least the Doc comes strapped. You can power his large caliber gun up to Bullet Level 4. You can also find missiles, bombs, and other incendiary devices, which you'll need to battle the barrage of bad guys-and traps that the Tirmatians use to stop you dead in your tracks. These include ft re-breathing flame-flinging archers, boulders, spiked pendulums and other various "ouch!" inducers. You chase (and are chased by) the evil ETs through an old castle, an underground cavern and even some Jurassic scenery, plus other exotic locales.

Time and Time Again

The graphics in Time Slip are adequate, but they swing hot and cold. Overall they're smooth fast-moving, but small. The boss sprites (especially 'the Knight) are large but somewhat uninspired. The backgrounds are repetitive and static, but well-illustrated.

Your ears won't take a beating, though. The music works well in this game, with heart-pounding, futuristic funk pacing the action. The laser thuds and death screeches of your opponents are basic. Some voices would have been a nice touch.

Some Like It Not

Time Slip has a split personality: Average graphics and fast action with super-hard levels and impossible-to-beat bosses. But if you like intense side-scrolling action and an incredibly tough challenge, then take a look at this game. If not, slip into a more exciting side-scrolling action/adventure game for the SNES...well, that may be a challenge, too.

Great graphics, stimulating gameplay and just a bunch of overall fun make this a must-have far any game library. Grab a six-pack of your favorite brew (we recommend beer, but then we always recommend beer) and set out to bag the Big One!

Great graphics, stimulating gameplay and just a bunch of overall fun make this a must-have far any game library. Grab a six-pack of your favorite brew (we recommend beer, but then we always recommend beer) and set out to bag the Big One!

Great graphics, simulating gameplay and just a bunch of overall fun make this a must-have for any game library. Grab a six-pack of your favorite brew (we recommend beer, but then we always recommend beer) and set out to bag the Big One!

Everyone wants to hang the "Gone Fishin'" sign on their door once in a while. With Bass Masters Classic, you can go fishin' whenever you want. And guess what? It's just as boring and lifeless as when you really fish.

Bass-anova

You must compete in a series of local, state, and regional bass tournaments to make it to the Classic, the big fish of the bass world. To compete, you must catch the heaviest totals, which means you have to fish until your line breaks... if your attention span can last that long.

With a practice pond and a very helpful bait shop, you can load up on lures, motors, fishing lines, reels, and rods. You get advice for every piece of equipment, so you're never left with your bass on the line.

Fish Sticks

The graphics are as muddy as the bottom of a pond. Although the three types of fish (trout, bass, and pike) are easily distinguishable, you don't win a real graphic reward for the tons of hang- time you spend fishing.

The music is so down home, all you're missing is your bloodhound. You'll also enjoy the numerous minor sonic treats, like the plunk of your lure and the ridiculous chomping sound the fish make when they bite the lure.

The control is limited to two buttons that you use to just reel in the fish. Handling the lure box is also very simple.

Fished Out

Bass Masters Classic is for real fisherpeople, no one else. If you're looking for a mellow way to spend an evening, rent a fishing video.

Feel you are a hardcore Fisherman; then try your skills at Bass Masters Classic Pro Edition. Released in 1995 by gaming group Malibu and by Black Pearl, this dual mode game contains real fishing companies like Ranger Boats, Evinrude Motors, and many more. The dual mode option allows you to fish as an inexperienced Fisherman or choose to be a Bass Master such as Tom Mann Jr. and Hank Parker. After you have made your mind up as to which mode you will test your skills at, you will then venture to the Bait and Tackle shop, where you have a variety of fishing equipment to purchase. Next, test your skills in the Practice Pond or enjoy your fishing experience in the tournament challenge. Take your boat to the spot you think is the best place to make your catch, then toss your fishing line out and watch the overhead camera go to an underwater view. Tease the fish into grabbing the fishing lure, and then reel in the fish in this skill building Pro Edition.