Wolfchild Longplay (Sega Mega CD) [60 FPS]

Developed by Core Design and published by JVC in 1993.

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With the advent of CD-ROM technology, it became apparent that they would be the future of media distribution thanks to low production cost and high capacity. Now in the hands of developers, the wondered how to fill the extra space available to them.

Perhaps one of the most immediate benefits was the inclusion of fully mastered, digital audio recordings that were seemed like a revolution having spent so many years listening to the blippy bloops emanating from computer sound chips.

Released on the oft maligned Mega CD platform, Wolfchild is a prime example of what developers were starting to serve up now that CD-ROM was available. The game is practically identical to every other version, but the inclusion of "proper" music is what makes this version stand out.

Unlike the other console releases, the Mega CD includes and expands on the animated introduction from the Amiga version, although the ending remains the same.

I'm also happy to say that the Sega version of the game is big improvement over the SNES and vanilla Mega Drive releases; it feels looks and plays like the Amiga version but benefits from bigger, redesigned levels. As much as I am an advocate of the Amiga, I'm tempted to say that of all versions of the game, this could be considered the definitive one.

I was pleased to see that the the full range of enemies returned for this version and Core even added a new monster that can be seen hanging from the trees during level two. The enemies are smarter and more aggressive than the SNES version, which brings it in line with the Amiga version and made it much more fun to play.

The colour palette used in this version is much more in keeping with the Amiga version and does away with some of the slightly garish primary colours used in the SNES version. I loved Simon Phipps' artwork from the original and I'm very glad to see the style maintained here.

One update over the MD version that makes a big update to the gameplay is the ability to fire two of the basic psychic claw shots instead of one. This makes a big difference to the elevator sections on stage 4 (which are still way too difficult) and means I didn't have to waste all my smart bombs on the jet pack terrorists.

Top marks to Core for releasing an expanded version of the game, adding some great music and keeping the overall feeling from the original Amiga release.
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