GameGear ~ Cutthroat Island Review

Overview

Cutthroat Island the movie holds the Guinness world record for the biggest loss made in the movies. In other words, the movie was all a big show off pirates spoof, but with little else to back up its ambitious nature and name.

Gameplay

At first impressions, this game looks very fun. We are introduced to a very pirates-like atmosphere of a storyline set in the 17th century, with the promise of a swash buckling adventure in the Caribbean; just like the movie. When you first take control of your character "Morgan Adams" you find that you can use a sword with skill and also kick with style. It is also quite fun to move your character around with those jumps, slides etc. However, this game falls short of being something that had the potential to be very good; like the movie. Gameplay is very limited and as you progress through the levels collecting your treasure maps, it becomes very boring. Most of the time you'll just be fighting an enemy, one by one, one after the other. Yes, it may be fun at first, but after killing so many guys, it all becomes pointless. For a handheld game that demands an economy-like style gameplay, this game falls short in that area.

5.5 out of 10

Graphics

The menu screen looks excellent for a GameGear game. The animations are excellent too, looking somewhat realistic. However, the people onscreen don't seem to have faces, just a big peach blob.

4.5 out of 5

Sound and Music

Most of the music sounds good, but some highly depressing and repetitive tunes ruin it a bit. The sounds for a handheld are quite good, suiting the pirates theme quite well.

4 out of 5

Game Design

Nothing too special about most of the levels. Mostly just a basic left to right movement on the ground.

Those multi platform levels do however provide a neat challenge to everyone.

3.5 out of 5

Longevity

When I completed the first island, I was already bored to death after playing for just over half an hour straight. When I found out there was yet another island to go through, a weight of a treasure chest came plummeting down onto me. With no save function, compelled with boring gameplay, I found it hard how the average gamer can pull through the entire game in one sitting.

2 out of 5

Conclusion

Yes, Cutthroat Island the game for the Sega GameGear is like the movie itself. A put up of a razzle dazzle in your face pirates adventure with huge expectations, but failed to deliver the goods. Anyone wanna take a plundrin trip to the waters of Maddagascar?

For: boring after a while, excellent animations and graphics, pretty good sound and music, fun to control, some levels provide a good challenge, like the movie.

Against: boring gameplay, only one on one fights, no faces, some depressing and repetitive tunes, poor longevity, like the movie.

Platform: Sega GameGear

Genre: Action, Platformer

Producer: Software Creations

Year: 1995

Runs on: Meka and most other GameGear emulators

Scoring Summary

Gameplay: 5.5 out of 10

Graphics: 4.5 out of 5

Sound and Music:

4 out of 5

Game Design:

3.5 out of 5

Longevity: 2 out of 5

Total: 19.5 out of 30

Overall:

65%

~Reviewed by Twirl