Electronic Gaming Monthly's Top 39 Atari Lynx Games

Super Off-Road (Lynx)

#39

"There isn't a whole lot to say about Super Off-Road. The only thing that comes to mind is how badly it suffers from poor gameplay. It's so riddled with choppy scrolling and animation that it hampers your ability to control steering. Using the nitros only makes it worse. And once you fail to place in the first race, it's hard to be competitive since you didn't earn any prize money to upgrade your truck. It's for hardcore fans." (3.75 out of 10)

Basketbrawl (Lynx)

#38

"A great idea that is poorly put together. Basketbrawl holds the premise of great basketball action as well as street fighting overtones. In the end, the cart fails to achieve high ratings for either, instead endin gup as a choppy sports game that can't make up its mind what it wants to be or how the fighting should impact on play." (4.25 out of 10)

Robo Squash (Lynx)

#37

"Robo Squash is the first disappointing game I've played on the Lynx. It's just 3D Breakout. I can't stand the way the ball splats against the screen blocking your view of the court. The game just doesn't have any outstanding features for being on such an outstanding system." (4.5 out of 10)

Desert Strike (Lynx)

#36

"I just couldn't get into this game. I found the control awkward and hard to get used to. The graphics were unimpressive and to top it off, your assault on the enemy is hindered because it was very difficult to see your shots. I will say that the helicopter animation is very smooth and the sound is OK if you can handle portable sound. The many missions are nice, prolong its play value. Otherwise, this just isn't my thing." (4.75 out of 10)

Malibu Bikini Volleyball (Lynx)

#35

"Malibu Bikini Volleyball has very good graphics, but its main failing is its gameplay. Trying to hit the ball is quite a task, and you will probably end up missing it most of the time. There are plenty of options including a four-player mode." (4.8 out of 10)

Zarlor Mercenary (Lynx)

#34

"Where's the action? I prefer fast moving games and that's why I have a Lynx, but this game just can't get out of first gear. Everything else is perfect and the multi-player option is cool. I just don't get many chances to get other players to join in so this feature has limited value." (5 out of 10)

NFL Football (Lynx)

#33

"Ouch! What should have been a seven or an eight barely scores a field goal. The choppy graphics really make this intense game hard to follow. If the graphics can be smoothed out, and the animations refined, we might see it a really jammin' sequel on the horizon. Until then, I'll wait for baseball season." (5.25 out of 10)

Xybots (Lynx)

#32

"This is a very good version of Xybots, but I have to start this review by saying I was never really impressed by Xybots in the arcade. As far as the Lynx translation goes, the graphics are crisp, the interaction is good and the overall scope has been captured well. But a good copy of a bad game just doesn't cut it for me." (5.75 out of 10)

The Guardians: Storm Over Doria (Lynx)

#31

"This game is really a first-generation RPG, but being the only entry in the genre for the Lynx, it's not bad. The execution of some moves is a bit haphazard, but nothing a little familiarity doesn't cure. The graphics are well drawn and the quest is delivered well, but the sound and certain portions of play fall short." (5.75 out of 10)

Kung Food (Lynx)

#30

"If you are looking for a truly original game with a fresh new theme, then this is the Lynx game to get. The gameplay is quite standard and the kung-fu theme is one that has been used before, however, for the younger players who will probably buy the cart, this type of action will definitely appeal to them. Good, but not great." (5.75 out of 10)

A.P.B. (Lynx)

#29

"A.P.B. on the Lynx isn't what I expected, but it's okay. I was looking forward to some cool scrolling and scaling, but none of it was present. The music is decent, but not spectacular. The Lynx is capable of so much more! I wish I'd see more games like Ninja Gaiden or Klax." (5.75 out of 10)

Pac-Land (Lynx)

#28

"Pac-Land is an average cart with a couple cool features. The graphics are very colorful, and the sound is very annoying, but what else is new on Lynx. The game play is kind of sluggish, but once you get used to it you can enjoy the game. I think Pac-Mania on Lynx would be cooler." (6 out of 10)

Dirty Larry: Renegade Cop (Lynx)

#27

"This is one of the best looking Lynx carts that I've seen in a long time. The graphics are very detailed and the animation is top notch. The sounds support is weak as usual, but that is expected. The game play suffers from repetition and lack of technique. This could've been a hot cart, but ends up being above average at best." (6 out of 10)

Xenophobe (Lynx)

#26

"Xenophobe was a total flop on the NES. Being a fan of the arcade game, I was watching and waiting for a version which did the unique game justice. Well, here it is! The Lynx version is an excellent 4-player conversion. I like the variety of new power-ups like the jetpack. Not for those who fear everything including video games." (6 out of 10)

Blockout (Lynx)

#25

"Ah, a Tetris fan's dream ... or maybe nightmare! The 3D effect in blockout is excellent, and brings out the scaling and rotation special effects of the Atari lynx superbly. Still, it is just Tetris in another guise, so it loses a little in the originality department. Marvelous work otherwise." (6 out of 10)

Dinolympics (Lynx)

#24

"Who says that a game can't be both cute looking and fun to play? This game does both! The puzzles are not too difficult and this makes the game enjoyable for players of all ages. With very good graphics and excellent control, Dinolympics is a game that everybody will want to have. Very addicting gameplay." (6.25 out of 10)

Pit-Fighter (Lynx)

#23

"Pit Fighter has really made the rounds. Having been on virtually all systems, the Lynx version when compared to the rest actually comes out pretty good.While the animation is somewhat choppy. While the animation is somewhat choppy, the game does play fairly well. The graphics are nothing to write home about, but if you have a Lynx, this game is worth getting." (6.25 out of 10)

Steel Talons (Lynx)

#22

"Steel Talons is another attempt by a home system to replicate the look and feel of arcade hardware well beyond its capabilities. Rated against the coin-op, this game pales by comparison, but on its own, the graphics and gameplay comination presented here are OK, although not as visually expressive as the arcade." (6.25 out of 10)

Pinball Jam (Lynx)

#21

"Having two games on one card is an interesting ploy that works -- and doesn't work -- for me. The two titles on this game are both fun in a leisurely sort of way, but the only real difference between the two is the name and layout of the field. You basically get the same game, albeit an entertaining one, in two different suits." (6.5 out of 10)

Crystal Mines 2 (Lynx)

#20

"This cart doesn't have any spectacular graphics or fantastic sounds, but it does have solid gameplay and lots of techniques. The puzzles remind me of Dig Dug and has an old arcade flair to it. The password feature is cool as well and help you finish its numerous levels." (6.5 out of 10)

Todd's Adventures in Slime World (Lynx)

#19

"This game is filled with expansive worlds to explore and highly detailed graphics. Although the game isn't exactly coming at an intense pace, and the control is less than responsive. There is shooting and jumping and a lot to interact with though." (6.5 out of 10)

Rygar (Lynx)

#18

"A good action game for the Lynx, Rygar definitely is. Based on the arcade version of the game, this translation has cut some corners, but still has a good mix of combat and adventure! The music is absolutely the pits, more like chimes, but with the volume down, this game plays well." (6.5 out of 10)

Ninja Gaiden III: The Ancient Ship of Doom (Lynx)

#17

"How's this for a surprise? Ninja Gaiden III is a decent translation from the popular series. Play control is very good with precise movements. The graphics are simply brilliant on the Lynx's great screen. There are lots of hidden surprises to find and the magic really helps out in tight situations. But, alas, the characters are microscopic, making the game almost a chore to play. A rare gem, but a bit tarnished." (6.5 out of 10)

Warbirds (Lynx)

#16

"Hey, guys, it's a fun game! How about that!! The polygon graphics are cool, and the control is pretty stable. The options are tremendous, and the feeling of rushing toward your doom while in a ninety-degree dive is realistic and can cause minor heart attacks in older folks (just kidding)." (6.75 out of 10)

Hydra (Lynx)

#15

"Hydra is the newest addition to the Lynx library and it shines brilliantly. The fast action scaling effects are marvelous on the Lynx screen, sometimes leaving you breathless. The color (as always) is vibrant and clean. Definitely another winner for Atari. Keep the great games coming." (6.75 out of 10)

STUN Runner (Lynx)

#14

"If you're into the wicked visual style and action of the arcade STUN Runner, then the Lynx wn't disappoint. It's as close as you can get, although there are some areas that don't come off quite as well. If flying down a tube and wasting opponents turns you on, look no further." (6.75 out of 10)

Lemmings (Lynx)

#13

"Lemmings has always been a good strategy game, and the Lynx version continues the tradition. Some of the levels are huge, and there are lots of options like turning the music on and off and an essential password feature." (6.8 out of 10)

Lynx Casino (Lynx)

#12

"I always thought that Elvis was alive and living in Las Vegas, and this game proves it! Not much to say -- it is gambling, and all the Vegas traps are here. It is a good version as everything is readable, even on the small screen. That makes it fun to play, even if you lose money. One of the better portable gambling carts." (7 out of 10)

Joust (Lynx)

#11

"Wow! Another game from my era. Atari has done a remarkable job of recreating the feel of the original arcade title and even though you are doing the same thing level after level, the game does stay challenging as it gets more difficult to clear the level as you progress farther into the game. A great blast from the past." (7 out of 10)

Chip's Challenge (Lynx)

#10

"Chip's Challenge represents the first puzzle-type game for the Lynx. Chip's doesn't take the boring repetitive approach, however, instead introducing all kinds of themes and goals with each new level. The graphics and play are both superlative, with a good game the end result." (7 out of 10)

Gauntlet III: The Third Encounter (Lynx)

#9

"The Lynx games just keep getting better with each new release! Gauntlet III highlights the power of the Lynx beautifully, with multi-directional scrolling, first-person windows and plenty of action all taking place on-screen at once! Fantastic!" (7 out of 10)

Shadow of the Beast (Lynx)

#8

"Now this is how a portable game should be. The graphics are incredible for the little screen it's on. The gameplay is very good and the levels are laid out a little different than the original computer version. On the downside, the music is still not up to par with this so called 32-bit sound chip buried somewhere inside the Lynx." (7.25 out of 10)

Road Blasters (Lynx)

#7

"Road Blasters on the Lynx looks and plays great. The graphics are decent on the small screen and the little details are still visible. The car handles well and the game retains all the features of the arcade version built in. Lynx players won't be disappointed." (7.25 out of 10)

Rampart (Lynx)

#6

"Rampart is a great strategy game and now that it is portable, it is even more fun. Fantastic graphics, good cinemas and impressive sounds help make this a sure hit for Atari. It is very addicting and hard to put down. Even on the small screen, the game is easy to watch and worth looking into." (7.25 out of 10)

Toki (Lynx)

#5

"Go Lynx! Toki is a marvelous translation from the coin-op to the Lynx. The color is vibrant and delicious, and the control is outstanding! I really enjoyed the arcade game, and was somewhat disappointed with the Genesis version. This, however, is a true translation that even feels like the coin-op. Good job, Atari." (7.5 out of 10)

Turbo Sub (Lynx)

#4

"If this is a sample of the new Lynx games, then Atari is going to sell a lot of systems. The animation is great and the scaling ... spectacular. It's about time that the games got better. It's a fun game that controls ell. The in-and-out of water sequence is exceptionally well done." (7.75 out of 10)

Blue Lightning (Lynx)

#3

"WOW! Because of this game, I am completely impressed by the graphic capabilities of the Lynx. Probably the best first-person scrolling I've seen since After Burner in the arcades. It gets a little repetitive, but the graphics and 3D effects more than make up for it. Definitely the first-buy for the Lynx." (7.75 out of 10)

Ninja Gaiden (Lynx)

#2

"Nice job, dudes! The Ninja Gaiden coin-op never looked better! Maybe a little. Anyway, this is still a marvelous job done bringing home one of the most popular action games of all time. How they got it all into a little Atari Lynx card is beyond me. Keep 'em coming." (8 out of 10)

Klax (Lynx)

#1

"This is the best version of Klax the home market will ever see. The Lynx not only captures the vertical design of the game, but also has identical graphics, voice and sound straight out of the arcades. Klax is great on the go and never looked better!" (8.25 out of 10)