This is Review Crew, the MetaCritic for classic game magazines. In each episode we'll get to the bottom of what critics thought of classic games at the time. Did they pan your favorite game? Did they love something terrible? Find out every
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Today we're taking a look at Shaq Fu for the Sega Genesis. This game was originally released in 1994 and has a reputation for being
one of the worst games of all time. But is it that bad? I certainly didn't think so
when I gave it a B-. Do the critics agree with me or everybody else? Let's dig through the pages of Electronic Gaming Monthly, GamePro and Next Generation to find out what critics thought of Shaq Fu!
WHAT DID THE CRITICS SAY?
(NOTE: Each game featured in Review Crew must have at least seven unique reviews, including a score. Not every review is listed below, as we've selected only a handful to represent the consensus. Still confused? Check out
the Review Crew introduction video.)
GENSIS VERSION
ELECTRONIC GAMING MONTHLY (Issue #59)
"Shadowrun incorporates action with RPG role- playing strategies. This one is pretty engrossing with excellent overhead action sequences, and plenty of areas to explore. Fans of the role-playing system will definitely want this." -Ed
(9 out of 10)
GAMEPRO (July 1994)
"RPG fans can rejoice, because Shadowrun for the Genesis plays more like a traditional RPG than its SNES counterpart. If you like that kind of methodic character development and consistent gameplay, then this is for you. Or if you're tired of seeing knights, castles and dungeons, then walk to the seamy side of the city and run with these Shadows." -Lawrence of Arcadia
(4 out of 5)
MEAN MACHINES SEGA (Issue #20)
"The greatest problem with Shadowrun is that it is so hard to become an accomplished 'Runner. It takes absolutely ages and performing the menial tasks required soon gets more than a little dull. This is in direct contradiction to the scenario and game world, though. Shadowrun's world is a bleak and dingy place where danger lurks around every corner, and the game's small graphics convey this perfectly. A little more excitement would have made Shadowrun a Cyberpunk classic, but this is more Bland Runner than Blade Runner." -Steve
(83% out of 100)
SUPER NES VERSION
GAMEPRO (April 1993)
"Shadowrun is a very entertaining and fairly addictive RPG. Since you start out just as much in the dark (no pun intended) as your main character, you'll enjoy solving the mysteries and weaving through the intricate plot twists. There's enough adventure and challenge here for any die- hard RPG fan. You leave this game with the sneaking suspicion that you're being follow." -Scary Larry
(5 out of 5)
DIE HARD GAME FAN (June 1993)
"An action RPG with a dark side! Shadowrun is an involving and graphically pleasing journey with a mobid twist. Data East has created a unique new type of action role-playing that should attract thousands of the new over-20 gamers. Good job!" -Skid
(89% out of 100)
SUPER PLAY (Issue #10)
Seattle, 2050. The Government has collapsed, corrupt conglomerates dominate the commercial sector, and the bad news: you've just been murdered by a gang of thugs. If you can cope with the size and cerebral nature of the puzzles, then Shadowrun is a very playable and enjoyable game." -Andy Lowe
(85% out of 100)
ELECTRONIC GAMING MONTHLY (Issue #45)
"Although the story moves quite slow, I was able to appreciate the detail built into this RPG. While the graphics were only average, this is typical of this gengre. I had hoped that the sounds would have been better but the quest is the most important part of the game and Data East did a good job in delivering the goods." -Steve
(6 out of 10)
