Master System vs Mega Drive: Chuck Rock

 

Game: Chuck Rock
Console: Sega Mega Drive
Developer: Core Design Limited
Release Date: 1992

Originally a game for the Atari ST and Commodore Amiga, Chuck Rock found its way onto at least 7 other consoles including the SNES, Game Boy, Mega Drive and Master System. Today I'll be looking at and comparing the Mega Drive and Master System ports of the game. As the game is best known on 16-bit consoles I'll begin with the Mega Drive version of the game.

The story (explained in the game's manual rather than in the game itself) is that Chuck's girlfriend has been kidnapped by Gary Gritter, a dinosaur and his mission is to make his way through 5 levels (14 stages, with 5 bosses) filled with dinosaurs, rocks and other hazards to save her. The levels aren't particularly long and it's the challenging difficulty of the game that adds replayability rather than its length or any variety.

Controlwise the game is very simple as the B button is used to attack via a belly thrust, and the C button is used to jump. Jumping before attacking results in a flying kick, which can knock airborne enemies out of the air. There are a few puzzles which need to be solved in order to progress, but they're pretty simple in concept, mostly involving picking up and putting down rocks in the correct places in order to cross dangerous terrain or get higher up in the level. 

While the 5 levels are individually themed, there's not too much variety between them; prehistoric caves aren't all that different to prehistoric plains. The enemies that appear however, are pretty varied with different types in each level as well as some allies that guide Chuck through more difficult parts. Power-ups are scattered throughout levels offering score bonuses and health to Chuck, who has a 5 hit barrier before losing a life. 

Graphically the game is very impressive, with bright cartoonish colours and characters in front of interesting and scrolling backgrounds. Although the levels aren't particularly varied in theme, the overall themeing of the game is consistent and pleasing. Musically the game features a rock orientated soundtrack (somewhat of a pun on the game's name), which is enjoyable if a little ill-fitting with the prehistoric theme of the game.

Overall Chuck Rock is a short, but enjoyable platforming game with a novel theme and simple, tight controls. Things can get a little difficult at times, especially in the latter stages but this at least elongates the game somewhat as players only get one continue. Compared to other Mega Drive games, Chuck Rock falls somewhere in the middle of the road in terms of fun and complexity but has some great visuals and rockin' music.

Rating: 71/100 (Mega Drive version)

Grade: C

Game: Chuck Rock
Console: Sega Master System
Developer: Virgin Interactive
Release Date: 1992

The Master System version of Chuck Rock is an excellent conversion of the Mega Drive game featuring all of the levels and layouts. The controls are just as tight as the other version and unlike many other conversions of Mega Drive games, it's just as playable on Master System. Gameplaywise there's almost no difference between the two versions, and players who've played this don't really need to try the other ports.

Graphically of course there's some shortcomings, and the cartoon look is somewhat lost with the 8-bit graphics and some changes have had to be made to fit the game onto a Master System cartridge. Another of these changes is the removal of all but the title music. There are some sound effects behind gameplay, but no "Unga Bunga!" to start levels, and definitely no music to accompany Chuck's journey which is a shame.

Nonetheless this is an entirely playable conversion of the game which allowed Master System owners to enjoy all of the fun of Chuck Rock without needing to own a Mega Drive, which was a rare treat considering some of the other watered down versions of 16-bit games.

Rating: 65/100 (Master System version)
Grade: C