Bishoujo Senshi Sailor Moon R (Pretty Soldier Sailor Moon) Game by (Angel) Reviewed by (Tuxedo Mask) (tanooki@flash.net) (http://nwjb.vintagegaming.com) Size: (262KB) Save: (Password) Released: (1994) Works with: (Original Gameboy) **************************************************************************** Opening Snide Remarks: Nothing to snide here, I'm a Sailor Moon fan as the nick I use gives away, and unlike the first game which I also reviewed, this game does not blow. Sailor Moon R if you hadn't guessed from the title is based on the second season of the Sailor Moon series on TV. In this saga Sailor Moon and the other Senshi have to protect the present and future from the Dark Moon Family which is no small task as they are bad to the core. Or are they? **************************************************************************** Gameplay Descripion: The gameplay of this game is excellent and has so many options to choose from. Beyond the modes that were avaliable in the first of the Sailor Moon Gameboy games this also gives you some new choices. For starters beyond allowing the normal story mode, you can just play the action levels if you desire. There is also a neat new feature in the game where you can take part in 6 mini games. The Mini games in clockwise order are: Sailor V Game, Card Game(Hi/Low), Sliding Tile Game, Grandpa(Forutune Telling), Memory Match Game, and a Sailor Moon Quiz. And a very welcome new feature to this game which was needed in the last is the continue feature. This will be needed as this game is longer than the first with five stages and then a final battle with Prince Diamond. Unlike in the first of the two Sailor Moon Gameboy adventures you get to use the different Sailor Senshi throughout each of the sections of the game. Also if you choose to play the games action areas only you can choose any of the five Senshi to use. Liked: The game design is great and all the added features add much to this game in replay value to say the least. Hated: Nothing really, just wish I could read it all. **************************************************************************** Graphics Description: The graphics in this game are much improved over the last in respect mainly to the action areas. The story mode of the game looks fairly similar to the first which is excellent in my opinion and even the great stills have returned with even higher detail. In the action areas finally they did something right. These areas are now much better detailed than before and not so obviously detailed. The depth and quality of the graphics are much more detailed than before and the levels seem to just pop out right from the Sailor Moon R series on TV. Liked: The depth that was done on graphics to retain the feel of the series on TV and recreate it on the small screen. Hated: A few things here and there could have been a little better detailed. **************************************************************************** Sound/Music Description: The sound in this game like the last is very good, actually it's excellent compared to the first as it has improved upon it. Not only has the sound been improved upon quite a bit from the first but so has the music. The tunes I believe at least in part are from the series at least as background music. The title theme from Sailor Moon R has also been captured very well on this game pack which is a nice welcome start to this game as it pops up. Liked: Liked all the music and sound effects pretty much. Hated: Nothing, but there's always a little room for sound improvements. **************************************************************************** Play Control/Game Design: The play control in the story mode and action sequences of this game flow very well. Around and about in the city the controls are responsive and do what is needed to get the job done as you go around and try to have the story unfold. In the action areas of the game the Senshi you are controlling respond quite well with their jumps and their magical attacks either on the ground or in the air. Little moving objects such as elevators in the construction area really do add to the control of the game as well. The levels are designed quite well and follow the story of the Sailor Moon R series on TV. Liked: The control was done well and responds to the needs of the player in both the story and action areas of the game. Hated: Not much, in the action area it could have been a bit smoother. **************************************************************************** Improve: I'd work on the control just a bit more in the action areas, but other than that this game was done really well. I would though suggest that if another was made to add maybe a transformation sequence in and some voice samples too. RIYL: If you like this you can try the original Sailor Moon for Gameboy, but it's not much to look at nor play. If you can get it from a friend or cheap pick that up, but otherwise just try and find another anime game like it. **************************************************************************** Final Words: Finally Angel pretty much got it right and this game is a sure fire buy if you are Sailor Moon fan, or even an anime fan in general. The options allowed to you are many and its a good play surely more than just one time like some games. I hope a new game is made for Gameboy Color on the third series, though maybe an action game or fighter instead of this format again. **************************************************************************** Score Gameplay: 4 1/2 of 5 stars Graphics: 4 of 5 stars Sound/Music: 4 1/2 of 5 stars Play Control/Game Design: 4 of 5 stars Personal Opinion: 5 of 5 stars Total: (22) Final Score: 88% **************************************************************************** Currently Known Codes: (NONE)