When it comes to platformers, the Sega Genesis didn’t really have that many variety. Sure there was Sonic the Hedgehog and other platformers here and there but the Genesis focused more on fighting and sport games. So it’s no surprise that when you find an obscure title like GODS, your first instinct is to try it out. Believe it or not, this game was published by ACCOLADE inc. ACCOLADE is the company responsible for creating mediocre platformers like Bubsy the Cat. So, first impression wise, this game would draw customers away. But surprisingly, this game started out as an obscure platformer on the PC. That’s right; this is a port. There’s only one question that we’re all asking: Is it any good? Let’s find out.





Graphics: 7





When GODS came out for the PC, the graphics looked superb and clean for that of a platformer. And just like it’s PC counterpart, the genesis port is well done. The graphics give a good demonstration on the Genesis’ capabilities. The stages and monsters all look polished and well done along with the bonus items and weapons. The game offers a variety of enemies to face and weapons to come across. The only negative thing I can think about when it comes to the game’s graphics are that the stages do get repetitive. Each stage looks similar to one another so it can be somewhat confusing trying to figure out your progress in the game. But all flaws aside, the graphics are well done. These graphics are some of the best I’ve seen on the Genesis.It’s obvious that this port shows the time and effort put into it. Because of this, the game gets a 7 for the graphics department.





Sound: 7





Along with great graphics, GODS also has a rather decent musical score. Each stage has its own distinct theme. It’s nice to see that the developers also put effort in the musical department even if it is a minor detail in the overall game. One thing that should be mentioned is that GODS was also ported for the SNES. The reason I bring that up is because the SNES version has a much better sound to it than the Genesis version overall. But to be fair, the Genesis was never really that good with music as it had limitations regarding sound. With that said, the Genesis port still does a decent job on the musical department. It’s just not as good as the Super Nintendo. Because of this, it gets a 7 for the sound.





Addictiveness: 7





This has to be one of the most enjoyable platformers for the Genesis. It’s up there with Castlevania Bloodlines and Contra Hard Corps when it comes to enjoyability. You’re given a wide variety of enemies, weapons, and items to find throughout the game. The game is also quite difficult, which adds to the enjoyability. It’s not insanely difficult like Ninja Gaiden for the NES, but it’s still a rather challenging game. It’s a game that’s difficult enough for you to continue playing it instead of quitting in rage. You also come across some rather smart enemies. This game has smart A.I. that sees how skilled the player is and reacts differently depending on the player’s skill. Because of this, it can make for an intense session if you’re skilled at these kinds of games. And that’s why I give this game a 7 for its addictiveness.





Story: 8





When it comes to most games, the story is pretty generic and stereotypical; a brave individual must save the babe and stop the villain. It’s been done to death in so many games. GODS, however, actually shows originality story wise. The game’s protagonist, Hercules, is sent by the Greek Gods and Goddesses on various missions across Greece to rid the country of hellish monsters and demons. With each victory, he comes closer to reaching his main goal: to become a God himself and to rest in Mount Olympus. Now THAT’S what you call a story. The idea of playing the nearly indestructible demigod as he travels through a torn up Greece is already a cool thought of a story. The idea of adding Greek mythology also gives the story a lot of interest as to what creatures you, the protagonist, face. For this, GODS gets an 8 for its diverse story.





Depth: 8





GODS has a lot of items, weapons, and treasures for the player to find and use. In the final stretch of each level, you can stop by a shop owner who will offer weapons and items in exchange for the diamonds and gold you collect from level to level. At first you start with a puny throwing dagger that is ineffective against the monsters you’ll face in the stages. But as you progress, you acquire better weapons to the point where once difficult enemies are now a walk in the park. The game also has tons of secret levers, keys, and passages to go through which also adds to the replayability. The depth is strong with GODS, which is why it gets an 8.





Difficulty: 10





GODS is without a doubt, one of the most difficult platformers on the Genesis. The challenge itself is pretty fair; you have a health bar. When you take too many hits, you die. However, unlike other games, you don’t gain temporary invisibility. All it takes is one mistake to cost you your entire health bar. Not to mention, you have a limited amount of lives to begin with. You can earn a life if you earn enough points. But if you lose all your lives, it’s game over; no continues, nothing. But to the game’s defense if you die in a stage with remaining lives, it puts you at a checkpoint rather than at the beginning of the stage. This wouldn’t normally be an issue, but the game also has controls that take sometime to get used to. For example, you can’t control your jump. So in that aspect, it’s like the original Castlevania on the NES. But here, it isn’t as bad. You also can’t attack in certain positions. You can’t fire projectiles while ducking which can be a struggle when facing a barrage of enemies. Because of the issues that plague this game suffers, it gets a full 10 on its difficulty.





Overall: 7.8/10 - A hidden gem



When I first saw this game, I wasn’t expecting much. Most obscure games are obscure for a reason; they’re terrible. This game is one of those exceptions. Not only was it a well made platformer, but it’s an easy find. GODS was ported on both the Genesis and SNES and both ports go for next to nothing. You can find this game for about $10 or $20. Should you buy it? Yes; it’s one of the more interesting takes on the platforming genre. If you want the definitive version, get it on the Genesis. While the Super Nintendo may have better music, the Genesis has better overall gameplay. This is one of those games that I feel doesn’t get the respect it deserves. When it came out, it was praised by critics for its solid gameplay and stunning visuals. But since then, it’s faded into obscurity which is ironic considering how common this game is. So the next time someone brings up good games on the Sega Genesis, bring up this title as it’s a game in dire need of rediscovery.