Konami’s been on a ridiculous resurgence as of late. It finally understands the power of its franchises, what with its remakes of Silent Hill 2 and Metal Gear Solid 3, as well as classic compilations that far exceed the hype.
But what about its forgotten franchises? Well, it’s apparently giving them attention, too. Rocket Knight Adventures: Re-Sparked, a collaboration with Limited Run Games, brings back the three 16-bit Sparkster adventures from the 90s, including Rocket Knight Adventures and the two Sparkster games, entirely different projects for the Sega Genesis and Super Nintendo.
Along with powerfully emulated games (part of Limited Run’s Carbon Engine tech), the package also features a music player, an awesome rewind option and a packed art gallery.
Some may scoff at the $30 price tag, especially with the inclusion of “only three games.” And, yeah, $20 may have been a better spot. But never mind. The fact you can get all three Rocket Knight games in one conveniently priced collection is really something.
Spark-ing Back To Life
The trio of games features Sparkster, a heroic Rocket Knight who finds the odds consistently against him, whether it’s a ravaging wolf/pig army or the powerful Axel Gear, a rival Rocket Knight who’s out to do things his own way. Using his boosting pack and his sharp sword, Sparkster sets out to save the world, any way he can.
The original Rocket Knight Adventures is one of the best original Genesis games out there. The game just clicks on all levels, along with sharp level design and impressive mid-stages, including a flying sequence where you have to take on dragons that emerge from the ocean. After all these years, it remains a triumph in design, and it’s great to finally see the game get a second chance on the market, 31 years later. (Yes, it’s that old – but impeccable game design never loses its touch.)
Sparkster: Rocket Knight Adventures 2 was put together by the team behind Castlevania Bloodlines, and it absolutely shows. The complex level design is pretty great, and the presentation holds up nicely on the aging Genesis hardware, emulated to perfection here. The gameplay is a bit quirky, but fans will be able to settle right in and see what it has to offer.
The SNES Sparkster, meanwhile, is a bit different, built on the principles of the original Rocket Knight. And that’s fine, with its colorful design, fast-paced gameplay and challenging level design. You can tell people love this, as the original game goes for hundreds of dollars on eBay (particularly with box). So, yeah, owning it in this format isn’t just a value, but a treasure.
Along with the three perfectly emulated games (there’s even a boost mode to eliminate slowdown, which it, um, mostly does), Re-Sparked also has a terrific hand-drawn animated sequence to kick things off. It also comes with options aplenty, like a rad music player (the Sparkster SNES soundtrack alone is incredible), the ability to rewind, filter options and a nostalgic art gallery. There’s even an incredible Boss Rush mode, in case you feel like punishing yourself. (As you should.)
Again, it’s totally your call if it’s worth $30. But considering what the original games go for – and the need to buy the original hardware and seeing if it can run on an 8K TV – it’s pretty reasonable in the long run.
A Visual Showcase
Limited Run’s Carbon Engine tech is impressive, almost on the same level of Digital Eclipse’s. All three of the Rocket Knight games run almost flawlessly. I say almost because, even with the good intention of Boost Mode, the games still run into a slight bit of slowdown. Relax, that’s a minor nitpick, they still look wonderful.
The filter options let you play mostly however you wish, though the CRT could’ve opened up a little. Maybe a patch can fix that down the road. Again, minor complaint. These games have never looked better, and the Rocket Knight-themed goodies surrounding them will certainly please fans.
Oh, man, the audio. It’s perfect. Each game sounds like their original 16-bit counterparts, so you can enjoy the classic tunes and humorous sound effects (Sparkster’s death wail in the original Rocket Knight could pierce even the most dedicated of gaming hearts). Put on a pair of headphones and indulge.
Overall, the Carbon Engine is impressive tech. And we’ll see it in action across future compilations, including the forthcoming Gex trilogy. Yes, Gex is coming back as well. You can leave Bubsy 3D in the past, though. We’re good.
Flying High Again
Konami’s awesome classic compilations haven’t missed a bit (even the quirky Felix the Cat has its moments), and Rocket Knight Adventures: Re-Sparked happily joins the club. The quality of each of these games is immeasurable, and the options surrounding them will definitely keep you busy. Plus there’s a treasure trove of retro goodness in the extras as well.
Again, it probably would’ve scored with everyone with a $20 price tag. But $30’s not bad, and you’ll definitely get your money’s worth here. At least, that’s my two cents.
If you loved any of these games growing up, or you just want to discover them again without paying an astronomical amount for a retro collection, Re-Sparked will have no trouble rocketing its way into your heart. Now if we could just get a new game. (The 2008 one was alright.)
