I remember the late 90s – those days where 2D games were all the rage. Wayforward brings those times rushing back. Ever heard of River City Girls or Shantae? If not, you’re missing out, my friend. But let’s sidetrack a bit. They also dabbled in licensed games. Enter Sabrina: The Animated Series – Zapped. It’s like a hidden gem for the Game Boy Color, shedding light on how Shantae came to be. Weird, right?
So, Sabrina – yeah, the teenage witch. Messed things up by turning her buddies into animals. Classic. Your job? Jump on their heads, cast some spells, and get your friends back to normal. As you level up, you nab new spells – double jump, crawl with that sassy cat Salem, or even float around in a bubble. It’s like, once I was floating there, and it felt kinda… freeing? I dunno, maybe that’s just me being nostalgic.
The level design’s snug. Different themes keep things fresh. I mean, there was this vertical level where that bubble was king. And sometimes you’re Salem, unlocking spells and breaking blocks. It’s not groundbreaking, but it’s charming in that old-school way. Those bold sprites on the Game Boy Color? Pure nostalgia. Oh, and a password system makes it easy-breezy. Forgot the password though… ugh, typical me.
Now, the Game Boy’s controls… honestly, they’re a bit tight. Spells and running both need the B-button. Yeah, I got whacked by enemies more than I’d like to admit. It plays way better than any TV spin-off has the right to. But hey, it’s no Shantae. Still, Sabrina’s game laid a solid base. Is it revolutionary? Nah. Fun for a quick throwback? Absolutely.
Anyway, after one playthrough, the charm fades a bit. But for a little while, it’s a nice dive back into the pixelated wonder of gaming’s past. It’s like a spell that wears off, but while it lasts, it’s a fun ride.
