Released in 1995

Available in

Genre: Platforming

Originally released for the Super Nintendo and PC in 1994, the 32X version of Blackthorne features new graphics and some new levels. The game is a platformer/shooter hybrid, as you explore rooms and search for items to progress whilst fighting against enemies. The main difference with the graphics is that the 32X had new sprites characters, which in my opinion don't look as good as the original. The colors used are also very dull, even the desert levels look dark. The sprites are also very small, and really you have to wonder why this was released on the 32X rather than the Genesis, because it really doesn't seem to me like this was pushing the console's limits in any way.

As for the game itself, it somewhat resembles Flashback or Prince of Persia, but combat is tedious. The game has a cover system, where you can avoid being hit by holding up. But enemies can also do this, leading to dull encounters where you and an enemy are just standing around. If an enemy can shoot at you you have to time it so that when you leave cover you won't get hit, and then quickly fire off some rounds before the enemy goes back into cover. This gets boring quickly since enemies can move back into cover instantly.

Whilst it is nice to see some extra levels were added, the flawed gameplay and poor graphics mean that 32X Blackthorne really isn't worth buying if you've already got the SNES version. And it probably isn't worth buying in general anyway.

20 years ago planet Tuul was taken over by the evil Sarlac. Blackthorne was sent away to Earth by his father, Vlaros. Now in the present, Blackthorne has returned to his home planet to free his people, destroy Sarlac and his forces and reclaim the throne. Blackthorne's weapon of a choice is a shotgun with infinite ammunition, which has to be equipped with the A button. The B button shoots and the C button can be used for shooting enemies behind you.

By holding up you can go into corner, which stops enemies from hitting you. By releasing up you will come out of cover. This is something you'll have to master to get anywhere in the game, as some enemies can also go into cover and timing your shots perfectly becomes essential.

When the gun isn't equipped, Blackthorne can jump forward by pressing B, whilst holding down C will make him run. If you press B whilst running Blackthorne will leap forward a great distance. He can also climb ledges or descend down from them. Get close to a ledge and hold up or down depending on which direction you want to go. Whilst crouched, Blackthorne can roll by holding left or right.

As you explore each level you'll find items by defeating enemies or talking to the people you meet. To go through certain doors or use elevators, for example, you'll need to find keys. Other items you get get include potions (for restoring your health) and bombs (for destroying certain doors). Blackthorne can take several hits before dying, and the health gauge is located in the top right corner. If you die you'll be able to restart from the beginning of the stage you were on. As you move onto certain screens you'll be given passwords, which can be entered at the main menu and let you continue from where you left off.

Enter these passwords in the password menu:

Mines
Part 1: DBQ7
Part 2: FBWC
Part 3: QP7R
Part 4: WJTV

Mountains (snow)
Part 1: DTF3
Part 2: L50H
Part 3: 2TN1
Part 4: T1KB

Forest
Part 1: RRYB
Part 2: ZS9P
Part 3: XJSN
Part 4: CGDM

Mountains (desert)
Part 1: TJ1F
Part 2: GSG3
Part 3: BMHS
Part 4: Y4DJ

Sarlac's Keep
Part 1: HCKD
Part 2 NRLF
Part 3: J6BZ
Part 4: MJXG
Part 5: K3CH

Ending sequence: FMWY
Display map co-ordinates: VRZN

-The 32X version was later released for the Macintosh in 1996.

-The game's cover features artwork by Jim Lee, a famous comics artist who's worked for Marvel (X-Men) and DC (All-Star Batman & Robin).