This week we discuss 90s era Shadowrunl; The SNES version (1993, Beam Software/Data East) presents an isometric action-adventure with a strong narrative focus, following protagonist Jake Armitage as he uncovers a conspiracy in a cyberpunk Seattle. The Genesis version (1994, BlueSky Software/Sega) takes an open-world approach with real-time combat, Matrix hacking, and more direct role-playing elements. We also briefly discuss Shadowrun for Sega CD, an unfinished and unreleased version in development by Compile.

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A pulp-inspired action-adventure game paying homage to 1950s sci-fi horror, especially the film Them!. You play geologist Greg Bradley, investigating a meteor crash near the fictional town of Lizard Breath, only to discover an outbreak of giant radioactive ants. Gameplay blends point-and-click adventure, time-sensitive decision-making, and action minigames. 

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The Incredible Machine, a series that turned complex cause-and-effect chain reactions into one of the most oddly satisfying puzzle experiences of the '90s and paid homage to the genius of Rube Goldberg and his machines.

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HoMM3 by New World Computing. The third entry in the series and the most beloved. A turn-based strategy game where you control heroes, build up towns, gather resources, and command fantasy armies on adventure maps and in tactical grid-based combat. The campaign follows Queen Catherine Ironfist as she fights to restore her father's kingdom.

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Monolith's The Operative: No One Lives Forever and its sequel. A pair of first-person shooters from the early 2000s. Combining stealth mechanics, innovative for the time AI, and a 60s spy aesthetic Cate Archer’s adventures delivered humor, gadgets disguised as everyday objects, and level design that combined gameplay and storytelling to keep it fresh throughout. Also, good luck finding a copy!

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Microsoft’s monster truck racing series that became a surprise hit on Windows in the late ’90s and spawned console and handheld versions. From early Direct3D experiments to 4-player split-screen chaos on the Nintendo 64, these games delivered giant physics, loud engines, and more yeehaw than you could handle. 

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RoboCop. From the arcade sensation with its crunchy beat ‘em up action to the many home ports (some good, some… less so), RoboCop left a trail of justice—and quarters—in its wake. We’ll explore the original RoboCop arcade game, RoboCop 2 and 3, and briefly touch on the glorious chaos of RoboCop vs. Terminator.

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The Lost Vikings and its sequel star Erik, Baleog, and Olaf—sarcastic Norsemen solving puzzles through alien ships, pyramids, and futuristic worlds. Released in the early '90s by Silicon & Synapse (now Blizzard), the games mix platforming, brain teasers, and humor. And it holds up!

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From Lucasfilm Games: the iconic Fate of Atlantis, in both its Graphic Adventure and lesser known Action Game forms, and the earlier Last Crusade adaptations. These games brought Indy’s globe-trotting exploits to 8-bit, 16-bit, and DOS screens through a mix of cinematic storytelling and witty puzzles.Less so in the Action Games. But still.

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This week we are exploring the early MechWarrior games on PC. Starting with the 1989 original and continuing with MechWarrior 2, these titles brought the mechanics and world of BattleTech to life through cockpit simulation, mech customization, and faction-driven campaigns. We’ll also touch on Mercenaries, Ghost Bear’s Legacy, and a few of the console adaptations.

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