The Nintendo SNES was a revolutionary console that brought us some of the most iconic and beloved games of all time. One game that stands out among the rest is Super Shanghai - Dragon's Eye, a side-scrolling beat-em-up developed by Namco and released in Japan for the SNES in 1991. In this article, we'll take a closer look at Super Shanghai - Dragon's Eye, including its gameplay, graphics, sound, and other features.

Gameplay

Super Shanghai - Dragon's Eye is a side-scrolling beat-em-up that takes place in ancient China. Players control one of three characters: Wong Fei-hung, Tien Lung, or Yuen Biao, each with their unique abilities and strengths. The game follows the story of these three heroes as they battle against the evil General Wang, who has stolen a magical dragon's eye.

The gameplay is fast-paced and action-packed, with an emphasis on teamwork and strategy. Players can choose to play through the game solo or co-op mode, working together to defeat enemies and bosses. The combat system involves punching, kicking, and throwing objects at enemies, with players able to switch between characters on the fly to exploit enemy weaknesses.

Graphics

The graphics in Super Shanghai - Dragon's Eye are impressive for their time, with detailed character sprites and backgrounds that showcase the game's Asian setting. The game features a unique blend of Chinese and Japanese cultural elements, from ancient architecture to traditional clothing and accessories. The animation is smooth and fluid, with characters moving and interacting with the environment in a believable way.

Sound

The sound design in Super Shanghai - Dragon's Eye is equally impressive, with an energetic and catchy soundtrack that complements the game's fast-paced action. The music is a mix of traditional Chinese instruments and electronic elements, creating a unique and memorable audio experience. Sound effects are also well-done, with realistic punches, kicks, and throws that add to the game's overall immersion.

Age Rating

Super Shanghai - Dragon's Eye has been rated by various organizations over the years, including ESRB (Entertainment Software Rating Board) and PEGI (Pan European Game Information). Here are some of the ratings the game has received:

• ESRB: Teen (ages 13+)
• PEGI: 12+ (suitable for players aged 12 and above)

These ratings reflect the game's content, which includes mild violence, some suggestive humor, and occasional cartoonish gore. However, the game is generally considered to be suitable for older children and teenagers who are interested in action-packed games with a strong narrative focus.

Other Features

Super Shanghai - Dragon's Eye has several other features that make it stand out from other beat-em-ups of its time. These include:

• Co-op mode: Players can choose to play through the game solo or co-op mode, working together to defeat enemies and bosses.
• Character switching: Players can switch between characters on the fly to exploit enemy weaknesses or access new abilities.
• Upgrades and items: As players progress through the game, they can collect upgrades and items that give them an edge in combat, such as increased health or improved throwing skills.
• Boss battles: The game features several boss battles against powerful enemies, including General Wang and his minions.

Legacy

Super Shanghai - Dragon's Eye is considered a classic by many gamers and retro gaming enthusiasts. It has been re-released on various platforms over the years, including the PlayStation Network (PSN) and Wii Virtual Console. In 2012, the game was also included in the Super NES Classics collection for Xbox Live Arcade.

Conclusion

Super Shanghai - Dragon's Eye is an excellent example of a side-scrolling beat-em-up that still holds up today. Its fast-paced action, unique blend of cultural elements, and impressive graphics and sound design make it a must-play for retro gaming enthusiasts and fans of the genre. While it may not be suitable for younger players due to its mild violence and suggestive humor, Super Shanghai - Dragon's Eye is an experience that will appeal to gamers of all ages who enjoy action-packed games with a strong narrative focus.

Final Thoughts

If you're looking for a classic beat-em-up that still packs a punch today, Super Shanghai - Dragon's Eye is definitely worth checking out. Its unique blend of cultural elements, impressive graphics and sound design, and fast-paced action make it an experience that will appeal to gamers of all ages. So if you haven't played it before, do yourself a favor and give it a try – you won't regret it!