First published at 02:22 UTC on March 12th, 2024.
Retro Review: "Wolfchild" on the Sega CD – A Howling Adventure in Gaming History
As a dedicated retro gamer, I have a deep appreciation for the classics and the not-so-classic titles that defined the early days of gaming. One such title tha…
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Retro Review: "Wolfchild" on the Sega CD – A Howling Adventure in Gaming History
As a dedicated retro gamer, I have a deep appreciation for the classics and the not-so-classic titles that defined the early days of gaming. One such title that often goes overlooked is "Wolfchild," developed by Core Design and released for the Sega CD in the early 1990s. My journey with "Wolfchild" began much later than most; it wasn't a part of my childhood gaming trove. My mother, bless her soul, had gifted me a Sega CD back in the day, and though she's no longer with us, the nostalgia and love for that era of gaming are as alive as ever.
Developer and Publishing Background
Core Design, a British video game developer, was known for its work on the Sega CD platform. They eventually gained fame for their creation of the "Tomb Raider" series, but before Lara Croft became a household name, there was "Wolfchild." Released in 1992, the game didn't quite make the seismic impact Core Design might have hoped for, but it did showcase their talent for crafting engaging gameplay with the technology available at the time.
The Story
The narrative of "Wolfchild" is one of revenge and transformation. Players step into the shoes of Saul Morrow, whose father is kidnapped by the evil Chimera Organization. Saul, not one to shy away from a challenge, uses his father's lycanthropic research to turn into a wolf-human hybrid, a wolfchild, if you will. This transformation is the game's unique selling point, offering a twist on the standard platformer fare of the era.
Gameplay and Mechanics
The gameplay is a blend of action and platforming with a side of shoot-'em-up. Saul begins each level in his human form, which feels underpowered compared to his wolf form, which he transforms into upon gathering enough power-ups. This mechanic adds a layer of strategy to the game; players must decide when to unleash their inner beast for maximum effect.
The Sega CD version offers slight enhancements over its Genesis..
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