Genesis

Primal Rage

With an impressive list of options and a widely adjustable challenge, this strong conversion of the arcade dino basher will engross fighting fans despite it's few shortcomings. Rage!

These flaws are many, but the game concept is so solid, problems tend to be forgotten once play has begun. If only this Genesis version didn't have better-quality big brothers on the way for more powerful game machines, it would likely have come across as a much more impactful game.

In the end, without the extra touches contained in the arcade version, this game ends up dangerously close to just another 2-D fighter. This one is for diehard fans of the original and fighting game fanatics.

The Genesis version of this game was released at the same time as the Super Nintendo (SNES) version, and it's interesting to compare the two. The Genesis version's graphics and sound aren't as good, but at least the game is playable. The frame rate and collision detection are a step up from the poor SNES version. Apparently the Genesis CPU could handle the animation better, allowing for some relatively smooth creature movement. Unfortunately, in the crowded field of 2D fighting games, looks are about the only thing going for Primal Rage. The music can't compare to the SNES version, and the sound effects are hollow and tinny. All you have left is a very average fighter.