H.E.R.O.

The Good
H.E.R.O. is one of the most remarkable games on the Atari 2600. You are basically an anonymous hero with a propeller-driven backpack that allows you to fly through mines where you have to save the workers trapped down there. On the way you have to avoid dangers like snakes, bats, spiders and even light switches. But you have the ability to shoot laser out of your helmet and you're equipped with TNT explosives to clear blocking walls. Just remember not to get too close to the dynamite. The graphics in this game are impressive to say the least. Everything is detailed nicely and the game has a unique atmosphere and feeling to it. If you hit one of the aforementioned light switches, everything goes dark, only lit by you dynamite, giving the game a sense of dread as well. H.E.R.O. is a gorgeous game for the good old VCS.

The Bad
The only things I can complain about are the controls, which really take time to master. They aren't very responsive and often I find myself losing because of the slow controls. I guess they are supposed to be realistic, as it gives your propeller time to start up before you fly but overall, I wish the controls were more responsive. The game also has very sparse sound. There is no music, not even a theme song, and there are only a few sound effects, making it one of the most silent games I've played.

The Bottom Line
H.E.R.O. has some eye-watering graphics for its time and considering the system it was made for and a great concept. Though poor unresponsive controls makes it hard to master in the beginning, and the lack of sound and music makes it way too silent.

The Good
H.E.R.O. is one of the best games on the Atari 2600 and the MSX conversion done by Softworks is even better! You play as Roderick Hero, who has an advanced rescue equipment such as a backpack that allows you to fly through the mine's tunnels, some dynamite to blow up walls of rocks and a powerful laser beam, to kill some nasty creatures along the way, with enough power to blast walls as well in case you run out of TNT. Your objective is to rescue all of the trapped miners down there. But be careful to not break light bulbs on the way otherwise you will have to walk in the dark. And remember not to get too close to the dynamite or lava walls. The graphics and sound effects are great and detailed. H.E.R.O. is an awesome classic action game for the MSX.

The Bad
There is no background music during gameplay, only sound effects. This makes it one of the most silent games I've played.

The Bottom Line
H.E.R.O. has great graphics, nice sound effects and addictive gameplay. The controls are simple, yet hard to master in the beginning and the lack of music is not a big deal because the game is really entertaining. A true MSX classic and a 'must-have'.