Some of you may remember this
classic platformer from the early days of the Mega Drive and some of you
may remember Decap Attack, the bastardized western version from Sega of
America. Needless to say the western version was very drab in looks and
sound compared to the original Japanese version. Gone were the colourful
graphics, cuteish characters and nice level designs and in came the nasty
dull graphics, different level designs and well to be fair, sort of ok
characters. The original character in Magical Hat is our Turban wearing
dude that throws around a little egg type guy. In DeCap Attack however
this was changed for a mummy type zombie thing that threw his head.
Anyway, enough of this bitching let’s talk more about the game.
Magical Hat is split up in to 7 worlds which each contain 2 large levels
that scroll not only left to right but some even go top to bottom or
bottom to top. Unlike many platform games of the time, Magical Hat’s
graphics were easily some of the best around with bright vibrant colours
(this was released well before Sonic came along). The level design was
also well produced if not a little unforgiving at times. As well as the
standard run and jump our hero had the ability to collect magic pills
which could be used to boost his skills or provide shields and so on. Then
there’s his chucky egg mate who he can throw at various enemies coming his
way. This little egg guy can also act as a type of second life. Without
him you’ll die after just 1 hit but with him you’re given a second chance
since he takes the main hit leaving you free to continue your adventure.
Well, that is until you get killed which you will (^o^).
After completing a world you are given the chance to take part in one of
two different bonus rounds. One is just your standard looking fruit
machine while the other is a little more interesting. In this bonus round
you must place your bets at the beginning of a road map (where it leads to
you can’t see) Then you sit back and watch your character take a walk down
his selected path. At the end of 3 of the paths are bonus items such as
more pills or life ups. Unfortunately one path leads to a hole in which
you win nothing. Fans of the Master System classic, Psycho Fox may
remember this bonus round from that game. This is not a coincident however
since Magical Hat is heavily based on Psycho Fox which was also by Sega.
I really recommend getting Magical Hat Turbo Adventure if you own a Mega
Drive. It’s a true classic that still manages to play well, look good and
sound good even now. There’s not many 15 year old games you can say that
about.
Below you can see a scan of the actual game
cartridge and instruction book
|
