Back to the Future 3 review - Sega Megadrive

Back to the Future III is an instantly playable game that should go down well with fans of the film. Each of the four levels tests your arcade skills very differently, from the instant reflexes needed when you're chasing after Clara's runaway carriage to the pinpoint accuracy required for the shooting gallery. On the whole, the graphics are pretty good, with the Wild West atmosphere captured perfectly. The sprites and backdrops are all well defined, and the animation is good too. What I didn't like much about the game was the rather naff music and lack of levels. It didn't take me more than a day or so to see the whole game and I couldn't help wanting a lot more from the package. It's also a bit of a cheek asking Megadrive owners to pay ten quid extra for what is basically an Amiga game that retailed at £25.00. If it's variety in your gameplay you're after, Back to the Future III scores highly - but's it's just too easy to see everything the game offers.

I must admit that I really enjoyed playing this. The four different levels are varied and fun, particularly the pie dish slinging third level, and I found myself constantly going back for another shot. The problem is, though, that it doesn't take more than a day or two to go through the entire game, and once you've done that the appeal starts to wear off. If there had been more levels, this would have been a superb film tie-in. The graphics and sound are both good, and as I've already said, it's great fun to play. However, its lack of challenge means that only Megadrive beginners will really get their money's worth.