Toki review - Sega Megadrive

I like the coin-op, but this is nothing like it. Okay, so it has the same main character and power-ups, but the screen layouts have been completely changed - for the worst. Instead of being fast, furious and fun, the platform action is drawn out, dull and very irritating. There are many virtually unavoidable traps dotted around the landscape which you only discover when you fall foul of them, forcing you to remember where each one is and the steps required to avoid it. It's easy to see why the programmers have put those in though, because apart from the frustrating traps there's nothing in this game to stop you going all the way through on your first go. All the end-of-level baddies are ridiculously easy to beat and during the level the enemy sprites offer no opposition to your antics. Those who've played the original coin-op will certainly despise this ruination of the brill game, and those who haven't will find this a bland and unchallenging platform game. There are loads of better games of this type on the Megadrive - shop around and make your choice.

I can't really say I was a big fan of the coin-op, but to be honest this isn't really a lot like the arcade machine at all. The programmers have taken a lot of liberties with the game, stripping down the levels and power-ups, and taking away most of the fine backdrops that made the original look so nice. The gameplay itself is full and frustrating, with evil traps in each level that your reactions on their own are not good enough to deal with. To get anywhere, it's a case of remembering each stage's layout. To be perfectly honest, Toki is a chore to play, heavily lacking in the excitement stakes. The final nail in the coffin is the incredible amount of lives and continues you're able to endow yourself with. Using these options, finishing this game in one session becomes very possible - if you can stand the vapid, boring gameplay. I'm afraid this isn't worth £35.00 at all. If it's a new platform game you're after, I'd recommend giving Kid Chameleon or Alisia Dragoon a spin.