On the other hand, Battletoads neophytes can't miss with this fun cart.

Gamers who've already played the NES, Genesis, or Game Boy versions won't find anything new and may want to wait for the sequel. It offers interesting characters, sharp graphics, simple game play, and a tough, but not insurmountable challenge. Webbed hands-down, Battle-toads is a solid action/adventure cart for the Game Gear.

It's nothing fancy, but then, hey, they're just frogs, ya know! Ribbet! Hop To It! A nice variety of sound effects and musical tracks livens up the action on each stage. The sound is above-average for the Game Gear. No fancy moves and combos are required - all you need are split-second timing and quick reflexes. The on-screen action responds perfectly to your directional commands. The two-button controls are easily learned - just punch and jump. If you're familiar with the game and its characters, though, you'll notice that many of the whimsical details of the bizarre characters are lost on the small screen. Although the sprites are small, the characters move smoothly across the screen. Each level is well rendered and has very detailed backgrounds. The Toads look great on the Game Gear's tiny screen, warts and all. However, you start with only three lives, five health units, and three continues, so it's as tough to beat as the original (remember those Speeder Bike levels?!). The game play is pretty straightforward - take out all the enemies and progress through each level until you've lost all your lives. Pyscho Pigs, Rabid Rodents, and other mutant goons drop out of nowhere, bent on grinding you into slimy frog patties. On each level, you control one of the three toad heroes and then run, jump, and punch through endless waves of the most bizarre-looking enemies ever. Eight action-packed, side-scrolling stages of Toad fun lie before you in this one-player game. The evil Dark Queen has captured a Princess.

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