Difference between revisions of "Fatal Rewind"

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{{Bob
 
{{Bob
 
| bobscreen=FatalRewind title.png
 
| bobscreen=FatalRewind title.png
−
| publisher=[[Electronic Arts]] (US/EU), [[Electronic Arts Victor]] (JP)
+
| bobscreen2=TheKillingGameShow MD JP Title.png
−
| developer=[[Psygnosis]], [[Raising Hell Productions]]
+
| tab1=NTSC-U/PAL
 +
| tab2=NTSC-J
 +
| publisher={{company|[[Electronic Arts]]|region=US, EU}}, {{company|[[Electronic Arts Victor]]|region=JP}}
 +
| developer=[[Raising Hell Software]]
 +
| licensor=[[Psygnosis]]
 +
| originalsystem=[[Commodore Amiga]]
 
| system=[[Sega Mega Drive]]
 
| system=[[Sega Mega Drive]]
−
| romsize=1.5MB
+
| sounddriver=[[Sound Images v1.0]]
−
| sounddriver=
 
 
| peripherals=
 
| peripherals=
−
| players=1
+
| players=1-2
−
| genre=Action
+
| genre=Shooting{{fileref|FatalRewind MD JP Box.jpg}}, Action{{ref|https://web.archive.org/web/20200702232146/https://sega.jp/history/hard/megadrive/software_l.html}}
−
| releases={{releases
+
| releases={{releasesMD
−
| md_date_eu=1991-08 {{fileref|CVG UK 118.pdf|page=126}}
+
| md_date_jp=1993-08-20{{ref|https://web.archive.org/web/20200702232146/https://sega.jp/history/hard/megadrive/software_l.html}}
−
| md_rrp_uk=34.99 {{fileref|ACE UK 51.pdf|page=101}}
+
| md_code_jp=EM20021
 +
| md_rrp_jp=8,900
 +
| md_date_us=1991-10{{magref|gamepro|27|80}}
 +
| md_rrp_us=49.95{{magref|gamepro|29|74}}{{magref|vgce|35|72}}
 +
| md_code_us=709201
 +
| md_date_eu=1991-11{{magref|segapower|25|11}}{{magref|gz|2|42}}
 
| md_code_eu=E183SMXI
 
| md_code_eu=E183SMXI
−
| md_date_us=1991-10 {{fileref|GamePro US 027.pdf|page=80}}
+
| md_date_uk=1991-11{{magref|segapower|25|11}}{{magref|gz|2|42}}{{magref|ctw|359|21}}
−
| md_rrp_us=49.95 {{fileref|GamePro US 029.pdf|page=74}}
+
| md_code_uk=E183SMXI
−
| md_code_us=709201
+
| md_rrp_uk=34.99{{magref|ace|51|101}}{{magref|gz|2|42}}<!--39.99{{magref|segapower|26|34}}-->
−
| md_date_jp=1993-08-20
+
| md_date_br=199x
−
| md_rrp_jp=8,900
+
| md_date_au=199x
−
| md_code_jp=EM20021
+
| md_date_se_r=199x
 
}}
 
}}
 +
| otherformats={{NonSega|Amiga|ST}}
 
}}
 
}}
−
{{sub-stub}}'''''Fatal Rewind''''', known as '''''The Killing Game Show''''' (キリング・ゲームショー) in Japan (and on other systems) is a platform shoot-'em-up developed by [[Psygnosis]] and published by [[Electronic Arts]] for the [[Sega Mega Drive]] in 1991.
+
'''''{{PAGENAME}}''''', known in Japan as '''''The Killing Game Show''''' (キリング・ゲームショー) is a [[Sega Mega Drive]] action platform game developed by [[Raising Hell Software]]. A port of the developer's 1990 [[Commodore Amiga]] title ''[[wikipedia:The Killing Game Show|The Killing Game Show]]'', the game was first published in the United States by [[Electronic Arts]] in October 1991, was brought to Europe by the same publisher the following month, and was eventually localized and published in Japan by [[Electronic Arts Victor]] in August 1993.
 +
 
 +
==Story==
 +
In a dystopian future, ''Fatal Rewind'' (or ''The Killing Game Show'') is a television show where incarcerated criminals participate in a deadly contest. Their skin is removed and they are placed inside a bipedal robot armed with a cannon. The prisoners must escape from pits filled with killing machines called Hostile Artificial Life Forms (HALFs) and a lethal ooze that rises over time called Deadly to Organic Life Liquid (DOLL). If successful, the prisoner is awarded with freedom; if the prisoner dies, the show moves on to the next contestant.
  
 
==Gameplay==
 
==Gameplay==
−
You have to clear mazes with puzzle sections while fighting off enemies. All stages have a time limit, which is enforced by a constantly rising liquid that destroys the player on contact. After losing a life, the game replays your gameplay. You can interrupt this by pushing any button except {{A}}, and continue from the current position in the replay,
+
The game is an action platformer. The player controls a walking robot equipped with a cannon that must make its way through a dozen maze-like levels to the exit at the top. Flying enemies called HALFs are released into the levels and swarm the player in waves, like enemies in a shoot-'em-up. Every level has a time limit, which is enforced by a constantly rising liquid called DOLL that destroys the robot on contact. Levels often require the player to find keys or hit buttons to unlock barriers or drop climbable chains in order to progress.
−
{{C}} jumps, tapping {{B}} fires while holding down {{B}} is for using items, {{A}} is for fast forwarding during a replay.
+
 
 +
The robot moves with {{left}} and {{right}} and ducks with {{down}}. Levels loop around horizontally. It jumps with {{up}} or {{C}}. It automatically grabs walls that it touches and can climb them with {{up}} and {{down}}. It fires its weapon with {{B}}, which can be used to attack enemies or to push buttons. Its main weapon only fires a short distance forward and has unlimited ammunition, but the player can find special weapons that do more damage or cover more area but have limited supply. Weapons can be fired while jumping or ducking. The player can find special items in the levels such as energy refills or water freezer that temporarily keeps the DOLL from rising. Only one of these items can be held in reserve at a time, and it can be used by holding {{B}}.
 +
 
 +
The robot has limited energy, which is loses when an enemy or hazard touches it. It is destroyed when energy is exhausted. Touching the DOLL instantly destroys the robot. Every level starts with a countdown timer before the DOLL starts rising. After losing a life, the game replays the player's gameplay. The replay can be fast-forwarded by holding {{A}}. Pressing any other button stops the replay and continues playing from that point on a new life.
 +
 
 +
There are three difficulty levels (Normal, Hard, and Hardest), and the player can set the starting number of lives (between 1 and 9) and credits (between 0 and 9). There is an alternating two-player mode where the players take turns.
 +
 
 +
===Items===
 +
Items are found in destructible containers, then picked up by pressing {{down}} when in front of them. The robot has a slot for a weapon and a slot for a tool item. Collecting another weapon or tool replaces the one already in the slot and drops the old one on the ground to collect again if desired.
 +
====Weapons====
 +
Special weapons are limited use.
 +
{{InfoTable|imagewidths=50|
 +
{{InfoRow
 +
| title=Triple Lasers
 +
| sprite={{sprite | Fatal Rewind MD, Items.png | 2 | crop_width=16 | crop_height=16 | crop_x=0 | crop_y=0}}
 +
| desc=Shoots a conical spreadshot of bullets that are the same as the standard bullets.
 +
}}
 +
{{InfoRow
 +
| title=Missiles
 +
| sprite={{sprite | Fatal Rewind MD, Items.png | 2 | crop_width=16 | crop_height=16 | crop_x=16 | crop_y=0}}
 +
| desc=Launches a single missile that does more damage and travels the full width of the screen.
 +
}}
 +
{{InfoRow
 +
| title=Sky Missiles
 +
| sprite={{sprite | Fatal Rewind MD, Items.png | 2 | crop_width=16 | crop_height=16 | crop_x=32 | crop_y=0}}
 +
| desc=Launches two missiles, one straight ahead and one diagonally upward, that do more damage and travel the full width of the screen.
 +
}}
 +
{{InfoRow
 +
| title=Laser
 +
| sprite={{sprite | Fatal Rewind MD, Items.png | 2 | crop_width=16 | crop_height=16 | crop_x=48 | crop_y=0}}
 +
| desc=Fires a laser beam that pierces through multiple targets and travels the full width of the screen.
 +
}}
 +
{{InfoRow
 +
| title=Side Shot
 +
| sprite={{sprite | Fatal Rewind MD, Items.png | 2 | crop_width=16 | crop_height=16 | crop_x=64 | crop_y=0}}
 +
| desc=Augments the standard shot with two additional shots directly upward and downward.
 +
}}
 +
{{InfoRow
 +
| title=Mine Sweeper
 +
| sprite={{sprite | Fatal Rewind MD, Items.png | 2 | crop_width=16 | crop_height=16 | crop_x=80 | crop_y=0}}
 +
| desc=Fires a rectangular laser that pierces through multiple targets and travels the full width of the screen.
 +
}}
 +
{{InfoRow
 +
| title=Laser Bolt
 +
| sprite={{sprite | Fatal Rewind MD, Items.png | 2 | crop_width=16 | crop_height=16 | crop_x=96 | crop_y=0}}
 +
| desc=Fires two stacked lasers that pierce through multiple targets and travel the full width of the screen.
 +
}}
 +
{{InfoRow
 +
| title=Rear Shot
 +
| sprite={{sprite | Fatal Rewind MD, Items.png | 2 | crop_width=16 | crop_height=16 | crop_x=112 | crop_y=0}}
 +
| desc=Augments the standard shot with an additional shot in the opposite direction.
 +
}}
 +
{{InfoRow
 +
| title=Triple Missiles
 +
| sprite={{sprite | Fatal Rewind MD, Items.png | 2 | crop_width=16 | crop_height=16 | crop_x=128 | crop_y=0}}
 +
| desc=Launches three missiles in a conical spread that do more damage and travel the full width of the screen.
 +
}}
 +
}}
 +
====Tools====
 +
{{InfoTable|imagewidths=50|
 +
{{InfoRow
 +
| title=Oracle
 +
| sprite={{sprite | Fatal Rewind MD, Items.png | 2 | crop_width=16 | crop_height=16 | crop_x=0 | crop_y=16}}
 +
| desc=Displays a text message, which is sometimes a gameplay tip.
 +
}}
 +
{{InfoRow
 +
| title=Water Freezer
 +
| sprite={{sprite | Fatal Rewind MD, Items.png | 2 | crop_width=16 | crop_height=16 | crop_x=16 | crop_y=16}}
 +
| desc=Prevents the DOLL from rising for as long as the {{B}} button is held. It can be activated and deactivated multiple times until its power is totally drained, but the robot cannot fire while it is being used.
 +
}}
 +
{{InfoRow
 +
| title=Shape Keys
 +
| sprite={{sprite | Fatal Rewind MD, Items.png | 2 | crop_width=80 | crop_height=32 | crop_x=0 | crop_y=32}}
 +
| desc=Used on a receptacle of the matching shape to open a barrier or lower a chain in order to pass.
 +
}}
 +
{{InfoRow
 +
| title=Key Swapper
 +
| sprite={{sprite | Fatal Rewind MD, Items.png | 2 | crop_width=16 | crop_height=16 | crop_x=32 | crop_y=16}}
 +
| desc=A placeholder item that does nothing but allows the player to drop two items in a location.
 +
}}
 +
{{InfoRow
 +
| title=Red Herring
 +
| sprite={{sprite | Fatal Rewind MD, Items.png | 2 | crop_width=16 | crop_height=16 | crop_x=48 | crop_y=16}}
 +
| desc=An item that does nothing but hints that the player is going in the wrong direction.
 +
}}
 +
{{InfoRow
 +
| title=Half Energy
 +
| sprite={{sprite | Fatal Rewind MD, Items.png | 2 | crop_width=16 | crop_height=16 | crop_x=64 | crop_y=16}}
 +
| desc=Restores half of the robot's energy.
 +
}}
 +
{{InfoRow
 +
| title=Full Energy
 +
| sprite={{sprite | Fatal Rewind MD, Items.png | 2 | crop_width=16 | crop_height=16 | crop_x=80 | crop_y=16}}
 +
| desc=Completely restores the robot's energy.
 +
}}
 +
{{InfoRow
 +
| title=Energy Replenisher
 +
| sprite={{sprite | Fatal Rewind MD, Items.png | 2 | crop_width=16 | crop_height=16 | crop_x=96 | crop_y=16}}
 +
| desc=Gradually restores the robot's energy while the {{B}} button is held. It can be activated and deactivated multiple times until its power is totally drained, but the robot cannot fire while it is being used.
 +
}}
 +
{{InfoRow
 +
| title=The Collector
 +
| sprite={{sprite | Fatal Rewind MD, Items.png | 2 | crop_width=16 | crop_height=16 | crop_x=112 | crop_y=16}}
 +
| desc=Shoots a long beam that collects the letters in level 5-2.
 +
}}
 +
}}
 +
====Other====
 +
{{InfoTable|imagewidths=50|
 +
{{InfoRow
 +
| title=Flying Heart
 +
| sprite={{sprite | Fatal Rewind MD, Items.png | 2 | crop_width=16 | crop_height=16 | crop_x=112 | crop_y=32}}
 +
| desc=Recovers a small amount of energy. Appears after destroying a full wave of flying enemies.
 +
}}
 +
{{InfoRow
 +
| title=Flying Skull
 +
| sprite={{sprite | Fatal Rewind MD, Items.png | 2 | crop_width=16 | crop_height=16 | crop_x=128 | crop_y=32}}
 +
| desc=Costs a small amount of energy. Sometimes appears instead of a Flying Heart after destroying a full wave of flying enemies in the later levels.
 +
}}
 +
{{InfoRow
 +
| title=Diamond
 +
| sprite={{sprite | Fatal Rewind MD, Items.png | 2 | crop_width=16 | crop_height=16 | crop_x=128 | crop_y=16}}
 +
| desc=Collect for bonus points.
 +
}}
 +
}}
  
−
The game features a score system and adds points based on playtime (similar to games such as [[Space Harrier]]), but the counter can be cheated due to infinitely respawning enemies and deliberately drawing out stages as long as possible.
+
===Levels===
 +
Each level has two separate parts.
 +
{{InfoTable|imagewidths=320|
 +
{{InfoRow
 +
| title=Level 1
 +
| screenshot=Fatal Rewind MD, Stage 1-1.png
 +
| screenshot2=Fatal Rewind MD, Stage 1-2.png
 +
| tabs=yes
 +
| desc=
 +
}}
 +
{{InfoRow
 +
| title=Level 2
 +
| screenshot=Fatal Rewind MD, Stage 2-1.png
 +
| screenshot2=Fatal Rewind MD, Stage 2-2.png
 +
| tabs=yes
 +
| desc=
 +
}}
 +
{{InfoRow
 +
| title=Level 3
 +
| screenshot=Fatal Rewind MD, Stage 3-1.png
 +
| screenshot2=Fatal Rewind MD, Stage 3-2.png
 +
| tabs=yes
 +
| desc=
 +
}}
 +
{{InfoRow
 +
| title=Level 4
 +
| screenshot=Fatal Rewind MD, Stage 4-1.png
 +
| screenshot2=Fatal Rewind MD, Stage 4-2.png
 +
| tabs=yes
 +
| desc=In level 4-2, the player must collect all of the red and blue skulls and find the exit.
 +
}}
 +
{{InfoRow
 +
| title=Level 5
 +
| screenshot=Fatal Rewind MD, Stage 5-1.png
 +
| screenshot2=Fatal Rewind MD, Stage 5-2.png
 +
| tabs=yes
 +
| desc=In level 5-2, the player must use the Collector item to collect all of the letters to spell "PSYGNOSIS." There are orange teleport pads that can be used by pressing {{down}} when standing on top of them.
 +
}}
 +
{{InfoRow
 +
| title=Level 6
 +
| screenshot=Fatal Rewind MD, Stage 6-1.png
 +
| screenshot2=Fatal Rewind MD, Stage 6-2.png
 +
| tabs=yes
 +
| desc=
 +
}}
 +
}}
  
 
==Versions==
 
==Versions==
−
*The Amiga original featured 8 worlds with two stages each. This has been cut down to 6 worlds with 2 stages each. As the cut worlds didn't feature anything that wouldn't have been possible on the [[Sega Mega Drive]] hardware, ROM size restrictions or the publisher not investing into bigger ROMs are possible reasons.
+
The [[Amiga]] original featured 8 worlds with two levels each. This has been cut down to 6 worlds with 2 levels each. As the cut worlds did not feature anything that would not have been possible on the [[Sega Mega Drive]] hardware, they were likely cut due to ROM size or cost restrictions. Liquids are reflective in the Amiga original. The effect was not reproduced for this port (possibly due to technical limitations). The Amiga version also has a map feature that is absent from this port.
−
* Liquids are reflective in the Amiga original. The effect was not, perhaps could not be, reproduced for this port.
+
 
−
* The map function from the Amiga version is missing.
+
===Localised names===
 +
{{aka
 +
|en_name=Fatal Rewind
 +
|us_name=Fatal Rewind
 +
|jp_name=キリング・ゲームショー
 +
|jp_trans=The Killing Game Show
 +
|jp_rom=
 +
}}
  
 
==Production credits==
 
==Production credits==
−
[[Category:Use Creditstable template]]
+
{{creditstable|
−
'''Programming and Design:''' Martyn R Chudley<br/>
+
*'''Programming and Design:''' Martyn R Chudley
−
'''Artwork:''' Martyn R Chudley, Jim Bowers, Jeff Bramfitt and Pete Lyon<br/>
+
*'''Artwork:''' Martyn R Chudley, Jim Bowers, Jeff Bramfitt and Pete Lyon
−
'''Music and FX:''' Sound Images<br/>
+
*'''Music and FX:''' [[Sound Images]]
−
'''Special Thanks to:''' Ian Hetherington, John White, Steve Riding, Nick Burcombe, Chris Stanley, Chris Wylie, Mike Waterworth, Garvan Corbett, Paul Frewin, Dave Worral, Sharon, Lorraine, Chris, Rob, Wayne Smithson and Keith Francart
+
*'''Special Thanks to:''' Ian Hetherington, John White, Steve Riding, Nick Burcombe, Chris Stanley, Chris Wylie, Mike Waterworth, Garvan Corbett, Paul Frewin, Dave Worral, Sharon, Lorraine, Chris, Rob, Wayne Smithson and Keith Francart
 +
| source=In-game credits
 +
| pdf=Fatal Rewind MD credits.pdf
 +
| console=MD
 +
}}
 +
{{hr}}
 +
{{multicol|
 +
{{creditstable|
 +
*'''Design and Programming:''' Martyn R. Chudley
 +
*'''Art:''' Martyn R. Chudley, Jeff Bramfitt, Jim Bowers, Pete Lyon
 +
*'''Producer:''' Keith Francart
 +
*'''Technical Director:''' Dominique Philipine
 +
*'''Sounds and Music:''' Sound Images
 +
*'''Product Management:''' Chip Lange, Lesley Mansford
 +
*'''Package Design:''' Lance Anderson
 +
*'''Cover Illustration:''' Roger Dean (Yes, THAT Roger Dean)
 +
*'''Documentation:''' Marti McKenna
 +
*'''Documentation Layout:''' Chandler Briggs
 +
*'''Manual Illustrations:''' Adrian Bourne
 +
*'''Testing:''' Gerald McLane
 +
*'''Quality Assurance:''' Tim LeTourneau, Kevin C. Hogan
 +
| source=US manual
 +
| pdf=Fatal Rewind MD US Manual.pdf
 +
| pdfpage=17
 +
| console=MD
 +
}}
 +
}}
  
 
==Magazine articles==
 
==Magazine articles==
 
{{mainArticle|{{PAGENAME}}/Magazine articles}}
 
{{mainArticle|{{PAGENAME}}/Magazine articles}}
 +
 +
==Promotional material==
 +
{{gallery
 +
|{{galleryPrintAd
 +
|egm|27|96-97
 +
}}
 +
|{{galleryPrintAd
 +
|gamersde|1992-01|2,4-5,3
 +
}}
 +
}}
  
 
==Physical scans==
 
==Physical scans==
−
{{ratings
+
{{ratings|MD}}
−
| icon=MD
 
−
| ace=80
 
−
| ace_source={{num|51|page=101|pdf=ACE UK 51.pdf}}
 
−
| gamepro=84
 
−
| gamepro_source={{num|29|page=72|pdf=GamePro US 029.pdf|pdfpage=74}}
 
−
| gamesx=90
 
−
| gamesx_source={{num|27}}
 
−
| gz=78
 
−
| gz_source={{num|2|page=42}}
 
−
| joystick=79
 
−
| joystick_source={{num|21|page=180}}
 
−
| mdag=85
 
−
| mdag_source={{num|5|page=91}}
 
−
| mega=79
 
−
| mega_source={{num|16|page=87}}
 
−
| megatech=83
 
−
| megatech_source={{num|1|page=77|pdf=MegaTech UK 01.pdf|pdfpage=77}}
 
−
| mm=83
 
−
| mm_source={{num|14|page=80-82|pdf=MeanMachines UK 14.pdf|pdfpage=80}}
 
−
| playerone=76
 
−
| playerone_source={{num|14|page=82}}
 
−
| segapower=71
 
−
| segapower_source={{num|26|page=34/35}}
 
−
| segapro=87
 
−
| segapro_source={{num|2|page=52/53|pdf=SegaPro UK 02.pdf|pdfpage=54}}
 
−
| segapro_1=88
 
−
| segapro_source_1={{num|18|page=65}}
 
−
}}
 
 
{{Scanbox
 
{{Scanbox
 +
| console=Mega Drive
 +
| region=JP
 +
| cover=FatalRewind MD JP Box.jpg
 +
| cart=FatalRewind MD JP Cart.jpg
 +
| carttop=TheKillingGameShow MD JP CartTop.jpg
 +
| manual=FatalRewind MD JP Manual.pdf
 +
}}{{Scanbox
 
| console=Mega Drive
 
| console=Mega Drive
 
| region=US
 
| region=US
Line 87: Line 290:
 
| cover=FatalRewind MD EU Box.jpg
 
| cover=FatalRewind MD EU Box.jpg
 
| cart=FatalRewind MD US Cart.jpg
 
| cart=FatalRewind MD US Cart.jpg
 +
| manual=Fatal Rewind MD EU Manual.jpg
 
}}{{Scanbox
 
}}{{Scanbox
 
| console=Mega Drive
 
| console=Mega Drive
−
| region=JP
+
| region=SE (Rental)
−
| cover=FatalRewind MD JP Box.jpg
+
| cover=
−
| cart=FatalRewind MD JP Cart.jpg
+
| cart=
−
| carttop=TheKillingGameShow_MD_JP_CartTop.jpg
 
 
}}{{Scanbox
 
}}{{Scanbox
 
| console=Mega Drive
 
| console=Mega Drive
−
| region=SE (Rental)
+
| region=AU
−
| cover=
+
| cover=FatalRewind MD AU cover.jpg
 
| cart=
 
| cart=
 +
}}{{Scanbox
 +
| console=Mega Drive
 +
| region=BR
 +
| cover=FatalRewind MD BR Box.jpg
 +
| cart=FatalRewind MD BR Cart.jpg
 +
}}
 +
 +
==Technical information==
 +
{{mainArticle|{{PAGENAME}}/Technical information}}
 +
===ROM dump status===
 +
{{romtable|
 +
{{rom|MD|sha1=02634d919ec7d08f3c6833f229b5127dd52c9e8a|md5=ea45e8065ff64c4e5e41ce933828c854|crc32=e91aed05|size=512kB|date=1991-09|source=Cartridge (US/EU)|comments=|quality=good|prototype=}}
 +
{{rom|MD|sha1=cabd42d2edd333871269a7bc03a68f6765d254ce|md5=348975e11a187025556b8d18194e502a|crc32=21dbb69d|size=512kB|date=1991-09|source=|comments=Prototype?|quality=|prototype=}}
 +
{{rom|MD|sha1=47cdd668998139c92305e1b5abf7e196901490d6|md5=c2aaf9fe67d8b70108b01af37e55b05a|crc32=b8e7668a|size=1MB|date=1993|source=Cartridge (JP)|comments=|quality=good|prototype=}}
 
}}
 
}}
  
 
==References==
 
==References==
 
<references/>
 
<references/>
 +
 +
{{FatalRewindOmni}}

Revision as of 08:40, 30 December 2023

n/a

  • NTSC-U/PAL
  • NTSC-J

FatalRewind title.png

TheKillingGameShow MD JP Title.png

Fatal Rewind
System(s): Sega Mega Drive
Publisher: Electronic Arts (US, EU), Electronic Arts Victor (JP)
Developer:
Licensor: Psygnosis
Original system(s): Commodore Amiga
Sound driver: Sound Images v1.0
Genre: Shooting[1], Action[2]

















Number of players: 1-2
Release Date RRP Code
Sega Mega Drive
JP 		¥8,9008,900 EM20021
Sega Mega Drive
US 		$49.9549.95[4][5] 709201
Sega Mega Drive
EU 		E183SMXI
Sega Mega Drive
UK 		£34.9934.99[9][7] E183SMXI
Sega Mega Drive
SE
(Rental)
Sega Mega Drive
AU
Sega Mega Drive
BR
Non-Sega versions

Fatal Rewind, known in Japan as The Killing Game Show (キリング・ゲームショー) is a Sega Mega Drive action platform game developed by Raising Hell Software. A port of the developer's 1990 Commodore Amiga title The Killing Game Show, the game was first published in the United States by Electronic Arts in October 1991, was brought to Europe by the same publisher the following month, and was eventually localized and published in Japan by Electronic Arts Victor in August 1993.

Story

In a dystopian future, Fatal Rewind (or The Killing Game Show) is a television show where incarcerated criminals participate in a deadly contest. Their skin is removed and they are placed inside a bipedal robot armed with a cannon. The prisoners must escape from pits filled with killing machines called Hostile Artificial Life Forms (HALFs) and a lethal ooze that rises over time called Deadly to Organic Life Liquid (DOLL). If successful, the prisoner is awarded with freedom; if the prisoner dies, the show moves on to the next contestant.

Gameplay

The game is an action platformer. The player controls a walking robot equipped with a cannon that must make its way through a dozen maze-like levels to the exit at the top. Flying enemies called HALFs are released into the levels and swarm the player in waves, like enemies in a shoot-'em-up. Every level has a time limit, which is enforced by a constantly rising liquid called DOLL that destroys the robot on contact. Levels often require the player to find keys or hit buttons to unlock barriers or drop climbable chains in order to progress.

The robot moves with Left and Right and ducks with Down. Levels loop around horizontally. It jumps with Up or C. It automatically grabs walls that it touches and can climb them with Up and Down. It fires its weapon with B, which can be used to attack enemies or to push buttons. Its main weapon only fires a short distance forward and has unlimited ammunition, but the player can find special weapons that do more damage or cover more area but have limited supply. Weapons can be fired while jumping or ducking. The player can find special items in the levels such as energy refills or water freezer that temporarily keeps the DOLL from rising. Only one of these items can be held in reserve at a time, and it can be used by holding B.

The robot has limited energy, which is loses when an enemy or hazard touches it. It is destroyed when energy is exhausted. Touching the DOLL instantly destroys the robot. Every level starts with a countdown timer before the DOLL starts rising. After losing a life, the game replays the player's gameplay. The replay can be fast-forwarded by holding A. Pressing any other button stops the replay and continues playing from that point on a new life.

There are three difficulty levels (Normal, Hard, and Hardest), and the player can set the starting number of lives (between 1 and 9) and credits (between 0 and 9). There is an alternating two-player mode where the players take turns.

Items

Items are found in destructible containers, then picked up by pressing Down when in front of them. The robot has a slot for a weapon and a slot for a tool item. Collecting another weapon or tool replaces the one already in the slot and drops the old one on the ground to collect again if desired.

Weapons

Special weapons are limited use.

Fatal Rewind MD, Items.png
 Triple Lasers
Shoots a conical spreadshot of bullets that are the same as the standard bullets.
Fatal Rewind MD, Items.png
 Missiles
Launches a single missile that does more damage and travels the full width of the screen.
Fatal Rewind MD, Items.png
 Sky Missiles
Launches two missiles, one straight ahead and one diagonally upward, that do more damage and travel the full width of the screen.
Fatal Rewind MD, Items.png
 Laser
Fires a laser beam that pierces through multiple targets and travels the full width of the screen.
Fatal Rewind MD, Items.png
 Side Shot
Augments the standard shot with two additional shots directly upward and downward.
Fatal Rewind MD, Items.png
 Mine Sweeper
Fires a rectangular laser that pierces through multiple targets and travels the full width of the screen.
Fatal Rewind MD, Items.png
 Laser Bolt
Fires two stacked lasers that pierce through multiple targets and travel the full width of the screen.
Fatal Rewind MD, Items.png
 Rear Shot
Augments the standard shot with an additional shot in the opposite direction.
Fatal Rewind MD, Items.png
 Triple Missiles
Launches three missiles in a conical spread that do more damage and travel the full width of the screen.

Tools

Fatal Rewind MD, Items.png
 Oracle
Displays a text message, which is sometimes a gameplay tip.
Fatal Rewind MD, Items.png
 Water Freezer
Prevents the DOLL from rising for as long as the B button is held. It can be activated and deactivated multiple times until its power is totally drained, but the robot cannot fire while it is being used.
Fatal Rewind MD, Items.png
 Shape Keys
Used on a receptacle of the matching shape to open a barrier or lower a chain in order to pass.
Fatal Rewind MD, Items.png
 Key Swapper
A placeholder item that does nothing but allows the player to drop two items in a location.
Fatal Rewind MD, Items.png
 Red Herring
An item that does nothing but hints that the player is going in the wrong direction.
Fatal Rewind MD, Items.png
 Half Energy
Restores half of the robot's energy.
Fatal Rewind MD, Items.png
 Full Energy
Completely restores the robot's energy.
Fatal Rewind MD, Items.png
 Energy Replenisher
Gradually restores the robot's energy while the B button is held. It can be activated and deactivated multiple times until its power is totally drained, but the robot cannot fire while it is being used.
Fatal Rewind MD, Items.png
 The Collector
Shoots a long beam that collects the letters in level 5-2.

Other

Fatal Rewind MD, Items.png
 Flying Heart
Recovers a small amount of energy. Appears after destroying a full wave of flying enemies.
Fatal Rewind MD, Items.png
 Flying Skull
Costs a small amount of energy. Sometimes appears instead of a Flying Heart after destroying a full wave of flying enemies in the later levels.
Fatal Rewind MD, Items.png
 Diamond
Collect for bonus points.

Levels

Each level has two separate parts.

Fatal Rewind MD, Stage 1-1.png

Fatal Rewind MD, Stage 1-2.png

  • Fatal Rewind MD, Stage 1-1.png

  • Fatal Rewind MD, Stage 1-2.png

Level 1

Fatal Rewind MD, Stage 2-1.png

Fatal Rewind MD, Stage 2-2.png

  • Fatal Rewind MD, Stage 2-1.png

  • Fatal Rewind MD, Stage 2-2.png

Level 2

Fatal Rewind MD, Stage 3-1.png

Fatal Rewind MD, Stage 3-2.png

  • Fatal Rewind MD, Stage 3-1.png

  • Fatal Rewind MD, Stage 3-2.png

Level 3

Fatal Rewind MD, Stage 4-1.png

Fatal Rewind MD, Stage 4-2.png

  • Fatal Rewind MD, Stage 4-1.png

  • Fatal Rewind MD, Stage 4-2.png

Level 4
In level 4-2, the player must collect all of the red and blue skulls and find the exit.

Fatal Rewind MD, Stage 5-1.png

Fatal Rewind MD, Stage 5-2.png

  • Fatal Rewind MD, Stage 5-1.png

  • Fatal Rewind MD, Stage 5-2.png

Level 5
In level 5-2, the player must use the Collector item to collect all of the letters to spell "PSYGNOSIS." There are orange teleport pads that can be used by pressing Down when standing on top of them.

Fatal Rewind MD, Stage 6-1.png

Fatal Rewind MD, Stage 6-2.png

  • Fatal Rewind MD, Stage 6-1.png

  • Fatal Rewind MD, Stage 6-2.png

Level 6

Versions

The Amiga original featured 8 worlds with two levels each. This has been cut down to 6 worlds with 2 levels each. As the cut worlds did not feature anything that would not have been possible on the Sega Mega Drive hardware, they were likely cut due to ROM size or cost restrictions. Liquids are reflective in the Amiga original. The effect was not reproduced for this port (possibly due to technical limitations). The Amiga version also has a map feature that is absent from this port.

Localised names

Also known as
Language Localised Name English Translation
English Fatal Rewind Fatal Rewind
English (US) Fatal Rewind Fatal Rewind
Japanese キリング・ゲームショー The Killing Game Show

Production credits

  • Programming and Design: Martyn R Chudley
  • Artwork: Martyn R Chudley, Jim Bowers, Jeff Bramfitt and Pete Lyon
  • Music and FX: Sound Images
  • Special Thanks to: Ian Hetherington, John White, Steve Riding, Nick Burcombe, Chris Stanley, Chris Wylie, Mike Waterworth, Garvan Corbett, Paul Frewin, Dave Worral, Sharon, Lorraine, Chris, Rob, Wayne Smithson and Keith Francart
Source:
In-game credits
Fatal Rewind MD credits.pdf
[10]
  • Design and Programming: Martyn R. Chudley
  • Art: Martyn R. Chudley, Jeff Bramfitt, Jim Bowers, Pete Lyon
  • Producer: Keith Francart
  • Technical Director: Dominique Philipine
  • Sounds and Music: Sound Images
  • Product Management: Chip Lange, Lesley Mansford
  • Package Design: Lance Anderson
  • Cover Illustration: Roger Dean (Yes, THAT Roger Dean)
  • Documentation: Marti McKenna
  • Documentation Layout: Chandler Briggs
  • Manual Illustrations: Adrian Bourne
  • Testing: Gerald McLane
  • Quality Assurance: Tim LeTourneau, Kevin C. Hogan
Source:
US manual
Fatal Rewind MD US Manual.pdf
[11]

Magazine articles

Main article: Fatal Rewind/Magazine articles.

Promotional material

Logo-pdf.svg
Print advert in Electronic Gaming Monthly (US) #27: "October 1991" (1991-xx-xx)
Logo-pdf.svg
Logo-pdf.svg
Print advert in Gamers (DE) #1992-01: "Februar/März 1992" (1992-xx-xx)
Logo-pdf.svg

Physical scans

Sega Retro Average 
Publication Score Source
{{{{{icon}}}|L}} Division by zero.
Based on
0 review
Sega Retro Average 
Publication Version Score
1700 igr dlya Sega (RU)
50
[12]
1700 igr dlya Sega (RU) NTSC-J
50
[13]
ACE (UK)
75
[9]
Beep! MegaDrive (JP) NTSC-J
50
[14]
Console XS (UK) PAL
88
[15]
Cool Gamer (RU)
30
[16]
Mean Machines: The Essential Sega Guide (UK)
78
[17]
Famitsu (JP) NTSC-J
55
[18]
Game Mania (UK)
85
[19]
Game Power (IT)
84
[20]
GamePro (US) NTSC-U
84
[4]
Games-X (UK)
90
[21]
Game Zone (UK) PAL
78
[7]
Hippon Super (JP) NTSC-J
60
[22]
Hobby Consolas (ES)
70
[23]
Joypad (FR) PAL
76
[24]
Joystick (FR)
79
[25]
Sega Mega Drive Advanced Gaming (UK) PAL
85
[26]
Mega (UK) PAL
79
[27]
Mega Force (FR) PAL
75
[28]
MegaTech (UK)
83
[29]
Micromanía (segunda época) (ES)
78
[30]
Mean Machines (UK) PAL
83
[31]
Mean Machines Sega (UK)
83
[32]
Player One (FR)
76
[33]
Power Play (DE)
73
[34]
Sega Power (UK) PAL
71
[35]
Sega Pro (UK) PAL
87
[36]
Sega Pro (UK) PAL
88
[37]
Svet Kompjutera (YU)
69
[38]
Sega Saturn Magazine (JP) NTSC-J
56
[39]
Supergame (BR)
86
[40]
Tricks 16 bit (RU)
60
[41]
VideoGames & Computer Entertainment (US) NTSC-U
70
[5]
Video Games (DE)
75
[42]
Sega Mega Drive
 73
Based on
35 reviews

Fatal Rewind

Mega Drive, JP
FatalRewind MD JP Box.jpg
Cover
TheKillingGameShow MD JP CartTop.jpg
FatalRewind MD JP Cart.jpg
Cart
FatalRewind MD JP Manual.pdf
Manual
Mega Drive, US
FatalRewind MD US Box.jpg
Cover
FatalRewind MD US Cart.jpg
Cart
Fatal Rewind MD US Manual.pdf
Manual
Fatal Rewind MD US Poster.pdf
Poster
Mega Drive, EU
FatalRewind MD EU Box.jpg
Cover
FatalRewind MD US Cart.jpg
Cart
Fatal Rewind MD EU Manual.jpg
Manual
Mega Drive, SE (Rental)

Mega Drive, AU
FatalRewind MD AU cover.jpg
Cover
Mega Drive, BR
FatalRewind MD BR Box.jpg
Cover
FatalRewind MD BR Cart.jpg
Cart

Technical information

Main article: Fatal Rewind/Technical information.

ROM dump status

System Hash Size Build Date Source Comments
Sega Mega Drive
✔
CRC32 e91aed05
MD5 ea45e8065ff64c4e5e41ce933828c854
SHA-1 02634d919ec7d08f3c6833f229b5127dd52c9e8a
512kB 1991-09 Cartridge (US/EU)
Sega Mega Drive
 ?
CRC32 21dbb69d
MD5 348975e11a187025556b8d18194e502a
SHA-1 cabd42d2edd333871269a7bc03a68f6765d254ce
512kB 1991-09 Prototype?
Sega Mega Drive
✔
CRC32 b8e7668a
MD5 c2aaf9fe67d8b70108b01af37e55b05a
SHA-1 47cdd668998139c92305e1b5abf7e196901490d6
1MB 1993 Cartridge (JP)

References

  1. ↑ File:FatalRewind MD JP Box.jpg
  2. ↑ 2.0 2.1 https://sega.jp/history/hard/megadrive/software_l.html (Wayback Machine: 2020-07-02 23:21)
  3. ↑ GamePro, "October 1991" (US; 1991-xx-xx), page 80
  4. ↑ 4.0 4.1 GamePro, "December 1991" (US; 1991-xx-xx), page 74
  5. ↑ 5.0 5.1 VideoGames & Computer Entertainment, "December 1991" (US; 1991-1x-xx), page 72
  6. ↑ 6.0 6.1 Sega Power, "December 1991" (UK; 1991-10-30), page 11
  7. ↑ 7.0 7.1 7.2 7.3 Game Zone, "December 1991" (UK; 1991-11-22), page 42
  8. ↑ Computer Trade Weekly, "" (UK; 1991-10-21), page 21
  9. ↑ 9.0 9.1 ACE, "December 1991" (UK; 1991-11-08), page 101
  10. ↑ File:Fatal Rewind MD credits.pdf
  11. ↑ File:Fatal Rewind MD US Manual.pdf, page 17
  12. ↑ 1700 igr dlya Sega, "" (RU; 2001-xx-xx), page 79
  13. ↑ 1700 igr dlya Sega, "" (RU; 2001-xx-xx), page 156
  14. ↑ Beep! MegaDrive, "September 1993" (JP; 1993-08-07), page 22
  15. ↑ Console XS, "June/July 1992" (UK; 1992-04-23), page 129
  16. ↑ Cool Gamer, "9" (RU; 2002-10-13), page 84
  17. ↑ Mean Machines: The Essential Sega Guide, "" (UK; 1993-11-18), page 45
  18. ↑ Famitsu, "1993-08-20,27" (JP; 1993-08-06), page 38
  19. ↑ Game Mania, "May 1993" (UK; 1993-xx-xx), page 80
  20. ↑ Game Power, "Marzo 1992" (IT; 1992-0x-xx), page 60
  21. ↑ Games-X, "24th-30th October 1991" (UK; 1991-10-24), page 34
  22. ↑ Hippon Super, "September 1993" (JP; 1993-08-03), page 49
  23. ↑ Hobby Consolas, "Abril 1992" (ES; 1992-0x-xx), page 156
  24. ↑ Joypad, "Décembre 1991" (FR; 1991-11-19), page 84
  25. ↑ Joystick, "Novembre 1991" (FR; 1991-1x-xx), page 180
  26. ↑ Sega Mega Drive Advanced Gaming, "January 1993" (UK; 199x-xx-xx), page 91
  27. ↑ Mega, "January 1994" (UK; 1993-12-16), page 87
  28. ↑ Mega Force, "Novembre 1991" (FR; 1991-11-19), page 76
  29. ↑ MegaTech, "Xmas 1991" (UK; 1991-12-06), page 77
  30. ↑ Micromanía (segunda época), "Febrero 1992" (ES; 1992-0x-xx), page 30
  31. ↑ Mean Machines, "November 1991" (UK; 1991-10-29), page 80
  32. ↑ Mean Machines Sega, "October 1992" (UK; 1992-09-xx), page 138
  33. ↑ Player One, "Novembre 1991" (FR; 1991-xx-xx), page 82
  34. ↑ Power Play, "1/92" (DE; 1991-12-11), page 183
  35. ↑ Sega Power, "January 1992" (UK; 1991-12-05), page 34
  36. ↑ Sega Pro, "December 1991" (UK; 1991-11-21), page 54
  37. ↑ Sega Pro, "April 1993" (UK; 1993-03-11), page 65
  38. ↑ Svet Kompjutera, "Jul-Avgust 1996" (YU; 1996-xx-xx), page 86
  39. ↑ Sega Saturn Magazine, "September 1995" (JP; 1995-08-08), page 87
  40. ↑ Supergame, "Agosto 1992" (BR; 1992-08-xx), page 34
  41. ↑ Tricks 16 bit, "Tricks Sega Gold 800 igr" (RU; 1998-03-20), page 71
  42. ↑ Video Games, "4/91" (DE; 1991-12-06), page 28


Fatal Rewind

FatalRewind title.png

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