Difference between revisions of "Action 52"

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{{Bob
 
{{Bob
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| bobscreen=Action52_Genesis.png
+
| bobscreen=Action52 Genesis.png
 
| publisher=[[Active Enterprises]]
 
| publisher=[[Active Enterprises]]
−
| developer=[[FarSight Studios]]
+
| developer=[[FarSight Technologies]]{{ref|https://web.archive.org/web/20011201172459/http://www.farsightstudios.com/history.htm}}
−
| system=[[Sega Mega Drive/Genesis]]
+
| support=[[Nu Romantic Productions]] (sound)
−
| europe=Unreleased
+
| system=[[Sega Mega Drive]]
−
| usa=1993
+
| originaldevelopers=[[Active Enterprises]]
−
| japan=Unreleased
+
| originalsystem=[[Nintendo Entertainment System]]
 +
| sounddriver=[[GEMS]]
 +
| peripherals=
 +
| players=1-2
 +
| genre=Compilation
 
| gamecount=52
 
| gamecount=52
−
| genre=
+
| releases={{releasesMD
−
| esrb=
+
| md_date_us=1992-05{{magref|gamepro|34|16}}
 +
| md_rrp_us=199.00{{magref|gamepro|34|16}}
 
}}
 
}}
−
'''''Action 52''''' is a collection of 52 original games on one cartridge released on both the [[Sega Mega Drive|Genesis]] and the NES, developed by FarSight Studios and published by Active Enterprises. It was originally sold for $199 US dollars, and all of the games are infamous for being of terrible quality.
+
}}
 +
{{stub}}'''''{{PAGENAME}}''''' is an unlicensed [[Sega Mega Drive]] game compilation multicart developed by [[FarSight Technologies]] and published by [[Active Enterprises]]. An extensively-redesigned port of the publisher's infamous 1991 [[Nintendo Entertainment System]] multicart ''[[wikipedia:Action 52|Action 52]]'', it was released exclusively in the United States in May 1992 at a retail price of $199{{magref|gamepro|34|16}}. While considered far superior to the original NES release, the title remains relatively basic and poor in gameplay design.
 +
 
 +
==Games==
 +
{{ScreenThumb|Action52 MD MainMenu.png|width=224|The first page of the main menu}}
 +
'''{{PAGENAME}}''' features in total 49 unique games of varying genres (such as for example: platform, shoot-em-up, puzzle, driving and etc.), with 2 games being two-player versions of existing games on the cart ('''Star Duel''' and '''Armor Battle'''), and the 52th game ('''Action 52 Challenge''') being just a compilation of the highest levels from all 46 single player games.
 +
 
 +
All games on the main menu are color coded to indicate the difficulty/type, with a legend on the first screen when the cartridge is booted up: {{yellow|Expert}}, {{purple|Intermediate}}, {{green|Beginner}}, {{blue|Two Player}} and {{white|Special}}. The Directional Button is used to navigate the main menu, and pressing {{start}} or any of the face buttons selects one of the games.
 +
 
 +
All of the games can be exited by pausing with {{start}} during gameplay, then pressing {{C}} on the Controller 1 while paused; which will return the game to the title screen.
 +
 
 +
===List of games===
 +
{{InfoTable|imagewidths=224|
 +
{{InfoRow
 +
| title=1: ''Go Bonkers'' ({{yellow|Expert}})
 +
| screenshot=Action52 MD GoBonkers.png
 +
| screenshot2=Action52 MD GoBonkers Titlescreen.png
 +
| tabs=yes
 +
| desc=Known simply as "Bonkers" on the in-game list. You control a green ball that will bounce all the way up and all the way down on a vertical field. You can move it left and right with the D-Button. The ball will destroy bricks of matching colors; touching a grey brick with a different color will change the ball's color (however, the ball cannot be changed back to green using the gray bricks with green in the middle). Hitting a Black Cross brick will make you lose one ball and revert the ball color to green. After all colored bricks are removed, simply remove the remaining bricks with green in the middle to clear the level. Also worth mentioning, this is one of the few games of the cart to have a title screen.
 +
}}
 +
{{InfoRow
 +
| title=2: ''Darksyne'' ({{yellow|Expert}})
 +
| screenshot=Notavailable.svg
 +
| screenshot2=Notavailable.svg
 +
| tabs=yes
 +
| desc='''Darksyne''' is a multi-directional shooter, in which the player pilots a ship stuck in a room with enemies and is bound by gravity. {{A}} shoots; Holding {{B}} and using the D-Button will allows for some limited form of motion; Holding {{C}} activates the shield, which has limited energy. Destroy all the enemies without hitting the walls of the level to move on to the next.
 +
}}
 +
{{InfoRow
 +
| title=3: ''Dyno-Tennis'' ({{blue|Two player}})
 +
| screenshot=Action52 MD DynoTennis.png
 +
| desc=Simple tennis game. Player 1 controls the orange dinosaur, while Player 2 controls the purple one; {{left}} and {{right}} move, {{C}} swings. Most points after 9 sets wins.
 +
}}
 +
{{InfoRow
 +
| title=4: ''Ooze'' ({{yellow|Expert}})
 +
| screenshot=Notavailable.svg
 +
| desc=A platforming run-and-gun where players take the role of the Ooze Boy and are tasked to collect keys throughout each level, in order to progress to the next one. {{C}} shoots (notoriously, Ooze Boy is not able to shoot while jumping); {{B}} jumps. {{down}} crouches; moving while crouched crawls. Falling from too high a slope will kill Ooze Boy.
 +
}}
 +
{{InfoRow
 +
| title=5: ''Star Ball'' ({{yellow|Expert}})
 +
| screenshot=Action52 MD StarBall.png
 +
| desc=A pinball game; {{A}} launches the ball, {{Left}} flips the left flippers and {{C}} flips the right flippers. There appears to be multiple tables; the manual mentions that collecting all bonuses and destroying all the enemies you can, will take to the next table.
 +
}}
 +
{{InfoRow
 +
| title=6: ''Sidewinder'' ({{yellow|Expert}})
 +
| screenshot=Notavailable.svg
 +
| desc=A shooting game similar to ''[[After Burner]]''/''[[G-LOC]]''; enemies attack by firing homing missiles (with a warning popping up on the screen) and the player must dodge them. The Directional Button moves the ship around, {{C}} fires the cannons.
 +
}}
 +
{{InfoRow
 +
| title=7: ''Daytona'' ({{yellow|Expert}})
 +
| screenshot=Action52 MD Daytona.png
 +
| screenshot2=Action52 MD Daytona Titlescreen.png
 +
| tabs=yes
 +
| desc=Simple 3D racing game. the goal is to win many races as possible, thereby increasing cash winnings and enter the ultimate race, the "Daytona". Hold {{C}} to accelerate; brake with {{B}}, Steer with {{left}} and {{right}} and hit {{A}} to switch between low and high gears.
 +
 
 +
Players start the game with $ 3,700 and will be charged an entrance fee to enter each race; with the entrance fee increasing as the races progress. Players must avoid hitting obstacles and other cars; or else the car will take damage and be completely stopped. Payment will be deducted for any damage incurred to the car, and the game ends if the player runs out of money.
 +
}}
 +
{{InfoRow
 +
| title=8: ''15 Puzzle'' ({{yellow|Expert}})
 +
| screenshot=Action52 MD 15Puzzle.png
 +
| desc=Action 52's adaptation of [[wikipedia:Fifteen puzzle|Fifteen puzzle.]] Players must get all the scrambled numbers in order under a 5 minute time limit. Use the Directional Button to move the cursor and {{C}} to move the selected block.
 +
}}
 +
{{InfoRow
 +
| title=9: ''Sketch'' ({{yellow|Expert}})
 +
| screenshot=Action52 MD Sketch.png
 +
| desc=Line art canvas. D-Button moves the pencil; Hold {{C}} to draw; {{B}} changes pen size; {{A}} changes pen color. ''Sketch'' is similar to [[Art Alive!]] by using the same pencil sprite and other features.
 +
}}
 +
{{InfoRow
 +
| title=10: ''Star Duel'' ({{blue|Two player}})
 +
| screenshot=Action52 MD StarDuel.png
 +
| desc=A two-player version of ''Darksyne''. This game is a one on one spaceship battle that plays similar to ''Asteroids''. Controls are similar to ''Darksyne''.
 +
}}
 +
{{InfoRow
 +
| title=11: ''Haunted Hills'' ({{yellow|Expert}})
 +
| screenshot=Action52 MD HauntedHills.png
 +
| screenshot2=Action52 MD HauntedHills Titlescreen.png
 +
| tabs=yes
 +
| desc=Known as "Haunted Hill" in-game, and also one of the few games on the card to have a title screen. Tommy Tow is lost in the haunted hills and he must find the way out by collecting all of the hidden diamonds.
 +
 
 +
D-Button moves Tommy left and right; {{C}} makes Tommy attack with his torch, and {{B}} jumps.
 +
}}
 +
{{InfoRow
 +
| title=12: ''Alfredo & the Fettucinni's'' ({{yellow|Expert}})
 +
| screenshot=Action52 MD Alfredo.png
 +
| desc=Known as just "Alfredo" in-game. Alfredo must catch the fettuccini's and pasta's and avoid the sausages and the meatballs flying out from the pot. Alfredo can be moved by pressing {{left}} and {{right}}.
 +
}}
 +
{{InfoRow
 +
| title=13: ''The Cheetahmen'' ({{yellow|Expert}})
 +
| screenshot=Action52 MD Cheetahmen.png
 +
| screenshot2=Action52 MD Cheetahmen Titlescreen.png
 +
| tabs=yes
 +
| desc=Use Aries, Apollo and Hercules to find all the stolen cheetah cubs in every level. D-Button moves, {{B}} jumps and {{C}} attacks. Each of the Cheetahmen has their own attacks: Hercules punches, Apollo shoots a crossbow and Aries uses his clubs.
 +
}}
 +
{{InfoRow
 +
| title=14: ''Skirmish'' ({{blue|Two player}})
 +
| screenshot=Action52 MD Skirmish.png
 +
| screenshot2=Action52 MD Skirmish Titlescreen.png
 +
| tabs=yes
 +
| desc=A strategy game where each player controls an army with its objective; to get one of its pieces onto the enemies headquarters. Before starting a game, players must select a battle scenario. The D-Button moves the selection cursor; while {{C}} picks up/puts down pieces and fires weapon in combat, and {{B}} puts the piece where it was.
 +
}}
 +
{{InfoRow
 +
| title=15: ''Depth Charge'' ({{yellow|Expert}})
 +
| screenshot=Action52 MD Depthcharge.png
 +
| desc=Players control of an ASW cruiser dropping mines on enemy submarine cruisers and avoiding their missiles. D-Button moves the cruiser left and right, while {{B}} releases mines on the sea.
 +
}}
 +
{{InfoRow
 +
| title=16: ''Minds Eye'' (expert)
 +
| image=Notavailable.svg
 +
| desc=
 +
}}
 +
{{InfoRow
 +
| title=17: ''Alien Attack'' ({{yellow|Expert}})
 +
| image=Action52 MD AlienAttack.png
 +
| desc=A belt-scrolling shooter in which the player must proceed to the right, while defeating the aliens who are trying to take the world. The D-Button moves around, while {{C}} fires.
 +
}}
 +
{{InfoRow
 +
| title=18: ''Billy Bob'' ({{yellow|Expert}})
 +
| image=Action52 MD BillyBob.png
 +
| desc=
 +
}}
 +
{{InfoRow
 +
| title=19: ''Sharks'' ({{purple|Intermediate}})
 +
| image=Action52 MD Sharks.png
 +
| desc=
 +
}}
 +
{{InfoRow
 +
| title=20: ''Knockout'' ({{blue|Two player}})
 +
| screenshot=Action52 MD Knockout.png
 +
| desc=A one-on-one boxing game, playable with two players; D-Button moves the fighter around, {{C}} punches, and {{B}} jumps.
 +
}}
 +
{{InfoRow
 +
| title=21: ''Intruder'' ({{purple|Intermediate}})
 +
| screenshot=Notavailable.svg
 +
| desc=
 +
}}
 +
{{InfoRow
 +
| title=22: ''Echo'' (intermediate)
 +
| image=Notavailable.svg
 +
| desc=
 +
}}
 +
{{InfoRow
 +
| title=23: ''Freeway'' ({{purple|Intermediate}})
 +
| screenshot=Action52 MD Freeway.png
 +
| desc=Spike's family moved to a new home, but they left some things behind — all of Spike's toys. Help Spike travel safely back and forth across the freeway and carry his bones, frisbees and balls to his new home while avoiding getting ran over by the vehicles. Spike can only carry one object at a time. The D-Button moves Spike around; to pick an object, the player must move spike towards the object.
 +
}}
 +
{{InfoRow
 +
| title=24: ''Mouse Trap'' ({{purple|Intermediate}})
 +
| screenshot=Action52 MD Mousetrap.png
 +
| desc=Known in-game as "Mousetrap". Marty the mouse must get all the pieces of cheese before any of the cats get him. The D-Button moves Marty around.
 +
}}
 +
{{InfoRow
 +
| title=25: ''Ninja'' (intermediate)
 +
| image=Notavailable.svg
 +
| desc=
 +
}}
 +
{{InfoRow
 +
| title=26: ''Slalom'' ({{purple|Intermediate}})
 +
| screenshot=Action52 MD Slalom.png
 +
| desc=A skiing game where players must try to get to the bottom of the mountain without hitting any trees; D-Button moves the skier around.
 +
}}
 +
{{InfoRow
 +
| title=27: ''Dauntless'' (intermediate)
 +
| image=Notavailable.svg
 +
| desc=
 +
}}
 +
{{InfoRow
 +
| title=28: ''Force One'' (intermediate)
 +
| image=Notavailable.svg
 +
| desc=
 +
}}
 +
{{InfoRow
 +
| title=29: ''Spidey'' ({{purple|Intermediate}})
 +
| image=Action52 MD Spidey.png
 +
| desc=
 +
}}
 +
{{InfoRow
 +
| title=30: ''Appleseed'' ({{purple|Intermediate}})
 +
| image=Notavailable.svg
 +
| desc=
 +
}}
 +
{{InfoRow
 +
| title=31: ''Street Skater'' ({{purple|Intermediate}})
 +
| screenshot=Action52 MD StreetSkater.png
 +
| desc=Known simply as "Skater" in-game. Control the skater, collecting the portable radios while avoiding the small animals and beach balls. D-Button moves the skater around, while {{C}} jumps over objects.
 +
}}
 +
{{InfoRow
 +
| title=32: ''Sunday Driver'' (intermediate)
 +
| image=Notavailable.svg
 +
| desc=
 +
}}
 +
{{InfoRow
 +
| title=33: ''Star Evil'' (intermediate)
 +
| image=Notavailable.svg
 +
| desc=
 +
}}
 +
{{InfoRow
 +
| title=34: ''Air Command'' ({{purple|Intermediate}})
 +
| screenshot=Action52 MD AirCommand.png
 +
| desc=A vertical shooting game that scrolls from top to bottom. Players take the role of a World War II pilot over enemy territory trying to get home. D-Button moves the bomber around and {{C}} fires the ship's cannons.
 +
}}
 +
{{InfoRow
 +
| title=35: ''Shoot Out'' ({{purple|Intermediate}})
 +
| screenshot=Action52 MD Shootout.png
 +
| desc=Listed in-game as "Shootout". A shooting gallery game where players must shoot all of the targets with a limited ammunition supply. The D-Button moves the gun left and right, while {{C}} fires the pistol.
 +
}}
 +
{{InfoRow
 +
| title=36: ''Bombs Away'' ({{purple|Intermediate}})
 +
| screenshot=Action52 MD BombsAway.png
 +
| desc=A running autoscroller. Players control a soldier deep in enemy territory that has been separated from the rest of his unit, and must avoid the barrage of bombs aimed at his direction. D-Button moves left and right, and {{C}} jumps.
 +
}}
 +
{{InfoRow
 +
| title=37: ''Speedboat'' ({{green|Beginner}})
 +
| screenshot=Action52 MD Speedboat.png
 +
| desc=Listed in-game as "Speed Boat". Pilot a speeding boat racing to the end of the course, dodging obstacles. D-Button moves the boat around.
 +
}}
 +
{{InfoRow
 +
| title=38: ''Dedant'' ({{green|Beginner}})
 +
| screenshot=Notavailable.svg
 +
| desc=
 +
}}
 +
{{InfoRow
 +
| title=39: ''G-Force Fighter'' ({{green|Beginner}})
 +
| screenshot=Action52 MD GForceFighter.png
 +
| desc=Listed as "G Fighter" in-game. Players must escape with a stolen prototype of the enemy's new starship. Move the ship with the D-Button, and fire with {{C}}.
 +
}}
 +
{{InfoRow
 +
| title=40: ''Man At Arms'' ({{green|Beginner}})
 +
| image=Notavailable.svg
 +
| desc=
 +
}}
 +
{{InfoRow
 +
| title=41: ''Norman'' ({{green|Beginner}})
 +
| image=Notavailable.svg
 +
| desc=
 +
}}
 +
{{InfoRow
 +
| title=42: ''Armor Battle'' ({{blue|Two player}})
 +
| screenshot=Action52 MD ArmorBattle.png
 +
| desc=A one on one tank battle. Gameplay, controls and graphics are the same as ''Norman''.
 +
}}
 +
{{InfoRow
 +
| title=43: ''Magic Bean'' ({{green|Beginner}})
 +
| screenshot=Notavailable.svg
 +
| desc=Based on the ''Jack and the Beanstalk'' fairytale.
 +
}}
 +
{{InfoRow
 +
| title=44: ''Apache Chopper'' ({{green|Beginner}})
 +
| screenshot=Action52 MD Apache.png
 +
| desc=Known just as "Apache" in-game. Command the Apache gunship through a narrow canyon at a low altitude; destroying any enemy planes, tanks and helicopters in sight.
 +
 
 +
The D-Button moves the Apache helicopter around, while {{B}} fires the Vulcan cannon.
 +
}}
 +
{{InfoRow
 +
| title=45: ''Paratrooper'' (beginner)
 +
| image=Notavailable.svg
 +
| desc=
 +
}}
 +
{{InfoRow
 +
| title=46: ''Sky Avenger'' ({{green|Beginner}})
 +
| screenshot=Action52 MD SkyAvenger.png
 +
| desc=A Horizontal shooting game that scrolls right-to-left. Players control a helicopter in a reconnaissance mission. The D-Button moves the helicopter, while {{C}} shoots the Apache's vulcan cannon.
 +
}}
 +
{{InfoRow
 +
| title=47: ''Sharp Shooter'' ({{green|Beginner}})
 +
| screenshot=notavailable.svg
 +
| desc=Listed in-game as "Sharpshooter".
 +
}}
 +
{{InfoRow
 +
| title=48: ''Meteor'' ({{green|Beginner}})
 +
| image=Notavailable.svg
 +
| desc=
 +
}}
 +
{{InfoRow
 +
| title=49: ''Black Hole'' (beginner)
 +
| image=Notavailable.svg
 +
| desc=
 +
}}
 +
{{InfoRow
 +
| title=50: ''The Boss'' ({{green|Beginner}})
 +
| screenshot=Action52 MD The Boss.png
 +
| desc=The Lizard gang is loose. Collect all of the hidden money bags in the hideout; {{Left}} and {{Right}} moves, {{Up}} and {{Down}} climbs the ladders and {{C}} shoots.
 +
}}
 +
{{InfoRow
 +
| title=51: ''1st Video Game'' ({{blue|Two player}})
 +
| screenshot=Action52 MD 1stGame.png
 +
| desc=Referred as "1st Game" at the in-game menu. The game itself is a rendition of ''Pong'' (which post-dates the first "video game" by many years) which can be played only with two players. The winner is decided between 9 matches.
 +
}}
 +
{{InfoRow
 +
| title=52: ''Action 52 Challenge'' ({{white|Special}})
 +
| screenshot=Action52 MD Challenge Titlescreen.png
 +
| desc=Simply referred as "Challenge" in-game, is an endurance test which puts the player into a random series of the highest levels of the other remaining 46 single-player games.
 +
}}
 +
{{InfoRow
 +
| title=''Music Demo'' ({{white|Special}})
 +
| screenshot=Action52 MD MusicDemo.png
 +
| desc=Listen to the games' music and sound effects. Press {{start}} to exit to the title screen.
 +
}}
 +
{{InfoRow
 +
| title=''Randomizer'' ({{white|Special}})
 +
| screenshot=notavailable.svg
 +
| desc=The game will randomly select a variety of games to play
 +
}}
 +
}}
 +
 
 +
==History==
 +
===Development===
 +
Vince Perri gave FarSight Technologies one year of developing time for the Mega Drive version of the game.
 +
 
 +
Mario González, which designed the NES version, did not work in this one.
 +
 
 +
===Release===
 +
Like the NES game of the same name, it sold poorly and was met with negative reception.
 +
 
 +
A [[Nintendo Super Famicom]] version of ''Action 52'' was advertised alongside the [[Sega Mega Drive]] version, but was ultimately unreleased (presumably due to [[Active Enterprises]]' bankruptcy.)
 +
 
 +
==Magazine articles==
 +
{{mainArticle|{{PAGENAME}}/Magazine articles}}
 +
 
 +
==Promotional material==
 +
{{gallery
 +
|{{gitem|Com 2001 advert 1 FI.jpg|FI advert (1993)}}
 +
|{{gitem|Compelit advert 1 FI.jpg|FI advert (1993)}}
 +
|{{gitem|Com 2001 advert FI 3.jpg|FI print advert}}
 +
|{{galleryPrintAd
 +
|gamepro|54|146
 +
}}
 +
|{{galleryPrintAd
 +
|egm|57|189
 +
}}
 +
|{{galleryPrintAd
 +
|egm2|5|269
 +
|egm|65|359
 +
}}
 +
}}
 +
 
 +
==Physical scans==
 +
{{ratings|MD}}
 +
{{Scanbox
 +
| console=Mega Drive
 +
| region=US
 +
| front=Action52 MD US Box Front.jpg
 +
| back=Action52 MD US Box Back.jpg
 +
| spinemissing=yes
 +
| cart=Action52 MD US Cart.jpg
 +
| manual=Action 52 MD US Manual.pdf
 +
}}
 +
{{Scanbox
 +
| console=Mega Drive
 +
| region=TW
 +
| front=Action52 MD TW Box Front.png
 +
| back=Action52 MD TW Box Back.png
 +
| cart=Action52 MD TW cart.png
 +
| spinemissing=yes
 +
}}
 +
{{Scanbox
 +
| console=Mega Drive
 +
| region=AS
 +
| front=
 +
| back=
 +
| cart=Bootleg Action52 MD cart 1.jpg
 +
| spinemissing=yes
 +
}}
 +
 
 +
==Multi-cart appearances==
 +
{{MulticartList}}
 +
 
 +
==Technical information==
 +
{{mainArticle|{{PAGENAME}}/Technical information}}
  
−
== List of Games ==
+
==References==
−
# Bonkers
+
<references/>
−
# Darksyne
 
−
# Dyno Tennis
 
−
# Ooze
 
−
# Star Ball
 
−
# Sidewinder
 
−
# Daytona
 
−
# 15 Puzzle
 
−
# Sketch
 
−
# Star Duel
 
−
# Haunted Hill
 
−
# Alfredo
 
−
# The Cheetahmen
 
−
# Skirmish
 
−
# Depth Charge
 
−
# Minds Eye
 
−
# Alien Attack
 
−
# Billy Bob
 
−
# Sharks
 
−
# Knockout
 
−
# Intruder
 
−
# Echo
 
−
# Freeway
 
−
# Mousetrap
 
−
# Ninja
 
−
# Slalom
 
−
# Dauntless
 
−
# Force One
 
−
# Spidey
 
−
# Appleseed
 
−
# Skater
 
−
# Sunday Drive
 
−
# Star Evil
 
−
# Air Command
 
−
# Shootout
 
−
# Bombs Away
 
−
# Speed Boat
 
−
# Dedant
 
−
# G Fighter
 
−
# Man At Arms
 
−
# Norman
 
−
# Armor Battle
 
−
# Magic Bean
 
−
# Apache
 
−
# Paratrooper
 
−
# Sky Avenger
 
−
# Sharpshooter
 
−
# Meteor
 
−
# Black Hole
 
−
# The Boss
 
−
# First Game
 
−
# Challenge
 
−
==Physical Scans==
 
−
<gallery>
 
−
File:Action52 MD US Cart.jpg|US cart
 
−
</gallery>
 
  
−
[[Category:1993 Mega Drive Games]]
+
[[Category:Unlicensed Mega Drive games]]
−
[[Category:Mega Drive Games]]
+
{{Action52Omni}}
−
[[Category:Mega Drive Game Compilations]]
 

Latest revision as of 21:15, 16 June 2024

n/a

Action52 Genesis.png

Action 52
System(s): Sega Mega Drive
Publisher: Active Enterprises
Developer:
Supporting companies:
Original system(s): Nintendo Entertainment System
Developer(s) of original games: Active Enterprises
Game total: 52
Sound driver: GEMS
Genre: Compilation

















Number of players: 1-2
Release Date RRP Code
Sega Mega Drive
US 		$199.00199.00[2]

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Action 52 is an unlicensed Sega Mega Drive game compilation multicart developed by FarSight Technologies and published by Active Enterprises. An extensively-redesigned port of the publisher's infamous 1991 Nintendo Entertainment System multicart Action 52, it was released exclusively in the United States in May 1992 at a retail price of $199[2]. While considered far superior to the original NES release, the title remains relatively basic and poor in gameplay design.

Games

Action52 MD MainMenu.png

The first page of the main menu

Action 52 features in total 49 unique games of varying genres (such as for example: platform, shoot-em-up, puzzle, driving and etc.), with 2 games being two-player versions of existing games on the cart (Star Duel and Armor Battle), and the 52th game (Action 52 Challenge) being just a compilation of the highest levels from all 46 single player games.

All games on the main menu are color coded to indicate the difficulty/type, with a legend on the first screen when the cartridge is booted up: Expert, Intermediate, Beginner, Two Player and Special. The Directional Button is used to navigate the main menu, and pressing  START  or any of the face buttons selects one of the games.

All of the games can be exited by pausing with  START  during gameplay, then pressing C on the Controller 1 while paused; which will return the game to the title screen.

List of games

Action52 MD GoBonkers.png

Action52 MD GoBonkers Titlescreen.png

  • Action52 MD GoBonkers.png

  • Action52 MD GoBonkers Titlescreen.png

1: Go Bonkers (Expert)
Known simply as "Bonkers" on the in-game list. You control a green ball that will bounce all the way up and all the way down on a vertical field. You can move it left and right with the D-Button. The ball will destroy bricks of matching colors; touching a grey brick with a different color will change the ball's color (however, the ball cannot be changed back to green using the gray bricks with green in the middle). Hitting a Black Cross brick will make you lose one ball and revert the ball color to green. After all colored bricks are removed, simply remove the remaining bricks with green in the middle to clear the level. Also worth mentioning, this is one of the few games of the cart to have a title screen.

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2: Darksyne (Expert)
Darksyne is a multi-directional shooter, in which the player pilots a ship stuck in a room with enemies and is bound by gravity. A shoots; Holding B and using the D-Button will allows for some limited form of motion; Holding C activates the shield, which has limited energy. Destroy all the enemies without hitting the walls of the level to move on to the next.

Action52 MD DynoTennis.png

3: Dyno-Tennis (Two player)
Simple tennis game. Player 1 controls the orange dinosaur, while Player 2 controls the purple one; Left and Right move, C swings. Most points after 9 sets wins.

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4: Ooze (Expert)
A platforming run-and-gun where players take the role of the Ooze Boy and are tasked to collect keys throughout each level, in order to progress to the next one. C shoots (notoriously, Ooze Boy is not able to shoot while jumping); B jumps. Down crouches; moving while crouched crawls. Falling from too high a slope will kill Ooze Boy.

Action52 MD StarBall.png

5: Star Ball (Expert)
A pinball game; A launches the ball, Left flips the left flippers and C flips the right flippers. There appears to be multiple tables; the manual mentions that collecting all bonuses and destroying all the enemies you can, will take to the next table.

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6: Sidewinder (Expert)
A shooting game similar to After Burner/G-LOC; enemies attack by firing homing missiles (with a warning popping up on the screen) and the player must dodge them. The Directional Button moves the ship around, C fires the cannons.

Action52 MD Daytona.png

Action52 MD Daytona Titlescreen.png

  • Action52 MD Daytona.png

  • Action52 MD Daytona Titlescreen.png

7: Daytona (Expert)
Simple 3D racing game. the goal is to win many races as possible, thereby increasing cash winnings and enter the ultimate race, the "Daytona". Hold C to accelerate; brake with B, Steer with Left and Right and hit A to switch between low and high gears.

Players start the game with $ 3,700 and will be charged an entrance fee to enter each race; with the entrance fee increasing as the races progress. Players must avoid hitting obstacles and other cars; or else the car will take damage and be completely stopped. Payment will be deducted for any damage incurred to the car, and the game ends if the player runs out of money.

Action52 MD 15Puzzle.png

8: 15 Puzzle (Expert)
Action 52's adaptation of Fifteen puzzle. Players must get all the scrambled numbers in order under a 5 minute time limit. Use the Directional Button to move the cursor and C to move the selected block.

Action52 MD Sketch.png

9: Sketch (Expert)
Line art canvas. D-Button moves the pencil; Hold C to draw; B changes pen size; A changes pen color. Sketch is similar to Art Alive! by using the same pencil sprite and other features.

Action52 MD StarDuel.png

10: Star Duel (Two player)
A two-player version of Darksyne. This game is a one on one spaceship battle that plays similar to Asteroids. Controls are similar to Darksyne.

Action52 MD HauntedHills.png

Action52 MD HauntedHills Titlescreen.png

  • Action52 MD HauntedHills.png

  • Action52 MD HauntedHills Titlescreen.png

11: Haunted Hills (Expert)
Known as "Haunted Hill" in-game, and also one of the few games on the card to have a title screen. Tommy Tow is lost in the haunted hills and he must find the way out by collecting all of the hidden diamonds.

D-Button moves Tommy left and right; C makes Tommy attack with his torch, and B jumps.

Action52 MD Alfredo.png

12: Alfredo & the Fettucinni's (Expert)
Known as just "Alfredo" in-game. Alfredo must catch the fettuccini's and pasta's and avoid the sausages and the meatballs flying out from the pot. Alfredo can be moved by pressing Left and Right.

Action52 MD Cheetahmen.png

Action52 MD Cheetahmen Titlescreen.png

  • Action52 MD Cheetahmen.png

  • Action52 MD Cheetahmen Titlescreen.png

13: The Cheetahmen (Expert)
Use Aries, Apollo and Hercules to find all the stolen cheetah cubs in every level. D-Button moves, B jumps and C attacks. Each of the Cheetahmen has their own attacks: Hercules punches, Apollo shoots a crossbow and Aries uses his clubs.

Action52 MD Skirmish.png

Action52 MD Skirmish Titlescreen.png

  • Action52 MD Skirmish.png

  • Action52 MD Skirmish Titlescreen.png

14: Skirmish (Two player)
A strategy game where each player controls an army with its objective; to get one of its pieces onto the enemies headquarters. Before starting a game, players must select a battle scenario. The D-Button moves the selection cursor; while C picks up/puts down pieces and fires weapon in combat, and B puts the piece where it was.

Action52 MD Depthcharge.png

15: Depth Charge (Expert)
Players control of an ASW cruiser dropping mines on enemy submarine cruisers and avoiding their missiles. D-Button moves the cruiser left and right, while B releases mines on the sea.
Notavailable.svg 16: Minds Eye (expert)
Action52 MD AlienAttack.png 17: Alien Attack (Expert)
A belt-scrolling shooter in which the player must proceed to the right, while defeating the aliens who are trying to take the world. The D-Button moves around, while C fires.
Action52 MD BillyBob.png 18: Billy Bob (Expert)
Action52 MD Sharks.png 19: Sharks (Intermediate)

Action52 MD Knockout.png

20: Knockout (Two player)
A one-on-one boxing game, playable with two players; D-Button moves the fighter around, C punches, and B jumps.

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21: Intruder (Intermediate)
Notavailable.svg 22: Echo (intermediate)

Action52 MD Freeway.png

23: Freeway (Intermediate)
Spike's family moved to a new home, but they left some things behind — all of Spike's toys. Help Spike travel safely back and forth across the freeway and carry his bones, frisbees and balls to his new home while avoiding getting ran over by the vehicles. Spike can only carry one object at a time. The D-Button moves Spike around; to pick an object, the player must move spike towards the object.

Action52 MD Mousetrap.png

24: Mouse Trap (Intermediate)
Known in-game as "Mousetrap". Marty the mouse must get all the pieces of cheese before any of the cats get him. The D-Button moves Marty around.
Notavailable.svg 25: Ninja (intermediate)

Action52 MD Slalom.png

26: Slalom (Intermediate)
A skiing game where players must try to get to the bottom of the mountain without hitting any trees; D-Button moves the skier around.
Notavailable.svg 27: Dauntless (intermediate)
Notavailable.svg 28: Force One (intermediate)
Action52 MD Spidey.png 29: Spidey (Intermediate)
Notavailable.svg 30: Appleseed (Intermediate)

Action52 MD StreetSkater.png

31: Street Skater (Intermediate)
Known simply as "Skater" in-game. Control the skater, collecting the portable radios while avoiding the small animals and beach balls. D-Button moves the skater around, while C jumps over objects.
Notavailable.svg 32: Sunday Driver (intermediate)
Notavailable.svg 33: Star Evil (intermediate)

Action52 MD AirCommand.png

34: Air Command (Intermediate)
A vertical shooting game that scrolls from top to bottom. Players take the role of a World War II pilot over enemy territory trying to get home. D-Button moves the bomber around and C fires the ship's cannons.

Action52 MD Shootout.png

35: Shoot Out (Intermediate)
Listed in-game as "Shootout". A shooting gallery game where players must shoot all of the targets with a limited ammunition supply. The D-Button moves the gun left and right, while C fires the pistol.

Action52 MD BombsAway.png

36: Bombs Away (Intermediate)
A running autoscroller. Players control a soldier deep in enemy territory that has been separated from the rest of his unit, and must avoid the barrage of bombs aimed at his direction. D-Button moves left and right, and C jumps.

Action52 MD Speedboat.png

37: Speedboat (Beginner)
Listed in-game as "Speed Boat". Pilot a speeding boat racing to the end of the course, dodging obstacles. D-Button moves the boat around.

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38: Dedant (Beginner)

Action52 MD GForceFighter.png

39: G-Force Fighter (Beginner)
Listed as "G Fighter" in-game. Players must escape with a stolen prototype of the enemy's new starship. Move the ship with the D-Button, and fire with C.
Notavailable.svg 40: Man At Arms (Beginner)
Notavailable.svg 41: Norman (Beginner)

Action52 MD ArmorBattle.png

42: Armor Battle (Two player)
A one on one tank battle. Gameplay, controls and graphics are the same as Norman.

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43: Magic Bean (Beginner)
Based on the Jack and the Beanstalk fairytale.

Action52 MD Apache.png

44: Apache Chopper (Beginner)
Known just as "Apache" in-game. Command the Apache gunship through a narrow canyon at a low altitude; destroying any enemy planes, tanks and helicopters in sight.

The D-Button moves the Apache helicopter around, while B fires the Vulcan cannon.

Notavailable.svg 45: Paratrooper (beginner)

Action52 MD SkyAvenger.png

46: Sky Avenger (Beginner)
A Horizontal shooting game that scrolls right-to-left. Players control a helicopter in a reconnaissance mission. The D-Button moves the helicopter, while C shoots the Apache's vulcan cannon.

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47: Sharp Shooter (Beginner)
Listed in-game as "Sharpshooter".
Notavailable.svg 48: Meteor (Beginner)
Notavailable.svg 49: Black Hole (beginner)

Action52 MD The Boss.png

50: The Boss (Beginner)
The Lizard gang is loose. Collect all of the hidden money bags in the hideout; Left and Right moves, Up and Down climbs the ladders and C shoots.

Action52 MD 1stGame.png

51: 1st Video Game (Two player)
Referred as "1st Game" at the in-game menu. The game itself is a rendition of Pong (which post-dates the first "video game" by many years) which can be played only with two players. The winner is decided between 9 matches.

Action52 MD Challenge Titlescreen.png

52: Action 52 Challenge (Special)
Simply referred as "Challenge" in-game, is an endurance test which puts the player into a random series of the highest levels of the other remaining 46 single-player games.

Action52 MD MusicDemo.png

Music Demo (Special)
Listen to the games' music and sound effects. Press  START  to exit to the title screen.

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Randomizer (Special)
The game will randomly select a variety of games to play

History

Development

Vince Perri gave FarSight Technologies one year of developing time for the Mega Drive version of the game.

Mario González, which designed the NES version, did not work in this one.

Release

Like the NES game of the same name, it sold poorly and was met with negative reception.

A Nintendo Super Famicom version of Action 52 was advertised alongside the Sega Mega Drive version, but was ultimately unreleased (presumably due to Active Enterprises' bankruptcy.)

Magazine articles

Main article: Action 52/Magazine articles.

Promotional material

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FI advert (1993)
Com 2001 advert 1 FI.jpg
Compelit advert 1 FI.jpg
FI advert (1993)
Compelit advert 1 FI.jpg
Com 2001 advert FI 3.jpg
FI print advert
Com 2001 advert FI 3.jpg
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Print advert in GamePro (US) #54: "January 1994" (199x-xx-xx)
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Print advert in Electronic Gaming Monthly (US) #57: "April 1994" (1994-xx-xx)
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Print advert in EGM² (US) #5: "November 1994" (1994-1x-xx)
also published in:
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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)
40
[4]
GamePro (US) NTSC-U
40
[5]
Sega Mega Drive
 40
Based on
2 reviews

Action 52

Mega Drive, US
Action52 MD US Box Back.jpgNospine.pngAction52 MD US Box Front.jpg
Cover
Action52 MD US Cart.jpg
Cart
Action 52 MD US Manual.pdf
Manual
Mega Drive, TW
Action52 MD TW Box Back.pngNospine.pngAction52 MD TW Box Front.png
Cover
Action52 MD TW cart.png
Cart
Mega Drive, AS†

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Bootleg Action52 MD cart 1.jpg
Cart

Multi-cart appearances

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Technical information

Main article: Action 52/Technical information.

References

  1. ↑ http://www.farsightstudios.com/history.htm (Wayback Machine: 2001-12-01 17:24)
  2. ↑ 2.0 2.1 2.2 GamePro, "May 1992" (US; 1992-xx-xx), page 16
  3. ↑ Electronic Gaming Monthly, "December 1994" (US; 1994-xx-xx), page 359
  4. ↑ 1700 igr dlya Sega, "" (RU; 2001-xx-xx), page 25
  5. ↑ GamePro, "March 1994" (US; 1994-xx-xx), page 54
Action 52

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Main page | Comparisons | Maps | Hidden content | Bugs | Magazine articles | Reception | Region coding | Technical information | Bootlegs


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