Forgotten Worlds

Game review

Forgotten Worlds, released in 1991 for DOS, is a side-scrolling shooter game originally developed by Capcom for the arcade and later ported to various home platforms. Set in a post-apocalyptic future, the game presents a unique narrative and gameplay experience that distinguished it from other shooters of its time.

In Forgotten Worlds, the Earth has been ravaged and taken over by a malevolent being known as the Emperor, who is served by various powerful creatures and armies. The game's story revolves around two protagonists, known as the Nameless Ones, who are the last hope for humanity's fight against this tyrannical ruler. These heroes are equipped with jetpacks and heavy weaponry, allowing them to navigate the game's various levels that are set in the ruined landscapes of Earth.

The gameplay of Forgotten Worlds is notable for its 360-degree aiming system, a feature that was innovative for side-scrolling shooters at the time. Players can rotate their characters to shoot in all directions, adding a layer of strategy and skill to the game. This mechanic is crucial for defeating the variety of enemies and bosses that populate the game's levels.

Each level in Forgotten Worlds is distinct, featuring its own set of challenges and enemies, all contributing to the game's dystopian atmosphere. The levels culminate in boss fights against the Emperor's formidable lieutenants, each requiring different tactics to defeat.

The DOS version of Forgotten Worlds, while a port, managed to capture much of the original arcade game's essence. The graphics and sound were adapted to fit the limitations of home computers, but still succeeded in delivering an engaging and atmospheric experience. The game's soundtrack, in particular, was praised for its quality and how it complemented the game's action.

Forgotten Worlds also featured an in-game shop system where players could use currency collected from defeated enemies to buy weapons, armor, and health. This element of resource management added an additional strategic layer to the game.