Uncharted Waters: New Horizons
(Koei)

BACKGROUND: New Horizons is the sequel to the original yet not as good Uncharted Waters which was released in 1991.

OVERVIEW: The game takes place in the 17th century after the discovery of the New World. In New Horzions you now have the choice of six different characters (including Joao from the original Uncharted Waters) who each have their own background and objectives to complete (i.e. Catalina wants to find the person who murdered her fiance.)

GAMEPLAY: (8/10) The game looks quite simple but things sometimes get a little hard, especially when you are trying to fend off a fleet of pirates with ships far superior to yours. The dueling system is the best part. When you're losing a basic ship battle you can challenge the enemy commodore to a duel. The duel consists of choosing your attack (or defense) from a selection of cards. These cards have an attack type (Strike, Thrust, or Lash) and a strength value ranging from 1-9. The computer randomly generates a defense for the enemy commodore. Each attack type has a specific block type that nulls the attack. You pretty much go back and forth attacking and defending until someone runs out of health or both people have taken 10 turns.

GRAPHICS: (9/10) The graphics are pretty much what you'd expect from a 1994 SNES game. Although they aren't bad for that generation, they obviously pale in comparison to anything released nowadays.

OVERALL: (9/10) This is one of the greatest games on the SNES. The only thing keeping me from buying this game is due to its rarity and subsequently exsorbitent e-bay-like price. I'd just wish Koei would release one of the many sequels that have only been available in Japan to North American (and European) gamers.