Blackthorne - Sega 32X Review

[@GameSack]

What I find interesting about this game is that like Star Trek Starfleet Academy, it's a pure 32X game. That means the Genesis doesn't do much here except pass along controller inputs. It may generate that bar on the right with your items, I can't recall. But if it does that's literally the only thing it does. It doesn't make any sounds either, all audio is generated by the 32X itself. Usually 32X games use Genesis audio with 32X-generated drums. So lazy. I wish we would've seen more pure 32X games.

[@thezombiehistorian]

It is so great to see a quintessential retro channel (Game Sack) interacting with another (Sega Lord X) with in-depth comments.

[@JoeyJ0J0]

32x was so underutilized. Its sad

[@chrisgardiner2215]

HEY! JOE-MAMMA : )

[@_TheElMan]

Joe what's your hypothetical thoughts on if the 32x was the SVP done Sonic & Knuckles style.. think it would of had more uptake?

[@balabala1651]

@gamesack . hi joe glad to see you here!

[@forcedfeedbackclassicgamer5499]

Blackthorne was great, but I think I've always preferred the original hand-drawn art on the SNES over the pre-rendered look on the 32X. The original pixel art felt more connected to the concept and marketing key art drawn by Jim Lee.

[@3to5andglassy]

100% agree.

[@PixelsNcreatureS]

I was still upset the SNES version was edited. Some death animations didn't make sense without the blood spilling out, lol

[@ricardobarros1090]

I like more 32x Version 👍

[@joesshows6793]

I agree

[@joesshows6793]

It does look pretty good though

[@marakarthegreat]

the animation of the 32x version has me thinking of oddworld abe's odyssee

[@maroon9273]

Odd world was suppose to ported to the saturn. But it was canceled.

[@retrogameattic]

This title was such a welcome addition to the 32X library back when it was released

[@BryanTruong]

I agree, I really like this game. Was pleasantly surprised the 32X version was on the Blizzard Arcade Collection

[@dtcharo]

I remember this game being compared with the SNES version in a magazine and it got me heavily interested in the 32X.

[@shiru8bit]

Loved the SNES version back in the day (late 90s). Tried to play 32x one sometime in early 2000s, but got alienated with its graphics and (especially) sound. Now that I know there is extra content, and the graphics does not seem that bad anymore, I think it worth to give it another go.

[@alanf8622]

Haha yeah this looks soooo much worse

[@tont760]

As someone who played the super nintendo version over and over again I was actually blown away by some of the background graphics for this 32X version. Great game!

[@ToranosukeEdo]

Bought this one second hand for a few dollars in the early 2000s- complete in box. Good investment, considering its rarity now

[@soughtaftergames6824]

Lol want to sell or trade it to me

[@ToranosukeEdo]

@@soughtaftergames6824 Comment with your contact info

[@woooffbetweenFlairandJlethal]

Yea it's insane. I sold mine a few months ago for i believe $400 Canadian.

[@Renk1]

32X is very collectible. Blckthorne is not even in the top 3 of the most expensive 32X games…

[@deckofcards87]

Agree with most comments praising the Snes version's visuals, they're more appealing. 32x has slightly better audio though, naturally.

[@Funrunner008]

The shotgun sound is better on snes

[@Mitjitsu]

Blackthorne is one the few games I want to check out on the 32x.

[@donjohnson7768]

I love this game I just fired up the 32X version the other day, it's metal af

[@JopieHaargel]

Played this a ton on MS-DOS. When I discovered the doorway at 8:48 I was mind blown at the depth of this adventure.

[@oddojaggins]

I had a great time with this one on pc as a kid, but I can tell the graphics are very sharp and those extra colors really pop on the 32x. Another game this reminded me of is the lost vikings, while I did that one on pc I also played it on genesis recently, every button of the 6button controller is used even the mode button

[@Gatorade69]

Funny you mention Lost Vikings as both games were made by Blizzard, but you probably knew that.

[@darkchild130]

I have the SNES and GBA versions of this, never knew it was on 32x

[@ShinobiWan1]

I used to show off my 32x with Blackthorne haha

[@Superb_Owl80]

I like your intro “jingle” so much, I never ever skip over it

[@inspectahdeck3158]

That intro gets me in the mood to fire up the Saturn every single time!

[@greenkoopa]

Never have I ever Played a Sega Saturn

[@drunkensailor112]

@@greenkoopa you've never truly lived then

[@llpBR]

Funny thing is I completly forgot 32x's release in Brazil. I remember very well Sega CD and Saturn's. I never beat Black Thorne. But flashback and Out of This World? Man, I can't even count. I love those games

[@ThePirateCasey]

This was one of my favorite 32X games when I was growing up. Thank you for the great review and bringing back some good memories. I had completely forgot the music in this game until you played those samples, then I was like "holy shit, I remember that" lol

[@negaopreto1]

I got this game along side with UMK 3 on christmas of 96 for the snes. My mom is angel w/o wings. Both these games are amazing.

[@jediknightgeo]

Absolutely love this game and I thought developer Paradox (Mortal Kombat Shaolin Monks, X-Men Mutant Academy series) did a really solid job with the 32X version. The exclusive content was also appreciated.

[@Gatorade69]

I never played X-Men mutant academy but Paradox's X-Men Next Dimension on PS2 was not very good. I eventually got more used to it but I also had Mortal Kombat Deadly Alliance which was all round the much better fighting game. Those were my first 2 PS2 games. I spent more time on MK.

[@jediknightgeo]

@@Gatorade69 The PS2 version of Next Dimension was the weakest one. Much prefer it on GameCube or Xbox.

[@roguerifter9724]

I loved this as a kid and I suspect it is part of the reason that Shotguns are one of my two favorite gun types in games (with full-auto Submachine Guns, Personal Defense Weapons, Assault Rifles and Assault Carbines taking the other slot). The Gameboy Advance version was one of the few GBA games I pre-ordered, and this is one of the two games on the Blizzard Arcade collection which guaranteed me buying it (The other being Rock and Roll Racing)

[@Ace_of_DiscaL]

Dear SLX, I appreciate your great analysis and accurate antithesis of this against Out Of This World a.k.a. Another World. Also you mentioned "Flashback"! 10/10 job there, sir.

[@Tolbat]

Never liked games like this but its nice to hear from someone who does. To outside eyes it looks like a regular genesis game to me. After seeing the snes it definitely did look somewhat better.

[@Gatorade69]

Same, kind of. I liked Blackthorne more as It's a bit more focused on action and you can kill most things. I don't care for Prince of Persia or Another World too much. It at least made you feel more bad ass.

[@anthonybradley1555]

im glad people can play this version via the blizzard arcade collection, i was not a big fan of prince of persia,i mean i played it on the master system then sega cd back in the day but never thought much of it but blackthorne was a pleasant surprise really, good feel and great mechanics make it a must play.

[@GuiSantosMUGEN]

From Brazil fella SLX. We had the luck that Tec Toy published this jewel here. The best version of this classic without any doubt!

[@JoeyJ0J0]

Love this game, glad they included this version in the Blizzard Arcade Collection

[@roberto1519]

I appreciate they made the 32X stand out with a more visual appealing touch, but I wonder why they added a GIANT status bar at the right side, covering 30% of the screen. In all honesty, though, the SNES could have a very similar game if we take into account the DK series, the Genesis would too, but more akin to the Vectorman visuals. But as I still think the 32X, Jaguar and 3DO were very short lived platforms that deserved a few more years of support, it's nice to have something exclusive for them.

[@maroon9273]

The only problem the 3do, 32x, and jaguars during the release of the Saturn, ps1, n64 are underpowered hardware.

[@briantaylorcloe7725]

I'd say more like 22% (which is still way too large) 12-15% would be plenty for that!

[@aceassn716]

3do 1993 32X 1994 Jaguar 1994 Saturn 1995 PS1 95 3do shouldve seen more support Road Rash The Need for Speed are the superior versions vs the other platforms

[@nattila7713]

@@aceassn716 superior only if you love very low fps :)

[@ravagingwolverine]

They add the bar on the side for games that are originally in 256x224, as is typically the case with the SNES, but are displayed in 320x224. The bar fills in the extra space. Zombies Ate My Neighbors is a good example. The bar on the Genesis version doesn't obscure anything, despite the SNES being full screen. I assume that's the case here. What is odd is that they overhauled the graphics, so it's strange that they didn't adapt it to 320 wide. Perhaps there is a good reason for that. It's possible they didn't start from scratch when they re-drew the visuals and used the SNES version as a size template for quicker development.

[@Odolwa2]

I like to think the 32x is to DOS gaming (ports), as to XBOX/PS4 was to PC gaming cross platform. 32x with the CD addon could definitely have brought us a whole slew of DOS games.

[@billcook4768]

Always good to see 32x content. I had this on pc back in the day. Made it about half way through before the game started to really get hard. Decided I wasn’t having enough fun to justify putting in the time to git gud. Just my gaming taste of course, nothing negative about the game itself.

[@MONSTERGABhorror]

Man you are a machine when it comes to putting out regular content. It's always quality though and appreciated. I played Blackthorn for the first time only last year on the SNES. Great game

[@jeffsretrotoys]

The 32x was awesome! I used to have the whole set up with Sega CD. Great video!

[@greenkoopa]

This game needs a remake/remaster for the Switch. That way I can use my Retrobit wireless Genesis controller 😬😬🐢 *SELLOUT KOOPA*

[@ramiyohay7286]

Played it in the PC version... the memories...

[@caseyhayes4590]

love this game...the Delphine games are timeless and artistically futuristic...this one is just SUPER 90s looking. The cover is exactly the look of 90s comics.

[@hiltwo]

Played the PC version way back, I think shortly after its release. Happy to get the several versions in the Blizzard Arcade Collection on sale a while back :) Thanks for the video!

[@raphaelfp]

I love Blackthorne. I used to play it on PC but I had a 32X and it was certainly one of the best games ported to the system. Makes good use of the technical resources. Unfortunately it was too late for the poor add on. I like how you bring attention to these deep cuts for the Sega systems

[@kri249]

I remember renting this on the SNES back in the good old days. I sucked at it but it was fun. I liked the rotoscope games. Shame more weren't made at the time.

[@EliteGamersUnited]

i played this once at a demo kiosk for 32X way back when, i didnt care for it. but im gonna give it a look with older more mature eyes

[@ArcadeFarmer]

Still own this one and play it every once and a while. Thought about trying the snes version

[@fazares]

I own the Blizzard Arcade Collection...cool game

[@fedupN]

Loved the SNES game. Only beat when I bought it much later in life. I have to disagree with you on the soundtrack. It had great ambience and often had a sense of dark fantasy and looming threat, which matched, to me, stalking through hostile, conquered lands.

[@SegaLordX]

I think that’s why I didn’t care for it. It always feels like there’s a looming threat, even when nothings happening. I woulda preferred a soundtrack that kicked in during actual danger.

[@matttherrien9608]

@@SegaLordX Is Nosferatu for SNES on the same level, Boss?

[@rgbcrafts]

I have to agree. The soundtrack coming from Blizzard, darker is the big merit giving some extra personality to the game way before Diablo.

[@pikaporeon]

I played Blackthrone on the PC so much, Lost Vikings too, seeing their console siblings is so fun to me as someone not allowed consoles growing up

[@mattlockwood6089]

You are a treasure for the gaming community ❤

[@kenb6870]

I had this game for SNES. I loved it!

[@jayhouston7054]

Thanks for the review I was just thinking about this game on the weekend going through my list and was like hmm i wonder if I should play the snes or 32x version as I had never played either back in the day.

[@stulongy6967]

Yessir another Sega Lord vid happy days

[@SegaLordX]

Always happy to see another satisfied viewer.

[@kevindavid8554]

One of my all time favorites. I often play through this once a year. Had it for DOS back in the day, the gs midi sound track is less intense but in the 90s intense was in. I love the 32x for the extra levels. The Mac classic version shared the graphics of the 32x but sadly not the mountain/snow levels.

[@Konuvis]

so does 4-4 drive you crazy? :P

[@NinjakX]

I agree with it being a must own and it’s cost has skyrocketed

[@DerekMoore82]

Consider making a Shenmue video? Now that there's a Shenmue anime series, it might be the perfect time for such a video considering all the young people being introduced to it for the first time. I'm sure everyone would love to hear your memories and opinions on the original debut back in the day.

[@SegaLordX]

Shenmue III really soured me on the franchise. I’m not sure I’ll ever want to cover it again.

[@DerekMoore82]

@@SegaLordX 😥 Aww.. but the first game was soooooo good. I'll admit, I only played an hour of Shenmue III and I turned it off in horror. But I like to think of it like the Terminator or Alien films: just watch the first two and pretend the rest don't exist.

[@Gatorade69]

@@DerekMoore82 Is Shenmue 3 that bad ? I mean didn't it essentially do the same things as the other games as they were also quite slow. Still, compared to a franchise like Yakuza Shenmue is kind of a bore.

[@ps3inquisition441]

I always wanted this game back in the day, based on reviews and pictures. When I finally got it recently, I was less than excited. I guess I didn’t realize what kind of game this was. I should give it a real go one of these days.

[@JohnDoe-wq5eu]

I get what you're saying it does look like more of a run and gun but obviously it's much more slow and methodical than that once you actually start playing it. It's still a good game but you have to go in with the right mindset obviously.

[@lasskinn474]

it's more like prince of persia with more gunplay than anything(more that than another world or flashback) , imo.

[@rosiethegamingshiba1122]

As a kid, I was never able to get into this type of game. My own fault. I just couldn’t grasp them. So glad I tried them again. This game is amazing!

[@jonathandogey5747]

The 32X version is on the Xbox X/S and Switch collections! I love the new filters

[@maiers]

Another awesome upload, thank you

[@SegaLordX]

Yup. Always good to hear positive experiences.

[@crzyruskie86]

I honestly liked the 16 bit sprite work better. Everything seemed too smoothed out on 32x. Though I do like the upgraded environment and effects on the 32.

[@fennkell]

Playing this today for the first time ever via Xbox Blizzard Arcade Collection. This game is Dope as hell. Both the SNES and 32x. Nice vid 👍🏾

[@Gladson]

I'm going for a 32X fullset here in Brazil, where Tec Toy just published 14 cartridges for the platform, and just got Blackthorne and Doom today. 11 games down, still missing 3. I never really cared about Blackthorne but this video gave me some inspiration, I may give it a chance in the near future!

[@FPietros]

I actually began playing this a couple of days ago and you posted this today!!!

[@Gaming_since_the_eighties]

I have only played the Super Nintendo version. This game was tough back in the days. Those who never played it, should maybe give it a shot. It's available for current gen consoles.

[@ludicrousfool7953]

Honestly, as good as this game is, the 32X just had no reason to exist. With this title releasing in October 1995 as well as the Saturn and PlayStation being in full swing then, I can’t help but think it would’ve sold better on those platforms. It might’ve been an even better game there thanks to their additional power and CD quality audio. What a shame

[@JohnDoe-wq5eu]

The 32X really was squandered potential in it's most pure form. A second add-on for the aging Genesis was really redundant. Especially after the Sega CD was more or less a flop already.

[@maroon9273]

@@JohnDoe-wq5eu 32x should've exist later as a sega's 6th gen handheld console instead of another add-on for the genesis.

[@JohnDoe-wq5eu]

@@maroon9273 I mean it's kind of odd that Sega basically did two attempts at a portable, the game gear and the nomad and then essentially gave up. And that was well before things like the game boy color or anything from Sony.

[@maroon9273]

@@JohnDoe-wq5eu worst part they never released a battery efficient game gear that could've fear well with the Gameboy and Gameboy color.

[@gamingwhilebroken2355]

@@JohnDoe-wq5eu The Sega CD actually had good games tho

[@WorldWithOEnd]

I so forgot about entering a new area and quickly noticing the enemy is like nope hides in the background

[@mindphaserxy]

DOS version was clear of the console ones. SNES was censored and the 32X looked cool but wasn't Blizzards original vision.

[@andrealopriore9062]

Never heard of this game. I could buy that digital Blizzard Arcade Collection and play it that way. About the cover system this game features, what baffles me the most is it works even if there are no covers in the background! XD

[@joshuacordero8163]

I totally agree, Black Thorne is a great game that didn’t get enough attention. I have a copy for my 32x and pretty glad!!

[@dokols]

Played this on the pc back when in was released. Loved it. Tried it again not long ago via emulator on a sony psp. Got lost in the forrest and gave up :(

[@danielm2808]

I love this game, first played it when I got a SNES mini a few years ago and much prefer the artwork on that version. I can’t agree on the music. I loved it and I think it sets the tone perfectly. Hearing the songs now make me wanna go back and play it again.

[@vincentiannelli229]

loved flashback and out of this world!!! flashback was such a neat game ....i think ill get it now!!!!!

[@Zahir658]

I still remember the scene of the demon king sitting with a demon terror aura around him and that had shaken me a bit.

[@64-Bit-Gamer]

Blackthorne is a bit of a hidden gem. I really enjoyed it.

[@handofvecna7566]

I remember finding the lost vikings and being confused by the reference. Loved this and flashback

[@Konuvis]

I played this on PC and loved the world and atmosphere for this game. Plus walking around with a shotgun was awesome. When Blizzard released it for free several years ago I went through it again..... That damn 4-4!!!! The stage where you have to activate a switch timer for a door on one end of the stage and run like hell to this other end to make it..... made me rage quit lol

[@RobS83]

Sounds like it should be Boss Level music.

[@iansmith8783]

i had this on SNES and liked it quite a bit.

[@SwaggerLikeUz]

The SNES version was legendary! Too bad thier wasn't a sequel back then. :(

[@ItsDeebs]

Abe's Oddysee was the only cinematic platformer I ever really got into.

[@HollywoodTom]

This is a great game. It reminds me of Hunter Hunted on PC

[@JoshuaJacobs83]

Now that’s a name that brings me back! I met one of my best friends through playing this. Long boring story but yeah. Good memories

[@laughingseal2282]

I always wondered if it was better than the SNES version.

[@SegaLordX]

It has more content. The graphics are a matter of preference. Both are excellent titles.

[@IMDLEGEND]

This is one of the few 32X games that I own. I agree it is a must own for anyone with a 32X. I’m curious if the recently released remastered version has the extras included in the 32X version.

[@mgg7756]

You clearly nail what makes this game special. Good one.

[@gelzamangitzaman1482]

Its a great game i almost finished it but couldnt beat final boss.Great music too.

[@adamdenardis5438]

Blackthorne was expensive back then too. It was always that way.

[@willrobinson7599]

Great video as usual.Not one I played back in the day but I did enjoy another world and flashback so might give this one a go

[@jbmaru]

I'm discovering this game today. Looks sweeet!

[@jamesbrassfield8409]

Sweet

[@mtshark7]

Awesome review man! I have this on the 32x and it was enjoyable from what I played. I need to definitely spend more time with it tho.

[@adamdenardis5438]

Never had Prince of Persia but I did play the hell out of Flashback.

[@Nicpezer]

The main character in this game reminded me of Nathan Explosion. The DOS version was a bit more gory.

[@SandroSensei]

I looked him up, but….who is he?

[@Nicpezer]

@@SandroSensei He's a cartoon character from a fictional metal band called Deathklok.

[@istrumguitars]

Holy shit I had no idea the 32X ever had a stealth game. I need to try this. Thanks SLX!

[@thecunninlynguist]

Underrated game. Rented the SNES version one a lot. Have you looked at either shadowrun game yet?

[@SegaLordX]

Not done anything with Shadowrun yet.

[@thecunninlynguist]

@@SegaLordX ooh, can't wait till you do. loved how both versions were so different from each other

[@GameSack]

@@thecunninlynguist All THREE versions. Don't forget Mega CD!

[@Keystone-Keypers]

It woud be more interesting if it had only music in the action scenes just like Flashback

[@DerekMoore82]

I love this game!

[@BIGGIEDEVIL]

Found this game very difficult to get through never beat it but maybe I'll give it another go

[@thedrunkmonkshow]

This whole time I never knew there was a MSDOS version of the game. I remember renting and liking the Super Nintendo version and didn't know about the 32X version until years later. Anytime I hear about failed consoles like the 32X and Virtual Boy I get kinda sad because they had so much potential for good games and this Blackthorne port is a shining example of that. Certain early Saturn games like Shinobi Legions makes me wonder if it was meant for the 32X originally, but since sales were poor they released it on Saturn instead but added live action cut-scenes as filler since the Saturn was on CD format. The main gameplay is 2D and while beautiful I think it could have been pulled off with the 32X. It's a theory of mine but just saying 😃

[@andresdigi25]

very true

[@jamesmoss3424]

The 32x version looks excellent for me to play. 😀👍🎮

[@Rathori]

I love this game. Wish they hadn't gone with the prerendered sprites, though - makes the game look like Heavy Metal Toy Story.

[@peterfairchild258]

LOOKS awesome gotta check this out, thanks Mr X 🤟

[@DeliriumGameRoom]

Weirdly enough, got a copy of this today :D

[@pelgervampireduck]

this game is awesome. I prefer the PC version, I like the "normal" graphics more, and I think it sounds ok on PC.

[@mikepryor7467]

this game was my jam in the day