Tails' Skypatrol
From Sonic Retro
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Tails' Skypatrol |
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System(s): Sega Game Gear |
Publisher: Sega |
Developer: Sega |
Genre: Shoot 'em Up |
Tails' Skypatrol is a Sonic spin-off game for the Sega Game Gear which was released exclusively in Japan. Players assume command of Miles "Tails" Prower in a permanent flying state, who joins a "Sky Patrol" in hope of saving an island by defeating the evil villianess Witchcart, whom turns any that oppose her into crystals with her magic. This is the only appearence by Witchcart and her companions in any Sonic or Sonic related game. Dr. Robotnik, the villain of most Sonic games, is not featured in the game nor referenced.
The game appears designed for younger audiences but is extremely difficult, as Tails falling, bumping into an object or touching the ground makes the player lose a life.
It is partially unknown who has made the game, since the credits of the games are full of abbreviated names and pseudonyms. Very few "real" names actually exist, and whether there are one or two people is also never confirmed.
Contents
Gameplay
Tails' Skypatrol is not a traditional platformer and instead is more similar to a shooter. There are no rings or Chaos Emeralds to be collected and Tails is constantly "suspended" in flight mode. The objective of the game is to fly to the end of the stage, avoiding obstacles and destroying enemies with a golden ring, which he throws as a projectile. The ring can also be used to latch on to any number of devices the player will encounter in each stage, ranging from gymnastics bars to railcarts.
After taking a hit from an enemy or projectile Tails starts descending, rapidly pressing or will stop the descent. The screen is fixed and constantly moves along with him. In order to stay afloat Tails' flight meter, which slowly drops to zero, must be replenished by collecting candy bars scattered in each level. Extra lives can be gained by earning 10,000 and 30,000 points.
Items
Scattered throughout each level are several items which can be picked up for bonuses.
- Mint Candy: Replenishes the power gauge. Candy can be found in sets of 1, 2, or 3.
- Crystal: Adds 1,000 points at the end of the level.
- Bell: Same effect as a Checkpoint marker in the traditional Sonic games. It saves the position and Tails will return to this point if the player loses a life.
- 1up: Gives Tails an extra life.
- Star: Temporary invincibility from all obstacles, including walls.
Production Credits
Character Design: Sega
Game Design: Kenichi Ono, LR
Graphic: Mt. Emerald, Show
Sound: Chikayo Fukuda, Kazune Hiiragi
Programming: AT-AT, Alice Kagamino, Bryan
Special Thanks: Monty, Ezachan, Mr. Rental, Fine-Twig, SIMS All Staff, JSH All Staff And You.
Manual
Also Released On
- Sonic Adventure DX: Director's Cut for the Gamecube (2003)
- Sonic Mega Collection Plus for the Sony PlayStation 2 and Microsoft X-Box (2004)
- Sonic Gems Collection for the Nintendo GameCube and Sony PlayStation 2 (2005)
Resources
Box Art
Artwork
Sonic the Hedgehog games for the following systems | |
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1991 Sonic the Hedgehog 1992 Sonic the Hedgehog 2 1993 Sonic Chaos | Dr. Robotnik's Mean Bean Machine 1994 Sonic Drift | Sonic Spinball | Sonic the Hedgehog Triple Trouble 1995 Sonic Drift 2 | Tails' Skypatrol | Tails Adventures | Sonic Labyrinth | Sonic 2 in 1 1996 Sonic Blast Prototypes Sonic the Hedgehog (Game Gear prototype) | Sonic Chaos prereleases | Sonic Spinball (8-bit) prereleases | Sonic Triple Trouble prereleases | Sonic Blast prereleases Unreleased Sonic's Edusoft
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