Spirou (Europe) (Proto)

Spirou is a platform game originally developed and published by Infogrames in 1995 for the Mega Drive and later ported to the Super Nintendo, Game Boy, and PC. A Game Gear version was planned but ultimately canceled. However, a fully completed prototype of that handheld port has since leaked online. This is that prototype - a nearly finished build of the Game Gear adaptation, using the same core levels and mechanics as its console counterparts but scaled for Sega's 8-bit system.

The game puts you in control of Spirou, the famous Belgian comic book bellhop, as he runs and jumps through colorful side-scrolling stages. You'll navigate platforms, avoid obstacles, and defeat enemies by jumping on them or using a basic attack. The gameplay is classic 2D platforming: collect items, find exits, and survive a series of levels. It plays just like a typical mid-90s platformer of its era, with tight controls and straightforward level design.

For collectors and retro fans, this prototype is a rare glimpse into a game that almost was. It's not a long or complex title - it's a simple, competent platformer that feels like a lost Sega Master System game more than a Game Gear blockbuster. If you enjoy digging into canceled titles or want to see how a known multi-platform release was adapted for a smaller screen, Spirou for Game Gear is worth a quick playthrough. Just don't expect anything revolutionary; it's a solid but unremarkable entry in the genre that never got its official handheld release.