Earnest Evans

Earnest Evans started life on the Sega Mega CD in Japan, but a year later Wolfteam brought a trimmed-down version to the Sega Genesis in the US. This is an action platformer, so expect side-scrolling levels and a focus on jumping and combat rather than exploration or puzzles. While the original Mega CD release had animated cutscenes and a fuller soundtrack, the US Genesis cartridge dropped those extras to fit the format. You control the titular Earnest Evans through a series of stages, each packed with enemies and obstacles. The core gameplay involves running, jumping between platforms, and attacking foes with a whip or other weapons. There are items to collect and health to manage, but the experience is straightforward action platforming without RPG elements or complex mechanics. The levels are linear, pushing you from left to right until you reach the boss at the end. It's a niche title even within the Genesis library, mostly known for being a downgraded port of a more ambitious Mega CD game. If you enjoy no-nonsense platformers from the early 90s, it is worth a look for its brisk pace and Wolfteam's distinctive art style. Just keep your expectations in check - this is a simpler, stripped-back version that prioritizes gameplay over presentation.