Wanted: Feedback For Mat Mania Challenge & Planet Smashers

[nosweargamer]

So, I do this on the other site, but figured I would try this here too, especially considering that several of you played Planet Smashers for the High Score Squad. If I get enough feedback, I will do this again for the next episode too!

 

I looking for feedback for the next episode of The Atari 7800 Game By Game Podcast.

 

What are your memories and/or thoughts on Mat Mania Challenge & Planet Smashers on the 7800?

Also, how would you rate them? I use a system of 4 choices (From Best to Worst):

 

Hall of Fame Game (Top 5 game on the system)

Solid Game

"Meh" Game

Trash Game (Bottom 5 game on the system)

 

These games will be covered on Episode 27

You can also e-mail text or audio to atari7800podcast@aol.com

If you get it in by Friday, it should make the show, but late submissions sometimes get squeezed in too, so send it even if it's late. 

Just keep it family friendly                

You can also send feedback on previously covered games or the system itself. 

[DeLorean]

Planet Smashers was our Squad Challenge a few weeks ago so it should be fresh in everybody's mind http://forums.atari.io/index.php/topic/1338-squad-challenge-planet-smashers-atari-7800/

[nosweargamer]

Planet Smashers was our Squad Challenge a few weeks ago so it should be fresh in everybody's mind http://forums.atari.io/index.php/topic/1338-squad-challenge-planet-smashers-atari-7800/

 

Yup, that's why I figured it would be good to ask here

[RickR]

I have never played Mat Mania.

 

But Planet Smashers...I'd give it a rating of "Solid".  There's more to it than initially meets the eye.  I like the method of shooting the jewels in the right color-order to get the boss to appear -- that adds a bit of complexity to an otherwise simple game.  I also like how fast it is, with no flicker at all.  On the down side...the bosses seem way too hard to me. 

[greenween]

Is this Mat Mania based on the arcade game "Mat Mania"? Just curious.

[Justin]

Is this Mat Mania based on the arcade game "Mat Mania"? Just curious.

 

Yes, but the arcade version has more personality and is perceived as better 

[nosweargamer]

Is this Mat Mania based on the arcade game "Mat Mania"? Just curious.

 

 

Supposedly, this game was meant to be a combination of Mat Mania and it's follow up Mania Challenge (which allowed player vs player fighting), hence the name Mat Mania Challenge,  However if you are expecting the best of both worlds, you most likely will be disappointed.

 

Also, the arcade Tag Team Wrestling is actually the prequel to both and would later appear on the NES.

[greenween]

I may have to show off my Mat Mania skills soon!

[DeLorean]

My first thought is that Mat Mania Challenge is missing the personality of Fight Night. Woulda been fun to do a lot more with the wrestlers and give them more vivid personalities to make the game stand out.

[greenween]

That's one of the things I loved about Mat Mania, there were only 5 opponents, but each was unique.

[DeLorean]

I never played Mat Mania in the arcade but I remember Mat Mania Challenge being kinda lame. Like they coulda done more with the characters to give you more to root for. "Ohh yeah I like Action Jackson he's the man!" Or "Macho Eddie is gonna drop the macho elbow" or something more colorful like that

[RadioPoultry]

Planet Smashers was a "Meh" game for me at first, but after getting through a few levels on hard difficulty I think it's more in the Solid category. With so much randomness in the game, you can't rely on memorization at all. You have to think on your feet. I do wish there was more variety in the enemies, though.