Skyblazer is one of those 'AA' SNES titles that no one seems to talk about enough these days. Developed by Ukiyotei – the same studio which produced the equally underrated Hook for the same console and would later create the two excellent Metal Slug games for the Neo Geo Pocket Color – Skyblazer was released in 1994 and arguably ranks as one of the best titles published by Sony Imagesoft before the company was transformed into Sony Computer Entertainment. That's not saying much as Sony Imagesoft was largely known for pretty dire movie tie-ins, but still.
Like Hook, this is a side-scrolling action-adventure that has a keen focus on flying and boasts colourful, cartoon-like visuals and great design. It didn't make the biggest of splashes when it originally launched in the west, but it wasn't like Sony Imagesoft didn't make some kind of effort – it teamed up with UK publication Manga Mania to produce a special one-off comic based on the title.
The comic has now been scanned by author and video game historian John Szczepaniak (yes, the same guy behind the utterly amazing Untold History of Japanese Game Developers series), who has kindly offered the scans to Nintendo Life to share with you, our lovely readers. Enjoy!
Comments 11
A personal favourite, short but incredible graphics and soundtrack.
I actually stumbled upon this salvaged manga on GameFAQs by pure happenstance a few days ago.
https://gamefaqs.gamespot.com/boards/916396-super-nintendo/79525646
It's an interesting piece of history, but the character faces are straight out of a western "How to draw Manga" book.
The game itself? Yes, it's pretty good! I'd like to finish it someday.
that's nice... how about finally being able to play the game, though?
One of my absolute favourites, with incredible music, gorgeous graphics and just really fun to play.
Really a great game, that not many have played...
I liked Skyblazer. It wasn't amazing or anything, but it was a solid sidescroller with no stand-out annoying parts.
Had no idea this comic was a thing though.
I was just reliving Skyblazer on an emulator the other day. I didn't even know there was a comic for it. By today's standards, pretty cringe, but the game is one of the better ones on SNES.
@dustinprewitt Play it in a emulator.
Oh, Jeebus! The off-brand artwork that desperately aims for a Japanese comic book style - but ends up misguided AF - is so appallling. It doesn't seem to stop at this one-shot either, judging by the stuff on the other pages scanned from the publication.
Holy Hell, this makes the early attempts at intercultural art emulation in DeviantArt look like masterworks of the highest order.
I find it hilarious that Skyblazer was drawn with 5 'o clock shadow. Also, where did the top pic come from? It's much better than the "manga" artwork, though Skyblazer is ripped compared to how he looks in game.
@brianvgplayer - the top banner art is from the Japanese box art for the game. Not gonna lie - when I read that Manga Mania had the comic, I assumed it would be like the Japanese box art. I could see no scans online so paid a fair bit for the magazine on eBay, with supplement. Now no one need make such a similar mistake again!
Show Comments
Leave A Comment
Hold on there, you need to login to post a comment...