Desert Demolition is a platform video game developed by BlueSky Software and published by Sega for the Sega Genesis. The game was released in North America in February 1995 and in Europe the following month.^[1][2] The game is based around Wile E. Coyote and the Road Runner, who are the game’s player characters and are tasked with playing through a series of levels as they respectively pursue and evade the other. The game was re-released as part of the Sega Mega Hits range in September 1997.

Gameplay

Desert Demolition is a platform game in which the player can choose to control either the Road Runner or Wile E. Coyote for the game’s duration. As either character, the player must traverse through a series of five levels and a final boss stage; the Road Runner must do so while evading Wile E., while Wile E. can repeatedly capture the Road Runner with the aid of special ACME gadgets. The Road Runner has the ability to use his signature beeping vocalization to startle Wile E. if he is positioned behind him, while Wile E. can pounce in an effort to capture the Road Runner. Both characters can run in a short burst of speed by using “Turbo Boost” icons scattered within the levels.^[3]

Reception

GamePro called the game “a lightweight frolic”, commenting that playing as the Road Runner is one-dimensional and overly easy, but playing as Wile E. Coyote offers a varied gameplay experience with humorous animations.^[4] The four reviewers of Electronic Gaming Monthly gave it a 6.75 out of 10 but unanimously panned the game, saying that the graphics and animation are outstanding but that poor control makes the game frustrating and unenjoyable.^[5] A reviewer for Next Generation gave the game three out of five stars, saying it “captures the humor and feel of the Warner Brothers’ classic like no other game.” He praised the animation and sound effects, and echoed GamePro‘s remarks that playing as Wile E. Coyote is a much more varied and enjoyable experience than playing as the Road Runner. He concluded that only the game’s short length and low difficulty make it one to rent rather than one to buy.^[6] Sega Magazine criticized the game’s lack of originality, scoring it 46/100 overall.^[2]

Desert Demolition was the 9th highest-renting Genesis title at Blockbuster Video in April 1995.^[7]

See also

• List of Looney Tunes video games

References

1. ^ “Quick Hits”. GamePro. No. 68. IDG. March 1995. p. 146.
2. ^ Jump up to:^a b “Review: Desert Demolition“. Sega Magazine. EMAP (15): 92–93. March 1995.
3. ^ Jump up to:^a b c d Carol Ann and Neil Hanshaw (1995). Desert Demolition Manual. Sega.
4. ^ “ProReview: Desert Demolition Starring Road Runner & Wile E. Coyote” (PDF). GamePro. No. 69. IDG. April 1995. p. 42.
5. ^ “Review Crew: Desert Demolition”. Electronic Gaming Monthly. No. 68. Sendai Publishing. March 1995. p. 34.
6. ^ “Desert Demolition: Starring Road Runner & Wile E. Coyote”. Next Generation. Imagine Media (4): 94. April 1995.
7. ^ “Blockbuster Video May Hot Sheet!” (PDF). GamePro. No. 70. IDG. May 1995. p. 139.