The Ooze (1995)

Platform: Sega Genesis/Mega Drive

Genre: Top-down exploration based shooter

This is a really unique game. There's nothing quite like it that I know of. In this game you control a Scientist turned into a mostly bodiless sentient Ooze that oozes (I can't say it differently) through dystopial environments. Toxic wastelands, sewers, laboratory, power plant nothing here seems very inviting. And if that wasn't enough there is robots and alien creatures out to get a sip of the puddle of green liquid you are. The game's style is as unique as its premise, is underlined with an awesome rocking soundtrack delivered by the Genesis chip.

You can spit at enemies, but that will deplete your ooze reserve over time. You can also lunge your puddle like arms at enemies, and even around corners, which really makes for unique play mechanics. I found myself sitting behind corners more often than not trying to steer the liquid arm around the walls to punch enemies equipped with guns that will burn you dry.

It's by no means a game that's easy to get into, the controls are very exact, which sometimes makes it hard to hit certain obstacles, and the unique style to move and attack and dodge takes a while to get used to. As a result I found the second and third worlds the hardest and the last two worlds got easier, because I managed to capitalize more on my characters strengths. Some of the boss fights were a bit annoying, too, until I found out what I was supposed to hit to destroy it.

Conclusion: This is a game you won't find anywhere else. I have been saying 'unique' a lot and if you allow me that pun: It oozes character. From the graphical style to the premise to the gameplay, everything feels fresh and original. Highly recommended if you give it a little to get used to the play style.