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"Cooler than Mega Man and more abilites than Sonic make this a MUST for platformer fans"

Here's a task for you: write a review of the most atmospheric video game ever created...a game so based on and immersion and experience that it's impossible to put into words. This, ladies an gentleman is the task I am faced with and it doesn't matter how complementary I am of Pulseman-it will never do it justice.

Pulseman is, basically, a red Mega Man only MUCH more appealing you. Your enemy is a Robotnik-type bad guy (though he's not fat) and cooler than past reproductions (nice evil laugh). Your partner is a sexy girl in a pink skirt that says ''Great job!'' after each level. Do you we care? Or where you looking at the skirt too? :P Definitely some above-average character and plat design from the masters-Sega.

Produced by Sega at the VEEERY end of the Genesis' life, Pulseman was only released in Japan and ignored by most during this time of 3D game evolution. Now before you start saying ''Oh no! I have to import it!'' Consider this: Pulseman delivers completely different experience than any video game ever made. A mesmerizing blend of artistry and atmosphere will deliver a trance-like hypnotizing effect unlike anything ever attempted. Forget all your doubts of the limitations of 2D games and experience the most enthralling escape you can achieve in front of a TV...

Graphics: 10/10
wow...Wow...WOW!!! Pulsman has what are possibly the finest graphics in a 2D game...ever. Not only are the details and animations fluidly executed, but it's filled with some of THE MOST breathtaking effects to ever grace a video game. They are virtually indescribable...in fact they are indescribable: Large multi-colored ovals are blitzing down the screen vertically while you climb moving platforms. Here's the real kicker though: you can't tell where you are or if you are going up or down!!! You have to play it to believe it.

Sound: 10/10
THE finest quality sound on the system! Wondrous realistic voices and phrases FILL Pulseman (over 60!!!) along with massive explosions and the finest quality BG themes in a 16-bit game. One track, ''Brain Wash,'' literally is its own title...combined with an Aztec-inspired water paradise, this theme is one of the finest in gaming history. Never have I felt so completely isolated from the world, gazing upon my screen in utter silence. This stuff will make you question all capabilities of any music, ever. As with the graphics, quite indescribable.

Gameplay: 10/10
Alas, the biggest complaint in Pulseman: gameplay. Since Pulseman is focused most entirely on atmosphere, there is a certain lack of enthralling action that takes place-different from almost any platformer. You are confronted with puzzles, traps, mazes, and a small assortment of enemies. People cannot comprehend however, that Pulseman was not intended for the intensity of say, a hardcore shooter. Instead, it focuses on occasional battle focusing more on the TRUE platforming elements. Now, for those of you that NEED your action: Pulseman has some of the finest boss designs ever displayed surpassing any of Sega's previous work.

Pulseman has, all-in-all, seven varying abilities all of which are necessary and easily executed through his journey. Pulseman can also jump, run, duck, and look up. He gains a charge by running for a short while or dashing. Once charged he can perform new abilities. His moves are: without charge-ground kick, electric slice, jump kick, quick invincibility, and dash. With charge-flash arrow, electric kick. Pulseman can also attain a Voltage Power to be charged until the end of a level. In his electric kick Pulseman actually TURNS INTO electricity, bouncing off of walls-ceiling etc. which is SO much fun. Flash arrow is his Mega Man-esque shot that travels across the screen.

Pulseman has 7 stages, which means 30-40 levels (!) There are also 7 incredibly fun/challenging bonus stages where he destroys multiple-colored blocks in a breakout-esque form. Pulseman has 3 hits until he dies, and a circle in the upper-left corner of the screen indicates this (along with an attractive female companion to cheer you on :P) blue=no hits, yellow=1 hit, and red=2 hits. Pulseman is detailed so much that even the color (his life) is displayed on a TINY wristwatch that he wears! Pulseman's biggest (and only fault) is its lack of modes. There is no difficulty setting to challenge the gamer at all, which is annoying. It makes up for this however, in the BGM test where it shows the music’s beat and even lights up details to match it! The challenge rate is great anyway, so it's not too big of a deal. The only Genesis game that defeats Pulseman here is Ristar.

Lasting Value: 9/10
While Pulseman has great graphics, music, gameplay, and indescribably brilliant atmosphere, it lacks the short-term fun of say...a shooter. You can't just pick up Pulseman and play for 5 min. You usually won't stop until after an hour because of the game's increasing challenge. As mentioned before the game has no difficulty setting, which in turn, causes this problemo. Not much of a deal though as the game can be paused (duh!) for later play.

Overall: 10/10
One of the most unique experiences I've ever had in a game. In addition to the game's 2D gaming splendor, Pulseman is also on hella badass character MUCH cooler than that dumb lil bomber you find by the Capcom name. I wish Sega had developed this into a franchise, but we all know Sega makes mistakes and that games like this make those mistakes smaller than the minutest particle.

Reviewer's Score: 10/10, Originally Posted: 02/02/02, Updated 02/02/02