Slightly Less Contradictory than Phonix Zone
This game gets an A+ for creativity and concept, but a D- for design and execution. Everybody always rants and raves about it, and with good reason: it was one of the most memorable releases on the Sega Genesis. Crisp, colourful graphics, a protagonist with a pony tail, and levels designed like the pages of a comic book. It was everything a 90s pre-teen could ask for.
But, seriously, this does not deserve ALL of that praise. Let me put it as simply as possible: in order to advance through 98% of the panels, you had to punch things to destroy them. But punching things HURTS YOU!!!!! It drains your already ridiculously small life meter. Why?! Why would a self-flagellating game mechanic be so overlooked?! I've read a bunch of reviews on this game, and never have I seen a single person bring this up! Am I crazy? Is my copy defective? Will S Club 7 ever make a comeback? The answer to all three questions is, "Here's hoping".
Other than that, though, Comix Zone is way radical.