After reviewing Blaze’s new handheld last month, we found one of its greatest strengths was the sheer amount of interesting titles available for it. Here we highlight the games and cartridge packs that are worth adding to your collection

WORDS BY DARRAN JONES

ALIEN BRIGADE

OPERATION CLONE

ATARI COLLECTION 1, ATARI 7800, 1990

This entertaining Operation Wolf clone flew right under our radar, so it’s been fun discovering it on the Evercade. It slavishly follows the template of Taito’s arcade classic, but spices things up with the addition of aliens, as well as briefings that start each stage. Be sure to shoot the radio in the top-left corner to listen to them, though, as you’ll otherwise miss important info that may stop you from completing missions. The original cart release had the option to play with a lightgun, but it works perfectly well with the Evercade’s d-pad.

NINJA GOLF

PUTTS AND PUNCHES

ATARI COLLECTION 1, ATARI 7800, 1990

Here’s another Atari 7800 gem that completely eluded us on release. This bonkers mash-up has you traversing a fairway in as few strokes as possible, while dispatching the ninjas and dangerous animals that stand between you and your ball. Reaching the hole’s end offers little sanctuary, as you’ll encounter a menacing dragon that flings fireballs at you while you pepper him with throwing stars. While your ninja only has a basic number of attacks to draw on, the game’s slick pace and the scrappiness of the battles will help keep you on your toes.

STRIDER THROUGH TIME

Why Mikael Tillander’s Strider clone tops the Mega Cat collection

MEGA CAT STUDIOS COLLECTION 1, MEGA DRIVE, 2019

MEGA CAT STUDIOS

This developer/publisher’s cart is brimming with indie brilliance

OLD TOWERS

MEGA CAT STUDIOS COLLECTION 1, MEGA DRIVE, 2019

■ Mega Cat’s cart is home to numerous fun puzzlers, but this remains our favourite. It’s a slick offering by Denis Grachev that has you dashing around deviously designed levels as you attempt to clear it of coins, whilst avoiding traps and racing to the exit. Later stages are further complicated by the addition of a second controllable character.