The early days of this past console generation saw something that we would rather forget about (but secretly loved): Burger King made it’s debut in video games. Not content with simply having it’s creepy-looking mascot appear as a trainer in Fight Night Round 3, the franchise released a series of games centered around its fast food products. You could pick them up for $3.99 with any value meal. It was admittedly a cool promotion, even if the games were crap. Of course, this isn’t the first time fast food has partnered with video games. The unholy alliance of french fries and digital gaming first manifested itself back in 1988, with the Japan-only Donald Land, a Famicom game in which players controlled McDonald’s mascot Ronald McDonald in a side-scrolling Mario rip-off. 4 years later, Virgin Interactive would release M.C Kids, also based on the fast food franchise. This game was released in North America, and it was actually a pretty decent platformer. You play as one of two kids named Mick and Mack. The Hamburgular has stolen Ronald McDonald’s magic bag, and the kids have to retrieve it. You’ll explore several different worlds, finding hidden secrets, and throwing blocks at enemies to defeat them. Despite the McDonalds license, the game features none of the fast food chain’s products, so unlike the Burger King games, you get the feeling of this being a semi-polished platformer rather than a glorified ad for McDonalds.

Along with Superman/Batman, Freddy vs Jason, and Alien vs Predator, Robocop vs Terminator was one of several movie mega-crossovers that were brainstormed during the 90s. Of those four, only AvP and FvJ ended up seeing movie releases while Robocop vs Terminator ended up being a comic book limited series. There were two games loosely based upon the comic, one for Sega, another for Super Nintendo. While the Sega version was known for its blood, the SNES version was known for it’s music and moody atmosphere.
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Kung Fu Heroes is an NES port of an arcade game called Chinese Hero. Either playing alone or with a friend, players take control of Jacky and Lee as they try to rescue the princess. Each level takes place on a singular screen as you beat up waves of enemies and find hidden bonuses. It isn’t a very complex game, but it is fun and colorful, even if the characters are depicted somewhat stereotypical. It’s the first installment of Culture Brain’s “Super Chinese” video game franchise, or as we know it over here, Ninja Boy. Unlike later installments of the game, it contains no RPG elements. Even so, I can think of worse 8-bit titles to spend an afternoon with.

With Batman hitting movie theaters this week, this week’s Lost Classic takes a look at one of the gaming adaptations of another DC icon, Superman. The Death and Return of Superman is a beat em up based upon the controversial storyline of the same name. While it probably isn’t saying much, this is arguably the best game starring the Man of Steel. Developed by Blizzard Entertainment (who would later go on to make some little known game called Diablo) and published by Sunsoft, TDATOS is a solid, if generic, adaptation of the comics. Taking control of Superman, you battle your way through Metroplois until you are taken down by Doomsday. From then on, each level will have you in control of one of the four substitutes, each having their own playstyle. Eventually, SUpes will be reborn, and you’ll be back in control of him. Many of the scenes from the comic are reenacted in game form, particularly the destruction of Coast City. While there isn’t much setting it apart from other brawlers, it’s a solid title featuring Superman. How many other games featuring the Man of Steel can you say the same thing about?

Despite its steep learning curve, Jet Moto became a cult classic on the original Playstation, and is one of the many franchises that Playstation 1 gamers wish to see revived. Developed by SingleTrac(Twisted Metal), Jet Moto was the future version of motocross, as you took control of a hoverbike with a rocket engine on the rear. Playing as one of several unique characters, you make your way through several unlockable tracks as you try to win each race. The game’s physics system made the handling something special, although proper handling was downright chaotic for new players. The game’s steep learning curve scared many players off, but players who stayed on board were well rewarded as they mastered their vehicle, along with each curve and bend of the game’s tracks. The comic book art style (featuring some sexy pin up girls) and Pulp Fiction-style soundtrack also helped to keep players hooked. The PC version of the game improved on the Playstation original’s graphics and multiplayer, and two sequels added even more features to Jet Moto. After the Playstation 1 years, the series basically disappeared as two planned sequels were canceled early in development. All three Jet Moto games are available on the Playstation Network for download, so if you like hardcore racing, check them out.