Bonanza Brothers is a fantastic little game and one of the first console games I owned for the sega master system.
As is expected with the older generation of platform games there is no real storyline to shout about but it is in the gameplay where these old classics really shine. As far as I am aware this is one of the first games (in the platformer genre) to feature a not entirely linear level. The levels tend to be huge buildings in which you must either evade or disable the guards to steal various items.
You can play as one of the Bonanza Bros and the game even features a fun co-operative multiplayer mode were each player takes control of a brother each. The Bonanza brothers, the enemies and the backgrounds are done with stunning detail for the time, and I can remember it being an absolute joy to look at. The gameplay is unique for the time and as far as I am aware is the first ever stealth game. Rather than kill enemies you can only disable them (in a variety of humorous ways) and so rather than alert them it is sometimes best to hide behind objects and in doorways and let them patrol past you. The less attention you get, the easier
it will be to steal your desired items. In a way I can see this game as being the forefather of stealth games; such as thief and even splinter cell.
There are various gadgets that can be used from ziplines, to crushing devices which are both fun and simple to use, and adds a unique flavour to the game, shying away from the simpler platform games of the time. In between levels there is a simple bonus game were you must collect bags of money, while staying out of the searchlight. Gadgets and deviations from the main game adds great depth and playability and fun is guaranteed.
Overall if you have the emulators to run this game, it is well worth the download, both for its fun graphics and original gameplay. If you do not possess the emulators then you should seriously think of investing in one so you can try out this gem of a game if you have missed it before.
Given the time it was created and the amount of sheer fun that can be had with this game it deserves a 9 out of 10. It is a Jewel of gaming nostalgia that has been criminally overlooked.
