System: Game Gear
Release date: November 1995

Soar into a pint-sized platforming quest with Tails Adventure on the Game Gear, the November 1995 spin-off from Sega that puts Sonic’s fox pal Tails in the pilot seat for a solo romp. This Metroidvania-style adventure trades speed for exploration—but does it still fly high in 2025? Let’s flick the D-pad, boot up the Game Gear, and see if Tails’ tale is a soaring classic or a crash landing.

Gameplay: Fly, Tinker, and Explore

Tails Adventure casts you as Miles “Tails” Prower, exploring Cocoa Island to thwart a robotic invasion by the Battle Kukku Army. The Game Gear’s controls shine, letting you run, fly, and use gadgets like bombs or a remote robot to solve puzzles and navigate 12 sprawling levels. Collecting Chaos Emeralds and items unlocks new abilities, encouraging backtracking to uncover secrets. The slower pace, with an emphasis on exploration and platforming, feels fresh for a Sonic spin-off.

The catch? The sluggish movement can drag, especially for Sonic fans craving speed, and the Game Gear’s battery life wilts under long sessions. Some puzzles are vague, and the small screen obscures hazards. Still, the clever mix of action and exploration hooks you like a propeller on Tails’ chopper.

Graphics: Vibrant Island Vibes

The Game Gear’s colour screen pops in Tails Adventure, with lush levels—from jungles to lava caves—packed with detail. Tails’ twin-tailed sprite is adorable, with fluid animations for flying and tinkering. Enemies like robotic birds and bomb-tossing Battle Kukkus add charm, though the tiny display cramps finer details. Backgrounds use bright palettes and parallax scrolling to evoke a pint-sized open world. It’s not the Amiga’s flash, but it’s a visual treat for ’95.

Sound: Chipper Tunes That Spin

A cheerful chiptune soundtrack suits Tails’ plucky vibe with bouncy tracks. Each stage’s music, from upbeat forest melodies to moody cave drones, keeps the mood light. Sound effects—propeller whirs, bomb blasts, and enemy pops—are crisp but limited by the hardware. The looping tunes might grate during backtracking, but they capture the adventure’s playful spirit like a fox in flight.

Replayability: A Tail-Spinning Trek

With non-linear levels, hidden items, and multiple paths, Tails Adventure begs for replays to snag every Chaos Emerald or master shortcuts. The gadget system encourages experimenting with strategies, though the short campaign and tricky navigation might stall casual players. No multiplayer, but the bite-sized stages suit portable play, making it ace for quick spins or obsessive exploration runs.

The Retro Looney Verdict

Tails Adventure on the Game Gear is a charming, inventive spin-off that trades Sonic’s speed for a clever Metroidvania romp. Its tight controls, vibrant visuals, and catchy tunes make it a handheld hit, even if the slow pace and screen limits nip like a Battle Kukku’s beak.