Mary Shelley's Frankenstein (Sega CD) Playthrough

Playthrough of Sony Imagesoft's 1994 horror adventure game for the Sega CD, Mary Shelley's Frankenstein.

Mary Shelley's Frankenstein for the Sega CD is an action-adventure game that closely follows the plot of the 1994 film adaptation of the classic novel. Players take on the role of Frankenstein’s monster, navigating a world filled with danger and hostility as the creature seeks revenge on his creator, Victor Frankenstein. The game combines exploration, puzzle-solving, and combat as the monster struggles to understand his place in the world and comes to terms with his existence.

The game was initially overshadowed by low expectations, particularly because it was bundled with Bram Stoker's Dracula rather than released as a standalone title. However, the game proved to be more interesting than anticipated. Unlike other versions, this one offers a unique mix of genres, combining elements of a graphic adventure with fighting mechanics, loosely based on the 1994 film.

Visually, it stands out for its time, using 2D sprites over prerendered backgrounds, though the low color depth and blurriness can make navigation frustrating. The soundtrack, while setting the mood well, suffers from low-quality audio encoding, detracting from the experience. The overall presentation feels ambitious, even if it doesn't fully succeed.

Gameplay-wise, the fighting mechanics are sluggish, with limited moves and a lack of depth. The adventure portions also feel underdeveloped, often revolving around simple item-fetching tasks without much challenge. Despite these flaws, the game has a certain charm, thanks to its foreboding tone and unusual combination of gameplay styles.

Though it makes a poor first impression, with long load times and underwhelming FMV sequences, the game manages to be entertaining in a quirky way. It may not have the polish of a top-tier title, but for those who enjoy offbeat and imperfect games, Mary Shelley's Frankenstein offers an oddly enjoyable experience.