Growl is a side-scroller beat-'em-up, action adventure game produced for the arcades by Taito of Japan in 1990. A home console version was released for the Sega Genesis/Mega Drive in 1991.
Growl is one of the first Sega Genesis games I ever got to play. I'd like to think of it as an Indiana Jones and Double Dragon mix type of game.
The Story
A mysterious and sinister animal hunting and smuggling syndicate, operating as Rendow Animal Protection Organization (RAPO), has been kidnapping endangered animals. Join the Protectors of Animals' World Society (PAWS) and save those poor animals before it is too late! Stop those heartless hunters from RAPO now!
The Graphics and Sound
The graphics are average for an early 1990s Genesis/Mega Drive title. The sprites are small, the backgrounds are bland, and the animation is average too. However, enemies flood the screen, carrying explosives and you will sometimes be helped be animals that you freed. Occasionally graphical flickering occurs when enemies walked over weapons lying on the ground but not enough to ruin the effect of many gathering opponents. Here quantity can make up for quality.
The soundtrack is okay but the punches, kicks, and explosions feel underwhelming. This is probably the game's weakest feature.
The Gameplay
Growl is one of the few beat-'em ups where you can do more than just bare-knuckle brawling. You can do a variety of moves and you can pick up things to throw at the enemies for instant kills on regular enemies and do damage on bosses. You can also use a variety of nice weapons too.
Enemies function in groups, but do damage to their allies as well. All explosions result in body parts flying around, as well as when an elephant walks on an enemy. The bosses are difficult. Overall, although the game is a bit rough, it is better than earlier Genesis/Meg Drive beat 'em ups for its exciting setting and action.
Controls are okay for the most part. Sometimes, I would have problems discarding away empty weapons. Other than that, no problems with a response lag or slowdown. The button layout scheme is alright too.
Replay value is only average. The game is single-player only with no branching level paths, or alternate endings. It just does not hold up to repeated plays despite the funny setting and crazy enemies.
My Verdict
The bland graphics, poor sound, and only one player mode may turn off some beat-'em-up action fans to Growl - but it was a pretty good game when you factored in all of its positive aspects during the time of release.
I say it is still pretty fun to play when you like some mindless action beating up enemies on a boring day.
Play this walking action brawler on the Sega Genesis/Mega Drive or on your favorite emulators.