Data East’s Dashin' Desperadoes is a hidden gem in the Mega Drive library that eschews traditional platforming for a frantic, split-screen competitive race. Players control either Will or Rick, two lovestruck cowboys sprinting across diverse landscapes to be the first to reach the elusive Jenny. The screen is permanently split, creating a constant sense of urgency as you navigate obstacles, climb ladders, and leap across rooftops. Unlike its contemporaries, the focus here isn't on combat but on momentum, making every missed jump feel devastating in the heat of a close match.
The gameplay is bolstered by a variety of power-ups and environmental hazards that keep the competition chaotic. From throwing bombs to slow your rival to grabbing speed-enhancing boots, the tactical layer is surprisingly deep for such a straightforward premise. The stages are vibrantly animated, spanning six distinct worlds including seaside resorts, bustling cities, and ancient ruins. While the sprite work is relatively small to accommodate the split perspective, the character animations are expressive and full of the quirky personality Data East was known for during this era.
Where the title truly shines is in its local multiplayer mode, which offers a level of competitive intensity rivaling Micro Machines. The single-player campaign serves as a decent practice ground, but the AI often alternates between suspiciously perfect and bafflingly incompetent. Despite its relative obscurity compared to Genesis heavyweights, Dashin' Desperadoes remains a must-play for those seeking a unique head-to-head experience. It captures the frantic energy of 16-bit arcade gaming perfectly, even if the lack of an official PAL release kept it out of many European hands during its original run.
