Granada represents one of the strongest early efforts from Wolf Team, showcasing their ability to push the Mega Drive's hardware long before they became synonymous with the Tales RPG series. As a multidirectional tank shooter, it places you in control of the high-tech Maneuver-Cea unit, tasking players with navigating sprawling, non-linear maps to eliminate specific targets before engaging a massive end-of-level boss. Unlike the more common side-scrolling shmups of 1990, Granada offers a sense of tactical freedom, forcing players to balance aggressive offense with careful navigation of environmental hazards and enemy emplacements.
The game’s technical prowess is most evident in its fluid scrolling and the use of pseudo-rotational effects that were quite advanced for the era. The control scheme is particularly noteworthy; the ability to lock your firing direction while moving allows for sophisticated strafing maneuvers, which is essential for surviving the increasingly bullet-heavy encounters. Complementing the action is an exceptional soundtrack by Motoi Sakuraba, whose signature prog-rock style provides a driving energy that elevates the tension of the battlefield, making each of the nine stages feel like a high-stakes military operation.
While it may not possess the frantic pace of Treasure’s later offerings or the sheer scale of Thunder Force IV, Granada remains a highly polished and uniquely challenging entry in the 16-bit library. It demands mastery over its mechanics and a patient approach to map memorization, yet it remains incredibly rewarding for those who appreciate tight hit-boxes and strategic encounters. For any serious collector, it stands as a testament to the platform's early golden age, offering a sophisticated alternative to the standard arcade ports of the time.
