Ah, Cutthroat Island—one of those Sega Genesis games that looked way cooler in the magazine ads than it actually was. You play as a pirate (obviously), swinging your sword at other pirates, jumping between ships, and occasionally diving underwater to avoid cannon fire. The side-scrolling action feels stiff by today’s standards, but there’s something oddly satisfying about the clunky swordplay and the way enemies dramatically flip backward when you hit them.

The levels are short but punishing—one wrong jump into the ocean, and you’re shark food. And don’t get me started on the treasure hunting bits; half the time, I had no idea where to dig. Still, the pixel art holds up, especially the stormy seas and those goofy, big-nosed pirates. It’s not the best pirate game out there, but if you’re nostalgic for ‘90s jank or just really love pirates, it’s worth a play. Just keep your expectations at sea level.