Play Pirates of Dark Water Online

Pirates of Dark Water came out for the Sega Genesis in 1994, developed by Sunsoft. It was based on the animated series, and it fit right in with the platform's library of action games that tried to capture the feel of a Saturday morning cartoon. You don't see many games based on that show, so it always stood out to me.

You control Ren, the young hero, and your main goal is to gather the Thirteen Treasures of Rule to save the world of Mer from the Dark Water. The game plays out screen by screen, with you slashing enemies with your sword, jumping across gaps, and occasionally using a bow for ranged attacks. The pacing is deliberate, almost methodical, as you explore each area and figure out where to go next. It can be pretty tough; the platforming requires precision, and enemies respawn quickly if you leave the screen. Playing it feels like navigating a dangerous, slightly clunky, but totally committed adaptation of the show's adventurous spirit.