Joshua & The Battle of Jericho, originally released as Crystal Mines in 1989 for the NES by Color Dreams, is an unlicensed puzzle game. Color Dreams later established Wisdom Tree and repackaged the game twice: in 1991 as Exodus: Journey to the Promised Land and in 1992 as Joshua & The Battle of Jericho. The latter version labeled Joshua as a sequel to Exodus.
In 1993 and 1994, the game was remade for the Sega Mega Drive, further expanding its reach to a wider audience. However, it is important to note that the game has a TMSS (Trademark Security System) check, which means it will only boot on consoles detected as the US region. This makes it compatible with any US Mega Drive and any Model 1 Mega Drive without TMSS, thereby creating a partly useless form of region lockout.
The gameplay in both the NES and the Sega Mega Drive versions remains identical. Players assume the role of the main character, who can either be Moses or Joshua, depending on the version being played. The objective is to collect all the bags with the letter "M" (or coins with the dollar sign "$" in Joshua's version) scattered throughout each maze-like level.
To navigate the mazes and overcome obstacles, players can shoot using buttons A and C. Holding down these buttons allows for rapidfire, which can be useful for destroying blockades and enemies in the game. Once all the "M" bags (or coins) have been collected, players must locate the exit to progress to the next level.
Interestingly, in between each level, players are presented with a series of questions related to the biblical story on which the game's theme is based. Correctly answering these questions may offer insights into the biblical narrative or provide additional information to enhance the gameplay experience. It remains unclear whether answering these questions incorrectly has any consequences for the outcome of the game, and further investigation is warranted in this regard.
Joshua & The Battle of Jericho offers a unique blend of puzzle-solving, action, and biblical themes. The gameplay challenges players to navigate intricate mazes while collecting items and engaging in combat. The incorporation of biblical questions adds an educational element, making this game an interesting choice for those interested in history and religious themes.
Despite being an unlicensed game, Joshua & The Battle of Jericho continues to hold a special place in the hearts of retro gaming enthusiasts. Its simplicity, combined with the biblical story, has made it a memorable title that stands out in the NES and Sega Mega Drive gaming libraries.
In conclusion, Joshua & The Battle of Jericho is an unlicensed puzzle game that offers an exciting gameplay experience with biblical themes. The game's inclusion of questions related to the biblical story provides an additional layer of engagement and educational value. Whether playing on the NES or Sega Mega Drive, players can enjoy the challenges of navigating mazes, collecting items, and answering thought-provoking questions. This classic game truly stands the test of time, continuing to captivate and entertain players to this day.
