Tempo (video game)

is a platform video game developed by Red Company and published by Sega in 1995 for the Sega 32X.

Gameplay and premise

In Tempo, the titular grasshopper character Tempo and his friend, Katy, star on The Major Minor Show as they climb the top of the tower to defeat King Dirge. The stages are presented as performances on a musical variety show like Soul Train. The game uses hand-drawn graphics for the backgrounds and sprites.

Development and release

According to former Sega staff member Takayuki Kawagoe, Tempo was initially developed for the Mega Drive, but was converted to the 32X on short notice so that it could have a larger game library.

Reception

The Japanese publication Micom BASIC Magazine ranked Tempo eighth in popularity in its June 1995 issue, and it received a 7.2222/10 score in a 1995 readers' poll conducted by the Japanese Sega Saturn [Magazine (Japan)|Sega Saturn Magazine], ranking among 32X and Sega Mega Drive titles at the number 256 spot. The game received mixed reviews from critics. GamePros Captain Squideo highlighted the game's dazzling background graphics, rich soundtrack, and low difficulty for novices, but noted the lack of originality in the gameplay. Next [Generation (magazine)|Next Generation] assessed that "none of good qualities keep Tempo from missing the beat and being yet another poor 32X effort".

Sequels

In part because it was released on the failed 32X add-on, it failed to find an audience. Sega tried again with two more games: a spinoff titled Tempo Jr. in 1995 for the Game Gear, and a sequel titled Super Tempo in 1998 for the Sega Saturn.
Famicom Tsūshin scored Tempo Jr. an 18 out of 40.