Wanted

Wanted

Overview & History

Released by Sega in 1989 for the Master System, Wanted is a gritty, Wild West-themed arcade port originally developed by Coreland. Set in a lawless frontier town terrorized by a ruthless gang of outlaws, players assume the role of a steadfast sheriff named Troy, whose singular mission is to hunt down and eliminate every last gang member before the countdown hits zero. Unlike its arcade counterpart which utilized a specialized light gun, the Master System adaptation was completely re-engineered to be played exclusively with a standard Control Pad, shifting the experience into a fast-paced, gallery-style side-scrolling shooter that challenged players' reflexes and spatial memory across increasingly hostile desert landscapes and dusty saloons.

Gameplay Features & Mechanics

The gameplay revolves around tracking down hidden gang members who pop out from behind saloon doors, balcony railings, and wagon wheels to ambush the sheriff. Armed with a revolver that has a limited cylinder capacity, players must carefully time their shots and manage reloads while dodging incoming dynamite sticks and bullets. Enemy outlaws flash briefly before attacking, demanding split-second reactions. Between standard stages, the game shifts perspective into intense, first-person duels where precise crosshair alignment and split-second drawing determine who survives the showdown.

Keyboard Controls

• Arrow Keys / D-Pad: Move aiming crosshair / Navigate menus
• Action Keys: Attack / Jump
• Enter: Start / Pause