Topic: PB's "I Piad For It" Reviews: Mega Mix

[Purple_Beard]

How a " I Piad For It Review" works:


--I am somewhere in between "The Stingy Gamer" and Pappasmalls review/reccomendation range
--I have only owned Nintendo systems but am reasonably familliar w/ Genesis and TG16 titles.
--I don't buy every VC game and I don't buy games every week.
--I won't post a lot of detail about a game as that will most likley be covered in someone else's review(s)
--I will comment on gameplay, graphics, sound ect. as appropriate.
--Value is realtive in my view ...so you can get more/less for you moneys worth depending on the game system at hand.
--My reviews will show up probabbly about every 4-5 titles I dl.
--I review from the point of view that I paid for this game...and would I tell you to do the same.  My credibility is on the line if I tell you to buy game if you know what I mean.

**** NO I plan to cut and paste my old reviews in the posts below

[Purple_Beard]

Vol 1

4/9/07

Today I downloaded:

TMNT
New Adventure Island
Bomberman 93
Excitebike

*****************************

TMNT:

Ok I liked this game on the NES.  I HAD to use the NES Max Controller for it though b/c I found the standard Nes Controller not very good for this game.  I found it quite hard and as I have said on a few ocasions if I could get to the Terrordome I'd say it was a good day.

I downloaded it not because I don't have the working original NES pack but because that pack was one of the few very buggy ones where you had to use the blowing trick.

SO... while I like the game... the Classic Controller would be closeset to NES Max set up has tought me one thing....  I can no longer play this game well.  

IN short this is a very challenging game and the only Turtle worth using is Don.

Buyable worthiness:  ONLY if you are a die hard or had good success w/ the standard NES pad.  Otherewise pass.

New Adventure Island:

I think back in the day I played the prequell to this game on my freinds NES. ...I belive it was called Hudson's Adventure Island.

I really like this game after playing it for about 3 hours today.  Great play controll and basically it was the equivalent to Sonic and Mario for the TG 16( therefore retracting my feelings about Bonk being that).

The only thing I find frustrating is that while the controls are pretty tight...the BS level is pretty high.  I find the one touch enemy instant death thing a pain.  And I guess I should have read the manual but...the need for constant fruit killed me off a few times after I realzed I died b/c I didn't eat enough.

Graphics are pretty nice and I really dig the music to the game as well.

Buyable Worthiness: Definate Buy

Excitebike:

Played this as a kid on someone else's NES.  Loved it..but could never find a copy to get.

The racing is kind of lame.... but if you know the game then you know you really want it for the track editor.  The track editor is AS ADVERTISED.

This game is graphically unispiring..but most 1st wave NES titles were so...  Has good replay value.

Buyable worthiness: indifferent....its not a waste of $5 if you want a VC racing game.... but its not a "great" racing game ala F Zero.

Lastly

Bomberman '93

I must preface this by saying Bomberman 64 was AWESOME.

I like the game... graphics are on the simple side...look like advanced 8 bit IMO...or if you will... the difference between SMB and SMB 3.

If you wnat some classic Bomberman action I'd day get it... but its not as polished as B64.

[Purple_Beard]

Volume 2

5/15/07

Vol 2 + the IGN review for details I missed

Castlevania (NES) $5
http://wii.ign.com/articles/784/784689p1.html
This game started Vampire games IMHO.  It is regarded as one of the Classics of the NES era and even in todays era.  Basically you  are Simon Belmont, Vampire Hunter.  The game is simply put a platformer w/ horror movie baddies.  Simon has a whip ala Indiana Jones as his weapon of choice and you can upgrade its length and strenght along with some other weapons.  Since Cv IV came out to the VC first...the one thing I don't like about this game is the non diagonal/up/down whipping ability that the SNES game had--that ability makes life SO MUCH easier.  The game presents a good challenge.  The music is wuite good and enjoyable to listen to.  Grpahics are above par for early NES games but sup  par for latter NES games.

PB would tell you to spend your money on this like I did.


Punch Out: $5
http://wii.ign.com/articles/781/781723p1.html

IN simplicity a boxing game for the NES that received a lot of popularity but it was known first as Mike Tyson's Punch Out.  This game is the EXACT same game except the Mike Tyson name is missing  so don't cry about it.  You fight a variety of boxers w/ certian "tells" to allow you to beat them.  Mastering your punching/blocking techniques to these "tells" will determine how far you can advance in this game.  Its a solid little boxing title--but frustrating at times ill you master the patterns/tells of the opponents.

Decent graphics...simple yet clear.  Music is pretty good as well.

PB would tell you to spend your money on this game like I did


Ninja Gaiden: $5
http://wii.ign.com/articles/788/788152p1.html

Basically a ninja game about Ryu on the trail for revenge for his father's death...while learing about the circumstances that surrounded it.  Also consdered one of the Classics of the NES era and still well respected today as well.  I always wanted to get this game as a kid and never could.... I did get a used copy but after I had my NES repaired...and it happend to be one of those  bad NES games that needed a cleaning so it hasn't been in my NES but once  Anywho back to the game...  Its noted for its difficulty, cool ninja stuff, and the cut scenes in it( which were revoilutionary for a game like this at the time it came out).  Ryu has lots of weapons but the ability of wall jumping to climb and move is SWEEEET--and the game's levels make full use of this technique.  It has some solid gameplay mechanics as well.

Graphics are pretty solid..definaltey working  the NES to its full potential like latter NES titles did.  The music is also great... w/ my system the bass hits really good...gets you "going" for kicking some butt ninja style.

PB would tell you to spend your money on this game like I did

Ninja Spirit $6
http://wii.ign.com/articles/788/788294p1.html

PB bought this game after looking at reviews. pics, and clips posted here on this very forum after it was confirmed release.  The graphcis and ninja attacks sold me on it.  PB was not dissappointed in it. The weapons are SUPER COOL..... The ability of the Ninja clones you can get (up to 2 more fighters plus yourself) is SWEET, and enemies are pretty cool as well.  I was pleasnty suprised my off-the cuff $6 investment had panned out so well.  The game is basically a side scrolling platformer w/ lots of enemies to destroy from all angles....  and the TG16 hooked you up w/ the ability fire in all directions!!!  YOur main charachter has some insane jumping ability as well...light tap a for a short jump...hold a for LONG AND HIGH JUMP!  Controlls are pretty solid IMO.

Graphics are on par w/ say Super Ghouls & Ghosts.  Music is pretty good as well....although it has a lot of "chime" in it.

PB would tell you to spend your money on this game like I did-- you will be pleasently suprised.


All in all PB has been pleased with this batch of games I paid for.  I got 3000 Points left at the moment so....

[Purple_Beard]

Volume 3

5/28/07

ActRaiser ( SNES )

Act Raiser is a great game form the SNES era....its part Sim City part Action game.  It was noted for its use of Mode 7 zooming in and out of the levels ..err worlds...err cities.

You rid the world of monsters to build cities and raise your powers back to beat the end boss.

My review kind of sucks tonight...I'm going off memories of the game back when my brother had it.  Too bad his roomie jacked all his SNES games and so I can't play it anymore.  I liked it back in the day...

The graphics for this game are pretty stellar for the side scroll action parts as far as the 16-bit era goes.  The overworld map is decent graphically ...kind of basic, yet detailed ....aids in the zoom in/out of the levels which the game was noted for.

I'd say for your $$$


If you had it back in the day and no longer have it....worth your $$

If you like Sim City-ish games but would like some action mixed in you will really like it and it would be ...worth your $$$

If you are into straight action games/platformer games you probabbly wouldn't enjoy your spent money as well...teh city building would slow you down.

[Purple_Beard]

Volume 4

6/4/07

Ok..... like I siad I keep my stuff short and sweet:





GOLD CARTRIDGE FTW!!  (sadly when I got my NES repaired they had to replace my original gold one w/ the traditional gray one    )

Storyline for Zelda 2:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Zelda_2


Meat and potatoes of my review:  Would I tell YOU to buy this game on the VC?

Thoughts on the game itself:

Zelda 2 is put in such an odd light.... it was wedged between a Franchise and Revolutionary starter in Zelda and a MUCH beloved third game in the series Zelda 3 that is arguably one of the T5 games of all time.  Zelda 2 also introduces staples of the Zelda series that have appeared in games after its introduction: towns, magic, and sword techniques.  Also it is the odd man out in terms of style b/c no 2D Zelda ever went back to its T-D world map + 2D side scroller action setup.  The First Zelda game was strictly T-D overworld view.... and Zelda 3 went back to the same formula although in much better flow and graphical detail.

IN essence it was a shock to Zelda fans as Mario 2 was to Mario fans.  The catch is that while future Mario games adopted the new features ( pick up and tosss ability) and now up/down side scroller..... no Zelda game ever went back to a Zelda 2 like format.

Actual Review:

Ok, so now Link is 16 ( was 10 in Zelda) and he has to save Zelda from her slumber by Gannons minions while they try to resurect him after his death in the original game.  Link is more "adult" looking in this game as opposed to Zelda and Zelda 3.  Link must get all these stones in order to break the spell over Princess Zelda.

So Link sets out to do so.  What is new in this game is the level up meter based on expereince points when destroying enemies and a magic meter in order to use spells.

Trust me when I say this...leveling up is necessary in this game to succeed.  And I reccomend trying to get your attack up to level 3 before battling any castles...as defeating them can usually get you enough points w/ the end boss to make beating palaces the only thing you need to get to the maximum levels.  Finding items is also crucial....that candle is ooooooooohhhh so necessary early on!!!

Link will need along the way to find items, magic spells, sward techniques, magic containers, AND the old reliable heart containers.  Link needs to use his items and spells to get some these!  This is what makes part of hte challenge of the game.  Using the fairy spell to get to the top of the house in the seaside village to get the down thruse (or up thrust--I can't remember).

A big part of the game was the dungeon layout---first Zelda used the side scroll t-d format....  Zelda 2 uses 2D Side scroll in the dungeons w/ elevators to take you to different levels of each dungeon.  Some palces can get real complicated...making sure you take the right elevators and all.  The dungeons do get progessivley more compliacted and complex.... enemies get tougher as well.

As far as control goes...the controls were kind of stiff!

I would only use this controller for this game:




The D-Circle made executing down and up thrusts very easy!  Anywho Link has the ability to stand and duck and using hte sheild to defend against enemies using high/low attacks.  Link also has the ability to do more than a straight ahead thrust...he gets to stab downward (which if done properly could actulally take him over treacherous terrain as he'd hop on the down faced sword) and upward -- a great thing for those up above enemies.  Links control was not as tight as say SMB2 especially now that link can jump, which he couldn't in the first Zelda.


MY own personal strategy tips for this game.... while battling around I found it advantageous to do a few thigs:

1) get to level 3 before heading anywhere near Death Mountain!!!

2) Use the Castles to up your levels to maximum strength.

3) Beat all the castles first...then get all your 1up dolls in hand to go into the deadly swamp up to the final castle.

4) The final battle against Shadow Link is one of the toughest bosses in the series and make sure you use your magic wiseley.


IN the end Zelda 2 is a challenging game in the Zelda series and you will either love it or hate it.  Its not as bad as it is different....

BUT I DO HAVE A MAJOR GRIPE   The totally wussified second quest.  Unlike Zelda where the second quest mixed up the level design, map layout, and item locations while also putting harder/more enemies on the screen Zelda 2 give you all your spells!! Full magic and health meter.... ohhh and even maximum lelvels for attack and magic......  I mean really...why bother with all that help...you can easily blow by all the towns, side quests for items, and dungeons.

So would PB tell YOU to pay for this game?

If you are a wuss gamer and only like Zelda/Zelda 3 style-wise then I would tell you your money might be thought by you to be better spent elsewhere....


But if you like Zelda games at all and want a challenge then @ $5 you should BUY this game.
* I did not dl this on VC becasue I have the original NES game and also the Zelda Collector's edition of it...otherwise I would have paid for it this week.

[Purple_Beard]

Volume 5:

6/11/07

Wow, another week of suckage....allthough not all is lost...Sonic 2 is decent...but...


Sonic 2 and as always, I paid for it so would I tell you to?

The skinny on Sonic 2:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sonic_the_Hedgehog_2_(16-bit)



For your Box Art

PB's history with the game:
My brother saved up his money from selling drinks and peanuts at the ECU football games to buy a Genisis.  He bought exactly 2 games for it...Sonic 1 and 2 ( he sold it to his freind in w/in the first 90 days of ownership).  Anywho I remember playing it.  I'd argue it was a "faster" game than the first one.... better graphics, better levels, and a pretty tough challenege as well--epsecially the latter boards like the oil station and "casino" themed board.

Also of big note was 3 BIG fundamental changes in how you played Sonic 2 vs Sonic 1: 1) additoin of Tails and his hover ability, 2) the crystal bonus boards changed from  rotating cages to running down half pipes, and 3) two player at the same time w/ split screen--which to my knowledge was new for sidescrollers to do 2 P AT THE SAME TIME on a split screen


Review:
I find the first two Sonic games very entertaining and would reccomend them to anyone.  Controll is top notch,  The game has all you love from Sonic 1 plus a lot new features/additions to make it a better sequell.  Graphics for a 16 bit era game were top notch as well.


So your probabbly thinking it PB would tell you to buy it right?

Well yes and no...

I would tell you NOT to buy Sonic 1 or 2 sepperately because you can get this game for a few $ more and have more sonic games than you can shake a stick at:


I currently own the game(s) in this form and would tell any Sonic fan or person wanting to buy a Sonic game to get this instead.

IN hte end PB says get the Mega Collection, its a better deal than buying the game individually on the VC..you will feel it was money well spent.

[Purple_Beard]

Volume 6

6/25/07

My rule is as always... I paid for it, would I tell you to do the same!

Ahhh F Zero X gets some love this week for you VC nuts...and N64 cry babies



Game breifing: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/F-Zero_X

Game Cheats: http://cheats.ign.com/ob2/068/000/000418.html

PB's history with the game:

My brother bought the SNES version and we both really liked F Zero.  So when I heard F Zero for the N64 was coming out I was totally gonna get it!  I preordered it through EB.  Folks this game released at $60!!!  I played the game for a few weeks only to get frustrated with having to EARN/UNLOCK all the drivers.  Till my man at work told me about a cheat code to unlock all that stuff !  Ohhh after that I lilked the game a whole lot better and even earned Ws on a few of the cups!

While I loved Goro in F Zero.... I didn't find him as great in this version.  I pretty much used these guy's cars :  Deep Claw, Mad Wolf, Wild Boar, Hyper Speeder, and Black Bull.

On a side note.... there was no F Zero on the NES.  F Zero started with the SNES as a near launch title and quickly earned its way into Franchise status becasue of the usage of Mode 7, overall speed, and control that was basically non-existant in racers up till it released.

Changes from F Zero to F Zero X:

Talk about changes... F Zero X changed a lot from what we loved in the original...akin to SMB 2 vs SMB or Zelda 2 to Zelda type changes in the game.

1) More Racers: F Zero had 4  VS X had 30!!

2) More cups!  F Zero had Jack , Queen, and King VS X which had those + Joker and X Cups

3) Added atack mode!  Basically you used your Z button to do spin attacks to kill off other racers--therefore lowering the number combatants you had to race against.  ALSO if you killed enough of them you could earn an extra life!!

4) Change from Mode 7 rotate/scale to full fledged 3D action...... loops. peaks and valleys, insane bank turns, half pipes, and outside of pipes took over from the killer 90 degree and hairpin turns and prefect use of jump and turbo pads of the original

5) Unlockable content: none really in the original to cups and racers in this one.

6) Racer attributes: Og had fixed abilities VS X which gives you standared abilities but you can change top speed vs accelleration for any racer AND racer color.

7) Racers on the track: Og had generic cars after your first 4 cars and not that many VS X which had 30 cars all at the same time and it was all the racers you could unlock.  With that said this game had NO SLOWDOWN AT ALL!!!

Boost meter/repair meter: Og had boost you would earn after the second lap VS X which had boost avialible after first lap but you could use at will but would cost you on your health meter.

All additions made the game of "F Zero" better IMHO.



Now the review type stuff:

This game IS HARD!  If you don't use the cheat code I posted and want to unlock all the racers and cups on your own then by all means go ahead...but it will be a tough road for you.  While not a necesity to win, mastering the kill attack will help you finish races.  This game represents  the next generatio of twitch gaming.  Basically the speed at wich this game movies you have to have your contorls down to where a twitch is all you need to execute a turn, dig turn, brake turn, Z attack, or other manuver beacuse of hte speed the racers and you yourself move about the tracks (vs the original where perfecting technique of turning, jumping, and timley useage of limited boosts made the difference in success  or failure).


Purple Beard says get this game for $10.... and use the GC controler for it!!
 

[Purple_Beard]

Volume 7:

7/2/07




Wikipedia on SMB 2:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Super_Mario_Bros_2

As Always, I paid for this game and would I tell you to do the same?

Ahhh SMB 2

PB's history with the game:

Ok so I was rocking SMB on my NES for a while then a few big things happened for Nintendo... Nintendo Power started and SMB 2 was coming out and it was the cover of the first issue of NP.



This also marked the first time I ever remember the buzz about a video game selling out everywhere on the evening news.  I'm not sure when I actually got it--methinks it was the Christmas of the release year.

Now talk about a major CHANGE to the biggest franchise the NES had going for it!!!

Mario Bros: plain view platformer, limited enemy types, and only jumping as a weapon.

TO

Super Mario Brothers: Side Scroller platformer, multiple enemy types, bosses, a Princess to rescue, aid of a trusty fire flower, and 8 very challenging worlds.

TO

SMB2: Changeable player charachter choices( w/ individual charchteristics), totally different graphics from successor, NO FIREBALLS,  gained ability to pick up and throw items/enemies, and a 4 part life meter.

I was suprised at what they did with Mario 2 but I really loved the game that I got.

The choosable charachter thing was genius( Mario: medium speed, medium jump, medium strenght / Luigi: Medium Speed, HIGH jump, medium strenght / Toad: high speed, low jump, high strength / Princess: low speed, HIGH (float) jump, low strength ).  I rocked Luigi all the time--love his insane jumping skills and w/ better speed than Peach I could beat the game using only him.  My brother rocked Mario.  All of the three abilities for the charachters needed to be made good use of before you entered any given world.

I was also fan of the 4 part life meter, unlike the original SMB where a hit cost you your life(or loss of Super mario/Fire Mario) , this allowed you to take 4 hits.  The game also included a power jump where you crouched till you lit up then you could super jump( this ability was needed in this game!).

Ahh the ability to pick up and toss items and enemies in this game was put to great use.  You needed to be quick of wit and skill in boss fights with the tossing of items at you that you would need to fight bosses.

...and in that regard I will delve in Sub Con...  LIke I said in this game Mario did not have power ups or coins so you ask how did he get that life meter and earn 1ups?  Well Mario would find potions that he could throw down to create doors that once entered he would go into Sub Con and be able to pluck items from the "dark side"-- 1 ups, life meter, levels, and coins!--these Sub Con levels had a tiem limit so you had to be fast to get all the goodies!  In later levels knowing where the most grass was to pluck from to get the most coins was imperitive.  And where some of the tricky life meter mushrooms were ( Whales anyone?, Ice Castle?, Falling form the celing in wolrd 5?)

SMB 2 had a much more varied design/layout of the worlds--complete with shortcuts and alternate paths to lead you to the end and a end boss of each level--in most cases a Birdo.  As far as bosses to the levels there were 5 main bosses: Mouser (bomb toss-- 1 and 3), TriClyde ( fire balls --2 and 6), Fry Guy ( fire balls/ mini me's once hit --4 ), Clawgrip ( rocks -- 5) and the final boss of the game Wart ( Gas bubbles --7).  Most worlds had 3 parts to complete.  World 1 was basically a plains area w/ some caves, World 2 was a easy desert board, World 3 was a up/down scroll board w/ lots of jumping and didging needed, World 4 was a ice board that while the actual boards were short the skill of playing on ice kept you alive, World 5 was a Tree infested cave board--I'd argue the hardest board in the game!!!, World 6 was a harder desert level w/ some cool short cuts, and lastly was Warts castle which was hard esp. due to alll the Sparky's.  With all the varies worlds and gameplay needed to win I loved playing this game all th way through, as opposed to the original SMB where the warp pipes couldn't happen fast enough.

A couple of other game play changes as well... Bob-Ombs first appearance ( of which you will curse in World 5..esp. the ones dropped by the birds!)--thus allowing you to blow stuff up to access areas (hidden and otherwise) and items, brought back the use of the POW block from Mario Bros, The slot machine for 1ups ( earn coins in the board for chances to win 1 ups), and use of Keys to open doors.

Regular enemies who made their first appearance in this game: Bob-omb, Pokey, Shy Guy / Sniff It

Game Review:

OK, I get that you have fond memories of the game but is it good?

The contoll on this mario game is TOP NOTCH, and arguably the Mario Series got even better at controll with SMB 3 and SMW.  The ability to have different charchters with different abilities was a great idea as well for controll of the game.... although I'd argue that Toad and Princess jump and speed/strenght liabilities made it hard for you to use them the entire game like you could with Mario or Luigi they still offered meaningful choices in some areas.

The variation of the levels was very unique.  Desert baords with hidden quick sand pits that lead to ITEMS and short cuts, Tree boards w/ all kinds of jumping needed, riding on the backs of birds to access areas, using stakcable blocks to create walls to gain access to areas/defeat enemies, vine climbing and cloud hopping to move up and around flying enemies. juming off screen to get to hidden caves to access items/levels....  basically I love each area of this game so much that I love to play it all the way through...

Graphics wise this was a step up from the first 2 mario games.  Not as great as the NES power pushing SMB 3 but a solid effort.  Lots of unique style to it.

Difficuly?  Well World 5 was a pain in the ____!  And World 7 can be one as well.  6 is pretty tough unless you know the short cuts.  World 4 was pretty easy except for Fry Guy...dodging him is tough and hard not to get killed.  This game provides a good challenge. And since it is so enjoyable you will want to play all the way through.


PURPLE BEARD says: BUY IT!!!! --its worth your  $5*

[Purple_Beard]

Volume 8

7/7/07

EXCITE TRUCK *** NOT A VC GAME!!!!





Ok...I know this game has been reviewed to death ... but my $10 coupon @ K Mart allowed me to afford this game   ..so I'm gonna skip a bunch of crap and get to the meat and potatoes of what I think about it.
I likey!! --get it....

This game is an Arcade style racer of off road porportions.  With multiple paths in a track, "open" track layout, trick system/star system, unlockable vehicles, unlockable paint schemes, and unlockable other content as well.

Basically the game is as follows you have Bronze, Silver, Gold, and Platinum cups (not sure if more as I have yet to beat Platinum tonight).  The game has Fiji, Canada, Finland, China, Scotland, and Mexico levels.  If I recall correctly you have Mexico, Canada, and Finland  to start with.  To advance to other cups you must beat Bronze.... then Silver...ect...  to beat a cup you must Win your races in 1st place ( however to acheice an "S" ranking (aka Best?) you have to also get >= the poinst earned requirement for the track..  IT appears the rankings are S (best evar) - A -B-C -D- E ( you suck).  Earning points (err Stars) are as follows  Finishing first earns you 50 stars, tricks you perform earn you other stars.  Depending on how well you perform tricks you can earn from 1-5 stars per trick performed.  Tricks are "air-time", Spins in air (or 360s completed if you will), drift turning, Crashing/destroying other racers, and crashes ( however, I have not seen how you get > 1 star for a crash...and I've had some doozeys).

You earn vehicles as you progress winning races.  If a particluar vehicle you use earns 3 S CLASS ranknigs you get a new paint scheme for the car ( its more like going from solid paint to stripes / 2-tones) not sure yet of you can earn more than one other paint scheme other than standard and stripe/2 tone.

Vehicles are "generic" ( no mfgr emblems or logos ) but lets just say the Chevy, Ford, Dodge, Toyota, and Jeep themed vehicles are hard to ignore.  And they give you about 10-15 solid colors to choose from.

On the Wii controls....  not sure if I like the side to side tilt turning yet...otherwise the controls are pretty solid.

I also don't find that the AI cheats at all ..but I must say that the steering takes a while to get used to...so you can avoid obstacles in time.

Music, I found the "music" pretty good actually..to bad its only one song..but it does offer .mp3s off your SD card for alternate music... I didn't get a chance to use this feature yet.  And IMO the tune sounds like a F Zero tune

Graphics: I found the graphics passable... I was playing on a Sony 50" LCD Projection tv in 480p.  Game runs 16:9.  I wouldn't say the were crap...but I don't think they took advantage of what hte Wii can realy do graphics wise...I'd love to see them up the graphic anty in a sequell though.  I also kind of like the zoom in effect used for when you are in the air, then as you get closer to the ground the environement gains detail.

****************************************************

Random comments for anyone to speak on

This game reminds me of Beetle Adventure Racing ( N64) with its alernate paths, huge open worlds, paint schemes of cars, and earnable content via points.

Is it me or do some of the levels look eerily simmilar to say Wave Race: Blue Storm (GC)?

[Purple_Beard]

Volume 9

8/11/07





Wikipedia general info:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Star_Fox_64

Memories of the first go round:

I had rented the original Star Fox for the SNES and kind of liked it..but never bought it.  Then I hear that they are going to make a sequell for the N64.  I was like SWEEEEEEEEEEEEET.  They were hyping up a lot about the plane, tank, and ___ vehicles for multiplayer.... THEN THE BOMB DROPPED ...Rumble Pack!




Force feed back for your N64 controller!!!  And it came with the game to boot (note eventually the rumble pack got sold seperately).  It was quite a cool concept and as you can tell everybody and their mother now has a "rumble" feature to their controller ( except PS3 lol).  The first impression I had of this thing was WOW..pretty cool.  And after this little guy's release a lot of N64 games used it so it was not a failed accessory.

Ohh yeah...back to the game....

My first impression was the graphics were major improvemnt ot the SNES version.  SNES was limited on Polygon processing for 3d ( see Stunt Race FX and a few others as evidence) but the N64 was a 3D processing workhorse.  And IMHO the controls were better w/ a analog stick vs. a Dpad for this type of game anyway.  Also I think this game supported the most voice acting of any N64 game up to that point (and possibly after).  It was definatley a nice touch.

My bother was more successful at the game than I was but I was always game for multiplayer though...really good "sand box" areas for free roam flight.  Too bad we were never able to unlock the other vehicles for it.

Controls are good

Graphics were good for a N64 game

Voice and Sound effects are great.

Rumble makes it shine( too bad the VC version couldn't have it   )


Verdict:

This game is worth your $10
*Brother has original cart ..I have the VC download
******************************************************************


F Zero time!!!

My review is quite late on this one   I thought I had the originla game at my house..turns out it was my Brother's game...so I HAD TO GET IT ASAP.  Its amazing what you will find when posting pics of your Wii/Video game set up!





General Wikipedia info on game:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/F_zero

Memories of the game:

Ok... at the time my brother and I were on the look for a good racing game.  F Zero came on the scene.  IT got a lot of props on the graphics end BUT.....


Sega at this time was all about how "fast" its games were w/ "Blast Processing" from Sonic and what not.....well Nintendo pulled out the "MODE 7" campaign to combat this with the likes of F Zero and Zelda 3.  Basically Mode 7 was what Nintendo used to rotate items on the screen...thus making F Zero look more relastic in terms of racing than say Pole Position (if you play both you will notice a lot of similarties in terms of style).

Also, and to my knowledge unique to this series, it has a an entire background story as to why these guys were racing.  Most racing games were like these are your racers...pick one...race!  They have the four main charachters background stories and "motrivations" for being in the F Zero Grand Prix.

I alwayys rocked Samurai Goroh and my Brother was partial to Captain Falcon or Dr Stewart.  He could race those light weight machines...I could never controll them.


Ohh yeah..the soundtrack rocked.  But what I loved to do in this game....  I had this boombox w/ a audio input...I'd hook up the SNES audio cables to it...turn up the bass....and crash my car just to feel the bass from the crash!  Ahhh fun times.

Main review:

This game set a lot of benchmarks for racing games of the era in terms of "feel" of speed, graphics, sound, and controls.  And honestly no other game has quite approached it on ALL fronts.

Graphics and effects were state of the art at the time of release.  Mode 7 delivered a great "turning" feel to the tracks and hte backgrounds and land below the track were detailed enough for the speed you were moving at.  Yeah F Zero X and GX have upped the graphical anty  but this game was definatley up to snuff during its reign.

Sound wise the game had a light rock electronica feel to it but most meorable was its great low end on bass...made for great explosions when you crashed.

Controls...very tight...very accurate.  And thus introduced twitch racing to the masses.  You have to think and react fast to upcoming obstacles, racers, and track turns to make it through alive.  Honestly I think the ideal way to play this game is sitting dead on center to your tv and fairly close so you can observe all....

Difficulty....  the game is failry hard..especially on Expert Mode.  The speed at which you race...the 90 degree and hairpin turns you encounter... and the BS AI* make it a real challenge even for a seasoned racer.  I think I have only gotten to Fire Field like twice and i have this game since it came out nearly 16 years ago now.

*The BS comes from the fact that even you get to #1 the game starts filling in generic race cars that go slow( or fast) and are hard to work around...and if you ever get behind....those generic cars get even meaner / tough to overcome.

THE VERDICT

Buy it!  Its totally worht it if you want a race game/speed fix.


************************************************************


Wave Race 64




General Wikipedia info:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wave_Race_64

Memories

While this has been said verbatim here about this game.....  this game had the graphics controls, and jet ski action that sold it to the masses.  And the greatness  was backed up/reinforced when you got a chance to play it.

Now... out of curiosity I rented this game back in the day.  And I hated it!!!  While I like the grpahcis and the Jet Ski concept I totally sucked at racing in it.  I think it had more to with the the water physics against your jet ski (vs ground/track against a vehicle) and the have to make rights and lefts to buoys to keep speed up.  I also felt the AI cheated a lot.

THe funny thing is ...I bought Wave Race: Blue Storm straight up when it came out ...even my previous bad expereince with the original title.  I loved Blue Storm.  IT was hard...and I still never beat it ( got up to the Canal Board).  But this game got back into giving the 64 version anohter shot.

So when it came out earlier this week I knew i'd get it.  And amazingly...I play a lot better now than when I rented it.  I even beat the Normal cup this time around!  I guess the playing BLue Storm and getting repsectable at it w/ the buoys and controlls in general made playing the 64 version easier for me the 2nd time around.

Graphics: noted for its water physics.  Other than than pretty much standard N64 3D fare.  I think the racers could have used more polygons but htey probabbly used up most of the processing power of the N64 for the water.  Environments are pretty good looking.

Controls: ehh ...you do have "good control" in the game but its the water physics that make you think you don't.

Sound: pretty decent tunes and voice acting but I must say there is a lot of "echo" / "static" to the voice acting in the game.


THE VERDICT:

I'd tell you to buy it.
--however I give you this caveat...olny practice will make you good at it and not curse it...its not as simple as pick up, play, and win!


***********************************


Galaga '90





Memories: None actually....

But


Back in the day I bought Namco Museum for my N64...and it had Galga on it.  I loved it


I also bought this for Game Cube:



And from what I can gather you can get Galga '90 on this game:




IF the latter is true I suggestgetting it instead for the value BUT...in my own expereince I didn't like GC controls for these games and since it would be a GC game you could only use that controller for it on your Wii.

General Wikipedia information: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Galaga_%2790

Basically this is a Super Mario All Stars like upgrade to the original Galaga.  I LOVE the improved graphics.... makes the game more enjoyable IMHO.  Sound is a little crisper than the original as well.

The differences in Galaga '90 and Galaga other than graphics are enemy patterns, new enemy types, the tripple ship, boss battles, warp zones, and in some stages you have "rock" sheilds ala Space Invaders that can block your shots to the aliens and likewise block their shots to you.  I also like the fact that your progress is mapped out in a "progression line' mode.  So you can see how far you got in a particular world.

About the only thing I dislike about this game vs the original I have on the n64 is the bonus level stages... I could line my ship up in the middle of the screen and cap baddies to get all the enemies in the original... but in this one the patterns just don't work that way

Graphcis FWIW they are pretty good.

Sound: FWIW its pretty good

Controls: I like the classic controller for this game


THE VERDICT:

I'd tell you to buy it @ $6 ... however if that Namco Museum 50th has it.... you would get more for your money getting that.

[Purple_Beard]

Volume 10

8/14/07

Metroid (NES)

General Wikipedia information:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Metroid



Memories...


Well my first expereice w/ Metroid was I was over at a freinds house playing hide and go seek...we took a break and went inside for a bit.  He was like wanna play video games... I was like yeah...messed aroudn w/ some Zelda 2 then some TecmoBowl.  Then we put in his copy of Metroid...I thought it was kind of cool... I messed around with it for a while and found some boss..... got killed.  I alwasy wanted to get it but never had the chance.  Then a "FEW" years ago I ran into a used copy at the Babbages in Raleigh...I bought it...I had just gotten my NES back from repairs and was ready to play...unfortunately the game was bad...and I didn't want to mess up my NES again.

Ohh and at around the time I was an active NES gamer... I remember the shocker of all shockers at that time....Samus was a female.  It was a big deal to some..not to others.... I guess most folks were like the game is cool regardless if the person I'm playing is a female...  I don't even think when that came to light it attracted more females to video games though.

Now here is something new for my reviews.... upon reading all about the desolationism in the game...then its planet infested w/ aliens... and a female hero to boot.

Was this game inspired by Alien and/or Aliens?  Wikipedia for the n00bZ to the Alien movies: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Alien_%28film%29 .  I'll put up Alien pictures if you guys want me too, otherwise I think the Wikipedia link will suffice.

Now granted Alien was in 1979 but Aliens (the most kick butt movie evAr) came out in 1986.

No go with me here..

Samus Aran / Ellen Ripley
Metroids / Aliens aka Xenomorphs
Zebes / LV - 426
Both on investigative missions
Both got done over once arriving by "the man" aka " the company"

I just notice a lot of simillarites in the two to pass it off as coincidence.  Gratned the shoot em up aspect of Metroid would be more akin to what went down in Aliens but I can definaltey see the original Alien being an inspiration for the Metroid game fracnchise.

I'd love to see if anyone thinks the same on that.

********************

Game review:

Anywhooo back to the game....

Samus starts out on the planet Zebes w/ nothing but a blaster.  YOu get powerups like missles, spin ball, bombs, ice gun, and energy tanks for like throughout the game to acheive the goal in defeating Mother Brain.  THe game itself plays out as a vertical.horizonal scroller in desolate undergound maze of passageways.  Therein lies its charm and difficulty.  W/ very little graphical seperation between levels--yeah some are differnt like the pipes vs. bubbles deal w/in each area can get confusing if you don't pay attention to where you have gone and been.  That aspect might frustrate new players.  it has actually give me some fits as I have started my own quest in the game today.  Some enemies are pretty tough...not by difficulty but by life taken away when hit.

Just a few reminders on strategy..get all the energy and weapn tanks you can get!!! YOU WILL NEED them when you meet Mother Brain I assure you....and don't forget to run like crazy cause even though you beat her...the planet will self destruct w/ or w/o you in your ship leaving it!!!

Graphics:  for early NES games it is pretty good but sparse upon design.

Music: pretty good music all around, different passages present different tunes.

Gameplay:  I found it to be pretty accurate.  But I do get frustrated on jumping out of the "quicksand"


The verdict:

BUY IT...for $5 you can't really pass up a piece of Nintendo history.
 

[UltimatePartyBear]

You are a follower of the One True NES Controller, and for that, I salute you.  A mod's probably going to crack down on you for all those images, though, since bandwidth leeching is against the rules.  If you can put them on your own web space, it's fine.  Also, there are size limits in place: 640 pixels wide, 100 KB.

[Purple_Beard]

Volume 11:

8/21/07

Don't blast my very short and to the point review this week.  I'm trying to get these new "buyable worthy" things up and going to my satisfaction before I give my full review(s).

But


Super Metroid:

You didn't buy it already?  ....in other words its a buyable worthy game.

a graphical, play control, amenity improvement over the original Metroid game.


Shinobi III:

Yeah I am mad I don't get to use the wolf still   Graphics are pretty awesome...got through level 1 last night.  I'm not a fan of the controlls yet.... but still another cool Ninja Game.

Buyable worthy will be my reccomendation on this one as well.

Expect a full review edited into this thread once these banners/buttons get fleshed out.  These games deserve better.
 

[Purple_Beard]

Volume 12

9/4/07

Columns:



Ehhh a short review for this one...

Wikipedia
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Columns_%28video_game%29

Memories of the game: NONE really ...all I recall is this was supposed to be Sega's answer to the popular Tetris game(s) on the Nintendo consoles.

Well, after playing it....color me dissappointed.  Not a  very good marathon mode(actually non that I can tell).  YOu don't move up levels fter completing rows.  Multiplayer is ok..but boring.

Basic game:
basically you have 3x1 columns drop down from the top.. you can use any button to rotate positioning of the stones  in the column.  The object is to mkae a row of three of the same stone in vertical, horizontal, or diagonal fashion.  Clearing stones drops the stones from above...  cuasing combos if you play your cards ( err stones) right.


PB's verdict:

DO NOT BUY IT...it is NOT worth $8.  If you can get it as part of a collection disc it might be worth it...but a straight up $8 game it is not.

****************



Wikipedia: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Adventure_Island_%28video_game%29

Memories of the game:

I remember the tv ads for the game touting Master Higgins as a fruit eating skateboard riding platformer with an island theme.  It looked cool but since my budget was soooooo tight I never bought it.  BUT.... a freind did... and when I went over to his house to play it I thought it was pretty good.... he was past hte first few levels but  I got a good idea of the game.

...now as you remember I bought New Adventure Island a while back and I liked that one ....and I have been awaiting the NES version, the one I am more tied to, for a while.

Game Play.

Simple run and jump stuff and simple platforming .... instant kills FTL.  Lots of trucky jumps and proper technique with the skateboard is critical for success.

Graphics.  ok I guess for a NES game.  Has some of that NES flicker

COMPARITIVE VALUE:
(Bolded for a reason)  New Adventure Island vs. Adventure Island.  Basically the same game....however the TG16s graphics totally pwn the NES game.  Its a NC, NO CONTEST on that end.  I do find the play controll of the NES game to be a little tighter than the TG16 version.

PB's verdict:

DO NOT BUY!  When compared with the TG16 version you should definatley fork out $1 more and get the TG16 version.  That $1 makes a lot of difference IMO.  The NES game is decent... but for a buck more you get a better presentation of the same game.  BUY  NEW ADVENTURE ISLAND instead folks. ..spend a buck!

*******************

Bonk 3


General Wikipedia info
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bonk_3


Memories of the game:  NONE, only expereince has been Bonk 1 and 2 on VC....enjoyed them enough to get #3.

GamePlay:  All direction platforming with a prehsitoric theme.  Like all bonk games you use your head to bash enemies.  YOu can get several different powerups like Super Large Bonk, Super Small Bonk, Atomic Bonk (big dual bump cranium), some fire breathing and star shooting powerups, and a invincibility power up.

I actually find this game to controll the best of the 3 Boks I have off VC...however IMHO the challenge factor of this game is lower than the other two games in the series.

Level Desigin is pretty solid....go everywhere to find all kinds of items...lots of nooks and crannies to investigate.  You will need small bonk or large bonk to access certian areas needed for furthering progress in the game.

One new thing I have found interesting is that there are some large fish that can swallow you.... but not kill you... you actually go inside the fish and get some life/power ups and leave.  I also like the "pipe transport" system in the game....  you jump into narrow pipes and zip across the game area (like those pipes at the bank drive throughs ...lol)

Graphics:  
Mixed bag IMO....  Not bad in detail or color...BUT... it feels like the large/small bonk power up factored into the graphics a lot with some large sprites... and large bland areas of walls and what not.  ITs not a graphical advancement over the first 2 games like Super Mario Bros 3 was over 1 and 2.

THe Verdict:

NOT QUITE buyable worthy!  If you liked the first two Bonk games you will think this is buyable worthy, and I'd agree with you....  HOWEVER, if you are looking at this being your first Bonk Game....get 1 or 2  first instead...then see if you really want 3.


 

[Purple_Beard]

Feel free to comment on my reviews and/or the games I covered.


I only post a review when a game comes out I own, have owned, or have downloaded off the VC so it won't be "that" regular.

[Purple_Beard]

OOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOPS

Forgot my last volume which came out last week:

Volume 13

9/11/07

NES Play Action Football

***



General Wikipedia info:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/NES_Play_Action_Football

Memories of the game:
For Christmas of release year I got this...and I had begged for the NES Satelite so I could play the new found 4P games that Nintendo would be doing.  I loved Tecmo Bowl, playing that at a freinds house, and I figured I ought to get my own football game...and 4P would make it more fun.  Two things happened for me and this game.... 1)  I much prefered palying football outside in the backyard over playing video game football.  2) I could never get 4 people over to play the game with me and my brother does not like football so basically the game sat around and collected dust   I did play some single player...just got bored really fast w/ noone else to play against.  Another thing of note is that this game had a more advanced play calling scheme that Tecmo Bowl...and it even came with play flash cards so you could communicate in secret to your partner the play you were running.  I think I lost them though...  I still have the booklet!

Graphics: for NES era football games...pretty good

Game play:  4P support is a big one....I beleive the only NES football game to support 4P.  More advanced play calling than other NES football titles as I recall.  Don't quote me on this.... but I think you can do 1 vs 1, 2vs 2, and 1 or 2 vs Computer in this game..not sure of 4 vs Computer. or any 1-3 configurations.

THE VERDICT: BUYABLE if you want a 4P football game....otherwsie DO NOT BUY IT  ...and look at hte bright side you don't need a NES satelite to play 4P!!!


Sonic 3






General Wikipedia info:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sonic_3

Memories of the game:
None...only played off Sonic Mega Collection...and not a lot....I just prefered 1 and 2.

Gameplay: same old Sonic

Graphics:  Better than 1 and 2....


I know this is a short review and it stems from my limited play of the game....  but if you like Sonic games...you will also like this one.  That just goes w/o syaing....its Sonic...run...collect rings..enter bonus stage..beat Robotnik.....  Sort of Like Mario games right?

THE VERDICT.

NOT BUYABLE WORTHY b/c of this game:



http://www.ebgames.com/product.asp?product%5Fid=916191

$12.99 used at ebgames....  why buy the Sonic games seperately when your Wii will play GC games and you can get this for $13?  

[Kairon]

Oh my giddy aunt...

[Purple_Beard]

Quote
Originally posted by: PartyBear
You are a follower of the One True NES Controller, and for that, I salute you.  A mod's probably going to crack down on you for all those images, though, since bandwidth leeching is against the rules.  If you can put them on your own web space, it's fine.  Also, there are size limits in place: 640 pixels wide, 100 KB.

yeah.....nes max was great for some games!

as far as pics  go..... it was a quick copy/paste off my nsider vc posts while they are still read only ( through 9/24).

i'll keep your comments in mind when i post the next volume.

using wii to post

[Purple_Beard]

Quote
Originally posted by: Kairon
Oh my giddy aunt...

so is that a vote of confidence?

[IceCold]

I haven't read all of them, but it's certainly a good addition to the barren Reader Review section