2015
An extremely simple game with a narrative catered to old shits like me that recalls years and years of AIM messenger. Emily Is Away has a drama-filled story all told through both plain and flavored text.
I also like the way it tells some of its story through the gameplay, and how accurate the depiction is of a boy crushing on this longtime friend and how he communicates with her through this now archaic messaging system.
I also like the way it tells some of its story through the gameplay, and how accurate the depiction is of a boy crushing on this longtime friend and how he communicates with her through this now archaic messaging system.
1997
Dissimilar to Hatred, Postal feels a bit more genuine and cynical to the point where you don't really take it seriously at all. Instead of being a PR stunt by unimaginative assholes, this game stands as an element of the mid-90s where a couple dudes felt like pushing the envelope.
The game feels like shit to play, though.
The game feels like shit to play, though.
1994
A brilliant run-n-gun game that's marred by the Genesis' controller. Contra Hard Corps is designed and presented as an incredible step-up from Contra 3, as everything is refined so amazingly, and aspects of the formula have been expanded, such as the branching paths that lead to completely unique scenarios and each character having their own unique set of weapons.
The only thing, in my opinion, that stops it from being the best game in the series, is its controls. It manages to utilize everything you can do in the previous SNES game, but that game's controller had 6 buttons, which the game used nearly all of them. Now that they only have 3 buttons to work with, their means to make these functions available is creative, albeit bothersome when you're in the thick of shooting up your foes. It's hard getting used to these kinds of controls, especially considering they're unique to the rest of the franchise before and after.
Regardless, it's worth getting a hang of them and seeing the incredible scenarios this game puts you through, blazing with amazing graphics and explosive gameplay! A must-play for any fan of the run-n-gun franchise!
The only thing, in my opinion, that stops it from being the best game in the series, is its controls. It manages to utilize everything you can do in the previous SNES game, but that game's controller had 6 buttons, which the game used nearly all of them. Now that they only have 3 buttons to work with, their means to make these functions available is creative, albeit bothersome when you're in the thick of shooting up your foes. It's hard getting used to these kinds of controls, especially considering they're unique to the rest of the franchise before and after.
Regardless, it's worth getting a hang of them and seeing the incredible scenarios this game puts you through, blazing with amazing graphics and explosive gameplay! A must-play for any fan of the run-n-gun franchise!
It's considerably impressive how poor this game is. The core concept of an overhead run-n-gun isn't folly, but execution is important. Contra: Legacy Of War fails at executing . . . basically everything. The graphics are repugnant, the music is boring, the action is a mess of flat muddy textures with some blocky models, and--worst of all--the controls are horrendous.
This game would have benefited from waiting a couple years so it can utilize the twin analog sticks, but this was being developed when Playstation still had the one basic controller design, thus it was unable to have controls similar to other isometric run-n-gun games such as Smash TV or Total Carnage.
If there's any Contra game to completely avoid, it's this one.
This game would have benefited from waiting a couple years so it can utilize the twin analog sticks, but this was being developed when Playstation still had the one basic controller design, thus it was unable to have controls similar to other isometric run-n-gun games such as Smash TV or Total Carnage.
If there's any Contra game to completely avoid, it's this one.
When I was younger, I remember simply not being interested in this game. I think I assumed it was developed in a smaller scope than the previous. "How good can it be? It's only 1 disc!"
It wouldn't be until years after playing RE4 that I gave this game a fair shake, and it was great! I loved exploring the maze-like city, and their premium on action (perhaps even more than RE2) while keeping the survival horror aspects encased made for a really enjoyable experience. I also really liked Nemesis as this stalking enemy throughout as well!
All of this layered with an interesting enough narrative that calls for decision-making that can drastically change the story is also really impressive! Something that, sadly, they never really went back to. Not even the underwhelming remake to this game.
It wouldn't be until years after playing RE4 that I gave this game a fair shake, and it was great! I loved exploring the maze-like city, and their premium on action (perhaps even more than RE2) while keeping the survival horror aspects encased made for a really enjoyable experience. I also really liked Nemesis as this stalking enemy throughout as well!
All of this layered with an interesting enough narrative that calls for decision-making that can drastically change the story is also really impressive! Something that, sadly, they never really went back to. Not even the underwhelming remake to this game.
An interesting action game with some great visual flair, but very cumbersome mechanics. Blood+: One Night Kiss serves not only as a rushed licensed property by Grasshopper Manufacture, but a stepping stone to the company's next big game known as "No More Heroes." From what I've heard, it was also a means of the game's director/writer--Suda51-- to continue exploring certain themes first created with an older Japan-exclusive game known as "Moonlight Syndrome." Not that I can tell you how exactly, as there is no proper translation of this game.
I got pretty far into this game, but unable to make progress in the open world. Seeing as how I can't read any of the instructions nor the NPC dialogue, that's all she wrote for now . . . also the header on this page is from the wrong game lol EDIT 2K23: Ya fixed it! At least for most of the screenshots.
I got pretty far into this game, but unable to make progress in the open world. Seeing as how I can't read any of the instructions nor the NPC dialogue, that's all she wrote for now . . . also the header on this page is from the wrong game lol EDIT 2K23: Ya fixed it! At least for most of the screenshots.
2005
You'll never find another game like this if you live to be 7,000! killer7 is a mind-bending piece that never stops taking turns you won't see coming! The gameplay, the mechanics, the story, the visuals, it's all so insanely creative and unique!
The game benefits from multiple playthroughs as well, especially if you want to understand the story better. This experience was made with the Gamecube in mind, but the recent Steam port is a fine substitute with considerably better controls. Avoid the horrible PS2 port at all costs, though.
The game benefits from multiple playthroughs as well, especially if you want to understand the story better. This experience was made with the Gamecube in mind, but the recent Steam port is a fine substitute with considerably better controls. Avoid the horrible PS2 port at all costs, though.
Slightly better than their last attempt, but still considerably poor. C: the Contra Adventure at least has the courtesy of baring 2D side-scrolling stages, but it's still an ugly mess that feels like crap to play. The original Playstation was a very dark time for Contra, which is sad since other side-scrolling action games were flourishing at the time, most especially the Metal Slug series.
1991
An ambitious platformer that gave Nintendo a run for its money back in the early 90s! Sonic the Hedgehog is an interesting 2D platformer that gives you the ability to go really fast, but what it really calls for is careful platforming. Not that there ever isn't a need for speed, as it can be awesome once you learn and understand the stage designs!
It's not the most graceful platformer, and its successor would end up blowing this game out of the water, but the visuals, music, and satisfaction that comes from clearing the stages make it a genuine classic!
It's not the most graceful platformer, and its successor would end up blowing this game out of the water, but the visuals, music, and satisfaction that comes from clearing the stages make it a genuine classic!
1998
If there was any game in the 90s that made kids want to impulsively air guitar, it was F-Zero X! This intense racing game was something no other racer could even come close to being as awesome (until its own sequel years later).
I also adore that the staff involved opted for the game to have a smooth, stable 60 frames-per-second, which meant sacrificing most textures and graphical fidelity. They just knew how important a high framerate was not only for playability, but also to emphasize the SPEED of the game. And damn, was it fast!
I also adore the character designs that perfectly meld with the atmosphere the soundtrack ensues! I wouldn't be surprised if the artists involved were inspired by "Heavy Metal" magazine and/or its 1981 film! Literally everything about F-Zero X kicks so much ass! I just wish we somehow got the expansion kit here, I definitely would've spent hours on-end making custom stages!
Also, the Switch emulation is garbage. Don't play it on there.
I also adore that the staff involved opted for the game to have a smooth, stable 60 frames-per-second, which meant sacrificing most textures and graphical fidelity. They just knew how important a high framerate was not only for playability, but also to emphasize the SPEED of the game. And damn, was it fast!
I also adore the character designs that perfectly meld with the atmosphere the soundtrack ensues! I wouldn't be surprised if the artists involved were inspired by "Heavy Metal" magazine and/or its 1981 film! Literally everything about F-Zero X kicks so much ass! I just wish we somehow got the expansion kit here, I definitely would've spent hours on-end making custom stages!
Also, the Switch emulation is garbage. Don't play it on there.
1996
Standing in the place of Sonic as a new generation of gaming opened up a new dimension to compete with Mario, Crash Bandicoot is a competent platformer with impressive presentation, especially for the mid-90s. The only thing that really holds it back from being a classic is how obtusely irritating a lot of the stage designs are. Perhaps it was to ensure players would take their time and hone their skills at this panicky platformer with a panicky protagonist, but this game wouldn't really meet legitimate quality in the sum of all its parts until the sequel!
2006
Possibly as straight-forward as a sequel can get. Guitar Hero II builds upon the roaring foundation of the original game, and simply adds more to the experience, that's especially the case for the diverse music.
There isn't a lot to say about this experience, although its expanded multiplayer features were nice, such as the added bassline for all the songs. A slumbering beast that will soon awaken . . .
Also, the X-plorer guitar that came with the Xbox 360 port is amazing. It's still the best peripheral ever made for modern rhythm games.
There isn't a lot to say about this experience, although its expanded multiplayer features were nice, such as the added bassline for all the songs. A slumbering beast that will soon awaken . . .
Also, the X-plorer guitar that came with the Xbox 360 port is amazing. It's still the best peripheral ever made for modern rhythm games.
1995
A somewhat rushed sequel that ups the ante in a lot of ways. Many would consider the original Earthworm Jim to be an off-beat and non-traditional platformer, which helped it stand out along with its artistry. Earthworm Jim 2 sees this, and pushes that direction so damn far, that the better terms describing this game would be obtuse or obscene. This game has such a bizarre structure that you'll be applauding the designers for their creative output one minute, then booing them the next.
Despite its gaping flaws, I definitely have a really soft spot for Earthworm Jim 2. I actually have more fondness for this game than the original, perhaps because it's so obscenely odd without really needing an obnoxious "gross" factor (Boogerman sucks).
The 1-2 punch of the Earthworm Jim series is a testament of the mid-90s where some funny folks wanted to push the envelope and express their unique ideas in a really strange way, and it's something I don't think can be replicated ever again. And, like the original game, I prefer the SNES version as I think it has smoother gameplay and better visuals.
Despite its gaping flaws, I definitely have a really soft spot for Earthworm Jim 2. I actually have more fondness for this game than the original, perhaps because it's so obscenely odd without really needing an obnoxious "gross" factor (Boogerman sucks).
The 1-2 punch of the Earthworm Jim series is a testament of the mid-90s where some funny folks wanted to push the envelope and express their unique ideas in a really strange way, and it's something I don't think can be replicated ever again. And, like the original game, I prefer the SNES version as I think it has smoother gameplay and better visuals.
2012
One of the most interesting games made for Kinect. Diabolical Pitch is, as the name implies, about pitching. and you gotta pitch . . . a lot. The atmosphere rides a line between spooky and goofy, and it's pretty charming, albeit a bit too muddy-looking at times. The sound design is excellent, giving great feedback when defeating foes. The mechanics work fine for Kinect, but become really tiring. It's a short game that I beat in a single playthrough, and my right arm was dying for a couple days after that.
The worst part would probably be the story itself. It's very unimaginative and doesn't really go in any interesting directions. It might not be as enjoyable as a few other Kinect games, but for a $10 launch, it's definitely worth at least a couple sessions for those that are morbidly curious of this dumbass peripheral Microsoft desperately pushed.
The worst part would probably be the story itself. It's very unimaginative and doesn't really go in any interesting directions. It might not be as enjoyable as a few other Kinect games, but for a $10 launch, it's definitely worth at least a couple sessions for those that are morbidly curious of this dumbass peripheral Microsoft desperately pushed.
1996
Contra STOPPED walking in the mid-90s so Metal Slug could run . . . AND GUN. And boy howdy, did this game run! Metal Slug 1 is such an impressive game with its expressive characters, giant enemy vehicles, and beautiful sprite work of this war between SD mercenaries and soldiers!
The gameplay is great too, with easy-to-understand mechanics and playing with a buddy can be a blast too! While the sequels would thrive with fantasy elements of all kinds, this was the only Metal Slug game that purely focused on "war" aspects and cartoon versions of actual military weapons and vehicles. Metal Slug X and 3 would be the peak of this game series, but I still love this original title and everything it stood for.
The gameplay is great too, with easy-to-understand mechanics and playing with a buddy can be a blast too! While the sequels would thrive with fantasy elements of all kinds, this was the only Metal Slug game that purely focused on "war" aspects and cartoon versions of actual military weapons and vehicles. Metal Slug X and 3 would be the peak of this game series, but I still love this original title and everything it stood for.