1996
A genre-defining survival horror game, the original resident Evil is a historic entry that would change the video game industry forever. I still remember the first time the zombie turns to look at you and my 8-year old self getting scared out of his wits! It wouldn't be a few years until I went back and played through the game myself, and it still got some good scares!
The controls certainly take some getting used to, but it all clicks in once you understand it! It might be a little harder for others to get enveloped into this experience, but I think any horror fan should at least give it a fair shake. They won't regret it!
The controls certainly take some getting used to, but it all clicks in once you understand it! It might be a little harder for others to get enveloped into this experience, but I think any horror fan should at least give it a fair shake. They won't regret it!
1988
Now THIS is the defining run-n-gun game! Contra on NES really set the roots for what a run-n-gun game should be! It controls well, the music is great, the stages are very challenging without feeling unfair, and honing on your skills makes for great replay value!
Want to know where to start in the run-n-gun subgenre? Look no further! This is included in the Contra Collection that was released on Switch, PS4, Xbox, and Steam. It's a very suitable way to play as the porting team really made it feel 1-to-1 with the original NES experience.
Want to know where to start in the run-n-gun subgenre? Look no further! This is included in the Contra Collection that was released on Switch, PS4, Xbox, and Steam. It's a very suitable way to play as the porting team really made it feel 1-to-1 with the original NES experience.
1987
This does NOT reflect the NES port, as the original arcade version is practically a different game. A decent run-n-gun, but the sub-par controls and poor sense of movement makes it very underwhelming. I wouldn't give it too much flack, as it's one of the very first games of this subgenre.
2006
The zombie game of zombie games! Dead Rising is an incredible non-traditional survival horror that emphasizes on many mechanics not seen in other horror games. The biggest enemy? TIME! You are Frank West, trying to capture the ultimate scoop, all while doing your best to help those in need from this zombie hellscape that was once a flourishing shopping mall!
It's such a blast exploring the mall and using so many different kinds of items as a weapon, all while the screen shows literally hundreds of shambling zombies at once! The controls definitely take some getting used to, but slaying the undead feels so damn good! And the story is very interesting as well. Unlike its Resident Evil relative, Dead Rising does not rely on a single memo to tell its tale of flesh-eaters and capitalism.
The PC version is considerably the best to go with, although it has a couple noticeable flubs. PS4 is a satisfactory experience as well.
It's such a blast exploring the mall and using so many different kinds of items as a weapon, all while the screen shows literally hundreds of shambling zombies at once! The controls definitely take some getting used to, but slaying the undead feels so damn good! And the story is very interesting as well. Unlike its Resident Evil relative, Dead Rising does not rely on a single memo to tell its tale of flesh-eaters and capitalism.
The PC version is considerably the best to go with, although it has a couple noticeable flubs. PS4 is a satisfactory experience as well.
2007
A game I know isn't perfect, but I don't care. It's perfect in my eyes. No More Heroes is a great hack-n-slash game with gratifying visuals, visceral combat, and a supremely interesting story that has a lot for both people that want a fun, simple adventure, and people that want a deep, profound narrative.
The game has a lot to say about how witnessing death can change you as a person, and it's firstly disguised as a goofy action game. This and the director's previous game "killer7" heavily influenced me as a teenager and what I look for in a video game's story.
The Wii version is the most authentic experience, but the Switch version is mostly competent while sporting a better framerate. PC version is very rough and doesn't even include kb+m controls.
The game has a lot to say about how witnessing death can change you as a person, and it's firstly disguised as a goofy action game. This and the director's previous game "killer7" heavily influenced me as a teenager and what I look for in a video game's story.
The Wii version is the most authentic experience, but the Switch version is mostly competent while sporting a better framerate. PC version is very rough and doesn't even include kb+m controls.
1994
The first thing that comes to mind when I think "off-beat platformer" is Earthworm Jim. This game isn't even close to being a fine-tuned efficient action experience. But it makes up for that with a ton of heart and creativity. The game often ups the ante with scenarios and stages you'll never see coming.
Even if it isn't the most well-designed platformer, the game is still a lot of fun from beginning to end. Also, in my opinion, I prefer the SNES version. Genesis had an extra stage, but I didn't find it enjoyable at all. I also think SNES' "rougher" sound chip suited the vibe of the game a lot more.
Even if it isn't the most well-designed platformer, the game is still a lot of fun from beginning to end. Also, in my opinion, I prefer the SNES version. Genesis had an extra stage, but I didn't find it enjoyable at all. I also think SNES' "rougher" sound chip suited the vibe of the game a lot more.