KKGlider
2015
OutRun is undoubtably one of the greats, and this is the definitive port. At 60 fps, with optional (stunning) stereoscopic 3D, and additional music tracks, it doesn't get better than this (save for maybe the deluxe cabinet). Will you enjoy it? I'd hope. But if you can't enjoy cruising in a Ferrari Testarossa Spider, with a Yamaha YM2151 blasting out some chill as hell city pop, as a 16-bit sunset descends into the horizon, I can't help you.
2001
Somewhat shallow gameplay and brevity does not spoil the experience that's to be had here. Rez has achieved a cult like status because its audio-visual presentation transcends medium. In a word: marvelous.
Let's be honest. As a game, MGS3 is not good. Maybe it's its age. In fact, they simply do not make games like this anymore. And that's a shame. Because in spite of its clunkiness as a game, it still manages to be a fun experience. Not just because its cinematic qualities make for a fun ride, but because it uses the videogame medium in a compelling way. I think anyone interested in videogames should check it out. It's definitely one of the best and unique games of its era, at least.
Dragon Quest III was a momentous game in 1988. It rounds out the trilogy very nicely and the SFC remake is an excellent rendition.
In 1988, DQIII outsold and outscored Super Mario Bros. 3 on the Japanese charts, but despite that, it doesn’t have the same legacy; many consider SMB3 to be the greatest game of all time. I can see that. But the bottom line is: I would just rather hang out in the world of DQIII than in the Mushroom Kingdom, and sometimes, a videogame is just about hanging out.
In 1988, DQIII outsold and outscored Super Mario Bros. 3 on the Japanese charts, but despite that, it doesn’t have the same legacy; many consider SMB3 to be the greatest game of all time. I can see that. But the bottom line is: I would just rather hang out in the world of DQIII than in the Mushroom Kingdom, and sometimes, a videogame is just about hanging out.
1986
Kid Icarus seems like any other straightforward action platformer, and in 1986 why would you expect anything else? But Nintendo R&D1 really did make something innovative and cool for the time: an interesting blend of action and adventure gaming. Underneath the challenging platforming there's an experience point system, leveling up, currency and gear, and multiple endings to achieve; all along to the music of Hip Tanaka! It's a shame that it's all obfuscated in typical 1980s videogame design.
2019
I've never liked Doom, even as a kid. But after finally playing through the entire game, I can say that I respect it. Definitely innovative for the time, and with expertly crafted design and gameplay as well. But its aesthetic is kind of goofy and corny in a way that detracts from the experience for me. Still, the gameplay holds up really well, and the goofiness of the synthesized instrumentations and pixelated horrors end up being somewhat charming in a retro kind of way.
This game is 90% vibes, 6% scanning things, and 4% gameplay. The gameplay is basically fine, and while not in itself captivating, it's really there to facilitate the navigating of the incredible—and atmospheric—world that Retro Studios has crafted. One of the highest rated games of all time for good reason. But for those who REALLY want the nail-biting action of a fast-paced shooter, and don't care much about aesthetics... sure, maybe this one is not for you.
For what it's worth though, as beautifully as this was adapted to the Switch, playing this on high quality CRT monitor in the original 480i or 480p does really add to its atmosphere and aesthetic.
For what it's worth though, as beautifully as this was adapted to the Switch, playing this on high quality CRT monitor in the original 480i or 480p does really add to its atmosphere and aesthetic.
1994
I'm not sure I liked this? I just feel like I was incredibly goated on by how challenging it was and kept playing it until I finally cleared it. Still, a unique puzzler with pretty solid design and some charm.
2022
Conceptually, "a sci-fi adventure game, but you play as a cat", is pretty dull to me. But Stray is so well executed in every way, that it's hard to fault it. Gameplaywise, there just isn't anything innovative going on—in fact, it's pretty straight forward and ordinary, though, competent. But that may be a plus, actually, in terms of accessibility. Regardless, I have nothing but praise for BlueTwelve's design, sound, visuals, and narrative. True craftsmanship, and ultimately, enjoyable.
It's more Super Mario Bros.! Which is great, if you want more 1985-style Super Mario Bros. And, brother, I like me some 1985 Super Mario Bros. ...But, like, not that much. In a post Mario Maker world, the game almost seems silly—trite, in a way—but if you want a historical peek at what an official Nintendo Mario kaizo was like in 1986, it's definitely a fun historical visit. Challenging, to be sure, but that's part of the fun, I think.
While I do believe the 8-bit version of Digital Devil Story: Megami Tensei is the platonic ideal--just aesthetically, in every way--it's barely playable by modern standards. If you're interested in MegaTen games--or 8-bit RPGs in general--it's definitely worth experiencing, but watching a playthrough may just be enough. If you're dead set on experiencing the gameplay of an early MegaTen, then start with the Super Famicom.
Zelda II stands out from the mainline series for emphasizing difficult combat-platforming, with little exploration; no other 2D Zelda is quite like it. And the puzzles or quests are often oblique. For that reason, Zelda II is often considered inferior or less of a Zelda game. However, removed from that context, Zelda II still manages to be a very fun and charming retro game that ended up being hugely influential in its era. It's tough, and you may need a guide, but it's worth the playthrough.
1986
Metroid is good but flawed. It looks good, sounds good, and plays well, but the core of the exploration (its key element) is hindered by its technological limitations. Too much time is spent away from the gameplay making maps, taking notes, and bombing or shooting every surface on every screen just to move forward. If you opt to use a walkthrough, then you lose that element of exploration. In 1986, it was revolutionary, but it's hardly worth playing today. Play Zero Mission instead.
Morrowind was a technical and artistic achievement. Great world building, complex systems, and interestingly written scenarios make for a fun kind of sandbox. But for the sake of openness, it lacks the objective based gameplay and design generally found in a videogame. Unfortunately, because the world relies so much on tech, it now feels lackluster, with little actual gameplay to carry it. Still fun, but not as impressive as it maybe once was, though you can see the remains of greatness.
Exceptional production quality. Very few games enjoy the budget and talent behind it that this got. As for the gameplay, it is a straightforward action-adventure game motivated by fetch quests, but there are so many (maybe too many) systems at play that it’s at least interesting. And while I don’t think narrative is an important part of videogames, this one was atleast engaging and entertaining. Ultimately, I found the experience very fun if only because of the novelty and sleek presentation.