A Kong-quest to find a barrel of fun! 🛢️

Donkey Kong Country 2: Diddy's Kong Quest is an absolute BANGER of a platformer that supersedes the first Donkey Kong Country in every way. One year after DKC the visuals to its challenging gameplay are amped up and lets not forget the LEGENDARY memorable soundtrack from David Wise, it's Rareware Magnum Opus on the Super Nintendo!

Moving from DK Island to Crocodile Isle was a bold move and even switching the tone to mysterious and dark I think was the right choice in making the sequel stand out. Every location from Krazy Kremland to Gangplank Ganlleon; every location feels alive and full of personality suiting both our protagonists as they maneuver through obstacles to save Donkey Kong.

That's right! Donkey Kong is nowhere to be seen almost 98% of the game. Introducing the newest addition to the Kongs is Dixie. Her ability to glide through the air adds a new dimension to the platforming, allowing for even more creative level design and traversal options. With this in mind there never felt a dull moment from beginning to end as each level and world felt expertly crafted.

One flaw that DKC had is immediately addressed here. The World bosses now offer a challenge and actually require some thinking instead of the typical jump on their head and move on. Some require you to play as animal buddies. This adds another layer of gameplay to what is already a well built system. I never felt like I was cheated at all besides 1-2 levels.

Now to my favorite part, no review of Diddy's Kong Quest would be complete without mentioning its incredible soundtrack. Composed by David Wise once again, the music is simply phenomenal, that I think is better than DKC. From the upbeat rhythms of Stickerbush Symphony to the dark melodies of Welcome to Crocodile Isle and who can forget the BANGER bonus stage music Token Tango easily top 10 for me.

Overall, Donkey Kong Country 2: Diddy's Kong Quest is a masterpiece of 2D platforming that stands as one of the greatest games ever made for the Super Nintendo. Replay value is insane as there is a secret world and motivation to continue on and collect everything from all the levels. I absolutely recommend this game!

🎈That Balloon pop sound gives me PTSD 20+ years later 🎈

Donkey Kong Country for the Super Nintendo is an absolute classic that stands the test of time. Its addictive gameplay, quickly became one of the most beloved platformers for me almost superseding Super Mario. From its stunning visuals using pre-rendered 3D graphics, the game boasts charm and vibrant colors, and often overlooked character animations that were not present much in SNES games but Rareware were the top dogs in the 90s.

DKC solid gameplay always had me coming back for more. Being both Donkey Kong and Diddy Kong offered a extra layer of gameplay without you ever realizing it as DK is more Brute and Diddy is fight and fast. As I navigated through the in game world "DK Island" It provided alot of challenging levels filled with enemies, obstacles, and secrets to discover. As I played this game so many times I am always learning new things and locations about the levels. Which brings me to the level design; It is top notch. Each level has its challenge or gimmick but just amps up the difficulty just enough that players of all skill levels can enjoy the game. Also adding a two-player co-op mode adds another layer of gameplay that really makes you work together to beat each level as each Kong is controlled by a different person.

The music in this game is top tier! It perfectly complements the action on screen, immersing you in the world and also giving each world and level its own identity.

Now while the game is excellent, it is not without its drawbacks. Some people that are not familiar with these types of games may experience frustrating difficulty spikes While the game generally strikes a good balance in challenge, there are a few levels that can feel unfairly difficult, leading to frustration for some players. The usual consensus is "git gud" when this happens but some people may be turned off due to some unfairness which doesn't really relate to skill IMO. Another drawback I had was the variety in Boss Battles. While each boss are fun and memorable, there isn't a huge variety in the types of bosses you face often repeating enemies you have already seen. Many of them follow similar patterns, which can make them feel repetitive after a while. In retrospect it makes the them easier than the levels themselves.

Overall, I think Donkey Kong Country holds up as one of the greatest platformers ever made. It's a timeless classic and really accessible if you have the Nintendo Switch Online. Give it shot you will not be disappointed. Donkey Kong Country is an absolute must-play for anyone.

Operation: Nightfire has begun....

James Bond 007: Nightfire delivers a thrilling and action-packed experience with a challenging Single Player Story.

The gameplay in Nightfire is varied but sticks to its first person shooter style. In some missions it offers a mix of gunplay, stealth, and vehicle based missions. There is about 12 missions in total which on the surface doesn't seem like a lot but there are parts within the levels which creates longevity in the game. As James Bond you are infiltrating enemy strongholds or engaging in high-speed car chases, there's never seems to be a dull moment and certainly doesn't pause at all. It's all action packed from start to finish.

Having to control Bond I feel like the PS2 controls are quite dated compared to the modern FPS controls we have and takes some getting used to but they are responsive. You may need to find a scheme that works for you if you want to have a enjoyable experience. As far as I could navigate the menus there seems to be no way to adjust analog stick sensitivity so be aware when coming to play this game.

As always it wouldn't be a EA James Bond game if it didn't have Multiplayer. I didn't go to much in depth with it as I mostly was playing Single Player. From what I saw it has a lot of variety in its maps and lots of game modes to choose from, including classic modes like Deathmatch and Capture the Flag.

Overall, Nightfire may show its age graphically but the overall presentation is still impressive. They tried to make it a really authentic James bond which then pays off in future installments (Everything or Nothing, From Russian with Love) The story is engaging, the voice acting is passable considering none of the original cast is here but it doesn't take you out of the experience, and there is a really fun challenge to be had. It got challenging for me about halfway through the story. I would say this is a must-play for fans of James Bond. You will have a enjoyable time!

It is a miracle that this game came out in 9 months...

Twisted Metal 3 tries to capture the fun of TM1 and TM2 but I feel like it unfortunately falls short. While it still offers some chaotic core vehicular combat, it lacks the polish and excitement that made the earlier games in the series so memorable, this is probably due to the 8-10 months the new developers had to make this game a reality. Having to create a new game engine as well as provide the same core experience from a well established franchise is certainly a tall order even after the original dev team has separated.

While I do believe this game to be overhated , I do also believe this is one of the weaker entries this franchise has to offer. One of the biggest issues with Twisted Metal 3 is weight to its vehicles. Compared to TM1 and TM2 , the cars in TM3 feel to weightless which in turn creates a lot of nuance of the cars flipping over and having to wait for the car to reset about 60% of the time. 989 Studios certainly had to recycle a car physics engine here but I feel like it did not work at all for this game.

The level design in Twisted Metal 3 is also lacking. Many of the stages feel uninspired and bland, lacking the creativity and detail of previous games. This can make battles feel repetitive and dull, especially after extended play sessions while trying out the returning characters or trying out the new characters it often felt like a drag to move on to the next stage.

Another disappointment is the single-player campaign mode. While previous Twisted Metal games offered unique engaging cutscenes when you beat the game, Twisted Metal 3's campaign feels tacked on and uninspired often reusing cutscenes. There was never a time where a character had the upper hand as seen in TM1 or TM2. Very unrewarding and I felt like just watching them on YouTube at times.

On a more positive note, I respect the hell out of Twisted Metal 3 and the history it has. Even after having the crazy crunch they did manage to include multiplayer, which can provide some enjoyment when playing with friends. However, even this mode feels somewhat lackluster compared to previous entries in the series. I have many fond memories of playing TM3 with my siblings or even friends. It feels strange as we get older to see games we adored as teenagers or even as children criticized for being bad, sometimes I feel like we enjoyed the games that were available to us since we had a lot of free time after school or just alone in our room. We never really had a sense of a game being good or bad, just asking the question "Is it fun?".

In terms of graphics and presentation, Twisted Metal 3 is mixed. While the game does have improved graphics due to the new engine, I feel overall it lacks the charm and personality of earlier games in the series.

Overall, while Twisted Metal 3 may provide some moments of enjoyment for fans of vehicular combat games, it ultimately fails to live up to the high standards set by TM1 or TM2. It's hard to recommend Twisted Metal 3 unless you are a fan of the franchise but even as big as a fan I am, I did not has as much as a enjoyable time than TM1 or TM2.

"In the next twenty-four hours, the entire world will know my name. They will see my beautiful work of art first hand. No one will be safe, I promise you that. Good luck driver, and Welcome to the Twisted Metal 2 review."

Twisted Metal 2 is an absolute blast and also very nostalgic! This franchise was as close as I could get as a child to "real" animated violence in the early 90s that wild to me. Granted I did play some Star Wars games here and there but this one was like another level of violence. Car battles and crazy action, what is there not to like?! When I booted up this game after so many years, bro....the nostalgia hits hard. It's still one of the best car combat games out there for the PlayStation 1.

The variety of vehicles and characters are really something to look for. There is a huge improvement over Twisted Metal 1 and it delivers it via a WORLD TOUR. Story Mode has something for everyone. Graphic Comic style cutscenes for each character and seeing what wacky twists Calypso (Antagonist) does to each character makes you want to replay the game over and over with each character. I personally am a fan of the Outlaw (Police Car) cause as a kid I always had a fondness of Police officers as they were the "Good Guys" back then. From rocket launchers to homing missiles and each car having a special ability, there was never a time I got bored blowing stuff up. From rooftops to city streets, each one is packed with obstacles and surprises albeit some did have some frustrating experiences but I do not fault the developers for trying out new things.

From memory I remember the multiplayer mode is where Twisted Metal 2 really shines. The chaos is unmatched, and the adrenaline rush is real. It's unfortunate that the idea of couch co-op or couch verses in the last decade has been hit or miss but applaud any developer that continues to try!

Overall I think Twisted Metal 2 is a great game but the graphics might be a bit dated by today's standards. The Gameplay at it core is addictive. Twisted Metal 2 is a absolute hood classic. If you haven't played it yet, do yourself a favor and give it a try. I believe it is available via PS5 for 9.99. It mentions "enhanced with up-rendering, rewind, quick save, and custom video filters."

"It's America! We go in there with threats and bribes until we get what we want. If all else fails, we beat the crap out of everyone."

Bully: Scholarship Edition is one of the most charming games I have every played. Having first played it back in the PS2 days, and revisiting it almost a decade later, I still have this huge love for it, even as an adult. The story and the different groups (Nerds, Jocks, Preps, Greasers, etc) in the game really make it stand out, like a lite version of Grand Theft Auto but for teenagers. You're doing everything from going to class to making money with jobs, pranking, and who can forget bullying lol. This game throws a bunch of stuff your way it may feel overwhelming at times but I believe the pace is good if you set yourself up with a schedule. It is still a school and you must attend classes, also have a curfew. I was blown away by how much detail there is.

It's a bummer we won't get more games like this. When it first came out, people got all riled up about it, which sucks because now, looking back, it's not too bad. I played it with the "Definitive Edition Project" on PC that made it look better (Wide Screen Support) and run smoother (60FPS), but it still crashed sometimes but its far from perfect but its the best it might get for Windows 10/11. My only real gripe about the story is how the antagonist is handled. I felt like the antagonist was hardly even present for most of the game. They talk about him, but he's hardly around in the world or cutscenes. I wish they did more, especially with you trying to take over the school. Such a missed opportunity.

Overall, Bully is a blast. It's like GTA, but in school. It's not super hard to figure out, but it's a ton of fun. Sometimes it even reminds me of playing Yakuza 0, not exactly the same, but with its open world and side stuff. The characters are hilarious, the missions are all over the place, and it's just packed with fun stuff to do. I for sure recommend this game to newcomers and returning folks it took me about 15 hours on a casual run. Pretty small compared to most open world games.

If somehow Naughty Dog gave me a second chance to experience it...I would do it all over again....and they did

The Last of Us Part 2 Remastered delivers a gaming experience that's undeniably solid in its gameplay mechanics, smooth controls and engaging gameplay. Calling it a Remaster is kind of the wrong term, I would say it falls under the territory of 'Director's Cut' in all honestly. The graphics are nothing short of stunning even comparing it to the PS4 Pro version of the game albeit you really have to look for those differences as the PS4 Pro version of the game still looked absolutely stunning. You still feel immersed in a post-apocalyptic world that feels eerily real and can happen at anytime during out lifetime. Hell, the game came out during a pandemic. With that being said the music and atmosphere elevates the emotional resonance of each moment, enhancing the overall experience.

The journey through this sequel is undeniably fun and I would say the gameplay really saves the game, offering a mix of tense encounters, satisfying exploration and being able to approach in anyway you like . However in my opinion, the narrative takes a bold approach, and this is where opinions diverge. The story, while ambitious, leaves players with a hit-or-miss impression. As the tale unfolds, there's confusion and hatred. Even after playing it again the second time I felt a sense of being torn between appreciation for the risks taken and a desire for a more satisfying payoff which is how I felt during the initial playthrough of this game. I still kind of feel the same way.

Now, the new stuff it offers is really worth paying attention to. Like I mentioned I would call this a Director's Cut. You have your Lost Levels, New Skins to replay in Story mode and a fan favorite Guitar Free play. What is new here for the PS5, you have Graphical Updates, Faster Load times, Dual Sense Integrations and import saves which I felt were very nice additions to the game. Importing your game is honestly a life saver as your trophies carry over as well as your progress. I managed to obtain the Platinum Trophy during my run and is easily obtainable. The Real Meat and Potatoes I would say for this remastered is the 'Exclusive' roguelike survival mode 'No Return'. If you enjoy the gameplay in anyway shape or form this game mode is for you. I love this game mode so much! This is a addiction to be had here. No return detaches itself from the narrative and want you to just have fun. Being able to use the characters from the story mode such as Jesse, Manny, Mel, Tommy and Joel, it creates a Sandbox Experience approach and put you in scenarios that would not be feasible in the main game. Couple that with their own pro and con perks that they have and you will never have a 1:1 experience per run. I thoroughly enjoyed the challenges it had and modifiers the game threw at me as it created some intense situations. What is a great addition is the flexibility the game offers in its 'runs'. You can customize everything in 'No Return' from Modifiers you want, Factions, Difficulty, and so much more. The only Online aspect of No Return is it's Daily Run where all players are given a run to complete in 24 hours to becomes the best survivor. Other than that, the world is your oyster.

Overall, The Last of Us Part 2 Remastered offers a complex narrative that challenges expectations, and while some may find it divisive, the overall experience is still a testament to the craftsmanship of the game. The gameplay, graphics, and music contribute to a memorable adventure, even if the narrative might leave you feeling a bit mixed towards the conclusion. No Return is a great addition to this. Now the elephant of the room is, is this worth the full price of admission? If you have the PS4 version of the game, it is worth the upgrade price of $10.00. I feel like there is a lot of value here for the upgrade path. I do feel like this is the best way to experience The Last of us Part 2 if you have never picked up the game but I would honestly still recommend the upgrade path, buy it preowned or on sale (PS4 version) then upgrade. As long as you are under $50.00 which is what the PS5 Remaster goes for New, you will still enjoy what the game offers if you enjoyed the gameplay from the Last of Us Part 1. As for Story, that is ultimately up to you, this game is very divisive but there is a ton of replayability and fun to be had here which is what I enjoy the most in Video games.

From Backloggd with love <3

007 From Russia with love is love letter to the Connery era, bringing it to the 6th Generation of consoles. I would say in my opinion this game is probably the Black Sheep of the EA Bond Era as it target audience was aim at teens. Coming out in 2005 where most people only knew Pierce Brosnan; Making a game set in the 1960s bond era certainly was a bold move on EA part but even playing it as a kid it still nailed all the bond aspects.

Now coming back to it almost decades later, I still enjoy this game. It seems to be using the same kind of engine that Everything or nothing was using and just refining it to its max potential. With that being said there were some caveats. Shooting, levels and challenge were super simplified but in a good arcade like way. Shooting felt very tight and certainly better than everything or nothing and the inclusion of Bond Focus to aim a reticle to where you want to shoot (kind of like free look) felt super responsive in my playthrough and every shot I took felt earned and not hit scanned. I REALLY LOVE SHOOTING THE GERNADES OFF OF SOLIDERS IT'S SO SATISFYING.

I also really enjoyed this structure more than previous bond games in the 6th generation era. I really liked the ideas of being able to customize James Bond with upgradable gadgets, weapons and clothing and its reward system was very motivating as everything I did per level I was on my way to unlocking BTS content, Multiplayer content, or even Concept Art Content. Playing the game there was lots of variety from its 3rd person point of view. There were vehicle sections, Jetpack sections, Boat sections that all felt tight and faithful to the source material.

Now, while keeping to the source material EA managed to get Sir Sean Connery back as James bond as one of his last roles in the industry. This was right move and probably the only move they could have done here. Well done. As far as the movie tie in, it is faithful for the most part. Consider it a directors cut of sorts but it tries really hard to not deviate from the movie.

Overall, SUPER SOLID Bond Entry. I had a great time with this. If you are a fan of Bond or Everything or nothing and haven't managed to play this, I urge you to try this game out. As for a general audience I would say there is certainly enough action and fun factor here to warrant a playthrough.

It gave me Everything and Nothing was held back

007 Everything or Nothing is one of the most important bond games of all time. It throws everything you expect from a bond movie and puts it right into a game!

This game has a good variety of missions from its 3rd person shooting, on rail sections and racing! There never was a dull moment felt in this game as it keeps you on your toes as the plot moves along couple that with iconic flashy set pieces only a bond movie can get away with and you are in for a damn good time.

To put the hook line and sinker in this game and make it uber immersive is finally having Pierce Brosnan's face and voice along with the other bond staple actors like Judi Dench M and John Cleese R. Also I cannot forget to mention the main Villian of this story played by Willem Dafoe.

Now a PS2 game is not without its faults and this game has plenty of issues that are certainly worth mentioning. Its lock on system is pretty frustrating at time as it does not lock on to the person you want and that creates unnecessary deaths in which you may have to restart the whole mission over from the beginning. The game has a scarce checkpoint system and only certain missions have that feature. Another instance is the game difficulty. At times it feels to easy and then at other times it feels too hard. It is challenging for the most part but again sometimes you get some BS mechanic that doesn't work for you and boom start over at the beginning.

Overall, This is the AAA game EA was cooking for bond fans and its a shame this is were it kind of peaked and some other bond games came close but not as action packed as this one. Even if you aren't a bond fan you can certainly enjoy its cover based shooting and action sequences as it is able to stand on its own two legs. Over 20+ missions and plenty of replay value to be had as the game focuses on getting Gold Medals and Platinum medals to unlock its cheats and concept arts. This game served as a better send off to Pierce Brosnan 007 than Die another day did. Super fun game!

A fine sequel to Most wanted (2005)

Need for Speed Carbon I guess you can say is almost a carbon copy of Need for speed most wanted. That should be good news right? Yes and no. Although this game came almost an exact year after need for speed most wanted, there is certainly a lot that came over to this game but also some interesting albeit frustrating mechanics this game offers.


First and foremost, the game is relatively short. Extremely short compared to what came before it. You can easily beat this game in 2-3 sittings if you are grinding away at the races. They made the entry of this game a little too easy to start and it’s not till the last 25% of the game where the raise up the difficulty without any warning honesty. It slows the pace down dramatically like they knew this game needed padding so they just turned on the hard switch and potentially ruined the enjoyment I was having at the beginning. Although the difficulties was scaled, they make it really hard for you to beat the game with your favorite cars due to its tier classification system(Tuner,Exotic, Muscle) which has pros and cons to each race and mention that it also changed they way you unlock things in the game. The final boss in this game is honestly do or die. If they are even ahead of you on a 0.6 second split it’s basically over. I needed to git gud and practice to even have a chance. They made the end game pretty chore like which sucks because again I was enjoying the game at the beginning.

A few new other things were race partners and it’s gang territory that progresses the main story. Race partners were honestly wasted as I felt like I didn’t have a need for them besides the first you get and the last one. Every felt very filler based on their race and career bonuses. I see what they were trying to do and I do think it was a neat idea but there is a reason it hasn’t shown up again in NFS.

The driving all in all is solid. Take what made it good in NFS MW 05 and add some weight to it. That’s how it felt like to me. Rubber banding in this game isn’t as strong like NFS MW and it seems dialed down which is good but they make it up in how curvy the roads are in circuits or sprints so there is a fairness to some degree. Punishment in the game seems fair as I felt the wrong moves I made in the game were my fault and not the game so it had a nice balance there.


Overall Need for Speed Carbon had some interesting ideas and a decent continuation from most wanted. It’s not a bad game looking at the package as a whole but the truck that hits you in the face about the difficulty spike certainly may have folks be turned away from this game. I felt very underwhelmed coming from playing most wanted. The police’s Chases in most wanted I felt like we’re very visceral and fun but in carbon they almost feel non existent honestly as they wanted to focus on the racing aspect which is fair. I feel like if it had another year in development and fleshed out mechanics it could have honestly been the sequel to be on par with most wanted if not surpass it but it doesn’t quite get there unfortunately.

Still to this day, one of the greatest stories told in any video game....

As I completed my 5th playthrough, (2x PS3, 2x PS4 (Remastered), and 1x (Remake). This game has seriously stood the test of time. The Last of Us Part 1 on PS5 is the definitive way to play the game nowadays but I wouldn't bar anyone who has access to it on PS3 or PS4 as the Story remains the same and most of the combat elements. The AI certainly feels like a slight improvement as they feel more "real" and strategize really well to where Joel is when he is hiding but they make it a fair but challenging endeavor unlike the previous versions of the game where they would just randomly walk to places. Graphics and audio are where this remake shines. It uses what seems to be the Last of us Part 2 tech and just makes it so pretty and visceral where it needs to be. Also not to mention it has accessibility features which are not present in the older versions of the game as far as I can remember.

The story is honestly one of the best in gaming. I am sure this sounds like a broken record but there is a reason they adapted this game into a tv show. With that it proves that video game storytelling has much to offer. Very emotional and still packs a punch even after 5 playthroughs and 10 years later.

Overall, I think the Last of us Part 1 is a great standalone experience. One of the best in gaming. Now the elephant in the room is should you buy it for full price. In my opinion, if you have not played the last of us at all and only have seen the show. Absolutely. Worth the price of admission albeit there is no multiplayer but there is the expansion "Left behind" included. If you have played the PS4 or PS3 version of the game, I would say wait for a sale or even have someone gift it to you or even borrow it from a friend to get that itch out of the way. I was gifted this game during Christmas and I was still pretty stoked to play it all things considered. It looks so pretty with the new tech and I was hooked from beginning to end I did not leave disappointed even being familiar with the gameplay and mechanics the game offers. There is a ton of extras such as a Cutscene commentary and comparing the original screenshots from 2013 to the 2023 game. Very nice little extras that I am barely touching the surface on. (NG+, Custom Difficulties, Skins, Models). Certified Hood Classic at the end of the day!

Ashes to Ashes...Dust to dust...A lost 27 year old Atari Jaguar FMV CD game remastered and preserved!

A game where it starts at a Strip Club and your first choice is to get more information about your mission or a strip-tease has the contender to be one of the best 'So Bad It's Good' kind of games and American Hero is up there with the best bad games. The fact this could have been a 90's direct-to-video action movie with all the mega cheese is such a loss to cinema but I am grateful to sit here and play this game from start to finish. I am so glad that the main actor Timothy Bottoms came in a recorded the missing internal dialogue this FMV game had. Make the cheese even more cheesier to say the least. I love the FMV charm this game offers. Choices are hilarious and sometimes I was wondering if when they were making this game it was intentionally comedic or serious.

Overall its a bad game don't get me wrong. This serves as a compelling reminder that the classification of 'bad' is incredibly wide in its spectrum, encompassing surprisingly fun elements that are even interesting to today standards. I would recommend watching a Youtube video if you just wanna see the FMVs or certainly buy it on sale in the digital shop of your choice, I think 14.99 is pretty steep for a game like this but I appreciate Empty Clip Studios and Ziggurat Interactive for officially releasing the game and preserving it the best that they could.

I tried so hard and got so far…and in the end it didn’t even matter….

Saw The Video Game is certainly a unique game. Being a fan of the movies I really adored this game when it came out during the initial run of said movies. I remember liking this game to the max with my brand new PlayStation 3. I felt like I was on top of the word. What took me months to beat as a teenager nearly took me about 5 hours coming back to it and wow, my rose tinted glasses certainly felt cracked lol. This game is not bad per se but it’s also not a good one either. It’s decent for what it is, I really enjoyed the first part of the game but after a while it really becomes repetitive and you really feel like you just want it to end. The enemy A.I is so laughable, I never felt once threatened by them and even the “big enforcers” that look intimidating. I felt more scared of the shotgun trip wire traps than the enemies honestly. I probably died to them just as much as the enemies lol. The Jank of this game is certainly at the forefront it doesn’t stop especially with its combat system. Sometimes I felt stun locked because of my character taking so damn long to swing like wtf!!! Puzzles on the other hand are quite repetitive as there are like 4 generic types and the special ones where I have to actually think are only unique when you are saving a unique person pertaining to the plot.

Atmosphere on the other hand 10/10, they nail the saw atmosphere so well and actually makes you feel like you are in the world of the movies. The immersion on the cutscenes I was really admiring a lot since Tobin Bell reprised his role as Jigsaw. Music isn’t really that memorable honestly and from my play through they didn’t even bother using Hello Zepp which is really head scratching as this is probably the most iconic music in all of SAW, but I’m sure there was probably some studio interferences as they later used it in its video game sequel SAW II: Flesh and Blood.

Overall, if you are a fan of the SAW franchise. I would say give it a shot. It certainly scratches that itch of an interactive SAW experience. As a non SAW fan, very very hard to recommend. You will probably not like it one bit and not knowing the little Easter eggs the game throws or the characters pertaining to plot elements in the movies will only cause confusion. I managed to platinum this game fairly easily so trophy hunters, this game is for you as it sits at a 30%, an uncommon platinum for sure lol. It’s a messy game for sure but I didn’t hate it.

The first need for speed game that gave me the need for speed!

There is something so nostalgic coming back to this game. Lots of times this game is praised and often the GOAT of the Need for speed franchise when Underground 2 isn't compared. To me this is the game that made me become a racing game fan.

Coming into the game The soundtrack and atmosphere prepares you for one of the tightest most addicting career modes NFS has to offer. The cars well there are plenty to see and customize here from Lambos, to Porches to the Iconic BMW M3. Everyone in the neighborhood wanted that car so badly and even more so to play it at the end. As far as I remember I felt really immersed in the game with its fun (albeit cringe in hindsight) cutscenes and it really sold me into the game world as well as the voice acting from Razor (#1 Villain on the blacklist). Bundle that with 14 other racers that all have distinct cars and personality that only the imagination came come up with from the photo they have for each racer. You have yourself a really great experience that has yet to be replicated to this day.

Despite its age, NFS MW 05 still plays pretty well. Racing is fluid and responsive. The Time stop mechanic certainly takes alot of the challenge out from near corners but still a challenging experience. Where I feel like the game shines is in its Bounty Pursuits. Pursuits can feel intense at high speeds especially when the police can also reach those high speeds and they start catching up to you as your "Heat level" rises. Eventually they put out spikes and roadblocks to really make sure to get BUSTED. From Standard Police cruisers to Police Corvettes they were no joke at the end and had to lock it in haha. Hands down my favorite cop chases in NFS.

Where I feel like the game struggled quite a bit is in its progression system. Do not get me wrong, seeing the Blacklist racers was a nice touch but when it comes to brass tax, it comes down to repeating the same races at times. Luckily there is enough variety here and freedom of choice to really get down what you are the best at to become the most wanted racer. Rubber banding is non stop here, It felt unfair at times where the racer would be 1 minute behind you on the split and then 9 seconds later they are bumper to bumper near you towards the final turn of the race. It felt a little unfair but I managed.

Need for Speed Most wanted is easily top 5 Need for speed games of all time. Iconic game all around from its soundtrack, cutscenes, cars, chases, everything! Gameplay is addicting and I can't wait to start playing its Sequel Need for Speed Carbon. It really gave me the need for speed lol.

Backloggd come out to Play-ay!

The Warriors is without a doubt up there with the best of the best in terms of Movie-tie in game. Handled by Rockstar themselves (Toronto Team) when they had all the time in the world to pump out games, it was great to see a Late 70s filled with mystique fleshed out in not only a direct tie in but also a prequel to the events before the big event that kick offs the plot.

Bringing in most of the original cast to reprise their roles, The Warriors game is a great beat-em-up action game that generates a ton of fun especially with co op, but some levels can be quite frustrating in nature as there is some head scratching level design, also the throwing mechanic can just go to hell and have a baseball bat shoved up its ass and turned into a popsicle (I hated it lol). The A.I can be bonkers from time to time but being able to keep em in check with the Warlord callouts can mitigate it when it works (Which it does for the most part). For its time, its probably fine as this game can be beaten rather quickly in about 8 or so hours. Not bad for a Beat-em up. Tons and tons of extras to be had here. Cheat Codes, Rumble Mode (1v1, 2v2) which you can select any gang or even civilians. What's great is that every NPC can be playable in this mode. Flashback missions which provide even more content and context into the warriors history which is always appreciate and the beat'em up arcade within the beat'em up called Armies of the night, a 2D side scroller beat'em up lol similar to double dragon.

If you're a fan of the movie, it's definitely worth checking out. If you have a friend, I would highly recommend playing the game co-op. Lots of Shenanigans can ensue like punching each other on accidently when you meant to punch another gang lol. I played the PS2 classic version on the PS3 which can be bought for less than 10 USD (I think). The PS4 and PS5 ports can be hit or miss from my understanding so I would overall recommend sticking as close as you can to the OG version. PS2 digital on PS3 did not have any issues for me.