Veractivon
"My source is that I made it the fuck up." - Senator Armstrong, probably.
For my entry point into the Metal Gear series as a whole, I wasn't expecting a totally over the top game with the feeling of a Saturday morning cartoon. In all seriousness though, this game is fucking fantastic. The gameplay is great, combine that with a fun story and a kickass soundtrack and it is no wonder this game is still talked about years later. That fight with Senator Armstrong, to include the buildup, is a gaming moment of all time for me. Now let's dance!
For my entry point into the Metal Gear series as a whole, I wasn't expecting a totally over the top game with the feeling of a Saturday morning cartoon. In all seriousness though, this game is fucking fantastic. The gameplay is great, combine that with a fun story and a kickass soundtrack and it is no wonder this game is still talked about years later. That fight with Senator Armstrong, to include the buildup, is a gaming moment of all time for me. Now let's dance!
"So the first night isn't usually that bad in any of the games." - Famous last words.
Entry number four in the Fazbear saga goes out to the fellas back home (yes I am aware of the lore guys). The sound design alone works absolute numbers for the game keeping you on your toes while keeping yourself alive from the Nightmare Animatronics. And it is here where we see the infamous bite...of 83 that is. This is very solid entry in the series for what it is and it would be a go-to game for the halloween season.
Entry number four in the Fazbear saga goes out to the fellas back home (yes I am aware of the lore guys). The sound design alone works absolute numbers for the game keeping you on your toes while keeping yourself alive from the Nightmare Animatronics. And it is here where we see the infamous bite...of 83 that is. This is very solid entry in the series for what it is and it would be a go-to game for the halloween season.
Cue the Piano
The return to Sinnoh manages to marvelously smooth out the edges that Diamond and Pearl had while expanding the content of the region. I've really come to appreciate all things that the 4th generation has come to offer. A more solid pokemon roster, enhanced characters, and the Distortion World. I've come to love the difficulty curve this game has and all the sufficient lore this offers. Then again, for me, Pokemon has always had pretty good worldbuilding. All hail the almighty lord Arceus and the devil Giratina himself!
The return to Sinnoh manages to marvelously smooth out the edges that Diamond and Pearl had while expanding the content of the region. I've really come to appreciate all things that the 4th generation has come to offer. A more solid pokemon roster, enhanced characters, and the Distortion World. I've come to love the difficulty curve this game has and all the sufficient lore this offers. Then again, for me, Pokemon has always had pretty good worldbuilding. All hail the almighty lord Arceus and the devil Giratina himself!
1995
"I AM MORE THAN A ROBOT!! DIE WILY!!" - Mega Man post Wily Capsule 7.
While Mega Man X set a new formula that absolutely rocked, Classic was here to show that he's still got what it takes to stand proud with his successor. Mega Man 7 is a bit underrated from what it seems, but the setup here is absolutely charming. The weapon and boss lineup here is amongst my favorite in the classic series, and I like the added touch of extra collectibles like the Rush Adapter to enhance the experience. The introduction of Bass to the cast was also pretty nice too! And as uncharacteristic as it was for Mega Man to say that line, I'd probably wanna blast Wily a new one if I fought the Wily Capsule 7 myself.
While Mega Man X set a new formula that absolutely rocked, Classic was here to show that he's still got what it takes to stand proud with his successor. Mega Man 7 is a bit underrated from what it seems, but the setup here is absolutely charming. The weapon and boss lineup here is amongst my favorite in the classic series, and I like the added touch of extra collectibles like the Rush Adapter to enhance the experience. The introduction of Bass to the cast was also pretty nice too! And as uncharacteristic as it was for Mega Man to say that line, I'd probably wanna blast Wily a new one if I fought the Wily Capsule 7 myself.
"Looks like I'm plumber out of luck!" - Mario, from the [REDACTED].
Third times the charm they say. 3 really IS the magic number. And Mario 3 is absolutely magical. It's on record as one of Mr. Video's best for a reason, setting a standard for his 2-Delicious platforming journeys going forward. It helped revolutionize the Mario formula. Advance 4, in my opinion is the most supreme form of this game, taking what's already great, and expanding upon it even further with the E-Reader content. This 127 level behemoth will always be one of my go-to Mario platformers.
Third times the charm they say. 3 really IS the magic number. And Mario 3 is absolutely magical. It's on record as one of Mr. Video's best for a reason, setting a standard for his 2-Delicious platforming journeys going forward. It helped revolutionize the Mario formula. Advance 4, in my opinion is the most supreme form of this game, taking what's already great, and expanding upon it even further with the E-Reader content. This 127 level behemoth will always be one of my go-to Mario platformers.
1991
"It is time once again for Simon Belmont to call forth the powers of good to aid him in his battle. Armed with his mystical whip, his courage and the centuries-old knowledge of Belmont family training, he sets forth on his mission..."
Come fellow Vaniacs! We are getting into some goodness right here baby! That "Super" in the title is earned for a damn reason here. Back when Konami was worth a damn, their recycling of the first game's concept and plot proved to be fantastic. The gameplay and environment are absolutely fantastic. That omnidirectional whip will do so much wonders for you! You feel like a badass the moment you step through that drawbridge gate as Simon's theme plays in the background! And I can thank the 3DS eShop (and later Anniversary collection) for introducing me to this game, and by extension, the Castlevania series as a whole!
Come fellow Vaniacs! We are getting into some goodness right here baby! That "Super" in the title is earned for a damn reason here. Back when Konami was worth a damn, their recycling of the first game's concept and plot proved to be fantastic. The gameplay and environment are absolutely fantastic. That omnidirectional whip will do so much wonders for you! You feel like a badass the moment you step through that drawbridge gate as Simon's theme plays in the background! And I can thank the 3DS eShop (and later Anniversary collection) for introducing me to this game, and by extension, the Castlevania series as a whole!
1994
"The Last Metroid Is In Captivity. The Galaxy Is At Peace..." - Results determined that was a lie.
Met-, sorry spoilers, I mean Sammy's third escapade with Nintendo is where her space adventures really hit their stride! As my first exposure to the series via the 3DS's e-Shop, I can see how it was a genre defining experience. It did Baby Yoda and Mando way before it was even a thing and this game proudly stands with Castlevania as the pioneers of the Metroidvania genre to this day! The set pieces and gameplay are still fun to play in.
Met-, sorry spoilers, I mean Sammy's third escapade with Nintendo is where her space adventures really hit their stride! As my first exposure to the series via the 3DS's e-Shop, I can see how it was a genre defining experience. It did Baby Yoda and Mando way before it was even a thing and this game proudly stands with Castlevania as the pioneers of the Metroidvania genre to this day! The set pieces and gameplay are still fun to play in.
"And all because, by fair means or foul, you're determined to do your duty. Well... by fair means or foul, I'm prepared to do mine!" - Ryunosuke Naruhodo
Oh boy oh boy. Shu Takumi's return to the helm of Ace Attorney brought the series back in time to Victorian London, allowing for a very unique spinoff presenting Courtroom Shenanigans in the Meiji period. The previously Japan-exclusive 3DS duology finally sees the overseas release in this bundle. The story that both of these games tell is flatout amazing! You still get the usual Ace Attorney experience, but never has the setting felt so engaging before. Witnessing Ryunosuke's journey to become a fully fledged Defense Attorney is handled so well. It is very hard to see both games as a separate experience. Herlock Sholmes is also a national treasure!
Oh boy oh boy. Shu Takumi's return to the helm of Ace Attorney brought the series back in time to Victorian London, allowing for a very unique spinoff presenting Courtroom Shenanigans in the Meiji period. The previously Japan-exclusive 3DS duology finally sees the overseas release in this bundle. The story that both of these games tell is flatout amazing! You still get the usual Ace Attorney experience, but never has the setting felt so engaging before. Witnessing Ryunosuke's journey to become a fully fledged Defense Attorney is handled so well. It is very hard to see both games as a separate experience. Herlock Sholmes is also a national treasure!
"Woah-hoh! What an opening for a guy literally filled with openings!" - Realistic Fish Head.
The spongy nautical themed cult classic 3D platformer has gotten a fantastic refresh! I'm SO ready cover this one! Purple Lamp's glow up absolutely delivers big time! They get a victory screech on this one! Taking a very solid experience and smoothing out the edges did wonders for the best Spongebob game ever! They fixed many of the hangups I had with the original and raised the visual presentation to up an all new high. No seriously, this game has eye candy sweeter than CHOCOLAAATE!!! The King of Nickelodeon's gift to gaming looks and plays so well in the environment that Mario and Banjo helped pioneer. To any Spongebob fan out there, you have to play this one if you haven't already!
The spongy nautical themed cult classic 3D platformer has gotten a fantastic refresh! I'm SO ready cover this one! Purple Lamp's glow up absolutely delivers big time! They get a victory screech on this one! Taking a very solid experience and smoothing out the edges did wonders for the best Spongebob game ever! They fixed many of the hangups I had with the original and raised the visual presentation to up an all new high. No seriously, this game has eye candy sweeter than CHOCOLAAATE!!! The King of Nickelodeon's gift to gaming looks and plays so well in the environment that Mario and Banjo helped pioneer. To any Spongebob fan out there, you have to play this one if you haven't already!
2023
"Y'ALL READY TO GET FUNKY?!"
Okay, picture this. Take Wario Land 4, combine it with Sonic the Hedgehog's fast paced platforming action, and while you're at it, sprinkle some of that 90's cartoon and MS paint aesthetic on top of that. What do you get you may ask? Pizza Tower baby! This shitpost of game is mad crazy fun. I'm not gonna sugarcoat it, this game has some of the most fun fast paced platforming that I've experienced ever. Touch that up with the most goofiest cast ever and many unique level themes/gimmicks, and you've got one saucy platformer!
Okay, picture this. Take Wario Land 4, combine it with Sonic the Hedgehog's fast paced platforming action, and while you're at it, sprinkle some of that 90's cartoon and MS paint aesthetic on top of that. What do you get you may ask? Pizza Tower baby! This shitpost of game is mad crazy fun. I'm not gonna sugarcoat it, this game has some of the most fun fast paced platforming that I've experienced ever. Touch that up with the most goofiest cast ever and many unique level themes/gimmicks, and you've got one saucy platformer!
1998
"Gordon Freeman in the flesh...or rather, in the hazard suit." - The G-Man, 1998.
The game that would put Valve on the map. The one that showed that FPS games could tell a good narrative. Crowbar Simulator 98' Edition is still a grand experience through the use of it's ingenious environmental storytelling. It's ambience and mark on the genre is still unmatched to this day. The community made source remake (Black Mesa) included, Half-Life is amongst the FPS elite for a damn good reason.
The game that would put Valve on the map. The one that showed that FPS games could tell a good narrative. Crowbar Simulator 98' Edition is still a grand experience through the use of it's ingenious environmental storytelling. It's ambience and mark on the genre is still unmatched to this day. The community made source remake (Black Mesa) included, Half-Life is amongst the FPS elite for a damn good reason.
2005
"I'M FEELIN' HUNGRRRYYY! FOR SOME BROWNIES! ROUNDANDROUNDANDROUNDANDROU-" The lyrics for Bomber Barbara probably.
My first ever Sonic game. It still has everything I'd ever need from a Sonic game. Fast-paced platforming, tricks, the introduction to Blaze, and a solid roster of Boss battles. This spiritual follow up to the Advance Trilogy. Best part, the soundtrack is championed by none other than the Funky Uncle himself, Hideki Naganuma! Like it successors, the first of the Rush trilogy is an underrated gem of Sega's speedy mascot.
My first ever Sonic game. It still has everything I'd ever need from a Sonic game. Fast-paced platforming, tricks, the introduction to Blaze, and a solid roster of Boss battles. This spiritual follow up to the Advance Trilogy. Best part, the soundtrack is championed by none other than the Funky Uncle himself, Hideki Naganuma! Like it successors, the first of the Rush trilogy is an underrated gem of Sega's speedy mascot.
2010
"One more small step for Nintendo, yet another fun leap for Mario."
Of all the 3D Marios to get a sequel, this one was a welcome surprise. More of the same stuff from the OG , but with many fun level concepts, Yoshi, and some really cool powerups. I actually appreciate the more broadened approach to this game and the fantastic vision really means a lot to me, than simply opting for a bigger hub. Both Galaxy games are tied for my favorite 3D Mario platformers of all time, launching themselves straight into my number 1 spot. No amount of Gravity is gonna bring these down for me regardless.
Of all the 3D Marios to get a sequel, this one was a welcome surprise. More of the same stuff from the OG , but with many fun level concepts, Yoshi, and some really cool powerups. I actually appreciate the more broadened approach to this game and the fantastic vision really means a lot to me, than simply opting for a bigger hub. Both Galaxy games are tied for my favorite 3D Mario platformers of all time, launching themselves straight into my number 1 spot. No amount of Gravity is gonna bring these down for me regardless.
"No, that's wrong!" - Makoto "eggy boi" Naegi, Ultimate Lucky Student, 2010.
Visual Novels were always something I passed off as a boring or cliche thing. Then I saw what Danganronpa was all about and wanted to give a shot. This game (along with the followups) are trip and then some. The story kept me pretty hooked, I digged the atmosphere of locales within Hope's Peak, the artstyle is one of my favorites with how it looks like a pop-up book (and a dark one at that), the music hits hard, and the trial segments are a blast to shoot through. It is a linear story, but the core mystery behind the killing game is a fun one to unravel. And literally shooting evidence at contradictions will never not be satisfying. Definitely one of the kind of games that is best experience blind. Also, don't get too attached to anyone...unless your playing School Mode that is.
Visual Novels were always something I passed off as a boring or cliche thing. Then I saw what Danganronpa was all about and wanted to give a shot. This game (along with the followups) are trip and then some. The story kept me pretty hooked, I digged the atmosphere of locales within Hope's Peak, the artstyle is one of my favorites with how it looks like a pop-up book (and a dark one at that), the music hits hard, and the trial segments are a blast to shoot through. It is a linear story, but the core mystery behind the killing game is a fun one to unravel. And literally shooting evidence at contradictions will never not be satisfying. Definitely one of the kind of games that is best experience blind. Also, don't get too attached to anyone...unless your playing School Mode that is.
1993
"NOT A CHARGE SHOT!" - Vile, Mega Man: Maverick Hunter X, 2006.
And here we have my entry point to the Mega Man series as a whole. This SNES classic clearly still kicks ass to this day. I first played this charming Sum-Bitch on the Legacy Collection that this game was packaged in. Those sprites, tight controls, a killer soundtrack, combine that with the upgraded presentation from the NES titles to the SNES, it really felt like the next generation. The X series took a lot of the formulas that the classic series had with some new advancements. Adding some rpg elements with the armor pieces was a great staple to the X series. Both this game and X4 are my favorites in the X series.
And here we have my entry point to the Mega Man series as a whole. This SNES classic clearly still kicks ass to this day. I first played this charming Sum-Bitch on the Legacy Collection that this game was packaged in. Those sprites, tight controls, a killer soundtrack, combine that with the upgraded presentation from the NES titles to the SNES, it really felt like the next generation. The X series took a lot of the formulas that the classic series had with some new advancements. Adding some rpg elements with the armor pieces was a great staple to the X series. Both this game and X4 are my favorites in the X series.