The Joys of Retro Gaming: Final Fight 2 (SNES)

So I finally got around to putting CFW on my PSP.  Now I can get some actual use out of the damn thing by messing around with emulators for classic systems.  My first choice to exercise this new-found freedom?  Final Fight 2 for the SNES.

This was one of the few games that I had wanted to play as a kid, but was never able to, due to the local rental store never carrying it.  For the most part, it’s a very by-the-numbers sequel, though the ability to play in 2P co-op is very much appreciated.  It still doesn’t compare with the 3P functionality of the arcade version of the original Final Fight, but it was a definite step in the right direction.

Anyway, I thought I’d mention two distinct moments that stood out to me in the game, both of which took place on stage 3, Holland.  For the uninformed, Final Fight 2 decided to eschew Metro City for a whirlwind tour of the world, beating the same five or six guys into a bloody pulp across a varied landscape of racial stereotypes.  What I found most interesting about this was when you get to the start of stage 3, you’re presented with what appears to be a war-torn, third-world country.  Also, land mines.

Now, I don’t have the most comprehensive knowledge of world history, but I’m fairly certain that Holland is known more for windmills and wooden shoes than devastation and buried explosives.  This is just a mild curiosity, though in comparison to what happens at around the 5:45 mark in the above video.

To the untrained eye, this probably appears to be completely unremarkable.  You just don’t have a dirty enough mind, I say.  Think about where this is taking place…

…give up?

Capcom made a game where you got to Holland and go inside a dyke.  Not just a finger, either.  Your whole damn body!

TheSpeedGamers Tease Pokéthon 2012

TheSpeedGamers have just released a teaser trailer for their upcoming week-long summer marathon scheduled for June 15-22, during which they will catch each and every last Pokémon from every generation, as well as raise money for one of their favorite charities, ACT Today.

Check out the video below for the details!

Where Does He Get Those Wonderful Toys? – 1989 Michael Keaton Batman Figure

I really need to check out Michael Crawford’s website more often.  It seems that about a month ago he put up a review for the latest masterpiece from Hot Toys, a 1/6 scale figure of Micheal Keaton as Batman from the 1989 film.  Without a doubt, this is my childhood put into a box with a nice, big $240 price tag on it.

It looks to be worth every penny, too.  Aside from the insane amount of detail present here (as with all HT releases), you get a fair selection of extras, as well.  There’s the grappling hook, which can be kept on the belt in two separate pieces as in the original film.  There’s the line launcher from the museum scene, which hooks rather nicely onto his right arm.  They even included the little metal thingy on his left hand that shoots out to slap bad guys in the face.  All in all, a very impressive addition to the company’s already-amazing lineup.

I’ll leave it to Michael himself to describe the various ins and outs of the release.  For now, I’m going to be digging through all of the couch cushions in the house to scrounge up the cash for this bad boy.  Maybe I’ll put this on in the background during the search…

TheSpeedGamers – Zelda Marathon 2011

After a six-month hiatus, TheSpeedGamers are returning this Friday, December 16, at 7pm EST/ 4pm PST to play through every major title in Nintendo’s Legend of Zelda series. Coincidentally, this will be their 25h marathon, and it coincides with Zelda‘s 25 anniversary.

The organization they’re raising money for is Rocking H Ranch, which actually distributes donations among three other charities that you can read more about here. Their initial donation goal is $15,000, and if they meet it within 72 hours, they’ll extend the marathon an extra 24 hours.

There will also be prizes given away, including games, a Nintendo 3DS system, and much more! So get into the holiday spirit, make a donation, and enjoy over 72 hours of Zelda with TheSpeedGamers!

For more info on which games are being played and a tentative schedule, click here.

Pale Blue Dot by Carl Sagan

I saw this just now and had to share – Sagan was a brilliant man who died too soon.  Grace loved his works, and since we’ve been together, I’ve grown to like what he has to say as well.  This is a perfect nugget of Sagan’s philosophy.  His birthday would have been last Wednesday.

Enjoy, and think about this.

2nd Annual NES Marathon Begins Today

Pat the NES Punk will begin his second annual NES marathon today at 3 pm EDT/12 pm PDT in which he will play tons of NES games and raise money for the Child’s Play charity. The more money he raises, the more games he’ll play. He will also have special guests and events, including an exclusive review from the Angry Video Game Nerd.

Check it out at nesmarathon.com!

Pat the NES Punk’s 2nd Annual NES Marathon

Last year, Pat the NES Punk and his friend Ian celebrated the 25th anniversary of the NES by playing nearly every NES game in a marathon run of over 24 hours. During that time, they raised money for the charity Child’s Play.

This year, they’re doing it again, but this time, things are a little different. The number of games they play will actually depend on the amount of donations they raise. Want to see them play the ultra-rare Nintendo World Championships gold cartridge? Then help them raise over $15,000! They are already accepting donations, and will continue to due so through the end of the event.

The actual marathon starts on Saturday, October 22, and once again, they will be raising money for Child’s Play. Make a donation and find out more about the marathon at the official website: nesmarathon.com.

TSG 24/7 returns as TheSpeedGamers Present!

Last spring, TheSpeedGamers attempted to stream content on a constant basis, and called it TSG 24/7. It went on hiatus after the Metroid marathon due to the difficulty of maintaining it.

However, it will be making its triumphant return in a slightly modified form later today! Re-dubbed TheSpeedGamers Present, the TSG crew will be providing various shows on a set schedule instead of streaming on a 24-hour basis. The new format will begin at 6pm EDT/3pm PDT with a news roundup, followed by the return of Minecraft Monday. There will be other shows broadcast in the afternoon on a daily basis.

For the official announcement and schedule for the first week, check out thespeedgamers.com.

For the live stream, visit live.thespeedgamers.com.

Metroid Fan Art/Music Shoutout #4

Samus Aran by Julie Dillion

Super Metroid 25th Anniversary Tribute by Bjorn Hurri

Black Metroid by Maximo

For the music this time, I heartily suggest paying a visit to the Shinesparkers’ Harmony of a Hunter page.  An enormous amount of remixing talent combined to celebrate the aural joys of Metroid over the years – here’s two samples OC Remix spotlighted to pump you up.

The Crimson Depths by Sam Dillard

Lore Hunter by Darkesword

I’ll do one more set of fan love in a little bit – stay tuned!

Metroid Fan Art/Music Shoutout #3

Hope you’re ready for more stunning fan representations of the Metroid universe!

Super Metroid Poster by GuruMog

Dimstar by Beatdrop (OC Remix)

Samus Blasts a Metroid by VegasMike

Super Metroid Medley from the Tokyo City Philharmonic Orchestra at Orchestral Game Concert #4 (no official link to the concerts, but look around )

Samus by ami

Crystal Flash by Virt (Dwelling of Duels)