While I was on my vacation (and throughout November), there’s been one game I can talk about that was released onto the Virtual Console. I’ve also played a few VC titles myself that I had not spoken of before! So, let’s get caught up on the VC scene!
Before we start, just to alert you, I’m going to be revamping this entire feature over Christmas break, so expect some massive shifts to the page’s content in the future. You’ll be able to get a glimpse into the direction I’m taking it from these new entries. I want to make them mini Opinion pieces, with pluses and minuses and an overall recommendation. All of my pieces will eventually feature this format. I’m going to separate out Nester’s to the bottom of the page so that they won’t get lost in the shuffle (and will serve as a solid second opinion). So, with that all out of the way, let’s truly begin.
Monster World IV (also on PS3/Xbox 360)
PRO – Charming graphics and a catchy overworld theme caught my attention quickly. Add in some great action/platforming/puzzling and solid controls and you have a wonderful game in the making. Asha is a well-animated and delightful heroine. Lastly, I really like the atmosphere of the game. It’s sort of Arabian Nights-esque but with a strong anime spin on it, which makes it really delightful. This is what Zelda II should have been!
CON – It’s nice Sega translated the game, but it’s rather sterile. I guess it’s better than nothing! A part in the Ice Pyramid area requires button taps to progress past doors, but maintains the Genesis control scheme information over updating it to the Wii’s. The bosses are okay but have been so far either sort of cheap or really simple to exploit. They feel disconnected from the rest of the game.
OVERALL – I’m glad to have purchased it. I may have some small quibbles about the localization and the bosses feel more like an accessory than as a key component to the game, but overall it’s fantastic and one I’m happy to recommend.
Castlevania: Rondo of Blood (included on Dracula X Chronicles for PSP)
PRO – The best controlling old-school Castlevania, without question. Ricther is fluid and rarely makes the player feel like blaming the controls over their own poor reactions. The graphics and music are also spectacular. Engaging boss fights and dynamic level design (with secret rooms and a bonus character to unlock!) wrap up the total package.
CON – It feels like a classic CV in terms of difficulty, but that’s more my issue than the game’s. Cutscenes are pretty dated now. Not keen on the anime trappings of ‘Vania (at least I’m consistent).
OVERALL – A hearty recommendation for fans of the franchise and for anyone who loves a great 2D experience.
Super Punch-Out!!
PRO – Large, animated characters that sell the concept of comical boxing. Responsive controls. Fairly fun deciphering what to do per opponent!
CON – If cluing in on tells, which essentially are puzzle aspects, aren’t your bag, this probably will bore you.
OVERALL – Punch-Out!! is a series I’ve barely dabbled in, so I’m perhaps not the best judge, particularly with only two opponents tested as of this writing. It’s…okay thus far. I’ll update this when I get more playtime with it.
The Last Blade 2
PRO – Lush backgrounds, dramatic music, beautiful sprites and animation; this game is one of the most lavish I’ve had the opportunity to play. It has style and it knows how to use it. The characters are deep and well-designed. Gameplay is engaging and offers a lot of variety. Uncensored unlike the DC port.
CON – Requires a lot of playtime to understand its nuances (which isn’t much of a con when a game looks and plays this well). More technical than many other 2D fighters, which may alienate some.
OVERALL – One of SNK’s greatest games, and it should absolutely be considered for fans of fighting games.
The Last Story (Wii)
