All posts tagged super nes

Virtual Console No-Shows – Games Gone Missing Special

No Virtual Console support this week for North America usually translates to me writing a VC No-Shows, but I’ve noticed a disturbing trend as of late. SimCity for the SNES disappeared from the VC the day after New Years, joining several other games that have been removed from the service over the last couple of years. I’d like to list all of these titles and keep this post as a running tally of what games used to be a part of the VC library and posit why they were removed.

NES

tmnt-1

Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles (Konami)

Date Removed – 1/26/2012
Why is it Missing Now? – When Konami and UBI Soft reached a deal to release Konami’s TMNT titles on various DL services, it signaled a hopeful flood of Konami’s classic TMNT lineup for the Virtual Console. Only Konami’s first NES effort made it onto Nintendo’s services, and all of the games issued across all consoles as part of that agreement are now no longer available. Tragic, as this game is easily the weakest of the bunch, and seeing the others would have been a boon.

Super NES

simcitysnes

Simcity (Nintendo)

Date Removed – 1/2/2013
Why is it Missing Now? – I can only presume that Nintendo had some sort of arrangement with Electronic Arts to re-release their take on Maxis’ classic, and perhaps 1/2/2013 was the end of their agreement. Otherwise, I’ve got no idea! It’s apparently still available in Europe as of this writing.

dkc1

Donkey Kong Country series (Nintendo/Rare)

Date Removed – All were taken down 11/16/12
Why are they Missing Now? – The sudden disappearance of one of Nintendo’s SNES stalwart franchises was a surprise last November. They did at least announce their removal in advance (unlike SimCity above). Screwattack posits that Nintendo has to work out a licensing deal with Rare (despite owning the franchise and characters) every time they re-release the SNES games, and they chose to let the Wii VC license expire. Hopefully, once the WiiU VC is established, these will return.

srt

Super R-Type (Irem)

Date Removed – 3/30/2012
Why is it Missing Now? – Simple explanation here; Irem pulled all of their DL titles from Nintendo, Sony and Microsoft in March 2012 due to financial hardships and company restructuring.

Master System

rtypems

R-Type (Irem/Sega)

Date Removed – 9/30/2011
Why is it Missing Now? – This was the first game to be dropped from the VC, and I imagine it was due to Irem’s monetary difficulties much as the later removals were.

TurboGrafx-16

rtype_1

R-Type (Irem)

Date Removed – 3/30/2012
Why is it Missing Now? – Try not to mind the parroting, but it is the same as Super R-Type above; Irem pulled all of their DL titles from Nintendo, Sony and Microsoft in March 2012 due to financial hardships and company restructuring. Expect to see it some more…

vigilante

Vigilante (Irem)

Date Removed – 3/30/2012
Why is it Missing Now? – Irem pulled all of their DL titles from Nintendo, Sony and Microsoft in March 2012 due to financial hardships and company restructuring. *squawk*

ns

Ninja Spirit (Irem)

Date Removed – 3/30/2012
Why is it Missing Now? – Irem pulled all of their DL titles from Nintendo, Sony and Microsoft in March 2012 due to financial hardships and company restructuring…*Wildcat wants a cracker!*

loht

Legend of Hero Tohma (Irem)

Date Removed – 3/30/2012
Why is it Missing Now? – Irem pulled all of their DL titles from Nintendo, Sony and Microsoft in March 2012 due to financial hardships and company restructuring…and that’s the last time we should see that! (sorry for the bad parrot puns :p )

sd

Silent Debuggers (Data East/G-Mode)

Date Removed – 3/1/2012
Why is it Missing Now? – G-Mode pulled three of their Data East-developed titles for the TG-16, but it’s unclear why exactly they did so. The NeoGeo and NES Data East titles remain on the service (Magical Drop 2/3, Street Slam, Spinmaster, Fighter’s History Dynamite and Burgertime [which was just released in December 2012!]), so who really knows what happened here.

bw

Bloody Wolf (Data East/G-Mode)

Date Removed – 3/1/2012
Why is it Missing Now? – Another Data East-developed title yanked for the TG-16 by G-Mode for unknown reasons.

do

Drop-Off (Data East/G-Mode)

Date Removed – 3/1/2012
Why is it Missing Now? – Another Data East-developed title yanked for the TG-16 by G-Mode for unknown reasons. *cough*

That’s all of them as of January 5th, 2013. Let’s hope the purging ceases or that the Wii U VC opens up and brings back some of these along with it.

by WildcatJF on January 5, 2013  •  Permalink
Posted in Features, Games, Virtual Console No-Shows
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Posted by WildcatJF on January 5, 2013

http://lvls.wordpress.com/2013/01/05/virtual-console-no-shows-games-gone-missing-special/

Virtual Console Recommendations – 12/2/2012

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.

mw4

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.

cvrob

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.

spo

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.

tlb2

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.

by WildcatJF on December 2, 2012  •  Permalink
Posted in Features, Games, Opinions
Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Posted by WildcatJF on December 2, 2012

http://lvls.wordpress.com/2012/12/02/virtual-console-recommendations-1222012/

Wildcat’s Gaming Collection – November 2012

I’m finally sharing my up-to-date photos of my gaming collection! Woo! A lot has shifted around since I did this nearly a year ago. I’ll talk about what I’ve picked up the last year, why I got rid of some things, what I still would like, and any other comments I can dredge up. :) I’ll also be including my screenshots on my Complete Game List in the near future for a visual representation of what I actually have. I’m sure the upcoming Christmas/birthday will render these obsolete, but they’ll work for now. :) Due to the high frequency of photos, I’ll force a jump to actually showcase what I have. (more…)

by WildcatJF on November 17, 2012  •  Permalink
Posted in Books, Editorial, Games
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Posted by WildcatJF on November 17, 2012

http://lvls.wordpress.com/2012/11/17/wildcats-gaming-collection-november-2012/

Wildcat’s 11 Most Wanted SNES Games

Long ago I nailed down some NES games I’d love to own someday. Today’s a good day to figure out 11 Super NES games I’ve been looking for. :) They’re not in any real order.

Soulblazer (Enix/Quartet)

I’ve heard some incredible praise for this game. I hope to stumble upon it someday.

Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Tournament Fighters (Konami)

This is one of the few SNES games I have prior experience with. I thought Konami did a pretty good job with this fighter, myself. I’d like to see if I still feel that way.

Starfox (Nintendo/Argonaut)

I like Starfox 64 enough to be curious about its SNES prequel. I know it’s quite different, but I’d like to give it a go all the same.

Contra III: The Alien Wars (Konami)

I love Contra for the NES, and I’ve heard splendid reports on the third proper entry.

Actraiser (Enix/Quartet)

This game’s dual gameplay approach has always intrigued me. I think I dabbled with it briefly as a kid, but I’d like to truly delve into it sometime.

Out of this World (Interplay)

I’d like to try this out. It has a fairly unique premise for this time period, and although it sounds like it has a fair amount of trial and error, sometimes that is a good thing.

Wild Guns (Natsume)

This is the kind of quirky game I can really get into. It has crazy design and a different style of shoot-em-up gameplay that may just be what I adore. Who knows?

Ninja Warriors (Taito/Natsume)

Taito makes some great stuff, as I’ve discovered through their Legends comps, and this beat-em-up gets some high marks from some gamers. Looks fun to me!

E.V.O. Quest for Eden (Enix)

Another zany gameplay idea, but one that could potentially be a blast to discover (I hope). I’ve been interested in this for years, so I’d like to get a chance to try it out.

Lufia and the Fortress of Doom (Taito/Neverland)

I have Lufia II, which is generally considered the best title in the series, but I’d still like to give its prequel a chance.

Breath of Fire (Square/Capcom)

Poor localization and rudimentary mechanics aside, I have enjoyed dabbling in this series, and would like to give the originator a shot.

Any other suggestions? Let me know in the comments!

by WildcatJF on October 7, 2012  •  Permalink
Posted in Editorial, Games
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Posted by WildcatJF on October 7, 2012

http://lvls.wordpress.com/2012/10/07/wildcats-11-most-wanted-snes-games/

Wildcat’s 100 Favorite Game Tunes (2012)

Last year, I put up 100 tracks from gaming that I absolutely loved. However, as the year has rolled by, I think that I’ve cooled off on some of those songs and fell in love with others I had omitted. With that in mind, I feel that it’s a good time to revisit that idea and update the list. This year’s edition will increase the Top choices to ten. I will continue to operate under the rules set last year by keeping the list diversified through not picking all of, say, Mega Man 3′s soundtrack. Only two tracks per game will be allowed. Youtube clips are provided so you can sample the music, however, I can not constantly update this page with new links as Youtube users or copyright owners shut clips down! I’ve done quite a few Song Highlights on these tunes if you’d like to dig through and read why I like some of these songs. Enjoy!

TOP 10


Mega Man 3, Protoman’s Whistle Concert, http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uikEuigprFE


Legend of Zelda: Twilight Princess, Midna’s Lament, http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=e7GWf3e_I3w


Chrono Trigger, Memories of Green, http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sr9-OcPLO3M


Beyond Good & Evil, Home Sweet Home, http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jTdcJWDNsao


Castlevania, Wicked Child, http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=E7PFm7mrdVY

rdr1
Red Dead Redemption, Far Away, http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7IkvAb6THQY

Okami, Shinshu Plains (1 and 2), http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8yKG-Qu4WvM

Silent Hill 3, You’re Not Here, http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Wz3ufaZCoVw

Secret of Mana, Into the Thick of It, http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=T3N9lrq-rks

Skies of Arcadia, Lower Valua, http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vlJxG1FmMOU

The Rest:
A Boy and his Blob (Wii), Forest, http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SC_u7bmVsSc
A Boy and his Blob (Wii), Plains, http://youtu.be/pfmiI9AttYc
Age of Empires III, A Hot Meal, http://youtu.be/jB1R5s3PVEM
Age of Mythology, Suture Self, http://youtu.be/KhvklZT0LMg
Age of Mythology, Chocolate Outline, http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IBpz9S6I07g
Batman (NES), Stage 1/5, http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MlGDKfgz4fA
Batman (NES), Stage 3, http://youtu.be/zERK-4IgQAg
Beyond Good & Evil, Hillyan Suite, http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=p48dpXQixgk
Bionic Commando (NES), Area 1, http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2hl5UCCBCXI
Bionic Commando (NES), Area 2, http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lIvcYCbWMfY
Blast Corps., Angel City, http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=k2eRyyj_NCo
Blaster Master, Level 1, http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LUnwRFMo6D0
Blaster Master, Level 2, http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oIjIUyXrBJg
Body Harvest, Outdoors (Violin), http://youtu.be/pC41_–XeqQ
Body Harvest, Indoors (piano), http://youtu.be/wURLANzjDLk
Breath of Fire, Deep Forest, http://youtu.be/1iCbSLFrqrU
California Games (NES), Flying Disc, http://youtu.be/5iYMN2FKkoY
Castlevania II: Simon’s Quest, Bloody Tears, http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EjazC45Qkww
Castlevania: Portrait of Ruin, Jail of Jewel, http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GtRdjcXfXsc
Castlevania: Symphony of the Night, Dracula’s Castle, http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UgF0uBjCds0
Cave Story, On to Grasstown, http://youtu.be/VlmOhXoKmoQ
Chrono Trigger, Wind Scene (Yearning of Wind), http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RqZaFDA7PXY
Contra (NES), Level 3, http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U58a-svZok8
Deus Ex, Hong Kong Streets 1, http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uzvw8uSWucM
Diablo, Tristram Village, http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O8jJJXgNLo4
Dragon Quest IX, Heaven’s Prayer, http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=myjd1MnZx5Y
Dragon Quest VIII, Strange World, http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kN9Up_0zuUs
Dragon Quest VIII, Heavenly Flight, http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=taVdFgxvhRg
Ducktales, Transylvania, http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2UuHesrJROw
Final Fantasy, Temple of Fiends, http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hW56QbT0lrM
Final Fantasy VI, Terra’s Theme, http://youtu.be/W7RPY-oiDAQ
Fire Emblem (7 in series order), Wind Across the Plains, http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SFWOvIrBCgc
F-Zero GX, Captain Falcon’s Theme, http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-L0pW3Eol6k
Grandia II, Mirumu, http://youtu.be/ZG_oW5XH71Y
Heroes of Might and Magic IV, Swamp Lands, http://youtu.be/Cffc_s0eN5Q
Hotel Dusk: Room 215, The Last Sleep, http://youtu.be/BwdCg8Gqqfk
Jet Grind Radio, Magical Girl, http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_h9f939bW3c
Kirby’s Epic Yarn, Butter Building, http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JfdJbaCfXjQ
Kirby’s Adventure, Ending, http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2OVKyjZs-nU
The Last Ninja, Stage 1, http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hiLvoMpLQFA
Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time, Forest Temple, http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y4o3EMdYaKw
Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time, Spirit Temple, http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=C0PVz2pIEcw
Legend of Zelda: Twilight Princess, Kakariko Village, http://youtu.be/LdERRFGaUjY
Mario Kart 64, Credits, http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XYwZT3CvpMw
Mega Man 2, Air Man, http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FINefcN9pPc
Mega Man 3, Snake Man, http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EM-Fub7Oc_A
Mega Man 5, Wave Man, http://youtu.be/Nd2O6mbhCLU
Mega Man 6, Flame Man, http://youtu.be/qdWeTin2mho
Mega Man 6, Mr. X stages, http://youtu.be/uhJ7Ss-puVY
Metroid, Ending, http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YQeUkUp4uRc
Metroid Prime, Phendrana Drifts (second version), http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZbbUv1hz6mE
Metroid Prime, Tallon Overworld, http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mziw3FQkZYg
Monster Tale, Ancient Ruins, http://youtu.be/iQ1D6UJW5Jg
M.U.L.E., Main Theme, http://youtu.be/VI2e-jwjhN4
Muramasa: The Demon Blade, Seifu Meigetsu A, http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lUF1lkbvoUs
Muramasa: The Demon Blade, Bosyoku Souzen A, http://youtu.be/c9qBwD4bxO8
Ogre Battle 64, Premonition, http://youtu.be/Rel-IOyQTX0
Ogre Battle 64, The Sensational World, http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cSnlp1YAUJ0
Okami, Reset, http://youtu.be/zpuGNH75pUc
Perfect Dark, Chicago – Stealth, http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gJbwLjKhVGw
Persona 4, Your Affection, http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6ChrBp1pEGM
Persona 4, The Almighty, http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eNVMKpk__HQ
Phoenix Wright: Trials and Tribulations, The Dark Fragrance of Coffee, http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bxzTrWUajZg
Portal, Still Alive, http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y6ljFaKRTrI
Portal 2, Want You Gone, http://youtu.be/jBdRaGSI4jU
Power Blade, Level 4 – Tower, http://youtu.be/c-R6Zp3n608
Rayman Origins, Sea of Serendipity – Panic at the Port!, http://youtu.be/5UVPJxSmt54
Rayman Origins, Sea of Serendipity – Lums of the Water (“Glou Glou”), http://youtu.be/oNV2uakCtzs
Secret of Mana, A Wish, http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oLK8IrYrZxA
Shadow Hearts: From the New World, Dead Fingers Talk, http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5clzlxOZQeU
Shadow Hearts: From the New World, Adios, http://youtu.be/-lkRjV7Zp-k
Silent Hill, Silent Hill, http://youtu.be/_EN-_1OGtUY
Silent Hill 2, Laura, http://youtu.be/6LB7LZZGpkw
Silent Hill 3, Breeze ~in monochrome light~, http://youtu.be/OneUwrYiGIw
Skies of Arcadia, Kingdom of Ixa’taka, http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0F-hJjD3XAs
Sly 2: Band of Thieves, Dmitri’s Nightclub, http://youtu.be/RCX3tV7lSdk
Sonic CD, Sonic Boom, http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LJXKoubh9sQ
Super Ghouls and Ghosts, Ice Forest, http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4URokdL-dfM
Super Mario 64, Koopa’s (Bowser’s) Road, http://youtu.be/0rygsWPCjNQ
Super Mario 64, Water Course Theme (Dire Dire Docks), http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uqcPSbkS9TQ
Super Mario Galaxy, Gusty Garden Galaxy, http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-z2kxFCQ_mQ
Super Metroid, Maradia, http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WxobPQMNY_w
Super Metroid, Brinstar (Plant Overgrown), http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0ULlqfeNLWY
Super Smash Bros. Brawl, Bramble Blast, http://youtu.be/G3rnyqI7dFc
Super Smash Bros. Brawl, Metroid Theme, http://youtu.be/3MRznLSFGFQ
Tales of Symphonia, Like a Glint of Light, http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DFWadiZkA_8
Xenoblade Chronicles, Guar Plains, http://youtu.be/xweRl4LZlmo
Xenoblade Chronicles, Title Theme, http://youtu.be/nNR-wsFAfiU
Zoda’s Revenge: Startropics II, Dungeon Theme #2, http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pF-30Dg9Xs4
Zoda’s Revenge: Startropics II, Dungeon Theme #6, http://youtu.be/22ATqffTkIk

 

Dropped from last year:
Banjo-Kazooie, Click Clock Wood (spring)
Castlevania III: Dracula’s Curse, Aquarius
Castlevania: Portrait of Ruin, Hail from the Past
Castlevania: Symphony of the Night, Crystal Teardrops
Contra (NES), Level 1
Donkey Kong Country, Theme (Simian Segue)
Dragon Quest IX, I Won’t Lose
Grandia II, Carbo
Hotel Dusk: Room 215, Big Dreams
Kirby’s Epic Yarn, Outer Rings
Legend of Zelda, Death Mountain (Final Dungeon)
Mega Man 2, Wood Man
Mega Man 5, Charge Man
Persona 4, Reach out to the Truth
Resident Evil 4, Sorrow
Super Mario Galaxy 2, The Tico and the Hat
Super Mario RPG, And My Name’s Booster
Tales of Symphonia, Dry Trail

Modified on 12/26/2012, JF

by WildcatJF on September 9, 2012  •  Permalink
Posted in Editorial, Games, Music
Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Posted by WildcatJF on September 9, 2012

http://lvls.wordpress.com/2012/09/09/wildcats-100-favorite-game-tunes-2012/

While on the subject of Earthbound…

Pitchfork at Socksmakepeoplesexy has a wonderfully in-depth article on Earthbound that is also well worth reading. However, there is no restraint on spoilers here. So, those of you who haven’t played the game and want to enjoy its plot without any forewarning may want to pass. I read most of it, and I found it to be written incredibly well and is quite entertaining, to boot. It’ll take some time, but it’s time well spent!

by WildcatJF on August 21, 2012  •  Permalink
Posted in Games, News
Tagged , , , , , , , ,

Posted by WildcatJF on August 21, 2012

http://lvls.wordpress.com/2012/08/21/while-on-the-subject-of-earthbound/

Gamer’s Playlist: Hiroki Kikuta’s Secret of Mana Arrange Album Genesis is Spectacular

 

I’m a huge fan of Secret of Mana’s stellar soundtrack. It’ll probably be the next Song Highlights I do. Recently, Square-Enix reconnected with composer Hiroki Kikuta to release an arrangement album for the game in Japan called Genesis, and it’s really, REALLY good. Kikuta kept a retro sound to his approach, which makes it sound like a later Super NES title, and it’s glorious. Here’s a sample, “Wilderness”, a remix of “In the Thick of It”.

You can order the physical disc here, or buy it on iTunes for $9.99. Sample further from the Youtube user TheQuezacotl. I’m adding this to my Christmas list.

by WildcatJF on August 15, 2012  •  Permalink
Posted in Features, Gamer's Playlist, Games, Music
Tagged , , , , , , , , , ,

Posted by WildcatJF on August 15, 2012

http://lvls.wordpress.com/2012/08/15/gamers-playlist-hiroki-kikutas-secret-of-mana-arrange-album-genesis-is-spectacular/

Batman Shilled for Ms. Pac-Man

Get ready for a trip in the Wayback machine.  Kotaku just posted this video of several modern celebrities in video game-related ads from the 80s and early 90s.  Of particular note is a very young Christian Bale in an commercial for Ms. Pac-Man being added to Pac-Man cereal.  He can do these things because he’s not a hero.

by Jason X on May 18, 2012  •  Permalink
Posted in Games, News
Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Posted by Jason X on May 18, 2012

http://lvls.wordpress.com/2012/05/18/batman-shilled-for-ms-pac-man/

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!

by Jason X on April 16, 2012  •  Permalink
Posted in Editorial, Games
Tagged , , , , , ,

Posted by Jason X on April 16, 2012

http://lvls.wordpress.com/2012/04/16/the-joys-of-retro-gaming-final-fight-2-snes/

Artistic Discussion – The Good and Bad of Gaming Box Art: 4/9/2012

Good – Ecco the Dolphin (Genesis, Sega)

Unlike our last visit with Boris Vallejo, this one is quite spectacular!  I’m curious about the oceanic world Ecco inhabits, why he has stars on his forehead, and am overall impressed with the ambiance of the piece.  This looks like a fun game (which it is, for the most part) from the cover, and I definitely would consider it as a purchase.  Well done, Sega!

Bad – Magic Sword (Super NES, Capcom)

And then there’s this.  The woman at the left is probably the best thing about this piece.  She looks appropriate and she isn’t marred by some hideous problem (her left thigh is a little odd, but not super noticeable).  The hero, however…what exactly is he staring at?  It’s not the villain!  His pecs are also a little lopsided, his arms don’t look like they were originally attached to him, and I don’t think most people would be successfully defending attacks holding a shield like that.  That and he just looks too…prissy to be out in the battlefield (well, our heroine as well looks a little too dolled up, considering the game’s context of her being locked up in a wizard’s tower for a few days minimum).  The antagonist looks like he’s laughing, is doing some great jazz hands magic, has a dorky costume, and his horns aren’t even.  And why is that dark gem randomly floating around?  I don’t recall any purple, cloudy sky in the game, either.  Nor mountains.  Doesn’t it take place in a TOWER? And the space to the right of the villain seems like a rather sudden shift of colors, from pink to dark purple with no transition whatsoever.  I’ve seen worse boxes, but this one has quite a few thorns, that it does.

by WildcatJF on April 9, 2012  •  Permalink
Posted in Art, Artistic Discussion, Features, Games
Tagged , , , , , , , , , ,

Posted by WildcatJF on April 9, 2012

http://lvls.wordpress.com/2012/04/09/artistic-discussion-the-good-and-bad-of-gaming-box-art-492012/

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