Games Beaten 2014

[Wispmage]

Maybe I should stop buying games!

Such a simple solution, yet so hard to adhere to.

[Ack]

1. Blood II: The Nightmare Levels (PC)(FPS)
2. Metal Slug (MVS)(Run and Gun)
3. Clive Barker's Undying (PC)(FPS)
4. Judge Dredd: Dredd Vs. Death (PC)(FPS)
5. Lagoon (SNES)(RPG)
6. Tin Star (SNES)(Light Gun)
7. Cacoma Knight in Bizyland (SNES)(Puzzle)
8. World Heroes (MVS)(Fighting)
9. Mario's Early Years: Preschool Fun (SNES)(Edutainment)
10. Rival Turf! (SNES)(Beat 'Em Up)
11. Mighty Morphin Power Rangers (Genesis)(Fighting)
12. SNK vs. Capcom: The Match of the Millennium (NGPC)(Fighting)
13. Ogre Battle: March of the Black Queen (SNES)(RPG)
14. Super Turrican 2 (SNES)(Run and Gun)
15. Brain Lord (SNES)(RPG)
16. Live A Live (SNES)(RPG)
17. Treasure Adventure Game (PC)(Platformer)
18. Realms of the Haunting (PC)(FPS)

I've been trying not to play as many video games and instead focus on other things lately, but I did sit down and play through these two games recently. Both are available on GOG, which is how I obtained them. Treasure Adventure Game is free there, so there really isn't much reason not to pick it up if you have a GOG account.

Anyway, Treasure Adventure Game is an indie 2D platformer about a one-handed boy pursuing 12 treasures hidden throughout his island-based world which he must acquire at first to put into a museum(though the plot slowly develops and opens up to reveal the fate of the world hangs in the balance. The graphics are a little bland though serviceable in my opinion, but the music is excellent. I found the controls took a little getting used to, especially when additional equipment enters the mix and starts granting new commands depending on whether the boy is on land or in his boat. A few items have uses that are never explained, and there is at least one that I consider a detriment but necessary to receive the best ending in the game(the flag for the ship, as it can cause the wind to blow against you, severely slowing you down). The game world is extremely open, so you can wander around its circular plane almost immediately, though you will need certain items to navigate certain parts. I do think the game suffers from lack of direction at times, particularly in reference to a few secret doors that are absolutely necessary to obtain certain items. Also I felt boss fights were disproportionately difficult in comparison to the rest of the game, in particular a fight involving a super computer and a couple of pirates. Still, I enjoyed the game, though I feel the ending turns into a clusterfuck of references to other(and in my opinion "better polished") games. And Monty Python, which just seemed gratuitous.

Realms of the Haunting on the other hand is something I thoroughly enjoyed, once I got the proper patches installed. While I usually prefer NTSC-U releases for accessibility, RotH pretty much requires it so you can get away from the horrendous EU control scheme(and the terrifying resolution). Unfortunately the version on GOG is the EU version, so you'll have to find the patch yourself. But anyway, RotH combines the best of point-and-click adventure gameplay with some decent FPS gunwork, an interesting array of weapons, hordes of weapons, a detailed storyline, and live action actors moving the plot forward. But as much as I often like to laugh at acting in video games, these folks actually weren't bad, and there is a lot of both audio work and FMV here to appreciate in all its pixelated glory. The story starts with a Lovecraftian bent, but actually opens up into a bigger piece surrounding Judeo-Christian mysticism and mythology. You go to the first circle of Hell, to a realm similar to Purgatory, and to a place that is effectively a stepping stone to Heaven, all while battling demons and trying to ensure that what is effectively the antichrist isn't born into a 50-year-old man who enjoys playing cards and happens to be the supreme example of all evil. It is also quite dark and works very well as a horror title. I'd recommend it to folks interested in something uniquely different.

[Crynox]

Fahrenheit: (oxbox)

Was really hooked on this. Never played anything like it. I read some criticism about it being too linear because you are basically playing characters within a film, however this never bothered me at all. I was constantly intrigued to know what was going to happen next as the story progressed, and started caring about the characters. I also liked the play mechanic of having to one minute play Lucas who had to escape from the police and then within the same scene playing Carla and Tyler, (the police), who were trying to catch him. Great atmosphere and music throughout, and some ace bonus unlocks throughout. Now started Heavy Rain which I have high hopes of.

Daytona USA 2001: (DC)

Finally played this after another member gave some great advice about how to adjust the controller to make it playable. This game is a typical Sega arcade game, full of colour and sound and great handling. Had a blast, brought a big smile to my face. Was sad when I beat the King of Daytona Cup and realised it was the end.

Zelda Phantom Hourglass: (DS)

Actually started this last year but only just finished. Enjoyed from start to end, at first felt irritated that it was stylus control only, but of course soon came round to it. I think that this is one of the finest games on the DS & maybe one of the best Zelda games. Graphically impressive too.

[BoneSnapDeez]

Oh man... Almost 50 games... Gonna have to put this behind a cut soon.

1. Bad Dudes vs. DragonNinja (Wii - Data East Arcade Classics)
2. Caveman Ninja (Wii - Data East Arcade Classics)
3. Crude Buster (Wii - Data East Arcade Classics)
4. Heavy Barrel (Wii - Data East Arcade Classics)
5. Secret Agent (Wii - Data East Arcade Classics)
6. Wizard Fire (Wii - Data East Arcade Classics)
7. Super Mario Land (Game Boy)
8. Burning Fight (PlayStation 2 - SNK Arcade Classics Vol. 1)
9. Magician Lord (PlayStation 2 - SNK Arcade Classics Vol. 1)
10. Metal Slug (PlayStation 2 - SNK Arcade Classics Vol. 1)
11. Sengoku (PlayStation 2 - SNK Arcade Classics Vol. 1)
12. Top Hunter: Roddy & Cathy (PlayStation 2 - SNK Arcade Classics Vol. 1)
13. Metal Slug 4 (PlayStation 2 - Metal Slug 4 & 5)
14. Metal Slug 5 (PlayStation 2 - Metal Slug 4 & 5)
15. Metal Slug XX (PSP)
16. Phantasy Star Online (Dreamcast)
17. Smash TV (PlayStation 2 - Midway Arcade Treasures)
18. Total Carnage (Xbox - Midway Arcade Treasures 2)
19. Skyblazer (SNES)
20. Mega Man II (Game Boy)
21. The Monkey King: The Legend Begins (Wii)
22. Ys (Saturn - Falcom Classics)
23. Super Mario Bros. (SNES - Super Mario All-Stars)
24. Super Mario Bros.: The Lost Levels (SNES - Super Mario All-Stars)
25. Super Mario Bros. 2 (SNES - Super Mario All-Stars)
26. Super Mario Bros. 3 (SNES - Super Mario All-Stars)
27. Super Mario World (SNES)
28. Super Mario World 2: Yoshi's Island (SNES)
29. Super Mario Land 2: 6 Golden Coins (Game Boy)
30. 魔法騎士レイアース (Super Famicom)
31. Magic Knight Rayearth (Saturn)
32. Disney's Aladdin (SNES)
33. Kirby's Dream Land (Wii - Kirby's Dream Collection)
34. Kirby's Adventure (Wii - Kirby's Dream Collection)
35. Kirby's Dream Land 2 (Wii - Kirby's Dream Collection)
36. Kirby Super Star (Wii - Kirby's Dream Collection)
37. Kirby's Dream Land 3 (Wii - Kirby's Dream Collection)
38. Kirby 64: The Crystal Shards (Wii - Kirby's Dream Collection)
39. Kirby's Epic Yarn (Wii)
40. New Super Mario Bros. U (Wii U - New Super Mario Bros. U + New Super Luigi U)
41. New Super Luigi U (Wii U - New Super Mario Bros. U + New Super Luigi U)
42. Shock Troopers (PlayStation 2 - SNK Arcade Classics Vol. 1)
43. Shadow Blasters (Genesis)
44. Final Fantasy (Game Boy Advance - Final Fantasy I & II: Dawn of Souls)
45. Super Mario Advance (Game Boy Advance)
46. Sonic CD (PC)
47. Donkey Kong Country (SNES)

One of the best platformers of all time.

101%. Took me a little under three hours. I'm a bit rusty.

I was a Nintendo Power subscriber back in the day. They released a VHS tape hyping this game and I was floored. This is back when "better graphics" really meant something and wow did DKC look beautiful (it still does).

Flawless controls, amazing soundtrack (I make sure to listen to "Fear Factory" a couple of times a month) - I really can't think of a negative thing to say about it. I guess some of the bonus rooms are a bit tough to find. One in particular.

I really need to try the sequels sometime.

[ExedExes]

I was a Nintendo Power subscriber back in the day. They released a VHS tape hyping this game and I was floored. This is back when "better graphics" really meant something and wow did DKC look beautiful (it still does).

Flawless controls, amazing soundtrack (I make sure to listen to "Fear Factory" a couple of times a month) - I really can't think of a negative thing to say about it. I guess some of the bonus rooms are a bit tough to find. One in particular.

I really need to try the sequels sometime.

Oh that tape is gold. I still have mine. From the MTV Sports like presentation and just all the propaganda at the end (NOT ON 32-BIT! NOT! ON! SEGA!) and of course the bonus at the end (NOT TILL NEXT YEAR!)

I like the industrial theme too. Good man. D-A-R-B-Y-D-A-Y at the main file screen will take you to the sound test. (D being down on the d-pad)

YES. DKC2 NEXT. GO. DO IT. GET 102%.

[BoneSnapDeez]

Whoa I didn't know there was a sound test.

I don't have DKC2 unfortunately. I do have the third game, but it's the GBA version. I also have DKC on GBC - I'll give that a shot probably later in the year.

[ExedExes]

Whoa I didn't know there was a sound test.

It's a bit rudimentary, after you input the code, you'll hear a sound, then I think its the SELECT button (if not, one of the controller buttons) that loop through the sounds, but there are no titles for them or anything, you stay on the main screen with the 3 game files, and the screen cuts out when you advance through them. DKC2's sound test, is an unlockable menu item that does display music titles, however.

[alienjesus]

Whoa I didn't know there was a sound test.

I don't have DKC2 unfortunately. I do have the third game, but it's the GBA version. I also have DKC on GBC - I'll give that a shot probably later in the year.

I don't like the GBA versions at all. They look and sound pretty rough.

I personally think the original DKC improves with each version. If you love the first, I can't wait to see what you think of 2 and 3.

[BoneSnapDeez]

Yeah I'd like to get them but they're what..... $30 each? More? The price of SNES games has had me shying away from that console for some time now.

[Luke]

^I still have that VHS tape as well.

DKC will always give me a bit of adrenaline rush, even though I know I can beat it with relative ease. So much fun, and the game perfected the mine level.