There's no strict rules on this, whatever works for you. Most people start between the middle of May and the beginning of June and play through to about the end of August or the middle of September as their timeline.lordb0rb4 wrote: When can we actually start playing our games?
*waves* Hello, I am one of those members! No PC Engine games on my list this year though...BoneSnapDeez wrote:My good man, while you're probably correct about all this, you do know that only three or four regular members here have a PC Engine (*sniffle*).marurun wrote:Arcade Shinobi is probably best, but if you want to go the console route, the PC Engine version isn't bad.
I planned to start my list once I finish up the couple of games I'm already working through - that'll probably take me the next few weeks, so I'll begin towards the end of this month.Key-Glyph wrote:These lists are too good. Seriously. I can't wait to see you all get started! Actually... when are we starting? I think I've traditionally gotten underway in the latter half of May, when college typically would have gotten out. How about the rest of you?
null... how are you playing MOTHER? I've wanted to play that forever, but I haven't emulated anything for a Challenge yet.
pierrot, I was seriously considering picking up Streets of Rage this summer. As a lifelong Sega boy, beat 'em up lover, and VGM fan, I feel like my not having played any Streets of Rage title is practically a bannable offense.
AJ, so excited about your foray into old-school Resident Evil. Don't believe people when they say it's not scary. It's scary. But you're gonna laugh your butt off too, so it's basically the best kind of horror experience you can have. Get ready to be quoting those lines for the rest of your life.
Mother is available on Wii U Virtual Console these days if you have the system (I don't think you do though?). It's known as 'Earthbound Beginnings' on there and basically uses the originally unreleased US localisation from back in the early 90s.
Streets of Rage is a real must-play whenyou get the chance, particularly SoR 2 which blows the already great first game out of the water with just how much ...more everything it is.
Resident Evil is probably the most tentative game on my list, but having someone excited to hear about me playing it is encouraging. The version I have is based on the Gamecube remake though, so a lot of those classic lines are gone I think
I'm one of those guys who has beaten TMNT for NES. Don't let the reputation fool you, the damn level in TMNT is actually pretty easy - the hard bit comes after that - the last level is impossibly difficult and I was stuck on it for some time. If you want some tips later, let me know!Nert wrote:Yeah I did want to throw at least one curve ball in thereMarkies wrote: I wish you luck on TMNT on the NES. EVERYBODY had that game, but almost nobody has actually beat it. That game is tough.while maybe TMNT isn't the best game, I feel like the fact that many have experienced it makes it notorious in a way. I want to know the struggle of the electric seaweed first hand, and I'm always up for a challenge.
I am a bit surprised at life force being called out, I've played the first level or two of the majority of the gradius series and love the power up mechanics, just haven't dedicated the time to finish any of them. But I do think they should be considered classics among shooters, heck if for no other reason than making "Gradius Syndrome" a thing.
As for Life Force, I think it probably just doesn't seem as 'classic' compared to some of the big names elsewhere on your list, but it's still a fine choice. It was on my list last year and is another super tough choice, so good luck with it. I ended up using save states to learn my path through the levels as I found the game pulled some super unfair cheap insta-kills.
I'll echo some of Pierrot's opinions on the first few games - I also still love Ico and think it deserves it's acclaim. Okami is a decent game, but even without all sidequests it's a solid 40+ hours long, so it's a big time commitment. I don't really like the original Shinobi for arcade or SMS, but they're quite different. I've played SMS Shinobi for summer challenge before but didn't get very far.nullPointer wrote: In terms of setting achievable goals for the purposes of the Summer Games Challenge, I think this means Okami is out. I'll save it for when I can play at a more leisurely pace (I'd likely be playing for completion as well). ICO is sure seeming a strong contender though. Based on everyone's input on Shinobi I most likely will opt for the MAME version (unless ... hmm I wonder if one of the many Sega compilations contains an arcade perfect port? I'll need to research that.)
So I think that means my list is shaping up a bit like so:
Alex Kidd in Miracle World [SMS]
BattleToads [NES]
Ecco the Dolphin [SCD]
ICO [PS2]
Kirby's Adventure [NES]
Metroid II: Return of Samus [GB]
Mother [GBA]
Shinobi [MAME] (or possibly a compilation)
Only two more selections to make! Still considering the following as good options for the remaining two slots:
Crash Bandicoot [PSX]
Crystalis [NES]
Final Fight [SNES]
God of War [PS2]
Half-Life: Opposing Force [PC/Steam]
Mike Tyson's Punchout [NES]
Rayman [PSX]
I love Alex Kidd in Miracle World, but it's very tough and takes some practice to complete. I have a ton of useful tips to help you make progress in the game, so hit me up when you get started as it can be quite obtuse! Ecco is a game Im more mixed on than KeyGlyph, but it's an experience for sure. I actually rate it as one of the hardest games I've ever finished - this year I'll be playing the sequel, so we'll see how that compares in trickiness.
On your other options, I adore Punch-Out (and it was yet another summer game challenge game I beat, way back when!) and think that's an excellent choice. I don't recommend Rayman at all though, I found it unfair and unbalanced in difficulty. Of your other options, Crash might be a good choice. It's fairly easy and short, which will help balance out the numerous tough games you have on your list like Battletoads, Ecco and Alex Kidd, and potentially Punch-Out
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Anyhow, I'm currently leaning towards going with 11 games for my list (with a short and easy Bonus game that doesn't need 'beat' just played enjoyed). This is my thoughts for that list so far.
1. ActRaiser (SNES)
2. Conker's Bad Fur Day (N64)
3. GoldenEye 007 (N64)
4. Fire Emblem: Fuuin No Tsurugi (GBA)
5. Mother 3 (GBA)
6. Ecco: The Tides of Time (MD)
7. Shenmue 2 (DC)
8. Jet Set Radio Future (XBox)
9. Mega Man 8 (PS4)
10. Resident Evil (PS4)
Bonus: Crazy Taxi (DC)
I might swap in Star Control 2 for something if I change my mind later, but I think the ones above are more classic overall.
Some of my list are more debatable as to just how classic they are, but eh, they're good enough for me.
