Summer Games Challenge 2018 - begin when ready!

[BoneSnapDeez]

Blue Burst is actually the original PSO with some additional content, dish.

Many prefer it these days -- being a PC exclusive it's the easiest way to still play Phantasy Star Online online.

Also, I think null's Shinobi is the original, played via Sonic's Ultimate Genesis Collection on PS3.

[nullPointer]

Alex Kidd in Miracle World [SMS]
BattleToads [NES]
Crash Bandicoot [PSX]
Ecco the Dolphin [SCD]
Final Fight [SNES]
ICO [PS2]
Kirby's Adventure [NES]
Metroid II: Return of Samus [GB]
Mother [GBA]
Shinobi [PS3]

Good list! Oh, wait, the Shinobi game is the PS2/PS3 title? Lose that one, is received fairly middling reviews (a lot of 7s) and is not even marginally a "classic" in any sense of the word. Replace it with the original.

Also, I think null's Shinobi is the original, played via Sonic's Ultimate Genesis Collection on PS3.

Yes exactly what he said. I wouldn't mind checking out that later Shinobi title at some point (the one with the long flowing red scarf?), but you're absolutely right that it's not really a classic by most any definition. Going all original for the purposes of the challenge! (Or at least insofar as that PS3 port constitutes 'all original', lol) I'm really looking forward to that one actually. My earliest experience with Shinobi was during the height of the 80's ninja craze. One of the dinky little Mexican restaurant chains in my town (Taco John's) had a Shinobi cabinet in their back room (along with a Bonk cabinet and a Neo-Geo Baseball title IIRC). A small group of friends and I would gather there after school for some $0.50 bean burritos and all the Sega ninja action our remaining quarters would allow for. Good times my friends.

[lordb0rb4]

Weren't we supposed to add games that we personally rank as classic/cornerstone of the industry?

[MrPopo]

Ignore dsh; he's big on what he considers to be "classics" for the Summer Games Challenge, but has no actual ability to tell you what you can and can't do. Just have fun with it.

[alienjesus]

Yeah, it's an annual tradition for Dsh to point out games he feels are less than 'classic'. I don't always agree with him (Mario Sunshine is a classic in my eyes for example) but it's generally all in good fun.

I actually think Dsh has gone easy on us this year

[BoneSnapDeez]

I look forward to the dish-critique every summer. I agree with him probably 70% of the time.

[prfsnl_gmr]

[

1. Arkanoid (NES)
2. Karate Champion (NES)
3. Landstalker (Genesis)
4. Perfect Dark (360/N64)
5. Legendary Axe (TG16)
6. Wonder Boy III: The Dragon’s Trap (SMS)
7. May Together Retro (Shadow Tower)
8. June Together Retro (TBD)
9. July Together Retro (TBD)
10. August Together Retro (TBD)]

This list is just a giant deferral of your responsibility. Karate Champ's inclusion is a joke, right? I think the fact that you listed it as "Karate Champion" is evidence enough that, even for you, this one falls well outside of the "classic" zone. I feel like I have argued against Landstalker in the past. (Oh, yes: here). You're killin' me smalls.

Good to hear from you, DSH! In perfect form as always.

You got me on “Karate Champion” since it isn’t actually a game. I’ll replace it with Data East’s Karate Champ, which was the first 1-on-1 fighting game. Surprised you didn’t argue against Shadow Tower more...as much as I’m enjoying it and as much as it clearly influenced the Souls series, it is rough...the exact opposite of a technical marvel.

One of my June Together Retro games is going to be Renegade; so, I’ll add it for that month. Also, Landstalker stays on the list. That gives me:

1. Arkanoid (NES)
2. Karate Champion (NES)
3. Landstalker (Genesis)
4. Perfect Dark (360/N64)
5. Legendary Axe (TG16)
6. Wonder Boy III: The Dragon’s Trap (SMS)
7. Shadow Tower (PS1)
8. Renegade (ARCADE)
9. July Together Retro (TBD)
10. August Together Retro (TBD)

[BoneSnapDeez]

How essential is that special controller for Arkanoid, I wonder. I've always put off buying the game because I hate buying additional hardware.

[prfsnl_gmr]

How essential is that special controller for Arkanoid, I wonder. I've always put off buying the game because I hate buying additional hardware.

Kind of? I’m going to be playing it with digital controls, but it would undoubtedly feel much, much better with the paddle. Also, the game is basically interminable; so, I’ll have to emulate it anyway if I want to see all the boards.

[Sload Soap]

While I can see Dsh's reasoning for not putting Rudra in let me break down my reasoning below. Spoilers for length.

I'm gonna play it anyway.