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Project: Altered Beast on the PS2. My god, what a crap game, but damn is it fun. Def a guilty pleasure of mine for the system. It's also total SEGA at that timeframe - take a beloved classic IP and whore it out to some shitty low key devs. Still fun tho despite being utterly flawed.
Luigi’s Mansion 3 but seriously considering RE6 after playing the Switch demo.
lol RE6 is so bad. That whole game is one of the Paul WS Anderson films as a game. Think of Street Fighter The Movie The Game. Hell, the SF movie game Looks like BOTW next to RE6's CDi Zelda. You know what tho. Watching the films might be a better idea as you don't have to deal with those awful QTE's everywhere and watching half the game. Leon is one part. You play as a bunch of character and none of them are very good. They retconned a bunch of RE story stuff in the dumbest of ways. The gunplay gets real bad. There are no loadouts. The melee is awful. Then again for some people that make sit more enticing. So whatever floats your boat but man...that game is just something else. It might be better to get it cheap on PC or used on other systems if really curious. Also, I have heard the Switch port runs pretty poorly throughout.
Based on certan reviews (gs and ign) it’s either great or terrible and considering I found enjoyment in ORC while immensely disliking RE5, the demo made me enjoy 6. QTE are nothing new. Mindless zombie killing is enjoyable.
https://i.imgur.com/Hm39KWK.jpg
I'm a ways into Freedom Planet. I'm the one guy who waited until I could get a physical edition to play it. So far, the level design is great, the controls are solid and the game flows well. I really don't like the character design, and the cutscenes are too long. So two minor gripes but it's a pretty damn good Sonic rip-off. And honestly there really aren't many of those.
Hardcore Mecha on PS4. Wow-what a hidden gem. It's 2D using an animated Mecha game that is similar to an Assault Suit series game. Not exactly the same but in a similar vein. I got it on a whim from Play-Asia. This game is really fun. Only played 5 stages so far.
https://i.imgur.com/eUaLMDD.jpg
Dusk Diver. Budget brawler with a Persona lite vibe. It's decent but not great and needs some serious polish. It's still fun in spurts.
Will get back to Shenmue III when they get the PS4 backer codes working. A lot of peoples are not working including mine.
Front Mission Gun Hazard. Damn this is a fucking great game!
I loved the Darksiders series. I was hoping for a DS III for a long time and recently getting it even tho it was out a year because it was only $10. Darksiders 1 is Zelda meets God of War. DSII is Zelda meets Diablo with a little PoP. DSIII, however, is Dark Souls lite. I'm a little mixed. I'd prefer it if they kept the Zelda inspiration mixed with something else as usual. Instead, this is just a poor man's Dark Souls. I'm not totally against the idea. I hate the combat in Dark Souls and micromanaging everything. Darksiders III dumps any idea of a stamina bar. I also can set it to classic Darksiders combat which I have. While exploring can be fun, it has too many technical problems. Hitches. FPS drops. The game seems random in the things it wants to keep from Dark Souls or abandon. Ok yeah, you gather souls and use them as currency and lose them if you die and have to regain them. Then again it has difficulty options, even an easy mode. Well, why not give me the option to have a map? The level design while not bad per se, is less cohesive than a From Software game. There are other small design issues and technical problems. It's not quite the game I hoped for but I don't hate it either. For the price, it's decent enough. If I paid $60 I'd be very let down.
I think Darksiders Genesis is more up my alley with the full on Diablo gameplay.
Doom. 2016.
Damn fine game so far.
^ I really really liked that one. Far more than I expected to.
Bulletstorm. Fuck yeah this game is fun as hell! Like Madworld meets Gears meets VanQuish? Not sure but it's fun.
Tokyo Mirage Sessions #FE Encore. I finished the original on Wii U. Really enjoyed it mainly for the cast music and battle system. Now playing it on Switch but with Persona 5 Joker outfit. I have been playing Persona and Persona like games for a couple of weeks. Well, the games I previously finished and replayed a dungeon or two. TMS on Switch I am doing a full playthrough. Still, really enjoy the game but it still has some issues that are more nitpicks. A mini-map is nice but a full map of a dungeon be nice as well. Sure you can save anywhere but an autosave be nice as well. Also, I just hate it in RPGs when you level up and your HP doesn't top off. Status effects carrying over outside of battle. Voices are still not subbed in battle. The map, autosave and subs could have been fixed with this re-release but oh well. They still added some new features. New dungeons and costumes. I'm not into idol culture but if anyone likes anything Persona like. This is a nice game.
Daemon X Machina
WOO! Hope you like Armored Core.Quote:
Originally Posted by JCU
Never played 'em but this is quite fast paced and somewhat deep. Not too deep but enough in terms of modifications, alterations and such.
Recently, I've been playing my Saturn and NES quite a bit, these 4 games in particular.
Guardian Heroes (Saturn)
I played through the story mode of this one the other day for the first time in years. It's still as great an experience as it was back in the day with an indepth story, solid gameplay and beautiful graphics. The colors and animations are exquisite.
That said, I am not a fan of the multi-plain set up. It is similar to Fatal Fury in that you can only fight on several depth plains, and you and your enemies have to jump between them. I would much prefer having free movement about the entire screen, but I realize that they probably had to program the game this way in order to have so many large sprites on the screen at once without any flicker or slowdown. Regardless, while I'm not crazy about it, you get used it and the game is still awesome.
Also, based in the decisions you make in conversations between levels, there are numerous possible outcomes and levels that you can play, so I plan on going for another round soon.
X-Men: Children of the Atom (Saturn)
A local shop had a complete copy of this one a couple weeks back for a good price, so I snatched it up. While I played both the arcade and Saturn port back in the 90s, I hadn't played it since, so this was basically a new experience for me.
This is another gorgeous game on the Saturn with vivid colors and smooth animations. And while there aren't a ton of playable characters like in the later "Vs" games that would pop up on the system, the lineup is solid with 10 characters from the comic series, and presumably some unlockable characters later on after beating the bosses. But I haven't gotten that good yet. Hahahaha
I think it's cool that they actually included a Sentinel as a playable character because they are massive and take up a lot of screen.
The game is fun as heck, a great 2D fighter which focuses mostly on timing and reversals as opposed to special moves and combos. While the latter two features are in the game, they are minimal in their implementation. And that is fine for me, as it makes the game much more pick up and play instead of having to memorize tons of button combinations. However, the game gets tough as nails once you get a few foes deep, so it takes time to master. It has all of the standard difficulty and speed adjustments, but I just play it on default settings.
Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles (NES)
While I'd beaten this game a few times over the years (I've owned a copy since I was a kid), it had been years since I gave it a good go, so I decided to fire it up. I'll add that I have been trying to beat Ninja Gaiden on and off since the end of December, and I wanted a change of pace for a bit.
TMNT is often derided by people on the internet for some reason, but I've always loved the game. There's no denying that it's hard as nails when you get deep into the game though. It took me about 4 or 5 days of putting an hour or more into it before I finally cracked it last week.
A helpful tip I'll throw out there is when you get a scroll weapon, change turtles and save that baby for when you really need it. The problem is that even if you don't have your special weapon selected, when you're fighting through a slog of enemies, often new weapon icons will drop and you'll pick it up unwittingly, losing your scroll in the process. It's quite frustrating.
That said, I actually ended up defeating Shredder the second time I faced him with the boomerang as I didn't have the scroll. His pattern is fairly easy to learn, and I stayed on the top right step and just jumped and fired the boomerang at him between his attacks. So, there you go.
The process of getting to him though, yeesh. The brutal Technodrome level and the seemingly endless maze through the airfield... it's definitely a test of endurance with trial and error. But when you finally get there and take him down, well, it's damn satisfying.
Ninja Gaiden (NES)
As previously mentioned, I've been working at Ninja Gaiden on and off since the last week of December. Probably 3-4 play sessions a week over that time. Having a wife and kids, I've learned that I'm not capable of playing this game casually with them in the room with me. For me, NG requires complete focus. I've made it to the last level several times, but have yet to get over the hump. But dang, I keep coming back for more because the game is just so addictive. I'll get there eventually. Let it be known that I hate those effing birds and those flying ninjas that drop stars on you. Oooh, those bastards!
Loved Doom 2016. You have to keep your head on a constant swivel in that game, and the action can get seriously intense at times. All the while trying to solve puzzles and navigate your way through the maze levels. For all of its modern graphics and physics, the core gameplay still feels very much old school Doom, perhaps moreso than the modern sequels of the previous two generations. I want to play through it again now as I haven't played it since it was new.Quote:
Originally Posted by SegataS
I also just recently put in Ninja Gaiden and started plugging away at it. I’ve never beaten it, despite multiple attempts. Now’s the time.Quote:
Originally Posted by profholt82
Japanese Persona 5 Scramble Demo.
Darksiders Genesis.
Hmm..gameplay itself kinda feels like a cross between Darksiders and Diablo. That is fun. The map layouts tho...leaves somewhat to be desired. Holding me back from loving this game. The combat keeps me playing but I don't know for how long. Starting to think this series peaked with the first 2. I have not disliked DSIII or Genesis so far but I'm not as high on them as I was with 1 and 2. The music tho is quite good. Performance could be better but those things don't usually bother me that much. Controls are a little complex but I guess getting these games to fit on a controller has always been a challenge. Diablo III is still the best experience I've had on a console with games like this. Finished or not this game is getting put down for VanQusih on Tuesday. So hyped to play that again! Now where is out Binary Domain remaster on PS4?
Playing with the lights off... like a big boy...
https://img-eshop.cdn.nintendo.net/i...5c8.jpg?w=1000
That takes guts man :)Quote:
Originally Posted by johnnyb
Here’s a very short clip of my buddy when we were playing Alien Isolation hot seat!
https://youtu.be/nkE4pfykycU
Finished VanQuish but replaying missions to find the statues. I found 75 so far. Also, flip-flopping to Bulletstorm again as well. It's the gameplay that keeps me coming back. They are just so fun. I do have some things I wish they could change in a potential sequel. Playing VanQuish also makes me really yearn for a Binary Domain remaster on PS4. It's on PC but it hades Nvidia cards. On 2 laptops the game will not work. It also has issues with controllers on PC when it did work. So please SEGA bring it to PS4.
Dragon Quest Heroes II. They made this one, not a tower defense/ escort mission game which is a plus. Tho some charm is missing. I will say this sorta just feels like a DQ game with action combat. It's an alright spinoff so far. Sucks it only has midi sound tho. Looks nice and runs at 1080P 60FPS. I'd say if you like DQ and find it for cheap it's fine. I wouldn't recommend it for non-DQ fans.
I played the FFVIIR demo
It has a very slick production value I cannot deny that. It looks fantastic. Cutscene to gameplay is seamless. (I remember Lost Odyssey Promising this ) that said. Combat is just...okay. It can easily turn into a mash fest. Barretts VA is awful. Like truly awful. One holdover from the PS1 era RPGs huh? Once you get past the nostalgia and slick presentation. I still feel it's up in the air. Only a demo but the combat just didn't wow me much.
Barrets attacks you can just hold the square button. No limit. Infinite bullets no reload animation. Nothing. It has some of the best production values I have ever seen in a game with what seems to be some average gameplay. Seems to be the MO of Square last decade or so.
In a very nostalgic mood. Playing Genesis collection on PS4 then some other compilations on Switch. Mega Man,Mana,SNK and more. On PC I fired up some Neo Geo stuff, atm Turf Masters. Only golf game I ever liked.
Top Spin on the original Xbox. Solid Tennis game.
Gale Racer (Saturn)
After hitting up an arcade for the first time in ages recently, and enjoying the heck out of racing games, I became nostalgic for an old Sega arcade from when I was a kid called Rad Mobile. I haven't come across the game since the early 90s, but I loved it back then and it has stayed with me over the years. Well, after doing a little research, I discovered that the game was ported to the Saturn as a Japan only release called Gale Racer. Well, spit! I hit the ebays and found a seller who seemed reputable and had a good looking copy with plenty of pics, and I ordered it, along with another game.
I finally got the chance to sit down and play it last evening, and I had nearly as much fun with it as I recall having as a kid. What a great game. And the Saturn port seems to be a faithful reputation of the arcade original.
The gist of the game is that you have to race a bunch of cars across the United States. About 20ish different cities are represented, each with its own track that sometimes resembles it (and sometimes not so much, hahaha, as in the Chicago skyline is in the distance, but you drive along a palm tree dotted shoreline for instance). The tracks are challenging, and aside from your fellow racers, there are also many random cars that inhabit each one making quick reflexes with the steering wheel and brake a must. Furthermore, some tracks are in the night requiring you to turn on the headlights, and some in the rain requiring you to turn on the wipers, not that you couldn't drive without these tools, but it will certainly be quite difficult without them.
And the game is chock full of character. For example, in one stage, a semi truck was jack-knifed on the road in front of me, so I dodged to the left to avoid crashing, and ended up on a set of train tracks. Lo and behold, a train showed up in my rearview mirror and I had to drive like heck before finding an opening to get back on the road and avoid being squashed. And in another stage, a fleet of police cars attempt to race you down and force you to crash. It all makes for one heck of a ride. The racing maintains an Outrun-esque feel at its core, but with a solid helping of Mad Max dumped on top. And the graphics are fabulous for the time. It was a super scaler game by the AM3 team.
The game was released to arcades in February 1991 according to the interwebs, and this is notable because dangling from the rearview mirror of you or car is not a pair of fuzzy dice or even a pine tree air freshener, but a little blue Sonic the Hedgehog. This may actually be his first appearance in a video game, but a Sega scholar would have to confirm that.
Anyway, while the Saturn port seems to have mixed reviews across the internet, I effing loved it and had a lot of fun with it, and will be playing much more of it in the coming days. Sad that this one only got a Japan release and had the name changed to Gale Racer, as had it come out in the US as Rad Mobile, I certainly would have bought it many many years ago. But as it is, I'm happy to have made this discovery. Better late than never.
After the FF7 demo, I thought to add OG FF7 to my wish list on eShop but wanted to wait for a sale. Today was that say. 50% off. I have tried the game before and knew of the major points and I kinda always scoffed. Seeing the hype then seeing the game and thought..eh really? Not to mention I always loved FFIX so much more as it's my fave in the series. That all said. I'm taking a new approach.
I just want to forget all of that. Go into it with the mindset of someone playing it in 1997 as a fan of RPGs. Not compare it to anything. Forget fan hype. Just play it for what it is. I have been turned before on games/series I have had strong opinions on. Maybe this will be the time I really like this game.
Dragon Warrior (NES)
I was all in on this one as I have never actually sat down and played it for real. At this point, I have put in countless hours, but still feel as though I haven't leveled up enough to make a serious run at the final castle. I've collected all of the parts I needed, and traded them to an old man for a rainbow bridge which connects to the island the final castle is on.
But I noticed that as soon as I cross over there, the random battles kick my tuchus enough to wear I'm burning through health spells just to stay alive. So I've cooled off on it for now. I want to say I'm level 15 right now, and I think to seriously have a chance to beat the game, my guy will need to be level 20.
And let me tell you, grinding is a major component of this game. I couldn't even tell you how many hours I've had to wander around certain areas to rack up experience points in fights, and to get to level 20, well, that's just daunting at this point. I'm not saying never, but I'm taking a break.
Battletoads (Genesis)
I think this version is superior to the NES game in a lot of areas. I've read many complaints over the years about it looking like an 8-bit game, and being just a mere facelift over the NES game. But I think the game looks pretty good, definitley a big step over the NES game, and if anything, it plays better. The controls are nice and tight. But something that is about the same as the NES version is the legendary difficulty.
I hadn't played the game in years, and man, was I in for a ride awakening. I got to the snake level (6 or 7) when I finally threw in the towel with frustration. Wow. I checked the manual, and there are either 12 or 13 levels, so I still have a heck of a long way to go. I'll be coming back to it, because I think the game is great, and there were earlier levels that had me stumped until I figured out how to get through them, so surely I just need to spend more time on that dang snake level.
Also, one of the big complaints that's in the review thread of this game here on S-16 is that the jump and attack buttons are reversed from the NES version which is A jump, B attack. Well, my copy of the game used C for jump and B for attack which is the same configuration as the NES version. I know that there is a later cardboard variant of this game, but mine is the earlier clamshell release. So perhaps the later variant switched the buttons? I don't know. But I found it odd that so many guys complained about that here.
SimCity 2000 (DOS Box)
For whatever reason, I decided to play some SC2K for the first time in possibly decades. I put so much time into this game on my family PC when I was around 12 or so, but honestly, I can't recall if I've played it since. Well, one thing's for sure. I'm rusty as heck at it.
It took me 3 or 4 tries before I finally made a city that actually made money annually. I basically just ruled like a bastard. Coal power plant, cut police, fire, hospital, education budgets to almost nothing, and added sales tax, income tax and parking fines. And after some lean early years, Holtsville blossomed into a bustling metropolis.
At that point, I upped the budgets and added public services to make the city nicer and encourage growth. Eventually, the Navy set up a base on my ocean front, and wouldn't you know it, within a couple years of that, a massive monster attacked my fair city and sent a good portion of it into chaos and wreckage. Mayor Holt kept a stiff upper lip in those tough times, however, and we rebuilt and are now stronger than ever. And the people gave their mayor a glowing 69% approval rating.
Such a fun game, a real escape and time sinker as well. I had a lot of fun with it yesterday afternoon. My daughters were fascinated by the game, and watched some of the action, so I named a stadium and museum after them. And their mother is naturally the warden of the penitentiary. ;p
Trials of Mana remake demo, So far this seems pretty darn good. Voice acting is hit and miss tho. Combat feels good. The game looks alright tho nothing impressive. Simple geometry but colorful and clean. Music remixing sounds good. You can turn it to the SNES original if you want. A massive improvement over the horrible Secret of Mana remake. I think demo save data carries over. One minor issue is the difference between items on the ground and lanterns in towns is tricky. I'm not color blind but for those who are that might be an issue.
Kingdom Hearts III
Played Until Dawn on PS4, really liked it. I moved on to the first game in the Dark Pictures Anthology, Man of Medan. Liking it so far :)
Sakura Wars PS4
Crisis Core.
This game is weird mechanically.
Phantasy Star Online 2 is taking away quite a bit of my Rocket League time. I spend more time playing dress-up than hunting Dark Falz baddies which surprised me. So happy it finally came out in the West. It's much better than I anticipated, especially after PSU failed to grab me.
Was playing Witcher 3, but not being able to keep my hard-won playing cards into NG+ took some of the wind out of my sails. Eh, I already got the good ending in the main campaign and each of the DLC campaigns, so I may just leave it at that. Not touching DooM Eternal until Bethetic gets their act together. Not too keen on playing any of my older games for the time being, be they PC or console, as the novelty has worn off of everything.