Retro Game of the Week 173: Gradius 3 (SNES)

Another week, another wonderful pic of the week. This time around I will take a look at a SNES classic from the early days of the SNES. This is Gradius 3 and even though we never got Gradius 2 which was released on the Famicom, we did get the first game and had an idea on what we were getting into. This game does look like a remake in a lot of ways, a remake of the first game that is and that's not bad. With brand new 16-bit graphics, we got a lot of awesome things coming. Lets take a look at one of Konami's most memorable series.

Graphics

Graphic wise this game does a splendid job in portraying a wonderful set of colors on screen. The game takes advantage of the amazing 16-bit graphics and definitely takes a moment to acknowledge such beauty. As mentioned before, the game looks like a remake of the first game.

Score: 90%

Gameplay

Get ready to have your fingers blistered. This game will keep you on your toes from beginning to end. Remember that this is the kind of game that requires you to collect the power ups and not die. I highly recommend if you die in the middle of the stage, just start over. You will only be destroyed over and over. The game does have a great power up system that can be really good but also a weakness for the game. It's a shoot 'em up that really doesn't do anything extraordinary, but it's always a lot of fun!

Score: 95%

Sound

This is a really awesome game to listen to. The sound effects are also your typical classic Konami sound which they were known for years. The music is also quite good with your typical shoot 'em up space exploration that your ears will enjoy. Overall, this is an amazing game to listen to, I highly recommend it in high volume !

Score: 90%

Fun FactorThe game is pretty fun! Extremely challenging but pretty good overall. I can see it as an arcade game into a console. This is one of the games that you can pick up and play and have a good time. Of course, you will get frustrated and if you aren't into shoot 'em ups, don't even bother! It's a good beginner shoot 'em up regardless even though it's difficult. You have been warned!Score: 80%
Final Score: 88.75%This is a really awesome game. Overall, not a game that will take hours to beat, well once you practice it wont take hours to beat. It's just one of those pick up and play games. This is a franchise that has been going strong to this day and I highly recommend you try out the previous entries, and the ones that came after. Another one to check out is Gradius Collection and Gradius 3 and 4. One is for the Gameboy Advance while the other one is for PS2. Also, good luck with Gradius 5. Till next week!

Read More

Retro Game of the Week 172: Atomic Runner (Gen)

Happy New Year and welcome to another year where I try to post a weekly retro pic for you enjoyment. Let’s see if I can keep a good streak going. It’s really hard to pick a retro game every week mainly because there are just so many to choose from. I have changed the format of the pick to give it a more get to the point format so lets get started.
This week we have the game called Atomic Runner. I first saw this game in an episode of Game Sack where they were showing games released by Data East. This one caught my attention mainly because of the main characters name Chelov and the silly story it contains. Not only that, but the game is actually very challenging and fun to play. You just have to get used to the controllers as it can get tricky at the beginning. 

GraphicsThe game looks beautiful and very detailed. It definitely does a good job at the different graphics it portrays and your main hero Chelnov is pretty awesome. I love the detail of each stage even though I haven’t gotten really far enough to see everything, but everything that I saw was pretty neat. You can tell there was a lot of effort put into the design of this game.Score: 85%
GameplayThis one is tough as it’s not for everyone. The game carries over an arcade like gameplay mechanic to it which also comes with one hit dead which will make a lot of gamers look the other way and try a different game. If you manager to survive this onslaught, be ready to play through challenging stages. It’s just a matter of time before you get the hang of it.Score: 80%
SoundThe music does offer some memorable tunes. They are upbeat and the sound is enjoyable overall. I haven’t encountered any annoying sound as of yet in the game. It’s not something you will mute and it’s Data East, they are pretty awesome in the sound factor at times.Score: 85%
Fun Factor

This is where the game is debatable. As I mentioned before, the gameplay is challenging therefore it will not be for everyone. If you want a game to hold your hand, this is not it. You will have to play and slam the controller when you die unfairly. That’s just how the game goes, but one can’t turn away the fact that it’s one heck of a challenging game and totally worth your time. The fun is there!Score: 90%

Final Score: 85%This is a game that I would recommend to any Sega Genesis fan looking for a challenge. It’s a little odd how this game doesn’t get much attention nowadays even though it’s really good. This is just my opinion as you can always try it out yourself before you buy, you know how. I hope you liked this new format which I’ll try to keep till the next format comes out. Till next week!

Read More

Retro Game of the Week 171: Bubble Bobble (NES)

This is probably one of the best multiplayer games for the NES. Why is that? Well, it's just lots of fun. Bubble Bobble mimics the arcade game in many ways. It's a very faithful port of the arcade original which brings the fun home! Back then, these kind of ports were quite welcomed due to the hardware limitations which are not a problem nowadays. The game has a lot of replayablity which is quite welcomed for gamers with limited libraries. 
Why is this a pick of the Week?

It's a no brainer to pick this one as a pick of the week as it contains a lot of good features. Lets start with the multiplayer, believe it or not, you need to beat the game with your friend or else you won't get the real ending. You will need to work as a team with your sibling or a friend, god even your girlfriend or boyfriend! Overall, it's a very enjoyable title. One of the many classics for the original Nintendo. 

How does it play?The gameplay plays great. The controller is very responsive and the music keeps you entertained. It challenges you as you go level through level. You will also deal with boss fights so be sure to very ready to battle big monsters. The best part is that it contains a password system in order to continue your quest. Multiplayer is where this game excels the most! It's just a lot of fun! 

Read More

Retro Game of the Week 170: Electro Man (PC)

Sometimes I'll be talking about some of the more obscure games and yes even PC games count. There was a time in my life where I was really into PC gaming especially in the mid to late 90s and this is where I played some of the more obscure games around. There are just so many that I will have to dig out my old floppy disks in order to play them again and talk about them. Anyways, this is one which I got in a compilation disk but it didn't worked! Yeah, there was something wrong with the files, it just wouldn't copy to my hard drive and I was never able to play the game. Years later, I found a copy of this game online and downloaded it right away. I wasn't sure what to expect other than a side scroller action game and that's pretty much what I got. Why is this a pick of the Week? Quite simple, it contains some classic gameplay as well as sound. They aren't as memorable as other PC games of the time but it's totally worth mentioning. The game did a great job at mimicking other outstanding titles such as Duke Nukem II or Hocus Pocus which I talked about before. Furthermore, the game is limited but still delivers a fresh style of gameplay. It's obscure alright.

How does it play? You have your usual jump and shoot action buttons and the movement does a good job as it's as responsive as it can get. The difficulty of the game is moderate as you'll be wanting to take a break from time to time, but it's really nothing that will make you want to rip your hair off. Think of it as a beta version of Duke Nukem II, and we all know how amazing that game was. It does fall short on being amazing, but still brings you something to the table that'll entertain you for a couple of hours on a lazy Saturday afternoon.

Read More

Retro Game of the Week 169: Darkwing Duck (NES)

I am finally back! After two years of no entries to this series, I decided it's time for a revival. We have so much to work to do so lets get started. This review will be undergoing a new format. Just bare with me and enjoy the read! I will be incorporating new stuff as I learn more about these posts. So, some of these features will probably stay while others disappear till I can find the right kick. Enjoy! Why is this a pick of the week? Well. I decided to pick this game because it's actually a very good game and I know Disney related games get trashed nowadays, but back then Capcom brought us lots of quality games from Disney franchises, oh how we miss those days. So yeah, the gameplay and music make this game an instant classic, but don't get me wrong, it's a difficult one! How does it play? So, you ever wanted to play a Mega Man game with a Disney charm? Well, look no further as this is as close it'll get. Fans of the Mega Man series or side scrollers in particular will find that this game plays quite similar to them. You have the shooting and jumping and platforming that many of these elite games by Capcom brought back in the day. You will feel like you are in control of the game. 

Digital or Physical? Which format? So, putting aside the gameplay and music, this game should definitely be in anyone's collection. I highly recommend a physical copy of it. There is nothing like blowing on the cart till the game works only to crash later deep in the game. If you want to go digital, of course, there is emulation or the NES classic. One last option would be a Raspberry Pie. Go physical! 

Read More

Retro Game of the Week 168: Montezuma's Revenge (PC)

A classic of all classics especially because of how many different platforms this one has been in. Montezuma's Revenge combines exploration with side scrolling that has kept in memories of gamers for decades now. It's an early  game that was released on PC and various other consoles. The main purpose is to jump around and be careful with the various monsters and obstacles you are given. Remember, they are ruins so be careful! Game on! Be sure to get this for pretty much any console out there. 

Read More

Retro Game of the Week 167: Castle of the Winds (PC)

This is a really old school RPG. Now, it's quite basic and primitive, but fun once you get the gist of it. So you start of with your hero and you can do use the different attributes to edit him to your liking and venture of. This game feels more like a windows based game even though it's only for Windows 3.1 and 95. I love the basic idea of it. You visit caves, fight monsters, and find treasure. Care to explore more? Check it out! 

Read More

Retro Game of the Week 166: Gob Man (PC)

Look who we have here, if it ins't crazy Gobman, this is another wonderful PC-Man clone that was played in a lot of schools. It was so awesome just enjoying this game. It does come with PC-Speaker sound and wonderful gameplay. The game contains lots of levels and it's a lot of fun. You can use bombs to destroy the ghosts if you are caught by them. You can also eat a time clock in order to stop the ghosts. It's a very unique game. Of course, it's for DOS, so be sure to check it out. 

CRAZY GOBMAN! 

Read More

Retro Game of the Week 165: Ack! Man! (PC)

This is a pretty awesome Pac-Man clone called Ack! Man that was released on the PC back in the early 90s. It's just your typical Pac-Man clone for the PC. You play as Ack! Man, Not Pac-Man! and you have to play through the crazy mazes and help Ack! Get the hell out of there. It's a great pick up and play for arcade gamers and fans of the classic. I suggest you try it out!
Till next week! 

Read More

Retro Game of the Week 164: Skyroads (PC)

This week we have a classic released in 1993. It's a very simple game called Skyroads which involves a ship which you need to guide through a road but don't fall out of the road, you will die. A very simple game, yet so much fun. So many levels were build for this game and with different types of difficulty. Gotta love it. The sound effects are also pure PC magic. I recommend this game mainly for its simplicity. If you have an old PC lying around, fire this one up. You will definitely find it fun at least for a little bit. The best part is that you can get this game for free online. Which reminds me, I'm going to have a library of DOS games on my blog soon enough. 
Till next week! 

Read More

Retro Game of the Week 163: Gun Smoke (Arcade)

If you want a challenge, Gun Smoke is definitely the game for you. Starting the game, you will realize that you will have to spam three main buttons in order to defeat all the bad guys around you. One button shoots to the left, the other to the middle, and the other one to the right. You also have to move along and dodge bullets because one shot and you're dead unless you're on a horse, then your horse can take the shots. The game can get insanely difficult insanely quick! It'll take lots of practice in order to get far in the game. I believe there are ten stages but I could be wrong. I've only managed to make it to the second stage. I shall keep practicing! 

Read More

Retro Game of the Week 162: Snow Bros (Arcade)

This week, we have a very addictive game called Snow Bros. This game was also released in other consoles but we are going to focus on the arcade release. The game gets quite challenging and definitely a fun two player game. So, the thing is, in order to get far in this game you must get the power ups which come in potions. Get all of them in order to move faster, shoot further, and shoot stronger. These are crucial but not necessary if you want to get further in the game or just want a high score. There is a boss every ten stages so be ready. The easiest way to get the potions is to make combo kills of your enemies so you will definitely need to master them in order to power up as fast as possible. Shoot them bad guys, turn them into snow balls and rack up some amazing points. You'll have lots of fun!

Read More

Retro Game of the Week 161: Mario Bros (FC)

This week, we have a classic for various consoles hmm well only the NES and Famicom as far as I know even though the game was included in newer games but we won't include those. This game was also released on the arcade. It's a simple game in which you must knock your enemies and then push them out of the stage in order to gain points and move on to the next level. Now, what's more fun than that? Well, it's two players! So you and a friend can die together and fight for points. You can actually make your friend die by tricking them to false kills. I'll let you figure that one out. This game is just lots of fun and great for parties...gaming parties that is. Till next week! 

Read More

Retro Game of the Week 160: Baseball Stars 2 (Arcade)

This week's pick is some awesome arcade action with Baseball Stars 2 for the arcade by SNK. SNK was the top of the line arcade games of the early 90s and it was just one quality hit after another. They took the baseball genre and gave it an awesome arcade feel that's fun to this day. Believe me, I have been streaming this game a couple of times.

The game plays like any other baseball game but with awesome animations and gameplay. When the pitcher gets tired, it will show with his emotions. You can also power up for a super bat in order for a better chance at a hit or homerun. The game plays like any other baseball game of its time. You have to be quick when the ball comes to you and the pitcher will try to make you chase the balls in order to strike you out. 

The game is a lot of fun and even helps you out when you are in a pickle. You will need lots of quarters in order to finish a single game and compete for the pennant but that's why MAME is here for. I can only imagine the amount of money you would have to drop in order to complete this game. Nevertheless, another wonderful hit by SNK. 

Read More

Retro Game of the Week 159: Kasia (PC)

So why did I picked this game? It's quite simple. It's an easy going classic DOS game with Zelda style gameplay. It's simple and easy. Anyone can pick up and play this game and even though it's primitive, it does the job for a little bit of the time you are able to play it. What is there more to say? It just has a retro and classic feel that will make any retro style player giggle! 

The game is quite simple. Your hero comes with a sword and is on a quest. Just find items, kill monsters, and find your destiny. It's very self explanatory. You can find this game (Shareware) with an easy google search. The full version though, will have to get from the owner! Good luck as I haven't had a chance to find it myself...

Read More

Retro Game of the Week 158: Don Doko Don (PC Engine)

Here we have a classic for the PC Engine. Don Doko Don was an arcade game that was ported to the Famicom and PC Engine. Obviously, the PC Engine is the better version that's closest to the arcade mainly because the console is more powerful. Furthermore, the game has a more arcade style feel. Lets take a look at this forgotten franchise from Taito. 

The music is just wonderful. Top notch fun filled tunes and sound effects make this a wonderful game to play especially with a friend. There isn't much to choose from in the sound department, but what is there is amazing. You won't have any problems listening to some Taito magic.

The game looks quite similar to the arcade version. Check this out!

The arcade on the left while the PC Engine is on the right. Both versions are quite similar and that was unheard of back in the day. Of course, nowadays, it's normal but this was something else! 

The game does bring out graphics that are quite detailed and the monster roster is all there as far as I am aware. 

The game shines when it's two players. It's mainly because you can use teamwork to get through the game in the Bubble Bobble style and you know how good that game turned out to be. Furthermore, the game offers a very entertaining score of enemies along with music and weapons. The controllers are tight enough so that you can maneuver through the toughest levels. I gotta say, not bad Taito!

In the end, you are totally missing out if you haven't picked this up. it's a little fun game that can give you tons of replay value due to the fact that it's a port of an arcade game. It's lots of fun with two players, the graphics are quite impressive, and the music and sound are Taito's signature style. The game is getting quite pricey so you should pick it up asap! PC Engine rules! ^_^

Read More

Retro Game of the Week 157: Fester's Quest (NES)

It has come to this title at long last. I know this game gets lots of hate but you gotta realize that there is always a way to play through a game. As shitty as it may seem, this one is actually not as bad as people thought it to be. Anyways, here are a couple of things you should know. 

Number one: power up your gun! 

Number 2: POWER UP YOUR GUN! 

Number 3: Have patience

Now that we got that out of the way. Lets take a look at this one. 

This is probably the best feature of the game. Sunsoft was quite well known for the amazing music of their games and this one is no different. Remember Blast Master? Well, the music on Fester's Quest is just as good. I don't care what you think! This is my opinion nonetheless. The sound effects are OK at best. 

Graphics are also very good believe it or not. You won't be double guessing what certain areas look like. They are sharp and will definitely show you where you are supposed to go. 

This is where a lot of players have a problem with. The game is quite difficult and that will make a lot of people walk away from it. The few that stay behind it till the end, will have a very rewarding experience. Believe me, I tell you from my own experience. Furthermore, as I mentioned before, be sure to power up your gun before even going to the first underground level. Look at it as grinding to level up. Be sure to get the right power ups as some of them will lower your level which is kinda of annoying. Other than that, be sure to pick up as many items as possible because you will need them. Don't worry, Fester will get more health as you get through the game. Just have patience! That's all!

To finish this one off, the game is actually not as bad and due to some difficulty faults and the lack of a password system, I can't see it as such a bad game. If it's really that bad, just use an emulator with save state. I think it's worth a playthrough or two. This one is particular is for hardcore gamers only! You have been warned! 

Read More