Let me just say I didn't grow up with this game, (I didn't even know it existed until SSBMelee came out) so "nostalgia" isn't influencing my opinion, but let me just say I actually thought this was a pretty good game. I'm amazed there's so many negative comments about it here. I admit it takes a li'l getting used to, (especially the faster moving platforms in later levels) but it has some nice challenges, and it's not impossible to beat. (I've beaten all 32 levels.) And I like how it lets you chose which level to be on, so you can always start off where you last were. Not many NES games have that convenience. It's simplicity also makes it ideal for the 3DS, and makes it a good travel game.
If they remake "Chip & Dale: Rescue Rangers," it'd be cool if they updated it with 4-players, and adding Monterey Jack, and Gadget as players 3 & 4. (Though, then that would require tweaking the story a bit, sense Gadget was the "damsel in distress." Oh well, that plot is kinda cliche' anyways, so I wouldn't miss it if they changed it slightly.)
@CanisWolfred Why? Because not all of us have a WiiU, and besides, the 3D-ish backgrounds would've looked cool on the 3DS, so I'm kinda disapointed personally.
I already have "Super Punch-Out" on Wii, but I'd highly recommend it to those who don't have it yet. (Even to those who don't like fighting games. They'll probably enjoy the simpler controls to.) Shame I only have 100 coins... I'd love to get Mario Tennis.
Here's something fun to do. In design level's screen, use the second controller, (or switch to it with the L,R,Y option in the 3DS version) and press B+right (or A+right, I can't remember) at the same time, and you can customize the level you have it set to on the title screen. You can make earlier levels harder, and such now, or use any of the 100 levels as a basis for your custom levels.
You can also have other design options by pressing any other direction, paired with the A, or B button. (Like emptying the screen. or filling it with ladders, and such.) So there's actually some cool options for "Design" mode.
Here's something fun to do. In the design level's screen, (the part where it shows the level building you're designing) use the second controller, (or switch to it with the L,R,Y option in the 3DS version) and press B+right (or A+right, I can't remember) at the same time, and you can customize the level you have it set to on the title screen. You can make earlier levels harder, or harder levels easier, and such now. (This of course, won't effect the levels on the title screen.) Or just use them as reference when designing your own.
You can also have other design options by pressing any other direction, paired with the A, or B button. (Like emptying the screen. or filling it with ladders, and such.) So there's actually some cool options for "Design" mode. Oh, and in the 3DS version, don't forget to switch back to the Player 1 controls. (With the L,R,Y) when you wanna go back to customizing.
Am I the only one excited for "Wrecking Crew?" I loved that game personally. Just a question about it... Does the 2-player work like in "Super Mario Bros." on the 3DS, (Using the Y-button to alternate it) and does it also feature the ability to save custom levels like the Wii version does? (Even when not using the suspend/restore point feature.)
@photofool83 I agree, that'd be like giving Pac Man a 5. I think this game is addictive, and fun enough to get at least a 6 or 7. I think it has a nice variety of levels, and the endlessness, and goal of getting a high score gives it more replayability. I also think the play control is smoother then most earlier games. I also like how it gives you a choice to either tap the A-button to fly, or hold down B to. It's kinda cool to have that choice. "Balloon Trip" and the 2-player simultanious modes are nice to.
Yeah, I agree with Gridatttack, I kinda prefer this over the 16-bit remake. If you're good at the original SMB, this one will prove to be quite a treat, and just as fun. The levels also seem to have more variety to them then first SMB. Plus it has more hidden 1ups, and hidden coin rooms in it then the original SMB which helps balance the difficulty a bit, and encourages a bit of reward for exploring the game's brick blocks, and pipes.
Also, I discovered something interesting. You can still get to World 9 if you use a warp zone, but then you have to use the 2 "backwards" warp zones to compensate. You just have to complete every level in the previous 8 worlds to unlock World 9 the "Fantasy World." (This won't work in the "All-Stars" version though. In that version you can't even use the backwards warp zones.)
I actually like this game better then most of the other Game Gear Sonic titles personally. (Though, I will agree the Metroidvania-ish "Tails Adventure" is probably the best Game Gear Sonic title.) I kinda liked the gimmick of relying on the spindash to get around, or bouncing off walls, and bumpers, and plowing through enemies. While collecting keys, and such almost made this feel like a puzzle action game in away. Also, why are people complaining about this being so "slow?" I felt you moved pretty swiftly with the spindash for an 8-bit Sonic game. (Some like Triple Trouble, GG Spinball, and GG Blast were even more sluggish, and harder to control, if you ask me.)And the game is ALOT less frustrating then Game Gear Sonic 2, as well which is a plus for me, but I felt it wasn't to easy either. I don't see why this game is so hated, there are worse games out there. My only critique is once you beat it, or get the extra stage, you might not come back to it very often, unless you're a fan of old school games. I'd give it a 6 or 7 personally.
Two days I just got "Super Star" from Club Nintendo, because I was SURE it wouldn't be on the disc because it was a "compilation" itself! I just wasted 150 coins! (Seriously overpriced, if you ask me.) Why do you always do this to me Nintendo?! WHY?! (Now I don't have enough coins to get anymore free games, I swear I have no luck!)
This is one of my sister's favorite Gameboy games, (she got a really really high score in it, I recall that I could never beat, and I was usually better at her at video games) and the first Kirby game we ever got. It's a pretty good game, it's like a very interactive pinball game. The boss & bonus stages are pretty fun to. (And there's a cool cheat code to access them, as well.)
Am I the only one who liked "Sonic Labyrinth?" I thought it was kinda unique, and much more tolerable then the Game Gear versions of Sonic 2 & Spinball. (Wich weren't as good as the Genesis versions, if you asked me.)
I never got why this one was so hated... I played it in "Sonic Adventure DX." I liked it better then some of the other Game Gear Sonic titles personally. I liked the unique idea/gimmick of relying on the spindash, the isometric viewpoint, and finding keys, it kinda made the game feel like a puzzle action game kinda. My only complaint is I think this game should be 3 or 4 bucks sense it's kinda simplistic for a Sonic game. (But some of the later stages prove more challenging, so it's not to easy.)
I honestly prefer the 8-bit version over the "All-Stars" 16-bit one personally. That may just be the "nostalgia" talking, but I felt the more simplistic graphics were neater, and unique, while the 16-bit version just looked alot like SMW to me, and didn't have as much neat stuff sprinkled through the backgrounds. I also prefered the Mario's walk, and stance animations in the original 8-bit one, as well. (While the 16-bit animations just mimic'd SMB3 & SMW to me.)
While it would've been nice to get the "SMB DX" Gameboy Color game, (with it's added features) the smaller cramped screen did kinda bug me. It's nice to finally see a pixel-perfect portable version of the game after all these years. (The one on GBA's graphics were squashed a bit to fit on the GBA's resolution, and the GBColor one had to use a zoomed-in screen.)
One thing I will critique is, it would've been nice if they offered an option to change the control scheme from B-run, A-jump to the Y-run, B-jump scheme like the All-Stars, and New SMB games. (Sometimes using B & A hurts my thumb) I don't know why Nintendo won't go through the trouble to give their VC games features like that, considering they went through the trouble to implement a suspend/save feature. It just seems lazy on their part. Still it's a minor complaint, considering I heard once you "update" the game to the current EShop version you can use the X & A buttons instead if you wish. Wich is nice, as well.
I agree with TimboBaggins. While this isn't the "best" Sonic game ever made, it seems a bit unfair to give it such a low score, and be so hard on it's faults while the Super Mario Land games got far generous scores then they deserve, (a 10 for SML2? Seriously? It was a good game, but not that "amazing.") and nobody seemed to complain about them at all in their reviews. (Seems kinda biased to me. Mario games always get praised, while Sonic games get hazed.) I loved the SML games, but even they seem just as flawed, and simplistic as the Game Gear Sonic games. Doesn't mean they still can't be enjoyable though.
I wouldn't say "Triple Trouble" is that easy though, it felt more challenging to me then "Sonic Chaos," (wich I didn't think was so "bad" either) but also not as frustrating as the 8-bit GG-version of Sonic 2. Plus, while the airplane bonus stages are quite easy, the platforming maze ones could prove quite challenging. I must add, the Nack the weasel encounters in the bonus stages are also a fun comical part of the game. (Nack is definitely one classic Sonic character whom needs to come back.) The music & graphics are also nice for an 8-bit game. Plus "Triple Trouble," has some neat things about it. I loved the train level, the minecart ones, and the "sea fox" ones when playing as Tails. It's also arguably one of the better Game Gear Sonic titles. (Though, the Metroidvania-ish "Tails Adventure" one is in my opinion the best GameGear Sonic title. If it gets a bad review to, I'm ganna be a bit fed-up with this site honestly.)
Also, the handy "Restore point" feature should definitely make getting all 7 chaos emeralds (and the "good" ending) a whole lot easier, and less frustrating.
Kirby95 yes, do it. Even if you don't care for the original NES/Arcade "Donkey Kong" game, you should be able to enjoy this game more, because this game is much more advanced, and has more levels, moves, and stuff in it. (Plus you can fall much farther without dieing for instance.) Plus for the cheap price, it feels like you get alot for what you buy.
If you're a Mario fan you'll love this. It's arguablly the best Mario game for the Gameboy. (I personally feel that it's much better then the 2 Super Mario Land games, and those games weren't bad either.)
This is actually one of the few Mario games, I never owned, but I remember borrowing it from a relative, and it was pretty cool, and felt pretty advanced for a Gameboy game at the time. The graphics are pretty good, but the larger sprites, and stuff take up alot of room on the screen, and in some levels the screen scrolls when Mario jumps, making it hard to tell where he's going to land unless you know the level well enough. Regardless, it's a good game.
Though, honestly, I think this game is to "short, and easy" for a 9/10 score. That's a bit to generous considering the lower-scores they gave some other decent Gameboy VC games. (Granted though, it should be a li'l challenging in the first playthrough, but you should be able to beat it quickly.) I beat the game in only a day, I remember, but it's still fun to replay, and to try to get enough coins to play the bonus minigames, or to look for hidden levels.
Still, I'd give it a 7/10 personally. I kinda prefer the Wario Land Gameboy games personally, sense they felt longer, and felt like they had more to do in them.
I seem to be the only person in the universe who was waiting for this game to come to 3DS's Virtual Console.
Seems like most people, and reviewers on this site arn't really fans of these simplistic old arcade-style games. If you like Pac Man, Donkey Kong Jr., or other such old-school arcade games, or the original Balloon Fight, then I say give this one a shot. (If you ask me "Balloon Fight" was better then "Joust") It feels like an advanced version of "Balloon Fight" with a few "platformer/side-scroller" game concepts added to, wich is actually pretty cool if you liked the original Balloon Fight. (Wich I loved personally.) They did a good job recreating the momentum movement-based gameplay from "Balloon Fight" if you asked me, and expanded on it a bit. Some of the music's pretty catchy to for a Gameboy game. The game may be "short & easy" according to some gamers, but that didn't seem to stop the Super Mario Land games from getting "good" reviews, I noticed. Not trying to bash the reviewers, (no offense ment to them) I just think they don't understand or like some of these old-school games. Just giving my 2-cents, as well.
I think it's a pretty good game given the cheap price it has personally.
I don't think this deserved such a low score, I remember renting it on N64 before, and loving it. The multiplayer minigames with my sister were alot of fun. It has a nice varity of level settings, (from an erupting volcano, a floating spacey pyrimid, among other places unique & familier for a Kirby game) good music, and good graphics for an N64 game.
Just a li'l question to those who own it on VC, I don't have a "Classic" controller, and only have GameCube controller to play SNES & N64 games. I wanted to know how does this play on the GCN controller? Does it use the analogue stick now, or do you have to still use the + pad like the N64 original?
I loved Rondo of Blood to, but in some ways this game has a few things better, as well, I felt. The play control, and movements when jumping felt smoother to me personally, (while in Rondo of Blood you can't really change direction when jumping unless you hold down the A/jump button, wich is something I always forget when playing it) and I kinda prefer having more control over my jump movements then in the NES Castlevania games. I also really loved the ability to swing your whip in 8-directions, or being able to flail it around, wich is more fun then it sounds. (Especially if you use the analogue stick, or a GameCube controller.)
I've seen some people argue that being able to whip in 8-directions makes the game "to easy," but I still had trouble in some levels regardless, and there's still some pretty challenging platforming areas, and bosses in the game. (Not to mention once you beat the game, you'll get a "harder" mode after the credits.) And after having such a hard time with Castlevania 3, I'm actually a li'l greatfull for a more balanced difficulty curve in a CV game, and one that's a bit more relaxing without being "to easy."
Regardless of never owning it previously on the SNES, and what some people say, I felt this was a great Castlevania game, and it was alot of fun. It also has some great visuals, (especially the Mode 7 effects) and pretty good music. It feels more advanced then you'd expect an early-SNES game to be, and it's a good game for those who never played a Castlevania game to try out to.
If you're like me, and lack a "Classic" controller, don't worry this game has customizable button controls, so you can easily use it with a GameCube controller if you want.
The NES one was great, but I actually kinda prefer this one over the NES one. (I still can't even beat the original one, and lucklly the final boss in this one is actually more "possible to beat," and isn't as "cheap.") The opponents look much better, and their bigger sprites are easier on the eyes. They're also every bit as hilarious, and politically-incorrect (in a good way, even the cacasion/white ones are real goofy) as the NES ones were, and their facial expressions, and animations are quite funny, and seem inspired by both older Western, and Japanese cartoons.
I got this game for VC a year ago, and I played this game so much sense then, I can now beat all of the circuits without getting knocked out. Like the NES game, there's a li'l trial-and-error, and puzzle-ellements to it, but that just adds to the experience, and fun of the game.It feels really rewarding to figure out how to beat a boss, you previously had trouble with, and now I can't even imagine how I could lose to Glass Joe now that I can literally beat him in under 10 seconds. There's so many different ways you can figure out how to beat your opponent, that the game feels like it has alot of depth to it, and I love dishing out super uppercuts, new multi-hit attacks, and star-bar system. (Wich seems like an improved system over the NES one.) There's even ways you can figure out how to render your opponents completely dizzy/disoriented, or nock them down with a single super-punch when dizzy.
Also, there's a time trial mode included, and it's just as fun as the main game, and is great for practicing beating your opponents, getting better at the game, and getting better times.
Don't let the $8 price-tag turn you off, (if you think it's to high for 16-bit games) it's worth every penny, I say.
I had doubts about the G&W Gallery games originally, but I was quite surprised at how much fun they were when I finally tried them. Unlocking stuff in the museum is a nice way to add incentive to getting high scores, and it's always fun to see how high/far you can go, or how long you can last, making this collection more fun & challenging then you'd think. (Regardless wich game mode you're playing.) I even enjoy playing the "Classic" bleepy modes to personally, and I never owned an actual G&W game. (Aside from a "Super Mario Bros." keychain G&W "Mini-classics" game they used to have in stores recently.) Shame it lacks more "unlockable games" that the future G&W Gallery installments had, but at the low price for 4 games, or 8 if you include the modern versions it's still fun, and worth a shot for arcade fans, and even some who don't normally care for high-score-based games. Maybe you'll be as surprised as I was with this game.
While the game's graphics look pretty dated, even by Gameboy standards, the game is actually still not bad. It's kinda short, (only 4 worlds, but admittedly the levels seem longer then they actually are, in a good way) but luckly you'll get a harder mode once you beat the game. (With more enemies basically.) The soundtrack is also quite good for 8-bit standards, and one of more unique ones in the Mario series. I have many fond memories hearing the Muda stage (World 2) especially. The game is also worth buying/playing just for the awesome submarine/airplane "shooter" stages, (only 2 of wich, but still fun) wich mix in a few things from the normal Mario stages to. (Such as getting mushrooms & star power ups, and shooting blocks to break them, and see what's hidden within.) I'd love to see a Mario game bring back the Sky Pop airplane again, but I don't think it'll ever happen. (Seeing as how the SML games weren't made by Miyamoto or the rest of the Mario team, but more-so by Gumpei Yokoi, and the Gameboy system team.)
Regardless of lacking Kirby's awesome trademark ability to steal enemy's powers, this is a pretty good game. While Kirby games have a reputation for being "easy," this one actually feels a li'l more challenging to me, I remember having alot of trouble with the final boss, and for those who want an even greater challenge when you beat the game you'll be given a "cheat" code to unlock the "hard" mode. Hard mode is actually quite fun to, and worth a shot for Kirby vetrans.
I'm kinda disapointed this game costs more then a typical NES Virtual Console game, but regardless this game is so good, I'll gladly pay the extra dollar for it. (Especially sense I never had the 1998 GBColor version, just the 1993 B&W version.) This is actually one of my favorite Zelda games. I have many fond memories of it, and I like how in some ways it's also one of the oddest Zelda games. (Where else are you going to find Goombas in a non-Mario game?) The dungeons are all very well made, and the graphics are good even with the GB's 8-bit limitations. It was also one of the first Zeldas to actually have a more RPG-ish progressing storyline in it. Compete with humor, drama, and a very nice plot-twist, and a nice almost cartoon/anime-like animated ending sequence.
I had this game as a kid, it's by far my favorite game on the original B&W Gameboy system. (Possiblly even more then the Zelda games, and I LOVE Zelda!) It just has so much packed into it's tiny cartridge for an 8-bit game, I can't get enough of it, and Mario's moveset, and many comical death animations (such as getting flattened by a barrel, charred by fire, or coming into contact with DK) are always amusing. I fondly remember even getting stuck in a few levels, and I know it'd be tempting to look up walkthroughs on-line, but personally the game feels much better when you figure out the puzzles for yourself. As a kid I had to, (didn't have internet access or subscribed to game magazines) and it was huge thrill for me to finally beat that one ice burg level I was stuck for a few weeks on.
Shame the VC-version lacks the Super Gameboy enhancements, (the color pallettes on SGB were pretty limited anyways) but regardless, this is a great game, and a must-have for anyone who likes puzzle-platformers, or Mario or DK games in general.
Beileve it or not, this is actually pretty good. (Much better then Tennis or Baseball) It plays more like a "stredgey" game then a mere "sports" game. Planning ahead, figuring out what club to use, and where to aim prior to swinging your club actually gives this game alot more depth then people give it credit for. It's worth a shot even if you don't like old-school sports games, it might prove surprising.
I loved SMSunshine, and the Galaxy games, but it's nice to see a more traditional Mushroom Kingdom 3D style Mario platformer/adventure. It looks nice so far. It's nice to see the logo's teasing a new item, or a return of the beloved Raccoon/tanooki power-up. (Wich I always prefered over the cape & wing cap personally.)
Sense I've only had a Wii for over a year, I'm cool with waiting a few more years for the next Nintendo console personally.
I'm honestly kinda relunctant to get a 3DS sense Nintendo has a habit of redesigning it's handhelds, and making improved models. I suppose it's kinda hard to imagine a "better" 3DS, but I think I'll wait a li'l and see how the 3DS does before getting one. (And for more games to come out that I want.)
TurbografX games sound cool. It'll be nice to have portable versions to Bomberman '93 & '94 soon. ...(I wonder if it's possible to get a lower price if you already purchased the games for Wii.)
Most Game Gear games look like watered-down 8-bit versions to Sega Genesis games, but they still have some nice gems. So this is good to hear "Triple Trouble" was a pretty good Sonic game. (Stiff movements aside.) Though, I hear the "Master System" versions of Sonic 1, 2, and Chaos are better then the GG versions. (They all have a larger view for one thing.) I'd rather see those ported to the 3DS then the GG versions.
Nack/Fang was a pretty cool character. Shame Sega forgot about him. (At least he still appears in the official StH comics by Archie.)
While it's not my personal favorite Nintendo system, (in fact, I kinda prefer the GameCube & Wii personally) it's still a great system, with alot of great games for it. Nice to see them pay homage to this great system.
Also, nice to hear "Bomberman Hero" is coming to VC.
In answer Klapaucius's question: Yes, you can play with CP opponents. (Like in BM'93) On one of the options just press up, or down to toggle between HMN & CP players. You can even make all 5 players CP if you want oddly. The game's actually still alot of fun with CP opponents so even when nobody's around, the "Battle Game" is still alot of fun.
I recently got this VC game (got it instead of '93 sense this looked better) and I have to say it's pretty good. Single-player mode is challenging, and has a nice variety of levels. "Battle Game" is one of the best you'll find in a 2D Bomberman game to. With 10 levels, a team mode option, and multiple characters to chose from. (Including a Sumo Bomberman.)
Being an "import" game the Japanese text on the VS mode screens may be confusing at first, (the game remains untranslated, but don't worry it has some english text to, like on the title screen options) but it doesn't take long to figure out what the battle options mean if you play around with 'em a bit.
I kinda prefer the original MP game, (regardless of the blister-inducing "rotate the control stick as fast as possible" minigames) but this one still has it's own charm, and improvements over the original, I'll admit. It's still a great buy/download. Just got it myself, and lovin' it to, even when there's nobody around to play it with.
I do hope someday the first MP game will come to VC to someday. Of course, with the controls altered to the "rotate control stick as quickly as you can" minigames that created problems/controversy for keeping the game on store shelves back then.
Man, it's bad enough we can't get EarthBound, or Banjo Kazooie/Tooie, and now HV64?! Why is it every game I want to come onto VC MOST can't come out for it?!
Nice to see the "Popeye" arcade/NES game get some compliments. I rented the NES version as a kid, and I loved it. I wish it would come to Virtual Console. (Though, it's rare to get licenced games on VC, and it's doubtfull Nintendo would go through the trouble to sell a 5 or 6 dollar game, and pay royalties to King Features Syndicate & Popeye's other licencees.) Still, "Popeye" is a nice peice of Nintendo history. (They even had an old Game & Watch "Popeye" game.)
I'm acctually quite surprised no Nintendo arcade games have been rereleased. DK should've been rereleased simply for having all 4 levels, and Mario Bros. does have noticablly better graphics & animations then the NES game. (Not that graphics are all that matters, but still...) It would be nice if they included the ability to edit how many lives you start with to, and other features, like other Virtual Arcade games do.
A li'l bit of me just died right now... I knew Mother 3 being a GBA game had no chance of being released outside of Japan, and I finally came to accept that, but I was never expecting this to happen.
It's like the grand scheme of things is constantlly working to make sure EarthBound never comes back to the USA, in any shape or form, aside from SSB references. It's getting rediculous, we can't even get the original EarthBound now? I wouldn't be surprised if the next SSB game took out Lucus & Ness, to add further insult to injury.
(And in regards to Adamant's responce: You know, I've known lots of people who've heard of the game, especially via SSB, and want to play it, but never have. I've even run into plenty of people who like the game, who don't go to Starmen.net, but do go to other video game boards unrelated to the game.)
Eh, I don't think this game was that bad personally. I'm glad to see it get a VC release, especially sence I've onley played the Game Gear version. I thought the 8-bit Sonic 2 Master System game was much worse personally. (And yet, that game seems to get fewer complaints on this site, wich surprises me to no end.)
I think it's unfair that this game gets a much worse review & score then Sonic 2 8-bit Sega Master System version... (Wich is a much worse game, in my opinion, and isn't anywhere neer as good as 16-bit Sonic 2 for Genesis/Megadrive.)
While I admit the game is a li'l on the easy side (perhaps to easy for some people) compared to most Sonic titles, it isn't a bad game, and it's far from being the worst 2D Sonic game. I found it enjoyable personally, and the graphics & sounds are pretty good for an 8-bit Sonic game. It has unique zones that arn't the cliche "fire & ice worlds" you find it most games out there, including a completelly mechanized version of the classic Greenhill Zone. (My favorite level in the game.) It also has unique items like the spring shoes to bounce to higher places, wich help it stand out a li'l bit. Boss battles are alot less frustrating then previous 8-bit Sonic titles now that you can finally obtain rings in the boss stages. That alone is an improvement.
I don't think it's true that this game has no challenge whatsoever. I've died a few times in later levels. Not to mention, beating the bonus stages and getting the chaos emeralds as Sonic can be a challenge in it's own right. (You might hafta play through the game a few times to get them all.) Being an old Sonic game though, don't expect to get an epic ending for getting them all though. Tails' flying ability being introduced in this game, offered some better exploration to, and helped make playing as Tails a li'l more different then Sonic.
It's not the most impressive Sonic game, but I say this game isn't bad. Those frustrated with Sonic 2 SMS's rediculouslly higher difficulty might prefer this game. Old-school Sonic fans might also appreciate the old-school quality of the game.
Well, seeing as how some people above like the game, don't just take my word for it. Besides, I've onley played the Game Gear version to this title, so my review was of the GG version. (Wich still has the same levels, and stuff from what I hear.) I have no clue if the SMS version has any improvements, other then a larger view of the level. (Wich might make leaping over spike pits easier.)
I'll admit, mabey I am being to hard on this title, some parts of the game arn't bad, I liked the first 2 Greenhill Zone levels, and some features like the minecarts in the first level were kinda fun to use. And Sonic can move fairlly fast for an 8-bit title. I like challenging games, even some frustrating ones, but it's kinda hard for me to not notice the flawed level designs in this title. (Like in one level if you move to fast, or to slow as you fall after bouncing on a spring you might miss another spring or platform for instance, and die.) So I'd recommend this onley for those with good memories, or whom like very challenging old-school titles. You'll probilly have to play through the first few levels of the game several times, and memorize them, and learn some ways to rack up 1-ups, (there are alot of 1-ups hidden in the Greenhill Zone lucklly) before you can beat it. But I guess, the harder it is, the more rewarding it is when you finally beat it. (And the VC's save ability might make the game easier to beat, so you can take a break, sence the game could prove quite time-consuming.)
But it's really a matter of taste, I like quite a few vastlly disliked titles on this site, such as "Sonic Spinball." (I'm amazed this game has gotten much less cruel reviews then Spinball.) Mabey, I'll play it again, and change my vote to 2-stars. It's not a "horrible" game, I guess, but it's far from being an "awesome" Sonic game. Even for 8-bit SMS standards. (And there are very few Sonic titles I personally dislike.) But like I said, it really matters on personal taste, rather then just one person's opinions. (Like myself.)
Tails onley appears in the game's 2 endings. He isn't playable. Anyways, regardless of this being my least favorite Sonic game, (I'd even go so far as to say the Shadow game was better) it's nice to see them releasing a new 8-bit Master System/Game Gear Sonic title.
Still, I always feel cheated when they onley release one VC game a week, instead of two. Hopefully, they'll later on release 3-game releases to make up for it. (Wich I doubt.)
I like the S&K themesong better personally. And no, I'm basing my opinion on the fact I actually do own the game. It's a really good 4-star game, but outta the original Sega Genesis trilogy, I'd say I prefer Sonic 1 & 2 still.
But still, I agree Sonic 3 easilly becomes a much better 5-star worthy game when it's combined with S&K into the combonation game "Sonic 3 & Knuckles." Wich is technically the "complete version" of Sonic 3. (The game developers had to split the game into 2 seperate games, due to a rushed release of Sonic 3, and also due to technical limitations. Wich is why they put the second half of the game into a "lock-on cartridge" title called "Sonic & Knuckles," so they could combine the 2 games into one again.)
As much as I love the blue blur, Sonic 2 for GG/MS is personally my least favorite Sonic game. (My favorite ironically being the 16-bit Sonic 2 for Genesis/MD.) The hangglider controls are indeed awful, and the tube levels are very tedious, and confusing. One mess up, could easilly get you killed. You also can't make one jump over a pit without worrying about falling on the spikes, so there are many leaps of faith in the game. (Hopefully the Master System's bigger screen makes this less of a problem.) You get no rings for boss battles, so one hit, and you're dead, (unlike Sonic 1, you can't take shields from previous levels into the next) wich wouldn't be so bad, but to make it more frustrating, you now have to go through obsticle courses before the boss (with not a single ring in the level) so you're sure to lose more lives in them, then in the actual boss fights. You'll have to memorize the levels in order to advance. Not to mention the chaos emeralds are neerlly impossible to find, unlike the previous 8-bit Sonic game. (Wich is much better.) And if you don't get all of them, you can't go to the last level, and get the "good ending." I would onley recommend this title to those who are gluttons for punishment, or whom just have to play every Sonic title out there. People who complain about Sonic's modern-day titles, the ones whom state the onley good Sonic games are the 2D games, should play this title. It'll make them change their minds, and mabey even take back every nasty thing they've ever said about "Sonic Heroes" being to frustrating. (A game I like BTW, if I can tolerate that game, that could make you imagine how annoying 8-bit Sonic 2 is.)
I will give the game kudos in the graphics & music department though, it has some nice 8-bit themes, including a nice song in the Greenhill Zone stage that was remixed into the Japanese Sonic CD themesong. Still, I hope to see more Sonic 8-bit titles come out for VC. The Master System needs more love.
I liked "Super Punch-Out" to, I don't know why so many Punch-Out fans put it down so much. Probilly 'cause it was a li'l bit harder, (Gabby Jay sure wasn't as wussy as Glass Joe) and lacked the more well-liked NES game characters. (Like King Hippo. Though, I say Bear Hugger was a suitable replacement.)
In responce to Iggy, not true, you can always go back to look for hidden items, hidden invisible ? treasure boxes, finding all the green frog coins, completing side-quests you missed, replaying minigames, (like the minecart one) among other things.
Anyways, this game's always been on "Most Wanted for VC" games lists for a reason. Considering this game marks Mario's introduction to the RPG genre, alot of features of this title were used in the RPG titles Paper Mario, and Mario & Luigi. (Such as the button-timed attacks, making it go beyond the typical automatic "menu selection" attacks of typical RPGs) So fans of those titles who missed out on this one are sure to enjoy this game. A must have for any Mario fan. This was my first RPG game personally, and it's a great "first timer" RPG game, though Mario fans, (even ones who don't like RPGs) and RPG vetrans alike are sure to enjoy this game to, due to the eventfull storyline, dialogue, quirky sence of humor, (gatta love Bowser's pun in the begining) a likeable & unusual varried cast of characters, mix of Mario jumping platform action, (takes a li'l getting used to the 8-direction movement at first) not to mention new & classic Mario characters, monsters & bosses. (Including a very tough hidden boss known as "Culex.") The soundtrack is bouncy at times, but very lovelly to, and suits the Mario world nicelly. (Even marks the return of the SMB3 World 1 map music.) The 3D-rendered isometric graphics may not be as smoothlly animated in comparison to the DKC series, but they still look nice for their day, and the visual effects for ally and enemy special moves are amazing. Also the ending sequence is one of my favorites in all of gaming.
This will always go down as one of Mario's best games.
The 8-bit Gear Gear version, I felt while much easier as you say, had much much worse play control personally. It's even more difficult in it to get the ball/Sonic to go where you want it to then in the 16-bit Genesis/Megadrive version. I think Sonic Spinball, (16-bit) is still a fun game personally, and it's acctually rewarding the better you get at it. (Also I don't know why people say they need to reach the game's ending easilly in order to like it, isn't the point to pinball titles usually just to get a "high score?" Also the ending sequence isn't that impressive.)
I've gotten so good at it, I rarelly even die personally. Are people even aware you can use the control pad/stick to move the ball/Sonic? Something you can't do in other pinball titles.
Personally, I thought the SNES was better in terms of graphics, and sound. (The vocal sounds were better to. "BOOGER!") The animation is indeed funny, amusing, and well done, and somehow makes the game even more fun to play. The game isn't entirelly innovative, or brings anything new to games, but it's silly, (in a good way) and amusing, I say regardless. Of course, I admit I have a rather strange sence of humor, but I don't always like really really vulgar stuff.
Also, to people putting down the game for it's crude humor, and overtones, personally there are much more vulgar & immature games out there then this. (Just look at Duke Nukem.) This game isn't that edgey or repulsive compared to alot stuff on TV nowadays, I say. I notice, nobody's complaining about Wario's farts in Brawl, and the booger & such references in the Wario Ware series. (Remember the pinball minigame with balls coming out of Wario's nose?) To quote a Nintendo Power writer, who put this on their favorite games list, "Thank you Boogerman, for teaching us not to take our jobs to seriouslly."
Let me be the first person in the universe to say I'm acctually pleased an obscure (and funny) title like Boogerman is on VC. I'm rather disapointed it's not the SNES version though, wich had better graphics, and sound. (In my opinion, at least.) Also if you think the game sounds disgusting, there are much more vulgar games out there, that are acctually widelly praised. (Such as Duke Nukem, and Conkor's Bad Fur Day.) So compared to stuff nowadays, Boogerman isn't really that edgey.
Though, I will say it does seem to get annoying when we onley get one VC game a week, when there's so many popular or overlooked-yet-good games (like Plok) out there that have yet to reach the VC.
The whole "most 3D Sonic games are bad" thing is all a matter of opinion. I personally liked & enjoyed the Sonic Adventure titles, Sonic Heroes, and even the critically-hated Shadow game just fine. (And I never even really liked that Shadow guy!) Onley recent game I disliked was Sonic Riders, and I don't have a 360, so I haven't played enough of Sonic 2K6 to pass judgement on it. There are plenty of people out there who do enjoy recent Sonic titles regardless of what some critics on the internet, and in gaming magazines say. (Last I checked, all of those games sold well.) Though, I admit it wouldn't hurt for Sega to get more better bugtesters for their games.
Comments 515
Re: Nintendo Download: 2nd May 2013 (North America)
Either "Balloon Fight," or "Kirby's Adventure 3D" for me. Those are some of my fav' NES games, and they'd be great to have on the road.
Re: Review: Ice Climber (3DS eShop / NES)
Let me just say I didn't grow up with this game, (I didn't even know it existed until SSBMelee came out) so "nostalgia" isn't influencing my opinion, but let me just say I actually thought this was a pretty good game. I'm amazed there's so many negative comments about it here.
I admit it takes a li'l getting used to, (especially the faster moving platforms in later levels) but it has some nice challenges, and it's not impossible to beat. (I've beaten all 32 levels.) And I like how it lets you chose which level to be on, so you can always start off where you last were. Not many NES games have that convenience. It's simplicity also makes it ideal for the 3DS, and makes it a good travel game.
Re: DuckTales: Remastered Won't Be Getting Any Multiplayer DLC
If they remake "Chip & Dale: Rescue Rangers," it'd be cool if they updated it with 4-players, and adding Monterey Jack, and Gadget as players 3 & 4. (Though, then that would require tweaking the story a bit, sense Gadget was the "damsel in distress." Oh well, that plot is kinda cliche' anyways, so I wouldn't miss it if they changed it slightly.)
Re: Original DuckTales Not Coming To Virtual Console
@CanisWolfred
Why? Because not all of us have a WiiU, and besides, the 3D-ish backgrounds would've looked cool on the 3DS, so I'm kinda disapointed personally.
Re: Four Classics Available Now in the Latest Club Nintendo Rewards
I already have "Super Punch-Out" on Wii, but I'd highly recommend it to those who don't have it yet. (Even to those who don't like fighting games. They'll probably enjoy the simpler controls to.)
Shame I only have 100 coins... I'd love to get Mario Tennis.
Re: Wrecking Crew
Here's something fun to do. In design level's screen, use the second controller, (or switch to it with the L,R,Y option in the 3DS version) and press B+right (or A+right, I can't remember) at the same time, and you can customize the level you have it set to on the title screen. You can make earlier levels harder, and such now, or use any of the 100 levels as a basis for your custom levels.
You can also have other design options by pressing any other direction, paired with the A, or B button. (Like emptying the screen. or filling it with ladders, and such.) So there's actually some cool options for "Design" mode.
Re: Review: Wrecking Crew (3DS eShop / NES)
Here's something fun to do. In the design level's screen, (the part where it shows the level building you're designing) use the second controller, (or switch to it with the L,R,Y option in the 3DS version) and press B+right (or A+right, I can't remember) at the same time, and you can customize the level you have it set to on the title screen. You can make earlier levels harder, or harder levels easier, and such now. (This of course, won't effect the levels on the title screen.) Or just use them as reference when designing your own.
You can also have other design options by pressing any other direction, paired with the A, or B button. (Like emptying the screen. or filling it with ladders, and such.) So there's actually some cool options for "Design" mode. Oh, and in the 3DS version, don't forget to switch back to the Player 1 controls. (With the L,R,Y) when you wanna go back to customizing.
Re: Nintendo Download: 7th March 2013 (North America)
Am I the only one excited for "Wrecking Crew?" I loved that game personally. Just a question about it... Does the 2-player work like in "Super Mario Bros." on the 3DS, (Using the Y-button to alternate it) and does it also feature the ability to save custom levels like the Wii version does? (Even when not using the suspend/restore point feature.)
Re: Review: Balloon Fight (Wii Virtual Console / NES)
@photofool83 I agree, that'd be like giving Pac Man a 5. I think this game is addictive, and fun enough to get at least a 6 or 7. I think it has a nice variety of levels, and the endlessness, and goal of getting a high score gives it more replayability. I also think the play control is smoother then most earlier games. I also like how it gives you a choice to either tap the A-button to fly, or hold down B to. It's kinda cool to have that choice. "Balloon Trip" and the 2-player simultanious modes are nice to.
Re: Review: Super Mario Bros.: The Lost Levels (Virtual Console / NES)
Yeah, I agree with Gridatttack, I kinda prefer this over the 16-bit remake. If you're good at the original SMB, this one will prove to be quite a treat, and just as fun. The levels also seem to have more variety to them then first SMB.
Plus it has more hidden 1ups, and hidden coin rooms in it then the original SMB which helps balance the difficulty a bit, and encourages a bit of reward for exploring the game's brick blocks, and pipes.
Also, I discovered something interesting. You can still get to World 9 if you use a warp zone, but then you have to use the 2 "backwards" warp zones to compensate. You just have to complete every level in the previous 8 worlds to unlock World 9 the "Fantasy World."
(This won't work in the "All-Stars" version though. In that version you can't even use the backwards warp zones.)
Re: Review: Sonic Labyrinth (3DS eShop / Game Gear)
I actually like this game better then most of the other Game Gear Sonic titles personally. (Though, I will agree the Metroidvania-ish "Tails Adventure" is probably the best Game Gear Sonic title.) I kinda liked the gimmick of relying on the spindash to get around, or bouncing off walls, and bumpers, and plowing through enemies. While collecting keys, and such almost made this feel like a puzzle action game in away. Also, why are people complaining about this being so "slow?" I felt you moved pretty swiftly with the spindash for an 8-bit Sonic game. (Some like Triple Trouble, GG Spinball, and GG Blast were even more sluggish, and harder to control, if you ask me.)And the game is ALOT less frustrating then Game Gear Sonic 2, as well which is a plus for me, but I felt it wasn't to easy either. I don't see why this game is so hated, there are worse games out there. My only critique is once you beat it, or get the extra stage, you might not come back to it very often, unless you're a fan of old school games. I'd give it a 6 or 7 personally.
Re: Kirby's 20th Anniversary Special Collection Doesn't Suck
Two days I just got "Super Star" from Club Nintendo, because I was SURE it wouldn't be on the disc because it was a "compilation" itself! I just wasted 150 coins! (Seriously overpriced, if you ask me.) Why do you always do this to me Nintendo?! WHY?! (Now I don't have enough coins to get anymore free games, I swear I have no luck!)
Re: Kirby's Pinball Land Dinging to Virtual Console
This is one of my sister's favorite Gameboy games, (she got a really really high score in it, I recall that I could never beat, and I was usually better at her at video games) and the first Kirby game we ever got. It's a pretty good game, it's like a very interactive pinball game. The boss & bonus stages are pretty fun to. (And there's a cool cheat code to access them, as well.)
Re: Nintendo Download: 10th May 2012 (Europe)
Am I the only one who liked "Sonic Labyrinth?" I thought it was kinda unique, and much more tolerable then the Game Gear versions of Sonic 2 & Spinball. (Wich weren't as good as the Genesis versions, if you asked me.)
Re: Sonic Labyrinth
I never got why this one was so hated... I played it in "Sonic Adventure DX." I liked it better then some of the other Game Gear Sonic titles personally. I liked the unique idea/gimmick of relying on the spindash, the isometric viewpoint, and finding keys, it kinda made the game feel like a puzzle action game kinda. My only complaint is I think this game should be 3 or 4 bucks sense it's kinda simplistic for a Sonic game. (But some of the later stages prove more challenging, so it's not to easy.)
Re: Review: Super Mario Bros. (3DS eShop / NES)
I honestly prefer the 8-bit version over the "All-Stars" 16-bit one personally. That may just be the "nostalgia" talking, but I felt the more simplistic graphics were neater, and unique, while the 16-bit version just looked alot like SMW to me, and didn't have as much neat stuff sprinkled through the backgrounds.
I also prefered the Mario's walk, and stance animations in the original 8-bit one, as well. (While the 16-bit animations just mimic'd SMB3 & SMW to me.)
While it would've been nice to get the "SMB DX" Gameboy Color game, (with it's added features) the smaller cramped screen did kinda bug me.
It's nice to finally see a pixel-perfect portable version of the game after all these years. (The one on GBA's graphics were squashed a bit to fit on the GBA's resolution, and the GBColor one had to use a zoomed-in screen.)
One thing I will critique is, it would've been nice if they offered an option to change the control scheme from B-run, A-jump to the Y-run, B-jump scheme like the All-Stars, and New SMB games. (Sometimes using B & A hurts my thumb) I don't know why Nintendo won't go through the trouble to give their VC games features like that, considering they went through the trouble to implement a suspend/save feature. It just seems lazy on their part. Still it's a minor complaint, considering I heard once you "update" the game to the current EShop version you can use the X & A buttons instead if you wish. Wich is nice, as well.
Re: Review: Sonic the Hedgehog: Triple Trouble (3DS eShop / Game Gear)
I agree with TimboBaggins. While this isn't the "best" Sonic game ever made, it seems a bit unfair to give it such a low score, and be so hard on it's faults while the Super Mario Land games got far generous scores then they deserve, (a 10 for SML2? Seriously? It was a good game, but not that "amazing.") and nobody seemed to complain about them at all in their reviews. (Seems kinda biased to me. Mario games always get praised, while Sonic games get hazed.)
I loved the SML games, but even they seem just as flawed, and simplistic as the Game Gear Sonic games. Doesn't mean they still can't be enjoyable though.
I wouldn't say "Triple Trouble" is that easy though, it felt more challenging to me then "Sonic Chaos," (wich I didn't think was so "bad" either) but also not as frustrating as the 8-bit GG-version of Sonic 2. Plus, while the airplane bonus stages are quite easy, the platforming maze ones could prove quite challenging. I must add, the Nack the weasel encounters in the bonus stages are also a fun comical part of the game. (Nack is definitely one classic Sonic character whom needs to come back.)
The music & graphics are also nice for an 8-bit game. Plus "Triple Trouble," has some neat things about it. I loved the train level, the minecart ones, and the "sea fox" ones when playing as Tails. It's also arguably one of the better Game Gear Sonic titles.
(Though, the Metroidvania-ish "Tails Adventure" one is in my opinion the best GameGear Sonic title. If it gets a bad review to, I'm ganna be a bit fed-up with this site honestly.)
Also, the handy "Restore point" feature should definitely make getting all 7 chaos emeralds (and the "good" ending) a whole lot easier, and less frustrating.
Re: Donkey Kong
Kirby95 yes, do it.
Even if you don't care for the original NES/Arcade "Donkey Kong" game, you should be able to enjoy this game more, because this game is much more advanced, and has more levels, moves, and stuff in it. (Plus you can fall much farther without dieing for instance.) Plus for the cheap price, it feels like you get alot for what you buy.
If you're a Mario fan you'll love this. It's arguablly the best Mario game for the Gameboy. (I personally feel that it's much better then the 2 Super Mario Land games, and those games weren't bad either.)
Re: Review: Super Mario Land 2: 6 Golden Coins (3DS Virtual Console / Game Boy)
This is actually one of the few Mario games, I never owned, but I remember borrowing it from a relative, and it was pretty cool, and felt pretty advanced for a Gameboy game at the time. The graphics are pretty good, but the larger sprites, and stuff take up alot of room on the screen, and in some levels the screen scrolls when Mario jumps, making it hard to tell where he's going to land unless you know the level well enough. Regardless, it's a good game.
Though, honestly, I think this game is to "short, and easy" for a 9/10 score. That's a bit to generous considering the lower-scores they gave some other decent Gameboy VC games. (Granted though, it should be a li'l challenging in the first playthrough, but you should be able to beat it quickly.) I beat the game in only a day, I remember, but it's still fun to replay, and to try to get enough coins to play the bonus minigames, or to look for hidden levels.
Still, I'd give it a 7/10 personally. I kinda prefer the Wario Land Gameboy games personally, sense they felt longer, and felt like they had more to do in them.
Re: Review: Balloon Kid (3DS Virtual Console / Game Boy)
I seem to be the only person in the universe who was waiting for this game to come to 3DS's Virtual Console.
Seems like most people, and reviewers on this site arn't really fans of these simplistic old arcade-style games. If you like Pac Man, Donkey Kong Jr., or other such old-school arcade games, or the original Balloon Fight, then I say give this one a shot. (If you ask me "Balloon Fight" was better then "Joust")
It feels like an advanced version of "Balloon Fight" with a few "platformer/side-scroller" game concepts added to, wich is actually pretty cool if you liked the original Balloon Fight. (Wich I loved personally.) They did a good job recreating the momentum movement-based gameplay from "Balloon Fight" if you asked me, and expanded on it a bit.
Some of the music's pretty catchy to for a Gameboy game. The game may be "short & easy" according to some gamers, but that didn't seem to stop the Super Mario Land games from getting "good" reviews, I noticed. Not trying to bash the reviewers, (no offense ment to them) I just think they don't understand or like some of these old-school games. Just giving my 2-cents, as well.
I think it's a pretty good game given the cheap price it has personally.
Re: Kirby 64: The Crystal Shards
I don't think this deserved such a low score, I remember renting it on N64 before, and loving it. The multiplayer minigames with my sister were alot of fun. It has a nice varity of level settings, (from an erupting volcano, a floating spacey pyrimid, among other places unique & familier for a Kirby game) good music, and good graphics for an N64 game.
Just a li'l question to those who own it on VC, I don't have a "Classic" controller, and only have GameCube controller to play SNES & N64 games. I wanted to know how does this play on the GCN controller? Does it use the analogue stick now, or do you have to still use the + pad like the N64 original?
Re: Super Castlevania IV
I loved Rondo of Blood to, but in some ways this game has a few things better, as well, I felt.
The play control, and movements when jumping felt smoother to me personally, (while in Rondo of Blood you can't really change direction when jumping unless you hold down the A/jump button, wich is something I always forget when playing it) and I kinda prefer having more control over my jump movements then in the NES Castlevania games. I also really loved the ability to swing your whip in 8-directions, or being able to flail it around, wich is more fun then it sounds. (Especially if you use the analogue stick, or a GameCube controller.)
I've seen some people argue that being able to whip in 8-directions makes the game "to easy," but I still had trouble in some levels regardless, and there's still some pretty challenging platforming areas, and bosses in the game. (Not to mention once you beat the game, you'll get a "harder" mode after the credits.)
And after having such a hard time with Castlevania 3, I'm actually a li'l greatfull for a more balanced difficulty curve in a CV game, and one that's a bit more relaxing without being "to easy."
Regardless of never owning it previously on the SNES, and what some people say, I felt this was a great Castlevania game, and it was alot of fun. It also has some great visuals, (especially the Mode 7 effects) and pretty good music. It feels more advanced then you'd expect an early-SNES game to be, and it's a good game for those who never played a Castlevania game to try out to.
Re: Super Punch-Out!!
If you're like me, and lack a "Classic" controller, don't worry this game has customizable button controls, so you can easily use it with a GameCube controller if you want.
The NES one was great, but I actually kinda prefer this one over the NES one. (I still can't even beat the original one, and lucklly the final boss in this one is actually more "possible to beat," and isn't as "cheap.")
The opponents look much better, and their bigger sprites are easier on the eyes. They're also every bit as hilarious, and politically-incorrect (in a good way, even the cacasion/white ones are real goofy) as the NES ones were, and their facial expressions, and animations are quite funny, and seem inspired by both older Western, and Japanese cartoons.
I got this game for VC a year ago, and I played this game so much sense then, I can now beat all of the circuits without getting knocked out. Like the NES game, there's a li'l trial-and-error, and puzzle-ellements to it, but that just adds to the experience, and fun of the game.It feels really rewarding to figure out how to beat a boss, you previously had trouble with, and now I can't even imagine how I could lose to Glass Joe now that I can literally beat him in under 10 seconds.
There's so many different ways you can figure out how to beat your opponent, that the game feels like it has alot of depth to it, and I love dishing out super uppercuts, new multi-hit attacks, and star-bar system. (Wich seems like an improved system over the NES one.) There's even ways you can figure out how to render your opponents completely dizzy/disoriented, or nock them down with a single super-punch when dizzy.
Also, there's a time trial mode included, and it's just as fun as the main game, and is great for practicing beating your opponents, getting better at the game, and getting better times.
Don't let the $8 price-tag turn you off, (if you think it's to high for 16-bit games) it's worth every penny, I say.
Re: Game & Watch Gallery
I had doubts about the G&W Gallery games originally, but I was quite surprised at how much fun they were when I finally tried them.
Unlocking stuff in the museum is a nice way to add incentive to getting high scores, and it's always fun to see how high/far you can go, or how long you can last, making this collection more fun & challenging then you'd think. (Regardless wich game mode you're playing.)
I even enjoy playing the "Classic" bleepy modes to personally, and I never owned an actual G&W game. (Aside from a "Super Mario Bros." keychain G&W "Mini-classics" game they used to have in stores recently.)
Shame it lacks more "unlockable games" that the future G&W Gallery installments had, but at the low price for 4 games, or 8 if you include the modern versions it's still fun, and worth a shot for arcade fans, and even some who don't normally care for high-score-based games.
Maybe you'll be as surprised as I was with this game.
Re: Super Mario Land
While the game's graphics look pretty dated, even by Gameboy standards, the game is actually still not bad. It's kinda short, (only 4 worlds, but admittedly the levels seem longer then they actually are, in a good way) but luckly you'll get a harder mode once you beat the game. (With more enemies basically.)
The soundtrack is also quite good for 8-bit standards, and one of more unique ones in the Mario series. I have many fond memories hearing the Muda stage (World 2) especially.
The game is also worth buying/playing just for the awesome submarine/airplane "shooter" stages, (only 2 of wich, but still fun) wich mix in a few things from the normal Mario stages to. (Such as getting mushrooms & star power ups, and shooting blocks to break them, and see what's hidden within.) I'd love to see a Mario game bring back the Sky Pop airplane again, but I don't think it'll ever happen. (Seeing as how the SML games weren't made by Miyamoto or the rest of the Mario team, but more-so by Gumpei Yokoi, and the Gameboy system team.)
Re: Kirby's Dream Land
Regardless of lacking Kirby's awesome trademark ability to steal enemy's powers, this is a pretty good game.
While Kirby games have a reputation for being "easy," this one actually feels a li'l more challenging to me, I remember having alot of trouble with the final boss, and for those who want an even greater challenge when you beat the game you'll be given a "cheat" code to unlock the "hard" mode. Hard mode is actually quite fun to, and worth a shot for Kirby vetrans.
Re: The Legend of Zelda: Link's Awakening DX
I'm kinda disapointed this game costs more then a typical NES Virtual Console game, but regardless this game is so good, I'll gladly pay the extra dollar for it. (Especially sense I never had the 1998 GBColor version, just the 1993 B&W version.)
This is actually one of my favorite Zelda games. I have many fond memories of it, and I like how in some ways it's also one of the oddest Zelda games. (Where else are you going to find Goombas in a non-Mario game?) The dungeons are all very well made, and the graphics are good even with the GB's 8-bit limitations.
It was also one of the first Zeldas to actually have a more RPG-ish progressing storyline in it. Compete with humor, drama, and a very nice plot-twist, and a nice almost cartoon/anime-like animated ending sequence.
Re: Donkey Kong
I had this game as a kid, it's by far my favorite game on the original B&W Gameboy system. (Possiblly even more then the Zelda games, and I LOVE Zelda!)
It just has so much packed into it's tiny cartridge for an 8-bit game, I can't get enough of it, and Mario's moveset, and many comical death animations (such as getting flattened by a barrel, charred by fire, or coming into contact with DK) are always amusing. I fondly remember even getting stuck in a few levels, and I know it'd be tempting to look up walkthroughs on-line, but personally the game feels much better when you figure out the puzzles for yourself.
As a kid I had to, (didn't have internet access or subscribed to game magazines) and it was huge thrill for me to finally beat that one ice burg level I was stuck for a few weeks on.
Shame the VC-version lacks the Super Gameboy enhancements, (the color pallettes on SGB were pretty limited anyways) but regardless, this is a great game, and a must-have for anyone who likes puzzle-platformers, or Mario or DK games in general.
Re: Golf
Beileve it or not, this is actually pretty good. (Much better then Tennis or Baseball) It plays more like a "stredgey" game then a mere "sports" game. Planning ahead, figuring out what club to use, and where to aim prior to swinging your club actually gives this game alot more depth then people give it credit for. It's worth a shot even if you don't like old-school sports games, it might prove surprising.
Re: Nintendo Announces 3DS Instalment in the Super Mario Series
I loved SMSunshine, and the Galaxy games, but it's nice to see a more traditional Mushroom Kingdom 3D style Mario platformer/adventure. It looks nice so far. It's nice to see the logo's teasing a new item, or a return of the beloved Raccoon/tanooki power-up. (Wich I always prefered over the cape & wing cap personally.)
I hope a "New SMB 3D" is in the works to!
Re: Iwata Talks 3DS Expectations and Wii Successor
Sense I've only had a Wii for over a year, I'm cool with waiting a few more years for the next Nintendo console personally.
I'm honestly kinda relunctant to get a 3DS sense Nintendo has a habit of redesigning it's handhelds, and making improved models. I suppose it's kinda hard to imagine a "better" 3DS, but I think I'll wait a li'l and see how the 3DS does before getting one. (And for more games to come out that I want.)
Re: Sega Names First Game Gear Games for 3DS Virtual Console
TurbografX games sound cool. It'll be nice to have portable versions to Bomberman '93 & '94 soon.
...(I wonder if it's possible to get a lower price if you already purchased the games for Wii.)
Most Game Gear games look like watered-down 8-bit versions to Sega Genesis games, but they still have some nice gems. So this is good to hear "Triple Trouble" was a pretty good Sonic game. (Stiff movements aside.)
Though, I hear the "Master System" versions of Sonic 1, 2, and Chaos are better then the GG versions. (They all have a larger view for one thing.) I'd rather see those ported to the 3DS then the GG versions.
Nack/Fang was a pretty cool character. Shame Sega forgot about him. (At least he still appears in the official StH comics by Archie.)
Re: Retro Gamer Celebrates the N64 with Special Issue
While it's not my personal favorite Nintendo system, (in fact, I kinda prefer the GameCube & Wii personally) it's still a great system, with alot of great games for it. Nice to see them pay homage to this great system.
Also, nice to hear "Bomberman Hero" is coming to VC.
Re: Bomberman '94
In answer Klapaucius's question:
Yes, you can play with CP opponents. (Like in BM'93) On one of the options just press up, or down to toggle between HMN & CP players.
You can even make all 5 players CP if you want oddly.
The game's actually still alot of fun with CP opponents so even when nobody's around, the "Battle Game" is still alot of fun.
I recently got this VC game (got it instead of '93 sense this looked better) and I have to say it's pretty good. Single-player mode is challenging, and has a nice variety of levels.
"Battle Game" is one of the best you'll find in a 2D Bomberman game to. With 10 levels, a team mode option, and multiple characters to chose from. (Including a Sumo Bomberman.)
Being an "import" game the Japanese text on the VS mode screens may be confusing at first, (the game remains untranslated, but don't worry it has some english text to, like on the title screen options) but it doesn't take long to figure out what the battle options mean if you play around with 'em a bit.
Re: Review: Mario Party 2 (Virtual Console / Nintendo 64)
I kinda prefer the original MP game, (regardless of the blister-inducing "rotate the control stick as fast as possible" minigames) but this one still has it's own charm, and improvements over the original, I'll admit. It's still a great buy/download. Just got it myself, and lovin' it to, even when there's nobody around to play it with.
I do hope someday the first MP game will come to VC to someday. Of course, with the controls altered to the "rotate control stick as quickly as you can" minigames that created problems/controversy for keeping the game on store shelves back then.
Re: Harvest Moon 64 Will Not Sprout on Virtual Console
Man, it's bad enough we can't get EarthBound, or Banjo Kazooie/Tooie, and now HV64?!
Why is it every game I want to come onto VC MOST can't come out for it?!
Re: Talking Point: Nintendo Arcade Games on Virtual Console?
Nice to see the "Popeye" arcade/NES game get some compliments. I rented the NES version as a kid, and I loved it. I wish it would come to Virtual Console.
(Though, it's rare to get licenced games on VC, and it's doubtfull Nintendo would go through the trouble to sell a 5 or 6 dollar game, and pay royalties to King Features Syndicate & Popeye's other licencees.) Still, "Popeye" is a nice peice of Nintendo history. (They even had an old Game & Watch "Popeye" game.)
I'm acctually quite surprised no Nintendo arcade games have been rereleased. DK should've been rereleased simply for having all 4 levels, and Mario Bros. does have noticablly better graphics & animations then the NES game. (Not that graphics are all that matters, but still...)
It would be nice if they included the ability to edit how many lives you start with to, and other features, like other Virtual Arcade games do.
Re: Rumour: EarthBound Not Coming to Virtual Console
A li'l bit of me just died right now... I knew Mother 3 being a GBA game had no chance of being released outside of Japan, and I finally came to accept that, but I was never expecting this to happen.
It's like the grand scheme of things is constantlly working to make sure EarthBound never comes back to the USA, in any shape or form, aside from SSB references. It's getting rediculous, we can't even get the original EarthBound now?
I wouldn't be surprised if the next SSB game took out Lucus & Ness, to add further insult to injury.
(And in regards to Adamant's responce: You know, I've known lots of people who've heard of the game, especially via SSB, and want to play it, but never have. I've even run into plenty of people who like the game, who don't go to Starmen.net, but do go to other video game boards unrelated to the game.)
Re: USA VC Update: Sonic Chaos
Eh, I don't think this game was that bad personally. I'm glad to see it get a VC release, especially sence I've onley played the Game Gear version.
I thought the 8-bit Sonic 2 Master System game was much worse personally. (And yet, that game seems to get fewer complaints on this site, wich surprises me to no end.)
Re: Sonic Chaos
I think it's unfair that this game gets a much worse review & score then Sonic 2 8-bit Sega Master System version... (Wich is a much worse game, in my opinion, and isn't anywhere neer as good as 16-bit Sonic 2 for Genesis/Megadrive.)
While I admit the game is a li'l on the easy side (perhaps to easy for some people) compared to most Sonic titles, it isn't a bad game, and it's far from being the worst 2D Sonic game. I found it enjoyable personally, and the graphics & sounds are pretty good for an 8-bit Sonic game. It has unique zones that arn't the cliche "fire & ice worlds" you find it most games out there, including a completelly mechanized version of the classic Greenhill Zone. (My favorite level in the game.) It also has unique items like the spring shoes to bounce to higher places, wich help it stand out a li'l bit. Boss battles are alot less frustrating then previous 8-bit Sonic titles now that you can finally obtain rings in the boss stages. That alone is an improvement.
I don't think it's true that this game has no challenge whatsoever. I've died a few times in later levels. Not to mention, beating the bonus stages and getting the chaos emeralds as Sonic can be a challenge in it's own right. (You might hafta play through the game a few times to get them all.) Being an old Sonic game though, don't expect to get an epic ending for getting them all though.
Tails' flying ability being introduced in this game, offered some better exploration to, and helped make playing as Tails a li'l more different then Sonic.
It's not the most impressive Sonic game, but I say this game isn't bad. Those frustrated with Sonic 2 SMS's rediculouslly higher difficulty might prefer this game. Old-school Sonic fans might also appreciate the old-school quality of the game.
Re: Sonic the Hedgehog 2
Well, seeing as how some people above like the game, don't just take my word for it. Besides, I've onley played the Game Gear version to this title, so my review was of the GG version. (Wich still has the same levels, and stuff from what I hear.)
I have no clue if the SMS version has any improvements, other then a larger view of the level. (Wich might make leaping over spike pits easier.)
I'll admit, mabey I am being to hard on this title, some parts of the game arn't bad, I liked the first 2 Greenhill Zone levels, and some features like the minecarts in the first level were kinda fun to use. And Sonic can move fairlly fast for an 8-bit title.
I like challenging games, even some frustrating ones, but it's kinda hard for me to not notice the flawed level designs in this title. (Like in one level if you move to fast, or to slow as you fall after bouncing on a spring you might miss another spring or platform for instance, and die.)
So I'd recommend this onley for those with good memories, or whom like very challenging old-school titles. You'll probilly have to play through the first few levels of the game several times, and memorize them, and learn some ways to rack up 1-ups, (there are alot of 1-ups hidden in the Greenhill Zone lucklly) before you can beat it. But I guess, the harder it is, the more rewarding it is when you finally beat it. (And the VC's save ability might make the game easier to beat, so you can take a break, sence the game could prove quite time-consuming.)
But it's really a matter of taste, I like quite a few vastlly disliked titles on this site, such as "Sonic Spinball." (I'm amazed this game has gotten much less cruel reviews then Spinball.)
Mabey, I'll play it again, and change my vote to 2-stars. It's not a "horrible" game, I guess, but it's far from being an "awesome" Sonic game. Even for 8-bit SMS standards. (And there are very few Sonic titles I personally dislike.)
But like I said, it really matters on personal taste, rather then just one person's opinions. (Like myself.)
Re: USA VC Update: Sonic the Hedgehog 2 (Master System)
Tails onley appears in the game's 2 endings. He isn't playable.
Anyways, regardless of this being my least favorite Sonic game, (I'd even go so far as to say the Shadow game was better) it's nice to see them releasing a new 8-bit Master System/Game Gear Sonic title.
Still, I always feel cheated when they onley release one VC game a week, instead of two. Hopefully, they'll later on release 3-game releases to make up for it. (Wich I doubt.)
Re: Sonic the Hedgehog 3
I like the S&K themesong better personally. And no, I'm basing my opinion on the fact I actually do own the game. It's a really good 4-star game, but outta the original Sega Genesis trilogy, I'd say I prefer Sonic 1 & 2 still.
But still, I agree Sonic 3 easilly becomes a much better 5-star worthy game when it's combined with S&K into the combonation game "Sonic 3 & Knuckles." Wich is technically the "complete version" of Sonic 3. (The game developers had to split the game into 2 seperate games, due to a rushed release of Sonic 3, and also due to technical limitations. Wich is why they put the second half of the game into a "lock-on cartridge" title called "Sonic & Knuckles," so they could combine the 2 games into one again.)
Re: Sonic the Hedgehog 2
As much as I love the blue blur, Sonic 2 for GG/MS is personally my least favorite Sonic game. (My favorite ironically being the 16-bit Sonic 2 for Genesis/MD.) The hangglider controls are indeed awful, and the tube levels are very tedious, and confusing. One mess up, could easilly get you killed.
You also can't make one jump over a pit without worrying about falling on the spikes, so there are many leaps of faith in the game. (Hopefully the Master System's bigger screen makes this less of a problem.) You get no rings for boss battles, so one hit, and you're dead, (unlike Sonic 1, you can't take shields from previous levels into the next) wich wouldn't be so bad, but to make it more frustrating, you now have to go through obsticle courses before the boss (with not a single ring in the level) so you're sure to lose more lives in them, then in the actual boss fights. You'll have to memorize the levels in order to advance.
Not to mention the chaos emeralds are neerlly impossible to find, unlike the previous 8-bit Sonic game. (Wich is much better.) And if you don't get all of them, you can't go to the last level, and get the "good ending." I would onley recommend this title to those who are gluttons for punishment, or whom just have to play every Sonic title out there.
People who complain about Sonic's modern-day titles, the ones whom state the onley good Sonic games are the 2D games, should play this title. It'll make them change their minds, and mabey even take back every nasty thing they've ever said about "Sonic Heroes" being to frustrating. (A game I like BTW, if I can tolerate that game, that could make you imagine how annoying 8-bit Sonic 2 is.)
I will give the game kudos in the graphics & music department though, it has some nice 8-bit themes, including a nice song in the Greenhill Zone stage that was remixed into the Japanese Sonic CD themesong.
Still, I hope to see more Sonic 8-bit titles come out for VC. The Master System needs more love.
Re: Punch-Out!! Featuring Mr. Dream
I liked "Super Punch-Out" to, I don't know why so many Punch-Out fans put it down so much. Probilly 'cause it was a li'l bit harder, (Gabby Jay sure wasn't as wussy as Glass Joe) and lacked the more well-liked NES game characters. (Like King Hippo. Though, I say Bear Hugger was a suitable replacement.)
Re: Super Mario RPG: Legend of the Seven Stars
In responce to Iggy, not true, you can always go back to look for hidden items, hidden invisible ? treasure boxes, finding all the green frog coins, completing side-quests you missed, replaying minigames, (like the minecart one) among other things.
Anyways, this game's always been on "Most Wanted for VC" games lists for a reason. Considering this game marks Mario's introduction to the RPG genre, alot of features of this title were used in the RPG titles Paper Mario, and Mario & Luigi. (Such as the button-timed attacks, making it go beyond the typical automatic "menu selection" attacks of typical RPGs) So fans of those titles who missed out on this one are sure to enjoy this game. A must have for any Mario fan.
This was my first RPG game personally, and it's a great "first timer" RPG game, though Mario fans, (even ones who don't like RPGs) and RPG vetrans alike are sure to enjoy this game to, due to the eventfull storyline, dialogue, quirky sence of humor, (gatta love Bowser's pun in the begining) a likeable & unusual varried cast of characters, mix of Mario jumping platform action, (takes a li'l getting used to the 8-direction movement at first) not to mention new & classic Mario characters, monsters & bosses. (Including a very tough hidden boss known as "Culex.")
The soundtrack is bouncy at times, but very lovelly to, and suits the Mario world nicelly. (Even marks the return of the SMB3 World 1 map music.) The 3D-rendered isometric graphics may not be as smoothlly animated in comparison to the DKC series, but they still look nice for their day, and the visual effects for ally and enemy special moves are amazing.
Also the ending sequence is one of my favorites in all of gaming.
This will always go down as one of Mario's best games.
Re: Sonic Spinball
The 8-bit Gear Gear version, I felt while much easier as you say, had much much worse play control personally. It's even more difficult in it to get the ball/Sonic to go where you want it to then in the 16-bit Genesis/Megadrive version.
I think Sonic Spinball, (16-bit) is still a fun game personally, and it's acctually rewarding the better you get at it. (Also I don't know why people say they need to reach the game's ending easilly in order to like it, isn't the point to pinball titles usually just to get a "high score?" Also the ending sequence isn't that impressive.)
I've gotten so good at it, I rarelly even die personally. Are people even aware you can use the control pad/stick to move the ball/Sonic? Something you can't do in other pinball titles.
Re: Boogerman: A Pick and Flick Adventure
Personally, I thought the SNES was better in terms of graphics, and sound. (The vocal sounds were better to. "BOOGER!")
The animation is indeed funny, amusing, and well done, and somehow makes the game even more fun to play. The game isn't entirelly innovative, or brings anything new to games, but it's silly, (in a good way) and amusing, I say regardless. Of course, I admit I have a rather strange sence of humor, but I don't always like really really vulgar stuff.
Also, to people putting down the game for it's crude humor, and overtones, personally there are much more vulgar & immature games out there then this. (Just look at Duke Nukem.) This game isn't that edgey or repulsive compared to alot stuff on TV nowadays, I say.
I notice, nobody's complaining about Wario's farts in Brawl, and the booger & such references in the Wario Ware series. (Remember the pinball minigame with balls coming out of Wario's nose?)
To quote a Nintendo Power writer, who put this on their favorite games list, "Thank you Boogerman, for teaching us not to take our jobs to seriouslly."
Re: USA VC Update: Boogerman
Let me be the first person in the universe to say I'm acctually pleased an obscure (and funny) title like Boogerman is on VC. I'm rather disapointed it's not the SNES version though, wich had better graphics, and sound. (In my opinion, at least.)
Also if you think the game sounds disgusting, there are much more vulgar games out there, that are acctually widelly praised. (Such as Duke Nukem, and Conkor's Bad Fur Day.) So compared to stuff nowadays, Boogerman isn't really that edgey.
Though, I will say it does seem to get annoying when we onley get one VC game a week, when there's so many popular or overlooked-yet-good games (like Plok) out there that have yet to reach the VC.
Re: Sonic the Hedgehog
The whole "most 3D Sonic games are bad" thing is all a matter of opinion. I personally liked & enjoyed the Sonic Adventure titles, Sonic Heroes, and even the critically-hated Shadow game just fine. (And I never even really liked that Shadow guy!) Onley recent game I disliked was Sonic Riders, and I don't have a 360, so I haven't played enough of Sonic 2K6 to pass judgement on it.
There are plenty of people out there who do enjoy recent Sonic titles regardless of what some critics on the internet, and in gaming magazines say. (Last I checked, all of those games sold well.)
Though, I admit it wouldn't hurt for Sega to get more better bugtesters for their games.