@TYRANACLES I looked through my copy for you and sadly, I can't find any option for multi-player co-op. That would have been a cool feature! Looks like an error on the store page.
As the world's foremost 3DO fan, this release is a dream come true. I was 15 when this came out for 3DO and in my opinion games were hitting a wonderful stride in creating atmosphere and immersion around this time.
Bought this last night, and only a few seconds in I was transported back to those teenage 90's days where the only things you had to worry about were which girl to ask out, and which game to borrow next from your friend.
A giddy feeling came over me as I wound up the fence lined, cliffside path under the night sky. I think I forgot that I had loved games this much, once. It's been a long time. Very grateful to Nightdive for providing us this time machine. Also, so happy to see 3DO content inexplicably getting some love and attention. I hope it continues. Next up... Gex Trilogy. Let's Goooo!
As a Nintendo kid (and then Nintendo Adult I suppose), I missed out on a lot of great stuff on other consoles. After beating the first one, and now making my way through the sequel, I'm becoming a fan of the Phantasy Star series. Simple JRPG set up, but with flair not found in most of its contemporaries.
Holy mother of pixels! This is a dream. It has to be. April Fools? No!?
This announcement was a dear wish for me that lay far beyond the possibility of any hope. I LOVE Lunar. Played the first one on Sega CD sooooo long ago and every second of the game was pure magic. From that opening animation ('Fighting, through the darkness, all is evil...") to the first time Lunas voice rang out in crystal clear CD stereo, to Nash whipping out his comb to keep the hair in check, through Ghaleon's nasally whine and beyond. Pure. Magic. These will be an immediate part of my collection.
Wishing on a dream that seems far off, hoping it will come today....
I continue my Legends of Gaming chronological play through of the luminaries of gaming history (my most wanted of each console generation).
I completed Final Fantasy 2 (SNES) and said goodbye to Cecil, Kain, Rosa and the rest of those old friends once again, perhaps for the last time. The game was brilliant. I give it a 9/10.
I then decided to update the rules for which games would be considered for the LoG playthrough. Originally, I had intended only for Nintendo consoles to be represented, giving myself a very Nintendo-centric journey back through the hallways of gaming history. But then, in reviewing my total list of 'Most Wanted' games yet to be played, I realized that there were a lot of amazing experiences from other systems that I didn't want to leave out, so I went back and revised the playlist, adding titles from those consoles back in. This meant that we would be traveling back in time a bit, before continuing forward.
First up was 1989's Legendary Axe for the TurboGrafx-16. The game was intensely difficult, but it was important for me to make it through. I've long wanted to play this one, in part because Jun Chikuma, who wrote the music for Faxanadu (my #1 game of all time) was also the composer for Legendary Axe. I picked up on the similarities in the score right away, with Chikuma's effortless ability to craft mood and ambience by bending tempo and melody in nuanced ways. It was extremely satisfying to one-shot enemies with a fully charged axe swing! Unfortunately, the brutal difficulty and cheap shots the game often takes knocks it down a bit. 6/10
With that cleared off the bucket list, we move on to Phantasy Star 2 (Genesis) from 1990. I regularly hear that it represents the worst entry in the series, but I am still eagerly looking forward to conquering it.
Alternate: Dragon Quest 6 (SNES)
Still grinding away in an effort to master all job classes. I'm tired...
Other News:
I pre-ordered Final Fantasy Pixel Perfect Collection for Switch. Also, we bought our tickets for the Portland Retro Game Show. I'm really looking forward to going this year. Besides the amazing sales floor with an embarrassing amount of gaming treasure piled up in abundance, waiting to be sorted through, R.J. Mical is going to be one of the (many amazing) guest speakers. He was the architect of the 3DO hardware (amongst several other notable game industry achievements). I am going to see if I can convince him to sign my 3DO FZ-10 and maybe a copy of Escape from Monster Manor!
Now if you'll excuse me, I have a star system to save!
I made it through the Land of Summoned Monsters and defeated both the King and Queen in a contest of strength, earning the right for Rydia to summon them in battle. The Tower of Bab-il has been reactivated. The Falcon has been fitted with a nose drill, and I can finally move freely between the light and dark worlds.
Time to knock out some side quests. Found a rat tail, gave it to a weird munchkin who traded me some adamantite ore. Took the ore to the world's greatest smith who confiscated my sword of Legend and told me to come back later....
I also visited the basement of Castle Baron.... Odin wiped out my party, despite inflicting 9999 damage on him with Rydia's Lightning 3. Oh well.
Finally, went to visit Edward and see if he was well enough to rejoin the party. He wasn't, but he gave me a clue that led me back to Toroia, which garnered an item that I think I can use to have another old comrade rejoin the group! That's my next stop. Then, back to Odin for another go. Once I exhaust all the available side quests, it's on to Mysidia to continue the story.
Every single second of this game so far has been an absolute joy. It moves along at a steady clip and I don't think I've been bored once, which is more than I can say for so many, more recent titles. The music helps. It does slow down a bit in the underworld with all of the additional dungeons. but even then, the mood set by the games graphics and sounds keeps the experience enchanting even when you're getting in fights every two steps.
Alternate: Dragon Quest 6 (SNES)
Job class grinding. One hour a day. Hero is one rank away from completing Beast Master. Then it's on to Ranger, Magic Knight and Battle Master. Then I'll be 100% complete! Just a few more weeks....
Other:
Secret of Mana for SNES was added to the physical collection this week. I'm looking forward to finally playing it (eventually). Don't know how I've missed it all these years. I remember playing through about the first third. The game looks beautiful and the combat and weapon leveling is addictive, but I remember feeling the soundtrack was overrated. We'll see how those memories hold up.
Also been messing around with Xanadu on the Switch EGG Console. A strange, RPG that can pull you in despite its rather simple presentation.
Made it through the land of the dwarves and am scaling the tower of Babil. Everything seems to be happening so fast compared to modern JRPG's which feel more padded and drawn out. I almost can't believe I'm going to say this, but I think I am enjoying replaying 4 more than I liked FF7 Remake. I actually feel more of an emotional connection with these little sprites, suffering from a spotty language translation, than I did with the characters from FF7R as well. It's strange, but I think there is something in the power of imagination that helps to bond an audience to an experience. Like the difference between reading a book and watching a movie. Both can be special experiences, just in different ways.
Alternate: Dragon Quest 6 (SNES)
One-hour-a-day job class grind continues. Making good progress. The main character only has a few jobs left to master and his list of completed jobs includes Metal Babble, Dragon and Hero. I also successfully captured a Slime Knight and am training him up in the process, so that by the time I am finished mastering all jobs, he will be ready to annihilate the arena!
Other: Games added to the physical collection this week include Star Fox (SNES), Eiyuden Chronicle (Switch) and Visions of Mana (Xbox). I have no idea when I will get to playing any of those since I am currently working my way through the SNES library, but as a mega fan of both Mana and Suikoden, I needed to have these represented in the collection.
Finally, is anyone else loving the EGG Console releases as much as I am? I find it absolutely incredible that these historic and influential Japanese PC-88 and PC-98 games that had been lost to time and locked away from a western audience for 30+ years have suddenly become available. I have often dreamed of playing classic Falcom games like Xanadu, Sorcerian and the original Popful Mail, but had given up hope due to the improbability of them ever being ported. And then, suddenly, a gift from the heavens! I was a little concerned about them not being translated, until I discovered the power of Google Lens. Pointing my cell phone at the TV screen instantly transforms the text into English, like magic. The Lens of Truth!! With this power, no Japanese exclusives are off limits any longer. I think I will start looking into importing some games for my Saturn!
Adventure on, everyone, and happy gaming to you all!
Almost 20 hours in now and the party just arrived in Toroia. Doing some grinding in the nearby lush, green forests. The game moves much faster than I remember. I felt like Cecil's transformation and Palom and Porom's stone sacrifice happened much later in the game. Struck by the beautiful storytelling. Powerful concepts that aren't bogged down by unnecessary exposition. The game takes a "show, don't tell" approach, just like a great movie.
Alternate: Dragon Quest 6 (SNES)
The one hour of grinding job levels per day continues. Just mastered the Metal Babble class after 299 battles and earned the "Big Bang" nuclear bomb skill! Next up for the hero is the Dragon class, which will take 279 battles (or 11 days). Gonna top them all off before diving deep into the alternate dungeon and tackling the secret boss! There are supposed to be little easter eggs from previous games scattered about in the depths of that dungeon!
Retro Collection News
This week's addition was Stunt Race FX. I remember being 14 years old, standing at the SNES demo kiosk at the local (new) Wal-Mart, trying out the game and marveling at the sophistication of the ultra powered SUPER Nintendo. The fact that it was pushing 3D was so amazing to me. Lol The frame rate was horrendous, but I didn't even know what frame rate was yet. The controls were awkward, but that didn't bother me either. The presentation of Stunt Race FX was so polished and clean. It had that Super Nintendo feel. I've wanted the game ever since and only now, 30 years later does it join it's brethren as I continue piecing together my final collection. I think there are 18 titles left on my SNES "Most Wanted" list before I move on to N64 and PS1. Slow and steady.
@dustinprewitt Castlevania 3D Collection would be too good to be true. I would buy it for certain just to have Legacy of Darkness at a reasonable price.
I am super excited for this. These games were a very important part of the golden era of JRPG's. I am looking forward to playing both of these again as I haven't done so since their initial releases on PS1.
Stallion was my favorite from both games. The blue haired elf that runs as fast as the wind! Who were all of your favorites?
Also, is a physical version happening? (I hate that I even have to ask that.) If so, where have you seen it available?
My prediction: Nintendo will announce a price drop for the Switch between now and Christmas but WILL NOT reveal Switch 2 until Jan/Feb next year, with a May or June release.
Metroid Prime 4 will be a cross gen release with a Switch 2 version offered, and the system will launch with a new 3D Mario title. $499.
@Tasuki Thank you for the tip. You never know what goodness you will discover in reading through these comments.
I watched the trailer and like what I'm seeing. Looks almost like an updated version of part 3. I really hope they bring the series composer back for this one. I will definitely be buying!
@DemonKow Agreed. Although if I remember correctly, 4 overdid it a bit with the trope of characters sacrificing themselves for the party (usually just to make a surprise return later to save the party from impending doom!) Lol
Still, love the game and am loving experiencing it again!
The first stop on my chronological "Legends of Gaming" playthrough. Square flexing their design muscle here, showing off everything they had learned up until this point in 1991. The gifts they were soon to bestow upon the world with FF6-FF9, that succession of masterpieces, actually began right here. 4 was the spiritual genesis of all that FF would come to embody. Heart wrenching stories, complex and creative characters, cutting edge visuals, rich atmosphere, fast paced combat, huge worlds to explore and the most gorgeous music to ever grace a television.
Speaking of which, the music in this game is fairly underrated. 6, 7 and 9 take up all the conversation around greatest FF soundtracks, and perhaps rightfully so. 6 is my personal favorite (and favorite JRPG of all time) but the soundtrack to 4 is stellar with almost every single track being an ear worm that you just can't help but sing along to. I miss when games had soundtracks like this.
I am still early on in the playthrough, just about to head through the mountains to Fabul. I loved the fake out the designers hit you with at Damcyan.
After making your way through the Watery Pass, a long, meandering, multi-level underground dungeon, with health, magic and ethers running low, you emerge into daylight and see a town waiting for you at the top of the screen. You begin running toward salvation! Only, half way there, the camera pulls back into a Mode-7 view of the world map, a fleet of airships from the kingdom of Baron appear and decimate the town before flying off! You just got trolled!
What are your favorite memories/characters from FF4? I recently picked up my favorite character of the game, Edward. Yes, the spoony bard that everyone loves to hate. He was my favorite back then, and still is, so far.
More thoughts to come, next week.
Alternate: Dragon Quest 6 (SNES)
Having beat the game last week, I thought it would be fun to master all of the remaining job classes and tackle the bonus post-game dungeon and beat the secret boss. My calculations estimate about 65 additional hours of grinding will be required to complete all job classes to 100%. Yeah, we're going to spread that out. 1 hour a day of grinding job levels in DQ6 before focusing on FF4. Working on Metal Babble right now. Can get about 25 fights in per hour. Only 2 months of grinding to go... lol Wish me luck!
I just beat Dragon Quest 6 (SNES). With that, I've completed 1-6 in the series. I beat part one on an NES when I was 12, and played another about every 5 years or so from that point on. In another 5 years, I'll be ready to tackle part 7. Lol (Look, DQ games are relaxing AND taxing. You have to give yourself a breather after the inevitable grind!)
6 was cool. I liked it better than 5. The graphics were a marvel of pixelized detail and the job system was deep with an unending number of classes and skills to be learned. Navigating the multiple worlds was confusing, the music was repetitive (it seemed like 8-10 tracks total for the whole game) and there was too much grinding required. If I didn't have a deep nostalgic love for Dragon Quest and the coziness of a plodding, traditional JRPG, I'd give the game a 6/10. But since I do... I'll give it a 7.
Next up is an interesting challenge. After completing all of my remaining bucket list NES titles last year, I'm on to SNES before advancing to PS1/N64. I'm playing them in chronological order by release. Just my "most wanted" that I missed out on, and making some pit stops for some old favorites along the way. Now that DQ6 is complete, I'll be revisiting Final Fantasy 2 (4). It will be my first time going through that wonderful story since I originally beat it 30 years ago. Those years went too fast. Can't wait to hear Uematsu's master craftsmanship through my sound system once again!
Dragon Quest 6 (SNES): Making my way through the dark world. Nearing the end now. Been playing this game since February or March, so it's time to finish it off.
Star Wars Dark Forces Remaster (Series X): This remake is an extremely fluid and fun modernization of what was already a legendary gaming experience.
Elden Ring (Series X): After watching my daughter play it for almost two years now, I finally took the plunge and started my own run through. I now understand the reason for so many peoples addiction with these games. The tension of pushing a little further. The satisfaction of watching yourself grow in skill and prowess. The reward for exploration and triumph. It's so fun, we went and bought Bloodborne to try out as well. I remember when my brother was hyped up about the strange and lonely feeling that King's Field covered you in way back on the PS1. It's amazing that FromSoft has been able to retain that token spirit of their games through all these years... or decades, I guess. (Sigh, I'm old. Lol)
Surprised to see Metroid Prime 4 in 2nd place. I guess they waited so long that some of the heat has cooled on the game, huh?
Then again, there's a whole generation of young adults out there that have no familiarity with the Prime games. That's what happens when you allow lifetimes to pass between installments, I guess.
Personally, it's my most anticipated announced Switch game, but I hope it's a cross gen release as I'd like it to look as smooth and shiny as possible, and would love to break in my Switch 2 with a sci-fi epic.
Star Wars: Dark Forces Remaster (Series X)
-Beautiful remaster of the game that streamlines the convoluted PC controls of the original so there is no longer any barrier to enjoyment. A glorious game that makes me miss LucasArts deeply.
Dragon Quest 6 (SNES)
-Grinding away at mastering job classes before going after the legendary armaments.
Cadash is my all time favorite arcade game! I also love the Rastan series (that music!) and Bubble Bobble (also, that music!). I hope they release a physical version. Definite pre-order for me if so.
Kid Icarus would be the perfect candidate for this. I'd love to play a Kid Icarus themed, top down Zelda-like with segments of the game that incorporate the verticality made possible by Pit's ability to fly!
@Cipher36 Right on! So many gems in the 3DO library. So many that would look beautiful uprezzed to HD or 4K. I would love to see more love for the system, which has always been one of my favorites.
This year has been pretty special for 3DO fans though, with PO'ed and Killing Time getting remastered and now Gex upcoming. Never expected to see any of those.
Imagine a Wing Commander anthology with all of the games brought to console in HD. Also, 3DO Road Rash and Need For Speed would be amazing!
@rvcolem1 The first Gex was actually a top tier platformer. It had a level of polish that definitely set it above almost all other mascot platformers besides what Nintendo and Rare were putting out. Graphics were beautiful and controls and gameplay were solid, with some neat innovations like Gex being able to traverse ceilings and background walls. Voice acting in games was still relatively fresh and Dana Gould delivered an iconic performance.
By the time the sequel hit, which had transitioned to 3D, Nintendo and Rare had set the bar so high for quality in that new arena, that 3D platformers from other companies really suffered in comparison. Banjo Kazooie it is not, but that first sequel is still a very fun game. Especially the PSX version which I feel turned out a little better than the N64 game.
Part 3 was a little wonky and the gap between it and it's contemporaries had widened even further.
The legacy of the series still stands however, with the first game securing itself as the official mascot game for the 3DO system and the followups being very popular at the time.
Hopefully you'll give them a try and find some enjoyment from them!
This is probably THE game I would have wanted Nightdive to tackle most, although I never would have dreamed it as a possibility. The news is almost too good to be true.
The technical showpiece of the 3DO with graphics that were incredible for a console in 1995 when it released, now unchained from that system and brought to it's full potential with smoothed over frame rate and controls. The ability to toggle enemies between 3DO sprites and PC FMV is a brilliant touch.
The 3DO was a beautiful piece of tech in the pre-Playstation era. It had an underrated library with some surprising gems that have been lost to time for too long. Between PO'ed, this and Limited Run's upcoming Gex trilogy remaster, I am so happy to finally be able to revisit my wonderful 3DO memories again!
Now if we could somehow get remasters of Escape From Monster Manor, Road Rash 3DO, Need for Speed 3DO, Wing Commander 3, the Shockwave series, Space Hulk, the first two Alone in the Dark's, Deathkeep, Slayer, Crash N' Burn, Quarantine, Immercenary and a remastered/translated Doctor Hauzer and Policenauts. We'd have a pretty good representation of the best of the 3DO system preserved for posterity and new generations of gamers to experience.
I never would have thought to even suggest those games as remaster/remake possibilities, but after this announcement... who knows?
Everybody is wrong on this one. This game is spectacular. Being one of the worlds biggest 3DO fanatics, there is no way I was going to miss this. The 3DO version was impressive for it's time, with fully texture mapped 3D environments, translucent lighting and glass effects and CD quality environmental sound effects to provide extreme immersion, but the frame rate and resolution added an unnecessary level of extra challenge that had to be navigated around (just like Doom and Killing Time on the system).
This remaster resolves those two issues. The game is beautiful in crisp, colorful HD and the controls are silky smooth.
I didn't really know what to expect starting out, but within 20 minutes I found myself smiling, caught up in the pure joy of exploring the surreal levels and hunting down every last bizarre alien enemy. I was transported back to a time when games were actually fun, and despite only wanting to give it a try, I couldn't put the controller down. Now that is rare in the current gaming landscape for me. There is something addictive and strangely immersive about the strange spacecraft world that Any Channel crafted for the player to explore.
I know that the Lead Engine Developer at Nightdive, Samuel Villareal is a HUGE fan of this game (it says so in the credits) and I think they are on to something with this one. The game is so much better than I thought it would be. I hope they continue diving deep into the murky night of wacky and edgy 90's shooters and dredging them up into the light for us to play in 60 FPS glory.
I would implore anyone complaining about this selection for the remaster treatment to give the game a whirl before jumping to conclusions. The world needs more games that are pure, unbridled fun like this one.
@DDFawfulGuy The answer can be gleaned by reviewing what happened when Nintendo released Super Mario 3D All-Stars. A disproportionately small number of resellers scoop up all available supply online making the product scarce, then mark up prices to out of control levels, ruining the experience for gamers who just wanted to play and enjoy the games. Nintendo received a lot of heat from fans for allowing that to occur. This time, they make adjustments to their process that will better protect the market for their target audience and people are still upset. No win scenario?
Comments 487
Re: Rumour: A Rayman Remake May Be On The Cards At Ubisoft
@N00BiSH Hoodlum Havoc? Yes, passed.
Re: Rumour: A Rayman Remake May Be On The Cards At Ubisoft
I would only buy a Rayman product with Michel Ancel involved, so I am happy to hear he is a part of the project.
Re: Review: Killing Time: Resurrected (Switch) - Nightdive Revives A Weirdly Alluring 3DO Curio
@TYRANACLES I looked through my copy for you and sadly, I can't find any option for multi-player co-op. That would have been a cool feature! Looks like an error on the store page.
Re: Review: Killing Time: Resurrected (Switch) - Nightdive Revives A Weirdly Alluring 3DO Curio
As the world's foremost 3DO fan, this release is a dream come true. I was 15 when this came out for 3DO and in my opinion games were hitting a wonderful stride in creating atmosphere and immersion around this time.
Bought this last night, and only a few seconds in I was transported back to those teenage 90's days where the only things you had to worry about were which girl to ask out, and which game to borrow next from your friend.
A giddy feeling came over me as I wound up the fence lined, cliffside path under the night sky. I think I forgot that I had loved games this much, once. It's been a long time. Very grateful to Nightdive for providing us this time machine. Also, so happy to see 3DO content inexplicably getting some love and attention. I hope it continues. Next up... Gex Trilogy. Let's Goooo!
Re: Comedy Horror FPS 'Killing Time: Resurrected' Launches This Month
3DO. The Future is R.E.A.L.
Can't wait to experience the definitive version of this gem!
Re: Ubisoft's Disastrous 2024 May Lead To The Company Going Private
@ShinG67 Agreed.
Re: Talking Point: What Are You Playing This Weekend? (28th September)
Phantasy Star 2 (Genesis)
As a Nintendo kid (and then Nintendo Adult I suppose), I missed out on a lot of great stuff on other consoles. After beating the first one, and now making my way through the sequel, I'm becoming a fan of the Phantasy Star series. Simple JRPG set up, but with flair not found in most of its contemporaries.
These dungeons though.....
Re: Lunar Remastered Collection Revives Beloved '90s JRPG Series On Switch In Spring 2025
@Kisame83 They brought Vay to Steam!? Didn't know that!
Re: Lunar Remastered Collection Revives Beloved '90s JRPG Series On Switch In Spring 2025
@Manah YES! A Wild Arms collection. I never would have thought it possible, but now...? Switch is the RPG dream machine!
Re: Lunar Remastered Collection Revives Beloved '90s JRPG Series On Switch In Spring 2025
Holy mother of pixels! This is a dream. It has to be. April Fools? No!?
This announcement was a dear wish for me that lay far beyond the possibility of any hope. I LOVE Lunar. Played the first one on Sega CD sooooo long ago and every second of the game was pure magic. From that opening animation ('Fighting, through the darkness, all is evil...") to the first time Lunas voice rang out in crystal clear CD stereo, to Nash whipping out his comb to keep the hair in check, through Ghaleon's nasally whine and beyond. Pure. Magic. These will be an immediate part of my collection.
Wishing on a dream that seems far off, hoping it will come today....
It has.
Re: Talking Point: What Are You Playing This Weekend? (21st September)
Primary: Phantasy Star 2 (Genesis)
I continue my Legends of Gaming chronological play through of the luminaries of gaming history (my most wanted of each console generation).
I completed Final Fantasy 2 (SNES) and said goodbye to Cecil, Kain, Rosa and the rest of those old friends once again, perhaps for the last time. The game was brilliant. I give it a 9/10.
I then decided to update the rules for which games would be considered for the LoG playthrough. Originally, I had intended only for Nintendo consoles to be represented, giving myself a very Nintendo-centric journey back through the hallways of gaming history. But then, in reviewing my total list of 'Most Wanted' games yet to be played, I realized that there were a lot of amazing experiences from other systems that I didn't want to leave out, so I went back and revised the playlist, adding titles from those consoles back in. This meant that we would be traveling back in time a bit, before continuing forward.
First up was 1989's Legendary Axe for the TurboGrafx-16. The game was intensely difficult, but it was important for me to make it through. I've long wanted to play this one, in part because Jun Chikuma, who wrote the music for Faxanadu (my #1 game of all time) was also the composer for Legendary Axe. I picked up on the similarities in the score right away, with Chikuma's effortless ability to craft mood and ambience by bending tempo and melody in nuanced ways. It was extremely satisfying to one-shot enemies with a fully charged axe swing! Unfortunately, the brutal difficulty and cheap shots the game often takes knocks it down a bit. 6/10
With that cleared off the bucket list, we move on to Phantasy Star 2 (Genesis) from 1990. I regularly hear that it represents the worst entry in the series, but I am still eagerly looking forward to conquering it.
Alternate: Dragon Quest 6 (SNES)
Still grinding away in an effort to master all job classes. I'm tired...
Other News:
I pre-ordered Final Fantasy Pixel Perfect Collection for Switch. Also, we bought our tickets for the Portland Retro Game Show. I'm really looking forward to going this year. Besides the amazing sales floor with an embarrassing amount of gaming treasure piled up in abundance, waiting to be sorted through, R.J. Mical is going to be one of the (many amazing) guest speakers. He was the architect of the 3DO hardware (amongst several other notable game industry achievements). I am going to see if I can convince him to sign my 3DO FZ-10 and maybe a copy of Escape from Monster Manor!
Now if you'll excuse me, I have a star system to save!
Re: Nintendo Download: 19th September (North America)
This week, I'll be ordering Final Fantasy Pixel Perfect Collection for Switch and adding Super Empire Strikes Back to the physical retro collection.
Also, 2 more titles from the EGG Console digital library on the e-shop!
Re: Poll: With 'Switch 2' Rumours Swirling, Will There Be A September Direct This Year?
No. No there will not be a Switch 2 focused Direct or even reveal this month. Keep your eyes peeled for early February however.
Re: Talking Point: What Are You Playing This Weekend? (14th September)
Primary: Final Fantasy 2 (SNES)
I made it through the Land of Summoned Monsters and defeated both the King and Queen in a contest of strength, earning the right for Rydia to summon them in battle. The Tower of Bab-il has been reactivated. The Falcon has been fitted with a nose drill, and I can finally move freely between the light and dark worlds.
Time to knock out some side quests. Found a rat tail, gave it to a weird munchkin who traded me some adamantite ore. Took the ore to the world's greatest smith who confiscated my sword of Legend and told me to come back later....
I also visited the basement of Castle Baron.... Odin wiped out my party, despite inflicting 9999 damage on him with Rydia's Lightning 3. Oh well.
Finally, went to visit Edward and see if he was well enough to rejoin the party. He wasn't, but he gave me a clue that led me back to Toroia, which garnered an item that I think I can use to have another old comrade rejoin the group! That's my next stop. Then, back to Odin for another go. Once I exhaust all the available side quests, it's on to Mysidia to continue the story.
Every single second of this game so far has been an absolute joy. It moves along at a steady clip and I don't think I've been bored once, which is more than I can say for so many, more recent titles. The music helps. It does slow down a bit in the underworld with all of the additional dungeons. but even then, the mood set by the games graphics and sounds keeps the experience enchanting even when you're getting in fights every two steps.
Alternate: Dragon Quest 6 (SNES)
Job class grinding. One hour a day. Hero is one rank away from completing Beast Master. Then it's on to Ranger, Magic Knight and Battle Master. Then I'll be 100% complete! Just a few more weeks....
Other:
Secret of Mana for SNES was added to the physical collection this week. I'm looking forward to finally playing it (eventually). Don't know how I've missed it all these years. I remember playing through about the first third. The game looks beautiful and the combat and weapon leveling is addictive, but I remember feeling the soundtrack was overrated. We'll see how those memories hold up.
Also been messing around with Xanadu on the Switch EGG Console. A strange, RPG that can pull you in despite its rather simple presentation.
Re: Talking Point: What Are You Playing This Weekend? (7th September)
@daveMcFlave +10 gamer points for playing Shining Force CD, and an additional 10 for having a Sega CD and a Saturn!
Re: Random: Fans Are Begging Nintendo's Ex President To Sell His N64 Collection
@BANJO Let's not think about such sad things, just yet. lol I'm passing my collection down to my kids.
Re: Talking Point: What Are You Playing This Weekend? (7th September)
Primary: Final Fantasy 4 (SNES)
Made it through the land of the dwarves and am scaling the tower of Babil. Everything seems to be happening so fast compared to modern JRPG's which feel more padded and drawn out. I almost can't believe I'm going to say this, but I think I am enjoying replaying 4 more than I liked FF7 Remake. I actually feel more of an emotional connection with these little sprites, suffering from a spotty language translation, than I did with the characters from FF7R as well. It's strange, but I think there is something in the power of imagination that helps to bond an audience to an experience. Like the difference between reading a book and watching a movie. Both can be special experiences, just in different ways.
Alternate: Dragon Quest 6 (SNES)
One-hour-a-day job class grind continues. Making good progress. The main character only has a few jobs left to master and his list of completed jobs includes Metal Babble, Dragon and Hero. I also successfully captured a Slime Knight and am training him up in the process, so that by the time I am finished mastering all jobs, he will be ready to annihilate the arena!
Other: Games added to the physical collection this week include Star Fox (SNES), Eiyuden Chronicle (Switch) and Visions of Mana (Xbox). I have no idea when I will get to playing any of those since I am currently working my way through the SNES library, but as a mega fan of both Mana and Suikoden, I needed to have these represented in the collection.
Finally, is anyone else loving the EGG Console releases as much as I am? I find it absolutely incredible that these historic and influential Japanese PC-88 and PC-98 games that had been lost to time and locked away from a western audience for 30+ years have suddenly become available. I have often dreamed of playing classic Falcom games like Xanadu, Sorcerian and the original Popful Mail, but had given up hope due to the improbability of them ever being ported. And then, suddenly, a gift from the heavens! I was a little concerned about them not being translated, until I discovered the power of Google Lens. Pointing my cell phone at the TV screen instantly transforms the text into English, like magic. The Lens of Truth!! With this power, no Japanese exclusives are off limits any longer. I think I will start looking into importing some games for my Saturn!
Adventure on, everyone, and happy gaming to you all!
Re: Talking Point: What Are You Playing This Weekend? (31st August)
@Qwiff A pirate I was meant to be, Trim the sails and roam the seas!
Re: Talking Point: What Are You Playing This Weekend? (31st August)
Primary: Final Fantasy 2 (SNES)
Almost 20 hours in now and the party just arrived in Toroia. Doing some grinding in the nearby lush, green forests. The game moves much faster than I remember. I felt like Cecil's transformation and Palom and Porom's stone sacrifice happened much later in the game. Struck by the beautiful storytelling. Powerful concepts that aren't bogged down by unnecessary exposition. The game takes a "show, don't tell" approach, just like a great movie.
Alternate: Dragon Quest 6 (SNES)
The one hour of grinding job levels per day continues. Just mastered the Metal Babble class after 299 battles and earned the "Big Bang" nuclear bomb skill! Next up for the hero is the Dragon class, which will take 279 battles (or 11 days). Gonna top them all off before diving deep into the alternate dungeon and tackling the secret boss! There are supposed to be little easter eggs from previous games scattered about in the depths of that dungeon!
Retro Collection News
This week's addition was Stunt Race FX. I remember being 14 years old, standing at the SNES demo kiosk at the local (new) Wal-Mart, trying out the game and marveling at the sophistication of the ultra powered SUPER Nintendo. The fact that it was pushing 3D was so amazing to me. Lol The frame rate was horrendous, but I didn't even know what frame rate was yet. The controls were awkward, but that didn't bother me either. The presentation of Stunt Race FX was so polished and clean. It had that Super Nintendo feel. I've wanted the game ever since and only now, 30 years later does it join it's brethren as I continue piecing together my final collection. I think there are 18 titles left on my SNES "Most Wanted" list before I move on to N64 and PS1. Slow and steady.
Re: Suikoden I & II HD Remaster Brings Konami's JRPG Classics To Switch Next Year
@LavaTwilight Ah yes, the enigmatic and powerful Jean! Nice choice!
Re: 'Castlevania Dominus Collection' Brings Three DS Classics To Switch Today
@dustinprewitt Castlevania 3D Collection would be too good to be true. I would buy it for certain just to have Legacy of Darkness at a reasonable price.
Re: Suikoden I & II HD Remaster Brings Konami's JRPG Classics To Switch Next Year
I am super excited for this. These games were a very important part of the golden era of JRPG's. I am looking forward to playing both of these again as I haven't done so since their initial releases on PS1.
Stallion was my favorite from both games. The blue haired elf that runs as fast as the wind! Who were all of your favorites?
Also, is a physical version happening? (I hate that I even have to ask that.) If so, where have you seen it available?
Re: Nintendo Indie World & Partner Direct Announced For Tomorrow, August 27th 2024
My prediction: Nintendo will announce a price drop for the Switch between now and Christmas but WILL NOT reveal Switch 2 until Jan/Feb next year, with a May or June release.
Metroid Prime 4 will be a cross gen release with a Switch 2 version offered, and the system will launch with a new 3D Mario title. $499.
Just guesses, but let's see what happens.
Re: Talking Point: What Are You Playing This Weekend? (24th August)
@Tasuki Thank you for the tip. You never know what goodness you will discover in reading through these comments.
I watched the trailer and like what I'm seeing. Looks almost like an updated version of part 3. I really hope they bring the series composer back for this one. I will definitely be buying!
Re: Talking Point: What Are You Playing This Weekend? (24th August)
@DemonKow Agreed. Although if I remember correctly, 4 overdid it a bit with the trope of characters sacrificing themselves for the party (usually just to make a surprise return later to save the party from impending doom!) Lol
Still, love the game and am loving experiencing it again!
Re: Talking Point: What Are You Playing This Weekend? (24th August)
@Tasuki Did you say new HOMM?!?!?
Re: Talking Point: What Are You Playing This Weekend? (24th August)
Primary: Final Fantasy 2 (SNES)
The first stop on my chronological "Legends of Gaming" playthrough. Square flexing their design muscle here, showing off everything they had learned up until this point in 1991. The gifts they were soon to bestow upon the world with FF6-FF9, that succession of masterpieces, actually began right here. 4 was the spiritual genesis of all that FF would come to embody. Heart wrenching stories, complex and creative characters, cutting edge visuals, rich atmosphere, fast paced combat, huge worlds to explore and the most gorgeous music to ever grace a television.
Speaking of which, the music in this game is fairly underrated. 6, 7 and 9 take up all the conversation around greatest FF soundtracks, and perhaps rightfully so. 6 is my personal favorite (and favorite JRPG of all time) but the soundtrack to 4 is stellar with almost every single track being an ear worm that you just can't help but sing along to. I miss when games had soundtracks like this.
I am still early on in the playthrough, just about to head through the mountains to Fabul. I loved the fake out the designers hit you with at Damcyan.
After making your way through the Watery Pass, a long, meandering, multi-level underground dungeon, with health, magic and ethers running low, you emerge into daylight and see a town waiting for you at the top of the screen. You begin running toward salvation! Only, half way there, the camera pulls back into a Mode-7 view of the world map, a fleet of airships from the kingdom of Baron appear and decimate the town before flying off! You just got trolled!
What are your favorite memories/characters from FF4? I recently picked up my favorite character of the game, Edward. Yes, the spoony bard that everyone loves to hate. He was my favorite back then, and still is, so far.
More thoughts to come, next week.
Alternate: Dragon Quest 6 (SNES)
Having beat the game last week, I thought it would be fun to master all of the remaining job classes and tackle the bonus post-game dungeon and beat the secret boss. My calculations estimate about 65 additional hours of grinding will be required to complete all job classes to 100%. Yeah, we're going to spread that out. 1 hour a day of grinding job levels in DQ6 before focusing on FF4. Working on Metal Babble right now. Can get about 25 fights in per hour. Only 2 months of grinding to go... lol Wish me luck!
Re: No, Hollow Knight: Silksong Won't Be At Gamescom Opening Night Live
The game is a lie.
Re: Talking Point: What Are You Playing This Weekend? (17th August)
I just beat Dragon Quest 6 (SNES). With that, I've completed 1-6 in the series. I beat part one on an NES when I was 12, and played another about every 5 years or so from that point on. In another 5 years, I'll be ready to tackle part 7. Lol (Look, DQ games are relaxing AND taxing. You have to give yourself a breather after the inevitable grind!)
6 was cool. I liked it better than 5. The graphics were a marvel of pixelized detail and the job system was deep with an unending number of classes and skills to be learned. Navigating the multiple worlds was confusing, the music was repetitive (it seemed like 8-10 tracks total for the whole game) and there was too much grinding required. If I didn't have a deep nostalgic love for Dragon Quest and the coziness of a plodding, traditional JRPG, I'd give the game a 6/10. But since I do... I'll give it a 7.
Next up is an interesting challenge. After completing all of my remaining bucket list NES titles last year, I'm on to SNES before advancing to PS1/N64. I'm playing them in chronological order by release. Just my "most wanted" that I missed out on, and making some pit stops for some old favorites along the way. Now that DQ6 is complete, I'll be revisiting Final Fantasy 2 (4). It will be my first time going through that wonderful story since I originally beat it 30 years ago. Those years went too fast. Can't wait to hear Uematsu's master craftsmanship through my sound system once again!
Lally-Ho!
Re: Baten Kaitos Soundtracks Now Available On Various Music Platforms
Legendary soundtracks by Sakuraba-San. Great tracks throughout.
Re: Talking Point: What Are You Playing This Weekend? (10th August)
@Zuljaras Hey, happy to see Faxanadu get some love! My favorite gane of all time!
Re: Talking Point: What Are You Playing This Weekend? (10th August)
Dragon Quest 6 (SNES): Making my way through the dark world. Nearing the end now. Been playing this game since February or March, so it's time to finish it off.
Star Wars Dark Forces Remaster (Series X): This remake is an extremely fluid and fun modernization of what was already a legendary gaming experience.
Elden Ring (Series X): After watching my daughter play it for almost two years now, I finally took the plunge and started my own run through. I now understand the reason for so many peoples addiction with these games. The tension of pushing a little further. The satisfaction of watching yourself grow in skill and prowess. The reward for exploration and triumph. It's so fun, we went and bought Bloodborne to try out as well. I remember when my brother was hyped up about the strange and lonely feeling that King's Field covered you in way back on the PS1. It's amazing that FromSoft has been able to retain that token spirit of their games through all these years... or decades, I guess. (Sigh, I'm old. Lol)
Re: Switch On Track To Surpass PS2's Lifetime Sales In The US
Nintendomination!
Switch will reign supreme!
Re: Ed Boon Teases First Look At The Next Mortal Kombat Movie
They better do justice to Johnny!
Re: Nintendo Reconfirms Release Windows For Major Upcoming Switch Games
Surprised to see Metroid Prime 4 in 2nd place. I guess they waited so long that some of the heat has cooled on the game, huh?
Then again, there's a whole generation of young adults out there that have no familiarity with the Prime games. That's what happens when you allow lifetimes to pass between installments, I guess.
Personally, it's my most anticipated announced Switch game, but I hope it's a cross gen release as I'd like it to look as smooth and shiny as possible, and would love to break in my Switch 2 with a sci-fi epic.
Re: Talking Point: What Are You Playing This Weekend? (27th July)
Star Wars: Dark Forces Remaster (Series X)
-Beautiful remaster of the game that streamlines the convoluted PC controls of the original so there is no longer any barrier to enjoyment. A glorious game that makes me miss LucasArts deeply.
Dragon Quest 6 (SNES)
-Grinding away at mastering job classes before going after the legendary armaments.
Re: Legacy Of Kain: Soul Reaver I & II Remastered Branding Spotted At SDCC
The voice actor for Raziel also voiced my favorite G1 Transformer, Prowl.
These are legendary games and deserve to be brought back out of limbo and into the current dimension.
Will definitely buy, if legit.
Re: Taito Milestones 3 For Switch Locks In Japanese Release, Here Are The 10 Games Included
Cadash is my all time favorite arcade game! I also love the Rastan series (that music!) and Bubble Bobble (also, that music!). I hope they release a physical version. Definite pre-order for me if so.
Re: Random: Homebrew Dev Acquires 'Tengen' Brand, Launches Unlicensed NES Game
Tengen's Gauntlet for NES holds a cherished place in my collection.
I've not seen such bravery!
Re: Talking Point: Could Another Nintendo Series Take Over The 'Traditional' Zelda Template?
Kid Icarus would be the perfect candidate for this. I'd love to play a Kid Icarus themed, top down Zelda-like with segments of the game that incorporate the verticality made possible by Pit's ability to fly!
Re: Here's Your First Look At The Gex Trilogy For Nintendo Switch
@Cipher36 Right on! So many gems in the 3DO library. So many that would look beautiful uprezzed to HD or 4K. I would love to see more love for the system, which has always been one of my favorites.
This year has been pretty special for 3DO fans though, with PO'ed and Killing Time getting remastered and now Gex upcoming. Never expected to see any of those.
Imagine a Wing Commander anthology with all of the games brought to console in HD. Also, 3DO Road Rash and Need For Speed would be amazing!
Re: Here's Your First Look At The Gex Trilogy For Nintendo Switch
@rvcolem1 The first Gex was actually a top tier platformer. It had a level of polish that definitely set it above almost all other mascot platformers besides what Nintendo and Rare were putting out. Graphics were beautiful and controls and gameplay were solid, with some neat innovations like Gex being able to traverse ceilings and background walls. Voice acting in games was still relatively fresh and Dana Gould delivered an iconic performance.
By the time the sequel hit, which had transitioned to 3D, Nintendo and Rare had set the bar so high for quality in that new arena, that 3D platformers from other companies really suffered in comparison. Banjo Kazooie it is not, but that first sequel is still a very fun game. Especially the PSX version which I feel turned out a little better than the N64 game.
Part 3 was a little wonky and the gap between it and it's contemporaries had widened even further.
The legacy of the series still stands however, with the first game securing itself as the official mascot game for the 3DO system and the followups being very popular at the time.
Hopefully you'll give them a try and find some enjoyment from them!
Re: Here's Your First Look At The Gex Trilogy For Nintendo Switch
How long have I waited for thee, oh jester of amphibious design?
As the years built within me, like a vineyard flushed with wine,
Against all hope, thine countenance, the thread of age unwinds,
Thine voice, the echo of a dream, Oh yeah, it is Tail Time,
Thine tongue emerges from the age of 32 bit glory,
On 3DO, that shining blade, thou set upon thine story,
Each step wouldst carry thee away, upon forgotten roads,
But now the lizard rises, 'tis time to lock and load,
All hail the leaping lizard, take heed the prophet says,
For light doth cast a shadow, and this one summons... REZ!
But we shall not be shaken, for Gex shall make his stand,
And all those who remember, wield joysticks in thine hands,
And seek ye out remote controls, and every babe in lace,
For it's about to get stranger than the 4th at Rick James' place.
Welcome back Gex. I've missed you.
Re: Poll: How Would You Rate The Summer Game Fest 2024 Opening Showcase?
Metaphor, Mechabreak and Enotria were the only games that looked interesting to me.
Re: Comedy Horror 'Killing Time: Resurrected' Announced By Nightdive Studios
This is probably THE game I would have wanted Nightdive to tackle most, although I never would have dreamed it as a possibility. The news is almost too good to be true.
The technical showpiece of the 3DO with graphics that were incredible for a console in 1995 when it released, now unchained from that system and brought to it's full potential with smoothed over frame rate and controls. The ability to toggle enemies between 3DO sprites and PC FMV is a brilliant touch.
The 3DO was a beautiful piece of tech in the pre-Playstation era. It had an underrated library with some surprising gems that have been lost to time for too long. Between PO'ed, this and Limited Run's upcoming Gex trilogy remaster, I am so happy to finally be able to revisit my wonderful 3DO memories again!
Now if we could somehow get remasters of Escape From Monster Manor, Road Rash 3DO, Need for Speed 3DO, Wing Commander 3, the Shockwave series, Space Hulk, the first two Alone in the Dark's, Deathkeep, Slayer, Crash N' Burn, Quarantine, Immercenary and a remastered/translated Doctor Hauzer and Policenauts. We'd have a pretty good representation of the best of the 3DO system preserved for posterity and new generations of gamers to experience.
I never would have thought to even suggest those games as remaster/remake possibilities, but after this announcement... who knows?
Bless Nightdive!
Re: Rumour: It Looks Like Nightdive Studios' Next Remaster Is 2002's 'The Thing'
They just announced they are remastering 3DO's Killing Time. I am stunned as it is a game I've wanted Nightdive to tackle for years. So excited!
Re: Review: PO'ed: Definitive Edition (Switch) - A Welcome Return For A Weird And (Sometimes) Wonderful FPS
Everybody is wrong on this one. This game is spectacular. Being one of the worlds biggest 3DO fanatics, there is no way I was going to miss this. The 3DO version was impressive for it's time, with fully texture mapped 3D environments, translucent lighting and glass effects and CD quality environmental sound effects to provide extreme immersion, but the frame rate and resolution added an unnecessary level of extra challenge that had to be navigated around (just like Doom and Killing Time on the system).
This remaster resolves those two issues. The game is beautiful in crisp, colorful HD and the controls are silky smooth.
I didn't really know what to expect starting out, but within 20 minutes I found myself smiling, caught up in the pure joy of exploring the surreal levels and hunting down every last bizarre alien enemy. I was transported back to a time when games were actually fun, and despite only wanting to give it a try, I couldn't put the controller down. Now that is rare in the current gaming landscape for me. There is something addictive and strangely immersive about the strange spacecraft world that Any Channel crafted for the player to explore.
I know that the Lead Engine Developer at Nightdive, Samuel Villareal is a HUGE fan of this game (it says so in the credits) and I think they are on to something with this one. The game is so much better than I thought it would be. I hope they continue diving deep into the murky night of wacky and edgy 90's shooters and dredging them up into the light for us to play in 60 FPS glory.
I would implore anyone complaining about this selection for the remaster treatment to give the game a whirl before jumping to conclusions. The world needs more games that are pure, unbridled fun like this one.
Re: Paper Mario: The Thousand-Year Door Online Pre-Orders Are Apparently Being Cancelled (US)
@DDFawfulGuy The answer can be gleaned by reviewing what happened when Nintendo released Super Mario 3D All-Stars. A disproportionately small number of resellers scoop up all available supply online making the product scarce, then mark up prices to out of control levels, ruining the experience for gamers who just wanted to play and enjoy the games. Nintendo received a lot of heat from fans for allowing that to occur. This time, they make adjustments to their process that will better protect the market for their target audience and people are still upset. No win scenario?
Re: Paper Mario: The Thousand-Year Door Online Pre-Orders Are Apparently Being Cancelled (US)
Anti-Scalper tactic. Beautifully done Nintendo! Those who truly want it physical will get it.
Re: Nintendo Direct June 2024 Confirmed To Boost An Otherwise Quiet Year For Switch
@Pillowpants I like these ideas. I would love most of those too, especially Majora's Mask, Eternal Darkness and Golden Sun