My locals GAME stores closed down, I think they're meant to be opening one in Sports Direct, though to be honest, I mostly buy digital games on Switch.
The few physical games I have are from CEX where I've traded stuff in for vouchers.
Finished Full Void on Switch in the week which was good. I did pick up an original Japanese SNES cart of Super Castlevania IV in the week at a retro game shop, so a good excuse for another play through of one of my favouite games of all time. I'm also thinking might give the Master System version of Sonic 2 a playthrough, I'm sure I have the cartridge around somewhere.
I also finally bough Road Redemption in the latest Switch sale. It's a bit rough, but for a lower price, seems a good deal for some modernised Road Rash style gameplay.
@JohnnyMind I agree, Sonic bosses are best for me where they balance a challenge with skill, though I've never found them the most enjoyable aspect. They can be too easy though, like Chemical Plant in Sonic 2, where you can bounce directly on the boss 8 times before he can instigate his first attack. Overall I prefer the fights to be fast so the overall pacing is kept up. If the window for attack for the boss is too narrow with large wind ups in between, it can be frustrating, and I feel superstars has that issue with a few of them. Overall though, I really do enjoy the game.
As a long term fan since the Mega Drive and Master System, I actually think its good. First 3D rendered Sonic that plays more like the classic games and has actual platforming and different routes through the stages like Sonic 1, not just speed thorough set peice after set peice. Also, I'd take the visual cutbacks for 60fps on Switch. Looks nice on the OLED native and since launch the updates seems to have improved performance in the couple of zones I noticed it faltering. My main issues are the bosses break the pacing up quite badly and visual cut backs on Switch are more noticable docked. I hear the multiplayer is bad but I've not touched it.
Working so not much gaming time, but I have started Like a Dragon Gaiden on PS4. It actually runs really well on PS4, though I kind of paused the story once I reached the arcade in game, and started playing Daytona USA 2 and Virtua Fighter 2!
On Switch, probably some Asteroids or Centipede Recharged, as I picked them up in the recent eShop sale.
This is really great news, I've not played the game but I do like the genre and have a lot of nostalgia for playing Dungeon Master on my friends Atari ST.
I still remember seeing Mario 64 on a demo unit in HMV in the London Trocadero at the time, with the 'it's a me' intro, and heading back out to play the arcades in ''SEGA World'. What a time for gaming it was.
I finished up replaying Arkham Asylum and City on Switch, so moved onto Origins on PS3, which still looks and plays well for a late PS3 release.
I got an Evercade VS. over Christmas but out of the box it wouldn't update, which was a shame as wanted to play some Midnight Resistance. I did update the A500 Mini though, so may play some Time Bandit as used to play that game on my friend's Atari ST back in the day.
@Lanmanna The PS4 version of FoC was only availble digitally for a really short period if I remember, and with little publicity... useful if I ever get a PS5 as should be BC. Its a real shame those games are not available now digitally to purchase.
Delisting of licensed games is a always shame, even if they're are not great games... if you miss them. I have the Simpsons Arcade game on PS3 and Transformers Fall of Cybertron on PS4, but missed OutRun Online Arcade on PS3. When I think of some of the great C64 Ocean movie licences (Platoon, Batman the Movie) which wont be ever be officially released on any retro collections, it is unfortunate.
I did buy their recent Jurrasic park compilation digitally, I'd never played the Megadrive games and enjoyed a few of the other titles on there.
Last few weekends when have some gaming time been replaying Arham Asylum and City on Switch. Asylum just got an update which seems to have improved the performance to match City. As its nearly Christmas, I might finally dust off the PS3 for some Arkham Origins as its the only way I have to play the game at the moment. I forgot how enjoyable I found this series, although Knight less so because of all the tank battles.
Retro wise, might play some Turrican 2 and 3 on the Anthology collections.
Not sure how I feel about the 3D Golden Axe and Streets of Rage. I can't think of a 3D scrolling beat 'em up that's ever really worked as good as the best 2D ones. It's just harder to judge space in 3D. Crazy Taxi makes sense, I just hope it's as good as the original, there was a real skill to mastering that game, like all the best arcades. I really do like Sonic Superstars though, I think it's a step in the right direction and the 60fps on Switch was a good choice.
The should really give us a Model 3 collection though now they have it emulated... I need to buy the new Like a Dragon game for Daytona 2. I like the Yakuza series, but be good to have the arcades sold as an AGES line.
OutRun 3 is overdue and SEGA Rally... Shining Force, Panzer Dragoon (and Saga), Burning Rangers...
@Andee I also missed the PSN version of OutRun Online Arcade, I have the Physical PC version of Coast to Coast and the Xbox port, which runs mostly OK on 360 at least. A digital reissue would be great, though very unlikely due to licensing.
I've not really enjoyed a GTA game since Vice City and San Andreas. I liked the historical and cultural reference points of those games, with their specific 80s and 90s settings. I guess to create a similar historical settings, would limit their audience in a sense. GTA 4 and 5 just were just not games I enjoyed to play. The contemporary social media focus of the trailer for the new game, isn't something that resonates with me.
It looks technically really good though, the artistry of the environments is impressive. It wouldn't affect my decision to buy a Switch 2 either way.
Nice! I had the Christmas DLC for Dreamcast Sonic Adventure... was cool, the acapella version of the nights theme would play if you touched the Christmas Tree in Station Square. I still have my Christmas Nights into Dreams disc for Saturn too.
Time for OutRun 3 I'd say, I'd be happy to just see 2 licensed once more as it's one of the best arcade racers I've played. Not sure about the 3D approach to Streets of Rage and Golden Axe, but will be cautiously optimistic for now.
Really I think they should put out some good retro arcade collections and some Model 3 arcade ports. It's so strange they've put Daytona USA 2 in the new Like a Dragon Gaiden game, rather than also just selling it as a proper arcade port.
Still enyoying replaying Arkham Asylum and City on Switch, Knight...not so much, it's an awful port, but I was never as keen on that game anyway. Playing the Batman games is also making think I might load up Ocean's C64 Batman the Movie game for some nostalgia.
Other proper retro this weekend is Balloon Kid on Game Boy (on 3DS VC). I really hope Nintendo expands the NSO Library soon, this game would be a good fit and the strangely absent Super Mario Land.
I've mainly played City, which is good and a preferred way to play than the 'Return' version I have for PS4. Hopefully Asylum can be improved by the time I get through my replay of City. They look really nice on the OLED too. Knight is... well, it reminds me of The Amazing Spiderman or RE Revelations 2 on Vita, but it also is very unstable and crashes a fair bit. There also seems to be a weird a saving bug where you have to keep retring your back-up save to not lose progress. Origins should have been the third game, Knight was never going to work...
It did make me boot up my PS4 version of Knight and it's night and day visually, though I never liked the Batmobile from a gameplay perspective.
I thought would try the Arkham games on Switch though was going to wait, City seems good, preferable to the PS4 version of Return as I prefer the original look of the game, and the 30fps seems mostly stable.
Knight is very compromised though, I feel they have really tried, but even with the reduction in texture and image resolution, reduced geometry and effects, the framerate is nowhere near the target 30fps most of the time. Origins should have been the 3rd game here for me, even if its not part of the Rocksteady trilogy, technically. Still worth it for Asylum and City for me though, I'm looking forward to replaying on the OLED.
I played both at a friends house who had an NES, so these games are tied up with those memories for me. I was a C64 gamer as that was far cheaper here in the UK, with games on cassette going for as little as a few quid compared to expensive NES carts. I liked the atmosphere of Castlevania a lot, and Super Castlevania IV would go on to become one of my favouite video games of all time. I only beat Castlevania 2 myself when the NES mini came out, with some help from a guide. Zelda 2, I've never managed to get into, but I do like the music. 35 years though... where did that go.
@blindsquirrel Yep, I really enjoyed Origins and it's DLC on my PS3 after the first two games, I still have my copy! It would have been a much better fit for Switch. I got a PS4 around launch in part to play Knight (...and Bloodborne), but I think I actually preferred Origins in the end. I also bought the 'return' versions on PS4 and regretted it as City ran really bad.
While Asylum and City look OK, Knight really doesn't. The eShop trailer looks like the PS4 version too. It's a shame they don't seem to be available for seperate purchase as I'd like to replay City on Switch at least. £50 though, with Knight looking as rough as it does.... I realise Origins was a different developer, but would have probably made for a better performing set of games here and they could have saved Knight for a possible Switch successor.
@Truegamer79 Origins was a game I really enjoyed on PS3, it would have been perfect for a December release.
Some early gameplay videos of Arkham Knight are out and it's looking... not great, pop in, inconsistent fps, low resolution textures, and a lot of visual compromises (though may be pre patch). I'm not surprised, as it pushed the PS4. Origins would have been a much better fit for Switch. Asylum and City look OK though.
Pitfall! would be one I'd want, or Kangeroo for something obscure, which was an odd little arcade port I had at the time. The arcade version of Kangeroo is on the Arcade Archives, but I'd inherited the 2600 cart and played it a lot at the time.
I prefer it to Frontiers, and I bought both. This is the first time an official 3D rendered Sonic game has more accurately matched the classic Mega Drive games for its physics and gameplay. My only issues really are some overly long boss encounters, and some flat musical arrangements. I'm glad they prioritised fps over graphics on Switch, for portable play at least, it looks really quite good. I've not bothered with the multiplayer.
As a fan since 91', it's the best Sonic game I've played in a long time (along with Mania, but even that had some overly long acts late game for me). I just hope they don't abandon what they have here and start over again, building upon this style could really work. I like how this game slows things down with actual proper platforming and not just speed, it's more like the first game which is still my favourite in the series.
Still a shame the non Rocksteady 'Origins' isn't included, I really enjoyed it and it's dlc on PS3. I think it's underrated, plus its set at Christmas which would have been a great time to play it again.
Much as Knight impressed me with it's visuals and scale on my then new PS4 (if not it's tank battles), I'd almost rather go back to Origins, I might actually replay if on PS3 for the season.
Not too fussed on this suit for Knight, I always played with the 89 movie suit (and cruising about Gotham in the Tim Burton movie Batmobile was fun even if it didn't transform into a tank).
Will wait to see how these perform on Switch, I believe they are based on the original versions, the 'remaster' of City on PS4 was a mess performance wise, and they never fixed it. I regretted my purchase and the PS3 version was better.
I skipped the Wii U... I'd not bought a 'HD' console and really enjoyed the Wii but when the Wii U lauched, it just didn't grab me. I bought a PS3 Super Slim to compliment my 3DS which was really cheap and ended up getting a PS4 at launch. The Switch really brought me back to Nintendo consoles and I've so far skipped PS5, waiting to see how Switch 2 turns out.
Wii U is probably the equivalent to the Dreamcast for Nintendo fans, a shame SEGA never had another shot at hardware!
It's weird as I remember the whole hype up to the 3DS and Wii U launch on Nintendo Life and discussing it at the time.
Picked up the Jurrasic Park Classic Games Collection and King of Fighters XIII. I'd never played the Mega Drive version of Jurrasic Park which, despite its shortcomings, I've found quite enjoyable to play, it has a pretty unique atmosphere. The Game Boy version of Chaos Continues is a fun little game.
Also, that Ocean logo on the Nintendo versions has a lot of nostalgia for me from the 8-bit mirco days. Makes me want to break out the C64 for some Platoon and Batman the Movie.
Been getting back into King of Fighters and played some online, I did have the game on PS3 but I started the series on the Saturn and played the Dreamcast releases too. The online works really well in the new release.
I played the collection and Chaos Continues on Game Boy I quite like, seems a enjoyable little game to discover, with very 'C64' style chip tune music. Also find it interesting to see what Ocean were doing on the SNES in the 90s, as they were such a big part of the 8-bit mirco market in the UK. Chaos Continues on the SNES, while a not a good game, does seem to draw elements of it's design from Platoon which I played on the C64. These Ocean games really do feel more like something we would have played on a UK micro computer at the time, but slightly expanded on consoles.
After your recent article, found myself going back to Tears of the Kingdom, finishing the 4th Temple and working on some side quests...I'd got a bit tired of the game after about 130 hours, but since have got back into it.
Also completed Super Mario wonder, so going to go back and look for the seeds I have missed.
Playing some Double Dragon Advance, great to have the game back on the Switch as is one of my favourite scrolling beat 'em ups. Also still to finish Super Mario Wonder and replaying Alien Isolation on Switch.
Depends, if Switch 2 is better in every way including an OLED screen, I guess the new model would replace the old. I have a Lite and an OLED and the Lite mostly gets dusty, though I occasionally play it. The Lite convinced me to buy the OLED to be honest, as I realised I was mostly gaming on the Switch over my PS4.
I kept my NES theme GBA SP though when I got a DS Lite, mainly as I like the design. Still have my launch 3DS and a 2DS XL too, which I still play on occasion.
@JohnnyMind Always glad to recommend this game. It has the quality of some of the best arcade games in that it seems simple at first, but has more depth than first appears, which becomes apparent as you play.
I do miss the VW Beetle 'Scoop Moto' poster on the first stage though which has been left as just an empty grey box, I assume for legal reasons. It's a minor visual thing and doesn't effect the game of course, but if you played the original arcade in the 80s, the Beetle poster (much like the Marilyn Munroe images in Shinobi, or the Testarossa in OutRun) are quite iconic.
@JohnnyMind Advance is great, there's certainly more technique to learn than most side scrolling beat 'em ups. You can run into three different attacks, crouch into two special attacks, stun to chain attacks and ground attack downed enemies... Once you do, it's really satisfying to play.
The emulation here is great too, several screen sizes, scan lines, multiple saves (with a protect option), sound enhancement options. It still looks a bit washed out colour-wise, as is a GBA game, but except for that, the presentation is really good.
@sdelfin Yep, once you get a handle on the controls, the variety of moves and speed in Advance are exceptional within the genre. I remember waiting for the game's release (hard to believe it's 20 years old), and the PAL release never happened. Thankfully I knew a good shop for imports at the time who had some US copies in, was one of my most played GBA games. This new version is really nicely presented, great to have the game back on the Switch.
A good selection there... I'd recommend Alien Isolation, not an exclusive, but an outstanding Switch port that excels over the PS4 version in it's image quality. I'm replaying the game on Switch at the moment.
Didn't you guys inherit the 'VC Reviews' site? I had an account on there back as far as 2009 I think, discussing all things retro on the Wii VC, but I lost access somewhere along the way so created a new one. I think I remember VC Reviews joining Nintendo Life, but was a long time ago. Have had some great retro gaming discussions over the years, and enjoy the news and reviews.
Anyway, Happy 18th Birthday to this site, and many more as they say!
I remember going to see the first film, was a big thing at the time. Had to look a few of these games up, interesting to see some of Ocean's later console releases as they were such a big part of the 8-bit mirco market here in the UK. The Game Boy 'Chaos Continues' made me laugh, a very Beano looking Dr. Grant with a gun, blasting dinosaurs... It looks like a much better collection than when first advertised, so will see how the emulation and presentation looks.
Suprised you don't mention the crouch walk in MGS 3D, I really liked that addition to the gameplay and the photo camo was fun too. Shame the framerate is so low. I remember enjoying Twin Snakes, think I played it after MGS2, I still have my copy somewhere. I remeber playing the original on a friends PS1 and liking the game (I had a Saturn at time, so no MGS for me)!
Ended up buying Ghostbusters Unleashed on PS4 sale as I was enjoying playing on Switch, but the performance was a bit lacking for TV play.
On Switch been playing Castlevania Legends which is much better than 'The Adventure' at least, glad they added to NSO, as is missing from the collection release and I'd not played it before.
Also almost to the end of Super Maro Wonder, it's such a great game, made me want to go and play Super Mario Land again (still hoping it's added to NSO soon).
@DogDetective Their Terminator: Resistance game was really good too, low budget, but you could tell they really wanted to make something which fans of the movies would appreciate.
Sonic Superstars is great, I'm enjoying the game as much as Wonder, but I felt like that about Sonic on the MegaDrive and Super Mario world. Both great, in different ways. Sonic has the most nostalgia for me as a SEGA owner as a child, but I think the 3D Sonic games certainly compare far less well to 3D Mario. Makes sense SEGA want him to be a long lasting character. Not sure about about 'supass', why does it have to be a contest anyway, I'm glad both series are still going.
Comments 832
Re: GAME Apparently Ending Physical Trade-Ins From Next Month (UK)
My locals GAME stores closed down, I think they're meant to be opening one in Sports Direct, though to be honest, I mostly buy digital games on Switch.
The few physical games I have are from CEX where I've traded stuff in for vouchers.
Re: Feature: 25 Nintendo 64 Games We'd Love To See Added To The Switch Online Expansion Pack
I played limited N64 titles back in the day to be honest, Top Gear Rally was good fun though.
Re: Three More Sega Classics Are Being Revived, It's Claimed
OutRun... one day hopefully, 2006 is a way back now.
Re: Talking Point: What Are You Playing This Weekend? (January 13th)
Finished Full Void on Switch in the week which was good. I did pick up an original Japanese SNES cart of Super Castlevania IV in the week at a retro game shop, so a good excuse for another play through of one of my favouite games of all time. I'm also thinking might give the Master System version of Sonic 2 a playthrough, I'm sure I have the cartridge around somewhere.
I also finally bough Road Redemption in the latest Switch sale. It's a bit rough, but for a lower price, seems a good deal for some modernised Road Rash style gameplay.
Re: Sonic Superstars Receives Small Update On Switch
@JohnnyMind I agree, Sonic bosses are best for me where they balance a challenge with skill, though I've never found them the most enjoyable aspect. They can be too easy though, like Chemical Plant in Sonic 2, where you can bounce directly on the boss 8 times before he can instigate his first attack. Overall I prefer the fights to be fast so the overall pacing is kept up. If the window for attack for the boss is too narrow with large wind ups in between, it can be frustrating, and I feel superstars has that issue with a few of them. Overall though, I really do enjoy the game.
Re: Sonic Superstars Receives Small Update On Switch
As a long term fan since the Mega Drive and Master System, I actually think its good. First 3D rendered Sonic that plays more like the classic games and has actual platforming and different routes through the stages like Sonic 1, not just speed thorough set peice after set peice. Also, I'd take the visual cutbacks for 60fps on Switch. Looks nice on the OLED native and since launch the updates seems to have improved performance in the couple of zones I noticed it faltering. My main issues are the bosses break the pacing up quite badly and visual cut backs on Switch are more noticable docked. I hear the multiplayer is bad but I've not touched it.
Re: Talking Point: What Are You Playing This Weekend? (January 6th)
Working so not much gaming time, but I have started Like a Dragon Gaiden on PS4. It actually runs really well on PS4, though I kind of paused the story once I reached the arcade in game, and started playing Daytona USA 2 and Virtua Fighter 2!
On Switch, probably some Asteroids or Centipede Recharged, as I picked them up in the recent eShop sale.
Re: Dungeon-Crawling RPG Legend Of Grimrock Is Getting A Switch Release
This is really great news, I've not played the game but I do like the genre and have a lot of nostalgia for playing Dungeon Master on my friends Atari ST.
Re: Soapbox: Charles Martinet Made Gaming's Greatest Accident A Real Character
I still remember seeing Mario 64 on a demo unit in HMV in the London Trocadero at the time, with the 'it's a me' intro, and heading back out to play the arcades in ''SEGA World'. What a time for gaming it was.
Re: Talking Point: What Are You Playing This Weekend?
I finished up replaying Arkham Asylum and City on Switch, so moved onto Origins on PS3, which still looks and plays well for a late PS3 release.
I got an Evercade VS. over Christmas but out of the box it wouldn't update, which was a shame as wanted to play some Midnight Resistance. I did update the A500 Mini though, so may play some Time Bandit as used to play that game on my friend's Atari ST back in the day.
Re: Bill & Ted's Excellent Retro Collection Is About To Be Delisted On The Switch eShop
@Lanmanna The PS4 version of FoC was only availble digitally for a really short period if I remember, and with little publicity... useful if I ever get a PS5 as should be BC. Its a real shame those games are not available now digitally to purchase.
Re: Bill & Ted's Excellent Retro Collection Is About To Be Delisted On The Switch eShop
Delisting of licensed games is a always shame, even if they're are not great games... if you miss them. I have the Simpsons Arcade game on PS3 and Transformers Fall of Cybertron on PS4, but missed OutRun Online Arcade on PS3. When I think of some of the great C64 Ocean movie licences (Platoon, Batman the Movie) which wont be ever be officially released on any retro collections, it is unfortunate.
I did buy their recent Jurrasic park compilation digitally, I'd never played the Megadrive games and enjoyed a few of the other titles on there.
Re: Soapbox: In 2023, Mario Got Weird Again
I just want the very 'weird' Super Mario Land on NSO at this point. I liked Wonder, was fun.
Re: Talking Point: What Are You Playing This Weekend? (Christmas 2023 Edition)
Last few weekends when have some gaming time been replaying Arham Asylum and City on Switch. Asylum just got an update which seems to have improved the performance to match City. As its nearly Christmas, I might finally dust off the PS3 for some Arkham Origins as its the only way I have to play the game at the moment. I forgot how enjoyable I found this series, although Knight less so because of all the tank battles.
Retro wise, might play some Turrican 2 and 3 on the Anthology collections.
Re: Sega Reveals New Details For Shinobi, Jet Set Radio, Streets Of Rage Revivals
Not sure how I feel about the 3D Golden Axe and Streets of Rage. I can't think of a 3D scrolling beat 'em up that's ever really worked as good as the best 2D ones. It's just harder to judge space in 3D. Crazy Taxi makes sense, I just hope it's as good as the original, there was a real skill to mastering that game, like all the best arcades. I really do like Sonic Superstars though, I think it's a step in the right direction and the 60fps on Switch was a good choice.
The should really give us a Model 3 collection though now they have it emulated... I need to buy the new Like a Dragon game for Daytona 2. I like the Yakuza series, but be good to have the arcades sold as an AGES line.
Re: Talking Point: What Are You Playing This Weekend? (December 16th)
Still on the Arkham Asylum and City replay on Switch. They actually look really nice on the OLED...and a bit of Space Harrier.
Re: Talking Point: What Classic Sega Franchises Do You Want To See Rebooted?
OutRun 3 is overdue and SEGA Rally... Shining Force, Panzer Dragoon (and Saga), Burning Rangers...
@Andee I also missed the PSN version of OutRun Online Arcade, I have the Physical PC version of Coast to Coast and the Xbox port, which runs mostly OK on 360 at least. A digital reissue would be great, though very unlikely due to licensing.
Re: GTA 6 On 'Switch 2' Would Be "Very Tricky To Pull Off", Says Digital Foundry
I've not really enjoyed a GTA game since Vice City and San Andreas. I liked the historical and cultural reference points of those games, with their specific 80s and 90s settings. I guess to create a similar historical settings, would limit their audience in a sense. GTA 4 and 5 just were just not games I enjoyed to play. The contemporary social media focus of the trailer for the new game, isn't something that resonates with me.
It looks technically really good though, the artistry of the environments is impressive. It wouldn't affect my decision to buy a Switch 2 either way.
Re: Sonic Superstars Is Offering Free Holiday Costume DLC
Nice! I had the Christmas DLC for Dreamcast Sonic Adventure... was cool, the acapella version of the nights theme would play if you touched the Christmas Tree in Station Square. I still have my Christmas Nights into Dreams disc for Saturn too.
Re: Sega Plans To Revive Even "More" Legacy Franchises
Time for OutRun 3 I'd say, I'd be happy to just see 2 licensed once more as it's one of the best arcade racers I've played. Not sure about the 3D approach to Streets of Rage and Golden Axe, but will be cautiously optimistic for now.
Really I think they should put out some good retro arcade collections and some Model 3 arcade ports. It's so strange they've put Daytona USA 2 in the new Like a Dragon Gaiden game, rather than also just selling it as a proper arcade port.
Re: Talking Point: What Are You Playing This Weekend? (December 9th)
Still enyoying replaying Arkham Asylum and City on Switch, Knight...not so much, it's an awful port, but I was never as keen on that game anyway. Playing the Batman games is also making think I might load up Ocean's C64 Batman the Movie game for some nostalgia.
Other proper retro this weekend is Balloon Kid on Game Boy (on 3DS VC). I really hope Nintendo expands the NSO Library soon, this game would be a good fit and the strangely absent Super Mario Land.
Re: Talking Point: What Are The Worst Parts Of Your Favourite Games?
My first thought is 'any final boss in most King of Fighters games'. Yes I will take that 25% health option, and only just about win nonetheless...
I usually think I am playing fairly well, then then bosses show up and its more of a difficultly cliff face than a curve, for me at least.
Re: Hands On: Atari 50 Gets Even Better With Adventure II, Warbirds, And More
Nice, am downloading now. I quite like a few of these 2600 games, and the Lynx game looks good.
Re: Video: Digital Foundry's Technical Analysis of Batman: Arkham Trilogy
I've mainly played City, which is good and a preferred way to play than the 'Return' version I have for PS4. Hopefully Asylum can be improved by the time I get through my replay of City. They look really nice on the OLED too. Knight is... well, it reminds me of The Amazing Spiderman or RE Revelations 2 on Vita, but it also is very unstable and crashes a fair bit. There also seems to be a weird a saving bug where you have to keep retring your back-up save to not lose progress. Origins should have been the third game, Knight was never going to work...
It did make me boot up my PS4 version of Knight and it's night and day visually, though I never liked the Batmobile from a gameplay perspective.
Re: Talking Point: What Are You Playing This Weekend? (December 2nd)
I thought would try the Arkham games on Switch though was going to wait, City seems good, preferable to the PS4 version of Return as I prefer the original look of the game, and the 30fps seems mostly stable.
Knight is very compromised though, I feel they have really tried, but even with the reduction in texture and image resolution, reduced geometry and effects, the framerate is nowhere near the target 30fps most of the time. Origins should have been the 3rd game here for me, even if its not part of the Rocksteady trilogy, technically. Still worth it for Asylum and City for me though, I'm looking forward to replaying on the OLED.
Re: Anniversary: Zelda II And Castlevania II Both Turn 35 This Month
I played both at a friends house who had an NES, so these games are tied up with those memories for me. I was a C64 gamer as that was far cheaper here in the UK, with games on cassette going for as little as a few quid compared to expensive NES carts. I liked the atmosphere of Castlevania a lot, and Super Castlevania IV would go on to become one of my favouite video games of all time. I only beat Castlevania 2 myself when the NES mini came out, with some help from a guide. Zelda 2, I've never managed to get into, but I do like the music. 35 years though... where did that go.
Re: Video: Batman Arkham Trilogy Side-By-Side Graphics Comparison
@blindsquirrel Yep, I really enjoyed Origins and it's DLC on my PS3 after the first two games, I still have my copy! It would have been a much better fit for Switch. I got a PS4 around launch in part to play Knight (...and Bloodborne), but I think I actually preferred Origins in the end. I also bought the 'return' versions on PS4 and regretted it as City ran really bad.
Re: Video: Batman Arkham Trilogy Side-By-Side Graphics Comparison
While Asylum and City look OK, Knight really doesn't. The eShop trailer looks like the PS4 version too. It's a shame they don't seem to be available for seperate purchase as I'd like to replay City on Switch at least. £50 though, with Knight looking as rough as it does.... I realise Origins was a different developer, but would have probably made for a better performing set of games here and they could have saved Knight for a possible Switch successor.
Re: Nintendo Download: 30th November (North America)
@Truegamer79 Origins was a game I really enjoyed on PS3, it would have been perfect for a December release.
Some early gameplay videos of Arkham Knight are out and it's looking... not great, pop in, inconsistent fps, low resolution textures, and a lot of visual compromises (though may be pre patch). I'm not surprised, as it pushed the PS4. Origins would have been a much better fit for Switch. Asylum and City look OK though.
Re: 'Atari 50' Is Getting More Games Via Free Updates, 12 Dropping Next Week
Pitfall! would be one I'd want, or Kangeroo for something obscure, which was an odd little arcade port I had at the time. The arcade version of Kangeroo is on the Arcade Archives, but I'd inherited the 2600 cart and played it a lot at the time.
Re: Atari Reiterates Firm's Focus On Retro, Isn't Looking To Compete With Nintendo
Be great if they could put the 2600 Activision stuff on a Switch compilation. The 2600 Jr. was the first console I owned, before I got a C64.
Re: Sonic Superstars' Sales Were 'Slightly Weaker' Than Sega Had Anticipated
I prefer it to Frontiers, and I bought both. This is the first time an official 3D rendered Sonic game has more accurately matched the classic Mega Drive games for its physics and gameplay. My only issues really are some overly long boss encounters, and some flat musical arrangements. I'm glad they prioritised fps over graphics on Switch, for portable play at least, it looks really quite good. I've not bothered with the multiplayer.
As a fan since 91', it's the best Sonic game I've played in a long time (along with Mania, but even that had some overly long acts late game for me). I just hope they don't abandon what they have here and start over again, building upon this style could really work. I like how this game slows things down with actual proper platforming and not just speed, it's more like the first game which is still my favourite in the series.
Re: Switch To Get Timed Exclusive Access To Robert Pattinson In Batman: Arkham Trilogy
Still a shame the non Rocksteady 'Origins' isn't included, I really enjoyed it and it's dlc on PS3. I think it's underrated, plus its set at Christmas which would have been a great time to play it again.
Much as Knight impressed me with it's visuals and scale on my then new PS4 (if not it's tank battles), I'd almost rather go back to Origins, I might actually replay if on PS3 for the season.
Not too fussed on this suit for Knight, I always played with the 89 movie suit (and cruising about Gotham in the Tim Burton movie Batmobile was fun even if it didn't transform into a tank).
Will wait to see how these perform on Switch, I believe they are based on the original versions, the 'remaster' of City on PS4 was a mess performance wise, and they never fixed it. I regretted my purchase and the PS3 version was better.
Re: Feature: Why I Still Love My Wii U
I skipped the Wii U... I'd not bought a 'HD' console and really enjoyed the Wii but when the Wii U lauched, it just didn't grab me. I bought a PS3 Super Slim to compliment my 3DS which was really cheap and ended up getting a PS4 at launch. The Switch really brought me back to Nintendo consoles and I've so far skipped PS5, waiting to see how Switch 2 turns out.
Wii U is probably the equivalent to the Dreamcast for Nintendo fans, a shame SEGA never had another shot at hardware!
It's weird as I remember the whole hype up to the 3DS and Wii U launch on Nintendo Life and discussing it at the time.
Re: Talking Point: What Are You Playing This Weekend? (November 25th)
Picked up the Jurrasic Park Classic Games Collection and King of Fighters XIII. I'd never played the Mega Drive version of Jurrasic Park which, despite its shortcomings, I've found quite enjoyable to play, it has a pretty unique atmosphere. The Game Boy version of Chaos Continues is a fun little game.
Also, that Ocean logo on the Nintendo versions has a lot of nostalgia for me from the 8-bit mirco days. Makes me want to break out the C64 for some Platoon and Batman the Movie.
Been getting back into King of Fighters and played some online, I did have the game on PS3 but I started the series on the Saturn and played the Dreamcast releases too. The online works really well in the new release.
Re: Review: Jurassic Park: Classic Games Collection (Switch) - A Fair Flock, But Far From 'Classic'
I played the collection and Chaos Continues on Game Boy I quite like, seems a enjoyable little game to discover, with very 'C64' style chip tune music. Also find it interesting to see what Ocean were doing on the SNES in the 90s, as they were such a big part of the 8-bit mirco market in the UK. Chaos Continues on the SNES, while a not a good game, does seem to draw elements of it's design from Platoon which I played on the C64. These Ocean games really do feel more like something we would have played on a UK micro computer at the time, but slightly expanded on consoles.
Re: Talking Point: What Are You Playing This Weekend? (November 18th)
After your recent article, found myself going back to Tears of the Kingdom, finishing the 4th Temple and working on some side quests...I'd got a bit tired of the game after about 130 hours, but since have got back into it.
Also completed Super Mario wonder, so going to go back and look for the seeds I have missed.
Re: Talking Point: What Are You Playing This Weekend? (November 11th)
Playing some Double Dragon Advance, great to have the game back on the Switch as is one of my favourite scrolling beat 'em ups. Also still to finish Super Mario Wonder and replaying Alien Isolation on Switch.
Re: The Turok 3 Remaster On Switch Has Been Subject To A Short Delay
This game looks interesting and I never played it at the time, looking forward to playing it while awaiting their Dark Forces release.
Re: Talking Point: If 'Switch 2' Is Backwards Compatible, What Will You Do With Your Switch?
Depends, if Switch 2 is better in every way including an OLED screen, I guess the new model would replace the old. I have a Lite and an OLED and the Lite mostly gets dusty, though I occasionally play it. The Lite convinced me to buy the OLED to be honest, as I realised I was mostly gaming on the Switch over my PS4.
I kept my NES theme GBA SP though when I got a DS Lite, mainly as I like the design. Still have my launch 3DS and a 2DS XL too, which I still play on occasion.
Re: Nintendo Download: 9th November (North America)
@JohnnyMind Always glad to recommend this game. It has the quality of some of the best arcade games in that it seems simple at first, but has more depth than first appears, which becomes apparent as you play.
I do miss the VW Beetle 'Scoop Moto' poster on the first stage though which has been left as just an empty grey box, I assume for legal reasons. It's a minor visual thing and doesn't effect the game of course, but if you played the original arcade in the 80s, the Beetle poster (much like the Marilyn Munroe images in Shinobi, or the Testarossa in OutRun) are quite iconic.
Re: Nintendo Download: 9th November (North America)
@JohnnyMind Advance is great, there's certainly more technique to learn than most side scrolling beat 'em ups. You can run into three different attacks, crouch into two special attacks, stun to chain attacks and ground attack downed enemies... Once you do, it's really satisfying to play.
The emulation here is great too, several screen sizes, scan lines, multiple saves (with a protect option), sound enhancement options. It still looks a bit washed out colour-wise, as is a GBA game, but except for that, the presentation is really good.
Re: Nintendo Download: 9th November (North America)
@sdelfin Yep, once you get a handle on the controls, the variety of moves and speed in Advance are exceptional within the genre. I remember waiting for the game's release (hard to believe it's 20 years old), and the PAL release never happened. Thankfully I knew a good shop for imports at the time who had some US copies in, was one of my most played GBA games. This new version is really nicely presented, great to have the game back on the Switch.
Re: Nintendo Download: 9th November (North America)
I got both Double Dragons, I do own the GBA version (had never played the SNES), but these are nicely presented emulations.
I forgot how good Double Dragon Advance was, so many fighting options, played that game a lot back on my NES themed SP.
Re: Best 18+ Switch Games For Adults
A good selection there... I'd recommend Alien Isolation, not an exclusive, but an outstanding Switch port that excels over the PS4 version in it's image quality. I'm replaying the game on Switch at the moment.
Re: Site News: Nintendo Life Turns 18 Today
Didn't you guys inherit the 'VC Reviews' site? I had an account on there back as far as 2009 I think, discussing all things retro on the Wii VC, but I lost access somewhere along the way so created a new one. I think I remember VC Reviews joining Nintendo Life, but was a long time ago. Have had some great retro gaming discussions over the years, and enjoy the news and reviews.
Anyway, Happy 18th Birthday to this site, and many more as they say!
Re: Jurassic Park: Classic Games Collection Launches Later This Month On Switch
I remember going to see the first film, was a big thing at the time. Had to look a few of these games up, interesting to see some of Ocean's later console releases as they were such a big part of the 8-bit mirco market here in the UK. The Game Boy 'Chaos Continues' made me laugh, a very Beano looking Dr. Grant with a gun, blasting dinosaurs... It looks like a much better collection than when first advertised, so will see how the emulation and presentation looks.
Re: Best Metal Gear Games On Nintendo Systems
Suprised you don't mention the crouch walk in MGS 3D, I really liked that addition to the gameplay and the photo camo was fun too. Shame the framerate is so low. I remember enjoying Twin Snakes, think I played it after MGS2, I still have my copy somewhere. I remeber playing the original on a friends PS1 and liking the game (I had a Saturn at time, so no MGS for me)!
Re: Talking Point: What Are You Playing This Weekend? (November 4th)
Ended up buying Ghostbusters Unleashed on PS4 sale as I was enjoying playing on Switch, but the performance was a bit lacking for TV play.
On Switch been playing Castlevania Legends which is much better than 'The Adventure' at least, glad they added to NSO, as is missing from the collection release and I'd not played it before.
Also almost to the end of Super Maro Wonder, it's such a great game, made me want to go and play Super Mario Land again (still hoping it's added to NSO soon).
@DogDetective Their Terminator: Resistance game was really good too, low budget, but you could tell they really wanted to make something which fans of the movies would appreciate.
Re: Sega's Executive Director Wants Sonic Games And Movies To "Surpass Mario"
Sonic Superstars is great, I'm enjoying the game as much as Wonder, but I felt like that about Sonic on the MegaDrive and Super Mario world. Both great, in different ways. Sonic has the most nostalgia for me as a SEGA owner as a child, but I think the 3D Sonic games certainly compare far less well to 3D Mario. Makes sense SEGA want him to be a long lasting character. Not sure about about 'supass', why does it have to be a contest anyway, I'm glad both series are still going.