That’s right, folks, I’m FINALLY starting my Skyrim review later today. I have something like 12 pages of notes to work from and yes, the review will be fairly long. As I can’t download the patch, it’ll be a pre-patch review (like all the rest should have been). Warts and all, it’s still the best game Bethesda’s made. Even Famitsu agrees with me (which is super rare for a western-developed game). Back in a bit…
OK, I was going to save posting there until I woke up in a few hours, but I decided to stay up an extra half hour just for you guys. Anyway, I figured that since I went to all that trouble to photograph my MD/Genesis collection, I may as well break out the stepladder and get the Super Famicom stuff down just to get it done. Here you go – enjoy. I’ve a bunch of loose carts as well, but I’ll get to those at some point when I have more time. Before you ask, my large SNES collection got sold off a few years back, save for a handful of extra loose carts and manuals I held on to.
By popular demand (from a few places), here you go, along with Master System games since they’re living on the same shelf as the MD/Genny stuff. For those who’ve seen the older pics elsewhere, yes, the collection used to be larger by about 40 or so games, but here’s where we’re at now minus a few loose carts I have stored in a bin nearby. I’ll try to get to the Super Famicom stuff within the next couple of months, as it’s more of a project getting them from the closet in the other room…
Platform: Xbox 360 (via Xbox Live Arcade)
Developer: Starfire Studios
Publisher: Microsoft
# of Players: 1 (1 – 4 online)
ESRB Rating: T (Teen)
Score: A (90%)
For a first game, Fusion: Genesis is outstanding, but what would you expect from four ex-Rare team members who got together with the express purpose of making great games? Starfire Studios’ beautiful, addictive and deep space combat game combines elements from shooters, MMO’s and RPG’s in a solid blend of twin stick action, loads of loot and a nice range of customizable spacecraft. It’s too bad this is a 360 exclusive, as what’s here would do well as a Games for Windows title or even a cross platform and handheld release. Nevertheless, if you have an Xbox Live account and want something deep and thrilling that won’t be over in a weekend and has replay value to spare, this one’s got your name all over it. Continue reading
Platform: PlayStation 3 (also on Xbox 360)
Developer: From Software
Publisher: Namco Bandai
# of Players: 1 (Online: 1 – 4)
ESRB Rating: M (Mature)
Score: A (90%)
If Dark Souls doesn’t scare you silly at some point, you’re either fearless, slightly to moderately insane or so jaded that nothing can faze you. Like 2009’s PS3 smash sleeper, Demon Souls, what’s here is a purely terrifying blend of old school difficulty and current gen tech that’s beautiful yet brutal and definitely not for those looking for an easy ride. From Software has created one of the most compelling game experiences to date (and if you’ve been a fan of the developer as long as I have, you could see this coming) that’s an absolute essential for any gamer willing to take the plunge. While the lengthy solo campaign is superb, it’s in the innovative online mode where many will see the game’s full range. That said, the dev team has wisely made sure that folks who can’t play online can still complete the game. It’ll just be a bit harder at times thanks to the punishing difficulty and intentionally vague storytelling that requires a bit of thought (and a lot more exploration and combat) to fully comprehend. Continue reading
Platform: Nintendo 3DS
Developer: 1st Playable Productions
Publisher: Majesco Entertainment
# of Players: 1
ESRB Rating: E 10+ (Everyone 10 & Up)
Score: A- (85%)
The Hidden is a nice little surprise from developer 1st Playable Productions and Majesco Entertainment, offering up some fun ghost tracking and shooting missions while getting you up and about in the process for a bit of exercise. While the game is definitely geared toward younger players, there’s enough to like here that even “core” gamers will want to take this one for a spin. The game’s big draws are its use of augmented reality, first-person shooting sequences and the fact that each person playing the game will have a unique experience thanks to using the 3DS cameras to capture actual locations as backgrounds for the action. While there’s no multiplayer modes to speak of, the game still manages to impress and you can expect a few passers-by to ask what you’re playing as you’re walking about scanning actual locations for ghosts to bust. Continue reading
Two things: I forgot to note in the darn review that I swiped that Star Odyssey video from YouTuber Vysethedetermined2. Thanks for posting that footage, sir!
Also, in the PC version of Skyrim, someone (well, a whole lot of someones) has gone and found (through a bit of tinkering with the game code) the entire areas of Morrowind and Cyrodil hidden in the ridiculously huge world map. These two spots are from earlier games in The Elder Scrolls series and very well known to core fans, so speculation is indeed rampant as to what they’re for and why they’re in the code.
My take: Either future DLC (which would be fantastic), OR Bethsoft plans to use these areas as some sort of anniversary surprise for fans of the first four games in the series. No matter what their plans are, it’s definitely going to be a nice treat that extends the life span of this insanely long game even further…
Platform: Sega Genesis/Mega Drive
Developer: Hot-B/Starfish
Publisher: Super Fighter Team
# of Players: 1
ESRB Rating: N/A
Score: B+ (80%)
After 20 long years one of a handful of “lost” Sega Genesis games finally surfaces thanks to Brandon Cobb and Super Fighter Team. While Star Odyssey may not be the best RPG on the platform, as a piece of gaming history, it’s something that’s truly great too see and play. Thanks to Cobb’s dedication to seeing the project through (and a solid localization job), a few hundred lucky gamers can now play this long lost gem and see what might have been had this one shipped when it was supposed to. Granted, I’m sure it wouldn’t have set the gaming world on fire back in 1991 or ’92, but the Genesis never really got as many great RPG’s as the SNES back in the day, so what’s here makes for a mostly solid game with a few quirks that keep it from perfection. Continue reading
UbiSoft wants to assist in any way they can, so here you go. From what I played, the game is gorgeous, laugh out loud funny and at times, hard as hell in a joyous old-school manner. Pinpoint platforming, multiplayer action, tons of levels and ridiculous replay value are all here on the game disc, so what are you waiting for? If you say “Um, a few hints on how to win the game?” You get a tin cup and some dark glasses, kid. Now get off my lawn…
Deep Silver’s got a plan to get those of you looking for a winter sports game to buy a copy of Winter Stars, their just released motion-controller-based game for the PS3, Xbox 360 and Wii. Eleven different sporting events bound to get you up off the couch and shaking it like you mean it sounds like a good idea to me, as my own “it” is getting a tiny bit wider from way too much Skyrim. Naturally, I’ll at least play the snowmobiling mini-game sitting down, but it looks like I’ll need to be waving my arms and moving about for the rest of them. With Move, Kinect or Wii Remote/Balance Board support for each platform, it’ll be interesting to see if this one takes off as the weather gets colder and holiday gift thoughts start wafting through the air like the scent of freshly baked pies.
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