Studio Profile: From Software (Or: It’s About Time These Guys Got More Love!)

Posted on September 7, 2011 by geelw

http://www.youtube-nocookie.com/v/Gfs6kG14Xss?version=3&hl=en_US&rel=0

Here’s a brief look at one of my very favorite game developers since 1994 when I first saw Japanese screenshots of King’s Field and later, Armored Core. The company has done a wide assortment of games since then, but it wasn’t really until Demon’s Souls and now, Dark Souls that they’re a household name among more gamers. Of course, the terrifyingly difficult Dark Souls will probably garner them more than a few curses from those that hop in unprepared or expecting the game to have a super-easy mode… but I think From wants those players to learn something about they way games used to be made.

Elevator Action Deluxe: Taito & Square Enix Hit The Right Notes With A Retro Reboot

Posted on August 27, 2011 by geelw

Wow. This actually brought back a ton of memories and made me laugh at the same time. I can remember spending way too much money on the original Elevator Action, Front Line and many, many other Taito arcade games back in the day, so I’m happy to see EA making a return. Granted, I’m sure some of you would rather have the more realistic-looking Elevator Action Returns make a comeback instead, but I’ve always though that game was closer to a Rolling Thunder clone (and a good one at that). Anyway, after you finish dancing to the beat (Go, Zuntata!), click on over and keep an eye on the currently PSN-only game’s progress HERE.

Happy Birthday, SNES!

Posted on August 24, 2011 by geelw

While I sold off about 99% of my SNES games to get a PS3 and a bunch of other stuff a few years back, I’ve kept pretty much all of my Super Famicom games simply because there were too many that were never localized for a US release. Sorry for the lousy photo, but all 248 or so are up in a closet in the other room and I don’t have the time to go through them at this point and pick out favorites. This project however, IS on my to-do list once I clear out some space here at the home office and find the time to get the stash down to be photographed (and a few games re-played). I have many favorite games for the system but I absolutely HATE compiling “Top 10” lists, so you won’t get one from me. OK, I’m not that irascible, folks – I just need more time to re-discover some of these games when it’s not so incredibly busy here. It’s absolutely be a LOT more than ten, that’s for sure.

Anyway, Happy Birthday SNES! You’re missed in this era of digital-only releases and mobile games madness, that’s for sure.

Become Part Of Gaming History – Support the Videogame History Museum!

Posted on July 25, 2011 by geelw

Now I wish I REALLY had a million dollars to spend. Some friends of mine who are supremely serious about game history (well, because they’re part of it) have a wonderful Kickstarter.com project going to fund an actual museum devoted to preserving all sorts of games and game goods from the beginnings of the hobby up to today’s games. Check out the project link and video HERE and absolutely DONATE (there are some awesome options that can get you some cool swag if that’s your thing). The team needs $30,000 by September 1, 2011 in order to make this happen and they’re currently at $9,475. Again, check out the link and let’s make this happen!

http://www.kickstarter.com/projects/1760848975/the-videogame-history-museum/widget/video.html

Atlus Discovers Time Travel, Stuck in 1999!

Posted on May 19, 2011 by geelw

All I'll say is I hope they get back safe and bring a couple of copies of Ogre Battle 64 back with them when they return. I sold mine off a while back and kind of wish I didn't. Atlus Faithful news from June '99 below the jump…Read more »

Ys I & II Chronicles Gameplay Footage Kicks It Old School

Posted on January 16, 2011 by geelw

http://www.youtube-nocookie.com/v/o8VbVvo-Yq8?fs=1&hl=en_US&rel=0

Here’s a peek at gameplay from Xseed Games’ upcoming PSP title, set for a February release. According to the latest info, players will be able to choose between three different soundtracks during gameplay – the newly arranged version (by Falcom’s in-house band done on actual instruments), the synth version from the 2001 Japan-only PC version of the game or the original chiptune versions of each track as recorded in 1987 and 1988. Excellent!

Commentary: Why We ALL Need Wizardry Back!

Posted on January 14, 2011 by geelw

Sometimes, I just hate Japan, but in a decidedly more “grrrr… how come they get THAT game?” manner (and not anything more overly dramatic than that, mind you). While the Wizardry franchise hasn’t seen a new Western-developed PC game in the states since the ill-fated, (but mostly well-rated) Wizardry 8 (back in 2001!), since the late 80’s, Japanese gamers have had nearly 40 ports or completely original Wizardry games and side-stories created by an assortment of developers for a number of consoles, portables and even cellphones.

More recently (as in a big, fat “what the what?!”), the Nintendo DS in Japan has gotten their own original Wizardry games in the form of three titles that will probably never, ever see the light of day in English unless they get fan-patched translations (*grrrr!*). You can keep your Angry Birds, and other “casual” games, folks – I’d rather play something with real meat on its bones.

Continue reading →

Contest: Thrillist & Gamefly Want To Give You A Holiday Surprise

Posted on November 30, 2010 by geelw

More chances to win FREE stuff (a LCD TV, game console, big ol' game chair and a year's worth of rentals – nice)… but not through me (heck, I don't have a box big enough to send all that stuff in anyway!). This cool gear giveaway is sponsored by Thrillist and Gamefly. Check out the info below, read that fine print and enter to win!

Amazon Announces 10/20 Gold Box Video Games Sale

Posted on October 17, 2010 by geelw

All Video Games Goldbox Event. Starting midnight Pacific time, Wednesday, October 20, 2010.

Short and sweet shameless promo #1 – check Amazon on Wednesday for a few deals! Feel free to use my handy aStore to shop from and even suggest a few products you’re looking for so I can add them to the inventory.

Sega Launches Dreamcast Classics Over PSN, XBLA

Posted on September 22, 2010 by geelw

Boom. That's all you need to know, folks.

OK, OK I'll toss in a few details…

Sonic Adventure NOW (and Crazy Taxi in November) available over PSN or Xbox Live are the first two games in Sega's re-master plan to capture the hearts and minds of gamers young and old while keeping that classic Sega flame alive and kicking amongst us hardcore Sega-philes out there. Sega is also promising even more titles are coming soon (yes!) and I'm definitely all for that. I'm gathering The new DC line will consist of Sega-produced titles only, so I'm hoping to see a few racers in the lineup (Daytona USA, Ferrari F355 Challenge) along with Sonic Adventure 2 and maybe even a RPG or two (Skies of Arcadia, anyone?)