At the Corner of Northern Lights & Altair

Let It Die Review

2025-08-23T23:14:00.000-07:00

Let It Die
Released: December 3, 2016
First Played: August 25, 2017
Finished: August 23, 2025
Developed by: Grasshopper Manufacturer
Published by: GungHo Entertainment
Directed by: Hideyuki Shin
Produced by: Shuji Ishikawa
Designed by: Noriaki Kazama
Art by: Takashi Kasahara
Written by Muga Takeda
Music by: Akira Yamaoka
Engine by: Unreal Engine 3 by Epic Games
Released on: Sony Playstation 4, Sony Playstation 5, & Valve Steam
Played on: Playstation 4
Genre: Hack ‘n Slash, Roguelike, Soulslike
Starring: Jukka Hilden & Kenta Hamano as “Uncle Death”

Boy is there a lot to say about this game, and it’s hard to say where to begin. So let’s go in chronological order.

In 1984 Video Game Publisher Namco released at game called “Tower of Druaga” created by Masanobu Endō, the creator of 1983’s “Xevious” and was a huge hit in Japan. Sparking the minds of imagination from gamers, Tower of Druaga borrowed elements from Namco’s other hit game 1980’s “Pac-Man” as well as the hit RPG 1981's “Wizardry”. Masabnobu’s goal was to create a game unlike Xevious or Pac-Man, a game with an ending. However since the game was made for the arcades, it needed to be not only difficult but fun to encourage players to keep putting in quarters. His idea? Create essentially a “Pac-Man RPG”, the player character is in a maze and must find a way out while defeating enemies. And thus the Wizardry elements come in. The protagonist Gilgamesh is on a quest to save the maiden Ki from the demon Druaga, using his sword to smite the many underlings of Druaga. However, the only way to progress is a secret, and that’s where the players of Japan made this a smash hit. By doing certain requirements on each floor, a treasure will spawn, the treasure may be good or bad, all it takes is making notes yourself or in this case, the player community gathered clues together to figure out the mystery. Tying hintbooks to arcade cabinets of Tower of Druaga so the next player could see what to do. A smash viral success in the days of pre-internet and even pre-guidebooks.

This became a precursor to the many many Japanese games that came out after and even non-Japanese games. Everything from 1984’s “Hydlide”, 1984’s “Dragon Slayer”, 1987’s "Ys", 1986’s "The Legend of Zelda", 2011’s "Dark Souls", & the many many Massively Multiplayer Online RPGs all took inspiration from this game. And so did it inspire in obvious fashion to Grasshopper Manufacturer’s Suda51.

Goichi “Suda51” Suda (5 is pronounced as “go” in japanese as well as 1 being “ichi”) was at a tender age of 16 when Tower of Druaga came out and was the prime age to be part of the conversation for that game and the many others that were viral hits in the schoolyard and arcades of japan. It obviously influenced him enough to get into video games himself and was able to make his big break in the industry as a director & writer for the hit Pro Wrestling video game series, “Fire Pro Wrestling” with the release of 1994’s “Super Fire Pro Wrestling Special”, 10 years after his school days of playing Tower of Druaga, in which he took the playerbase to a surprise when he made a shocking storyline about the trials of being a Pro Wrestler not being the glitz and glam it’s made out to be. It shocked the industry and got him regular work for his oddball storytelling. It garnered such acclaim from smash hits like 2005’s "Killer7", 2007’s "No More Heroes", & 2011’s "Shadows of the Damned". The well acclaimed puroresu mark, who’d come out of stage at video game conferences striking the “Pro Wres Love” pose from Pro Wrestler Keiji Mutoh, became the oddball of the industry that made critical hits even if they weren’t financial breakaways.

So along comes Muga Takeda and GungHo Entertainment. Primarily GungHo made mobile games and after an izakaya (the Japanese Equivalent of Bars) meeting over beers. GungHo, Muga, Suda51, & Grasshopper Manufacturer came together (quite literally with a merger) to create a game codenamed “Lily Bergamo” a game about a girl in the year 2043 who was destined to fight against a powerful enemy using robots. A trailer was made and they announced it at the 2013 Tokyo Game Show. Said to be mainly about combining the ideas of if you die, your character would be an enemy; as well as a companion app for mobile. However after a year later of nothing, the game was reborn as “Let It Die”.

Dropping the mobile gimmick but keeping the character death gimmick. The game pivoted to be a modern take of the Tower of Druaga. Using inspirations from the Namco Arcade hit, it combined many other elements to make it more appealing to the modern audience. Gone was the Sword & Sorcery in was Grunge Punk J-Rock, Skateboarding, absurd humor, a bunch of particle effects, retro-esque pixel art, and a Norwegian trying his best to sound Mexican while also playing the hype man and as Death itself. To say Let It die is a mismash is an understatement. However it kept the one thing that made Tower of Druaga a hit way back in the day, mystery and secrets and tons of them.

When you start the game you start at Floor One of the “Tower of Barbs”, a tower created by an apocalyptic scenario because of science trying to become too much like God, causing a plague of Mushrooms to sprout everywhere around the World. As you experience your first death of the game you find out, that in actuality you are not playing Let It Die. You are in fact playing a person inside a dingy arcade who playing Let It Die. Yes the game is a metanarrative focused game trying to recreate the feeling of those Japanese arcades during the Tower of Druaga. Complete with a NPC named “Meijin” (Japanese for “Master” as in someone who’s very skillful in certain subjects, and voiced by the 80s Japanese video game icon to kids Takahashi Meijin, who excelled at button pressing) who gives tips on how to play the game. And because the game has so many secrets, such as alternate floors, trap doors, and enemy mechanics, it encouraged online discussion and strategy to be formed just like those books hanging by a string on the Tower of Druaga cabinets.

As you make your way up you can find out more lore about the characters of the game but one thing is clear. The tower is populated by a majority of people trying to defy God and reaching the Top of the Tower of Barbs. No one knows what’s at the top but the rumor is you get a wish if you do, “So come on Senpai, get your way up there” as said by the comic relief and guide character Uncle Death, a skateboarding golf-enthusiast specter of death who is your aid as you climb. Always providing encouragement. Each time you face off and beat one of the “Dons” of the Tower of Barbs you get a commemorative photo taken with the attendant and Uncle Death. The attendant is where I finally talk about the main criticism about the game. When you die you are given the option to spend currency known as “Death Metals” to continue where you were. If you choose to say yes, you lose a Death Metal and continue, if you don’t you have to start all over from the beginning with the only way to continue with the character you had is by either defeating it in the Tower where you left off or spend the regular currency at a hefty price to bring them back. Now while you can earn Death Metals, you can also buy them with real money and that’s the big issue. Each Death Metal comes out to the equivalent of $0.25, a quarter, you know, like you’d spend at an arcade. See the problem? Gamers for over 2 decades of arcades becoming niche for Chuck E Cheeses or Dave & Busters Restaurants, have moved on from the genre, instead preferring a “paid up front” model liken to that of the game’s closest comparison Dark Souls with the occasional DLC. So here comes a game that asks every time you die, to spend money to continue? Not happening for a lot of people. That’s why despite the game having 9 Million Downloads as a Free To Play Game, only a little more than 7% have beaten the first boss at the 10th Floor, that’s 630,000 people. Nonetheless the amount of people who’ve actually beaten the game at 0.6% or 54,000 people, an elite group but nowhere near enough to make the game a big hit. The same can be said for the eventual sequel to Let It Die, Deathverse which open and closed up shop in less than a year of service, an abject failure.

Regardless, as you climb and eventually beat the game you find out the ending is not quite what people expected but is certainly in style of Suda51’s absurdity. And in the post game that was updated months and years after, the game finally makes it apparent inspiration known outside of that of the Tower of Druaga. For as you climb, you find out that things are not what they seem. The tower gets weirder and more heavenly, like the further you climb, the closer you are to God. And after every 50 floors, you get a letter from uncle Death saying how impressed he is by your skill but “you should come back down now, for safety”. The next letter warns about how you could actually die, as in you the player playing the game in that virtual arcade, if you go any higher. The next letter finally pulls the trigger and we see that Uncle Death is acting as the voice of God, telling you to stop or else ✋︎ ⬥︎♓︎●︎●︎ ♍︎♒︎♋︎■︎♑︎♏︎ ⍓︎□︎◆︎❒︎ ●︎♋︎■︎♑︎◆︎♋︎♑︎♏︎ ♋︎■︎♎︎ ⬧︎⧫︎❒︎♓︎🙵♏︎ ⍓︎□︎◆︎ ♎︎□︎⬥︎■︎📬︎.

That’s right, the game is telling the story of the Tower of Babel from the Bible. How man was so full of himself that he tried to reach God, and God struck down man and changed his language to stop them from playing God. As a christian this hit me deeply and made me fall in love with the game’s story. Despite that in all honesty, the gameplay itself isn’t very good. The controls are stiff and the lack of invincibility frame on anything regarding dodging, made this a tough game to get through. I started the game in 2017 and only took it seriously after they started a free limited revive campaign so i could actually make progress. But the satisfaction I feel from beating the game does feel like I just beat an old arcade game of my youth I never could beat before, and if that was the goal for Let It Die, then it succeeded with flying colors. It now being 9 years after the release of the game, and the sequel "Let It Die 2" still under development, Let It Die didn’t really leave a mark on the industry in a good way. If anything it taught the industry that price gouging your customers, even if you try to fix it later, does nothing but bring bad reputation to both the game and the developers. Something some games like 2023’s "Overwatch 2" is still learning the consequences of today. One could hope there’d be a push for more concerns for the player’s wallet. But in a money-first industry, as like in the 80s with Tower of Druaga, it’s hard to say it ever will.

I give Grasshopper Manufacturer’s “Let It Die” a C+, it passes as a “bad but good game” if that makes sense. The aesthetics are great, and the music is inspiring, but the gameplay loop leaves a burning hole in my pocket to be desired.

A Collection of old writing about Final Fantasy

2025-05-13T11:56:00.000-07:00

Writtern on ‎Tuesday, ‎December ‎8, ‎2009, ‏‎12:01:12 PM

On December 18th, 1987, Squaresoft released as their swansong for their company, "Final Fantasy".
20 years later it is THE name in Role Playing Games.
Some could argue that Dragon Quest is better in that it's the top RPG in Japan
But when you talk to anyone around the world about RPGs, the first to come to mind is Final Fantasy
To date there have been 12 instalments in the main series, including an Massively Multiplayer Online RPG
2 sub-series known as Crystal Chronicles & Kingdom Hearts
3 Expansion Projects known as Fabula Nova Crystalis, The Ivalice Alliance, & Compilation of Final Fantasy VII
Multiple remakes from Updated Graphics, Portablzation, to full on 3D
Multiple Manga Adaptations, a web comic, Original Video Animations, a full Anime Season, and two Full Leangth Feature Films
Over 1000 tracks of it's music and hundreds of fan remixes
Basically, Final Fantasy is the biggest current multi medium Video Game Franchise in history as it continues to expand

Now based off that intro you'd think that I'm a huge fanboy.
Truth is that, I have critizisms against it as well.
I don't like every Final Fantasy product out there
So let's go at it piece by piece, with each product.
Seeing as it's important for some to know, I'd like to note that my first Five FF games I played were FFVI, FFMQ, FFI, FFIV, & FFVII. But my first RPG was Shining Force
I have not played or read everything Final Fantasy, but I will still give an exerpt of my thoughts on it anyway.
I'd also like to note that I'm being honest by saying
I'm not that very good at video games because of my aphasia where my brain can't communicate as fast or cohearent as I'd like
Oh by the way, EXPECT SPOILERS ON EVERYTHING

Final Fantasy I
I had actualy not gotten far in this game untill this year when I took a serious stab at it.
I first played it when I was about 11-12 so around 1996-97 at my cousin's house and couldn't for the life of me figure it out.
I had gotten the Final Fantasy Origins remake to help complete my collection taking a few tries here and there.
This year though I took a true effort into it.
This game is actualy fun with the charge system and I think should be implimented again in a future handheld instalment in a FF game
The Monster Hotspots also provide challenge as you could face certain bosses multiple times if you wanted or were unaware
I'm always a sucker for Time travel and Garland's story revolves around that, bringing in a time paradox.
FFI does a good job implimenting a story involving 4 no name heroes with no backstory, so really the main story is either your own narritive outside the game or Garland's story
Final Fantasy I is deffinetly something all FF fans should try once
By the way for those wanting to know my group was
Warrior: Biggs
Warrior: Wedge
White Mage: Shiro
Black Mage: Kuro
I named the Warrior Twins after the Post-FF6 reacurring charecters
I was gonna name my White Mage Cid in honor of the famous Final Fantasy A+ Flash Animation but they already added a Cid in the game as the one who built the Airship. So I named it after the Japanese word for White
I finally named my Black mage after the Black Mage in the Final Fighting Fantasy Flash Series. Which they named it after the Japanese word for Black.

Final Fantasy II
This is a game I have not completed, but I have gotten halfway through
This game is deffinetly the Black Sheep of the entire Franchise, moreso than Mystic Quest and this is mainly because of the leveling system which is based on cause and effect.
To get an understanding, here's an example:
If you attack with a sword, your proficiantcy in using a sword is incressed
If you use Magic, your intelligence incresses
If your really low on health, it'll cost more to rest in a inn.
This is also the beggining in FF of cut scenes, temporary party members, and death of party members
The destruction of the dreadnought is a great moment in the game
The Party member that I remember most fondly is Josef, A family man who sacrifices himself to help stop the empire leaving behind his family without a father
The main Theme (the song that plays on the overworld) is also in my opinion the most deep track ever made in FF's history
Also, Gordon sucks as a fighter

Final Fantasy III
I have only demoed the Famicom version of the game and have not played the DS Remake
This is where we see the pattern to come in future instalments of FF in it's 3 Game Cycle
the first game where they put out the first game on a new system and is generaly the most liked initaly in the 3 Game Cycle with an exception (FFI, FFIV, FFVII, FFX)
The second game where they try out new things, it is generaly the least liked in the 3 Game Cycle again with an exception (FFII, FFV, FFVIII, FFXI)
The third is where they combine the previous two and make a very exceptional game pushing the power of the console to the max as the console breaths it's last breath, it's popularity in the 3 Game Cycle is varied (FFIII, FFVI, FFIX, FFXII)
FFIII takes the job system in FFI and the story progression of FFII and creates a great game in the series
The Multiple Job system makes the game fully customizable making the Famicom version like FFI where you either make your own backstory or rely on the NPC's stories around you.
The DS version though aparently adds a lot to the story with plotlines for the the now named Main Party
The idea of the balence of good and evil and the neccesity of that balence makes for a great thought provoking story and a great source for fanfiction using that element of a story, most notably the Final Fighting Fantasy Flash Series uses this story element and combines it with Ninja Movie action

Final Fantasy IV
I finaly beat this game, this year. Long treck too with my save being first started in 2001.
Restarting the 3 Game cycle with a new system and in the US a wrong name, IV takes the new found power in Audio and visual and creates a great narative much in line of the previous FFII.
This is also the only game in the series to have a maximum party of 5, and in the GBA remake an available party of 10
The Active Time Battle System is introduced here and it becomes the trademark of Final Fantasy's Fighting System with it even being implimented into current MMORPGs
The story's great too, and it starts to show why video games are a better medium at telling a story than movies are by having well over the normal run time of a movie in gameplay. Even if you were to combine the three Lord of the Rings Movies in their extended Editions it would only equal out to about 12 hours which is miniscule compared to the 40 hours of gameplay in mondern RPGs
The main difference other than gameplay is it's pacing, allowing the player to inact his/her own scenes in their mind that coincide with the game and make it plausible in those level building times.
For example, a conversation that a party would have by campfire and the relationship building from that, coinsiding with the fact that you used a tent and saved your game.
Alo, the Celectic Moon CD is the best soundtrack release in FFIV's library
This game truely was the mark of things to come in Final Fantasy and you should definetly check out the upcoming DS Remake

Final Fantasy IV: The After - Return to the Moon
This was just recently announced. (I found out after I wrote all this)
It will be for Mobile Phones only and apparently it will involve the decendent of Cecil, Theodore.

Final Fantasy V
I beat the Fanlated version of the game and I eventualy want to get the handheld version
This is also my #3 favorite Final Fantasy Game of all time
Cooperative with my love of Time Travel stories are Multi Dimensional Stories and this game does it well
The Job system is perfected here and all other FF games that use a job system draw from this game the most. Most noteably, the Multi-Classing that took it's inspiration from D&D games that use Multi-Classing
This game is also great in that it provided the later Sprite Comic Community many outfits to draw ideas from for Sprite Customizing
This is also the start of the carear of the bane of old school only FF gamers, Tetsuya Nomura, who did some monster designs in this game and now is in charge of the entire FF Franchise
Yoshitaka Amano's best concept art in my opinion is for this game.
A lot of noteables in this game, as this is also the game that first has in FF Series history a long term party member die and cannot be revived, that being one of the original warriors of dawn, Gaulf.
The story is greatly presented and makes you care about the main 4 and with the aformentioned plot twist brings everything together in a neat package.

Final Fantasy V: Legend of the Crystals
This is where we deviate for a bit, I must make note here that I'm starting with the main series and it's ammendmums and then moving to the spinoffs, so sequals and compilations come first and I consider this 4 Part OVA a sequal.
This OVA was made by the Animation company Madhouse who also did Metropolis, Tokyo Godfathers, & Final Fantasy VII: Last Order.
They have a very discint style with fluid animations and works well with the Final Fantasy style in the same viegn as Nomura's Concept Art
I had first seen this as a rental from the suggestion of my sister, made a VHS copy and wore it out by playing it too many times as I loved this OVA. I eventualy got the VHS Box Set on eBay and made a Homebrew DVD Copy.
The use of the previous story while opening up the closed book, by putting it in 4 Parts closes it back up very nicely.
The refrences are used nicely (Sans the featherless Chocobos) and Mid making a Ghostly return along with Cid's gooey presence actualy never feels forced and makes sence within the universe.
All in all, this does a better job than Advent Children of building a story without making unnecisary plotholes.

Final Fantasy VI
The crecendo of the 1st half of the series and the best way to end the Revived Generation of Gaming as the Future of gaming is brighter
This is the culmination of all that was done previous, combining all the best qualities and creating the penultimate RPG for the time and some would argue of all time.
This is my Number 1 favorite Final Fantasy of all time, my like of it however does not coincide of what it is, as unlike the majority I look at things not as "My Favorite = The best there is and that's it" but I try my best to look at it objectivly and I will point out the faults
The game has the first and so far only Female Lead in FF history apparently untill FFXIII comes out.
There are 14 Main Playable Charecters and 15 more temporarily, each of the main party members have a part in the game that develops their backstory at least once and some will pluck your heartstrings.
But there is where some of the problems lies, because there are so many not everyone gets a fair shot and some leave a lot of their stories open, such as Shadow's and Relm's relationship.
The battle system is based on the Esper system, each Esper you get allows for the user to gain knowledge of magic when equiped. The problem is that you could have everyone know everything and makes the team seem like a bunch of "Copypasta Avatars", the saving grace though is that each charecter has a unique ability that is used for them only. Such as Sabin's Blitz, Umaro's Bezerk, GoGo's Mimic, or Terra's Morph.
The Finale is epic as well, with an around 30 min ending that doesn't close everything but leaves you satisfied.
Here's to hoping a 2D portable sequal.

Final Fantasy VI SGI
This was the 3D demo shown at Sigraph 96. I have seen it and in the YouTube age, you should have too.
This was unique in that the game was played with a mouse, which would make one think it would be a great Wii Shop Channel Download.
I personaly wouldn't want a 3D FFVI, I feel it's style just wouldn't be able to work in 3D. So if they do make a sequal I'd want it to be either a 2D Game or a OVA Adaptation done by Madhouse

Final Fantasy VII
I have not completed this game, only up to the Monster Wall. The game has been set as the Face of the franchise for so long that I know the story.
This is without a doubt, the most popular FF Game of all time. This however is on the lower tier of my favorite FF games, that doesn't mean I hate it though, in fact I enjoy the overall story. Plus One Winged Angel & Water are some of the best tracks in Final Fantasy
Some old school fans will point out that FF VII's story is very similar (Almost C&P) to FF VI in thus ripping it off. However every story has been retold many times, only the names change.
The thing that set it apart from the previous FFs is the abbandonment of the medival structure that FF hinged on since inception and put it in a Steampunk/Earth Sucking Future type setting and was certainly a great change of pace.
The Materia system took the elements before it and set it to a new style of having the Materia themselves gaining EXP unlocking abilities insted of having the party members gain powers individualy.
What sets FFVII apart from those previous was it's structure, it was able to put everything together to apeal to the mass audience and believe it or not old school fans but that is and should be the main goal for Square-Enix or any company over having a well structured story. It's what makes Transformers, Dragonball Z, & Naruto so popular.

Final Fantasy VII: Before Crisis
This is the Cell Phone Prequal to FFVII. I have not played this but have read parts of a fanlated script and plan to read it fully.
This game is about the beginings of the Turks and helps expand the individualy storylines that couldn't be fit in a normal game. Like Rude & Reno's past, Sephiroth's Legacy, and the such.
The gameplay is done in the style of turn based MP gameplay, much like the GBA rendition of FFI but with summons.
The detriment against it is that A: It's on Cell Phones only, and B: Japan Only. The only way it would work in the US is if it was an unlockable in a Square-Enix Game, and would be most likey the selling point.

Final Fantasy VII: Crisis Core
I have not played this game, mainly because I don't have a PSP
This is an Action RPG that expands the story of Minor Major Charecter, Zack.
Sounds fun.

Final Fantasy VII: Last Order
This is an OVA done by the Animation Studio, Madhouse. Who also did the previous Final Fantasy V: Legend of the Crystals. I have seen this.
This OVA is about two flashbacks, the Neiblem Burning Inccident, and Zack & Cloud's Escape.
The animation is well done and shows why Madhouse is one of the best Animation Studios out there.
The problem is that though it does some Non-Cannon Retconning which is fixed in the Crisis Core game which was released later.
Overall though, more OVAs of FF should be done in this same style.

Ehrgeiz: God Bless The Ring
Not Officialy a FF game, but has numerous FFVII charecters. I have not played this game, but it being a fighting game without a story mode it doesn't matter.
Nothing really to add to the FFVII story unless it does get RetConned into the Compilation of FFVII then you can add the other Fighters into the FFVII World.

Final Fantasy VII: Advent Children
The most successful Animation that Square-Enix has done, which isn't saying much considering the sales of the others. I have seen it at it was the driving force of me doing research on FF's story due to the confusing storyline in Advent Children.
Let me say this upfront, there's a reason they made the Reminence of Final Fantasy VII. Because anyone who has not played the game or done research would be completely lost.
The story does nothing to close any previous storylines and actualy makes more storylines left open. Great CG Animation though.
Also, "Dilly Dally Shilly Shally" is the worst line EVER

Final Fantasy VII: Dirge of Cerebus
I have not played this game and have not reasearched the storyline, but from what I hear, I'm not missing much.
This is a 3rd person shooter starring Vincent, and so far is the last part in the FFVII storyline.
This game is notorius for having a bad engine, which is unfortunant.

Compilation of Final Fantasy VII
Overall of the Compilation. For fans of FFVII, they will enjoy it. For regualr FF fans, it's okay, everyone got their favorites and this might not be it.
The whole reason why FFVII was picked to do an expansion was becasue it was the most popular and also because Nomura who currently is heading Final Fantasy did the concept art for FFVII.
Let's hope they pay enough attention to the other games in the Main series as muchas they did this.

Final Fantasy VIII
I have not beaten this game, not even close to beating the first disk as the battle system is too annoying for me.
Having that preset in mind, know that I only have a general idea of what the story is about. But I must make note that I have seen the ending as I had pushed a friend to beat it while I was there since he didn't have to do anything except beat the final boss.
To my understanding this game was actualy made to appeal to fans of Anime High School dramas, and given the art direction and presentation, it's evident.
The Draw Battle System to some is one of the most annoying in the FF series, right next to FFII, and as said before was the stopping point for me.
I will say though the models, the artwork, the FMVs, & the music are great. In fact one of my favorite scenes in Final Fantasy happens in this game where you fight on the rope on this hover vehicle, save Rinoa, and see the grand battle scene on the ground in the background.

Final Fantasy IX
I have played this game and only got to the second disk before becoming too frustrated. Not a knock on the battle system, but the difficulty.
Considered the Black Sheep of the PS1 FF Family, for going with the Deformed style done previously. Which I guess is to be expected to be hated considering the impressive visuals we got in FFVIII.
This is also thought of as the Refrence FF Game as it constantly refrences previous FF games such as Cloud & Squall's names, Josef's story, & the Four Fiends.
That's mostly because it was originaly supposed to be a spinoff game and the next instalment (X) was supposed to be IX.
This game is in my opinion, the better of the PS1 FF Family. As in the 3 Game Cycle, it was able to take elements from VII & VIII and make a great game pushing the PS1 to it's limits.

Tetra Master
This is an online version of the Card Game in FFIX, I had previously played the prototype before the subscription fee.
Here's to hoping some intelligent person will make a flash version of the game.

Final Fantasy X
I have beaten this game and even went through the much hated Blitzball.
Restarting the cycle again, this time on the PS2 with the story and concept of the original FFIX.
The almsot seemless transitions of FMVs to Realtime was a big deal at the time as was the addition of VOs (Voice Overs).
The Battle System is well done and somewhat realistic by being able to use anyone on your team at the time but only able to fight with three at a time. The Summors system is well done as well
This game suffers though from the "Copypasta" syndrome with the Grid Experence system allowing anyone to learn anything, making the only thing serperating the party members are the weapons used, the overdrives, and their personalities/backstories.
The battle with Jecht near the end is very memorable. But the Final Boss is too easy with a Zombify weapon or power + Pheonix Down.
The ending closed things up nicly but it got cracked open again...

Final Fantasy X-2
I've beaten this game, but I don't really like this game that much.
Let's get the good out of the way. The game uses the Job system very well, plus as a fan of Tokusatsu I like the transformation sequences and that you can do it at anytime, even in battle. The fight song "YuRiPa Battle 1" is one of my favorite fighting themes.
However, it doesn't make up for the almsot complete RetCon of everything in the previous game and leaving so much more open. Yuna's personality is completely different and almost makes you think that it isn't Yuna at all (And that's partialy true) and it takes away from the likeability of the series.
The International Version also made the unprecidented cannon story in that FF VII's World & FF X's World are connected through the charecter of Shin-Ra. The story is that Shin-Ra after X-2 took the energy from the Farplanes and tried to make it a Power Source, he failed. His decendents later were able to make a spaceship and flew to FF VII's world and were able to use the Planet's Energy there and created a Company using that power and named it after the Pioneer in the technology, Shin-Ra.
The makes the idea that even though every installment in the FF Franchise is different, they are all in the same universe, just on different planets.

Final Fantasy XI
I haven't played this game, but have made a Homebrew VCD of AMVs, but I hope to get some playthrough footage sometime to put on a DVD.
I hope that eventualy there will be an easier and free way to play this game so everyone can enjoy. But I think an offline adaptation would be well suited in the style of FFI.
There is an official Webcomic being done and there have been numorus journals of people's adventures which is what this instalment is all about, the multiple people's individual stories.
I appuald though the dedication of the players in FFXI.

Final Fantasy Tactics
This game is too hard for me.
From what I've heard though I do apreciate the deep storyline.
What makes it hard is it's difficulty and leveling system which includes a Leveling Down ability.

Vagrant Story
This game was RetConned into the Final Fantasy family after the announcement of the Ivalice Alliance Project, making it the first non-FF game to be FF Cannon.
This is an Action RPG with a Weapon Customizing System, which is pretty cool.
I eventualy wanna try it

Final Fantasy Tactics Advance
I have beaten this game, 3 times fully through. This is my #2 favorite FF game of all time.
What bogged down FFT was simplified here, and while some may hate this game for that, it's what made the game for me. Some may also not like it for it not being a "True Sequal" to FFT, but they never said it was.
The use of the Jagds were most likely inspired by the Fire Emblem series. Where in FE, if one of your party members die, they die permanetly unless you restart the chapter. The Jagd Areas work the same way, in that if a party member dies and you didn't bring him back to life before the battle ends, he's gone. You can even do this with a Major Party member in Montblanc, all his lines will be subbed by the Pub Owner or another Minor Party Member.
This is also the first time where if you follow the story carefully, you are actualy playing the role of the antogonist the entire time, even if he has the greatest of intentions. Taking his friends out of paradise because it isn't real is such a dick move. But can really be explained with this picture.

Final Fantasy XII
This game's Battle System is venomly hated by most FF Fans for it going MMO insted of the old system.
This game pushes the power of the PS2 to the extreme, creating someof the best looking Realtime graphics ever. The Voice Acting is tremendos and really adds to the feel of the game.
Concluding the 2nd Chapter of Final Fantasy itslef, it went out on a high note and I look foward to playing it.

Final Fantasy XII: Revenant Wings
This is the sequal to FFXII and is the first time that FF uses the RTS system that gained great popularity on PC and looks like it works well with the touch screen.
This is also the first time that a sequal is cross-companied of having the Prequal FFXII on a Sony system and the sequal on a Nintendo System.

Final Fantasy Tactics A2
This will be the sequal to FFTA and will be set behind FFXII in terms of timeline.
Supposedly it follows the system from the original FFTA.

Ivalice Alliance
Overall IMO, this is a better project than Comp of FFVII. As it involves seperate stories that are now being woven together, which is much better than trying to expand an already established storyline.

Final Fantasy XIII
Boo for promoted as Real Time Engine when really it's just a prerendered cutscene.
Yay for having something different by having a female lead.

Final Fantasy Verses XIII
This is supposedly gonna be a more realistic version of Kingdom Hearts with some elements of a third-person shooter similar to Dirge of Cerberus.
Also this will be the darkest Final Fantasy yet, apparently.

Final Fantasy Agito XIII
This will be on Mobile Phones only.
Boo, you could at least pretend to care about the International audience S-E, we like having a complete story too.

Fabula Nova Crystallis
This may be the best project as it's set from the begining as being connected so there should be no plotholes (Let's Hope). Also due to the sales of the PS3, S-E may eventualy port this series over to other consoles once the current Sony Contract ends.

Final Fantasy Crystal Chronicles
I gonna take a serious crack at this in 2008, I do have the GCN-GBA Link Cable and a GBA.
Because of the excusivity of S-E's contract with Sony, The big N just then at the time using discs insted of cartridges, and idea from a big wig. S-E made a short lived 2.5 Party Development studio to get around their contract and make this game for the Nintendo Gamecube.
The BGMs are great in this game with a real celtic flow giving the game an old time but familier feel. Renicance Fairs lovers will love this game for it's presentation.
Using a simple Mana system, this game gives more of a MMO Lite feel than anything else in terms of gameplay. The only thing keeping the game back from being big was the GBA Conectivity, it frankly would have been better if they made a pack in controler that had a GBA screen.

Final Fantasy Crystal Chronicles: Ring of Fates
This will be a portable version of the CC style of gameplay using Nintendo's Wi-Fi Conectivity on the DS.

Final Fantasy Crystal Chronicles: The Crystal Bearers
Supposedly gonna be a Single player version of the original CC gameplay on the Wii

Final Fantasy Crystal Chronicles: The Little King and the Promised Country
Will be the first big name for the Wii's Wii Ware Original Games with online play.
Will be aparently a contry-building simulation along the lines of Sim City

Crystal Chronicles
This is really the first time that a FF Gaiden game asivwere can legitimetly become a continuing series.
With 4 Instalments under it's belt, let's hope the CC series can continue on with a longevity as the Main Series.

Kingdom Hearts
Beat it. It's like Peanut Butter & Chocolate, who knew that S-E & Disney would mesh so well?
I had at one point gotten stuck at Cerebus but eventualy passed it. my most memorible fight was against the guy from Fantasia, great scene.
The Battle system was fine but the series is mainly a Button Masher Action RPG and I guess is the most successful one to date.

Kingdom Hearts: Chain of Memories
Demoed the game. This was the first GBA game to have full pre rendered FMVs, which was astonding at the time for a portable system.
This was also remade in 3D for the Final Mix release of KH2, which so far has been only released in japan, which is unfortunante and another cases of Japan Exclusivity, I certainly hope it doesn't take as long as it took for us to get FFIII.
This game also the first to be a Card System Button Mashing Action RPG or CSBMARPG.

Kingdom Hearts 2
Haven't played it but is said to have a great story and I have purposly avoided major spoilers to play it eventualy.

Kingdom Hearts: 358/2 Days
This game is part of the KH Mobile Trio with the other KH games below.
Pronounced as "Kingdom Hearts Three-Five-Eight Days over Two" this one will be on the Nintendo DS and will star Roxas during the time after Sora entered the deep sleep

Kingdom Hearts: Birth By Sleep
As part of the afformentioned KH Mobile trio, this one will be on the PSP that focuses on Terra, Ven, and Aqua, characters introduced in Kingdom Hearts II Final Mix.

Kingdom Hearts: Coded
The last of the KH Mobile Trio for Mobile Phones that focuses on King Mickey

Kingdom Hearts Series
This series is starting to be touted as better than the main Series by some, which can be argued.
I hope that eventualy we'll start seeing more influences of Final Fantasy in future installments insted of mostly Disney.

Final Fantasy Unlimited
I had first seen this series in it's fansubbed form and loved the Voice Acting. I had eventualy gotten the Box Set from ADV Films and was severily dissapointed with some of the choices for the repeated lines in the series, especialy the Soul Gun Summonings.
It's unfortunate that it wasn't popular as I liked the presentation and even more unfortunate in that it's rarely known there was a PC game based on this series released in Japan and there is absolutely no info on the internet about it.

Chocobo Series
The series works for being a way to prototype some ideas for future instalments of the FF Series.

Final Fantasy Mystic Quest
I have beaten this game and I don't care what anyones says that this game is terrible, this is a great game with very simple gameplay and should not be shunned because of it.
This game also has my favorite fighting themes in any Final Fantasy. I prefer it in repeat listenings over One Winged Angel.
The "The End" screen is great too.

Final Fantasy The Spirits Within
I saw this in the Movie Theatre and believe it or not, I like this story over the entire Compilation of Final Fantasy VII. Flame Me if you want.
The music is great and sets the mood well, it should have gotten an award for breakthrough technology in application of movies. This came out before Shrek BTW.
Plus, who doesn't like Thriller.

Dissida Final Fantasy
This will be a fighting game in the same veign as the Super Smash Bros by taking various stars of the FF series and having them duel it out. Let's hope it does well enough for future instalments and hopefully a broader release than just the PSP.

I know these aren't officialy part of the series but they are so well done that they have to be mentioned

Final Fighting Fantasy
This is an Flash Animation Series by SplashKat that has been going on for 7 years And still has not finished due to real life responsibilities.
This series uses the same idea from FFIII of the need for balence between Good and Evil and the neccisty of that. So in turn, some good guys become bad guys and the two sides go at war to appease the World's need for balence.
This series only uses charecters from FFI-VII & one from Tactics. Also if a charecter had died in the game, they can't be used in the Series. Plus, there is only 1 Pheonix Down and that was already used.
FFF is famous for involving great animation with Trance Music, and it melds really well together setting the mood for the Chapters.
With only 2 more chapters to go, and installments coming within the window of years insted of months. Old fans have mostly moved on, but there are still fans coming back to the website every now and then to see if there's an update if the series will ever get finished.

Final Fantasy A+
This is possibly the greatest FF Flash in the short history of the Internet and Flash Animation. Done, humoresly enough, as a school project for his Japanese Language class.
The Flash takes FFI's presentation and choice of charecters, combined with the many reapearing faces of Final Fantasy. Such as Moogles, Chocobos, Summons, and more.
The names are clever too for the three protaginists. The Warrior Pensuke (Pen + Sasuke), the Black Mage Atticus (Abbacus), and the White Mage Cid (Gotta have a Cid).
No sequals, just a stand alone project. By the way, he got an A+ for the project.

Final Fantasy as a whole
As I stated in the begining, this is a very influential series that has helped mold many of the minds of the Console Gaming Generation.
While the quality has been very high to very low, from loved by many to hated by many, but it's all about if you enjoyed the game and cannot deny that Final Fantasy is one of the biggest names in gaming along the lines of Mario.

Final Fantasy XVI Review

2025-03-21T11:14:00.000-07:00

Final Fantasy XVI is a game made by the studio Creative Business Unit 3 from Publisher Square-Enix. Directed by Hiroshi Takai (Final Fantasy XIV: Heavensward), Written by Kazutoyo Maehiro (Final Fantasy XIV: Heavensward) & Michael-Christopher Koji Fox (Final Fantasy XI & Final Fantasy XIV), Composed by Masayoshi Soken (Final Fantasy XIV), Combat Directed by Ryota Suzuki (Devil May Cry V & Dragon's Dogma), and was Produced by Naoki Yoshida (Dragon Quest X & Final Fantasy XIV).

In the English version it stars Ben Starr (Midsomer Murders & Knightfall) as Clive Rosfield, Susannah Fielding (Kill Keith & Death on the Nile) as Jill Warrick, Jonathan Case (Undergods & Simon Godwin's Macbeth) as Joshua Rosfield, and Harry Lloyd (Anthropoid & BBC's Robin Hood) as Ultima.

Final Fantasy XVI is the current mainline entry of the Final Fantasy series, and was propped up & partially funded by Sony Computer Entertainment as an exclusive to the Playstation 5 Console during it's initial launch, as a way to encourage sales of the consoles. After the exclusivity deal ended it was released on Software developer Valve's Steam platform on PC and was made compatible with Valve's Steam Deck. This review was played on the Steam Deck in it's entirety.

Final Fantasy XVI lays out it's story in chapters in a way that seems designed with the mindset for the player to create their own "episodes" to which they will go about the story & sidequests at their leisure, save at a satisfying portion and then return at another time. It's big design philosophy for the gameplay loop seemed to be "Story portion > Quest gathering > Travel and lore dump > gameplay > Quest conclusion and if applicable, long cutscenes as a reward to the player for their efforts". Overall it's a decent gameplay loop to have and it's fairly satisfying to play. No complaints really.

The bigger issues are the decisions made for the presentation of style & gameplay choices. A big majority portion of the Final Fantasy fanbase is usually divided between two subsections, "Medival Fantasy" & "Modern Fantasy" with XVI being firmly in the Medival Fantasy style much like it's bigger brother Final Fantasy XIV to which the majority of the staff comes from. The bigger issue inlies where to appeal to a broader audience they went with a style for the beginning portion of the game to be in line with popular TV at the time of development starting in 2017; which was Television company HBO's Game of Thrones. And the Game of Thrones style of negative dirty gritty Medieval Fantasy clashes with the more positive hopeful medieval fantasy of older Final Fantasies like Final Fantasy IV or Final Fantasy VI. And really that's a reflection of society at the time of development for both and highlights a broader issue within the industry. Games like Final Fantasy IV & VI were made within a year start to finish, and so the temperaments of the stories fit within the hopeful nature of society at the time in the 1990s. XVI however took a period of 6 years from start of development in 2017 to it's release in 2023 and a lot changed in temperament in society in-between that time. We went through a whole period from people reveling in despair with shows like Game of Thrones to actually living in despair during the COVID-19 pandemic. With 2023 the temperament changed where people want hope, they want goodness in the world. And so a game that starts out in a way to make you sad, didn't leave good impressions on people at the time.

Over time however in the story, it lightens up and tries to instill in the player, as this is a theme throughout the game, that you can overcome great trials in your life within your own power and that by working together with your loved ones can you become a greater you. It frames this however in an unfortunate A-typical Chaotic Shinto-istic way of portraying the creators of the World as ones with ill intent. Not that it isn't what the antagonists are, they are indeed ill intended individuals, but it's become a tired trope even within the franchise of fighting against "gods" so humanity can stand on it's own. It's a common theme seen in very popular games like Shin Megami Tensei: Persona, Final Fantasy Tactics, Elden Ring, & Mortal Kombat. A contrast to other games where "gods" or God is there to aid the heroes like Dragon Quest, Final Fantasy XI, & Oreshika. Fighting the in-lore deities reflects the overarching theme of Final Fantasy XVI which is slave breaking free from the chains of their masters, akin to a very popular game that came out at the start of development in 2017, the highly acclaimed Persona 5; which it's famous tagline when it debuted as "Do you want emancipation?".

The story flow of the game seems to be broken up into 3 parts. The intro which tries to connect you to the characters done in it's Game of Thrones style through Chapters 1-3, then the middle portion which explains the lore done in a style like a mix between Final Fantasy Tactics & the TV show Babylon 5 in chapters 4-6, the final chapters 7-10 is very much finally trying to be it's own Final Fantasy; trying to truly instill in the players the deep emotional connection with big moments like prior Final Fantasies do. One might think the climb up the Crystalline Tower in a late chapter of the game where you fight Bahamut is trying to instill the same feeling people had with prior FFs like VII's fight against the Weapons as a test of knowledge of the game's mechanics, X with the fight against Yunalesca and fighting as an undead, or XIV's fight against Nidhogg dealing with Ank Mohrn pillars of flame. XVI does it's best to present it's bosses as memorable events that try to stick in your mind and it succeeds in that. The big problem is that it takes a certain mindset to feel the motivation to even get there. As the opening chapters do nothing to instill in the players a sense of hope or goodness. It's very demotivating.

Another thing that was demotivating about the game with the choice of combat mechanics. Having brought in the prior mentioned Ryota Suzuki, the game was made with an Action RPG style. A game style made for quick reflexes and situational awareness that is reflective of other games at the time and now that are adrenaline pumping like the Souls genre or the prior mentioned Devil May Cry. And while there is optional accessories in game to equip that make it easier for the non-action game enthusiast to enjoy it, it doesn't take away the broader issue. That this game would have been better served as a Turn-Based RPG like it's older siblings in the final Fantasy series. There were many times throughout the game that I felt this game would have been better served as a turn-based one. And it's not like the genre of Turn-Based RPGs are dead. As one of the most popular franchises in general is one, Pokemon; as well as other acclaimed & highly sold games like Persona, Like A Dragon, & FFs sister series Dragon Quest. It's an example of the divide in philosophy for certain developers and it's audience.

All of this combined is what led to the game unfortunately not being that big of a hit at a supposed 3.5 Million sales. Unlike XVI's bigger brother VII which was able to move more Playstation 1 consoles sold, XVI was unable to encourage sale of the Playstation 5. Now there are broader issues at play with the Playstation 5 such as the Pandemic, the artificial inflation of chip prices, the rise of digital currency such as bitcoin, as well as a recession for people just trying to survive. But Final Fantasy also has a larger problem in and of itself in regards to development. Starting with Final Fantasy XII, the development time of the games stretched longer and longer from a 1 year turnover to multiple years. Final Fantasy 1-11 all came out between the years of 1987-2002 a time of 15 years, Final Fantasy XII-XVI from time of development to release was 2002-2023; only 5 entries in a span of 20+ years (with one entry in particular XV, taking the greater part of 10 years to make). There's an entire generation that did not get enough mainline entries of Final Fantasy to grow attached to it like the prior generation did. So there's less people caring about the franchise, and thus less people caring enough to buy an entire console just for XVI. This led to weak sales in terms of making a profit from development costs and thus made the game considered an unclaimed failure by the company. Forcing them to lean on it's live service games like it's mobile division and XIV to cover the profit for the company. Making the eventual PC release a nice gesture to allow people to finally play it, but not making it a World wide hit the franchise is expected to be. This is partially why the company is leaning so heavily in it's sequel series of it's most popular entry VII with the "Remake" trilogy.

While XVI failed to deliver on a lot of fronts, it's still an enjoyable game. There are things to become attached to, and a lot of content to draw out of it. But unlike some of the more quality games of the past few years like Balatro, Street Fighter 6, or Yakuza: Like A Dragon; I don't think I'll be revisiting this game.

In my personal tiering of Final Fantasies (not what I think the average consumer feels), it strikes above average. A good effort that unfortunately came out too late for people to care. Bellow is my current rankings of the franchise.

Great
V
VI
XIII-2
XIV Stormblood
XIV Heavensward
XI Chains of Promathia
IV The After Years
XIV Shadowbringers
Tactics Advance
Lightening Returns XIII
XI Wings of the Goddess
XI Seekers of Audolin
XI Rhapsodies of Vana'diel

Good
XIV Endwalker
Type-0
XIV A Realm Reborn
X-2
IV
XI Treasures of Aht Urghan
X
VII Crisis Core
III
XI Rise of the Zilart
XV Comrades
XV
XVI

Average
XI The Voracious Resurgence
XI
I
IX
VII
XIV Dawntrail
Ehrgeiz
II Soul of Rebirth
II
XIII
IV Interlude
A King's Tale XV
Tactics

Bellow Average
Crystal Defenders
Tactics Advance 2
VII Dirge of Cerberus
XII Revenant Wings
VIII
XII

I've yet to finish: VII Remake, VII Rebirth, I Stranger of Paradise

Game Review: Princess Peach: Showtime! for the Nintendo Switch (Played via Emulation)

2024-05-10T15:15:00.000-07:00

Nintendo is in a unique position this year as it's the final year of the Nintendo Switch, so by all respects what we see being developed by Nintendo will likely be delayed until the release of their new system "The Succesor to the Switch". So anything that gets released by their first party or second party development teams are games that have been in the works for long enough to get finished but too late to be held off for a double release for the Switch and their new system. This was the same fate for games like Nintendo's 2006 release of "The Legend of Zelda: Twlight Princess" which had a double release for the Gamecube & the Wii, while 2019's "The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild" had it for The Wii U & The Switch. This particular game was in development for a while, as evident by the development studio in particular (Good-Feel)'s last releases being a paired development with Studio Justdan of 2019's Twin Stick Shooter "Monkey Barrels". They had split development between this game 2024's "Princess Peach: Swowtime!" and 2023's release of "Otogi Katsugeki Mameda no Bakeru: Oracle Saitarou no Sainan!!", which was the Spiritual Succesor to Konami's forgotten franchise "Ganbare Goemon".

Now why is this important to know? Well Good-Feel is a second party development studio that is partially owned by Nintendo, and is headed by a man named Etsunobu Ebisu. Ebisu-San is a veteran of the video game industry and has been making games since the 1980s. His first title was in working on the hidden gem of the NES 1988's "The Adventures of Bayou Billy". He primarily worked on programming the game as well as doing quality assurance, to make sure there were no major bugs. Ebisu-San then got to work on a franchise that he became primarily associated with for the majority of his career, in 1989, Konami's Arcade sleeper hit "Mr. Goemon" was making the transition to consoles and thus the "Ganbare Goemon" franchise was born. Ebisu-San worked on programming the games, and was so beloved by his crew they created a character and designed it after him, thus was born the sidekick for the virtuous thief Goemon, was the "Nezumi Kozō" patterened and blue adorned Ebisumaru. Ebisumaru became an iconic character that was known for his love for food, women, & dance. Ebisu-San was able to produce hit after hit with his fellow employees to make the "Ganbare Goemon" series a mascot franchise for Konami alongside Nintendo's Mario, Hudson's Bomberman, & SEGA's Sonic. Soon with the advent of 3D gaming thanks to titles like SEGA's 1994 "Virtua Fighter" the industry was moving to the 3D realm for consoles and if you weren't making something 3D, you were going to get left behind.

Enter 1997's "Mystical Ninja Starring Goemon" for the Nintendo 64 with Ebisu-San in his Directoral debut. I could go on and on about the quality of this game, but let me make things perfectly clear about "Mystical Ninja Starring Goemon". It was the second 3D adventure game (the other being 1997's "Mega Man Legends"), the first 3D game to do a proper translation of 2D to 3D mech fights, and was the first 3D true Open World Adventure. And in my personal feelings on it, it's the best 3D Adventure game not just on the N64, but of the entire 5th Generation. Yes, more so than 1998's "The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time". So why isn't Ebisu-San still working on the Goemon franchise today? Well that fault lies with a mishandling of Konami's management and budget. Konami's other big franchise "Metal Gear" was syphoning a majority of funds as the industry was changing from "games made with creative intent" and more towards "Emulating of Hollywood" a trap that was felt before with Digital Picture Studio's Night Trap & Supreme Warrior. Thus in 2005, Ebisu-San along with his colleague Shigeharu Umezaki left Konami to form their own studio Good-Feel. They would form a relationship with Nintendo after they were headhunted to work on Nintendo's 2008 title "Wario Land: Shake It!". As producer, Ebisu-San and his team were able to translate high quality animation into sprite based 2D platforming. While "Wario Land: Shake It!" was not a runaway hit in sales, Nintendo did see the quality in it's work and thus bought partial ownership of Good-Feel to bring them under their umbrella. Still indipendent but they work on Nintendo games and franchises primarily.

And they did with high quality entries like 2010's "Kirby's Epic Yarn", 2015's "Yoshi's Wooly World", & 2019's "Yoshi's Crafted World". All simple games with a focus on showcasing technical wizardry, and basic well made level design (which is becoming a lost art, IMO). Their primary intention with those games was to give a "Good feeling" while playing them. And they did, with high ratings across the board. Thus with Nintendo at full confidence in the studio, they gave them two projects, 1 was the afformentioned Goemon Spiritual Succesor (a Ebisu-San request, no doubt), and the other was "Princess Peach: Showtime!". Could Good-Feel translate their "Good feelings" into another banger?

The answer is simply, yes. "Princess Peach: Showtime!" is a masterclass in simple level design with the unique choice of making each level unique with the game's gimmick of the titular Peach transforming into different roles to suit the level. While "Barbie-esque" in it's choice of presentation, Peach transforming into different "Dream Jobs" like a Swordfighter or a Thief or a Super Hero each gives unique gameplay moments that all feel satisfying. The presentation of the game is also top notch, as to compliment the "Dream Jobs" what better way to do so than on a stage. The whole game is set up like a high budget stage production. One can't help if they are a video game veteran, but to think of the comparrisons to 1994's "Dynamite Headdy" by Treasure for the Sega Genesis, as it also presented itself as a Stage Play. However the difference between "Headdy" & "Peach" is that Headdy is more of "The World is a stage", while Peach is done more like Sega's iconic franchise "Sakura Wars" as the heroines take the stage of the Grand Imperial Theater. Each level of Peach takes place in individual stages, and the level design each seem plausible that it could have been crafted specifically for a stage play. The set pieces are of obvious wood, there are puppeteering strings, an orchestra warming up in the pit, a projector to give the sense of something supernatural. The whole game and levels have such care and thought made for each piece. It's a treat for the eyes and ears.

Your goal as Princess Peach is to save the employees of the Theater Mansion from an invading force known as Madame Grape, from taking over the Theater and the Island it's on. Notably, the Character Artists for this game were primarily female, and the artist for Madame Grape and the Theeater in parrticular seems to be a big fan of Sega's "NiGHTS into Dreams" and the work of Naoto Oshima. The whole game has a very, to excuse the term, Sega-Like feel. Which isn't surprising considering most of Nintendo's in-house programmers and developers came from Sega after being headhunted from their collaboration on the "Mario & Sonic": franchise. Leading to an interesting thing, "Princess Peach: Showtime!" is pretty much a 1,000% better version of Oshima's & Yuji Naka's final collaborative work (Before Naka's Inprisonment for Insider Trading), 2021's "Balan Wonderworld". "Balan Wonderworld" was a showcase of it's "NiGHTS"-like inspiration, with dreamy landscapes and just as dream-like character design. And with controls to almost match, "Peach" is afforded a 3-button scheme of Jump/Attack/Pose to "Balan"'s 1-button everything. This allows for more player control without sacrificing level design, which hurt Balan in the long run. The game is so simple in it's design that you could even potentially play it on a NES controller, and in fact does feel like a lost Side Scrolling Nintendo 64 game that could stand side-by-side with something like Konami's 1998 "Goemon's Great Adventure" or Treasure's 1997 "Mischief Makers". It's that high of Quality

"Princess Peach: Showtime!" shows why it's important to understand "Arcade level design", why and how to put enemy or platforming segments where. Why you shouldn't just throw whatever in your level like you're playing "Minecraft" or designing an ametuer Skate Park in "Tony Hawk's Pro Skater", creating purpose for each part of a level makes it feel important and most importantly, fun to play or have a "good feeling" while playing it. With it's level design, character design, music quality, and presentation; there's no reason not to try "Princess Peach: Showtime!". It's only flaw being that it's at most, an 8 hour game. But you know what else was an 8-hour game at most? "Mystical Ninja Starring Goemon" "Shenmue" "Sonic Generations" "Final Fantasy", some of the greatest games of all time and all Tackie Award Winners. And if I'm comparing "Peach" to them? It's High Praise.

Factotum 90 Review for Playstation 4 & Playstation Vita

2017-09-13T20:33:00.003-07:00

Been a while since my last game review, but I was able to nab a review copy of Factotum 90 for both Playstation 4 & Playstation Vita. After the jump, let's dive into this Adventuring Puzzler.

Factotum 90 is a Puzzle-based Adventure game made by TACS Games going through 30 levels of problems that need to be solved. The story begins as the spaceship "RV Benevolent Hypocube VII" gets rocked by some space rocks and ends up cutting out the life support system. It's up to you, guided by the engineer Tacs, to control two walker control terminals (b.n.nol .a & b.n.brb .b) as you go deeper into the ship and get the ship running again. Doing so requires you to solve many puzzles including pressure switch, light beam, & explosion like puzzles. Originally released on Nintendo Wii U in August 2015 as just "Factotum", Factotum 90 boasts high resolution textures, physically based shading, new lighting, special effects, achievements, a brand new soundtrack and a new user interface. As well as optimization as a whole.

One thing that immediately comes to mind when playing the game is it's possible influences in games like Portal or The Talos Principle or the Antichamber. Games that are solely based on tackling a problem in a specific manner but having the freedom of movement to do so. The puzzles themselves are very clever and do take some time to figure out. There was many of a time in my playthrough where I reached the end of a level with one terminal and realized I had forgotten to bring over the other. Each level also has a collectable as a way to challenge yourself of figuring the entire puzzle out.

On the Playstation 4 the game is well made with it's budget price in mind. Everything has a nice finish and the sound is enjoyably atmospheric. The voice of Tacs by a Mr. Peter Willington (Who you can find on Twitter @xeroxeroxero) is a well done performance and keeps you in context with the world presented. Everything runs smooth and efficient.

On the Playstation Vita however the game is quite compromised. There are frequent lag spikes when loading between levels, the resolution on everything took a major compression hit, the screen where Tacs is located is also missing effects, and the movement physics are completely different. In particular in Level 24 when using a teleportation gate you have to be very very careful when exiting out or you can easily fall off the edge. Possible oversight or a lack of QA, either way it marks badly for the Vita version. (Edit: I've been informed that there will be a patch that fixes the teleportation gate issue as well as other bug fixes. I look forward to it.)

Overall though Factotum 90 is a nice afternoon romp that unfortunately doesn't have any replayability beyond the tokens and achievements. It's certainly priced accordingly at $6 for Digital, and with it being a cross-purchase deal you can get both the PS4 & Vita versions for 1 price. However I can only recommend playing the PS4 version of the two.

TACS Games has been making games since 2012 releasing titles on mobile platforms with titles like Console Saga, Radiant Flux, Super Tank Poker and Shuttle Quest! Now expanding to home consoles, TACS Games has also released Quadcopter Pilot Challenge, Octocopter: Super Sub Squid Esacpe, and of course the titular title of this review Factotum 90. You can follow TACS Games on their website TACSGames.com, onTwitter @tacsgames, or on Facebook. As well as the head developer of TACS Game Mr. Thomas Hopper on Twitter @thos_thom.

If you wish to purchase Factotum 90 you can do so at these locations
Playstation 4 & Vita: Available on the Playstation Store September 19th, 2017
Xbox One: On the Microsoft Store or on your Xbox One
Steam: On the Steam Store or Steam Machine
Humble Store: Available at a $1 higher price than on Steam
Wii U: Available on as the regular Factotum on the eShop
Limited Run: Coming Soon in physical release!

2017-04-04T04:41:00.001-07:00

Some final thoughts on my power leveling & PvP journey in FFXIV

The thing that is great from a design standpoint with FFXIV when it comes to leveling is that it's gonna take a long long time. By then, you'd hopefully be able to handle any role at a very least competent level. You are forced to learn what abilities do well if you want to progress at a basic level. Mastering it though, is an entirely different thing.

The game is not meant to be played for an excessive amount of time per day. At most the game expects you to play 3-4 hours a day, most likely after work/school in your downtime, then you'd turn it off and come back the next day. It's facilitated by this with it's dailies of "Roulette", "Beast Tribe", "Side-quests", and maybe a visit to the Gold Saucer to finish off. It does however have options available to those that like to play every day that is beyond getting every class to max level like "Diadem", "Hunts", "Deep Dungeon" and many more. It also turned out that doing Deep Dungeon was the best way to level all the classes.

With a guaranteed amount of XP per run, the game encourages you for you and your buddies to pal up and get through it as fast as you can and as far as you can (up to currently 200). The fastest way to level though is by repeatedly going through the levels 51-60 over and over. It's a dominant strategy that brings up way too many design flaws. Things like random party composition, hidden traps, boosting items, random map layouts, and a new design every 10 floors or so are great when it's done as intended. However power leveling causes things like, getting kicked for wanting to clear fast, traps springing that cause a wipe on the 14th run of the day, the dungeon design that only appears in levels 51-60 are samey and exhausting to run past, as well as the amount of runs needed to level up get larger and larger as the higher you get at I'd feel an unfair amount leading to an overall frustrating experience.

The rewards are good though if you're doing just one class. It's an easy way to catch up with friends, you get an easy to get weapon that is upgradable, you also get a sneak preview of what all the job will entail. It's great stuff. But for the power leveler your are just begging for there to be some kind of variety as you've seen every dungeon layout for the 9th time. A welcome change at the very least would be to change how each run looks every time you went in, instead of the Persona 3 style of everything being samey.

On to PvP and man, is it completely worthless. It is literally only there as a means to distract for those that don't care about leveling a different job as well as to fulfill the wants and needs of those that like to compete. But most of the time you don't even bother with the PvP part of PvP and are just playing the objective. Which is fine for me, but is lacking I'm sure for everybody else. Like Triple Triad in XIV, I feel like Weekly Solo Tournaments along with the seasonal Feast group rankings would do very well.

Another problem with PvP is the need for PvP abilities. It fills up an already full hotbar and is useless outside of PvP. It's a complete waste and would be better served by merging them with already gained abilities. The other big issue is that while it's fine currently with the PvP currency drop rate, I remember what it used to be and with the inflation of prices for PvP gear, it should never go back. Ever. How it is now with the GARO event is the droprate it should have always been.

So in closing thoughts I'd highly recommend not to try and rush through leveling in FFXIV. It's not worth spending 8-10 hours a day for 2 months and 5 days to do so. Your sanity and your family will thank you. On to Gravity Rush 2, Person 5, Oreshika, & the wait for Stormblood!

Movie Review 34: Spring, Summer, Fall, Winter... and Spring

2012-11-23T02:53:00.001-08:00

Life, both in Man & Earth

Trailer & Review after the jump

"Spring, Summer, Fall, Winter... and Spring" is a Life Drama Film and was directed by Kim Ki-duk ("The Isle", "3-Iron", & " Samaritan Girl"). It stars Su Oh-yeong ("A Little Monk") as the Old Monk, Kim Young-min ("Address Unknown" & "White: The Melody of the Curse") as the Young-Adult Monk, & Seo Jae-kyung ("Resurrection of the Little Match Girl" & "Welcome to Dongmakgol") as the Boy Monk.

"Spring, Summer, Fall, Winter... and Spring" is about the life story of a Buddhist Monk from childhood to adulthood, through the seasons, as he learns about the weight of life, the joy of love, & the pain of loss.

It's an interesting story to watch unfold as you gain a great sense of what could be called "simple truths" that sometimes just need to be pointed out. The here and now is so intense that people tend to lose sight of the bigger picture of life. And I think this movie does point it out. It's a movie that is great for self-reflection. This movie was reccomended to me a few odd years back, and I'm glad I got around to it.

Global Flickchart Ranking: 1787
My Flickchart Ranking: 590

"The Witcher 2 Assassins of Kings: Enhanced Edition" Initial Impressions Review

2012-04-18T19:08:00.001-07:00

So what happens when you take a guy who's video gaming bread and butter has always been a mix of platformers, Japanese Role Playing Games (jRPG), and puzzle games and then give him a western Role Playing Game (wRPG) to play through and review? A genre he rarely plays and has barely any affection for?

Let's find out, shall we?

"The Witcher 2 Assassins of Kings: Enhanced Edition" is a Western stylized Third Person Action Role Playing Game made by CD Projekt RED and published on the Xbox 360 by Warner Brothers Interactive Entertainment. It is a sequel to the PC game "The Witcher" & based on the book series "Wiedźmin" ("The Witcher") by Andrzej Sapkowski.

A good way to catch up to the beginning of the game is to watch this video here that explains the events in the first "The Witcher" game.

The game is about the story of a mutant known as Geralt of Rivia, his mutant race known as "Witchers", with his goal being to try to clear his name after the assassination of the King of Temeria, King Foltest. Joined by his companions, Geralt journeys the land to find the assassin and unmask him as the real culprit.

One thing that defines the wRPG, is it's branching dialouge. The choices you make in conversation will change the gameplay or even the story. You could choose one option and you would not go into a battle and settle things peacefully or choose one that could piss off the other person and be forced into a fight.

The gameplay though, as far as battles, is strait up hack 'n slash like the 3D "Legend of Zelda" games or "Dynasty Warriors". This combination of wRPG and Hack 'n Slash has been done before in a game series like "Fable". The qualty of the fight though is dependent entirely on what you choose the difficulty to be. If you choose easy, then mash the A & X buttons to your heart's content, anything harder and you'll have to change things up with parrying, blocking, and magic use. Potions can also effect battle too by poisoning your sword or increasing your vitality (health bar, essentially) regeneration.

There are also QTEs (Quick Time Events) strung through the game like a "Shenmue" or "God of War", where you have to time certain button presses that show up on screen, failure usually being a loss of health. One nice thing that I've only seen in this game so far is the option for less or more difficult QTE segments. So essentially putting the game on easy and less dificult QTEs makes the game a great intro to Action wRPGs for newbies of the genre.

With that stuff out of the way, let's talk opinions.

Now, being honest here, I've only played through the Prolouge. This is why this is an intial impressions review.

I don't normally play wRPGs that much myself. Most of the time it's because the theme or style is just not my flavor. Most of the time it's too grim and gritty or too "star Treky" if that makes any sense.

However, "The Witcher 2 Assassins of Kings: Enhanced Edition" is not that offensive to my tastes. The pallet could use a bit more color as it looks like there's grime on everything. They reccomend to install the game onto the system to reduce load times and it does help but there are still issues of textures popping up during cut scenes due to loading, it's offputting and breaks the flow of the game. But really nothing if you're the kind that likens to Mystery Science Theatre type point outs of mistakes in your head. The facial modeling is fine, not uncanny valley type realistic but not cartoony either, a good blend. The animated cut scenes that cover long periods of travel or backstory are quite well made. The style really fits well and compliments the package as a whole.

The music is typical of the genre and the sound effects work well. The controls feel intuitive and not clunky, although I wouldn't mind a good medium when it comes to movement as it's either a slow walk or full blast run. When "Super Mario 64" still has better movement controls 16 years later, we have an issue to how you made the game. Other side speaking though, I can see why. The game is essentially a port of the PC version of the game "The Witcher 2 Assassins of Kings" where keyboards don't have analog controls, I figure though with it being an "Enhanced Edition" they'd fix that. But whatever, it certainly isn't that bad of movement controls and is not a dealbreaker.

One thing that is depressing about this game is when you look at other reviews of the game around the mainstream gaming sites, "IGN 9/10, Gamespot 9/10, GameTrailers 9.4/10, Metacritic overall score 88/100". It's depressing that the gaming review industry as a whole is just that, an industry, a business if you will. Everybody and their mother knows that the gaming review industry's score a wholey based on buyouts, swag, hardballing, and vendettas. It's the reason why some good games fly under the radar because they didn't bribe IGN (for example) to give a good score. This gives a standard of high money making publisher's games getting a standard scale of 7-10 out of 10, nothing lower. That's not to say that this is a bad game though, just my initial impressions don't feel that this is on par with other 9/10 games that have been reviewed.

This is why I will not be giving out a score. I really reccomend that if you're interested in a game, don't rely on review websites, don't rely on my reviews, go out and try it for yourself. After all, who's a better judge of a game you might like than yourself?

Sometime soonish, I'll be back to do my midway review of the game to talk about the meat and potatoes of the game as I go through Act 1 and beyond. I'll be talking about what it is you'll be doing most of the time.

See you then.

2011, Gaming in Review

2011-12-30T17:23:00.000-08:00

What a year it's been in gaming for me. This is the first year I actively kept track of my gaming records and tried to beat my backlog. It was quite challenging. With help from the site
"Backloggery" I was able to keep track of my library of games and which ones I've yet to beat and complete. So let's take a look at some notable things about my backlog.

2011 was the year I took on the majority of the Castlevania Series with 18 out of the 28 Home and handheld Console Releases having been beaten with at least a bad ending. Of those 18 games
, all of the 2D Single Player Castlevanias were beaten (Classic & Metroidvania style). Because of this, I have grown an appreciation for the Castlevania Series that I hadn't before.
Previously I was of the opinion that it was a series that people enjoyed, but I didn't really pay much attention to myself. Now though, I hope that we eventually get some more Metroidvania
type games soon. As that gameplay type is quite unappreciated.

Another thing of note is that, thanks to the Humble Indie Bundle people, I have become quite the PC Gamer than I ever had before. There's a lot that can be appreciated in the Indie Game type
genre and ones that will be passed over due to it being, "Indie". Some view that in conjunction with "Hipster" and it's quite unfortunate. Gems like "Breath of Death VII" "Faerie Solitaire"
, "Audiosurf", "Trine", "Jamestown", & "VVVVVV " should not be ignored.

This was also the year for handheld emulation for me. As I went through a lot of GBA games that I've never played before and enjoyed. Like "Futari wa Precure", "Densetsu no Satfy", "Ninja
Five-O", "Kuru Kuru Kururin", & "Drill Dozer". All fantastic games.

What else happened in 2011? Well, I found the first Competative FPS that I enjoy. Team Fortress 2 has been a great experience for me. But it's also been the most energy draining. I learned
that with FPSs, I have to give my absolute all into playing it, just to keep up with everyone else. I find that after playing, I'm out fo breath, my mind is tired, and my body loosens up
after being so tense. There have been many moments playing TF2 where I almost leaped out of my chair as my character was leaping in front of my sentry to protect it, just so I could be
as competative as everyone else was. I know I can't play this game forever, it's too exhausting.

What's the plan in 2012? Maybe finishing out a Master Run of a game. I'm in the middle of both a Pokemon Emerald 386 Nuzlocke Run and a Final Fantasy I All White Mages Run. Both are quite
challenging. I'd also like to finish out a couple series. Playing through the rest of Castlevania would be nice. In time I'd like to rent the rest of non-emulatable Sonic games and
finish up that series. I also have a plan for an achievement system for old school games. Interestingly, I'm also going to try out more of Playstation Home and maybe buy a new place there.

So, 122 New Games with 149 games Beaten and around 109 of those Beaten been completed for the year of 2011 as well as beating my entire backlog. Let's tally up the score and see
a grade rating.

Grade A, not bad at all. Let's hope 2012 can be just as productive.

Games List for 2011

2011-08-10T16:34:00.000-07:00

Just a little something for note on my Backloggery page to start listing more games beaten and completed. Feel free to ignore.

2011 Backlog Stats:
:N: (New) 122
:B: (Beat) 149
:C: (Complete) 109
:M: (Master) 0

Games :N:
1/1 Abduction Action!
1/4 Havey Birdman: Attorney At Law
1/4 Daxter
1/4 Crash Bandicoot
1/4 Uno (PSN)
1/6 TouchMaster Connect
1/8 Tales of Monkey Island 3: Lair of Leviathan (WiiWare)
1/8 Final Fantasy Tactics: War of the Lions
1/8 Sam & Max 104: Abe Lincoln Must Die! (Steam)
1/8 Sonic the Hedgehog Pocket Adventure
1/11 Angry Birds (PSN)
1/20 Shatterhand
1/20 Mighty Morphin Power Rangers (Gen)
1/20 Final Fight (SNES)
1/20 NBA Jam: Tournament Edition (SNES)
1/26 Miner Dig Deep
1/26 Arkedo Series 03: Pixel
1/26 Break Limit
1/28 E.T. The Extra-Terrestrial (2600)
1/28 Night Driver (2600)
1/28 Space Invaders (2600)
1/28 Frogger (2600)
1/28 Target Fun (2600)
1/28 Ice Hockey (2600)
1/28 Pac-Man (2600)
1/28 Defender (2600)
1/28 Donkey Kong Junior (2600)
1/29 Wonder Boy III: Monster Lair (Steam)
2/2 Ape Quest: Prolouge (PSN)
2/19 Back to the Future: Episode 1 - It's About Time
2/28 Let's Golf (PSN)
3/1 Xenogears (PSN)
3/2 Castlevania: Symphony of the Night (PSN)
3/7 Sonic The Hedgehog 4 Episode 1
3/11 Tales of Monkey Island 4: Trial of Guybrush (WW)
3/11 Tales of Monkey Island 5: Rise of the Pirate God (WW)
3/16 Dissida 012 Prologus: Final Fantasy
4/3 Audiosurf
4/12 Trine
4/12 Shadowgrounds
4/12 Shadowgrounds: Survivor
4/12 Splot
4/12 Jack Claw (Prototype)
4/17 Arkedo Series 01: Jump!
4/17 Rad Racer
4/17 Adventure
4/17 2Xtreme
6/14 SD Battle Oozumou - Heisei Hero Basho
6/22 Stack Up
6/26 Team Fortress 2
6/26 Spiral Knights
6/26 Forsaken World
7/1 Back To The Future The Game Episode 2: "Get Tannen!"
7/1 Back To The Future The Game Episode 3: "Citizen Brown"
7/1 Back To The Future The Game Episode 4: "Double Visions"
7/1 Back To The Future The Game Episode 5: "OUTATIME"
7/1 And Yet It Moves (Steam)
7/1 BIT.TRIP RUNNER (Steam)
7/1 Faerie Solitaire (Steam)
7/1 Poker Night at the Inventory
7/1 Puzzle Agent
7/3 Puzzle Quest
7/7 Monday Night Combat
7/23 Barkley, Shut Up and Jam
7/23 Shaq-Fu
7/23 Mischief Makers
7/27 Minecraft
7/27 Cogs
7/27 Crayon Physics Deluxe
7/27 Hammerfight
8/3 Steel Storm: Burning Retribution
8/5 Atom Zombie Smasher
8/8 ilomilo
8/8 Scott Pilgram vs The World: The Movie: The Game
8/10 Tobe's Vertical Adventure
9/30 Frozen Synapse
9/30 SpaceChem
9/30 Trauma
10/7 Out Run (MS)
10/28 GRID
10/29 Puzzle Agent 2
10/31 Voxatron
10/31 The Binding of Issac
10/31 Blocks That Matter
11/22 DEFCON
11/22 Multiwinia
11/22 Uplink
11/22 Subversion City Generator
11/22 Voxel Destruction Prototype
11/22 Jasper's Journeys
11/22 Zen Puzzle Garden
11/24 Zuma Deluxe
11/27 YOU DON'T KNOW JACK
11/29 Dungeons of Dredmor
12/12 Back to the Future The Game: Episode 1 "It's About Time"
12/13 Buzz Quiz Player
12/13 Jamestown
12/13 NightSky
12/13 Shank
12/13 Go! Sudoku
12/13 inMomentum
12/13 Saira
12/13 Your Doodles Are Bugged
12/13 Zombie Shooter 2
12/13 Team Fortress 2 (PS3 The Orange Box)
12/13 Half-Life 2 (PS3 The Orange Box)
12/13 Half-Life 2: Episode One (PS3 The Orange Box)
12/13 Half-Life 2: Episode Two (PS3 The Orange Box)
12/13 Portal (PS3 The Orange Box)
12/13 Echochrome (Playstation Home)
12/13 Ice Breaker (Playstation Home)
12/13 Cogs (Playstation Home)
12/17 Super Mario Kart (VC)
12/23 The Stanely Parable (Steam)
12/23 Goldeneye: Source (Steam)
12/23 Half-Life Deathmatch: Source (Steam)
12/23 Half-Life 2: Lost Coast (Steam)
12/23 Half-Life 2: Deathmatch (Steam)
12/23 Half-Life 2: Episode One (Steam)
12/25 Droplitz
12/26 Flight Control HD
12/26 Sonic Generations (Steam)

Games :B:
1/1 Super Laser Racer
1/11 Sonic the Hedgehog Pocket Adventure
1/14 VVVVVV
1/15 Angry Birds
1/24 Daxter
1/26 Chime
1/31 Mighty Morphin' Power Rangers (Gen)
2/2 Crisis Core: Final Fantasy VII
2/4 Rocket Knight Adventures
2/5 Revenge of Shinobi
2/6 Wonder Boy III: Monster Lair
2/7 Aerial Assualt
2/7 Battleship
2/7 Berlin Wall
2/7 Buster Fight
2/7 Iron Man X-0
2/7 Junction
2/7 Dragon Crystal
2/7 Ghouls 'n Ghosts
2/9 Arkedo Series 03: Pixel
2/10 BIT.TRIP BEAT
2/13 Dragon Quest IX: Sentinals of the Starry Skies
2/14 TouchMaster Connect
2/18 The Misadventures of P.B. Winterbottom
2/22 Break Limit
3/7 Sonic the Hedgehog 4: Episode 1
3/9 Power Rangers Samurai: Rangers Together, Samurai Forever!
3/9 Epic Dungeon
3/15 Let's Golf
3/15 Castlevania: Symphony of the Night
3/16 Dissidia 012 Prologus: Final Fantasy
3/20 Castlevania: Symphony of the Night "Richter Mode"
4/3 Castlevania: Harmony of Dissonance
4/8 Kuru Kuru Kururin
4/17 Densetsu no Stafy
4/19 Arkedo Series 01: Jump!
4/19 Cthulhu Saves The World
4/21 Sam & Max 104: Abe Lincoln Must Die!
4/21 Final Fantasy Tactics: War of the Lions
4/21 Sonic Rivals
4/22 Havey Birdman: Attorney At Law
4/22 Wonder Boy in Monster Land
4/22 2Xtreme
4/23 Rad Racer
4/23 Tales of Monkey Island 3: Lair of Leviathan
4/23 Tales of Monkey Island 4: The Trial of Threepwood
4/24 Megaman VIII
4/24 Tales of Monkey Island 5: Rise of the Pirate God
4/24 Phantasy Star III: Generations of Doom
4/24 Phantasy Star II: The End of the Lost Age
4/24 Shining Force II
4/30 Castlevania: Circle of the Moon
5/2 Castlevania: Aria of Sorrow
5/3 Castlevania: Rondo of Blood
5/5 Futari wa Precure: Arienai! Yume no Kuni wa Daimeikyuu
5/9 Final Fantasy VII
5/9 Bonk's Adventure
5/9 Bonk's Revenge
5/11 Trine
5/13 Megaman: Powered Up
5/14 Final Fantasy IV -Interlude-
5/14 Pix 'n Love Rush
5/17 Drill Dozer
5/19 Metroid Fusion
5/20 Castlevania Bloodlines
5/22 Shining in the Darkness
5/22 Machinarium
6/14 Castlevania
6/16 Super Monkey Ball Jr
6/19 Castlevania III: Dracula's Curse
6/24 Ninja Five-O
6/24 Dragonball Advanced Adventure
7/3 Back to the Future: Episode 2 - Get Tannen!
7/3 Back to the Future: Episode 3 - Citizen Brown
7/11 Back to the Future: Episode 4 - Double Visions
7/11 Back to the Future: Episode 5 - OUTATIME
7/11 Faerie Solitare
7/13 Chex Quest
7/13 Legend of Princess
7/16 Peggle: World of Warcraft Edition
8/4 VVVV 4K
8/4 Rhythm Tengoku
8/4 Mighty Jill Off
8/10 SD Battle Oozumou - Heisei Hero Basho
8/10 Stack Up
8/10 Barkley, Shut Up and Jam
8/10 Eversion
8/14 Castle Crashing The Beard
8/18 Minecraft
8/21 BIT.TRIP RUNNER
8/22 Atom Zombie Smasher
8/24 Tobe's Vertical Adventure
8/25 Puzzle Agent
8/26 Nintendo World Championships 1990
8/27 Donkey Kong 94'
8/27 Super Mario Bros. DX
8/27 Crayon Physics Deluxe
8/28 Cogs
8/28 And Yet It Moves
8/28 Family Feud (SNES) (100th Game :B:)
8/28 Wheel of Fortune Deluxe
9/1 Sonic the Hedgehog Megamix
9/2 ilomilo
9/6 Kirby's Dream Land 2
9/14 Faerie Solitaire
9/20 Scott Pilgram vs The World: The Movie: The Game
9/20 World of Warcraft (Free To Play)
9/29 Team Fortress Arcade
10/4 Mario Picross
10/23 Tobe's Great Escape
10/25 SpaceChem
10/30 Puzzle Agent 2
11/5 Sonic Advance 3
11/7 Trauma
11/8 Blocks That Matter
11/8 Voxatron
11/15 Sonic Generations
11/16 Chocolate Castle
11/20 Xenogears
11/21 Sonic Rivals 2
11/21 Sonic Advance 2
11/21 Castlevania: The Adventure
11/21 Castlevania II: Belmont's Revenge
11/22 Castlevania Legends
11/24 Zuma Deluxe
11/27 YOU DON'T KNOW JACK!
12/2 Konami Wai Wai World
12/2 Castlevania: The Adventure ReBirth
12/6 Castlevania: Dawn of Sorrow
12/8 Castlevania Order of Shadows
12/9 Wario Land: Super Mario Land 3
12/10 Castlevania: Portait of Ruin
12/11 Castlevania: Order of Ecclesia
12/11 Castlevania Chronicles
12/12 Castlevania II: Simon's Quest -Revamped-
12/13 Buzz Quiz Player
12/15 Go! Sudoku
12/15 Echochrome (Playstation Home)
12/15 Ice Breaker (Playstation Home)
12/15 Cogs (Playstation Home)
12/17 Super Mario Kart (VC)
12/22 Jamestown
12/23 Half-Life 2
12/23 Half-Life 2: Episode 1
12/24 The Stanely Parable
12/24 Zen Puzzle Garden
12/24 Jasper's Journeys
12/24 NightSky
12/25 Droplitz
12/26 Flight Control HD

Games :C:
1/2 Abduction Action!
1/5 Crash Bandicoot
1/15 Wily Tower
1/15 BS Legend of Zelda: Third Quest
1/22 Angry Birds
2/3 Ape Quest: Prolouge
2/6 Wolf Child
2/6 Batman Forever
2/6 Fantasy Zone Gear
2/6 Ottifants, The
2/6 Master of Darkness
2/6 Galaxy Force
2/6 Flintstones, The
2/6 Final Bubble Bobble
2/6 Cyber Shinobi
2/6 Cool Spot
2/6 Buggy Run
2/6 Arcade Smash Hits
2/6 Wonder Boy III: Monster Lair
2/7 Zoop
2/7 Samurai Shodown
2/7 Micro Machines 2
2/7 Micro Machines
2/7 Itchy & Scratchy
2/7 Galaga 91
2/7 Drop Zone
2/11 Miner Dig Deep
2/17 Beyond Oasis
2/22 Back to the Future: Episode 1 - It's About Time
2/26 StarFox
2/27 Shatterhand
3/9 Sonic 4 Episode 1
3/11 Power Rangers Samurai: Rangers Together, Samurai Forever!
3/13 StarTropics
3/15 Decap Attack
3/18 Castlevania: Symphony of the Night
3/19 Dissidia 012 Prologus: Final Fantasy
4/4 Castlevania: Harmony of Dissonance
4/19 Cthulhu Saves The World
4/21 Sonic Rivals
4/22 Havey Birdman: Attorney At Law
4/22 Wonder Boy in Monster Land
4/23 Tales of Monkey Island 3: Lair of Leviathan
4/23 Tales of Monkey Island 4: The Trial of Threepwood
4/24 Tales of Monkey Island 5: Rise of the Pirate God
5/4 Castlevania: Aria of Sorrow
5/9 Bonk's Adventure
5/14 Final Fantasy IV -Interlude-
5/15 Pix 'n Love Rush
5/19 Megaman: Powered Up
5/22 Machinarium
5/30 Donkey Kong Country 3: Dixie's Double Trouble
6/11 Futari wa Precure: Arienai! Yume no Kuni wa Daimeikyuu
6/14 Castlevania
6/18 Super Monkey Ball Jr
6/19 Castlevania III: Dracula's Curse
6/22 Kuru Kuru Kururin
6/25 Dragonball Advanced Adventure
6/27 Ninja Five-O
7/3 Back to the Future: Episode 2 - Get Tannen!
7/3 Back to the Future: Episode 3 - Citizen Brown
7/9 Castlevania Bloodlines
7/11 Back to the Future: Episode 4 - Double Visions
7/11 Back to the Future: Episode 5 - OUTATIME
7/13 Chex Quest
7/16 Sonic Fan Remix
8/3 Poker Night at the Inventory
8/4 VVVV 4K
8/4 Mighty Jill Off
8/10 SD Battle Oozumou - Heisei Hero Basho
8/10 Stack Up
8/10 Barkley, Shut Up and Jam
8/14 Castle Crashing The Beard
8/26 Nintendo World Championships 1990
8/28 Donkey Kong 94'
8/28 And Yet It Moves
8/28 Family Feud (SNES)
8/28 Wheel of Fortune Deluxe
9/4 Minecraft
9/6 Kirby's Dream Land 2
9/14 Faerie Solitare
9/25 Puzzle Agent
9/29 Team Fortress Arcade
10/23 Tobe's Great Escape
10/30 Puzzle Agent 2
11/7 Trauma
11/8 Voxatron
11/21 Sonic Rivals 2
11/21 Castlevania: The Adventure
11/21 Castlevania II: Belmont's Revenge
12/6 Mario's Picross
12/6 Chime
12/6 Castlevania: Rondo of Blood
12/7 Super Mario Bros. Crossover
12/8 Castlevania: The Adventure ReBirth
12/8 Castlevania Order of Shadows
12/12 Castlevania II: Simon's Quest -Revamped-
12/13 Buzz Quiz Player
12/15 Cogs (Playstation Home)
12/15 Go! Sudoku
12/19 Super Mariol Kart (VC)
12/23 Half-Life 2
12/23 Half-Life 2: Episode 1
12/24 The Stanely Parable
12/24 Jasper's Journeys
12/26 Konami Wai Wai World
12/26 Atom Zombie Smasher
12/26 Flight Control HD

Kamen Rider Skull: Message For W (Supermovie Edition)

2011-07-18T23:23:00.000-07:00

Hey guys, Tack here. I got a new project that I think you'll enjoy.

The concept is essentially the same, taking a series of videos and mashing them together. A friend of mine, Trevor, seeing IXA, did the same idea by uniting the first 3 Highlander movies into 1 "Supermovie" shown in chronological order.

So essentially I'm doing the same as he did with Highlander, but for Kamen Rider Skull.

This Supermovie is a combination of Message for W & Begins Night, and takes place before Episode 1 of Kamen Rider W, and it's time setting is 1999 (Before Kuuga), somewhere around in a non-specific 2000s Year, and 2008. Consider this Supermovie a showcase for the Kamen Rider Skull Character.

This version of the film is essentially in an Alpha Form, as I am willing to take fan input into account and may make changes. I already am not happy with a couple scenes (Missing "Toei Company" logo and some others) and am going to change it for a Alpha 1.1.

I hope you enjoy and please, feel free to ask questions and comments and critiques.

Kamen Rider IXA Post Mortem

2011-07-05T03:48:00.000-07:00

Well, it's been about 3 months since I completed Kamen Rider IXA. So I feel it's been enough time to talk about the project as a whole.

The idea started when I was watching Kiva as it was on the air. I was seeing so many fan responses of the show saying that they enjoyed the 1986 story more so than 2008, and in fact, hated 2008 entirely.

They bemoaned as they wanted the 1986 storyline to be it's own show. So as a problem solver, I suggested frequently over the years that somebody should take the show and edit it in chronological order, but no one stepped up to plate.

Years later to 2011 I come across a fan made Opening video (using Individual System as the song) as if 1986 had it's own show. Unfortunately, I lost track of who made the OP Vid but all credit goes to him for what became the first OP for Kamen Rider IXA as well as being the inspiration for the project itself.

For the record, I try to enjoy at least something out of a show if I'm watching. So if the story is vapid, I try to look at the set design or listen to the BGM. Kiva, for all it's Inoue-ish faults, still had a lot going for it in my mind. The costume design was fantastic, the music was superb, and the character growth was heartening. But the story was admittedly, weak.

So, back on track. I posted the vid on a imageboard and asked again if anyone would try to re-edit the show. With no responses, I finally got fed up and gave it a shot.

I knew it would be possible, and most likely the easiest to do this sort of thing. Excluding, of course, Takenoko's edit of Kamen Rider The Next. The 1986 scenes very rarely would interfere with 2008, and when it did, it was editable. So I opened up TMPGEnc and gave it a shot with episode 1.

And it went smoothly. Admittedly, very rushed and non-professional, but it got the job done. And that's what I was aiming for, to at least get episode 1 done as a proof of concept. Surprised by my own work (a rarity) , I immediately went to work on episode without fan input. So on and so forth until I got 1986 done in 16 episodes.

This proved that the concept was possible, but it'd be a mini series at best. As we go with math to prove that 2008 had the most focus between the two. Which is understandable as the show is called "Kiva" and 1986 i mostly about Wataru's Father than anything else, IXA's origin's was just a bonus for Toei.

2008 went again fairly smoothly as I was able to get the whole thing done in less than a month. I'd say pretty impressive for near 20 hours of footage. The 2nd OP was done by YouTuber "MaskedDad". The 2nd OP's theme "Fight for Justice" was edited by me. I wanted to have an adrenaline pumping song to get people excited for the 2008 section, even if the story didn't match (lol). Fan criticism gave birth to the 2nd OP rearrange and the 3rd OP "Inherited System" which I like as a way for things to come full circle, even if I don't like the song very much, it fit.

Episode 50 (Which was caused by adding in deleted scenes), was built into an entire movie as I wanted to end on the nice round 50 that some many hope their season ends up with (When I saw Changeman got 55, it was amazing to me). The idea of the movie was also something that fans want as a big way to end their
facorite story with, a big finale, something Decade couldn't do right. (IMO a movie release of the finale's story should come at no longer than a month, not 3 months as I feel there is too large a gap.) I also added in a special something for episode 50 as a way to make this feel as epic as I was wanting.

There are still plans for the Kamen Rider IXA in Black RX special, think of it as like the Sentai Vs Movies, IXA'll be there, but the focus is still on the title character, that being RX. Unless there's footage in Kamen Rider Black I can use, as that would be more interesting to me. The main issue with inserting IXA in RX is I still can't visualize in my mind of how it'll work, but I'll get there eventually.

There is another project too, that'll be a one that I'll have to take my "time" with if I want to make it all fit into place, so that it doesn't fit in place.

Feel free to ask questions.

Kamen Rider IXA The Series

2011-05-01T14:08:00.000-07:00

Just archiving my work on Kamen Rider IXA The Series.

Episode links after the jump

1986

Kamen Rider IXA Ep1
http://www.megaupload.com/?d=V8IP5IRU

Kamen Rider IXA Ep2
http://www.multiupload.com/AS01M8CPI4

Kamen Rider IXA Ep3
http://www.multiupload.com/40W395TIGT

Kamen Rider IXA Ep4
http://www.multiupload.com/PBY1TX76GR

Kamen Rider IXA Ep5
http://www.multiupload.com/F4Y7149CMR

Kamen Rider IXA Ep6
http://www.multiupload.com/QH5BQOJH2K

Kamen Rider IXA Ep7
http://www.multiupload.com/V5HRG8ZSQY

Kamen Rider IXA Ep8
http://www.multiupload.com/V3CN5NSB3N

Kamen Rider IXA Ep9
http://www.multiupload.com/IC175GXZO0

Kamen Rider IXA Ep10
http://www.multiupload.com/H8UW6ZM21N

Kamen Rider IXA Ep11
http://www.multiupload.com/IYI9L5EDG4

Kamen Rider IXA Ep12
http://www.multiupload.com/CMRQHHKL7T

Kamen Rider IXA Ep13
http://www.multiupload.com/A0KQ8CZCYW

Kamen Rider IXA Ep14
http://www.multiupload.com/DDOXZ4JBAU

Kamen Rider IXA Ep15
http://www.multiupload.com/U4ZQUMJSLX

Kamen Rider IXA Ep16
http://www.multiupload.com/UAEV8RTHAU

2008

Kamen Rider IXA Ep17
http://www.multiupload.com/GWG2X3MZOL

Kamen Rider IXA Ep18
http://www.multiupload.com/XTZZ3WYQL0

Kamen Rider IXA Ep19
http://www.multiupload.com/PE82D3ACIQ

Kamen Rider IXA Ep20
http://www.multiupload.com/HJ4KW5C6QH

Kamen Rider IXA Ep21
http://www.multiupload.com/TBU2T0QT2H

Kamen Rider IXA Ep22
http://www.multiupload.com/O546OXMPKE

Kamen Rider IXA Ep23
http://www.multiupload.com/IWLZMSF0PH

Kamen Rider IXA Ep24
http://www.multiupload.com/T2VMOXOI36

Kamen Rider IXA Ep25
http://www.multiupload.com/NERBAIMBI3

Kamen Rider IXA Ep26
http://www.multiupload.com/1SFZUYZZZE

Kamen Rider IXA Ep27
http://www.multiupload.com/4BLEXZWVXL

Kamen Rider IXA Ep28
http://www.multiupload.com/FQBYI38PD4

Kamen Rider IXA Ep29
http://www.multiupload.com/UX8P1AGLCM

Kamen Rider IXA Ep30
http://www.multiupload.com/Y57WG6FWN8

Kamen Rider IXA Ep31
http://www.multiupload.com/G7C038E07S

Kamen Rider IXA Ep32
http://www.multiupload.com/98HH9SJVB0

Kamen Rider IXA Ep33
http://www.multiupload.com/FUZS797DD2

Kamen Rider IXA Episode 34
http://www.multiupload.com/WX09A5I2TZ

Kamen Rider IXA Episode 35
http://www.multiupload.com/0SVM4K8G80

Kamen Rider IXA Episode 36
http://www.multiupload.com/QI2947FVLL

Kamen Rider IXA Episode 37
http://www.multiupload.com/VHCD8XXJN2

Kamen Rider IXA Episode 38
http://www.multiupload.com/LO5Q3FH0V0

Kamen Rider IXA Episode 39
http://www.multiupload.com/NRJOPV8VGX

Kamen Rider IXA Episode 40
http://www.multiupload.com/R2PPB146OT

Kamen Rider IXA Episode 41
http://www.multiupload.com/I42ZIV5KUC

Kamen Rider IXA Episode 42
http://www.multiupload.com/FL6FJIZZ36

Kamen Rider IXA Episode 43
http://www.multiupload.com/RC6JSWIJY3

Kamen Rider IXA Episode 44
http://www.multiupload.com/7IT4FQHBRM

Kamen Rider IXA Episode 45
http://www.multiupload.com/A2OZY3YFHA

Kamen Rider IXA Episode 46
http://www.multiupload.com/VUY8Q64N3M

Kamen Rider IXA Episode 47
http://www.multiupload.com/Y9JBP7JXND

Kamen Rider IXA Episode 48
http://www.multiupload.com/PBL4VXIHXV

Kamen Rider IXA Episode 49
http://www.multiupload.com/RW8W4QF3JM

Kamen Rider IXA Episode 50: The Finale'
http://www.multiupload.com/OT618SAZKT

Video Game Demo Review #5 - Indie Games Winter Uprising #3: Ubergridder

2010-12-04T09:41:00.000-08:00

Oh hey, it's a puzzler. Does "Ubergridder" by "Badger Punch Games" have enough content to make it a worthy $1 purchase?

Bloobity bloo after the bloobity bloo

"Ubergridder" is a game that combines different things together to make a game unlike anything I've seen before. It takes the gameplay and concept of the pen & paper game "Dots & Boxes" and put it with the moving mechanics of "Clu Clu Land" with the objective of a game like "Ultimate Qix/Volfied". I know it may seem confusing, but once you've seen all three and then play "Ubergridder", you'll see the similarities.

In "Ubergridder" you play as a maintenance robot, named Robert, and it is your job to fix your spaceship by walking all around it. Aliens though, the jerks that they are, are trying to stop you and you have a time limit as well. All you have to defend yourself is a small trap known as "Monster Chew", which pauses the aliens for a short while, if they run into it.

The music ain't half bad either, done by the folks at "Xerxes Music". They did a great job of making some great atmospheric music to the game.

"Ubergridder" takes a little bit getting used to, but once you do, it becomes a fun little game. It can be quite challenging, but sadly for the wrong reason, bad hit detection. Let me explain.

Let's say, you are on your last life you are only one line away from winning that round. But, an alien is chasing you and is closely near you. Logic dictates that if you turn, the alien will follow but you'll be able to finish the line. But nope, as you turn the alien reaches across the corner and hits you. It's an unfair advantage that the alien doesn't even have to be on the same line you are in to hit you.

There is a glimmer of hope though with this mechanic, it makes it more challenging. You are gonna have to stay away from the aliens as best you can, and that can be tough, making this one of the harder puzzlers on the 360's Downloadable Service.

It's hard to recommend "Ubergridder" due to it being a puzzler, as there are a lot of puzzle games out there, even the joe shmo type flash puzzlers can be good. This is a game that you'll have to try yourself if you like the mechanics. I like "Ubergridder" as we are most likely never gonna see a sequel to "Clu Clu Land D" and "Badger Punch" made the next best thing.

Download the FREE TRIAL or buy it for $1 (80MSP) here.

Video Game Demo Review #4 - Indie Games Winter Uprising #2: Break Limit

2010-12-02T14:20:00.000-08:00

Game Numero Dos of the Indie Game Winter Uprising is out, and it's "Break Limit" from "Zombie Monkey Games".

As a Twin Stick Space Scrolling Shmup (Shoot 'em Up), can the unique controls for this classic gaming genre bring the goods?

Trailer and me talking about the game, after the jump.

"Break Limit" is a Scrolling Shmup. Now normally with Shmups I'd be able to tell you what direction you'll be going either vertically or horizontally, but that's one of the gimmicks of the game, you go both directions.

You start out going up (Galaga or Ikaruga style), flying your way around space with the Left Analog Stick, boosting through barriers with your Break Limiter with the L Trigger, and blasting away asteroids and aliens using the Right Analog Stick. But then you're given the option to turn a direction, either left or right. Doing so will turn your ship that direction, letting you play side scrolling style (Scramble or R-Type style).

Along the way you can gain different items for points, blue energy balls for boosting your Break Limiter, and different upgrades to your gun like a Spreader (shoots bullets in multiple directions), Pulsator (Green Energy Bullets), & finally a Laser (A long stream of strong light).

There is also a story mode, allowing you to immerse yourself within the world and is not that bad. Humor is in the story too, but it's also in game as well with comments being made with score point items like "Don't Die" or "Pew! Pew!".

This game is quite the exhilarating experience, and the big part of that is the "star of the show" so to speak, the music. Big ups to "Hyper Duck Music Studios" for creating an adrenaline pumping soundtrack for this game. The Neo Classical style is well represented as the chiptunes fill you with excitement, guitar strings pump up your heart, and the piano sways you along for an exciting ride.

"Break Limit" has a great quality polish for the game, more so than most recent Shmups. It's got a decent story that doesn't overshadow the gameplay, awesome music that you could listen to out of game, and gameplay that brings new tricks for the old dog known as the Shmup. And all of this can be yours for just $1 (80MSP), one of the best deals for a fan of genre and one that should NOT be ignored by the gaming population.

Congrats to "Zombie Monkey Games" for making a game I won't soon forget, and one I hope others will enjoy as well. Download the FREE TRIAL or buy the game for $1 (80MSP) here.

Video Game Demo Review #3 - Indie Games Winter Uprising #1: Epic Dungeon

2010-12-01T01:18:00.000-08:00

The first game of the Winter Uprising for the Xbox 360 is "Epic Dungeon" by Video Game Indie Developer "Eyehook" (Makers of "ColorBox")

A callback to the Dungeon Crawlers of old, does "Epic Dungeon" hold up to modern standards?

Trailers & Review after the jump

"Epic Dungeon" is a Dungeon Crawler (abbreviated: DC) type game. It's available for download on the Xbox 360 in the Indie Games section and is only $1 (80MSP). You play as one of 4 classes, each with their own unique starting ability. You try to go through 50 Randomly Generated Floors (That means it's a different map each time you play) of the Dungeon, wiping out monsters, gaining and looting Gold, Potions, & other items. There is also a feature of raiding the graves of your past attempts, allowing your previous death in the game to help your current quest.

The Classes are a "Berserker" who uses his immense strength to plow through baddies and use a "Frenzy" Ability which makes the berserker to make a wild swing, attacking all those around him. A "Shaman" who uses his magical "Freeze" ability to stop the monsters close to him in place frozen. A "Gambler" who tries his best through luck and can "Poison" the monsters to whidle their life as the Gambler can move on to the next section. Finally there's the "Tinkerer" who uses a Mechanical "Orb" that can act on it's own in battle with electric shocks.

To attack enemies, you do it in the old classic "Ys" style of running into the monsters, this automatically makes your classed warrior attack (Leaving you with less stressed thumbs, as this is not a button masher). You gain Experience Points (abrv: EXP) by beating monsters and when you get enough EXP you gain a "level" and can customize how much you get stronger, faster, and luckier. You can also earn an Ability Point that will allow you to power up your innate ability, gain better Regeneration Healing, or get a different ability from another class. For example, a Beserker with a Freeze ability or a Gambler with an Orb ability.

So as you can see there is a lot of customization.

The game will automatically save, every time you reach a different floor. Meaning you can play for a bit, turn the 360 off, and come back where you left off. You can also see how you've faired in your past battles with a built-in High Score system that ranks you on the level of your character and what floor you died on (Or if you're lucky, get out of the dungeon after the 50th floor).

"Epic Dungeon" is your classic gaming DCs among the likes of the old PC, Atari 2600, Intellivision, etc. Dungeons & Dragons type DCs. But he one thing that this has an advantage of compared to it's predecessors is the more advanced system that the game is made on.

It's startling when you play this game and then go back to a game like "Tower of Doom" on the Intellivision. You can see the inspiration, but because of "Epic Dungeon" being made on the 360, it can do more and play better and frankly is a better game because of the simplified controls. Even if "Tower of Doom" has better atmosphere.

So how does it compare to today's games? Well, it's a fun quick romp, especially at the price ($1). If you like old school DCs, RPGs with no Random Battles & Customs out the Ying-Yan, and/or Dungeons & Dragons, this is the game for you. If you don't like the previous mentions, it's worth it to try out the Free Demo and see how you feel.

Only issues I had with the game is that it would work better as a Portable download for iStore, Nintendo DSiWare, PSP Mini, or for the Windows 7 Phone. There's also no Online Leaderboards (Weekly or All Time) to encourage top quality play. And while 4 works in the classic DC sense like "Gauntlet" and the 4 buttons available for the 4 abilities, but I'd have like to have seen unlockable classes that use one of the 4 abilities. Achievements, as silly as they are, would have been great too.

But otherwise, this game is great, and is worth a look. Big ups to Mike Muir of "Eyehook" as he made this game completely by himself (Programming, Design, Music, everything). Download the Free Trial or the Full Game for $1 (80MSP) here.

Video Game Industry Review #2: Indie Game Winter Uprising

2010-11-30T20:47:00.000-08:00

There are some things that get me really excited and motivated.

Seeing an epic fight with epic music in a Tokusatsu Show pumps me up with high anticipation for the upcoming conclusion. Sonic the Hedgehog saving the day again not because he has to, but because he wants to fills me with inspiration for a greater and more peaceful world. Seeing my niece & nephew coming into their own personalities and standing on their own two feet makes me feel proud that I am their Uncle.

Another is seeing the little guys get their due in a World filled with big guys taking more than their share. And that's what this article is about.

With Microsoft's recent update of their Dashboard OS on the XBOX 360 gave a startling but half expected look on how Microsoft feels about their "Indie Games" service (Formally known as XNA Games).

Previously, Indie Games had their own section along with the 360's Arcade, Retail Game Demos, along with themes and gamerpics. It gave them the credibility that is desperately needed for an Indie Game to sell (Along with "Word of Mouth", Promotion on gaming sites, & oh yeah, a good solid game).

With the new update, it forced the Indie Game section into a "Specialty Section" along with the previously covered "Game Room" games, Music Stores for Rhythm Games, and Items to purchase for your Dashboard Avatar, basically "putting baby in the corner to play with their building blocks" as it were. Obviously this caused an outrage from the Indie Developers and the Indie Game Fans.

Eventually Microsoft relented and gave Indie games their own section again but it still left a bitter taste in the mouths of Indie Developers. So, from the combined thoughts of Ian Stocker (Soulcaster), Luke Schneider (Radiangames), & Robert Boyd (Zeboyd Games) they came up with a positive aproach of making the Xbox 360 Games more noticeable and bigger than ever before in the most simple way ever.

Make a lot of great games, sell them within the normal $1-$5 Indie Game Price Tag, and release them within a close window of each other in a grouped promotional form.

They call it the "Indie Game Winter Uprising" and it's a great idea. One that, I personally, am glad is happening. Everyone loves the little guy in the big fight, so as a fan of Indie Games, I feel it's my job to help them out in any way I can, limited it may be.

So, as I have been doing, I'm going into full promotion mode for these Indie Developers by letting as many people as I know about these games. I'm also going to give each game within the "Indie Game Winter Uprising" one of my regular "Video Game Demo Reviews" since I'm a poor bum living week to week. And if I get the money, will support the effort myself by purchasing said games and do a full follow up Video Game Review of them.

So expect soon, a VGDR of the first game already available "Epic Dungeon".

Till then, a trailer of the promotion

Video Games | Indie Games - Winter Uprising | Winter of Discontent Trailer

XBox 360 | Playstation 3 | Nintendo Wii

Full Trailer for "de Blob 2: The Underground" has been released

2010-11-10T15:02:00.000-08:00

The follow up to the tremendous Indie Wii Game "de Blob" is comming soon and the full trailer has been released.

I loved "de Blob", and am looking forward to seeing more of "de Blob 2: The Underground".

Movie 33 Review: Dragonball Evolution

2010-11-02T23:24:00.000-07:00

Chow Yun-fat, what are you doing?

Review after the jump

"Dragonball Evolution" is a Teen Action Adaptation Movie from the Franchise "Dragonball" and was directed by James Wong ("The One", "Final Destination", & "The X-Files"). It stars Justin Chatwin ("Middle Of Nowhere", "War of the Worlds", & "Traffic") as Goku, James Marsters ("Superman: Doomsday", "P.S. I Love You", & "Shadow Puppets") as Piccolo, Randall Duk Kim ("Kung Fu Panda", "Memoirs of a Geisha", & "Thief") as Grandpa Gohan, Chow Yun-fat ("Hard Boiled", "City on Fire", & "Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon") as Muten Roshi, Emmy Rossum ("The Phantom of the Opera", "Mystic River", & "Dare") as Bulma Briefs.

"Dragonball Evolution" is about a alien named Piccolo who, you guessed it, tries to take over the World. And it's up to a young man named Goku to save the World.

This movie has very little to do with the original Dragonball, and I feel justified in saying that other than Gigli, this is the worst movie ever.

And I think that about covers it.

Yup

EDIT:
A Response

Movie 32 Review: Lupin the 3rd vs Detective Conan

2010-11-02T18:54:00.000-07:00

The Greatest Thief teams with The Greatest Young Detective

Next Conan's Hint: Royal Crown... Review after the jump

"Lupin the 3rd vs Detective Conan" is a 2009 Heist/Detective/Comedy/Murder Mystery Anime Film and was Directed by Mamoru Oshii ("Urusei Yatsura 2: Beautiful Dreamer", "Ghost in the Shell", & "The Sky Crawlers"). It stars Kanichi Kurita ("Lupin the Third") as Arsène Lupin III, Minami Takayama ("Android Kikaider ", "Ranma ½", & "HeartCatch PreCure!") as Conan Edogawa, Wakana Yamazaki ("Sailor Moon Sailor Stars", "Air Gear", & "Dragon Ball GT") as Ran Mouri, Yui Horie ("Fruits Basket", "Dōbutsu no Mori" ("Animal Crossing"), & "Mahou Sensei Negima") as Princess Mira, & Eiko Masuyama ("Lupin the Third", "Cutey Honey", & "Tensai Bakabon") as Fujiko Mine.

"Lupin the 3rd vs Detective Conan" is about the Royal Family of the fictional country of Vespania as the majority of the family is suddenly killed, leaving only Princess Mira. Thus Princess Mira (Who remarkably resembles "Detective Conan" character Ran Mouri) is forced to take on the responsibilities as Queen when she is not ready to. Also, the mischievous Lupin the 3rd is looking to steal the crown of Vespania after failing twice before. This all comes to head when the Princess Mira runs into Ran Mouri as Mira is running away from a press confrence and Ran is trying to head to it.

It's a fun team-up movie featuring two very memorable characters. High adventure like Lupin with an interesting mystery to try to figure out like Detective Conan (Dubbed as "Case Closed"). The voice acting is great and the animation is superb.

A good headscratcher with some laughs.

Movie 31 Review: Shaun of the Dead

2010-11-02T17:49:00.000-07:00

Yeah okay, that was hilarious.

Review after the jump

"Shaun of the Dead" is a British Romantic/Comedy/Zombie Apocalypse (Trust me, it's all three) Movie directed by Edgar Wright ("Hot Fuzz", "Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy", & "Scott Pilgrim vs. the World") and stars Simon Pegg ("How to Lose Friends and Alienate People", "Hot Fuzz", & "Run Fatboy Run") Shaun, Nick Frost ("Hot Fuzz", "Wild Child", & "Pirate Radio") as Ed, Kate Ashfield ("Three Act Tragedy", "Late Night Shopping", & "The War Zone") as Liz, Lucy Davis (Original Version of "The Office", "Nicholas Nickleby", & "Sex Lives of the Potato Men") as Dianne, & Dylan Moran ("Notting Hill", "Black Books", & "Run Fatboy Run") as David

"Shaun of the Dead" is about what you'd expect it to be, the end of the world as the Dead rise from a transmittable (Usually by biting) virus. Those still alive try to survive. It's fairly basic, but what sets it apart from other Zombie movies is it's comedy and comedic timing, and I mean that this movie does it intentionally unlike some other bad zombie movies.

The cast and script does a good job of keeping you smiling and laughing even if you are seeing blood and gore being splattered. A fun ride is to be had with the movie, and I don't even like Zombie Movies, but this was fun.

One to check out if you haven't already.

Flickchart Ranking
Worldwide: 37
Tack Angel: 82

Movie 30 Review: Hot Fuzz

2010-10-31T04:52:00.000-07:00

I... I got nothing...

Review after the jump

"Hot Fuzz" is a 2007 British Action/Comedy directed by Edgar Wright ("Shaun of the Dead", "Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy", & "Scott Pilgrim vs. the World") and stars Simon Pegg ("How to Lose Friends and Alienate People", "Shaun of the Dead", & "Run Fatboy Run") as PC/Sgt./Insp. Nicholas Angel, Nick Frost ("Shaun of the Dead", "Wild Child", & "Pirate Radio") as PC/Sgt. Danny Butterman, Jim Broadbent ("The Crying Game", "Moulin Rouge!", & "Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull") as Insp. Frank Butterman, Head of the Local Police Force, & Timothy Dalton (James Bond from 1987-1994, "The Rocketeer", & Various Theatre Work) as Simon Skinner, Manager of the Somerfield

"Hot Fuzz" is about Nicholas Angel who is the Police Officer's Police Officer, and because of that, causes the Police Force to despise him due to their own laziness. Thus his he sent out of the city to a small village Police Department and is forced to try to adjust to his new surroundings. Somehow though, the village doesn't quite seem right to Angel, and to others, makes him look paranoid.

The movie starts out fine, and plays out like any other guy who doesn't like being forced to move, but then takes a hard right "WTF" turn at a little over halfway done and left me grasping for some semblance of sanity. It left me more speechless than when Rescue Force just went a little too out there for me to really enjoy it.

I like the movie, but the turn just takes me out of the experience a bit. It's funny, it's "boom-y", and quite the tribute to Cop Action Films.

A worthy watch, but be prepared.

Flickchart Rankings
Worldwide: 84
Tack Angel: 177

Movie 29 Review: EBW The Movie Director's Cut

2010-10-28T22:16:00.000-07:00

A Movie made by one man! A tough task, but is it any good?

Review after the jump.

"EBW: The Movie Director's Cut" is a 2009 Animated Silent Action/Tragedy Film. It was Directed, Written, Produced, and Animated by Trevor Machismo (Short "Waiting for the Phone", Live Action Stunt "Matrix Fight", Internet Radio Show "The T'nT Show"). It stars various characters, but it being a Silent Film, has no voice acting.

The Movie is a climax of a storyline in the Wrestling Journal "Earthbound Wrestling" (EBW) on the Strong Style Symphony Message Boards involving a final battle between Good & Evil involving characters from the video game "Earthbound", "Chrono Trigger", "Punch-Out!", & original Characters based on Real People from the EBW Promotion. There are many great scenes in this film from battle scenes to tearjerkers, with a great soundtrack.

Disregarding that my fictional portrayal is in this movie, this is still a great movie. A lot of music is borrowed, including music from one of my favorite movies "Fatal Fury: The Motion Picture", but is still great. And all the animation was done by Trevor himself, which is an incredible feat!

My hats off to this 48 minute one man masterpiece.

Why don't you take a look at it yourself?

Video Game Demo Review #2: Pinball FX 2

2010-10-27T16:08:00.000-07:00

Here comes "Game Room"'s Cousin, "Pinball FX 2"! And in some ways, it's better than "Game Room".

Trailer & Review after the Jump

"Pinball FX 2" basically is very much like "Game Room", using a completely different format and engine than it's predecessor "Pinball FX".

This time "Pinball FX 2" is free, making it more of a application than a game. All tables have a trial mode (With time and score limits) that you can play as many times as you'd like. To get the Pinball Tables you have to buy them separately, however if you have previously bought "Pinball FX", then all tables from the first game will be imported to "Pinball FX 2" Free of Charge with an updated look for the new engine. A nice feature as a thank you to the fanbase.

"Pinball FX 2" essentially has itself set up where they could add as many tables as they can by them not limiting how many tables there can be, in fact, new tables are being made now and will be available for purchase soon.

The following list is what Pinball Tables are available for "Pinball FX 2"
-From "Pinball FX"
* "Speed Machine," a car-themed table.
* "Extreme," a skateboarding-themed table.
* "Agents," a secret agent-themed table.
* "Buccaneer", a pirate-themed table.
* "Nightmare Mansion", a campy horror-themed table.
* "Rocky and Bullwinkle"
* "Street Fighter II Turbo", a collaboration with Capcom, this table features sounds and music from the original game.
* "Earth Defense", an alien invasion-themed table.
* "Excalibur", a medieval-themed table.
-And new in "Pinball FX 2"
* "Secrets of the Deep," an underwater-themed table.
* "Biolab," a mad scientist-themed table.
* "Pasha," an Egyptian-themed table.
* "Rome", a Rome-themed table.
-And coming soon
* "Paranormal," an alien-themed table.
* "Mars" a Mars-themed table.
* "Marvel", a Marvel Comics-themed table.

"Pinball FX 2" also has some traits from it's Retro Cousin by having Ranked Match (Score on a Certain Table), Superscore (Scores on all Tables), & Pinball Wizard (Scores on all Tables combined with Achievements) Leaderboards. Other goodies include: Split-Screen Multiplayer (A first in the history of Video Pinball), an ability to change up certain parts on the Pinball Table, & Video Chat and High Score Challenges with Friends for Competitive & Co-Op Online Play.

Overall, it's a great game application that is one to check out if you like Realistic Pinball.

Fantasy Pinball though, go check out "Flipnic"

Movie 26, 27, & 28 Reviews: Kamen Rider x Kamen Rider x Kamen Rider The Movie: Cho Den-O Trilogy

2010-10-26T00:04:00.000-07:00

A Trilogy of movies in released in quick succession deserves a Review in the same way.

So after the jump, prepare for a Triple Review

"Kamen Rider x Kamen Rider x Kamen Rider The Movie: Cho Den-O Trilogy" was three 2010 movies all released in succession within a 6 week period. The idea of the Trilogy was to have the most popular Heisei (1989-Now) Kamen Rider, Kamen Rider Den-O, be the Co-Star with a Guest Kamen Rider who would be in the Leading Role. Each movie had a different Guest Lead and a colored name of that movie that would correspond with that Guest Rider.

All movies have the following live actors. Takuya Mizoguchi ("Sukiyaki Western Django", TV Drama "Tenchijin", & TV Drama "Pencil Color of Life") as Teen Ryotaro Nogami/Kamen Rider Den-O, Tamaki Matsumoto (Japanese Dub of "Up", TV Tokusatsu "Ultraman Mebius", "Code Geass: Lelouch of the Rebellion R2") as Kohana, & Wakana Matsumoto ("My Girlfriend's a Geek" & "Kamen Rider Den-O" Franchise) as Airi Nogami.

It's supporting cast includes Rina Akiyama ("Kamen Rider Agito" Franchise, "Kamen Rider Den-O" Franchise, "Gothic & Lolita Psycho") as Naomi, Akira Nagata ("Kamen Rider Den-O" Franchise, "Lovely Complex", & "Route 58") as Seigi Ozaki, Ryo Ueno ("Kamen Rider Den-O" Franchise, "Dear Friends", & Musical "Saiyuki Opera Story -Go to the West- ")as Issē Miura, & Kenjirō Ishimaru ("Kamen Rider Den-O" Franchise, "Ring 2", & Travel TV Show "From the Taiwan High Speed Rail") as Owner and The Station Master.

The Suit Acting Cast for all movies include: Seiji Takaiwa (Every Main Kamen Rider from Agito till OOO, except for Hibiki)as Kamen Rider Den-O & Momotaros, Makoto Itō as Kamen Rider Zeronos/Kamen Rider New Den-O/Kamen Rider Orga, Eitoku as Kamen Rider Diend & Urataros, Norihito Itō as Kamen Rider G Den-O/Piggies Imagin/Anthopper Imagin (Ari)/Spider Imagin, Jirō Okamoto as Kintaros & Kamen Rider Caucasus, Toshihiro Ogura as Ryutaros, Yoshifumi Oshikawa & Yugo Fujii as Deneb, Naoki Nagase as Sieg & Kamen Rider Glaive, Shinichi Kaneda as Teddy, Hirofumi Fukuzawa as Kamen Rider Kabuki, Riichi Seike as Kamen Rider Skull, & Satoshi Fujita as Mantis Imagin

The Voice Cast for all movies include: Toshihiko Seki ("Doctor Who", "Batman Begins", "Saint Seiya") as Momotaros, Kōji Yusa ("Boy Meets World", "Sonic X", "Case Closed") as Urataros, Masaki Terasoma ("Kamen Rider Black", "Naruto", "Inuyasha") as Kintaros, Kenichi Suzumura ("Final Fantasy VII Advent Children", "Macross 7", "Kingdom Hearts") as Ryutaros, Hōchū Ōtsuka ("Gekisou Sentai Carranger", "Nausicaä of the Valley of the Wind", "Fist of the North Star") as Deneb, Kazuya Nakai ("Final Fantasy X") Kōsuke Toriumi ("The Prince of Tennis") & Tetsuya Kakihara ("Princess Princess") as Piggies Imagin, Shin-ichiro Miki ("Bleach") as Sieg, Daisuke Ono ("The Melancholy of Haruhi Suzumiya") as Teddy, Michie Tomizawa ("Sailor Moon") as Mantis Imagin, Hiroki Takahashi ("The Prince of Tennis") as Eve, Mark Okita ("Chouseishin Gransazer") as Diendriver Voice & K-Touch Voice

First up is "Episode Red: Zero no Star Twinkle" with the lead, Kamen Rider Zeronos (The joke of the name by the by, "Zero no Star" = "Zeronos").

"Episode Red: Zero no Star Twinkle" is an Action/Romance Movie and was directed by Osamu Kaneda ("Juuko B-Fighter The Movie", "Farewell, Kamen Rider Den-O: Final Countdown", "All Riders vs DaiShocker") and stars Yuichi Nakamura ("Kamen Rider Den-O" Franchise, TV Show "Kamen Rider Hibiki", & "Wangan Midnight The Movie") as Yuuto Sakurai/Kamen Rider Zeronos & Hideo Nakaizumi ("City of Life and Death" "HEY JAPANESE! Do you believe PEACE, LOVE and UNDERSTANDING? Year 2008" & "United Red Army") as Hiroshi Kikuchi.

The story is mainly a final chapter for the Zeronos story. With it's backstory explained in the first few minutes of the movie, it's backstory comes from the television version of "Kamen Rider Den-O". Zeronos' story is about Yuuto Sakurai who was married to Airi Nogami but was forced to go back in time and force himself to disappear from time to save their daughter Hana (who became Kohana after that time distortion started to take effect). To keep Kohana safe and alive he brought his past self to take his place in the present. Past Sakurai is trying his best to take the place of his future self, but is apprehensive of trying to be in a relationship with his supposed future wife.

"Episode Red" is a mainly a test on the love of Yuuto & Airi as a mysterious Imajin is trying to break them apart. And thr movie does a good job telling that story. The "milk Dipper" Coffee Shop scene with Yuuto & Airi is particularly fantastic and shows Wakana Matsumoto's acting range. And while this is an Action/Romance, they still do some comedy bits with one particular bit with Momotaros and how he gets back together with the group is hilarious.

It's quite a nice and calming movie despite it being an action film.

Now we head into "Episode Blue: The Dispatched Imajin is NEWtral" (The joke being "NEWtral" & "NEW Den-O")

"Episode Blue: The Dispatched Imajin is NEWtral" is an Action/Drama and was Directed by Kenzō Maihara (TV Tokusatsu "Pretty Guardian Sailor Moon", TV Tokusatsu "Tomica Hero Rescue Fire" "Get It On?") and stars Dori Sakurada ("Farewell, Kamen Rider Den-O: Final Countdown", "The Prince of Tennis" Musicals, & "BECK") as Kotaro Nogami/Kamen Rider NEW Den-O, Yuko Takayama ("Hana no Asuka-gumi!", "Girl Story", "Sky - RESCUE WINGS-Wing of Salvation") as Miku Uehara, & Reiko Kusamura ("The Twilight Samurai", "Shizukanaru Don - Yakuza Side Story", "Shall We Dance?" (1996)) as Sanae Uehara.

"Episode Blue" is a movie that expands and explores the relationship between two couples, Kotaro and his friendship with Teddy as well as Miku & her Grandmother Sanae. It explores how important we as people are to others and does a fun job of doing it. It also expands the character of Kotaro who, so far, is a Movie Only character (save for a cameo in "Kamen Rider Decade"). It's a fun romp with a less than usual villain as far as Toku goes.

Overall it's a good "Buddy Film" without being a "Buddy Film", if that makes any sense.

Finally we have "Episode Yellow: Treasure DiEnd Pirates" (Treasure and Pirates with "DiEnd" as "and")

"Episode Yellow: Treasure DiEnd Pirates" is an Action/Kinda-Thriller and was Directed by Takayuki Shibasaki (TV Tokusatsu "Kamen Rider OOO", "Come Back! Samurai Sentai Shinkenger", various Kamen Rider shorts) in his first Major Motion Picture Directorial Debut. It stars Kimito Totani ("Sanjuro", "Orion Midsummer", "Gokusen") as Daiki Kaito/Kamen Rider DiEnd, Yūta Furukawa ("The Prince of Tennis" Musicals, "My Girlfriend's a Geek", "BECK") as Reiji Kurosaki, & Urara Awata ("Town of Evening Calm, Country of Cherry Blossoms", "A Cheerful Gang Turns the Earth", "Byakuyako") as Sayuri Mizushima.

"Episode Yellow" is about the lovable thief Daiki as he's on the run from the Time Police for stealing an item from another time period. He runs into the Den-O gang and ends up causing them to be in trouble with the Time Police as well. With a villain that is very reminiscent of a certain Villain in a game about dimension warping or the current WWE RAW General Manager. It throws in the "Thriller" genre as you are not sure exactly what is gonna happen until it actually happens, and what a twist it is.

Overall it's a singular story that could have fit anywhere in "Kamen Rider Decade" (Which is where DiEnd comes from) but is still fun to watch.

Overall of the Trilogy though it's an interesting experiment, and apparently worked well as all three Movies were #1 in sales upon their release. The "Cho Den-O" series (With 4 movies now), it'll be interesting where they go from here.