Hughes3D - A Gaming Blog

Cucco Attack Podcast - Episodes XII + XIII: Valve Talk, Mario Maker Update, Nintendo Rumors & More

2020-05-19T22:23:00.000-04:00

What's that? A double-attack of Cucco Attack Podcasts. If you haven't tuned in lately, we've posted two new episodes within the last month. We talk about many a Valve game, from Half-Life to Left 4 Dead to Portal 2 and more. There's also much Nintendo news, from Mini-Directs to Mario Maker updates to even some juicy rumors pertaining to 3D Mario collections, new consoles, and yes, even the much acclaimed Mother 3. So give them a listen and be sure to share any and all feedback. Enjoy our ramblings and as always, happy gaming!

Cucco Attack LET'S PLAY [LIVE] - Groovy Games

2020-05-17T21:07:00.000-04:00

While neglecting to update this blog, I've been busy updating the Cucco Attack channel with many game streams and new podcast episodes. So I'll be sharing several across the blog this week for those who may have otherwise not tuned in. And look forward to my final thoughts and impressions in the Animal Crossing: New Horizons review in the near future.

Per this particular game stream, I reflect on the therapeutic values music can possess and thus share a collection of some of my favorite musical video games: Sayonara Wild Hearts, Bit.Trip Flux and Hohokum. As an added bonus, we end the stream with a brief concert from the infamous K.K. Slider in Animal Crossing: New Horizons.

Any particular groovy games you'd like to see more of? Be sure to share and discuss in the comments below. And stay tuned for more game streams and content to come. Otherwise, enjoy the grooves and happy gaming.

Happy Mother's Day - Top 5 Moms in Games

2020-05-10T09:00:00.000-04:00

Happy Mother's Day one and all! To celebrate all the wonderful matriarchs that helped raise and shape us into the fine figures we are today, let's have a fun look at the best (or sometimes most infamous) moms found in the world of video games. These are my Top 5 Moms in Games:

-1- Ness's Mother (Earthbound)

With a spunky, carefree and yet still nurturing attitude, Ness's mother from Earthbound represents one of the most memorable and loving moms in the gaming medium. When down with a bad case of homesickness, her silly, but endearing words on the phone always offer a means of reassured comfort. And when in need of a quick rest and pick-me up, her doors are always open and ready to offer you your favorite meal before you get back on your journey. Though she plays a small role in the grand context of the adventure, players are able to develop a recurring relationship with this character and learn the wondrous significance that comes from love and belief.

-2- Mom (Animal Crossing series)

Though a character you never physically see in the Animal Crossing series, players will occasionally receive letters from their fictional mom within the game. The letters are often simple and silly, and may contain the occasional special gift or piece of fruit. But there is just the right amount raw sentimentality and sincerity found in this simplicity that rings a universal truth, as if this really could be a letter from your mom. You can't help but smile at the little jokes and feel a longing to reach back. Powerful stuff for a few words on a postcard.

-3- Rosalina (Super Mario Galaxy)

Throughout the course of several storybook narrations in the first Super Mario Galaxy, players learn the backstory of the Princess Rosalina and how she became the mother of the stars and cosmos. It shows a love that extends beyond just family ties, but through empathy and shared experiences of loss. Because of this incredible compassion, this innocent child bravely assumes the role of mother to these baby Lumas and ensures no star or kindred spirit should ever feel alone again.

-4- Mother Brain (Super Metroid)

These last two picks may not be the mothers to be revered for their love and kindness, but one cannot deny that Mother Brain was a force to be reckoned within the Metroid universe. Having total command and control of the entire Space Pirate army (talk about respect), this matriarchal mastermind was calling all the shots as they sought to breed Metroids into a super-weapon and take over the galaxy. And had outside forces not interfered, Mother Brain would have very well dominated a fight against even a fully equipped bounty hunter. Do not take her lightly.

-5- M.O.M. (World of Goo)

While M.O.M. may just be an artificial construct designed to spam and fill your inbox with solicitation in the World of Goo, it's still nice to know that someone cares. Even if that care is likewise artificial. But credit where credit is due, these many hidden messages from M.O.M. still prove delightfully entertaining and develop a keen desire to eventually meet this motherly AI, making this character one of the more memorable and interesting moms found in games.

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So there you have it - From loving and nurturing figureheads to tyrannical overlords, let's give these memorable mothers some well deserved recognition. Any other iconic moms in gaming not mentioned above? Share and discuss in the comments below. But more importantly, make sure to give thanks to the marvelous mothers in your own life! Stay safe and happy gaming.

Cucco Attack LET'S PLAY [LIVE] - Chrono Trigger

2020-04-16T15:45:00.002-04:00

At the insistent requests of friends and my co-host on the Cucco Attack podcast, I finally dive into the acclaimed classic that is Chrono Trigger for the first time. Also a first, my first time attempting live streams. So prepare for very raw impressions and plenty of mistakes as we explore these new worlds together. As of this post, we are already roughly 12 hours into the journey. For those who've missed, not to worry - Each play session is recorded and saved on the Cucco Attack channel for your viewing pleasure at your own leisure. If interested in viewing live and interacting via the chat, these live streams are typically scheduled every Tuesday and Thursday from 7:00-9:00pm and Saturday from 2:00-5:00pm.

My early impressions of the game so far have exceeded my wildest expectations. For a game that is 25 years old, it truly was and still is a game ahead of its time. Such a fun and dynamic battle system. Charming and rich animation that makes each character so endearing. A delightful and quirky sense of humor. And such strong and captivating story beats that string you along this epic adventure. I now echo the sentiments of my friends - This truly is a masterpiece that should be played by all.

More Quick Reviews

2020-03-29T09:00:00.000-04:00

In a world of ever overflowing games continually releasing and demanding your attention, there are equally an abundance of games that quickly fall the wayside from conversation and into the backlog as a result. Likewise, I too am always playing catch-up to many a game and finding the relevant time to share their deserved thoughts and impressions. Some of these quick reviews may be expanded upon in the future when time allows, but until then, from A-Z here are 10 more quick takes that will hopefully provide some more worthwhile insight to your valued time.

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(Played on Nintendo Switch) - Blossom Tales: The Sleeping King is an unabashed indie developer's attempt on making something akin to the cult classic that is The Legend of Zelda: A Link to the Past. And although it follows the golden groundwork, it of course has the difficult challenge of being so directly compared to such a more masterful piece of craft. The game does introduce a few fun ideas, such as the world and narrative being drive by the children's whims and suggestions as a grandfather reads them this story ala like The Princess Bride. However, there lie numerous faults such as loose controls, a zoomed-out impersonal perspective, and lack of evolving ideas / puzzles that keep this game from being elevated to its inspired ideals it wishes to emulate. As it stands, it's simply a decent game, but not quite as satisfying as one would hope.

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(Played on Nintendo Switch) - Imagine if Bomberman were a chicken in a 2D action, puzzle platformer and you instead had an infinite supply of bombs that were pooped out below your character, creating an explosive tower in which for you to reach new heights; That is Bomb Chicken. Due to the dangerous nature in which your chicken must use bombs to both navigate and attack, the game is quite often in a frantic flux of chaos keeping your surroundings in mind and character on the move. And the difficulty escalates very quickly, leading to many a frustrated cluck. But thanks to the adorable animations to be found and unique game mechanics, the game remains a mostly enticing and memorable experience still.

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(Played on Nintendo Switch) - Donut County is a creative puzzle game that tasks players with controlling a hole, yes, a hole, as it moves around small little vistas and gobbling everything in site, the hole growing larger with every object (or critter) consumed; Think Katamari except with a hole. Some puzzles introduce a clever twist such as consuming rockets or the likes to be fired back out elsewhere, or consuming heat sources to blow hot air. But for the most part, it remains a fairly simple affair with little to really challenge you for a puzzle game. Fortunately, the game boasts wonderfully witty writing and an enjoyably weird and silly story to string players along this nonsensical world. Also, the duck quack emote is one of the greatest useless game mechanics ever.

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(Played on Nintendo Switch) - In the year that was retro-inspired 3D-collectathon platformers, you'll find the game that most closely hit the mark was the adorable likes of A Hat in Time. Taking cue from such whimsical games as Banjo-Kazooie, Super Mario Sunshine and The Wind Waker, while it may not reach those same heights, it comes remarkably close, which is high praise to say. The character design is incredibly charming and the varied level designs wonderfully imaginative. What holds the game back from its more esteemed peers is the odd mission structure which leaves a bit of a confusing and cumbersome mess, along with a lackluster overarching narrative though it is filled with such fun characters. That all said, this game is full of such endearing little details and solid mechanics that for fans of this genre are sure to have a thoroughly good time.

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(Played on Nintendo Switch) - Hue is a puzzle-platformer that has players obtaining and swapping the colors of the world to solve a variety of interesting and colorful puzzles (excuse the pun). For instance, by making the background blue, all blue objects then fade into the background and thus cease to exist until another color is selected. Or rather, I should say dark blue or light blue, as the game uses rather close hues of certain colors, one of the game's bothersome faults that can make for many a mistake within the game. The visual design, voice acting and accompanying musical scores are all rather high quality and quite catching. It's thus a shame that the overall story doesn't strike the same chord, to which more character interaction could have greatly aided in such. Still, a remarkably creative game that plays well with its colorful core mechanic.

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(Played on Nintendo Switch) - The Wonder Boy series was a long running series platforming-adventure series with Metroidvania elements that ran from 1986 thru 1994. Then in 2016 and 2017, the series saw revitalization with two remakes and in 2018, after 24 years, a new entry at last to the series with Monster Boy and the Cursed Kingdom. The result is a much grander scale adventure with more or less the same classic gameplay, charming art styles and quirky sense of humor. There are sadly some annoying aspects to be found like many ludicrous locked chests that require inane amounts of back-tracking. But an enjoyable game all the same, though I prefer the tighter focus and art direction of the previous remake that was Wonder Boy: The Dragon's Trap.

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(Played on Nintendo Switch) - Ori and Blind Forest is another Metroidvania platforming-adventure in essence, but stands apart with its superbly polished and unique acrobatic mechanics along with a gorgeous art direction and animation. Using enemies and your environment to dash about and chain combos brings immense satisfaction. And there are so many clever ideas on display, from tall warping towers to gravity defying labyrinths to navigate. The game is not without its frustrations though, such as a cumbersome checkpoint system and many instant-killing hazards that ultimately make your health upgrades mostly useless. The adventure is also a little short-lived, clocking in credits in 5 hours at 73% completion. A beautiful, fun and imaginative game nonetheless.

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(Played on Wii-U and Nintendo Switch) - With the recent release of the final DLC in the Shovel Knight saga, King of Cards, I thought it due to give at least a quick review to what is now the complete Shovel Knight Treasure Trove collection. Now containing four fully unique, but equally fleshed out campaigns and a Smash-like brawling sub-game, this collection is pinnacle of value. With the exception of the Plague Knight campaign, every character is a blast to play as with their fluid controls and clever level design. Plague Knight is a little trickier to play due to his unusual means of using potions to both attack and jump, but even so, it provides a very distinct style that is fun to master across another satisfying adventure. Every game is just packed full of memorable characters, outstanding music, and terrific writing with just the right amount of wit to set a balanced cheery, but serious tone. Yes, it's a game that revolves around the ridiculous notion of a knight that wields a shovel. But it takes this concept and owns it. Shovel Knight is a masterpiece for the ages.

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(Played on Nintendo Switch) - Yono and the Celestial Elephants is what I'd like to describe as an isometric beginner's version of a Zelda game. Players control an adorable elephant across various kingdoms pushing many a block and using other unique elephant abilities acquired, like spitting peanuts, spewing water and more. And the races of these other kingdoms are distinct and interesting to be found with the likes of robots and calaca skeletons. Unfortunately, the story proves rather uninspiring and the puzzles rarely evolve to any sort of captivating challenge. And the combat is just plain awful. With all the text that's in this game, it's difficult to even recommend this to young ages whom the gameplay seems more suited for. As is, this is just a charming, but somewhat mediocre game that fails to find its audience.

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(Played on Nintendo Switch) - After the disappointing first game launched by this retro-inspired duo, Yooka-Laylee and the Impossible Lair digs even deeper into Rare's roots and gives the characters another chance in the 2D platforming action that comes so closely inspired by the Donkey Kong Country series. And for the most part, this game does a much better job sticking the landing this time. The mechanics feel pretty solid and the levels feature some fun and clever ideas, especially the notion of revisiting levels with new twists like turning them into frozen wonderlands or literally turning them sideways and upside-down. In fact, navigating and interacting around the world map is perhaps one of the best implementations of a world map I've ever enjoyed in a platformer. Sadly, the level themes could use a little more distinction between them as they all feel a little too closely related despite the well themed overworld. But the biggest fault of the game lies in the subtitle that is the Impossible Lair, the final level of the game that can be accessed at any time. As the name implies, the level is long, brutish to the point of being unfair and lacks and sort of checkpoints. It took me roughly 40 minutes to die at 40% completion through the level only to have to start all the way over and know that it would only be worse as it went further. It's an incredibly sour note on what is otherwise a relatively enjoyable rest of the game.

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If you have any questions or thoughts about any of these games, please feel free to comment and discuss below. And find many more reviews of games on Hughes 3D right here! Thanks. And as always, happy gaming!

Tips for Animal Crossing: New Horizons - Crafty Tricks

2020-03-27T09:05:00.001-04:00

Animal Crossing: New Horizons saw release last week to rather fortuitous timing as a ray of relief amidst such an anxious world. And with most of the world in lock-down at present, many are enjoying a deserved deep dive into this adorable escape from reality. As a game that plays out in real time, it asks us to slow down, relax, and admire the smaller details in life. Also as such, my review of this game will assuredly take a while yet to come. But in the meantime, here are some tips and tricks from my first week of play that may help new island dwellers and Animal Crossing veterans alike.

Don't Sweat Decisions

There are many seemingly big decisions to be made in this game: From choosing the lay of your land to determining where you and your neighbors are to set up shop. With so many factors to consider, it may feel overwhelming. But fret not, as you'll have many means later in the game to adjust things as you desire. You'll be able to move buildings, reshape rivers and dig through cliffs and so much more. Just relax and know that in time, you'll be able to craft the perfect island you dream of.

Getting Started

Tom Nook not only acts as your once tyrannical landlord (though such still holds true), but now also serves as a helpful counselor per the Residential Services on your island. Many long-time Animal Crossing fans may think to themselves, "Why do I need to ask that cheap raccoon what to do? I know how to play this game." But doing so would be a mistake as Tom Nook holds the key to progressing through the prologue of the game. He'll first ask for fish and bugs, which will trigger an invite of Blathers to the island, and there's more to follow each day as your island slowly begins to fill up. So make sure to check in with your mighty overlord that is the one and only Nook.

Tom Nook, the raccoon with all the connections.

Maneuvering Menus and Miles

Next, you might want to know a few tricks as to more easily manage some of the menus and likes in this game. For instance when in your inventory, you can sort items by pressing and holding the A-button on the item you wish to move. Or when viewing your Nook Miles, you can jump straight to completed miles by using the right stick. Nifty!

Speaking of Nook Miles, I heartily recommend eyeing the following three rewards as your first purchases with those miles: Pretty Good Tools Recipes (for better tools that will break less often), Pocket Organization Guide (for more inventory space), and the Tool Ring (for quicker tool access). Until you should unlock the Tool Ring though, know that you can pull out and cycle through tools still with the left and right arrow buttons on your controller.

Tools of the Trade

The handy tool ring makes selecting tools quick and breezy.

Your first day on the island, you'll notice that much of the island remains inaccessible to you due to rivers and cliffs. And where's the shovel to dig up all these dig spots? All good things in time. Once Blathers gets to your island, he'll set you up with shovel and pole vault DIY recipes, the latter tool your means for bounding across rivers. And later per this lengthy prologue, Tom Nook will offer you a ladder DIY recipe, used to climb cliffs. Certain tools will also be made available in the shop, the selection of which cycles each day. Though if you really hate waiting, you could also have some friends help hook ya up once the airport opens on your second day.

Resource Management

If having to repair your own tools on a frequent basis isn't enough to make your respect resource gathering, one of your first big construction projects on the island will make you acutely aware of this value that is having resources on hand. So if you want to maximize your island's natural producing resources, take note: Each rock can be hit once a day, producing up to 8 minerals. Same for trees, 3 chops once a day for 3 woods. If you prefer not to destroy these rocks and trees, I recommend any shovel for rocks and a stone axe for trees. Now harvesting every tree on your island may be a bit extreme and unnecessary, but I certainly recommend hitting every rock each day as those resources are more scarce and valuable. Also, there is one rock a day that will produce money instead, which if hit perfectly will net you 16,000 Bells! Lastly, if you're looking for sticks, just shake the trees. That said...

Bee Prepared

That's gotta sting!

Shaking trees or even hitting trees with your axe always carries the risk of a beehive waiting to fall, and with it a swarm of angry wasps waiting to attack. But did you know you can shake trees with your net in hand? If you do so, and I recommend shaking the tree in the front right or left corner, your character will be primed and ready to swing their net the moment the hive falls and catch those pesky wasps like nobody's business. That said, if you do happen to get stung, give your neighbors a chat and they'll teach you a handy DIY recipe for medicine to patch that right up.

Side tip for the bug catching net - Hold A to ready your net and stealthily approach your targets; Very helpful for snagging other types of bugs.

How to Rock

Earlier I mentioned you can produce up to 8 minerals from hitting rocks. The veterans here likely know how, but for those newcomers wondering how, allow me to share this tried and true trick: Holes. Using your shovel, dig two holes in a corner of the 3x3 grid that surrounds the rock. You can then use those holes as your buffer when hitting the rock so you don't get bounced back, allowing you to continue quickly strike away at that rock. Getting that 8th strike in when hitting that money rock makes all the difference from earning 16,000 Bells versus only 8,000 Bells for 7 hits.

Fishing Like a Pro

Tired of missing your catch and watching them swim away? Here are some helpful tips to improve your fishing game:

Every fish will bite down within 1-5 nibbles. So if the fish nibbles 4 times without biting, expect the next hit to be a bite guarenteed.
Don't let the rain keep you inside; Rarer fish actually have better odds of being caught when it's raining, storming or snowing outside!
There are certain fish that can only be caught in certain locations. This includes oceans, rivers, ponds, cliffs, river outlets and even piers.
Notice those little water spouts in the sand? Dig them up and you'll find manila clams which can be crafted into fish bait. I recommend stockpiling this bait until a rainy day and head to the pier for a high profit fishing excursion.

Can You Dig It?

Next some helpful tips for your shovel - There are four fossils to be found buried on your island each day. And one shiny spot containing 1,000 Bells, which if you bury right back will sprout into a money tree tripling your investment a few days later. Lastly, if you'd like to preserve use of your shovel longer, don't use your shovel to fill in holes you dig. Instead, press Y to use your character's feet to fill in the holes.

Sound Track

Behold your town hall, marking your island as an officially bustling community.

Some Animal Crossing veterans may be wondering what happened to the variety of music that used to change and play hourly, as it appears to be the same theme on loop 24-7 your starting days on the island. As it turns out, this is all considered a long prologue and that the prologue island theme. This lengthy prologue comes to its conclusion once the town hall has been built, which is at least a whole week if you're diligent in assisting Nook and company. Thankfully as reward, your ears will finally be treated to some new groovy hourly tunes once this is built and done to add some much needed melodic variance to your day.

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There's so much more that could be discussed here, but I'll withhold so as you can have the joys and wonders of making some of these delightful discoveries for yourself. Of course, feel free to share your own nifty tips and tricks in the comments below! Thanks. And happy island living!

Tabletop Tuesday - Game Solutions for Cabin Fever

2020-03-17T15:00:00.000-04:00

Be it quarantined indoors due to pandemic precautions or inclement weather, there lies in wait another fever of sorts when confined to a monotonous setting for such prolonged periods - The inevitable cabin fever. Fortunately, there are many games to be had that can aid this stir craziness, many of which you likely have on hand already know it or not. So before you go bored sick, read on below for many a handy game solution to help make your lock-down a more enjoyable experience.

Fret not, Monopoly is not one of the recommendations on this list. Though if such ends up being the inevitable game to be played, see here for recommendations how to better enjoy the game.

Pen & Paper Games

Found in most every household, with just a few sheets of paper and some pens lies a wealth of games that can be enjoyed. Come up with some categories, rip some strips of paper and write down some words per those topics and you're ready to play some Charades! Or the same could work for a game of Pictionary (even better if you own a dry erase board). If you draw a grid on paper, you're set to play a game Battleship, Connect Four, or Dots & Boxes. With a little creative thinking, no game is really off limits to be enjoyed provided these simple tools.

Make your own Battleship with just a pad of paper and a pencil!

Here's a more obscure game that can be enjoyed with pen and paper (or better with dry erase board if owned), I like to call Paper Golf. Draw yourself a little golf course with the following fixings - Your starting tee-off square, the green and hole, and any extra optional obstacles you'd like (sand traps, water hazards, trees, out of bound zones). If you have color variations, this will help distinguish between players. To play, have a player put their pen on the starting tee, close their eyes and then draw a path towards the hole. When they stop and lift the pen, that counts as one stroke. However, if their stroke went through any trees, they have to start their next shot from that location instead. Likewise if it lands in OB or water, they have to start their next shot from the previous shot or water's edge appropriately while taking a +1 shot penalty. If they land in a sand trap, they must use their other hand as an added challenge for the next shot. It's a fun and clever game of visualization and memory, while also just being loads of fun designing a creative variety of golf holes. Of course, feel free to tweak and add on to the rules as you see fit. Or think of another game idea and how such can be adapted to pen and paper!

Card Games

Another common find in most any abode is your standard 52 playing-card deck, and with it another abundance of games to be played and enjoyed. We've previously recommended quite a few cards games before, of which you can view in more detail here and here. To add to the list, here's one more new card game I recently learned that's an enjoyable time killer - It's called Garbage (aka Trash).

A fun and easy to pick-up card game for all ages.

In this game, each player is dealt 10 cards placed face down in 10 slots, with the remainder of the deck placed in the middle. The goal of the game is to fill all 10 slots, each slot requiring the appropriate card 1-10 (1 being the Ace). Players take turns taking a card either from the deck or the top of the discard "garbage" pile and use the cards to fill in their 10 slots. If a card can't fill one of their slots, it's discarded and the next player goes. The King acts as a wild card and can fill any slot. When one player fills all their slots, each other player gets one last turn for the round. All players who've filled all their slots that round are dealt one fewer card in the next round. First player to get down to zero cards wins!

Dice Games

Perhaps not as common in every home, but if you're a game enthusiast like myself, odds are there may be a few scattered dice lying about. Have 5 dice? Make yourself some Yahtzee score sheets and you're ready to play and shout YAHTZEE! 6 dice? Likewise, you're a few score sheets away from enjoying a rousing game of Farkle. 15+ dice? Then grab some cups and get ready to party with one of the best social games to be found that is Liar's Dice. There's nothing quite like the thrill that is the rattle of dice, playing with probability and pushing your luck.

Quick rules for Farkle - Player rolls 6 dies and sets aside any die / points earned. They may continue rolling for more points with any remaining die or take the points to end that round. Fail to get any points on a roll and you Farkle, losing all points earned that round. If you manage to earn points for all six dice, you can then re-roll all six dice continuing to push your luck for more points or the chance to lose it all. Players cannot get on the scoreboard until they've earned at least 500 points in one round. First player to 10,000 points triggers the end of the game, giving each other player one last round; The player then with the most points wins.

Long Games

To change it up a little bit for this last category of game suggestions, these aren't games readily accessible in every household, but you may consider purchasing for your collection if you're a fan of long gaming excursions that last the great majority of a day. One such suggestion includes any of the Legacy games which craft a unique narrative over the course of multiple plays. These include the likes of Risk Legacy, Betrayal Legacy or perhaps most thematically fitting at the moment, Pandemic Legacy. Gloomhaven is another similar example of an ever-changing campaign across many plays, though a word of caution with this game for those who are easily intimidated by heavy rule sets to be learned. For a more lighthearted, beginner's introduction to D&D style games, I would heartily recommend Munchkin Quest. I hold many a fond memory playing this game with my roommates back in the day when snowed-in our apartment for days, rising up early in the morning to begin our play only to finish our grand adventures late into the evening of overpowered dragons, Microsoft paint-cats and loads of humorous backstabbing. For those with time to kill and an appetite for the lengthy gaming endeavors, these are but a few fine games to be found that will surely appease and create long lasting memories.

Be safe with the pandemonium out there - Wash your hands, stay inside and play games.

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As you can see, there are plenty of games and fun to be had no matter the resources on hand. Any fun game recommendations to add to this list? Be sure to share in the comments below. Stay well and safe out there folks. Enjoy the company of those you may be trapped inside with. And as always, happy gaming!

Happy St. Patrick's Day!!!!

2020-03-17T09:00:00.003-04:00

Top o' the morning to ye laddies and a happy St. Patrick's Day one and all! To get in the green spirit o' things, have yourself a listen to some fine fiddlin' tunes from around the world of games and enjoy.

The Minish wish you good luck and fortune today.

Ori and the Blind Forest

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Super Mario 64

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Tangle Tower

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Wandersong

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The Legend of Zelda: The Wind Waker

For more riveting jigs, check out previous years' St. Patrick's Day posts here and here. Feel free to share and comment below with your own favorite Irish melodies and fiddles found in games or just in general. And have a safe, fun green day!

You Tanooki My Breath Away

2020-02-16T11:17:00.002-05:00

Sayonara Wild Hearts Review

2020-02-15T23:05:00.002-05:00

Genre: Rhythm / Action Game
Players: 1
Playtime: 5 Hours (Includes beating the game in about 1-2 hours with mostly Bronze and Silver Ranks; Then cycling back into the grooves to acquire Gold Ranks on every level and sometimes just to listen to those riveting tracks again; Played on Nintendo Switch)

Sayonara Wild Hearts is described as a "pop album video game" in which players zoom about a series of bold and beautifully choreographed motorcycle chases and other various visual trips, all of which is synced to one of the hottest soundtracks I've listened to in a long time. As is also the case with most musical albums, the journey is somewhat bittersweet in its short length, but leaves a lasting impression and insists many a repeated play-through. For fans of rhythmic action-based music games or of magically vivid and surreal animation, read on as we crank up the volume to the fresh and funky beats to be found in this indie pop gem.

Music

It should come as no surprise for a game described a "pop album video game" that the soundtrack would be a primary focal point in its design, and the game nails it. The music has such beautiful melodies and a superbly original feel to it. The vocals / lyrics are so rich and add such a lovely nuance to the emotional depth found within their compositions. It's even difficult just to push start at the title screen as you don't want to pull yourself away from that deliciously catchy opening tune. These are songs that you'll want to listen to over and over again, in-game or otherwise.

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Art / Animation

As you may have come to learn through my many posts on this site, I'm a sucker for games with bold and creative art styles. And Sayonara Wild Hearts puts on a confident display in its use of bright, neon color palette and minimalist character / world design. Through this simplistic approach, they are able to create a surreal, dreamlike quality that pulls the players in and emphasize memorable moments with selective use of bold color splashes and exquisite animation.

The bold and colorful closeups of your rivals present such striking visuals in this game.

Speaking of superb animation, the means in which this game choreographs each of these musical tracks / levels the player zips about on is beyond compare. The way you quickly weave around corners, jump through archways and dodge traffic while in high-speed pursuits on your motorcycle. How you perform incredible acrobatic leaps from your bike, run across the sides of buildings and gracefully swing your sword amidst the chaos. The considered timing and speed in which the camera zooms and pivots to highlight character moments and transitions. It truly is like an exceptional music video in which you get to be a part of.

Gameplay

What really pulls this all together is how fluid and natural the gameplay ties into the above mentioned music and animation. There is immense satisfaction to be had as you drift and jump about in synced timing with this groovy goodness, and you'll find that your performance really does improve the more in sync you become to the tunes. Beyond just this wonderful harmony of components, the game offers a wealth of unique and creative mechanics throughout this musical journey. From motorcycle chases to parallel universe flips and more, it is yet just another instance of the game not afraid to try new and bold ideas, keeping the experience fresh and captivating from start to finish.

There's nothing quite so thrilling as high-speed chases and dramatic acrobatics all attuned to such riveting music and beats.

Narrative Vibes

The narrative isn't necessarily a pivotal component of this game, having a simple premise for its foundation in which to venture off into a surreal reality open for interpretation. With that said, there's enough to be found in here that leaves a lasting and emotional impression which I accredit to a well structured narrative and well-paced beats. There is a satisfying arc of pain, discovery, struggle and acceptance. By the game's conclusion, be it combination of catchy music and narrative vibes, you can't help but have a big old happy grin on your face and a gratifying sense of resolve.

Loose Controls

Due to the fast-paced nature of this game and loose controls it entails, players will see many hearts fly by as they accidentally pass them. This is especially true for the Heartbreak levels, in which the controls are particularly sensitive and have many mechanics like portals that if missed, there too goes an entire path of hearts and your hopes of a Gold Rank in a fraction of a second. Fortunately, the short nature of the levels and forgiving checkpoints allow easy means of practice to overcome these hurdles for those willing to repeatedly dive in.

The Heartbreak levels will truly make your heart ache as you repeatedly miss the same hearts again and again

Short Playtime

Of course, the short nature of some levels / songs can sometimes be a bit disappointing, especially when the groove is just so darn good and the mechanics so captivating. It leaves you wanting just a little bit more.

At the end of the day and this pop album, Sayonara Wild Hearts resoundingly succeeds in delivering exactly the game and experience it set out to craft. With its bold use of art direction and creative gameplay mechanics, they confidently couple with a powerfully moving, grooving soundscape like none other. Its biggest fault is namely that you only wish there were more to be had, which really speaks just how exemplary the rest of this game happens to be. Encore or not, give this game a whirl and the musical experience will assuredly leave you in awe with its riveting display of collective beauty.

If you have any questions or thoughts about this game, please feel free to comment and discuss below. Thanks. And happy gaming!

Smash Ultimate - Top 6 Fighter Pass 2 Predictions (& Mii Fighters)

2020-02-05T22:49:00.001-05:00

There were a wide spectrum of emotions coupled with the final reveal and release of Byleth from Fire Emblem Three Houses as the final fighter for the Super Smash Bros. Ultimate DLC Fighter Pass. Some were overjoyed as this latest installment of Fire Emblem has proven an incredibly popular game for 2019. Others were rather disappointed as such was an anti-climatic pick for a final character and reeked of marketing promotion. Whatever your opinion, the internet is able to keep peace thanks to announcement of a second Fighter's Pass and with it, six more fighters in which to keep your hopes for that desired dream character alive. And being unable to resist the urge to join the masses in making their predictions yet again, I partake once more in the enthusiastic excitement and try my hand at predicting this potential roster (this time with an extra pick since there are to be six more fighters).

Based off Fighter Pass 1, it seems character picks fit the following criteria - They are characters who either possess a unique moveset, notable lineage, fan support, marketing potential or some combination of these elements. As such, let's go into these next predictions with these factors in mind.

A few notes / reminders before we dive into these predictions: This list is who I feel are most likely to appear based upon certain facts / criteria, not necessarily my own personal wish list. I'll throw some honorable mentions below these likeliest candidates for my own personal picks that don't look to make the above cut, along with some prime Mii Fighters which looks to be an interesting new trend with the likes of Sans and Cuphead. Also consider, each character is to be bundled with a stage and various music tracks. So if a desired character looked to be lacking in one of these areas or have an uninspiring moveset, they didn't make this list. With that in mind, let the bold predictions take a second pass at this second pass.

-1- Arle (Puyo Puyo)

Arle was not a character initially on my radar, but upon further analysis, I foresee a great deal of potential in now. For those unfamiliar, Arle hails from the puzzle game series of Puyo Puyo, and before that a first-person dungeon crawler RPG series known as Mado Monogatari. As such, she could possess a very unique moveset that fuses magical spells and puzzle-based Puyo attacks. Aside being the perfect character to represent a new genre of puzzle games into the world of Smash, there are also some interesting potential signs that may indicate Smash is prepping the stage for Arle so to speak (special thanks to PapaGenos for compiling and outlining much of this evidence). The first possible clue takes place in the SNES games available per Switch Online, specifically Puyo Puyo 2. Both Japan and Western audiences received this game, but interestingly it remains untranslated for Western audiences. So why choose this game for Western audiences then, especially when there are other translated Puyo Puyo re-skins like Kirby's Avalanche that could have instead been used? It's quite possible so as to familiarize Western audiences with this character as a potential newcomer to Smash. Further evidence also comes in the form of Sakurai's daily screenshots he's been sharing of which one is clearly referencing Arle and her bunny Carby, but such could admittedly just be a fun reference / nod.

Puyo Puyo Tower as depicted in Puyo Puyo 2. A fitting gauntlet for Smash fighters to take battle in.

As for a potential stage, there are various locations that could serve as good candidates such as the Primp Town Magic School or Puyo Puyo Tower. Imagine ascending a rotating tower with loads of monsters making guest appearances or if not too conflicting with Arle's moveset, a stage where Puyos fall all over the stage, stacking up to make various platforms and/or squishing players. And of course the series has lots of catchy tunes that perfectly set the mood for riveting bouts to be had.

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-2- Paper Mario

If recent rumors are to be believed, there may be a new Paper Mario game coming soon, and a return to form similar to that of Paper Mario (N64) or The Thousand-Year Door. Sincerely hoping this to be true, I believe such improves the odds to give this well-deserved paper-thin hero a rightful invitation to smash it up. It would serve as prime marketing for this new installment to be and Paper Mario offers such an original play style compared to that of his other Mushroom Kingdom comrades. From his jump attacks to hammer swings, Paper Mario's combat is a clever mix of precision timed button presses and flicks of the stick. And his paper-like aesthetics aren't just for show, as they allow for a unique mix of moves such as sideways fold dodges, paper-tube rolls, twisting hammer spins and paper airplane aerial recoveries.

Fan mock-up of some potential special moves for Paper Mario.

In the hopeful event that there is a new Paper Mario game, the stage would likely take cue from one of the new locales within this new adventure. But if not, The Thousand-Year Door still offers many great venues in which to take battle, such as the central town / hub that is Rogueport and maybe even its winding underground labyrinth that is the Rogueport Sewers. Paper Mario is also no stranger to catchy battle themes among other fun experimental scores.

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-3- Rayman

Nintendo and Ubisoft have been on incredibly good terms with each other these past few years, with such collaborations as Mario + Rabbids Kingdom Battle and Starlink: Battle for Atlas with Star Fox. And in the most recent reveal of Byleth, there was also the addition of two Ubisoft Mii Fighter costumes - Altair from Assassin's Creed and Rabbids. But despite all this camaraderie, there is still no Ubisoft represented fighter among your main Smash roster. And who better to fill this open position still than the esteemed limbless platformer that is Rayman. With a mix of punches, kicks and plungers, he'd make for an interesting brawler with some decent recovery options less not we forget his useful propeller-like ears.

In this final boss of Big Mama, players must avoid her deadly bracelets as they slide about her attempts to shake you off.

In my previous prediction, I suggested the Glade of Dreams as an iconic and ideal stage choice. To offer another option, The Land of the Living Dead is also quite a memorable vista for those who have reached those daring levels, especially with the boss of Big Mama. Imagine battling atop Big Mama's arms as she shifts back and forth trying to swat the players. Or if not satisfied with just one of these choices, have players start in the Glade of Dreams and have the stage transform part-way making the players fall into the Land of the Living Dead. Perhaps best of all, the Rayman series has some of my favorite musical works to be found in video games, just bursting with whimsy and personality.

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-4- Travis Touchdown (No More Heroes)

Travis Touchdown is a wacky and radical blend of a sword swinging, wrestling assassin from the No More Heroes series. The latest installment in the series, No More Heroes 3, poses to be a promising exclusive for the Switch that Nintendo would assuredly want to promote, not to mention both developers being close friends with each other. With a wide array of beam katanas and quirky sensibilities such as having to shake to charge the power of the blades, Travis has the means to be a very distinct fighter. There is also the strange omission of one cult favorite Smash mode - Coin Battle - In which the timing of release for a character who is so well known for collecting loads of coins after brutally taking down his targets would be so very fitting. At the very least by the nature of this series' off-the-wall sense of humor, the reveal trailer for this character would assuredly break expectations and the 4th wall in the best ways possible.

Travis Touchdown showing off his incredible flexibility and wicked wrestling moves.

As with any prospective character with a new game on the horizon, the stage would likely reflect a setting from the new adventure to be. But if not, there are many memorable locations that could be chosen from his earlier entries, such as the Destroy Stadium or perhaps even more appropriate, the No More Heroes motel. With the craziness that ensues in this game, we could certainly expect many a cameo of other eccentric assassins to crash the scene too. And there are plenty of funky fresh beats to be found within this series.

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-5- Lara Croft (Tomb Raider)

So there isn't any particular evidence to suggest Lara Croft from the Tomb Raider series is coming to Smash, but I'm still steadfastly rooting for this esteemed treasure hunter. For starters, she adds some well needed female representation to the fighting roster. And really, there is no bigger female protagonist in the medium of gaming than Lara Croft, not to mention her extensive appeal and success into the worlds of film and comics as well. She is a cultural icon deserving of a chance to brawl with the best of them and would carry with her a very clever moveset potential as well. Between her dual pistols, pick axe, bow and martial arts, Lara is quite the capable and crafty fighter. Speaking of crafty, she is known in the latest games for crafting new attributes to her weapons and arrows such as with poison gas or explosives, which could make for a very neat and unique mechanic to Smash.

T-Rex and raptors take chase in the Hidden Valley of Tomb Raider: Anniversary.

Last prediction I mentioned stage ideas such as fighting atop a teetering plane as it crashes through the many vistas of Yamatai Island. Or for something more classic, you can go wrong with the dino-filled Hidden Valley, where players could fight atop water wheels and other contraptions as raptors and the colossal T-Rex periodically enter the scene to cause some havoc of their own.

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-6- Sylux (Metroid)

Last but not least, we have the mysterious bounty hunter of Sylux from the Metroid series. Originally appearing in Metroid Prime Hunters for the DS, it is believed he is to be a leading villain in this next installment of Metroid Prime 4 due to ending bonus cut-scenes of two other Metroid games. Also of notable worth, all the other bounty hunters from Metroid Prime Hunters appear as spirits in Smash Ultimate other than Sylux. Almost as if this character is destined for greater purposes. Not to mention prime marketing (pardon the pun) for one of their most anticipated big titles for Switch. Sylux does offer a compelling combat style of a close range blade and electrical based blasts. And chaining together electrical bombs could setup some fun and devastating combos.

Once again, the new stage and music will likely take cue from the new installment of Metroid Prime 4. Ideally, I'd like to see a new side of Metroid outside the lava-filled planets and desolate space stations. I'l love for a stage with spirit and tranquility of that of Phendrana Drifts from the first Metroid Prime. The snow gently falling amidst the floating platforms and frozen waters. Perhaps a buried Sheegoth rises up to retaliate if disturbed, or with the occasional Space Pirate ship doing a fly-by. And there are so many more juicy, atmospheric melodies to soak in from this universe.

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Honorable Mentions

Shantae - Shantae remains one of my most desired picks for an indie character to break that threshold of smaller games making a big name in the Smash arena. And truly, her moveset is already perfect for the likes of Smash. Between her vicious hair whips, wide arsenal of magical attacks, assorted animal transformations, and even pirate gear if representing a little of the Pirate's Curse, Shantae is ready to dish out some genie dancing justice (speaking of dancing, the perfect taunt). Of course, the ideal stage would still be the frequently attacked port of Scuttle Town and there's no shortage of dance-inducing tunes to be had.
Mog - My other returning honorable mention goes to Mog, because garsh darnit, we deserve more music and representation from the Final Fantasy series. I choose Mog specifically as a character that offers a fair representation of the whole series, including some of the best titles found on the SNES. There are many interesting attack styles Mog could adopt as such, from random magic dances (sort of akin to Mr. Game & Watch's flag attack), sword slashes and Chocobo dashes. And there are so many more wonderful Final Fantasy vistas in which to battle upon, my ideals picks still being the Opera House from Final Fantasy VI or an airship (name your Final Fantasy of choice).
Sora - Of course one of the other most clamored for characters to be added to Smash is none other than Sora from the Kingdom Hearts series. Infamously known for already bridging worlds the likes of Final Fantasy and Disney, he would in many ways fit in perfectly as a character ready to take on more fantastical worlds the video industry over. With his assortment of keyblade, magical spells, and aerial acrobatics, Sora would prove a worthy combatant. While anything Disney would likely be withheld from use, there are enough original characters, locales and music that could fill that void. Traverse Town, Twilight Town and Hollow Bastion are some superb backdrops just to name a few.
Porky - This pick may seem a bit of a stretch, but hear me out. Porky is a key antagonist to the Mother (Earthbound) series and yet has no representation in Smash Ultimate currently. His boss from Brawl was not used. And the spirit of his absolutely safe capsule has him purposefully removed in the image (suspicious). This may be the eternal dream, but perhaps this is the year Mother 3 will finally be released to Western audiences along side Porky for Smash to celebrate. He could have a unique moveset with his robotic spider-like vessel and assorted Porky bombs. I'm not entirely certain on the stage as we already have a fair amount of representation, but you can never have too much groovy Earthbound melodies.
Master Chief - My last honorable mention goes to the esteemed Master Chief from the Halo series. This would certainly be a momentous pick as a key icon in the gaming medium and essentially face of Microsoft. The only reason this is an honorable mention and not an actual prediction pick for me is I only see room for one sci-fi suited blasting soldier and Sylux seems the more likely to fit the bill. That said, Master Chief could have a really fun arsenal of moves, from his homing Needler pistol, Sticky Gernades, Energy Sword and more. And nothing would be more epic battling in Blood Gulch with those sweeping, rocking musical scores to accompany.

Mii Fighters

A few more honorable mentions go out in the form of some fighters I think may instead make the cut as what I call deluxe Mii Fighters. As has been the case now with Sans and Cuphead, these characters have been presented with more accurately depicted models / representations than your standard Mii Fighter, but are still kept within the realm of the Mii Fighter movesets / hit-box sizes. They have also been paired with an additional music track as a happy bonus. As such, here are some characters that seem to be likely fits to continue this trend:

Hollow Knight [Sword Fighter] - As one of the most highly rated indie games and Metroidvania of this generation, and the close relationship Nintendo has shown this indie darling, shadow-dropping such for Switch at E3 2018, Hollow Knight seems like a plausible pick as another indie Mii Fighter to get the deluxe treatment. And if I can even get just one song from that superb soundtrack, it will all be worth it.
Viewtiful Joe [Brawler] - Viewtiful Joe is a fun and quirky character from Capcom, but not one likely to make it as a big-time fighter within the Smash roster. But as his proportions and fighting style are actually a pretty close fit to that of the Mii Fighter, I could see him making a fun pick to add as a brawler and gift us some of those fun accompanying tunes.
Geno + Doom Slayer [Gunners] - My last picks go to Geno from Super Mario RPG and Doom Slayer from of course Doom. While Geno is a much clamored for character, I get the feeling he'll be subjugated again to a Mii Fighter, but of higher quality model this time and paired with that infamous Geno's Woods music. Likewise with Doom Slayer, my argument remains the same as was for Master Chief in that Sylux will likely fill the void as the chosen sci-fi macho hunter. But I think a somewhat chibi Doom Slayer similar to that of the doll you fist-bump in the latest Doom game would both be adorable and solve the issue of toning down the violent nature of the character. There was also that supposed "leaked" image that showed Mii Fighter costumes of both Mallow and Cacodemon. If such were to be believed, then it should be very likely that Geno and Doom Slayer would have some kind of representation as well, if not as real fighters then probably as deluxe Mii Fighters.

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And there you have it - Another Fighter's Pass, another Smash prediction to be had. Of course, there are so many other great picks that would very well take place of the above. Any characters you'd pick that I left off on this list? Any ideas for other deluxe Mii Fighters to be had? Be sure to share and discuss in the comments below! Otherwise, let us all eagerly await these continuing reveals to come. And happy gaming!

Tabletop Tuesday - Ticket to Ride Europe

2020-01-14T12:00:00.000-05:00

Welcome to another edition of Tabletop Tuesday - Your exploration into games of dice, cards, luck and more of the tabletop world.

Making a return in cross-country continental adventures - The game of locomotives now trekking across Europe in Ticket to Ride Europe.

Players: 2-5
Time: 45-90 minutes
Genre: Strategy

As you can likely infer from the name, Ticket to Ride Europe takes the core fundamentals of the original Ticket to Ride, but presents such on a new worldly stage with new routes and strategies to consider. There are a few new key additions though that make this a compelling edition to own aside from the fun new venue. One such feature are tunnels, which carry the risk of requiring extra train cards to complete. When attempting to place tracks across a tunnel, players must flip over "X" number of train cards from the deck per the length of the tunnel. Any train cards flipped that match the color of the trains being used to build the tunnel demands an extra train card of the same color be used to build the tunnel, representing the tunnel was longer than expected. As such, it would be wise to have a few extra cards in your hand as insurance, but it's not necessary if you're trying to beat someone to the punch in claiming the route; A very compelling risk versus reward mechanic.

The European locations may take some more considered time to become familiarized with.

The other new compelling feature is the addition of train stations. This new structure allows players to use other player's built tracks connected to the city towards the completion of tickets (though these tracks don't count towards the longest route award). This presents another tantalizing action / option to consider per each player's turn as only one train station can be placed per city, and each player only has so many train stations to be placed. On top of this, any unused stations provide points at the end of the game, so players must be mindful what will end up being more beneficial. This nifty mechanic offers some much appreciated saving grace for those demoralizing blocked routes, while still also offering a great deal of new strategy as to many means now in achieving the same goals. This game is recommended for those who prefer a friendlier version of the original and a little more nuance to the same compelling light strategy and forward thinking mentality. And of course as was before, train enthusiasts. Choo choo!

If you have any questions about Ticket to Ride Europe, let me know in the comments. Otherwise, look forward to future installments of Tabletop Tuesday. And happy gaming!

Happy New Year - Top 5 Anticipated Games of 2020

2020-01-01T09:00:00.000-05:00

The dawn of another new year is upon us, and with it again an unrelenting energy and excitement over the pending prospects of what lies in wait in this expectant future. While I typically recommend tempering one's expectations, let's go ahead and let loose once again to ignite our imaginations over the wonders of tomorrow. Because even before the next generation of consoles is due to land, 2020 is looking to be one of the most behemoth years in gaming ever to likely be matched again.

(Note: This only includes announced games with a set release date of 2020, but some honorable mentions will be included below due to their likely release this year and my excessive hype for these pending titles)

-1- Animal Crossing: New Horizons

The promise of a new Animal Crossing soon to land ashore my Nintendo Switch fills me with both giddy anticipation and inexplicable tranquility. While the mobile version of Pocket Camp was able to adequately capture some essence of the Animal Crossing series and introduce some interesting new aspects like crafting that are sure to have some influence in this new entry of New Horizons, it had one large fault to which I long to see a return to: The simple pleasure of a slow and calm pace in which to enjoy the experience per my leisure the year round. Leisure is the key word that in my mind is a critical defining aspect of this series. It asks the player to slow down, offering a means in which to escape, relax and not worry about looming deadlines or maximizing efficiencies; Tom Nook doesn't care when you repay his loan. That all said, I can't wait to discover what new surprises this latest installment has in store and to uncover them bit by bit for months and months to come. Animal Crossing New Horizons is slated for release March 20th, 2020.

-2- Cyberpunk 2077

From the developers that delivered the esteemed role-playing adventure Witcher series comes their next highly anticipated title now diving into the spectrum of sci-fi punk that is to be Cyberpunk 2077. And yes, as seen in the preview image here and at E3 2019, Keanu Reeves plays the role of what looks to be a prominent character in the game, so it's sure to be an entertaining ride. But more exciting is just the prospect of this beautiful and gritty new world to explore, of which these developers at CD Projekt are such skilled world builders. Thankfully, we don't have to wait until the year 2077, as the game is due to release this year on April 16th, 2020.

-3- Ghost of Tsushima

Combining the cinematic artistry of classic western samurai filmography with open-world adventure that evokes the likes of Breath of the Wild, Ghost of Tsushima looks to be a riveting experience. Other than that, little is still known about this game. Developed by Sucker Punch Productions whose previous works include the Sly Cooper and Infamous series, it will be interesting to see this studio tread new ground with this ambitious new project. Ghost of Tsushima is expected to release sometime this summer, 2020.

-4- Half-Life: Alyx

While it may not quite be the Half-Life 3 everyone has been waiting nearly 15 years for, it's still exciting to see a new entry awaken this once dormant universe. And like the previous Half-Life games once pushed the boundaries and expected potential of the gaming medium, so too does Half-Life Alyx look to once more stimulate the possibilities to be found in the world of VR. The audience may be very split on who can actually afford the needed hardware and CPU components to play this single game, but the prospects of alien head crabs leaping at your face are quite terrifying and exhilarating all the same. Amazingly enough, from announcement to release, the wait won't be long for those who are equipped; Half-Life: Alyx is set to release in March, 2020.

-5- Final Fantasy VII Remake

Nothing quite gets your blood pumping like hearing these epic orchestrated renditions of those equally epic and nostalgic tunes from the much anticipated Final Fantasy VII Remake. And my goodness does the game look absolutely stunning too. Guilty confession, as someone who personally never fully played the original, this remake looks like a match made in heaven for me, especially as the gameplay incorporates more considered action-RPG elements. As this still only likely covers the opening segments of Midgar, I'm still somewhat discouraged as to when we'll ever see this remake to completion, how much such is expected to cost when all is said and done, and if it will feel like a cohesive adventure by that time. But even so, from what has been shown thus far, this looks to be a truly exceptional experience nonetheless. Those eager to dive into this prestigious remake need only wait until March 3rd, 2020, making March quite the stacked month to be sure!

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As you can assuredly see from just this small sampling of upcoming games, 2020 poises itself to be one of the biggest years of gaming ever. And these are just confirmed titles for the first half of this new year! As alluded to per the foreword, there are even more hotly anticipated games (at least to myself) not yet confirmed for 2020, but hold probable likelihood to be released before the year's end. Below are two such hopeful and honorable mentions.

Hollow Knight: Silksong

Hollow Knight stole my heart and quickly rose to one of my favorite games of all time. So it should come to no surprise that one of my most anticipated games to come is the breathtaking new sequel of Silksong. Originally planned as a DLC expansion in which players could play as Hornet within Hollow Knight, the concept quickly ballooned into a full-fledged adventure of its own and the announcement of this to-be sequel was made in February, 2019. The latest update of the project shows the game still growing in size far greater than that of its predecessor, but is still listed as expected "Coming Soon". As long as Team Cherry can keep a reasonable hold of their ambitions, I highly expect such to mean this game could drop at any moment in 2020.

"Breath of the Wild 2"

And of course, there is few other games more fervently anticipated than the bomb shell of Nintendo's closing announcement at E3 2019 that was the sequel of Breath of the Wild now in development. Knowing that the game is to use the same game engine and that Holiday 2020 marks over three and a half years since the original released, such seems very plausible that this sequel could hit the holiday window this year. Keep in mind too other Zelda games following similar pursuits have been developed in shorter time spans. And it would make the perfect big title to compete and stand out apart the other shiny new console releases, or possibly even be bundled together with a shiny new Switch model of Nintendo's own. Whatever the case may end up being, the time is right and prime for some rich new dungeon crawling Zelda fun to be had once again.

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So yea, with these additional prospects, 2020 looks to be an insanely promising year. Any games that you are eagerly awaiting not listed above? Be sure to share and discuss your thoughts below. And here's to the new year and many more creative and ambitious experiences to come. Cheers! And happy gaming.

Cucco Attack LET'S PLAY [First Hour] - Link's Awakening

2019-12-29T16:08:00.004-05:00

After a bit of a hiatus, Cucco Attack is back, this episode exploring the first hour of the adorable re-imagined world of The Legend of Zelda: Link's Awakening for the Nintendo Switch. If interested in taking an in-depth look at this charming and faithful adaptation of the Game Boy classic, check out this preview and judge for yourself if this game merits its rupees. Light commentary is included, but I mostly try to let the game speak for itself.

If you have any other suggestions for games you'd like to see played per this segment, let me know in the comments below. Otherwise, enjoy and happy gaming!

Quick Reviews

2019-12-27T12:00:00.000-05:00

We live in an age of grotesque gaming backlogs and just not enough conceivable time to play through them all. And because of such, there are many a game that get dropped so very quickly from conversation to keep current and afloat the ever continuing out-pour of new releases. Likewise, I am always playing catch-up to a slew of games and finding the relevant time to share such thoughts and impressions. Should the time present itself in the future, some of these quick reviews may be expanded upon for greater detail and breakdown of the many pros and cons. Until that time though, from A-Z here are some 20+ quick takes that will hopefully provide some worthy insight to your valued time.

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(Played on Nintendo Switch) - Ape Out stands out with an incredibly distinct art style and frantic, chaotic gameplay that is emphasized all the better with its pairing of frenzied drums and cymbal crashes perfectly in tune and timed with your actions. The procedural generated nature of the levels keeps every attempted escape an engaging and suspenseful affair. With its graphic blood splatters and rather intense gameplay, it is a bit unsettling and not recommended for those not keen of overly violent imagery. But it does perfectly capture the essence of what an escaped ape must be feeling through each of these scenarios and has a surprisingly striking ending for what is a generally simple narrative to be told.

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Astro Bot Rescue Mission is without a doubt the definitive game and reason to own a PSVR headset. The level design and creativity displayed in this adorable platformer rival that to be found in many of the great 3D Super Mario games. The worlds feel incredibly immersive thanks to the inclusion of VR and make great use of this new perspective for such creative platforming challenges. One moment players are ascending an ever-growing beanstalk, then the next moment they're riding the waving currents inside a whale. And the bosses especially feel immensely impressive in VR with their wildly huge presences and over the top, orchestrated performances. With loads of secrets to find, so many fun and clever levels to play through, and such a genuine sense of charm found all around, this is not only a superbly fun-fledged game in its own right, but assuredly one of the best VR games to be found.

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(Played on PlayStation 4) - From the French game developer David Cage that brought the likes of Heavy Rain and Beyond: Two Souls comes his most polished and David Cage game yet with Detroit: Become Human. The attention to detail to be found in this world is absolutely incredible, and the science-fiction world building is wildly cool and well thought out without seeming too far-fetched or implausible. Each of the three characters you get to play as have such unique play styles and stories to be told, it is an absolute pleasure switching between the likes of detective investigations, rebel uprisings and fugitive escapades. And the moments where these stories intersect make for all the more captivating drama to take in. The game also excellently showcases the many choices made at the conclusion of each chapter, how the outcomes could of varied, and how your choices / outcomes compare to that of other players. The story beats and character moments can certainly feel very campy or over-played at times (especially if you've played other David Cage games before), but the technical prowess on display in this game is nothing short of stunning.

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Fire Emblem: Three Houses contains a staggering amount of content packaged together in this one game. Some of those extraneous figures may be the unfortunate byproduct of uneven pacing which drags certain elements longer than they should, but even trimming / fine-tuning these areas, the overwhelming amount to be found and enjoyed in this game cannot be denied. Some new additions like exploring the monastery offer immersive new means to feel engaged with the world, while others like battalions feel like cumbersome mechanics that do little to enhance the battle system and bloat an already overloaded management system. With three fully unique campaigns (one with two alternate paths / endings), a wide and colorful cast of characters to learn their backstories and grow to fond of, and so many other intricacies to manage, there is a lot to dig into and love.

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(Played on Nintendo Switch) - Floor Kids sold me on its charming art aesthetic and promise of unique, free form music-based gameplay. Tragically, though the art is still as eye-pleasing as ever, the game itself feels mostly an empty promise. The music is funky and fun upon first listen, but quickly becomes repetitive and uninspiring per subsequent levels. The free form dancing is a novel idea, but crippled by a confusing and unexplained scoring system. And there is no light to be found at the end of this rather short tunnel. This is a disappointing, overpriced and underdeveloped product whose aspiring premise deserved so much better.

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(Played on Nintendo Switch) - Forgotten Anne manages to find distinctive charm in a style I can strangely describe as both stunning and rough around the edges. The animation and art feels at times as imaginative and fluid as a Studio Ghibli movie (emphasized even more by its whimsical music scores), and then as choppy and low budget at times as those poor Zelda CDI games. And yet it works and really does stand out. With such a fantastical sense of world building and unique mix of point-and-click puzzle gameplay, there's a lot to love here. As magical as this all is, the story and characters don't quite carry as much weight or interesting development as would be hoped to match this intricate world. Still, the pure and splendid imagination displayed in this adventure is sure to get one's own creative cogs turning.

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(Player on Nintendo Switch) - The Gardens Between is a short, but sweet unique puzzle game that centers around the concept of manipulating time both forward and backwards. With a charming, nostalgic aesthetic and zen-like musical scores, the game is a delightfully chill time to tinker with time and piece together these poignant memories. Unfortunately, the puzzles never seem to hit their full potential for just as they hit their stride, this short adventure comes to its end. Perhaps it is a bit poetic though as such fits in line with what is the simple, but heartfelt premise of its narrative.

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(Played on Nintendo Switch) - Gato Roboto asks the question: What if Metroid, but with a cat? And that is exactly what is delivered. Players are treated with all the gaming goodness of a Metroid game, with an interesting world to explore and backtrack through while obtaining a growing collection of power-ups used both to aid in exploration and combat enemy aliens / robots. But this game also features a delightful sense of humor all its own that comes with the many attempted conversations between this cat whose only responses vary between meows and adorable facial expressions. Players can also exit the mecha suit at any time to freely explore just as the cat, which can be necessary for certain traversals, but leaves the player much more vulnerable (similar to that of Zero Suit Samus in Metroid: Zero Mission). It's a small and simple adventure that doesn't redefine the genre, but still a tight and well-polished experience to be enjoyed.

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(Played on Nintendo Switch) - At a glance, Gris evokes the vibes of Journey if such were translated into a 2D puzzle-platformer. But at its core, it offers a more nuanced and abstract narrative coupled with a gorgeous art direction and unique abilities to match. The art and animation truly are the stars of this game, serving as a compelling driving force both to the gameplay and overarching story as players push to restore color to this visually striking landscape. Though the puzzles aren't overly complex, the world is still a joy to explore with many secrets scattered about to uncover. Because of the minimalist approach in storytelling, players' emotional resonance with the game may vary, but in either case, it remains such a beautiful and artistic experience all the same.

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(Played on Nintendo Switch) - Iconoclasts presents a unique and distinct spin on the Metroidvania formula as players wield a handy wrench which is used both offensively and constructively to solve puzzles. The story is quite unusual and frankly just plain weird at times, but is engaging and curious enough to keep your interest across the adventure, even if it never is fully comprehensible by the game's conclusion. The sprite art and animation is very impressive and the game isn't afraid to change things up on a whim's notice, such as suddenly turning into a stealth puzzler of sorts for a short segment of the game. All in all, a bit of an uneven narrative to be told, but a fairly solid game nonetheless.

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The Legend of Zelda: Link's Awakening holds as one of the more unique and cherished adventures in the Zelda series. It's an adventure full of bizarre and lovable characters contained within a world and narrative that is both charming and poignant. The classic dungeon solving gameplay particularly stands out in this entry thanks to the distinct means of combining items for interesting uses, all of which is made better in this Switch port now being able to map more abilities / items to more buttons. The new art style is also beyond adorable, although the frame rate does often suffer an unfortunate dip. The soundtrack manages to deliver some added emphasis to certain key moments, while still elegantly paying respects to its roots. The last biggest addition / change to this remake is the new Dampe's dungeon creator, which sadly leaves much to be desired considering the potential is certainly there. At a price point of $60, it's difficult to say if the revisions merit the cost when the original is still so darn good, but for those willing to splurge, there is a lot of quality and love to be found in this faithful revisit to Koholint Island.

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Luigi's Mansion 3 feels like a culmination of its previous two entries to make a distinct and ghoulishly fun adventure all its own. The game is packed full of wit, charm and humor through its gorgeous world design, fluid animations and clever puzzles. The boss battles in this entry stand as particularly notable, bursting with creativity and wickedly fun mechanics. The many floors of this tower of terror that you explore are stuffed to the breams full of secrets to be found. While it may not feel as conjoined as that of the original Luigi's Mansion, the game keeps a smooth pace with new and interesting ideas around every corner. The multiplayer is a bit of a disappointing add-on, especially now that it requires multiple game cards and Switch units if you're to play Screamscraper with more than 2 players. But as a primarily fun, single-player ghost-busting adventure, Luigi's Mansion 3 delivers in spades.

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(Played on PSVR) - Moss is akin to experiencing a classic fairy tale book like the Redwall series come to life. The world in which players are able to explore is so incredibly lush and vivid, really immersing players into the experience. And the asymmetric gameplay of controlling the adorable mouse hero Quill and the world around her creates some very memorable and fun moments. As rich as this all is, the world does feel very much limited in its fixed perspectives and basic, such as no townsfolk to interact with in your starting village. The story also ends quite abruptly as it turns out this is intended to be an episodic game. But at its somewhat steep price point of $30, its either somewhat a rather short adventure or will be a rather expensive package by the time such finally feels complete. Still, a wonderful and safe entry point for those interested in the world of VR.

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(Played on Nintendo Switch) - Pan-Pan is a very minimalist puzzle adventure with a vivid art direction and curious world to explore. It ends up being a bit of a short and simple adventure with little weight to its overall journey, but an enjoyable one nonetheless. And for its cheap price point, a few vague puzzles feel acceptable enough. If you've got the itch to explore a strange new world with little hand-holding, Pan-Pan should provide some decent satisfaction to fill this whim.

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(Played on Nintendo Switch) - Pikuniku is an absurdly weird and quriky narrative platformer to which if you're a fan of the humor, players will bask in all the peculiar oddities. From its loose and silly walking animations to its nonsensical writing of talking rocks and the perils of consumerism, its this strangeness that serves as the main motivation to press onward. The gameplay itself is rather simplistic and a bit bland, but there remains an innate joy to be found in this little red blobs wonky walk nonetheless.

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(Played on PlayStation 4) - Rime is a beautiful adventure that strives to tell a moving and emotional tale, but isn't quite able to fully resonate despite its best efforts. Exploring a mysterious island with a beckoning tower, players are treated to many curious vistas accompanied with many grand, sweeping orchestral suites. However, though the environments contain a fair share of secrets to uncover, they don't lend themselves particularly well for exploration or backtracking. And as captivating as many of the story beats can be, the abstract nature of this game's storytelling keep it from feeling more a cohesive whole. It's an enjoyable, but imperfect experience.

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(Played on PlayStation 4) - Shadow of the Tomb Raider is the third entry per the new reboot of the Tomb Raider series back in 2013, and while I am quite enamored with these first two entries, this latest installment sadly fails to emulate the same greatness. The environments are largely uninspiring and linear jungles, providing little incentive for backtracking or revisiting areas. The gameplay varies from frustrating tomb designs and a slew of stealth sections that will inevitably end in annoying firefights. The story, though appreciatively different, is uninteresting and does little to show growth in Lara's character. And much of the game feels overly violent for the sake of being "edgy" and "dark". This is unfortunately a disappointing step back for this rebooted series.

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(Played on Nintendo Switch) - Tangle Tower is a superbly polished point-and-click puzzle adventure that has players gleefully prod about the many corners and conversations of this wonderfully weird island and its equably odd inhabitants. With exceptional art direction, eye-catching animation, vivid voice acting and stirring musical scores, it's easy to become engrossed in this tangled mystery. The game unfortunately does fall a little light on the puzzles and the pacing feels rather rushed come its sudden conclusion, but the sheer craft and care that went into every other aspect of this game's design still holds it up as a deeply engaging and memorable experience to be had.

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(Played on Nintendo Switch) - Untitled Goose Game perfectly captures the essence of goose in both animation / mannerisms, as well as the tenacious tendencies that is being a nefarious jerk. The silly and sheer joy that is honking and flapping at others' misfortunes as you prank away this pristine and idealistic little village. Though the game is very much a repeated one-punch joke, it is a joke that manages to mostly keep its edge and land the finale of this short, but deviously sweet puzzle adventure. A unique and creative game to be fondly remembered and honk back on for sure.

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(Played on PlayStation 4) - The fourth and final season of Telltale's The Walking Dead series provides a satisfying conclusion to Clementine's journey across this post-apocalyptic, zombie infested world. Though it may not hit the same emotional highs as the first two seasons, it still manages to keep players invested with compelling story beats and witnessing the culmination of your choices shape not only who Clementine has become, but also AJ who indirectly learns from your decisions. The polarizing choices to be made have become a bit formulaic by now in this last installment, but for the fans of Clementine and seeing her story through to the end, it feels good to have some admirable closure.

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(Played on Nintendo Switch) - Yooka-Laylee is the love project of many former Rare developers who brought us the beloved likes of the esteemed collect-a-thon that is Banjo-Kazooie. While this sounds like a dream come true in concept, it sadly fails to recapture that magic and instead leaves us with an uninspiring mess of a game. Worlds that feel slapped together with repeated characters and awkward item placements that annoyingly have to be expanded for further exploration, which instead makes them feel just sad spaces not lived in. A bland plot and even blander excuse for a quiz show. The art and character design is mostly very well crafted, but the end result sadly just seems to lack the passion and grandeur that was once found in our goofy bear and bird.

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If you have any questions or thoughts about any of these games, please feel free to comment and discuss below. And find many more reviews of games on Hughes3D right here! Thanks. And as always, happy gaming!

Year in Review - Top 5 Games of the Year (2019)

2019-12-23T21:50:00.002-05:00

The year 2019 has just about come and gone, and so has come the time once again to look back and shine the light upon another year of notably exceptional games. So if you're curious as to hidden highlights that may have been missed in the busy bustle of the year, or are just feeling particularly nostalgic, read on as we take note of my personal Top 5 Games of 2019, among other recognition to be had. Please note for this first category, there is only so much time and/or funds to be diverged among the slew of great games that are continually released. As such, the games selected in this category only include games in which I've played to full / majority of completion, and saw their debut release in 2019.

Top 5 Games of the Year - 2019

-1- Luigi's Mansion 3

Luigi's Mansion 3 surprised many a player with what exceptional craft and care was poured into this game to create one of the most memorable and creative ghost-busting adventures of the year. The art direction and animation continues to raise the bar with this latest installment in the series, making me quite excited at the potential of the new Super Mario movie to be made if it's anything of this caliber. Each floor of this haunted hotel that you explore is full of such clever ideas and themes that continually keep the player engaged, even if it does follow the more slightly linear structure of Dark Moon. And this game features some of the most ingenious and imaginative boss battles found in most any game to recent memory. So if you have the itch for a humorous, fun fulfilling single player adventure, pack your bags and check in to the wickedly impressive Luigi's Mansion 3.

-2- Ape Out

If you ever wanted to play as a runaway gorilla while having a live jazz band from something such as the movie Whiplash orchestrate your every action, look no further than Ape Out to fill this wildly unusual wish. With a brash and bold art style played along a unique top-down perspective, this game perfectly captures the essence that is to be a scared and brutal beast on the run. And as previously mentioned, the adaptive music that accompanies brilliantly emphasizes these feelings. Each level is procedurally generated so as to make each run feel unique, reactive and that much more frantic. If you're not squeamish to the rather violent imagery this game presents, Ape Out is an addictive, arcade-like thrill ride you'll enjoy banging and crashing along with over and over again.

-3- Nintendo Labo (VR Kit)

I'm a bit surprised myself to be ranking Labo VR so highly on this list here, but when I think back to some of the most memorable moments in my gaming this year, this game actually holds many a genuine sense of wonder and joy shared among family and friends alike. While it may not stand in the same league of technical prowess compared to that of other VR headsets, it contains its own merits and strengths as being both an affordable taste of VR and an easier means to share the device, just quickly passing off the headset with no bothersome cables or the like. And you'd be amazed just how remarkably effective some of the crafts feel and add to the experience, such as the gust of wind produced from the fan pedal or the satisfying reload of a pump from the blaster. Let's also not shortchange the quiet pleasure that comes from crafting these exceptional peripherals and learning the finer details of their inner workings. If you haven't had the pleasure of trying your hand at a Nintendo Labo kit yet or ever been curious as to the world of VR, Labo VR is the perfect answer to meeting both these desires.

(For more impressions on Labo VR and other titles updated to use Labo VR, click here.)

-4- Tangle Tower

Tangle Tower earns a spot among the best games played in 2019 with an absolute stunning art direction, animation, voice acting, and soundtrack that all just blew me away. I recognize the game is not without its faults, namely being a little light on puzzles and a bit of an awkwardly paced, rushed conclusion. But the polish found in every other facet of this point-and-click adventure is so exceptional, I was delightfully engrossed in the entire experience and likewise became equally attached to all the characters. I sincerely hope for more continuing adventures of Detective Grimoire and Sally, and I heartily encourage all to give this game a look if you're in the mood for a remarkably crafted, murder-mystery adventure. Fun side fact: This game is also developed by the fine folks who brought you Snipperclips.

-5- Untitled Goose Game

Stealing the fifth and final slot of this honorable list, it is almost too fitting that such goes to the unruly goose of the Untitled Goose Game pilfering away this last slot to what are so many other well deserving games. Just as players enjoy being a jerk and causing havoc in the likes of any Grand Theft Auto game, Untitled Goose Game feeds this same inherent desire to, well, be a jerk. But as a goose, and for a much more rated "E" audience of course. The game takes place in a quaint and idealistic little village that reminds me very much of the perfect village of Sanford in Edgar Wright's Hot Fuzz, of which the setting could not be more perfect to upturn all order and sensibilities. The animations and controls of the goose are so superbly brought to life, you truly embrace the goose and all the inner malice that they embody. Although this game is very much a repeated one-punch joke, its execution is so well done you can't help but laugh along at every silly gag and commend such for being a wholly original, creative experience.

Honorable Mentions

When I look at the games I had to exclude from this Top 5 list, I realize what an exceptional year 2019 has actually been for such a wealth of quality and varied games. As such, I have to give a shout out to Fire Emblem: Three Houses for taking bold leaps with its latest entry on Nintendo Switch. While it may falter in its pacing and execution in certain elements, it makes up for in its wide wealth of content, rich and interesting characters, and willingness to experiment with new ideas. And another shout out goes to Super Mario Maker 2 for delivering a satisfying extension of Mario crafting and platforming goodness to the good home of Nintendo Switch. Though the likes of Mystery costumes will be missed and online multiplayer still needs some polish, the new additions have reignited the imagination for many once again and promises countless hours of more fun still to be had.

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This next category is sorely needed as for mentioned above in the initial foreword, there are just too many games that are otherwise missed, be it due to time, resources, or sneaking into the calendar year at the last minute. Whatever the case may be though, these are games that are assuredly deserving of recognition from all I've heard and seen, and have the same potential to be some of my favorite games of the year had I the means to give them their due in time. As such, they deserve equal shout outs and my full attention into the new year; These are my Top 5 Follow-Ups:

Top 5 Follow-ups - 2019

-1- Sayonara Wild Hearts

One of the few bright notes to come from the largely lackluster Video Game Awards show this year was the discovery of Sayonara Wild Hearts, which has skyrocketed to one of my must-play games in the near future. It's as if No More Heroes and Rez had a beautiful, weird musical love child, and I can't wait to dive fully into this strange and entrancing experience. The soundtrack is absolutely stellar (more on that below) and the visual presentation contains so much flashy flair and such complete confidence. Not to mention that there are some thrilling and wickedly creative gameplay ideas on display here, one of the coolest I've seen being a level where players are in a high speed pursuit between two shifting realities that alternate to the beats of the music. Sayonara Wild Hearts, you have already managed to capture my heart.

-2- Shovel Knight: King of Cards

Sneaking end to close the year comes the final DLC campaign expansion to the acclaimed Shovel Knight that is King of Cards. And from the little bit that I've managed to play thus far, I am constantly reminded and enamored by the abundant polish Yacht Club continues to display with every one of these exceptional games. The platforming is as tight as ever. The new card game is intriguing and unique. And the writing is as puny and pleasant as ever. So steel thy blade and shine your crown, but don't ignore this last entry the fantastic Shovel Knight saga.

-3- Baba Is You

Baba is You is both a wickedly brilliant and cruel puzzle game, and perhaps one of the most innovative and ingenious concepts of this year. I have played through a good portion of this game, but not enough to come to a firm standing on it, thus its landing in this Follow-Ups category. For those unfamiliar with Baba, the game has players move about the screen trying to reach some sort of win condition. But the catch is the rules are also displayed on screen and can also be pushed around to break, alter, and create new rules. As a simple example, if there's a set of words that say "Wall" "Is" "Stop", players could move one of those words and walls would no longer stop the player in that level. Of course, the puzzles get infinitely more complex, and it can feel rather frustrating to overcome many of them, especially as the level arrangement is a little odd and open-ended. But for those who persevere, the awe and wonder at uncovering such creative and unusual solutions is immensely satisfying.

-4- What the Golf?

If games like Untitled Goose Game have taught us anything, it's that the world needs more humor and is all the better for games that deliver just that. What the Golf? takes the premise of golf and then turns every expectation on its head as you golf every conceivable thing except the golf ball itself. It looks like an ever escalating degree of ridiculousness as if a WarioWare game were focused solely on golf, and just a silly grand old time to be had.

-5- Creature in the Well

Last but not least, I choose to highlight what looks to be a unique mix of game genres of action pinball adventure that is Creature in the Well. With its distinct art direction and captivating world to explore, it's an intriguing little indie game I'm poised to keep an eye on and give a go down the road.

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2019 proved to once again be another big year for notable and surprise ports / remakes. As an opportunity in which to explore some stellar older games in beautiful new ways and on enticing new homes, I like to highlight a few such games here with my Top 5 Ports / Remakes released this year:

Top 5 Ports / Remakes - 2019

-1- Collection of Mana

One of the most notable ports of 2019 in my opinion is the Collection of Mana for Nintendo Switch, which finally brings the sequel to Secret of Mana (Trials of Mana) to eastern shores for the first time since its initial release back in 1995, from which I've heard is an amazing game for fans of the series and still holds exceptionally well today. Aside from this momentous release, the collection also contains of course Secret of Mana and Final Fantasy Adventure, the first game in the Mana series. Not to mention Secret of Mana and Trials of Mana can be enjoyed with multiple players (I haven't yet tested if the former is 2 or 3 players yet). In either case, a fantastic collection not to be missed for those who are looking for some solid action RPG's to play.

-2- Resident Evil 2

I have to give respect for when developers not only deliver eye-catching remakes, but breathe new life into them by re-imagining them essentially as a new game. The new Resident Evil 2 is able to reintroduce this classic to new audiences by bringing it up to modern standards, while still paying the appropriate amount of respect to that of the original. With the success of this impressive remake, the Resident Evil series has managed to invigorate new life into its series.

-3- The Legend of Zelda: Link's Awakening

Zelda fans the world over were stunned and delighted when Nintendo made the surprise announcement during one of their Directs that Link's Awakening would be finally graced with a remake. And love it or hate it (I love it), the game boasts a beautiful new art style that looks like adorable little toys to be picked up and played with. While it is mostly a safe and faithful adaptation of the original, there are a number of quality of life improvements to be enjoyed in this remake, such as more buttons to map key tools and a shifting overworld map which makes it easier to navigate. For those who've yet to experience this classic (to which I'm surprised how many truly haven't yet), this remake proves that this 1993 Game Boy adventure is as solid as ever.

-4- The Walking Dead: The Telltale Definitive Series

Telltale's Walking Dead games set a high bar for point-and-click adventures back upon their initial release in 2012 and for fans of this particular series that stuck with it, the primary reason was to find closure to the satisfying character growth and arc that was Clementine. An engaging and memorable mechanic to these games was the fact that characters would remember your choices and to a certain degree those choices would have some impact later in the episode(s) and even through later seasons. Of course, this became a bit muddled as the series spanned across multiple console generations and development cycles, and the difficulties of carrying over save data led to some shortcuts needing to be taken. But having such all packaged on one disc in this Definitive Series edition makes for a beautiful and seamless means of enjoying this saga. And while the final season doesn't quite hit the same highs as the first two seasons of this series, it still is a satisfying conclusion to Clementine's tale.

-5- Ori and the Blind Forest Definitive Edition

To many a gamer's surprise, Nintendo and Microsoft have shown exuberant cooperation in 2019 with the release of Microsoft exclusive Cuphead on Nintendo Switch and Banjo-Kazooie coming to Super Smash Bros. Ultimate. And such continued even so with another Microsoft exclusive property, Ori and the Blind Forest, releasing for the Nintendo Switch on September 27th. Not only that, but it was treated with such care coming to this hardware, keeping a solid 60 frames per second for that gorgeous animation and including the extra content that makes this the definitive edition. It's just so wonderful to see such quality games extend their reach to more players.

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To close off this 2019 year review, it is time to take note (pun intended) of some of the phenomenal musical scores displayed in games this year. So without further ado, let's have a listen and take a look at my Top 5 Soundtracks. (See also links below for music whose tracks are purchasable to support these talented artists if so inclined)

Top 5 Soundtracks - 2019

-1- Tangle Tower

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If the vivid art style of Tangle Tower isn't enough to completely entrance the player, then surely the game's astounding soundtrack will finish the job. Every track found in this game is full of such whimsy and personality, perfectly setting the mood to unravel mysteries and interrogate such curious, colorful characters. You can't help but sucked into this riveting world.

https://sfbgames.bandcamp.com/album/tangle-tower-ost

-2- Sayonara Wild Hearts

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Right from the title screen of this game, I become enthralled and feel a surge of uplifting, inexpiable happiness. And likewise, the game's soundtrack ends on the perfect note of swelling emotion. There are of course some other great grooves to be found between these two stellar bookends of which your degree of head-bobbing will vary from track to track, but overall, this is one beautifully stirring pop album to be enjoyed.

https://store.steampowered.com/app/1202460/Sayonara_Wild_Hearts__Original_Soundtrack/

-3- Ape Out

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Like the above game, Ape Out is a beautiful marriage of music and gameplay. But where Ape Out stands out is that the music is entirely free form and dependent upon the player's actions. It's so incredibly energetic, chaotic and just completely engrossing to the experience, you'll get swept up in the fury and fervor of all the drums and boisterous beats.

I understand it's a little difficult to see the appeal of this game's soundtrack without the accompanying visuals, so see below for a link to the video. Just a reminder and word of warning - Though only rated T for Teen, this game contains violent imagery, so parental discretion is advised before viewing.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WnDfbPZerQs

-4- Super Mario Maker 2

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It's hard to argue against the notion that some of the best music to be found is in the brilliant and comfortably nostalgic soundtrack that is packed into any Mario game, and Super Mario Maker 2 packages that all that cozy history into one. What's more fun per this imaginative level creator of a game is that there are all new tunes created per the new terrain types that never existed in older Mario games, but these new melodies still feel right at home and are so catchy to hop along to.

-5- Luigi's Mansion 3

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Last but not least, I extend some recognition to the enticing scores presented in Luigi's Mansion 3. Every floor and to that matter ghost hunt per floor presents a distinctive take on the overarching motifs of the game, matching the tone and theme of the current floor. It's this little extra level of effort that truly makes the entire experience all the more immersive and memorable because of it.

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And there you have it - Another year in the books and a gratuitous amount of splendid games to grace its records. How does my list compare to your own? Any games or soundtracks I overlooked that I should keep an eye on for the year to come? Be sure to share and discuss in the comments below. And here's to a happy holiday and another stupendous year enjoyed! Cheers and happy gaming!

Video Game Music for the Holidays - Volume VII

2019-11-30T15:58:00.002-05:00

Good tidings to all ye good folks and fellow gaming enthusiasts! The holiday hustle and bustle is once again amongst us, and with it comes the slew of jolly jingles. If you come searching for a brief reprieve from these time-old tunes, I offer a unique compilation of video game music that still fit the vibes and mood of the holidays. As is yearly tradition among my friends and family 7 years now, I hope these musical collections provide some welcome variety while also elevating an awareness and appreciation for the medium of games.

For this year's volume, I give a big shout-out to The 8-Bit Big Band whose jazzy reinterpretations of such classic tunes fill the air with swagger and upbeat vigor. And another deserving nod goes out to the music of Alto's Odyssey, proving even small mobile games can carry incredibly rich and stirring soundtracks. From these stirring sonatas to soulful shreds, the musical selection of this year's album can be summed up as one full of spirit. May this spirited sampling brighten your holiday season and spread good cheer all around. And if interested in listening to more Holiday Ambience, you can view a playlist of all seven volumes here.

Go to the YouTube pages for time stamps to jump to the desired track, and for links to support some of these many talented artists. If you have a particular favorite track or other notable music from games you wish to share, please comment and discuss below! I'll always appreciate suggestions for next year's volume of Holiday Ambience. Otherwise, enjoy this gift of music and have a very happy holiday season!

Happy Thanksgiving - Top 5 Thankless Mechanics in Games

2019-11-28T09:00:00.000-05:00

It's that time of year again - A time for gratuitous amounts of consumption and deep sleep inducing food comas. But in this time of excessive compulsions, let's not forget to give thanks for the many gifts and joys found in our lives. This Thanksgiving, I want to particularly highlight useless mechanics found in games that deserve more thanks and acknowledgement. To better define this, I am referring to actions players can perform in a game, but serve no effect or direct purpose on the gameplay. So why have them in the game at all then? Their value is measured instead in how they can help amuse and immerse players into the experience, and quite often makes the games all the more better for it. These are my Top 5 Thankless Mechanics in Games:

-1- Character Chat (Luigi's Mansion series)

Whether its exchanging quips between heroes in Hearthstone or demanding extra resources in Age of Empires, character chats in games have provided a wealth of amusement and memorable lines to be enjoyed. And the fact that the players can prompt this banter at their whim makes for all the more chaotic merriment to be had. Of these player-driven character calls, one of the most perhaps iconic in my books is none other than the endearing, stuttering cry for "M-M-M-Mario" found in the Luigi's Mansion series. At any given moment during your ghost-filled expedition, players can press a designated button solely for the purpose of calling out for your beloved brother. And depending on the mood of the room and if ghosts are still lurking about or not, this bit of dialogue varies in degrees of confidence and fear. It's the perfect marriage of comedy and thematic aid to storytelling that makes this one of my most cherished useless game mechanics.

-2- Taunts (Super Smash Bros. series)

For as long as there has been competition, there has been the deep-seeded desire to taunt and boast one's achievements over the other. Even in games which have no directly programmed means of expressing taunts, players find a way, even if by means of disrespectful repetitive crouching. But for the games that purposefully program the ability to taunt, there are none who do so better than the Super Smash Bros. series. Although taunts put players at a competitive risk, temporarily immobilizing the fighter as they perform these often silly animations, it's an action players will frequently perform anyways because it brings such joy to see (and added shame to the competitors when allowed to pass). And with each of the characters' many taunts carrying an abundance of historical nods, humor, and distinct charm, taunts have earned their right as an essential move no matter how unnecessary.

-3- Dancing (Wandersong)

Be it a massive online multiplayer like World of Warcraft or the battle royale sensation that is Fortnite, players have been busting moves and showing off their dance grooves in games for generations. One of my favorite instances of useless dancing to be found in games though comes in the form of a small indie narrative platformer that is Wandersong. Throughout this musical adventure, players can unlock new dance moves if they explore and poke around enough in each act, of which the variety of dances escalate in adorable absurdity. The best part is these dances can be used whenever and without restriction. You can dance while moving, dance during dialogue, even during important cut scenes if you really want to upstage the moment into a delightful fit of giggles. The dancing of course serves no purpose in the actual game, but I can't imagine the game being complete now without this whimsical form of expression.

-4- Extraneous Animation (Super Mario World)

I absolutely adore games that have just that little bit of additional animation and extra attention to detail. From the likes of Hollow Knight actually pulling out his map when players go to look at the world map to Toki Tori getting dizzy if players spin around in circles too quickly, these little flourishes make the characters and the world all the more endearing. And in this regards, my fondest memory of just such an extra touch was Mario being able to tilt his head up in Super Mario World. Technically, looking up allowed players to view just a little bit more of the level above, but such rarely proved necessary or needed while playing. Rather, I enjoyed this thankless mechanic instead as a means to better animate and portray myself as this heroic plumber. When a large, crushing grinder would threaten to smash down from above, I'd have Mario look up as if well aware of this imposing danger. It's such a small, almost meaningless detail, but it's one that has made this particular Mario title all the more treasured and such an immersive experience because of it.

-5- Emotes (The Legend of Zelda: Triforce Heroes)

Emotes are of similar vein as character chats, taunts and dancing, but for purposes of this last pick, I'm referring to emotes in the sense of communication through use of pictures or expressions of emotion. Think for instance the charming emotes displayed by villagers in the Animal Crossing series, as little flowers spring about the character's head when in elated joy or how sad rain clouds instead circle about when in a dejected state. But as the animated GIF above is distractedly asserting otherwise, the best use of emotes has got to be as those found in The Legend of Zelda: Triforce Heroes. While you may argue these were in fact an essential mechanic in the game used for effectively communicating and working together in this cooperative adventure, I counter-argue that they hardly were ever necessary for such purposes and often digressed into a never-ending parade of pom poms, regardless if the context was appropriate or not. Despite their uselessness, they remain one of the most memorable aspects of this game and they never fail to put a stupid smile on my face.

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So let's extend many poms poms and a mighty cheer of thanks for these many games and their thankless mechanics they generously provide despite their needless nature. Have any particularly fond memories of useless game mechanics you'd like to share? Or just other underappreciated games / mechanics that deserve more praise? Be sure to share your thanks and discuss in the comments below. And for more thanks in gaming, click here to see my Top 5 Games That Keep on Giving and here for my Top 5 Thanks / Deals in games. Remember to share some thanks for the many blessings in your life and have a safe and happy holiday!

Tabletop Tuesday - Betrayal Legacy Impressions

2019-11-05T20:39:00.000-05:00

After a bit of a hiatus, Hughes3D returns! And with it, a new tabletop game to discuss for a Tabletop Tuesday - Your exploration into games of dice, cards, luck and more of the Tabletop world.

This week's game...the game of haunted incantations that looms across generations that is Betrayal Legacy.

Players: 3-5

Time: 90-120 minutes

Genre: Asymmetric Cooperative / Legacy Role-Playing Game

Betrayal Legacy combines the fixings of the popular Betrayal at House on the Hill with the engaging long-term mechanics of Legacy games such as found in Risk Legacy or Pandemic Legacy. For those unfamiliar with either, you may want to click the previous links for an in-depth look at these games of which we're discussed prior on Hughes3D. But to offer a brief summary here - Betrayal is a game which has players work together to explore a haunted abode, only to later pit them against one another part way through the game. Depending on certain criteria, a Haunt is triggered, in which one or more players become traitors and both sides are then presented with secret rules and agendas in which to complete the remainder of the game. On the flip side of the coin, a Legacy game is one in which every decision carries a weight of permanence, the effects of which continue from game to game. As boards become marked, cards destroyed, and new contents and rules revealed, a narrative experience unfolds that is entirely unique to you and your friends. Both of these game archetypes offer incredibly personal and story-driven experiences. But combined, the experience is made all the more rich and robust, like a match that was always meant to be.

As with any good Legacy game, lots of stickers!

For reference, I've only played through three chapters of the game's main campaign of thirteen chapters, of which have been played with 4-5 players on each occasion. With that said, this has already quickly become one of my favorite gaming endeavors in recent years of which I would heartily recommend to anyone looking for a repeatable, overarching experience among a regular crew of players. I'll do my best to keep vague on story details as discovery is a large chunk of the fun, but if the above description has you intrigued, read on as I share more general details and impressions that will hopefully offer you the same taste of the game I've experienced thus far.

The game begins with a brief prologue and in much of the same fashion as your standard Betrayal game, teaching players the mechanics of exploring the house (and now outer grounds), performing actions, and then attacking come the second half of the game (which features a delicious twist on the Haunt). Set in the time period of 1666, each subsequent game takes place many years forward, where the next generation of those characters families proceed to get involved in the next series of unfortunate events to come. Each game features a unique abode to explore as the tiles are randomly selected with each game, but the tiles available to the players grows and changes with each game. Through a bit of luck and circumstance, and depending on the outcome of each game, the narrative takes many interesting turns and the house becomes marked in many horrid ways. Ominous new events and items continue to be added, and new context begins to be found in what were once unassuming marks and symbols. Another neat aspect that gives this game that personal touch is the player's ability to personalize items and characters, claiming items as family heirlooms or giving names to the occupants met within the wicked halls.

When all is said and done, players are sure to have a distinctive devilish house carrying many a unique tale all their own. And the game doesn't necessarily end after the 13 chapters of the main campaign are completed, as there are 50 haunts to be found in the game of which many will be fresh experiences waiting to be discovered. Again, I recommend this game to anyone who enjoys games filled with discovery, a good deal of role-playing and creating memorable narratives. Best played with 4-5 players, though still playable with only three. Players should also have a decent stomach for horror tropes as the game does dive into some rather devious detail.

If you have any questions about Betrayal Legacy, let me know in the comments. Otherwise, look forward to more posts and impressions on gaming goodness. And happy gaming!

Fire Emblem Apes: Kongquest

2019-08-25T23:01:00.001-04:00

Not my typical comic format this week, but I had to put this pun to paper once it crept into my brain...only now I really want a weird crossover like this.

Super Mario Maker 2 Review

2019-08-24T21:58:00.005-04:00

Genre: 2D-Platformer / Creator Game
Players: 1-4
Playtime: 40 Hours (Includes clearing 100% of the Story Mode, trying out each of the various Endless Challenge and Multiplayer course modes, and spending a good deal of time creating / uploading my own levels; See end of review for codes to try out my uploaded levels)

With the massive success that was Super Mario Maker for the Wii-U, its continuation and move to the Nintendo Switch seemed all but inevitable. What did come as surprise to many though was such was not to be a simple port, but rather a full-fledged sequel. The game introduces a sleuth of new mechanics, story mode missions, multiplayer and more, but are these shiny new features enough to warrant the title of sequel at the sacrifice of other components? Let's put on our hard hats and deconstruct the positive and negative building blocks that compose this creative construction zone.

Endless Mario

The base story mode of Super Mario Maker 2 provides over 100 levels of fun and clever Mario levels in which to be enjoyed, although it is more a myriad of ideas rather than your typical overworld-traveling Mario adventure. But for those willing to dig deeper online, you have an infinite well in which to enjoy a never-ending wealth of Mario levels. It's like an endless offering of weird and wonky DLC to all your favorite Mario titles of past, and what's not to love of that concept? Any means to play more Super Mario World is brilliant by my books.

More Super Mario World is always tubular.

Music / Sound Design

Another delightful aspect of Super Mario Maker is seeing new imaginings on scenarios that didn't exist in past Mario games, such as haunted houses in Super Mario Bros. 3 or angry suns in Super Mario World. What really stands apart in these new imaginings are the scores of new original music tracks that somehow feel perfectly at home in these new digs. Combined with the plethora of other rich and memorable Mario tunes and sound effects, this is a game whose entire sound package is filled with nothing but smiles and happy, content head bops.

If you cannot see the audio controls, your browser does not support the audio element

If you cannot see the audio controls, your browser does not support the audio element

If you cannot see the audio controls, your browser does not support the audio element

New Mechanics

Of course one of the most captivating aspects to what this game being dubbed a sequel is what new features / mechanics it has to offer. And Super Mario Maker 2 does deliver an enjoyable variety of new tools and toys to tinker with. From slopes, on/off switches, vertical stages and more, all the new additions included in this game offer immense potential for all sorts of wonderfully fresh and riveting ways of play. Beyond just these new assets, levels can now include clear conditions as well which offer tons of new and creative approaches to level design. Multiplayer is also a fun, if not chaotic addition that presents its own distinct, maniacal flavor to the mix.

Creativity at Work

One of the most rewarding aspects of Super Mario Maker that still holds true for this Switch entry is witnessing the superb displays of creativity at work. From complex pinball machines to witty storytelling, it's amazing to see just what ingenious ideas can be brought to life given the right tools. Add to that the perfect platforming engine that is any Mario game, and you have the ideal kitchen in which to concoct some incredibly delicious dishes.

Reinterpretation of Super Mario Sunshine's Sand Bird level, complete with Sunshine music and angry sun.

Online / Sharing

The longevity of Super Mario Maker lives or dies mostly on its online, and unfortunately such is largely lackluster. Online multiplayer is more times than not plagued with lag, sometimes to the point of it being unplayable. Uploaded levels will often get buried by the flush of levels constantly being dumped of varying quality. Even sharing levels among friends is not made convenient as there are no means of notifications or easy sending. Instead, much is left to sending level / player codes via means of outside communication. It's abundantly apparent that Nintendo has given up on their Switch Online app as would have provided a moderate solution to sharing and searching for levels, and quite disappointing the degree of quality this online currently holds, especially considering how essential it is for this game and this is a service that players pay for.

Difficulty Reminders

Too often Nintendo makes persistently annoying design decisions that belittle player's basic intelligence and sour the experience. In this case, it is with the constant reminders during Story Mode to tone down the difficulty should you die twice on any level. This is an absurdly low bar with no means of turning off the notifications that will repeat on every other level and adds no positive impact to the game. If anything, I just loathe Luigi now.

We get it Luigi. Let me play.

Loss of Mystery Costumes

One of the coolest features to me in the original Super Mario Maker and saddest omissions for this sequel were the Mystery Costumes. These mysterious shrooms would transform the players into all sorts of 8-bit renderings of classic Nintendo icons, offering unique animations, sound effects, and victory/death tunes. They were a fun means of inspiration towards creating clever, themed levels and granted a gratifying reward for playing the game (as well as the best reason to own Amiibos). I understand they may have posed challenges for certain aspects of this sequel such as with multiplayer, but I still think workarounds / certain restrictions could have been implemented to allow their continued use. As it stands though, their loss makes for one component that feels a bit of a downgrade.

Clumsy Create Controls / Asset Restrictions

Despite the nifty tool wheels as a new means of sorting / accessing assets, creating levels via standard controls feels clunky and clumsy at best. Dragging your cursor across the screen via a thumb stick is slow and tedious, to which I'm uncertain why they didn't attempt pointer controls as a more nimble alternative? On the flip side, creating in handheld mode feels adequate provided you have some sort of stylus. But compared to Super Mario Maker on the Wii-U which felt like the perfect match, this Switch sequel feels just ever so slightly off the mark.

Cool in concept, though it fails to feel as intuitive or fluid as its Wii-U counterpart.

Another frustration in creation mode are the odd distinctions / restrictions between the new Super Mario 3D World and other Mario palettes. Because of certain unique and special assets found in Super Mario 3D World, its palette does not allow for swapping between the other Mario palettes. This is fine for the most part, but it becomes annoying when you go into one palette with an asset in mind only to find it not available. No on/off blocks. No variety of ceiling or circle Boos. If you don't have the foresight to plan out your level ahead of time, switching palettes then requires a great deal of rework. This does not lend itself well to spontaneous creative designing.

Uninspired / Frustrating Encounters

This last negative point is a bit of a stickler if Nintendo is to allow players complete freedom, but it remains a problem worth noting none the less. Playing online, it's inevitable that players will encounter boring, uninspired, ridiculous and all sorts of unfair levels. At least the tools are easy enough to skip and rate these encounters, but it's an annoying reality all the same.

If you've been anxiously awaiting for Super Mario Maker to make home on the Switch, you'll be happy to know that this sequel successfully satisfies that itch. Although it loses some features and takes a few missteps in others, the wealth of new components and ideas on display help make this feel like a fresh, if not still familiar experience. It's a superb toolkit topped with the best platforming mechanics in the business. There's a delicate balance of mediocrity and sheer creativity to be found on display here, but for those willing to wade through it all, the endless bounty of gold is well worth it.

If you have any questions or thoughts about this game, please feel free to comment and discuss below. Thanks. And happy gaming!

Cucco Attack LET'S PLAY [First Hour] - Wandersong

2019-08-24T21:49:00.002-04:00

On this episode of Cucco Attack's LET'S PLAY, we gallivant about the first hour of the colorful and musical adventure that is Wandersong. If interested in taking an in-depth look at a platformer / narrative game that is full of the wittiest of writing that is sure to tug at your heartstrings, I heartily encourage you then to give this preview a watch. Light commentary is included, but I try to let the game's delightful tone speak for itself for the most part.

For more thoughts and detailed breakdown of this game, check out my full review here. If you have any other suggestions for games you'd like to see played, let me know in the comments below. Otherwise, enjoy and happy gaming!

Cucco Attack Podcast - Episode IX: SNES to Switch & Indies Hype

2019-08-21T21:40:00.001-04:00

Cucco Attack strikes back quickly with another episode, this time getting hyped at the prospects of SNES games coming to Switch and new indies on the horizon with the upcoming Nindies Direct. As always, be sure to share all feedback, thoughts, and your most anticipated games, SNES or indie otherwise. Enjoy listening and happy gaming!

Cucco Attack Podcast - Episode VIII: Summer Gaming & Switch Lite Talk

2019-08-09T09:31:00.003-04:00

Welcome another episode the Cucco Attack Podcast, this time diving into our many games of summer and talking notable gaming news highlights such as the Switch Lite, Cuphead coming to Netflix, and Joy Con drifting issues. Be sure to share all feedback, thoughts, and your favorite games of summer in the comments below. Enjoy listening and as always, happy gaming!

Hughes3D - A Gaming Blog

Cucco Attack Podcast - Episodes XII + XIII: Valve Talk, Mario Maker Update, Nintendo Rumors & More

Cucco Attack LET'S PLAY [LIVE] - Groovy Games

Happy Mother's Day - Top 5 Moms in Games

-1- Ness's Mother (Earthbound)

-2- Mom (Animal Crossing series)

-3- Rosalina (Super Mario Galaxy)

-4- Mother Brain (Super Metroid)

-5- M.O.M. (World of Goo)

Cucco Attack LET'S PLAY [LIVE] - Chrono Trigger

More Quick Reviews

Tips for Animal Crossing: New Horizons - Crafty Tricks

Don't Sweat Decisions

Getting Started

Maneuvering Menus and Miles

Tools of the Trade

Resource Management

Bee Prepared

How to Rock

Fishing Like a Pro

Can You Dig It?

Sound Track

Tabletop Tuesday - Game Solutions for Cabin Fever

Pen & Paper Games

Card Games

Dice Games

Long Games

Happy St. Patrick's Day!!!!

You Tanooki My Breath Away

Sayonara Wild Hearts Review

Music

Art / Animation

Gameplay

Narrative Vibes

Loose Controls

Short Playtime

Top 100 Video Games (& 400th Post!!)

Smash Ultimate - Top *6* Fighter Pass 2 Predictions (& Mii Fighters)

-1- Arle (Puyo Puyo)

-2- Paper Mario

-3- Rayman

-4- Travis Touchdown (No More Heroes)

-5- Lara Croft (Tomb Raider)

-6- Sylux (Metroid)

Honorable Mentions

Mii Fighters

Tabletop Tuesday - Ticket to Ride Europe

Happy New Year - Top 5 Anticipated Games of 2020

-1- Animal Crossing: New Horizons

-2- Cyberpunk 2077

Smash Ultimate - Top 6 Fighter Pass 2 Predictions (& Mii Fighters)