Each issue of Mega Visions Magazine contains 64 pages of gorgeous SEGA and neo-retro coverage, with original art and design.

Mega Visions Issue 01 [reboot] – Physical

Here’s what to expect in Mega Visions Issue 01: Cover/Neo Retro: Final Fantasy VII x Final Fantasy VII Remake Modern Reviews: Streets of Rage 4, Doom Eternal, Alex Kidd in Miracle World DX Retro Reviews: Golden Axe: Beast Rider, Punisher (Arcade) Preview: Phantasy Star Online 2: New Genesis Interview: Corey Marshall, Shenmue’s Ryo Hazuki voice actor Features: Making Mutant League, Top 10 video game reboots, Remembering Streets of Rage Remake, The ’90s Consoles That Time Forgot, Column: What Did I…

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To learn more about production on Mega Visions Issue #04, be sure to listen to The Mega Visions Show #115.

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In this week’s show, we discuss:

• Virtua Newsroom
  • That leaked Shenmue 4 trailer that turned out to be AI, and YS Net is super pissed
  • SEGA plans to start using AI in game development
• Release Round-Up
  • Mutant Football League 2
  • Terminator 2D: No Fate
• RetroVision Rewind
  • Pixels to Pages – The Story of Electronic Gaming Monthly
• What’re Ya Playing?
  • Adam: Final Fantasy Tactics – The Ivalice Chronicles
  • Chris: Marvel Cosmic Invasion

Where to subscribe to Mega Visions Show

If you enjoyed Mega Visions and want to subscribe to the podcast, you can do so here:

• iTunes
• Google Play
• Stitcher
• Spotify
• RSS

In addition to that, don’t forget to join our Patreon at www.patreon.com/megavisions!

The post AI in My Shenmue | Mega Visions Show #116 appeared first on Mega Visions.

In this week’s show, we discuss:

• Where the hell we’ve been since our last issue and podcast episode
• Future of Mega Visions and plans for MV Issue #04
• Dark Seed II – Earlybird YT playthrough
• SEGA Spirit podcast – YT channel

Where to subscribe to Mega Visions Show

If you enjoyed Mega Visions Issue #03 and want to subscribe to the podcast, you can do so here:

• iTunes
• Google Play
• Stitcher
• Spotify
• RSS

In addition to that, don’t forget to join our Patreon at www.patreon.com/megavisions. Once you’ve become a patron, every issue will ship rig

The post Welcome to the Machine | Mega Visions Show #115 appeared first on Mega Visions.

First announced in 2019, the Nintendo Direct on June 21 of this year gave us our first peak at this cinematic sequel. Not a ton of information has been revealed about the gameplay itself. However, it’s fair to assume that it will be somewhat similar to the original. Detective Pikachu released on the 3DS in March, 2018. Check out the trailer to Detective Pikachu Returns below, and find out everything we know about the return of this iconic, case-solving duo.

The adventure continues

The story of the original Detective Pikachu is remarkably similar to the film adaptation, Pokémon: Detective Pikachu. The Pikachu of this game belongs to Harry Goodman, a detective who mysteriously disappears after a car crash. Confronted with the need to start asking questions, Pikachu finds that the only human who can understand him is Harry’s son. You play as Harry’s son, Tim Goodman. Together, you and your talking Pikachu scour Ryme city, solving mysteries in search of Harry. But of course, the journey is full of twists and turns.

The Pokémon world is a little different in Ryme city. Here, Pokémon are more than the beloved companions of humans. In Ryme city, humans and Pokémon live side-by-side. Tim is in college, rather than Ash, who is 10 years old. The original, as well as Detective Pikachu Returns are a little closer to a platformer or puzzle game. It’s a welcome departure from the top-down, turn based combat of the core games. It also melds the more modern, world-traversing games like Pokémon Scarlet and Pokémon Violet.

There are some clues available to solve the plot of Detective Pikachu Returns. It’s important to remember that the overarching goal of the series is to find your father and Pikachu’s owner, Harry. However, in the first game, a more pertinent mystery unfolds. Without spoiling anything, it involves a plot for control and a mysterious compound that puts Pokémon into a violent rage. The first game ends with Tim and Pikachu resuming the search for Harry.

Buzzing with excitement… or caffeine?

Based on the first game and the trailer’s short amount of footage, we can surmise a bit about the gameplay. Most obviously, it seems you’ll be able to control different Pokémon to assist in your investigations. Growlithe can use its sense of smell, Darmanitan can break through walls, and there’s sure to be more. We’re introduced to Tim’s mom Irene, and sister Sophia. Something is bound to happen at the local coffee shop. It seems the maps have definitely gotten bigger and more varied, if not just better looking. Detective Pikachu Returns is definitely upping the anti in the sequel, and we’d expect no less of Nintendo.

It also seems like Tim and Pikachu will become wrapped up in another epic mystery that distracts them from their primary goal. If you’ve seen the movie, then it might easy to guess where that plot line is likely going. As such, we can only hope that the mystery at the center of this game adds something new to the story. And of course, you can expect plenty of neo-noir dialogue and quipping from the most talkative Pikachu there’s ever been.

Solve the case in Detective Pikachu Returns next month!

Detective Pikachu Returns releases exclusively for the Nintendo Switch on October 6, 2023. You can pre-order the game on the Nintendo store or wherever you buy your games.

Stay with us, we’ll let you know of any updates as they become available. Are you excited?

The post Everything we know about Detective Pikachu Returns appeared first on Mega Visions.

INVERSE is not just a simple solo or multiplayer VR game. While yes, it does offer players the choice to embark on their own as either a lone monster hunter or to play as a team, the agents you play must survive defenseless until power control terminals throughout the creepy facility are activated.

All the while, a twisted, monstrous entity called the Nul attacks at every opportunity. But who is this destructive creature… could it be one of your own?

Game design by those who love the genre

MassVR is a team of horror and sci-fi enthusiasts, so INVERSE offers a ‘spine-chilling and cinematic experience’ that immerses players in a relentless fight for survival. In a press release, Chris Lai, CEO and co-founder of the company, said: “INVERSE brings the essence of survival horror to VR, offering players an unmatched experience of fear, thrill, and strategic gameplay.”

The game makes a solid bold claim that ‘horror enthusiasts’ and ‘virtual reality aficionados’ should prepare themselves for a ‘chilling journey into the depths of fear and discover what awaits in the shadowy realms.’ And the visual setup certainly delivers. The look and feel of the abandoned station is quite creepy and just enough of a maze to keep players looking over their shoulder.

Agent… or monster?

The game supports up to four players working together as agents locating and unlocking weapons terminals and defeat the evil Nul. But that’s where the fun twist comes into play. One player actually assumes the role of the Nul, using unique abilities to hunt down and eliminate the agent!

But don’t worry if you don’t know enough people to fill a team. AI players can seamlessly fill in to make sure the experience is immersive regardless of the number of human players.

Players begin by completing tasks and surviving Nul attacks. Once your weapon is unlocked, it’s time to go on the offensive in Monster Hunt mode. INVERSE is unique in that all players play offense and defense in each match. This ensures that you must master both offensive and defensive tactics to succeed.

Don’t fear being alone

The solo player experience has been quite well thought out, too. During single-player matches, INVERSE presents players with plenty of challenges that test players’ skills. But they also offer a deeper exploration of the game’s lore and terror-filled world. The story the game is built around takes center stage.

Plus, the progressive leveling system allows players to unlock new skills and perks. These added bonuses keep the game interesting and allow players to be better equipped when facing the growing challenges as well as enhancing survival chances.

Face the ever growing darkness

MassVR has stated that they’re going to provide a “continuously evolving experience for players.” INVERSE is expected to receive bi-annual content updates to ensure players have new experiences. This will keep the game from getting monotonous, hopefully. Since the company started out in the physical VR space, console games certainly seem to be adding more versatility and the ability to grow to their repertoire.

Lai says, “We wanted to create a game that captures the intense emotions of playing a horror game with friends in real life while still delivering engaging gameplay for both solo and cooperative play styles in VR.” Time will tell if they succeeded, but INVERSE is certainly off to a good start.

The game is available on the Meta Quest today, Sept. 7. We’ll have a full review shortly.

Are you excited for this new horror multiplayer experience? Let us know in the comments.

The post PREVIEW: Hunt or be hunted in INVERSE [Meta Quest] appeared first on Mega Visions.

MassVR was established in 2017 as an independent VR gaming studio dedicated  to creating immersive VR gaming experiences. Like a lot of companies in the early 2010s, they started by developing location-based VR arenas. Gamers could play with or against each other in a designed 8,000 square foot physical free-roam space.

This was during a rise of such venues like the Void and Dreamscape Theaters. Indeed at that point in time, it looked like these group playing areas were going to become the next evolution of where the movie theater would go.

8000 (ish) square feet of gameplay

The space the company created in a former department anchor store immediately brought them into the local public’s eye. Their initial game space in Skokie Illinois’ Westfield Old Orchard Mall was immediately popular. There other location in Bloomington was equally successful. And of course there were a variety of licensed and in-house designed VR experiences for everyone.

Up until that point the company had released two IPs for their proprietary platform, a game called VR Champions which was a team-based first-person-shooter, and Hallow Realm which was an asymmetrical horror game. It SEEMED that continued success was on the horizon…

Then, 2020 happened, and the pandemic hit.

Going truly virtual

Since the company’s goal was to create active, cooperative and accessible VR experiences that ‘engaged true kinetic motion and offered unbounded exploration,’ according to their press release, they went all in on VR for the home console.

Using the same development pillars that led to their initial game creations, MassVR took the stance of creating immersive VR games that would “go beyond the joystick for at-home users.” Having already worked in the open arena world of VR this was an easy leap and would lead to what would soon be called INVERSE.

So what’s this game about anyway?

Inverse is a survival horror game that provides a twist on the genre. It’s made to offer players an innovative asymmetric gameplay. First off, players will get the choice to play as a team of Agents or as a lone monster. But that’s all we’ll be mentioning right now as we don’t want to ruin too much until release day.

INVERSE is slated to be released September 7 on MetaQuest VR, although early access is already available in the App Lab.

Are you excited to experience this twist on the VR-multiplayer genre? Let us know in the comments!

The post INVERSE: The evolution of MassVR appeared first on Mega Visions.

Considering his rocky exit from Konami and subsequent new ventures, Kojima’s future with the Metal Gear series seemed over. And while he’s still working over at Kojima Productions, Konami has been hard at work remaking one of his classic stealth-action games.

Metal Gear Solid 3 was first released back in 2004 and garnered critical acclaim. It remains one of the most popular games in the franchise, with many players voting it as their favorite. Now, players will get the chance to explore the origins of Big Boss and the Metal Gear Solid franchise once again, with updated graphics and gameplay.

Metal Gear Solid Delta doesn’t have a release date yet, although we anticipate this Snake Eater remake might come out in 2024. Until we know for sure, here’s everything we know about this title.

The dead are not silent

It helps to understand the backstory of the Metal Gear Solid 3 remake, as it’s been a rumored project for a few years now. Although Konami mostly exited the video game business a few years back, talks of a separate division or company remaking classic Metal Gear entries was still buzzing. Konami wasn’t one to confirm rumors, and Hideo Kojima was too busy working on Death Stranding and Kojima Productions to worry one way or the other.

Still, the rumors persisted, and gained heightened attention in the lead up to the PlayStation Showcase in May. Many industry insiders proclaimed that Konami would reveal the MGS3 remake at the event. Many fans were understandably apprehensive, but the showcase proved that their fears were unfounded.

Konami revealed the remake, titled Metal Gear Solid Delta: Snake Eater, at the event alongside the Metal Gear Solid Master Collection. The latter is a series of compilations that bring classic Metal Gear games to current-generation consoles; the first volume will include all mainline Metal Gear games up to Snake Eater, with some additional games as well.

With that and Metal Gear Solid Delta, it seems that MGS3 fans will have plenty to look forward to. As old and new players alike experience the original game through the Master Collection, we also have a revamped version on the horizon. With that, it’s time to start the mission proper.

We’re off on a mission of virtue

Konami and the team have confirmed that Metal Gear Solid Delta is as close to a 1:1 remake of Snake Eater as possible. Although it’s built on a new engine with recreated graphics and sound, the actual storyline and progression is the same. The team is even reusing the original voice clips, preserving the original script as much as possible.

As such, we can provide a basic rundown of the story as it relates to the original. (There won’t be any spoilers in this section, so fret not!)

Metal Gear Solid Delta: Snake Eater is the story of Naked Snake, an agent in the FOX unit. He’s sent deep into the jungles of Russia in 1964 to retrieve a defector from the Soviet Union. However, his commanding officer on the mission, a woman known as The Boss, interrupts his mission by defecting to the Soviets. She wounds Naked Snake, leaving him for dead and coordinating a strike on Russian civilians to frame the United States.

With the mission exposed and Russia threatening to retaliate if the situation isn’t under control, Naked Snake is forced back into the jungle after he recovers. He needs to stop The Boss and her Cobra Unit and shut down the new Soviet weapon, a mysterious combat vehicle nicknamed the Shagohod.

Head back into the jungle in Metal Gear Solid Delta: Snake Eater

Up to this point, the Metal Gear series was primarily focused on interior locations and buildings. You’d sneak around long hallways and open rooms while trying to find cover amidst the manmade terrain.

Metal Gear Solid 3 switched things up by trading the concrete jungle for a real one. There were far more natural settings in that game, dropping you off in the fictional Russian jungle of Tselinoyarsk. It created more unique opportunities for stealth; in particular, camouflaging your gear and face to match your surroundings. You could also the naturally unpredictable terrain and elements to your advantage.

That’s true of Metal Gear Solid Delta as well, as its version of Snake Eater doesn’t change the location up. From the reveal trailer, the swampy marshes where Snake is initially dropped in have been rendered gorgeously. Considering the story is the same, it’s unlikely that there will be any new areas to visit.

Until we get a gameplay trailer for sure, we won’t know if Delta will retain either the original version’s fixed camera system or include the updated camera system from later versions of Snake Eater. It’s also entirely possible that the camera has been reworked entirely. It might take the more modern system found in Metal Gear Solid V. We’ll just have to wait and see.

What a thrill

As a remake that’s meant to honor the original to the letter, we can assume a few things about the gameplay even without a trailer. The core fundamentals of tactical stealth action should all be implemented into Metal Gear Solid Delta: Snake Eater, but newcomers will hopefully have little struggle adjusting.

MGS3 gave you ample opportunity to surprise your opponents with both artificial and natural traps. Or you can sneak around them and avoid fights altogether (except for mandatory boss fights). When the heat does come down on you, of course, you’ll have plenty of weapons at your disposal. That is, once you find them first.

The tactical side of Metal Gear comes from the limited resources you’ve got in the field. You’ll need to find weapons and ammo as well as survival resources like food and water. One of the most unique parts of MGS3 was patching up your own wounds in the middle of combat. It remains to be seen if this system carries over in the same way in Delta. Given its apparent faithfulness to the source material, we can expect it to remain.

When is Metal Gear Solid Delta: Snake Eater coming out?

So far, Konami has not yet confirmed a release date for Metal Gear Solid Delta: Snake Eater. However, the original game hit store shelves in late 2024. It’s reasonable to expect that Konami might try to tie in with the game’s 20th anniversary and release it in Nov. 2024. However, this is pure speculation. Until we get more information from Konami, take this with a grain of salt.

Metal Gear Solid Delta: Snake Eater is developed by Konami Digital Entertainment with the help of Virtuos and published by Konami. It will be available for the PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/S, and PC.

What are your thoughts on this Metal Gear Solid 3 remake? Let us know!

The post Everything we know about Metal Gear Solid Delta: Snake Eater appeared first on Mega Visions.

Chants of Sennaar (Sept. 5)

Starting things off this week, we have Chants of Sennaar. Developed by Rundisc and published by Focus Entertainment, this adventure game pulls deep from historical roots. The game is based on the myth of Babel, in which a great tower was built in attempt to reach the gods.

In the game, you take on the role of a newcomer to the tower. As you progress, you must learn the ways of these now divided people to decipher their languages and bring them back together. You can venture into Chants of Sennaar tomorrow on PlayStation 4, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch and PC.

Rune Factory 3 Special (Sept. 5)

Journeying into your home next is Rune Factory 3 Special. Developed and published by Marvelous Games and XSEED Games, this JRPG puts you in the shoes of a young adventurer with a monstrous secret. The special edition of Rune Factory 3 also includes the Newlywed Mode and a “Hell” difficulty.

In addition, the remake features improved graphics and redesigned 3D character models. As you journey across two worlds, you’ll search for a way for humans and monsters to coexist. You can venture into Rune Factory 3 Special when it launches for Nintendo Switch and PC tomorrow.

Baldur’s Gate 3 (Sept. 6)

Then, Baldur’s Gate 3 makes its console debut. Developed and published by Larian Studios, this RPG sees you return to the Forgotten Realms in a tale of fellowship, betrayal, sacrifice and survival. After mysterious abilities awaken inside you, it’s up to you whether you resist and overcome the darkness or embrace the corruption to become the ultimate evil.

Throughout the game, you’ll get to choose from a wide selection of D&D races and classes and choose up to three other companions to accompany your adventure. As you journey on, you’ll adventure, loot, battle and romance across the Forgotten Realms and beyond. Though it already launched last month on PC, PlayStation 5 players can play Baldur’s Gate 3 this Wednesday.

Starfield (Sept. 6)

Starfield is an intergaalctic RPG where you’ll embark on an epic journey to answer humanity’s greatest mystery. Developed and published by Bethesda, the game puts you in the year 2330, when humanity ventured beyond our solar system. Players join the Constellation, the last group of space explorers seeking rare artifacts throughout the galaxy.

The game’s most important story is the one you tell with your fully customized character. It’s up to you whether you want to be an experienced explorer, charming diplomat or stealthy cyber runner. You can start your adventure in Starfield when it launches for Xbox Series X/S and PC this Wednesday.

Rugby 24 (Sept. 7)

Rugby 24 is a sports simulator that takes you into the world of Rugby. Developed by Eko Software and published by Nacon, this game sees you play with the best clubs and top nations. Throughout the game, you’ll experience dynamic gameplay that stays faithful to the sport and experience the intensity of big matches.

You’ll also enter the most prestigious competitions in both single-player and multiplayer modes. In Career Mode, you can also create and manage your own team. You can make your way onto the field in Rugby 24 when it comes to PlayStation 5, PlayStation 4, Xbox Series X/S, Xbox One and PC this Thursday.

Fae Farm (Sept. 8)

Fae Farm is an action simulator that blends farming with spellcasting. Developed and published by Phoenix Labs, the game takes place in the magical realm of Azoria. Throughout the game, you’ll need to till the land to grow crops, gather resources and decorate your homesteads to restore the land to its former glory.

The game also features online multiplayer, where your friends can join you to help cultivate a beautiful farm. In addition, you’ll also explore various colorful environments, where you’ll find new resources to bring to your homestead. You can play Fae Farm when it launches on Friday for Nintendo Switch and PC.

NBA 2K24 (Sept. 8)

Closing out this week is NBA 2K24. Developed by Visual Concepts and published by 2K, the next chapter in the NBA 2K series pays tribute to the legendary Kobe Bryant through two special editions that feature him as the cover athlete. In addition, the game will introduce innovative technological advancements such as bringing in cross-play multiplayer.

Throughout the game, you can also relive history with the Mamba Moments mode, which allows you to recreate some of Kobe’s most captivating performances in his career. The new game also introduces ProPLAY, which directly translates real NBA footage into gameplay. You can hit the court in NBA 2K24 when it comes to PlayStation 5, PlayStation 4, Xbox Series X/S, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch and PC this Friday.

What upcoming games will you be playing this week?

Overall, this is a really exciting week for gamers. From Starfield to Chants of Sennaar, this week offers a lot of excitement. But what new game are you most excited to play? As always, let us know what you think in the comments!

The post Starfield joins this week’s upcoming games appeared first on Mega Visions.

Arguably, Sonic’s star shines brighter these days than ever before, buoyed by multimedia success upon success. To celebrate – and to shamelessly drum up some hype for our Sonic Superstars coverage – we’ve gathered some of the more notable games from his zippy career, ranked them, and added a dash of Mega Visions Snark (patent pending) for flavor. Hot takes and cold takes abound, so get comfy and prepare to disagree with us!

Honourable Mention: Sonic and the Black Knight

Kicking off our list, but just barely missing the actual ranking, is The One Where Sonic Has A Sword. Don’t lie, that’s how you remember it; because nothing says “gotta go fast” quite like a medieval fantasy makeover. Ah, those Lord of the Rings movies. Well known for their frenetic, high-speed, wisecracking action! While it’s indeed amusing to see Sonic dueling with a blade, this storybook game (a series consisting of a grand total of two games) strayed quite far from his roots, leaving most players feeling like they’d taken a wrong turn at Green Hill Zone.

Seeing Sonic’s band of mates cosplaying in armor mostly just feels that one medieval-themed party everyone’s been to at some stage – it seemed like a fun idea at the time, but in the end you just spend two hours standing around awkwardly. But hey, at least it’s got a killer soundtrack; and its story, which sees Sonic weighing the ramifications of mortality, was Jason Griffith’s finest hour.

10: Sonic Heroes

Even a legend needs backup sometimes. Next, we’ve got Sonic Heroes, which sees the ‘hog shack up with 12 other characters to take down a traitorous Metal Sonic. This “team” aspect injected some freshness into the series, but controlling three characters at once (each with a different ability, be it flying or punching) felt about as coordinated as a cat in a laser pointer factory. Or, to use a more series-appropriate analogy, it’s like trying to herd echidnas; and trust me, that’s no easy feat. I speak from experience.

What ultimately salvages the endeavor are some inspired level designs, which finally translate the whimsy of 2D Sonic into a three-dimensional space, and another requisite banging soundtrack. Crush 40 bring their A-game to the vocals too, and there’s no denying that in those moments where it all comes together, Heroes is a blast.

9: Sonic CD

Now we’re grooving with Sonic CD, a game that introduced time travel to Sonic’s already wild repertoire of skills. Because when you’ve explored every other creative avenue, that’s of course the well you go to. After Eggman chains up Little Planet, it’s up to the Blue Blur to recover the Time Stones, rescue newcomer Amy Rose, and try to avert a few paradoxes while he’s at it.

Again, the music is stellar, and the pixel art is some of the finest you’ll ever see. Sadly, CD is quite badly let down by its level design, which has an odd fixation with verticality and a general inability to get out of your way long enough to build speed (necessary to timewarp). Between hopping through the ages and hunting down those bloody robot generators, just to ensure a good ending, it all got to be a bit much. Simplicity is key, SEGA.

8: Sonic Lost World

Sonic Lost World decided it wanted a piece of the Mario platforming pie, and who could blame it? Nintendo and SEGA had become snugger than bugs in an especially warm rug in the 2010s, to the point where they signed an exclusivity deal together. This, of course, would lead to the fateful Sonic Boom: Rise of Lyric – but its first-born, Lost World, was rather fun. Granted, controlling Sonic in a 2.5D platformer (when usually he’d either gone 3 or 2) was slightly off-kilter, but once you settle into the controls, things begin to click. It doesn’t help that the game refuses to clue you in on some of the core moves you can pull off, like the roll or vault, instead hiding the tutorials away on the Wii U GamePad.

And that’s without even mentioning the “parkour” mechanics – Sonic channels his inner Cirque du Soleil as you swing, climb and wall-run across suspiciously Italian plumber-esque worlds. The story isn’t great shakes, and neither are the Deadly Six, the conga line of stereotypes passing as villains. But if you can get into the right headspace, you’ll enjoy yourself. Plus, the Zelda DLC was rad.

7: Sonic Colors

Ah, Sonic Colors. What a conundrum you are. Everyone continually declares this one “the ultimate return to form” for 3D Sonic, but I’ve always just gone: huh? The game’s 90% 2D! Every 3D segment is just a corridor that lasts 30 seconds, and then it’s back to stiff, single-block platforming levels made from crates and other copy-pasted assets. Sure, the game did introduce inventive power-ups in the form of Wisps; but honestly, if I wanted to collect aliens, I’d just raid Area 51. Easy enough to do. I have connections.

That’s not to say I can’t dig the positives. The visuals are lovely, especially in the remastered version. The music, as ever, slaps. The Saturday morning feel to the script was novel at the time (though Pontac and Graff would eventually pummel this into the dirt), and the final boss was so good that SEGA just copied it repeatedly for the next decade. Overall, the Colors feel… alright.

6: Sonic Generations

Now, this is what I’m talking about. Sonic Generations is what I thought I was getting with Colors, based on the hype: a true step forward for the Boost formula that spent the majority of its time in the third dimension, and which, most importantly, was just sheer fun. Generations brought past and present versions of Sonic together, proving that even hedgehogs can suffer from identity crises given the right circumstances. The blend of classic and modern levels, and the ability to alternate between them at will, was like enjoying your grandma’s homemade cookies while flipping NFTs – a mix of old-school charm and high-speed modernity.

Classic Sonic had yet to outstay his welcome, and the jukebox of Sonic tunes you could unlock just added to the value. All told, it was a trip down memory lane, albeit one so fast-paced that we barely had time to pause and marvel at the history we were zooming through. An all-timer (heh), to be sure.

5: Sonic 3 & Knuckles

Sonic 3 & Knuckles, the game that launched a million memes. In this classic Genesis adventure (with state of the art lock-on tech!), Sonic teams up with a redeemed Knuckles, fresh off another naïve double-crossing, to thwart Robotnik’s schemes. Initially developed as one single game, deadlines and budget got in the way – and presumably execs realised two games means a 100% profit increase. Hence, the two halves were split asunder, and it’s only in digital re-releases that it’s available as the gargantuan package it was always meant to be.

Come on, you know these zones. Sky Sanctuary, Angel Island, Hydrocity. Almost every single one is iconic, and the soundtrack, provided at least in part by Michael Jackson, remains a highlight. Too bad most subsequent releases replace these tunes with subpar imitations due to legal woes. S3&K, all the same, represents the pinnacle of the Genesis Sonic formula.

4: Sonic Mania

Just below bronze is Sonic Mania, a love letter to a particular subset of fans who cherished the hedgehog’s early days, and who patiently (oh so patiently) awaited another day in the sun. And boy, did the sun come out. Spearheaded by indie dev Christian Whitehead, and developed mostly outside Sonic Team’s jurisdiction, it’s perhaps quite telling that it promptly became the highest-rated new series entry in yonks.

With pixel-perfect precision platforming and a sumptuous symphony of nostalgic sounds, Mania resurrected the classics in the respectful way that Generations did almost a decade prior to it (Christ, we’re getting old). It’s so good, such a warm, pixelated hug from your childhood, that you tell yourself it must be a fluke. Surely they couldn’t have pulled this off? But oh yes, they did. It ain’t perfect – sod the special stages and the final fights, specifically – but it’s very, very close. Dust off your copy and remember why you fell in love with this little blue bugger in the first place.

3: Sonic Adventure and Sonic Adventure 2

Now for a quick detour to the Adventure series, which I’m treating as a collective as they’re very rarely discussed individually – Sonic Adventure 1 and 2. These games were analogous to the teenage years of the franchise; experimental, rebellious, and with the occasional embarrassing stumble of one’s voice (“YOU’RE GONNA CRASH – AAAAAGH.”). Yet, they hold a special place in our hearts, reminding us of a simpler time when we were all obsessed with numbers and 3D platforming was the shiniest new thing on the block.

From the iconic City Escape skateboard run, to the multiple Chaos evolutions that were doing crappy Pokémon forms way ahead of the curve, these games blended the typical speedy action with character-driven stories for the first time. They showcased Sonic’s unique knack for keeping us on the edge of our seats, always in flux and delivering something new with the times. Let’s also not forget that 2 brought us Shadow, one of the most iconic antiheroes in gaming history. I raise a chili dog in tribute; now where’s that HD remaster?

2: Sonic Frontiers

Wait, what’s this? An open-world Sonic game? Jesus wept, finally! After decades of begging, someone at SEGA at last sat down, listened to the clamoring of fans and said “hey, maybe we ought to give this unholy speed demon some room to stretch those legs?” And so it was. And we saw that it was… pretty good. Sonic Frontiers is like an extended visit to a skate park for hedgehogs, with sprawling environments to explore and countless stage gimmicks strewn across the map to boing, bounce and ricochet the poor battered rodent through the air.

Watching our blue boy burst out of his confining side-scrolling shell and zip across breathtaking vistas is a sight to behold, as are the showstopping Titan fights and the surprisingly emotional narrative. No, you will NOT elicit tears from me, Mike Pollock. Stop right there.

1: Sonic Unleashed

Drum roll please… aw, who am I kidding? In the number one spot, we’ve got Sonic Unleashed – to the surprise of precisely nobody that follows my articles. I’m not going to wax lyrical about this, mainly because I spent some 4000 words doing so a year and a bit ago, but suffice to say I think Unleashed is very nearly a masterpiece. Certainly it’s the best 3D offering in the franchise to date. Sue me.

Yeah, yeah, the Werehog looks daft and probably doesn’t really belong in Sonic. Got that out of your system? Good, because you’re in for a treat. Unleashed is a game of two halves that complement one another marvellously. The day stages offer breakneck speeds that make Usain Bolt look arthritic, while the night stages will have you quite literally howling with delight as you mow down minion after minion with a cavalcade of absurd attacks. Toss in the best visuals in the franchise, a gripping narrative and the finest hubs Sonic Team ever mustered, and you’ve got a truly special concoction.

Sonic Superstars zooms in this October!

So, there you have it, brave readers – the ultimate countdown of the finest Sonic the Hedgehog games ever to grace our (small) screens. It’s one of those franchises where, if asked, I’d struggle to name its genre. This beast has dabbled in sword fights, team dynamics, time travel, open-world romps, RPGs, brawlers, and everything else besides. Indeed, Sonic’s journey has been as wild as his antics; and we wouldn’t have it any other way. Not to say that said journey is over. Far from it, as Sonic Superstars, an all-new nostalgia-tugging co-op adventure, lands this October 17 for PlayStation 5, PlayStation 4, Xbox Series X/S, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch and PC.

Whether you’re a lifelong fan or just hopping onto the Sonic bandwagon (and whether we’ve royally cheesed you off or not with our order), there’s no stopping the Blue Blur when he’s revved up and ready to roll. Now, if you’ll excuse me, I’m popping off to Five Guys – all this ranking has me craving a taste of Sonic’s fuel of choice.

The post Top 10 Sonic the Hedgehog games appeared first on Mega Visions.

However, in light of the highly anticipated remake/remaster coming… hopefully at some point… This felt like the perfect time to finally dive into the golden child of Star Wars games. After twenty years (don’t remind me), does the game still shine?

For years, fans of the galaxy far, far away have been begging for the story and lore established in KOTOR to become part of the larger canon. Nearly all hope was lost when Disney seemingly tossed decades of content into the trash. But in the darkest night (that night being The Rise of Skywalker), hope was rekindled. A giant, albeit blurry, statue in the background of Exegol looked like Darth Nihilus, a villain from the KOTOR sequel. The Rise of Skywalker Visual Dictionary confirmed Revan as canon. So, KOTOR is indeed canon again, even if only partially.

With this ‘Legends’ game back in the conversation, the major standout is the story of KOTOR. Not only does it hold up, it remains one of the most captivating in all of Star Wars. Getting to truly experience it for the first time after all these years was a joy in and of itself. The story, though, is arguably the absolute highlight of the game. It’s enough in this case, but that’s not always the best for video games.

A long time ago…

Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic takes place nearly four thousand years before the events of the Skywalker Saga. This era, like the entire history of this fictional galaxy, is rife with war and hardship. The war between the Republic and the Mandalorians has just ended. Taking advantage of the chaos, hundreds of Jedi turn to the dark side and join the Sith. Led by Darth Revan and his apprentice, Darth Malak, the Sith hope to extinguish the Jedi and the Republic. This is where your adventure begins.

After choosing your basic appearance and base class, you wake up on a starship with no memories. Your class choice arguably makes the most difference in this early section as it’s part of your backstory. Other than that, your starting class isn’t a make-or-break choice. You can tailor your team’s skills around any weak points you develop. I went with the Soldier class to give me an edge with basic attacks.

You wake up on the Endar Spire, in the middle of a devastating attack by Sith forces. Before long, Carth Onasi, the renowned Republic soldier and pilot, saves you. You narrowly escape with him, and crash land on planet Taris, a crime-ridden, anti-alien world. The crash landing triggers a vision of Jedi Bastila Shan. She is presumed captured somewhere on the planet.

Follow your own path

Taris is a hellish introduction to the play style. You’ll spend a lot of time deep underground and in sewers, fighting gangs and all manner of creepy creatures. Your first major mission is to save Bastila from the Vulkar Gang. As it turns out though, she doesn’t exactly need your help. Bastila immediately notices something strange about you, though. It seems you two share a mysterious connection.

After seeking guidance from the Jedi Council on Dantooine, you can officially begin your free-roaming journey as a force-sensitive fighter. Acknowledging your connection to Bastila, the council instructs the two of you to track down pieces of a Star Map. The combined maps reveal the location of a secret base called the Star Forge. You must find the Star Forge, before the Sith use it to conquer the galaxy. There’s actually a lot more to it than that, but the story has a beautiful way of unfolding as you go.

There’s a section of the game that always occurs after leaving your second planet, whichever that may be. After Taris and Dantooine, my order of travel was Tatooine, Kashyyyk, Manaan, then Korriban. This accelerated my story with Bastila, but you can go in any order you choose. Many choose Kashyyk, then Tatooine.

From a certain point of view

Other than the story itself, KOTOR’s crowning achievement is its freedom of choice. Beyond choosing the path of your story, the game has a rigorous morality engine. Nearly every quest has the potential to gain you light side (good) points or dark side (evil) points.

What’s truly brilliant about this mechanic is that choosing the light side usually makes things harder for you. It’s a great reflection of real life. Of course it’s easier to threaten shop owners than to pay prices you can’t afford! And it’s definitely harder to de-escalate a feud than to blast everyone. That’s a wonderful lesson to teach younger players, and is in line with the philosophy of the Force.

The main events of the plot unfold as you choose which planets to visit first. There’s so much to do, and many ways to do nearly everything. From swoop racing to playing Pazaak, there are tons of side quests with multiple endings. There are even quests that, if you plan to be purely light side, you can’t (or shouldn’t) do! For example, The Genoharadan bounties are essentially a dark-side-only questline.

Your choices also change little things, like the way your companions talk to you. You accumulate a team of nine companions, including a Wookie, a Mandalorian, and three Jedi, including Bastila. Dipping more into the dark side changes the way Bastila relates to you most of all.

If you take the dark path, she’ll express her worry and outrage over your choices. Dark side choices even make her question her own choices, and whether she could defy the Jedi code. How you respond to Bastila (or Carth if you play as a woman) even determines whether a romance option becomes available. The romances are quite spicy, and frankly, a little devastating.

I have a bad feeling about this

The gameplay itself, at times, doesn’t quite hold up. Setting aside the fact that the graphics haven’t aged extremely well, there are more than a few portions of the map that are essentially just very long walks. Perhaps beautiful at the time, it feels a little monotonous in 2023.

The only version of quick travel is the ability to return immediately to your ship and then back to your last location. This action heals you automatically, which is great, but it did cause the game to crash more than once for me. Save often!

The fighting style is, from a certain point of view, rather genius. It’s a turn-based combat system with a wide variety of moves and bonuses. It allows you to strategize attacks and coordinate between team members smoothly. However, it feels stuck between styles. There’s more traditional turn-based combat systems like Fire Emblem, and there’s the real-time fights like in The Force Unleashed.

In KOTOR, having to stack moves or change strategies on the fly makes the combat feel delayed and a bit clunky. The satisfaction of a lightsaber strike is diminished when it takes up to 10 seconds for a strike to land.

With so much to do and such belabored lore, the sheer amount of alien dialogue can start to feel a little maddening. Overall, though, these issues are generally small potatoes. There are hundreds of opportunities for varying levels of combat. With a forgiving attitude, the scenery is often quite gorgeous. If you’re a Star Wars nerd, there’s hours of fun characters and history to discover. There’s a reason so many people love Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic.

Black mirror

*MAJOR SPOILERS IN THIS SECTION!*

I have to mention one of the most surprising and horrifying side-quests of any game I’ve ever played. On Dantooine, a woman informs you that her droid, the last memento of her dead husband, has been stolen. She tasks you with finding him and bringing him back. However, upon asking her a few questions, it becomes evident that this droid broke out of her house. The plot thickens…

You find her droid being attacked by Kath hounds. He tells you that his master, the woman, is addicted to him and treats him as her husband. Even at night… in bed… the droid is implied to be a sex slave! In a T-rated Star Wars game!

To earn light side points for this mission, you must grant the droid’s request to be taken out of his misery. You have to mercy kill him and condemn the woman for her actions. It’s randomly one of the darkest moments in the game. But she finds new love, so it all works out? We need justice for droids in Star Wars.

In the realm of spoilers, it’s worth noting that the big twist in this game (you are Darth Revan) has a detrimental effect on a romance with Bastila. You can choose to forgive her for manipulating and essentially re-creating you (not a great basis for a healthy relationship). If you try to profess your love after rescuing her, though, she basically blames your love on her fall to the dark side. Yeesh. At least it’s a great example of why the Jedi discourage romance. “Bastila, you’re breaking my heart.“

Final thoughts on Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic

Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic, after 20 years, mostly lives up to its stellar reputation. It’s an incredible story with engaging twists and turns. The combat is varied and well-animated for its time. While there were some bugs, glitches, and a couple of crashes, I was playing on the Switch. It could be that the Aspyr port has trouble with a smaller capacity system.

It’s clear that KOTOR has had massive ripple effects across the Star Wars fandom and the world of gaming itself. While the remake is still far from release, we all wait with anticipation. In the meantime, give in to your hatred nostalgia and play this vintage, timeless gem.

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