Mega Man 9

1 October, 2008

Mick Miscellaneous , , , , , , , , Leave a comment

Not to often these days, does a video game come out that is worth much attention (at least for this leprechaun of a man).  Last week however, something revolutionary entered into the playing field; Mega Man 9.

In days when graphics and world interaction are being pushed further and further, Capcom decided to take a giant step back with one of it’s most promising franchises.  Mega Man 9 looks, plays, sounds, and tastes exactly like a game on the NES.  Yes, the original Nintendo system.  Not only is it a big step backward, it is one done with excellence.

The first day, over 60,000 downloads were made, destroying any other WiiWare game.  It has all ready been released on PS3, and today it is available for XBOX 360 owners.  Judging by it’s current success, this game will be making many Top # charts.

I won’t lie.  Much like other Mega Man titles, this game is difficult.  Charging up the mega-buster for a strong blast and Mega Man’s capability to slide have both been removed.  The game play is more along the lines of the second entry of the franchise, but it keeps great features (like Beat, Rush, and Eddie) from the other games.

Some even more exciting news, is that for the first time players will have the opportunity to play as Proto Man through the entire game.  The red suited nemesis of Mega Man is a great addition to the latest installment.

In all, Mega Man 9 is definitely worth the 1000 WiiPoints.  It’s good for all the older gamers looking for fond memories to re-emerge, as well as new gamers who want a challenging game.

Chrono Trigger DS

2 July, 2008

Mick Miscellaneous , , , , , , , , , 1 Comment

Today brings good news to all Super Nintendo RPG fans, including myself.  Chrono Trigger was officially announced by Square-Enix, and you can read more about the specifics on IGN:

http://ds.ign.com/articles/885/885741p1.html

The game will be released this holiday season in the US, making it the first release on a hand held system.  The original Chrono Trigger is hailed by many to be the best game of all time, only to be matched up with it’s biggest competitors; Final Fantasy VI and VII.  I personally follow the CT side, mostly due to the great art and fantastic multiple endings.

Chrono Trigger features a complex story line where you must travel through time to stop the destruction of the world.  Your party will visit everything from the ancient past to a post-apocalyptic age to prevent the terrible disaster.  The original version offered several endings, make the replay value one of the best of it’s time.  After completing the game one time, players are given the ability to go through the game again with all their current stats, making your characters feel as if they were invincible.

As a boy, I spent endless hours playing through this time travelling epic, trying to complete every possible ending.  The story never grew old.  Needless to say, I plan on picking up a copy as soon as it is released.

Square-Enix is making a wise decision in releasing the game on the DS, and I’m sure Nintendo is happy about the news as well.  I only wonder why it took them so long to re-release such a monumental game.

Chrono Trigger

Ocarina of Time

3 May, 2008

Mick Miscellaneous , , , , 1 Comment

This morning marks yet another completion of one of the greatest video games of all time; The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time.  This could probably my fourth or fifth time going through the epic from start to finish, and every time I have just as much enjoyment as the last.  A great game is like a great book; both can be reread (or replayed) with just as much excitement as the first time.

What makes this such a great game?  One thing is that Hyrule is such a massive place to roam around.  After getting Link’s horse, Epona, riding around the country side helps to show the magnitude of the world.  On top of that, many different treasures and secrets are found all over.  From heart pieces to gold skulltulas to weapon upgrades, hours can be spent just trying to unlock all of the game’s mysteries.  Each dungeon offers some tricky puzzles as well as a fair amount of action.  Some of the boss battle can be pretty intense.

The best part of this game, as well as any other game or movie that I thoroughly enjoy, is that it really makes the story legendary.  Shadow of the Colossus, Lord of the Rings, Gladiator, Star Wars, Final Fantasy… the list could go on.  But all of these do a  great job at telling a legendary story.  A timeless story.  I am a fan if you could not tell.

A new installment to the Zelda series came out over a year ago called Twilight Princess.  The Gamecube and the Wii both have their own editions.  Venturing through this game is something I would eventually like to enjoy, but those times will have to wait until I have stashed enough money away to make the purchase.  Until then I will be racing my way through the Mushroom Kingdom.

Here Wii Go!

29 April, 2008

Mick Miscellaneous , , , , 3 Comments

Mario Kart has always been one my favorite games.  Looking back as early as seventh grade, I can recall a friend coming over at 6 in the morning so we could play the original Mario Kart before school; that is addiction.  And that addiction has remained through the years.

As the game developed with each new system, no major changes have ever been made.  Really, it seemed as though they were making the same game with new technology and slightly new improvements.  Granted, Mario Kart Double Dash for the Gamecube had some interesting two-player capabilities, but nothing was as revolutionary in the Mario Kart world as the new installment for the Wii.  Not only can you play in completely different way with the Wii Wheel, but the characters can ride motorcycles, each player can have their own file, and even the menu is set up in a whole new way.

Getting used to the changes will take some time, but when I play my good friend in Nebraska for free there will be little complaining.  Play it.  Enjoy it.  I am going to enjoy a nice warm cup of coffee.