gaming's undervalued treasures Archives • The Lifecast Network

Gaming’s Undervalued Treasures Special: Axelay, the 25th Anniversary

September 11, 2017 colin

Axelay Box Art

The SNES wasn’t known for shmups…until Axelay came along

For an incredible library that spans over all kinds of genres, the SNES is not well known for its “shmups”.

For example, Gradius III is bogged down with flicker and slow down and Super Nova and Darius Twin are the definitions of “meh”. While on the other hand, Sega had the Thunder Force series ripping it up. It was one genre that truly embodied the phrase “Genesis Does What Nintendon’t.”

However, the Genesis did not have Axelay.

Developed by Konami and released in September 1992, Axelay stands head and shoulders above several games in the shmup genre and is, without question, the best of its kind on the SNES. It’s still a fondly looked at game, as reviews for its Virtual Console re-release are still positive across the board.

And yet, Axelay did not set the charts ablaze with sales figures. It was (probably) a combination of the SNES not being a great system for this particular genre and less than two weeks prior, a little game called Super Mario Kart was released. Another factor is that Axelay was meant to be Japanese-exclusive, but was ported to the US at the last minute. Heck, a sequel was even planned.

Axelay has gained a cult following on the ‘web for being an all-around great shmup. The gameplay is tight, the music is great, and the graphics hold their own against the SNES’ best.

Celebrating its 25^th anniversary today, Gaming’s Undervalued Treasures is profiling a game that deserves to be called an “undervalued treasure.”

Also, fun fact: the majority of the development team went on to become the founding members of Treasure.

From a pure gameplay standpoint, Axelay is the best shmup on the SNES

Axelay’s wonderfully optimistic story is about how the planet of Corliss has faced total annihilation by the…well, Armada of Annihilation. It’s up to the lone pilot of the Axelay (aaaaad…title drop) to fight off this horde.

Taking cues from their Gradius series, Konami included a Weapon Select system into Axelay. Players can choose a primary, secondary, and a missile option.

When you select your weapons, the game says in a very clear tone: “ARMS INSTALLATION IS COMPLETE…GOOD LUCK.” It never gets old.

However, from the outset not all the weapons are selectable and as the game progresses, more weapons become available. There also is not as many options as Gradius. That being said, there is not one weapon in the game that is useless. Players can also select the weapons on the fly as well and won’t have to rely on an upgrade system like other shmups.

The Round Vulcan weapon, for example, allows the ship to shoot enemies circling around the player. The missiles are fantastic for the more crowded moments in the game as well.

The controls are tight and responsive, key for any shmup, and gives the player a fighting chance. Make no mistake, Axelay is a difficult game, but not quite controller-smashing, hair-pulling, screaming-obscenities-to-make-90s-Denis-Leary-blush difficult as other games in the genre.

Certain bosses, like this Ed-209-looking one, can be a little tough.

However, other features are quite awesome as well
Axelay utilizes the SNES’ color palette and its Mode 7 processor quite well. The tiny details on the Axelay ship, the enemies and bosses and stages are all pleasing to look at. The development team knew what they were working with, and decided to work around the SNES’ capabilities, rather than against them. The opening stages have a nice use of blue and the standout lava stage is exceptionally nice looking.

The lava monster is scary-looking and well animated as well. All of Axelay’s bosses are consistently impressive.

The game has both horizontal and vertical shooting stages, similar to Konami’s Life Force each with its own aesthetic. Many of the vertical levels have a sort-of-gimmicky feel to them, as it looks like you are flying over a city.

However, they are quite nice to look at and add more dimension as opposed to being some generic level. Other levels take place inside dilapidated space stations and on a planet made of lava, where the game’s most memorable boss fight takes place.

Then there’s the music. Composed by Super Castlevania IV’s Taro Kudo, Axelay’s OST is a varied one and each boss has their own theme. The first level’s track, “Unkai” is perfect to get the player ready for the action.

One of Gaming’s Undervalued Treasures

Axelay is one of Konami’s best games in the 90s and one that holds its own against other shmups of the era. It’s a shame we may never get that sequel though.

Regardless, happy 25^th Axelay. A game as awesome as this one deserves a big celebration; from the quality of the gameplay, to its unique weapon system, to its overall fun nature, Axelay is one no shmup fan should ever pass up.

The game is available on both the Wii and Wii U Virtual Console, but copies on the SNES are going to be quite expensive.

Gaming’s Undervalued Treasures: High Seas Havoc

August 30, 2017 colin

High Seas Havoc plays very much like a Sonic clone, but it at least has an identity of its own by being about anthropomorphic pirates. It also contains some generally great level and character design and is just a fun, little platformer.

Gaming’s Undervalued Treasures: Shadows of the Damned

February 3, 2017 colin

Image courtesy of GameFAQs.

Shadows of the Damned features a hilarious script, great gameplay and a superstar team behind it
Shadows of the Damned brings together Suda 51, Shinji Mikami and Akira Yamaoka into one sublime horror action game.

Image result for shadows of the damned in game

Image courtesy of GameSpot.

It’s a gamers dream. The minds behind Killer7, Resident Evil AND the composer for Silent Hill? The game utilizes a simple, but fun, gameplay style with a generally unique world to play it. Unfortunately, Shadows of the Damned did not sell well. It was published by EA, who did not know how to market the game’s unique flavor. It also suffered a protracted development cycle which involved changing gameplay styles and script rewrites. This resulted in a game that sat on store shelves and was barely cracking the half million mark worldwide.

Later on, Suda 51 and Shinji Mikami found the whole project to be disappointing. It’s a shame, since Shadows of the Damned is a fun, tongue-in-cheek action game that is always keeping the player entertained. It’s a great trip through Hell.

Image courtesy of Gamastura.

Shadows of the Damned’s humor mixes well with its environment
Shadows of the Damned has players taking the role of Garcia Hotspur. Hotspur is a demon hunter whose gun is actually a reformed demon named Johnson. Hotspur’s girlfriend, Paula, is taken into hell by Fleming, the Lord of the Demons. Garcia and his demon friend are on a quest to save her.

Our heroes ladies and gentlemen! Image courtesy of NeoGAF.

The initial story is about as bare bones as any game can be. However, the humor comes a lot from Hotspur and Johnson’s dialogue. Hotspur is a rugged, hypermasculine Hispanic demon hunter, who would fit right in an early 90s Image comic. Johnson is a blinged out floating skull on fire who talks like an uptight Eric Idle character. Their personalities clash and result in some generally funny dialogue. The two characters are clearly tongue-in-cheek and are very likable.

The game also manages to create a creative version of Hell. It’s more of a stylized haunted house, than a place of eternal damnation. Shadows of the Damned always has a unique vision for each stage and players will not find themselves getting bored. Hell has broken down villages, complete with political propaganda asking demons to vote; a gigantic library and an even sleazier version of Las Vegas. One of the more clever stages is in a massive forest that turns into a gigantic Evil Dead reference.

Image result for shadows of the damned title screen

There’s even these ridiculous side scrolling shooter segments. Image courtesy of Gamastura.

The soundtrack from Yamaoka is filled to the top with variety. It goes from folk music, to generic metal to atmospheric droning quite well.

Action heavy gameplay keeps Shadows of the Damned fun throughout
The game uses the typical, over-the-shoulder format seen in Resident Evil 4. However, it does not restrict players, as Hotspur can move around while aiming. Johnson can transform into three different guns. A handgun called the Boner (because his name is Johnson, get it?), a shotgun called the Monocussionor and a machine gun dubbed the Teether which shoots demon’s teeth.

Shadows of the Damned PlayStation 3 Red gems are used to upgrade Johnson's functionality.

Weapons can be upgraded into more powerful pieces of destruction. Image courtesy of MobyGames.

The ability to switch weapons and move around makes action go by quick. There is even options of melee attacks, where Hotspur beats them with Johnson.

Shadows of the Damned PlayStation 3 Some demons actually use armor, so you'll have to blast it before getting to the flesh.

Image courtesy of MobyGames.

The darkness of Hell comes into play quite a bit. Being a human, Garcia cannot survive it for long, so he needs to stay in the light. The dark/light aspect comes into play in creative ways, such as going into dark worlds to hit certain weak spots on bosses. It allows for some decent strategy and planning in an otherwise straight forward action game. It also manages to add to the impressive level design.

Shadows of the Damned PlayStation 3 Obviously, the barrels are the best way to contain light in the Demon World. And demons do not like light explosions.

Shooting demons with light also stuns them. Image courtesy of MobyGames.

One of Gaming’s Undervalued Treasures
Shadows of the Damned is an excellent action game which is able to balance comedy, creativity and fun quite well. The characters of Garcia and Johnson keep players laughing, but the gameplay and overall uniquely creepy design of the game’s world will keep players interested.

Shadows of the Damned PlayStation 3 The more barrels the better!

Image courtesy of MobyGames.

The game is available for both the Xbox 360 and the PS3 and is not expensive at all. New copies won’t be wrecking anyone’s bank account.

Gaming’s Undervalued Treasures: Forgotten Worlds

January 27, 2017 colin

Image result for forgotten worlds sega genesis game

Image courtesy of Vizzed.com

Forgotten Worlds is one of Capcom’s “forgotten” arcade classics
Forgotten Worlds is one of the many twin-stick shooters that flooded the arcades in the 80s. Instead of being an elite commando fighting a vaguely evil army, players were an unnamed mercenary with a jetpack fighting gruesome aliens after they conquered Earth. Forgotten Worlds also manages to throw in some minor-RPG elements, making it more unique than other shooters at the time.

Image courtesy of Giant Bomb.

The game was released in arcades in 1989 and is the third and final in Capcom’s unofficial “Jet-Pack Hero trilogy.” Capcom released a few scrolling shooters starring jetpack-and-gun wielding characters in space. Section Z and Side Arms are two other games in this pseudo-series.

Image courtesy of Giant Bomb.

Forgotten Worlds is one of the earliest Sega Genesis/Mega Drive games. The colors, animation and sound were something that certainly aligned with the infamous “Genesis Does What Nintendon’t” ads.

Despite cameos from the characters in crossover games such as Project X Zone and the first Marvel vs Capcom, Forgotten Worlds is very much a forgotten game. It’s not like the game wasn’t a hit, but it just wasn’t a massive one. It’s been re-released a few times on collections, but it’s not brought up when talking about the best shmups of the 80s and 90s.

Forgotten Worlds takes place in a post-apocalyptic alien world with plenty of things to shoot
In the 29^th century, the evil alien dictator, Emperor Bios, has unleased total destruction on Earth. It is up to two mirror-shade wearing, armor-clad Unknown Soldiers (which is their official names according to Marvel vs Capcom) to eliminate the Emperor and bring peace back to the planet. It’s not the most original of stories, but it works. Although, it is one of the few arcade games from the 80s to have cut scenes in-between stages.

Author’s note: no context will be given for the subtitle. Image courtesy of Giant Bomb.

Utilizing two joysticks, players will use one to take aim against the aliens and the other to dodge their attacks. Forgotten Worlds throws more than a few enemies at the players, so taking aim and dodging requires a lot of precise movements. Thankfully, the controls are tight and responsive. It’s a great system that is not only a blast to play, but actually rewards players for playing strategically. As opposed to the typical “mash the shoot button and see what happens” in most shooters.

Image courtesy of Giant Bomb.

The stages themselves are usually straightforward, but have a personality to them. The Unknown Soldiers will be traversing through ruined cities, massive sandy, wastelands that bring Fist of the North Star to mind and technological nightmares. Capcom’s CP2 hardware is incredibly powerful and produces some nice-looking graphics. Arcade goers can wow at the vivid images being shot at on-screen and the overall use of colors creates the atmosphere of Forgotten Worlds.

Image courtesy of Giant Bomb.

Where the somewhat-RPG elements come in are with the money, or “Zenny,” enemies drop after being defeated. Zenny can be used at shops. The shops, quite literally, pop out of the ground. From there, the adorable shopkeeper Sylphie will greet our heroes. Players can purchase, armor, health and weapon upgrades, lives and much more. The enemy-seeking missiles are definitely one of the most helpful power-ups in the game.

Who figured someone who looks like her sells weapons of mass destruction? Image courtesy of the Arcade-Museum.com.

One of Gaming’s Undervalued Treasures
Forgotten Worlds does not deserve to be, well, forgotten. The game truly is one of the great, if not one of the greatest, shmups to be released in the arcades. It stands toe-to-toe with classic like Gradius and R-Type. It even holds its own against arguably the kind of twin-stick shooters, Smash TV. The polished gameplay, great level design and aesthetics and creative gameplay elements make Forgotten Worlds absolutely worth playing once.

While emulating the game on MAME is ideal for an arcade-rich experience, the Sega Genesis version is a tad expensive and is available on the Wii Virtual Console.

Gaming’s Undervalued Treasures: Ninja Baseball Bat Man

January 14, 2017 colin

Image result for ninja baseball batman arcade flyer

Image courtesy of Hardcore Gaming 101.

Ninja Baseball Bat Man is a truly bizarre concept…but a fantastic beat ‘em up
Ninja Baseball Bat Man may be one of the most truly insane ideas for a video game. The title alone should be enough to make someone’s head spin. Saying the title out loud is going to make any gamer look at you with a confusing expression.

However, Ninja Baseball Bat Man’s zaniness carries over into some amusing, and lovable, gameplay. Utilizing a tired and true formula in the consistently fun beat ‘em up genre, Ninja Baseball Bat Man stands out thanks to its’ immensely bright graphics and unique world.

Image courtesy of VGMuseum.

Initially created by Irem America employee, Drew Maniscalo, the idea was to combine several popular properties into one giant game. Maniscalo took a look at two top grossing films (1990’s Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles and 1992’s Batman Returns) and his longtime love for baseball to create this nonsensical game. Irem in Japan was responsible for the game’s art style and tweaking the gameplay.

Image courtesy of Game FAQs.

How did Ninja Baseball Bat Man not become a huge hit? For starters, it’s almost too offbeat of a concept for many gamers. Although, according to Maniscalo on his website, Irem America and Japan were heavily focusing on the SNES Which resulted in poor marketing and an apathetic approach from the company. Weirdly enough, Ninja Baseball Bat Man does not have any home releases where it could have found an audience.

A colorful, creative and overall fun world inhabit Ninja Baseball Bat Man
A collection of priceless golden baseball artifacts have been stolen and the Commissioner of Baseball (yes, that is his actual name) has called upon an elite team of fighters. They are…the NINJA BASEBALL BATMAN! Or Bat Men?

The game even has a goofy opening. Image courtesy of Game FAQs.

The graphics and overall style of the game is what makes Ninja Baseball Bat Man a game worth checking out. Aside from the gorgeous and well-used color palatte, Ninja Baseball Bat Man contains a metric ton of personality. The characters ridiculous facial expressions are similar to classic Warner Bros. and Tex Avery cartoons. Bosses will sob tears when they are being beaten, and the team of ninjas will show-off their personalities in the game’s in-between cutscenes.

Obscure baseball trivia time! Jose Canseco, whom Captain Jose is a reference to, was a member of the Texas Rangers roster when this game was released. Image courtesy of Game FAQs.

The title characters are a team of crime fighters who happen to be cybernetic ninjas who play baseball. Each of them are named after MLB superstars of the 90s. Captain Jose, the red ninja is named after Jose Canseco; the little green guy, Twinbats Ryno, is a tribute to Ryne “Ryno” Sandberg; the yellow and rotund Beanball Roger is a reference to now-infamous pitcher Roger Clemens; and lastly is Stick Straw, a skinny blue ninja named after Daryl Strawberry. Longtime fans of America’s Pastime can have a chuckle at the allusions.

Your starting lineup for the Ninja Baseball Bat Man… Image courtesy of GameFAQs.

The game is a four-player arcade beat ‘em up. Fans of Konami’s X-Men and Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtle games will feel right at home. It’s never too chaotic, but there are enough enemies to give the ninjas some batting practice. Each of the ninjas have their own stats and special moves.

Players will have to input the moves fighting game style with a combination of joystick moves and button presses. Jose is the balanced fighter; Ryno is a fast, combo machine; Roger hits hard but is slow; and Straw has the longest range. It is not the most diverse differences, but they each of the ninjas are fun to play and are at least distinct. Compared to Ninja Turles or X-Men there is a little more depth.

Evil baseball bats attack with…baseball bats? What? Image courtesy of VG Museum

Players will be traveling to major US cities, each of them associating with baseball. Seattle, San Francisco (dubbed ‘Cisco in the game), the state of Texas (which is home to two MLB teams, the Texas Rangers and Houston Astros) and of course New York City. Every stage has an over-the-top stereotype or trait about it. For example, Chicago is still stuck in the 1920s with gangsters. It adds to the goofy charm of it all.

The boss in Chicago is a mobster dog who runs a bootleg liquor business. Image courtesy of Game FAQs.

Each stage will have silly baseball-themed enemies. Ranging from anthropomophic baseballs and bats to evil baseball gloves. And the final boss of the game, without giving anything away, is one of baseball’s greatest legends. It’s an absolute bonkers final fight.

This screenshot does not have much context. Image courtesy of GameFAQs.

One of Gaming’s Undervalued Treasures
Ninja Baseball Bat Man is a truly weird and wonderful game from a weird and wonderful decade like the 90s. The game’s approach to the beat ‘em up genre does not shine in gameplay, but rather in its bizarrely engaging atmosphere. It also helps that the game is four player and is exceedingly entertaining throughout the adventure. Ninja Baseball Bat Man is a game any fan of the genre would consider a home run.

Gaming’s Undervalued Treasures: Infected

December 23, 2016 colin

Image courtesy of GameFAQs.

Infected maybe the only zombie shooter set around Christmas time

Infected is one of the earliest titles on the PlayStation Portable. Developed by Planet Moon Studios back in the mid-2000s, Infected is a twisted and darkly humorous third-person shooter in the backdrop of a zombie-infested New York City around Christmas time. It is also one of the more creative games to be released for Sony’s ill-fated handheld, making use of online play in a creative manner.

Infected was released right in the middle of the holiday 2005 season, where the release of the Xbox 360 was imminent and the handheld market was still dominated by the Nintendo DS. Needless to say, Infected was dead on arrival (pun completely intended) and it sold very little.

Image courtesy of Giant Bomb.

Looking at Infected today, gamers can see an experience something that should have been a cult hit. The image of a zombified charity Santa Claus is enough for anyone to give it a shot. If they do, they will play a fun, if not a little mindless, shooter that had a little more personality than most early PSP games.

Ho, ho….no. Image courtesy of Cheat Code Central.

Infected is the definition of a “popcorn game;” turn your brain off and have fun
A few weeks before Christmas and the Big Apple is hit with a zombie outbreak. Instead of families enjoying the magic of the holidays, they are being slaughtered and eaten by the flesh-eating horde. The game portrays this tragedy with a wicked grin and comes off less Walking Dead and more Dead Alive. Players take the role of Officer Stevens, whose blood can be used as an antidote against the monsters. The character is fully customizable with several ridiculous costumes, including Rayne from Bloodrayne and all nine members of Slipknot. Stevens is given the task to eliminate as many zombies as possible, in increasingly gory ways.

Infected PSP Pizza guy's campaign screen

If you want, you can make Stevens look like a total dweeb. Image courtesy of Moby Games.

The tongue-in-cheek treatment of the horrifying scenario is bookended with raunchy faux-newscasts and over-the-top cut scenes. Stevens’ wardrobe also adds to the zaniness of the game. Zombies are still scary, but have an overtly animated feel to them where laughing at them is more appropriate. Again, it is dark humor so it is not for everyone.

Gameplay in Infected is simple and has a barebones control set up tailor-made for the PSP’s awkward control set up. The two shoulder buttons are for firearms, and the single analog stick allows for basic aiming and movement. Quick-turnarounds are the norm in Infected and it keeps the gameplay fast-paced. It’s a blast to play and feels similar to a rail shooter, where bullets and blood are flying all over the place. The game has a list of missions for Officer Stevens to complete, but it mostly involves shooting, blowing up, destroying, etc. the living dead.

Well, this certainly is a strange Christmas. Image courtesy of Giant Bomb.

Infected’s most interesting feature is the use of online play. Players can engage in typical deathmatch modes and creative ones where one player vs an army of zombies. However, one unique social feature is the ability to jump into a player’s game and infect them. It’s entirely juvenile, but what did anyone expect from a game like this?

Rayne in all her non-Uwe Boll glory! Image courtesy of Hardcore Gamer.

Infected also contains a varied soundtrack. Slipknot not only makes cameos in the game, but have more than a few songs. Metal bands Chimaria and Fear Factory fit in right next to techno/EDM songs done by Junkie XL and Pimp X. It very much screams mid-2000s, but it certainly fits Infected.

One of Gaming’s Undervalued Treasures
There aren’t many games that take place during Christmas time, much less combining the zombie apocalypse. Infected fills in this oddly specific void. The senseless violence found in its facile gameplay will make many gamers grin and laugh at the December dismemberment.

Infected is not expensive to buy new or used. Any Vita owner looking to play something different this holiday season, Infected is worth checking out.

Gaming’s Undervalued Treasures: Natsume Championship Wrestling

November 18, 2016 colin

Image courtesy of GameFAQs.

Natsume Championship Wrestling is a game for fans of ‘puroresu’

Natsume Championship Wrestling is a port of a game based on legendary Japanese wrestling promotion All Japan Pro Wrestling. The original Japanese title is Zen-Nippon Pro Wrestling Dash: Sekai Saikyo Tag, and had a massive focus on tag team wrestling.

Super Famicom cover art, featuring Shoei “Giant” Baba. Image courtesy of Hardcore Gaming 101.

For hardcore fans of Japanese wrestling, or ‘puroresu,’ Natsume Championship Wrestling contains some winks and nods to legendary wrestlers from the 90s.

Natsume Championship Wrestling Screenshot

Image courtesy of GameFAQs.

It also helps that Natsume Championship Wrestling is a competent pro wrestling game in its own right. Natsume Championship Wrestling contains the timing-based grapping of the ever popular Fire Pro Wrestling series, along with colorful graphics and tight controls.

Image courtesy of GameFAQs.

The game was quietly released in 1994 over in the United States. While it was popular over in Japan, Natsume Championship Wrestling never got a hold (wrestling pun intended) in North America. Perhaps it was the lack of then-WWF or WCW name branding or the overall different gameplay from other pro wrestling games at the time.

A brief history of All Japan Pro Wrestling…

Image courtesy of Wikipedia.

Natsume Championship Wrestling is based upon the promotion All Japan Pro Wrestling. Founded by Shoei “Giant” Baba in 1972, All Japan Pro Wrestling was originally part of the National Wrestling Alliance (or NWA) for the majority of the 1970s and early 80s.

The man, the myth the Japanese pro wrestling legend himself, Giant Baba! This man helped define a new generation of professional wrestling in the Land of the Rising Sun. Image courtesy of Puroresu Spirit.

The promotion utilized “King’s Road” style of wrestling. King’s Road contains a big focus on athleticism and storytelling, while maintaining the over-the-top nature of American pro wrestling.

Kenta Kobashi (red trunks) and Mitsuharu MIsawa were the two top wrestlers in the 90s for All Japan Pro Wresting. Their matches are near perfect. Image courtesy of YouTube user ClassicPuro83.

Upon breaking off the NWA, All Japan started promoting top talents such as Baba himself, Mitsuhara Misawa, Kenta Kobashi, Jun Akiyama and recent WWE Hall of Fame inductee Stan “The Lariat” Hansen. Throughout the late 80s and 90s, All Japan’s “King’s Road” style of wrestling proved to be massively popular.

Stan Hansen became one of the most famous “gaijins” in Japanese pro wrestling. Image courtesy of Illegal Foreign Object.

Giant Baba’s tragic death resulted in more than a few massive shake ups within All Japan Pro Wrestling. The 2000s started a rather unpopular period for the promotion, due to just about every popular wrestler either leaving or retiring. However, around the start of the new decade All Japan has slowly regained its foothold in Japan.

Jun Akiyama, who flourised in All Japan and its off-shoot Pro Wrestling NOAH, is now the president of All Japan Pro Wrestling. Image courtesy of Puroresu Spirit.

Natsume Championship Wrestling is unique among other SNES wrestling games
Natsume Championship Wrestling is one of the few wrestling games on the SNES to attempt to match the gameplay style of Super Famicom grapplers. Players will not be mashing the attack button and expect to win after a bombardment of kicks and punches. Natsume Championship Wrestling instead urges players to time their grapples and strikes.

Waiting to hit that punch may take some quick thinking in Natsume Championship Wrestling. Image courtesy of GameFAQs.

It’s a system that rewards patience, but it is far more user friendly than Fire Pro Wrestling. For example, Fire Pro matches are generally slower and more deliberate. Natsume Championship Wrestling’s matches are fast paced and allows players to perform moves quicker. Using a combination of the D-pad and grapple button, players can perform a wide array of moves. Timing is everything though and this will take a while to get used to it. It does make for fun gameplay, once a player finds their routine. There is also a health meter to keep track of a wrestler’s stamina.

MISSILE DROPKICK!!! Image courtesy of GameFAQs.

Unlike the WWF games of the time, Natsume Championship Wrestling has distinct moves for each wrestler. Many of them being techniques they used in real life. Stan Hansen has his infamous lariats, Jun Akiyama has his vicious suplexes and Kenta Kobashi has his devastating strike maneuvers.

Image courtesy of Giant Bomb.

The roster is composed of several popular wrestlers from the mid-90s in All Japan Pro Wrestling. However, due to all of them being near-unrecognizable to American audiences at the time, they all of psuedonyms. Kenta Kobashi is dubbed Conan and “Dr Death” Steve Williams is rechristened as Big Ape. Puroresu fans will be able to recognize the grapplers based on their well-detailed character portraits.

The late Jumbo Tsurata is renamed Asteroid. Image coutesy of GameFAQs.

The impressive graphics aren’t just shown on the character select screen. Natsume Championship Wrestling is very colorful. The ring itself is a nice blue, like the All Japan ring during the 90s. Sprites during the matches themselves reflect each wrestler well and are well animated when big moves are performed. Occasionally there is a hiccup, but the graphics are more than serviceable.

For some obscure wrestling trivia: the blonde guy, J.Kraze? That’s Johnny Ace aka John Laurinaitis! Image courtesy of GameFAQs.

Natsume Championship Wrestling has features not seen in other US professional wrestling games

The addition of tag team wrestling is welcome and it’s executed well. Unfortunately, players cannot customize teams, since they are all preset teams. Interestingly enough, many of them were teams during the 90s in All Japan.

Double team! Image courtesy of GameFAQs.

Other modes include championship tournament and round robin tournaments. Round robins are common in Japanese wrestling and they consist of blocks where wrestlers will fight each other a few times. Winner with the most points based on their performance moves forward. It is yet another creative inclusion to Natsume Championship Wrestling that is sure to be a blast with friends.

An example of a round robin tournament. Image courtesy of GameFAQs.

The music is decent too, with several wrestler’s theme songs being highlights. Jun Akiyama/M. Roach’s is a standout. Although, the SNES soundtrack is changed from its original Japanese soundtrack. For example, the title screen are drastically different.

Strangely enough, All Japan’s founder, Giant Baba is not playable in the SNES version. Depending on the translation, neither is Mitsuharu Misawa who is one of puroresu’s biggest stars.

One of Gaming’s Undervalued Treasures
Natsume Championship Wrestling is exceptional and more fulfilling than the WWF games on the console. The tactical aesthetics and gameplay may be daunting to many players, but once they get in the groove, it’s fun. The game could even be a great introduction to Japanese professional wrestling.

Author’s note: I can assure you, puroresu is AWESOME!!! Image courtesy of YouTube user ClassicPuro83.

Natsume Championship Wresting is not expensive to buy and can also be downloaded on the Wii and Wii U Virtual Consoles for a few bucks. Any fan of ‘puroresu’ definitely check it out.

Image courtesy of GameFAQs.

Gaming’s Undervalued Treasures: Darkstalkers 3

October 7, 2016 colin

Image courtesy of the Capcom Database Wiki

Darkstalkers 3 is one fast paced, yet incredibly fun, fighting game

Darkstalkers 3 is one of Capcom’s biggest cult hits in the fighting game genre. Similar to the rest of the Darkstalkers series, Darkstalkers 3 sets itself apart from other fighting games at the time. It’s extensive roster of horror movie monsters, spooky techno/jazz soundtrack and some of the most engaging fighting game mechanics keep Darkstalkers 3 fun. It’s also one of the fastest fighters in Capcom’s library.

Vampire vs Succubus! Only in Darkstalkers. Image courtesy of VG Museum.

Equipped with envelope pushing features, Darkstalkers 3 was quietly released in 1997 in arcades, and was not a major hit. The popularity of the then-new Capcom vs series overshadowed Darkstalkers 3. The game was also marketed as Vampire Savior, which may have confused gamers. Home ports did not fare much better. The Sega Saturn port was Japan-exclusive and the PlayStation 1 was mostly ignored.

Original arcade flyer with the name confusion. Image courtesy of Hardcore Gaming 101.

Even when Capcom rereleased this game with it’s solid prequel Night Warriors for PSN and Xbox Live Arcade as Darkstalkers Resurrection, the general gaming public did not notice. It’s a shame, since Darkstalkers 3 truly is one of the most addictive and hard hitting fighting games out there. It deserves to be played by any fighting game fan. And with its horror themed atmosphere, it’s perfect to play during the Halloween season.

Darkstalkers 3’s fighting mechanics are top notch
The fighting properties in Darkstalkers 3 are the definition of addictive and will have players coming back for more in no time.

J. Talbain v J. Talbain to see who is the most badass, kung fu werewolf! Image courtesy of VG Museum.

Darkstalkers 3, and by extension the rest of the series, is more than just Street Fighter meets Universal Monsters. It’s a very technical series, where air blocking, dashing and timing with super meters is the norm. Darkstalkers 3 continues this trend, but welcomes additions. For instance, players can enhance special attacks by taking a chunk out of their special meter. Instead of utilizing a super, the player can instead chain a standard special with this feature. The game also introduces the Dark Force EX special mode, which is similar to the Super Art mode in the Street Fighter III sub-series.

This new feature to the series allows for quicker, more concise matches. For a game known for being technical, having the ability to blow through a match in a short period of time is great. Make no mistake, Darkstalkers 3 is a blisteringly fast fighting game, but it also requires a good amount of skill play it.

Luckily for new players, the controls are not difficult to learn. Anyone who has played any Capcom fighter will feel right at home with Darkstalkers 3’s control set up. Chaining combos and launching special attacks with come as easy as tying one’s shoes.

A shockingly balanced roster, eye-catching graphics and a solid soundtrack round out Darkstalkers 3
For many gamers, a good roster in a fighting game is what matters most. Darkstalkers 3 has a sublime roster lined with creative characters. The roster contains the series’ trademark originality. The busty succubi Morrigan and Lilith, catgirl Felicia, the vampire Dimitri and fan favorites J. Talbain, the nunchuck wielding werewolf and Eddie the Head’s long lost twin brother Lord Raptor. Newcomers include Q Bee, a human-esque bee and BB Hood, who is what happens when Little Red Riding Hood has Deadpool’s personality.

The whole freakin’ roster! With the two *ahem* MOST popular fighters at the forefront. Image courtesy of Fighters Generation.

Darkstalkers 3 contains one of the most badass villains in any fighting game. Jedah Domah is a stoic and ruthless demon, who has some disturbing special attacks. His ultimate plan is to destroy the universe and build it back up as he sees fit.

Jedah taking on the Frankenstein’s Monster inspired character, Victor. Image courtesy of Fighter’s Generation

Disturbing describes the game’s graphics in many instances. Backgrounds range from a jungle with sadistic plants, a post-apocalyptic city or a satanic fetus. They are all colorful, yet creepy, and fit the vibe. With the game taking place in the demon world, known as Makai, it makes sense to have weird and eerie settings for fights.

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There it is folks, the fetus. Pure nightmare fuel. Image courtesy of VG Museum.

However, the rest of the game’s graphics are incredible.Anyone taking a look at Darkstalkers 3 will notice it feels like a mid-90s Marvel Comic book. The is game full of vibrant colors and heavy on action. Sprites well animated and fluid. Darkstalkers 3’s animations even rival the almighty Street Fighter III: Third Strike. Animations will perfectly reflect the fighters personality, especially BB Hood who is full of expressions. Special moves are an absolute delight to look at as well.

BB Hood calling in the cavalry! Image courtesy of Hardcore Gaming 101.

To top it off, the soundtrack a good mix of atmospheric and moody horror with techno-jazz.

One of Gaming’s Undervalued Treasures
Darkstalkers 3 and the rest of the franchise is sadly forgotten about by Capcom. The absolute best way to play the game is to download it through PSN or Xbox Live Arcade. It appears on various collections, including Darkstalkers Chronicle: the Chaos Tower on the PSP. Copies are relatively expensive though.

Darkstalkers 3 is simply just fun to play and will wow players with its uniqueness. It does not condescend new or returning players and anyone watching will be in awe over how gorgeous the game is. Sticking around for the excellent, fine-tuned gameplay helps enhance playing. Playing this game on All Hallow’s Eve also adds to the experience.

Gaming’s Undervalued Treasures: Space Jam

September 23, 2016 colin

Image courtesy of idrgames.com.br

Space Jam

urges players to…COME ON AND SLAM!
Space Jam was an exceptionally popular movie in the 90s. The film, starring Michael Jordan and a wide variety of Looney Tunes, became a brief cultural phenomenon. The film’s soundtrack went several times platinum and merchandise became a huge hit for families.

The long list of merchandising also includes an amusing video game adaptation. Space Jam was released in 1996, a few months after the film. Similar to many video game adaptations at the time, it was annihilated by critic. Many critics wrote it off as a bad NBA Jam clone.

However, this is a movie where Warner Bros. cartoons play basketball against aliens. Aliens, who have stolen the talent of the NBA’s biggest stars of the 90s. It’s a movie not meant to be taken seriously, let alone a video game adaption. What did video game journalists back in 1996 think they were getting into?

Space Jam on the original PlayStation, Sega Saturn or PC is a fun, little basketball game that is a great way to kill some time. It’s also a decently competitive multiplayer game, as any pick-up-and-play sports game can be. It also has a great cast of Looney Tunes for the fans of their classic shorts.

Space Jam is NBA Jam…but with Looney Tunes
Instead of following the direct plot of the film, Space Jam instead gets right to the point. Space Jam makes playing basketball its main focus. Taking cue from the ever popular NBA Jam series, the game uses the 3-on-3 format for its games. Sculptured Software, the developers

The actual basketball is generally fun to play. Controls are very responsive and will fit like a glove to any NBA Jam veteran. They aren’t difficult to learn at all and the easy going nature of them will make the whole experience a blast. With the game being simple, anyone can play.

Space Jam DOS The start of the basketball game.

Aaaand…the tip off! Image courtesy of Moby Games.

Players can only choose from two teams, the Tune Squad and the Monstars. There is a chance to customize your team with different character lineups. This feature allows for more variation during gameplay for Space Jam. Sadly, “Hit ‘em High (Monstars Anthem)” does not play when the Monstars are introduced.

Tune Squad consists of MJ himself, Bugs Bunny, Taz and a few others including the token girl Lola Bunny. The Monstars are the big guys with all the NBA’s talent. It’s an odd statistic, but the Monstars have significantly worse stats than the Tune Squad.

The Holy Trinity of the Tune Squad. Image courtesy of Moby Games.

Each character has a special dunk, which can be activated easily on the court. The dunks in Space Jam can allow players to recreate MJ’s arm stretch dunk at the end of the film. It’s a little added touch of personality that makes Space Jam stand out a bit.
Space Jam’s graphics is entirely 2D, perfectly reflecting the Looney Tunes’ cartoonish nature. It’s colorful and full of energy, much like the classic cartoons. Audience members will be overly animated and even Danny DeVito’s character makes an appearance. It actually looks pretty great and even gives off a “retro” feel years later.

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Mr. Swackhammer is not pleased, but Taz looks like he’s having fun. Image courtesy of www.vizzed.com.

Space Jam contains uneeded, but silly and entertaining, mini-games
In-between quarters, Space Jam will break away from basketball. The player will partake in some short mini-games. Two of them recreating scenes from the film and one original one starring Speedy Gonzalez. One of them has Daffy Duck trying to find Jordan’s shoes and jersey and the other has Bugs searching the locker room for the “Secret Stuff.”

Daffy’s epic quest to find MJ’s shoes! Image courtesy of Moby Games.

Overall, the mini games can seem forced, but they do have a certain charm. It’s nice to see Daffy get into shenanigans for a few laughs. However, they are fun to play and actually do help increase stats on whichever team “wins.”

One of Gaming’s Undervalued Treasures
Space Jam is not going to change the way any gamer looks at basketball video games. It’s an arcade style sports game based on a nostalgic 90s flick. This does not mean it’s a bad game or worth blowing off.

Space Jam is just a fun little game that does not try too hard. It know exactly what it is and just wants players to just turn their brains off for a bit. Fans of the movie should absolutely play it. No questions. For anyone looking for a quick basketball fix and are sick of NBA Jam, Space Jam will certainly provide a few good laughs.

The game is not expensive on sites like Amazon, depending on the version. If anyone is curious, you can purchase both the game and the movie for under 25 bucks.

Gaming’s Undervalued Treasures: Stranglehold

September 9, 2016 colin

Image courtesy of Giant Bomb.

Stranglehold is sequel to a classic action film and a great action game on its own
Stranglehold is the official sequel to John Woo’s 1992 action masterpiece Hard Boiled. Interestingly enough, it’s a video game instead of a film.

Stranglehold features the same shoot ‘em up action and melodrama Woo’s films are known for. Putting those features into a video game sounds too good to be true. However, Stranglehold works thanks to its tight gameplay, Hong Kong cinema level production values and love for the source material. Woo’s involvement with the production certainly helps too. Chow Yun-Fat even reprises his role as police officer/professional bad ass, Inspector “Tequila” Yuen.

Despite having all the makings of a classic action game, Stranglehold was only a decent hit, both critically and financially for Midway. It was not long term. Being released at the beginning of the 2007 fall season meant Stranglehold would be competing with BioShock, Halo 3 and the first Uncharted and Assassin’s Creed games. Plus the stigma of being a “movie game” may have turned off some gamers.

Stranglehold manages to capture John Woo’s style perfectly
The game scores points for originality by being a fresh story with new characters. Taking place a few years after Hard Boiled, Inspector Yuen is on a case about missing police officers in Hong Kong. Through some contacts, Yuen discovers an international plot involving a Hong Kong crime syndicate and his estranged daughter. Who has also been kidnapped, adding to the melodrama. Armed with a massive amount of firearms and a bottle of tequila, Yuen sets out on his quest.

Stranglehold’s story is full of moments like these. Image courtesy of Giant Bomb.

The story itself is overly complex in Woo’s typical style, but it allows for more than a few set pieces. This is where Stranglehold truly shines. The control set up for Stranglehold is perfect and allows players to dive and shoot as flawlessly done in the films. Max Payne owes a lot of its aesthetics to Woo’s films. Its nice to see Stranglehold using the same type of gameplay, but adding its own spin on it.

Image courtesy of Giant Bomb.

Stranglehold’s audio is also well done too. Having a similar score to Hard Boiled, but also having some top notch voice acting. There is not a Cantonese voice track, but the actors do their jobs. Yun-Fat is especially great, and its nice to hear him reprise one of, if not, his most famous roles.

Action packed action in Stranglehold!
Adding to the action of Stranglehold are a series of special moves. Shooting enough enemies and performing enough stylish dives earns the player stars. Stars will be used as ammunition for Tequila Bombs and other attacks. There is also a mode called Tequila Time where time will slow down, doves will fly out of every corner, and Yuen will become unstoppable. These features replicate Woo’s films perfectly. They even give Stranglehold a sense of identity instead of being a Max Payne clone.

Diving and shooting is the name of the game in Stranglehold! Image courtesy of Giant Bomb.

Locales in Hong Kong and Chicago allow for some creative action, instead of keeping it to the city. Yuen will be duel wielding pistols in a bar, a fishing port and a swanky jazz club. In a humorous moment, the club will have the musicians still playing their set, while Yuen is gunning down gangsters.

Shooting out in a bar. Inspector Yuen always finds himself in places where that really shouldn’t happen. Image courtesy of Giant Bomb.

One of Gaming’s Undervalued Treasures

Stranglehold all comes together and matches the tone of Woo’s action pictures flawlessly. It manages to stand on its own and not in the shadow of a well-regarded film like Hard Boiled. Stranglehold is a blast to play and even fun to watch as well. For fans of Woo, this is an absolute must play. Best part is, it’s not terribly expensive, as decent used copies won’t run more than 10 bucks on Amazon.

And for what it’s worth, the special edition for PS3 comes with a Blu-ray version of Hard Boiled.

Gaming’s Undervalued Treasures: Goof Troop

September 2, 2016 colin

Image courtesy of Giant Bomb user hmmisee.

Report to the GOOF TROOP…and we’ll always stick together!
Goof Troop on the SNES is an interesting adaptation. Instead of being a typical platformer, Goof Troop is an overhead adventure/puzzle game, not unlike classic Legend of Zelda games. Goof Troop manages to pack in addicting and challenging gameplay and excellent sound and graphics.

Goof Troop aired on the Disney Afternoon block from 1992 to 1993. It was a sitcom style cartoon about Goofy and his teenaged son Max living in the suburbs of Spoonersville. Goof Troop is another fondly remembered show from the ‘90s, and has one of the more catchy theme songs from a Disney cartoon.

Goof Troop on the SNES is the only game based on the show. Developed by Capcom, it is also worthy of being considered one of their better Disney games as well. Unfortunately, the show’s short lifespan and lack of coverage from the video game press caused Goof Troop to fade away.

Also, in an answer to an obscure trivia question, Goof Troop was also Shinji Mikami’s first video game. Everyone has got to start somewhere.

Goof Troop takes liberties in a fun, creative way
Strangely enough, Goof Troop for the SNES does not take place in Goofy and Max’s town. Instead, Goofy, Max and their neighbors Pete and PJ are out fishing. Suddenly, Pete and PJ are kidnapped by pirates and it’s up to Max and Goofy to save them. Max and his dad end up on a tropical island paradise and begin their adventure.

Goofy and Max make their way to the pirate island! Image courtesy of Obsolete Gamer.

Most of Capcom’s Disney games are platformers. DuckTales, Chip and Dale: Rescue Rangers and Aladdin, among others, are going down a well-traveled road. It’s a breath of fresh air to see Capcom use one of their Disney licenses for a different genre. It works in Goof Troop, since the show had a laid back tone and wasn’t huge on action to begin with. It’s nice to see Capcom getting creative.

Goofy tries to figure out what to do. See the determination in his eyes! Image courtesy of Obsolete Gamer.

Players can choose to either play as Goofy or Max. Goofy is much slower, but can take more hits. Max is quicker than his dear old dad, but his health is lower. Regardless of their differences, both characters are fun to play as in Goof Troop. It really comes down to personal preferences.

Goof Troop will have Goofy and his son running around beaches, dockside areas and even pirate castles in order to save their friends. Each stage has enough block puzzles to keep players guessing. They are all challenging in their own right, and are just as fun with two players.

Now what has Max gotten himself into now? Image courtesy of Obsolete Gamer.

Goof Troop is similar to Four Swords Adventures in the sense that it’s a top-down adventure game with co-op options. For certain puzzles, two players would be required. For the most part though, the challenge isn’t steep at all. However, that does not stop Goof Troop from being entertaining.

Max and his father cannot fight the pirates off with their bare hands, but can use the environment and few items along the way. Blocks in the puzzles and even a grappling hook will help Goofy and his son on their quest. It’s actually very satisfying kicking a block in a pirate’s direction and watching them fly off the screen.

Yeah, the grappling hook can be used as a bridge. It’s awesome. Image courtesy of Obsolete Gamer.

Goof Troop lives up to Capcom’s standards for Disney games
The original setting and inspired gameplay make Goof Troop worth playing. It’s the game’s graphics and sound which will draw players in. Capcom knew how to take full advantage of the SNES’ colors and power. Goof Troop on the SNES is able to capture the colorful nature of the cartoon, and even manages to get the expressions down as well.

The cutscenes and in-game graphics represent the cartoon perfectly. Image courtesy of Obsolete Gamer.

The music in Goof Troop is bombastic, but playful. It fits the tropical tone of the setting. It’s not Capcom’s best SNES work, but it serves a purpose in keeping the player entertained.

One of Gaming’s Undervalued Treasures
Goof Troop on the SNES manages to be an interesting adaptation of a cartoon many 90s kids love. The adventure game format and engaging gameplay certainly make Goof Troop one of the more creative Disney licensed games. It’s unfortunate the show was short lived, as this game is one of the most highly appealing games on the SNES.

It goes without saying if you’re a fan of the cartoon, than play Goof Troop. However, the game does have a mass appeal to not just fans of Disney cartoons. Anyone looking for a good time with friends, look no further than Goof Troop. It’s not back breaking in terms of prices, so buying it on Amazon won’t be an issue.

Gaming’s Undervalued Treasures: Starhawk

August 5, 2016 colin

Image courtesy of GameFAQs.

Starhawk is one of the better games on the PlayStation 3
Starhawk is a 2012 pulse pounding action game released on the PlayStation 3. The game is a spiritual successor to the PS3 launch title Warhawk.

When it was released, Starhawk received average reviews and had very little to no marketing campaign. For a first party Sony game, this is strange. It also came out a week within Max Payne 3 and Diablo III. A minor burden, but not something in Starhawk’s favor. The game has sold less than 300,000 copies worldwide when it was released. To make matters worse, Starhawk’s only major sales came at the beginning of May of 2012. Starhawk was regulated to the bargain bin in all too quick fashion.

Starhawk is a game worth checking out just once. In short, the game is a blast to play. LightBox Interactive managed to make an action/RTS game that’s simplistic, yet still fun. Starhawk even manages to have a fun story mode as well. On top of those features, the soundtrack is a sublime mix of western and space opera.

Starhawk is light on story, incredibly heavy on action
The shockingly good story of Starhawk is told through well done motion comics. Starhawk’s space western universe focuses on the Rifts. Rifts are sources of powerful energy. When a person comes in contact with a Rift, they become a monster composed of pure energy called an Outcast. Emmett Graves is a bounty hunter who has been called on various jobs throughout the galaxy to get rid of the Outcasts and secure energy. However, lately the galaxy has had an outbreak of Outcasts. The leader of these Outcasts may have a personal connection to Emmett.

An example of the stylized cut scenes. Image courtesy of 3D Juegos.

The action of Starhawk uses the typical third person shooter aesthetic. The PS3 controller was made for these kinds of games. The tight controls keep the game flowing with set pieces. With a wide variety of guns, vehicles and explosives, Emmett can take out Outcasts in a simplistic, but fun, way. However, where the RTS elements come in are with building support units and garages for vehicles.

Building a base! Image courtesy of Impulse Gamer.

Emmett’s friend Cutter shoots down all kinds of helpful items and vehicles. A highlight is the glider, which Emmett can use for ground fighting and aerial combat. As long as Emmett and Cutter have enough funds, the player can summon as much as they want. This keeps Starhawk fun, as the player will always have some sort of item to have gameplay fresh every time

Gun play is a lot of fun, but not as fun as riding some vehicles. Image courtesy of 3D Juegos.

It also helps that each mission is on a unique planet of the galaxy or on a space station. Each chapter of the game will have its own unique mission. Rather than having a variation of the same task, like securing Rift or eliminating all the enemies, Starhawk requires players to be a little experimental with what they create.

For a game focusing on its multiplayer aspect, Starhawk has a consistently solid single player mode.

Image courtesy of Impulse Gamer.

Multiplayer is one of the many bright moments
Starhawk has one of the most entertaining multiplayer modes in any game on the PS3. Utilizing the same chaotic energy the single player missions have, Starhawk is fun with friends. There are your standard deathmatch and capture the flag modes. However, Starhawk has so much freedom with its gameplay, it allows for some creative multiplayer experiences. Even after finishing the story mode, players will keep going back to Starhawk’s multiplayer. Granted if the servers are still up.

Multiplayer on Starhawk is a good times for all. Image courtesy of Impulse Gamer.

During Starhawk‘s development, the multiplayer component was highly anticipated. Unfortunately, a very little amount of gamers were online playing it. Which is a shame, as the easy-to-learn gameplay is perfect for a big game night with friends.

One of Gaming’s Undervalued Treasures
Starhawk is one of Sony’s more interesting first party games. Pity the company did not promote it better. Emmett Graves could be going on more adventures.

The space western design of the characters and story will certainly bring in people in. It’s the extremely enjoyable and overall inventiveness of the gameplay that will keep players on their PS3s. Starhawk may look like a generic third person shooter, but it’s a far better game than that assumption. It also won’t clean out any wallets with those prices on Amazon.

gaming’s undervalued treasures