Mario Kart Poor... Two Weeks Later

So yeah, I still don't like Mario Kart Tour.  I did say I was going to try to stick with it to see if it got any better, and I was curious to see what the new tracks would be, but ultimately I found the game not to be worth it, and I uninstalled it from my phone.  It's the only Nintendo mobile game that I've done that with.  All the other titles have been at least fair and enjoyable on a free to play basis, but since this game has a competitive spirit, the only way you're going to consistently win is if you pay.  Only the top tier people get all the rewards, and they only stay that way from either extreme luck, or paying for pipe pulls.  It's very discouraging.

So what made me uninstall it?  Well, what I was afraid was going to happen happened.  The game tells you that each tour lasts two weeks, but I thought that maybe they meant from a competition standpoint.  No, when the new tour arrives, it flat out replaces the current tour, tracks and all.  Can you imagine in a normal Mario Kart game cups disappearing when you complete new ones?! This means that some of the special characters, karts and gliders aren't actually required on some tracks for bonuses meaning you have to start all over in your search for new gear.  If you paid for increased chances to get what you needed last tour, you need to do that yet again.  I mean, it's not surprising.  That's how mobile games keep their audience play....err... paying. 

It bothers me, though, because I'm a bit of completionist. I got all gold cups in every Mario Kart game I've played, and I spent hours trying to get all five stars on some of the tracks last tour only to see all that progress wiped away.  Infuriating.  Also, this new tour has apparently gotten much harder.  The AI has gotten more aggressive and the new track selection has some tracks that just don't translate well to MKT's mobile style of gameplay.  One such track, Neo Bowser, is so hard to navigate through all the S curves that I just don't see anyone doing well unless they master the drift only control method, which I can't.  To me, drift only is far worse than normal.

Anyway, I just had a much harder time getting first place in general.  Some tracks, though, I was able to have top tier bonuses because of my previous gear, and there was so many opportunities to rack up bonus points, it didn't even matter what rank I placed. One race, I got almost 10k points.  And that's another problem. There's so much inconsistency in the track selection.  The Kalimari Desert offers almost no opportunities for chaining combos because of how the track is laid out.  There's lots of straightaways and short turns that don't allow for much drifting.  If they actually added more bumps and ramps and whatnot, like they've done with other tracks, it would be more fun.  As it stands, it just smells of laziness. 

I also decided to try the Gold Pass free trial, and sadly, it didn't help much.  I appreciated all the extra rubies I got, as well as some gear, but it didn't help me much in the long run.  When I pulled from the pipe with all the new rubies I received, I got two back to back Baby Peaches, which I already had, and three repeat gliders.  This game's drop rate is even worse than Fire Emblem Heroes!  The new gear I got was seldom required for most of the tracks that I needed to complete, and the ones that were I ended up not using them because I had other gear that had higher point values.  Of course, I could fix that if the game would just let me grind XP on them, but I can't because of the daily caps. Daily caps in games that are designed to keep you playing are

 

I'm just tired of this game.  I'm frustrated with this game.  It makes me angry that one of my favorite franchises has been reduced to this mess.  I get mad that other people are really enjoying it, because I can't figure out what the draw is.  I even read a post from someone that said they had more fun with this than Mario Kart 8! (maybe trolling?)   I can't understand why people would rather spends loads of money on mobile shit versus actually buying a real gaming device with real games.  To each their own, I get it.  I just feel like right now, I'm stuck in some kind of video game Idiocracy that while I want quality games on mobile, which IS a thing, everyone's just happy playing Ow, My Balls!

I was hoping I could have lasted long enough to see what the multiplayer would be like, but I'm sure it wouldn't be any better than what's available now.  Most multiplayer I've played in mobile games suffer from latency, and considering Nintendo still  has issues in their Switch online games, I'm willing to bet there will be issues with MKT's multiplayer as well.  I'm also sure that multiplayer will benefit those who pay and sub to the Gold Pass.  I can't see multiplayer being a level playing field when the single player already begs you so hard for more money. I'm just hoping against hope that they include battle mode, because if they do, I might as least go back and try that, but then I had another thought.  Top tier characters get three items per item box.  Bottom tier only get one.  Can you imagine Battle Mode with that system?  Those who never got top tier characters wouldn't stand a chance!  So yeah, maybe it's better if I don't come back for the multiplayer.  I'll just be pissed off again. 

Sega Genesis Mini Part 8

The final batch of games!

Ecco the Dolphin

I remember really liking this game because of the concept, but also not playing it much because I was always getting stuck.  When revisiting it, it made me wonder how I could like it at all.  It doesn't control well.  There's far too many cheap hits.  The map is restrictive.  The level layout is too confusing.  This is one of those games that you needed a lot of patience for, and I know some of my friends had a lot of patience back then.  As for me, though, I don't have any for this game.  Even with save states, I don't think I want to bother with this game anymore.

Ghouls'N Ghosts

Before there was Dark Souls.... But seriously, I think Hidetaka Miyazaki played a lot of Ghouls'N Ghosts as a kid. The sequel to the just as punishing Ghosts'n Goblins, Ghouls'N Ghosts would later appear on the Super NES as Super Ghouls'N Ghosts and prove to be one of the hardest side scrolling action games around.  Its gameplay relied on you dying countless times to learn where the enemies would spawn, which ones shot at you, lept at you, etc., and learning the bosses.  You could get power ups such as super armor that let you deliver devastating attacks, one of which I one-shotted the first boss with.  The longer you kept your power ups, the better chance you had of survival.  Also, it was hilarious to see, Arthur I believe it was?, get knocked out of his armor and run around in his heart print shorts.  I finished the first couple of levels, once again thanks to the lovely save states, and I just might return to this some day to see if I can actually finish it.  Never did finish a Ghosts game.  Would be nice to finish one before I die.

Phantasy Star IV

Ooh, an RPG on the Mini I can actually get into!  But alas, I have to get my blog wrapped up, so I can't spend all night playing it.  I love a good old dungeon crawler, so this one is right up my alley.  The only thing I don't particularly like is how you don't get descriptions over most things you select in battle.  I don't know what spells do what until I actually use them, which is why I really wish the Mini had virtual manuals.  When I do return to this game, I'll have to have a FAQ open.  I like how the battles show the action behind the characters, and then they move in and attack with their own animations.  But... one thing I don't understand... Is my main guy REALLY named Chaz?  

Space Harrier II

Another one of the Genesis launch titles, I'm not sure if I ever played it in its Genesis form.  I'm pretty sure I played it in the arcade.  It was a great psuedo-3D shooter, trippy as all hell.  I did the first three levels, yet again thanks to save states, and I really enjoy the pace of the game.  It's fast and responsive, and for a 30 year old I think still holds up well.  I know it's a bit unfair because of its age, but I kinda wish it had power ups.  It would help mix things up a bit because all you're really doing is mashing one button firing the same kind of round.  Also, the whole concept of the guy riding his rocket on his side while also using it as a weapon is kinda hilarious.  It seems like a pretty short game even with 10 or so levels, so I'll think I'll come back at some point and finish it.  

Toejam and Earl

Ah, Toejam and Earl, back when video games tried too hard to be "hip" and "cool".  If this was now, they'd say "Swag" and "YOLO".  What?  Kids don't say that anymore either?  Anyway, I remember having a blast with my friend playing this game when it came out.  Nowadays, I don't think it particularly aged well.  I found it quite boring and dull to be honest.  There's nothing really interesting going on in the levels, just avoid enemies, pick up presents and find spaceship parts.  I'm trying to remember what I really saw in this game.  I guess it was because I was playing it with a friend, so what it's missing is co-op so we can be bored together.  

Sonic the Hedgehog 2

Here we are, the final game of the collection: Sonic the Hedgehog 2.  In my opinion, this is one of the best sequels ever made.  Everything has been improved.  Graphics, animation, music, levels, speed and of course, the addition of Tails.  Tails was such a fantastic part of Sonic the Hedgehog 2, because not only did it give Sonic a helper in taking out enemies and collecting lost coins, it also allowed for a second player to play right along side Sonic.  This meant that boss battles became much easier because now there were two characters attacking Robotnik at the same time. And the half pipe bonus stage was so fun as well.   I did the first three zones and wanted to do more, but the third zone was Aquatic Zone, and underwater levels really stress me out.  Nothing like hearing that danger music when Sonic starts running out of air to tense you up.  Man, I just can't get over how good this game was.  Truly one of the Genesis' best games!

Thanks to everyone who read through all of my blogs!  If you haven't already, go get you a Sega Genesis Mini.  It is worth it!

Sega Genesis Mini Part 7

Contra: Hard Corps

Before there was Dark Souls.. Heh, damn, the Genesis Mini has some HARD games in its collection, and none come harder than Contra.  You need lightning quick reflexes to dodge most of the attacks and you'll need to die a LOT in order to get boss patterns down.  First thing I tried to do was the Konami code, but alas, it didn't not work.  That's okay, though, cuz SAVE STATE, BITCHES! Yeah, seriously, save states are going to let me finish so many games.  It's not that I don't have the skill to do them; I just don't have the time.  Anyway, Hard Corp plays almost exactly like SNES's Contra III, as it should since it's a direct sequel.  It also lets you collect multiple power ups that you can swap around to suit different situations.  I played the first two levels, and I also found out that there are branching paths, so that adds some replay value.  I'm pretty sure I'll return to this game, but if I do, it's going to be one play through only.  Even with save states, it'll still drive me nuts.

Shining Force

I made the mistake of playing this too late at night.  I just couldn't get into it.  Roaming around town trying to get the game started was literally putting me to sleep.  I did stick with it long enough to engage in the first battle, which I lost, because my main character got ganged up on.  I did play Shining Force III for the Sega Saturn, though, and I loved the hell out of it, so maybe one day, if I decide I want some tactical RPG action, I'll return to this, but it's not going to be for a very long time.

Thunder Force III

Yet ANOTHER tough as nails game on the Genesis Mini!  Can a gamer catch a break?  Oh wait, yeah I can.  They're called save states.  Seriously, if it weren't for save states, I probably wouldn't bother with half of this machine's collection.  Anyway, Thunder Force III is a side scrolling space shooter that lets you collect up to five different weapon types, just like in Contra: Hard Corps.  It also seems like every level has their own unique set of weapons. I only did the first couple of levels, but again, it was all thanks to the save states.  I do really like this game, though, so I'll come back to it at some point. 

Landstalker

This game kinda feels like Zelda, but from an isometric point of view.  You start out as a treasure hunter wielding your trusty sword, and then you actually end up befriending a fairy.  Very soon, you're given a task of rescuing the the daughter of the mayor of this village that saved you from a fall.  When exploring, you end up finding shrines that hold treasures.  I already finished one shrine.  It was a series of light puzzles and traps.  I was working on going through a second shrine when I decided I wanted to move on.  I'm curious to see where this game is going to go, because the demo showed some really interesting puzzles.  I'll add it to my list of games to beat. 

Dr. Robotnik's Mean Bean Machine

I had this game as a kid, and I remember being really good at it.  I know I beat it, in fact.  It was also one of the few games that I could actually beat my friend at, since he wasn't all that good with puzzlers.  Playing it again, I got up to around stage eight or nine, only because I kept getting lucky with combos.  To be honest, I'm definitely rusty at this game now.  I can't see the combos like I used to before, and I panic quicker when the trash pieces fall on me.  Also, it's very hard to recover when you're setting up combos and you get just a little trash in the wrong spots. I only wished this game had a marathon mode like Tetris instead of always being versus.  

World of Illusion Starring Mickey Mouse and Donald Duck

I was glad they put both Mickey Mouse games in this collection, because I was able to see just how more evolved the sequel was over the original.  World of Illusion's graphics and animations are expectedly improved.  The gameplay's smoother.  The levels have more going on.  I also like the transition segments where Mickey rides in a flying carpet or air bubble.  This was the era where Genesis was getting a lot of great licensed games, not just with the Disney games.  I'm not sure if I ever beat this game, but it's fun enough that I'll eventually want to get around to doing so. 

Sega Genesis Mini Part 6

Wonder Boy in Monster World

Wonder Boy is one of those franchises that's managed to extend its life all the way to the Switch.  It's a decent action-RPG.  You start off in a town where a cliche tragedy has befallen it in the form of a princess being kidnapped.  (Anita Sarkeesian would roll her eyes at this game) You can buy weapons and armor and use magic and whatnot.  The gameplay, though, just isn't that compelling to me.  Combat isn't very exciting.  This was also one of those games that really would have benefited with a virtual manual because I couldn't figure out how to use items or magic until I looked up a FAQ.  I'm sure the game's good enough to warrant a full play through, but it's low on my priority list right now.

Street Fighter II: Special Championship Edition

So before I talk about this game, which what can I say - it's Street Fighter, I have to mention that my friend and I were on opposite sides of the 16-bit console wars.  I was the SNES owner.  When Street Fighter II came out for the SNES first, I rubbed it in his face.  Little did I know, his Genesis would get Championship Edition and he'd rub that in my face, since CE let you play as the bosses.  He didn't have that big of a win, though, because SF was a six button game, and he only had a 3 button controller.  He had to press Start in order to swap from punches to kicks.  I'd have the last laugh, though, because SNES would get Street Fighter 2: Turbo, a far superior edition.  Anyway, I only played a little bit of this because I've gotten so rusty, I didn't have the patience to dust myself off.  I picked Guile at first, but couldn't get past Ryu, so I cheesed it with M. Bison and spammed Psycho Crusher.  God, was Bison overpowered....

Alisia Dragoon 

Wow, I've never heard of this game!  For starters, I have an affinity with dragoons. I love the Panzer Dragoon games, and I love playing dragoons in the Final Fantasy games.  But the dragoon in this game is different than anything I've played, because she doesn't look like a dragoon and she summons HOMING LIGHTNING!  That is bad ass!  She also has a dragoon that follows her around and she can swap it out with other dragons as well plus a weird fireball thingy.  It's a hard game, though.  One life, no continues.  Save states baby!  I only did the first stage, but I think I'm going to return to see if I can beat it at some point. 

Beyond Oasis

I remember hearing about this game, but I don't think I've ever played it.  It kinda plays like a top down Zelda adventure game with a brawler-like style of combat.  Supposedly, it's made by the same team that made Streets of Rage 2, so that would explain that.  I tend to get lost rather easily in games like these and after wandering around not really knowing what to do, I began to get rather tired.  My fault for playing it too late at night, but I think once I return to this game with a fresher head, I may be more open to continue exploring.  

Mario Kart Tour is Mario Kart Poor

So today, the long awaited Mario Kart Tour finally released.  I was hoping against hope that it wouldn't end up being another gacha-riddled microtransaction infused mess of a game like previous Nintendo titles.  It was hoping it was going to be more along the lines of Super Mario Run, while although simple, felt like a self-contained game.

It's what we all feared it would be.  Before I really rip into it, let me first talk about the good things in the game.  Out of all mobile Nintendo games, Mario Kart Tour most closely resembles the look and feel of a mainstream Nintendo title.  Animal Crossing: Pocket Camp was pretty good in this area, too, but it lacked visual impact.  There also seems to be a lot of cups, or tours as they're called in this game, so it sounds like the game will be continuously updated with more content as well.  That's always a plus.

Now, for the downside.  Again, hoping against hope this wasn't going to be a gacha game, the very first thing I had to do was... pull a gacha (I don't know if that's the term for randomly pulling a character or what).  The game does not start you out with a roster of characters to pick from.  That is blasphemy.  I'm not asking for the entire roster, but not even Mario is available at the start!  Anyway, I ended up pulling Toad.  All the carts, gliders, etc., are obtained by this method, or buying them with coins.  The cheapest thing I saw in the shop was 800 coins, and I've done two complete tours and haven't even hit 200 yet.   There's a reason for that....

Don't want to keep grinding?

So yeah, the game's designed to nickle and dime you, and it does so without shame. There's also a weird point system that determines a jump start you get in points at the end of a race.  In order to unlock more tours, you need to gather the required number of stars and in order to get stars, you need to reach certain point levels.  The more you race as a character, kart and glider, the more they'll level up and the more points they'll start off with.

Since this is a gacha game, everything that you pull has different ranks.  The rarer the rank, the more points will be given to the character, kart or glider you use.  So far, I've hit my star rating at max every race, but I can only imagine the requirements getting tighter the further you go.  This would definitely entice someone to buy rubies, MKT's premium currency, in order to start pulling in the hopes of landing some gold characters if they don't want to keep grinding to level up their stuff for more points.  There's also banners that focus on certain characters for a limited time so I'm guessing that if you aren't pulling during that time frame, your odds of getting that character will become much lower. That's what really irks me about this game.  It sounds like you need to pull your characters and get lucky to start getting them all versus just playing the game long enough, like any regular Mario Kart game.

But let's talk about the gameplay.  It's designed to play in quick bursts, like most mobile games, so races are very short.  I haven't figured out if I'm actually racing against real people or just bots with real people's account names, but so far, the competition has been pretty lazy.  I've won first in most races, and even the race I came in third on, I still somehow managed to get a five star ranking, which was really weird.

The gameplay is instantly familiar.  You've got item boxes, coins, item combat, obstacles and power drifting and speed boosts, but how you play has all been dumbed way down.  This is an auto-accelerated game, and you swipe your finger back and forth in order to steer.  Jump boosts are done for you automatically, as well as drifting.  No hoping is needed.  I felt like a zombie playing this game with only my thumb.  It's just so damn dull.  It also doesn't help that you can't play it horizontally, as that narrows the field of vision.  But well, every mobile gamer you see plays almost exclusively in vertical.

The tracks that I've come across have been mostly from other Mario Kart games.  Yoshi Circuit, Daisy Hills, Mario Circuit 1, Rock Rock Mountain, etc.  There's only one new track that I've come across set in New Donk City, and this is actually upsetting me.  I've been dying for a new Mario Kart game since 8 on the Wii U (no, 8DX on Switch does not count) and the first time I get a new Mario Kart track is in a mobile game?!

It just feels like I'm being condescended with this game.  They can't even trust me enough to control my own acceleration.  You also can't drive off the track so you're basically just playing bowling with bumpers on.  They should have just let it auto steer as well so all us drone-like mobile gamers have to do is tap the screen when we get an item and sit back and collect our points.

Now, the argument to be made is that I shouldn't be expecting an actual Mario Kart game because this is a mobile game, but my counterargument is that just because it's on mobile doesn't mean it HAS to be a typical mobile game. There are plenty of in-depth games out there on mobile.  Hell, even full-sized games from the past like Final Fantasy VII and Grand Theft Auto 3 are on mobile.  Nintendo games shouldn't be dumbed down for mobile gamers, but it just seems that no one thinks mobile gamers want more than quick tap games with a potent injection of microtransaction gacha shit.  The money from mobile gaming all comes from the MTs, and Nintendo tried to sell us a game for 10 dollars outright, but no one bought it. Now, they're back to pitching us free to pl... SORRY!  Free to START games and the whales will just support them.

I've never understood the psychology behind that.  Why on Earth would you rather spend hundreds, even thousands of dollars on cheap mobile crap games when you could just buy them for 5, 10, 20 bucks?  Hell, there's even a 5 dollar a month subscription service for Mario Kart Tour called Gold Pass that not only gives you exclusive perks, but is the ONLY way to unlock the 200cc mode!  That's right, you need to pay five dollars MONTHLY to access a mode that was available from the very start with MK8DX.  If you still play this with the gold pass for a year, you just paid 60 bucks right there. Imagine still playing this for years on end... If you think I'm going to pay a monthly sub for any mobile game, you're out of your fucking mind. But no, a lot of schmucks are going to pay this because of FOMO (Fear of Missing Out).  Weak-willed gamers with holes in their pockets.

I'll still play it, though, just because I'm curious to see what kind of new tracks there will be, but they're already repeating, which isn't a good sign.  Part of me is wondering why I even bother as they just wouldn't be all that exciting with such basic controls, but who knows?  Maybe Mario Kart 9 will take these new tracks and put them in a fleshed out Mario Kart game. As it stands, this is Nintendo's biggest missed opportunity in the mobile industry.  They really could have made a fantastic Mario Kart, but instead decided to sell its soul for the sake of a quick buck.

I want to close with this video from DreamcastGuy.  He echoes almost all my sentiments on the game.  Also note the like to dislike ratio.  A lot of people are actually defending this game because it's free, and those people I say:

Sega Genesis Mini Part 5

Gunstar Heroes

I remember playing this game as a kid.  Another tough as nails game in the vein of Contra.  I also remember not getting anywhere in it.  I did finish a couple of levels this time, all thanks to save states, and one level had a boss with like six different stages.  I can only imagine being frustrated having to do that one over and over again.  What makes Gunstar Heroes stand out in a way though are its weapon modifications, styles of gunplay as you can shoot while moving or stay planted, and level selection at the very beginning.  My favorite mod is the homing laser that just sticks to an enemy as long as you hold down B.  Made focusing on dodging bosses that much easier.  This is going to be one of the games I plan on finishing at a later date. 

Mega Man: The Wily Wars

Wow, first off, let's note the MA-13 rating on the box.  That's equivalent to T today.  I didn't realize a non-graphic violence game like Mega Man would have been suggested for 13 and over.  Anyway, I forgot Wily Wars was a Mega Man 1-3 collection.  I thought it was a brand new Mega Man for the Genesis.  Supposedly, though, there's a brand new boss made just for this version that requires you beating Mega Man 1-3.  I beat 2 and 3 when I was a kid, but never finished the first.  Not looking forward to trying again.  I played Cut Man's stage from 1, Metal Man's stage from 2 and Top Man's stage from 3.  The graphics do seem touched up a bit.  I have the entire Mega Man collection on the GameCube, though, so I doubt I'll be coming back to this one.  If I'm going to invest any playtime in a Mega Man collection, it's going to be toward the entire package. 

Kid Chameleon 

Well, I was liking this game until I ended up getting stuck at the third level.  There was a long shaft up and I couldn't find any way up it.  The game plays a little like Super Mario Bros. because it involves smashing bricks with his head.  There's also special power ups that put him in different suits that gives him different abilities to fight enemies with, and I'm guessing there's a power up that lets me get up this shaft, but if there is, I can't find it.  So, I got mad stuck in the third level, and the game boasts more than 100 levels?  Not sure if I'd ever have the patience for this game. 

Edit: Ok, so right after I typed this, I played around a little more and found out one of the suits has a climbing ability.  And this just illustrates a flaw with the Genesis Mini: We need virtual manuals. 

Castle of Illusion Starring Mickey Mouse

Before there was Kingdom Hearts,... there was Castle of Illusion Starring Mickey Mouse?  This may not be the first Disney game, but it's the first one I remember Genesis having.  I also remember going to my friend's house to play it all the time.  It still kinda holds up today.  The animations are no where near the level of, say, Aladdin and Lion King (strangely missing on the Genesis Mini), but the gameplay's still solid.  I finished one of the levels and didn't make it through the second, but I'm going to add this to my list of games to finish on the Mini at some point.

Dynamite Headdy

Dynamite Headdy was probably one of the most unique Genesis games I ever played.  I also had it when I was a kid and I remember liking it a lot.  Playing it again, I think it still kinda holds up well.  One thing I love about it is all the variety of levels and gameplay it has.  It's one of those "WTF is going on?!" type games.  Plus, any action game that lets me attack in eight directions gets a bonus from me.  The graphics are very colorful and the designs are playful.  I also love that there's a ton of different power ups for Dynamite Headdy.  I'm not sure if I've ever beat the game before, though, so this will be one that I'll eventually try to beat.  It has limited continues, though, so I'll be using save states.

Super Fantasy Zone

I've heard of Fantasy Zone before, and I'm not sure that I've played it before, but something felt oddly familiar when I saw the ship upon playing this version of Super Fantasy Zone.  It's a shooter, but it's not a forward moving shooter like most in the genre.  You go back and forth through the stage with the goal of taking down, I think it's like 10 big enemies while fighting off waves of smaller ones and then a boss at the end of each stage.  There's a floating shot that appears at times which allows you to equip your ship with upgrades, but it sucks that they don't last for very long.  I ended up using save states a lot in order to beat the first three stages.  It's not that hard, really, it's just that it can be very tricky if you aren't paying attention.  I may possibly finish this one.

Another round done. Another coming tomorrow.

Sega Genesis Mini Part 4

Altered Beast

One of the most iconic launch titles since Mario, Altered Beast was a port of a very rough arcade game.  If you never played Altered Beast, it's a game where you start out as a puny human collecting upgrades getting stronger and stronger until you turn into an actual beast.  Each level has its own unique beast transformation with their own special moves.  I actually don't really mind this game, but there's a serious problem with it.  No continue system at all.  There's also no way to recover health or lives. If I'm ever going to be able to beat this game, it's going to be using save states.  Also, I was watching the demo play while typing this, and I noticed that when it's in two player mode, they start out already in beast mode... I wonder how I can do that... It would make the game that much more fun.  Also, who could forget this line? "WISE FROM YOUR GWAVE!

Earthworm Jim

Ah, Earthworm Jim!  Another tough as nails game, but to be honest, it's hard for the wrong reasons.  There's plenty of cheap shots in this game all thanks to wonky hitboxes when you whip your worm body at enemies.  Those damn crows!  This was the age of 16 bit, though, when graphics got better and animations really improved.  It's a joyous game to watch in motion.  I played the first couple of levels, New Junk City, and Andy Asteroids where you go on the psuedo-3D rocket race against I think it was a chicken.  This is going to be one of those "I'm going to use save states until I beat it" type games.  

Columns

Before Genesis got Tetris themselves, and not very well spread at that, they had Columns.  Now, I remember playing it on the Game Gear a lot, but I don't think I ever played it on the Genesis.  I can't imagine it being that much different, but it's still a fun puzzler.  It's a match three game before match three games were cool.  You'd have blocks of three different jewels and you have to match them vertically, horizontally and diagonally.  You really had to plan ahead with this game, but unlike Tetris, clearing lines isn't very easy as most of your pieces get covered with junk quickly.  I set a couple of top scores, and I think I'm content with this game.  Again, Tetris Effect is there to fulfill my puzzler itch. 

Sonic the Hedgehog

What can I say?  It's Sonic The Hedgehog.  I'm sure someone has it on their SmartFridge.  But yeah, you can't have a Genesis collection without having the second most iconic video game character on there, Sonic the Hedgehog!  Also, it was the birth of that wonderful singsong "Seeeegaaaaa!"  Goosebumps.  Anyway, I played a couple of levels and was instantly welcomed back with the Green Hills theme song.  So good!  And this game still holds up today, although not nearly as well as its sequels.  In fact, it actually makes me want to break out Sonic Mania again.  

Golden Axe was not a fun beat 'em up.  Streets of Rage is a fun beat 'em up.  Well, this is 2, not the first, but I do know that 2 was so much better than the first.  Funny, though.  I'm so surprised that Capcom never filed a cease and desist on Sega for literally ripping off Final Fight.  I mean, some of the enemies are almost exactly like, and they even use the same graphics for health and the same fonts for character names.  But yeah, Streets of Rage 2 was so much fun with my friend back in the day.  It's odd, though, I remember it being much harder.  I'm going to return to this some day and beat it with all the characters.  

Vectorman

I remember Vectorman being one of the Genesis' last hurrahs.  I also owned the game as well, and I remember I sucked at it horribly.  Still do apparently.  I don't remember the last time I had such a hard time with a first level boss.  The graphics of this era were mostly psuedo-3D animated pixels, which gave games like this very fluid animation.  Vectorman plays fast and it plays hard. You can't just run willy nilly everywhere and think you'll just steamroll everyone.  I actually made it to the third level no thanks to save states, and the second level was pretty cool.  Apparently, Vectorman has different transformations, and he was a train in the second level while avoiding the hands of a robot swinging from the tracks below you.  I may see how far I can get in this game, because I would like to beat it considering I once owned it.

As always, thanks for reading and I'll have more Genesis games tomorrow. 

Sega Genesis Mini Part 3

Alex Kidd and the Enchanted Castle

I think this was on the Sega Genesis collection for the 360, and I remember not liking it very much.  It just seemed too cheesy for me and the gameplay just wasn't much fun.  The enemies were weird.  Cars, toy planes.  There was this weird way of getting items by playing Rock, Paper, Scissors, but I actually never lost.  Maybe I was just that lucky.  Oh, and the thing that bothered me most about this game was attacking in mid air.  I couldn't figure out why sometimes he kicked, and other times he didn't.  Actually cost me a few lives.  Anyway, I don't think I'll return to this one.

Darius

I probably played this in some form or another.  I'm probably getting it confused with Gradius.  Anyway, the days of me being good at bullet hell shooters are most likely over.  I made it to the first boss, but just couldn't do it.  I like the gameplay, being able to upgrade your missiles and bombs and armor.  Graphics were pretty decent too.  I may try this game again just to see if I can better with practice.  Now I'm wondering how the NES version on Switch Online is like.

Eternal Champions

I'm starting to notice a trend when it comes to Genesis games that I've played in the past.  I remember them being better.  I remember really enjoying this game as a kid, but for some reason it just doesn't do it for me now.  It honestly feels like a cheap version of Mortal Kombat, and you can definitely see it's influenced by it.  Doesn't help that I suck at fighting games now.  I couldn't even beat the first challenger.  I did like how there were environmental deaths.  I just didn't enjoy when it was done to me. 

Light Crusader

It said this was an action RPG... Where was the action?  I know I'm not being fair, but I got lost running around the town trying to find a lost person, and I couldn't find my way out of the town to actually do any combat.  I guess if I ever decide to return to this game, I'm going to need to use a strategy guide.  I'll probably go back, because I am curious to see how the actual gameplay is like. 

Road Rash II

I thought I played this one back when I was a kid, but when I played it again, it didn't seem like the same game I was remembering.  Maybe it was the first one.  Anyway, it didn't age very well.  It was really hard to try to fight people on motorcycles, and most of the time when I tried, I'd get distracted and crash into a car or turn too wide and flip over a tree, so I found it not worth it most of the time.  I did get 1st place on the second track, though.  That's when fighting actually paid off because I had to keep my position.  Not sure if I'll play anymore of it, though.

Sonic Spinball

I had this game on the Genesis and I played it all the time.  Because I loved Kirby's Pinball Land on the Game Boy, when I heard there was going to be another pinball game but with Sonic, I had to get it.  It actually still holds up today with the levels having many different paths.  It's just a little frustrating at times when you're trying to flip Sonic in a certain direction and you can't hit him right.  The real saving grace is that there's a safe spot in between the paddles that allows Sonic to jump up and get back into play, but the downside is if miss that spot, it's game over.  I didn't finish the first level, because this happened twice, but I'm going to play more sometime and actually remember to use save states this time.  

As always, thanks for reading and I'll talk about more games tomorrow.

Sega Genesis Mini Part 2

So I played another four Genesis games today.  The first:

I'm pretty sure I own this in some other form or fashion, but this was the first time I remember playing it.  I've heard a lot of good things about it, but to be honest, I was severely underwhelmed by what I played.  I mean, it's not really fair, because it came after the far superior Castlevania IV on the SNES, and I just hate playing this game without being able to aim that whip eight different ways.  I'll eventually return to it and see how much farther I can go with it, but sorry if  I upset any Castlevania fans. 

Next up:

Damn, this game did not age well at all.  As I kept getting cheap shotted after cheap shotted with horrible hit box detection, I had to remind myself of the era this game came from.  This was a console port of an arcade game that was designed to pummel you into the ground to get more quarters off you.  These kinds of games did not translate very well on the console because every cheap hit feel that much cheaper.  I know there are some people very skilled at this game, but I don't have that level of patience.  I'm not sure I'll ever return to this game again.  

Next up: 

This was a game that I never played, or even heard of.  It's an adventure game that decent graphics and animation, responsive controls and, what I really love, the ability to block.  That move was rare in games of that nature back then.  I played until I got to statue that I didn't know what to do with, so I gave up.  I do want to go back to it at some point, because I can see myself actually playing through this game, unlike Golden Axe. 

Lastly:

First off, let's talk about that ridiculous box art.  Definitely an 80s game.  In fact, Capcom was notorious for bad box art back then.  Anyway, this was a game I remember loving in the arcade, and I believe I loved it on the Genesis as well, but upon playing it again, I don't think it really stood the test of time.  It just seems so... messy.  Hit detection is all over the place.  The jumping is this weird cartwheel/somersault thing that doesn't allow for the agility needed to get out of the way of danger.  The sword slashing is fun, and I love activating all the assistant bots.  At the end of the day, though, I kept thinking to myself, "I want to play Shinobi III instead."  I'll try to return to the game later and see how much more I can play. 

I'll try to play four more tomorrow night.  As always, thanks for reading.

SEGA! ... Genesis Mini

So my Sega Genesis Mini came in today.  Before I get into the blog, please take a few minutes to watch my unboxing video.

After I uploaded the video, I realized I should have at least taken one of the controllers out of the wrapping just to see how long the cord was.  I did take my six button controller out and I'm happy to report that cord is plenty long enough.  No extension cord needed.  I was also wrong when I said that the USB slots were the same as the NES and SNES Classics.  I forgot that those systems used proprietary ports. 

Anyway, let's talk about some of the games I've played.  I only played a little bit tonight, but I did play play four.  The first game I played I already knew what it was going to be and that was:

I owned this game back when I had a Genesis.  It's one of my all time favorite games.  I used to play it so much when I was a kid, I had it mastered.  I even beat it on hard without losing a life.  After not playing it for so many years, needless to say, I was rusty.  I actually ended up running out of lives when I got to level five.  It'll all come back to me if I play it enough.  The levels had a lot of variety to them and got progressively harder near the end.  I do remember now that I played it again when I got the Sega Genesis collection on the 360, and I failed to beat the last boss.  Now I'm looking forward to trying him again. 

After I used a continue, I decided to try another game.  After hearing that there was a very rare Genesis version of Tetris, I was really curious so I tried that next.

I wasn't really expecting anything.  After all, it's Tetris.  It actually plays pretty fast or normal Tetris.  It got super crazy after I only did 60 lines.  It also has several different backgrounds that change as you move up levels.  I may play a little more, but honestly, I have Tetris Effect, the only Tetris you'll ever need. 

Another game I was interested in trying out when I saw it was going to be on the Mini was Virtua Fighter 2.

I remember when Virtua Racing came out, they made a Genesis port that actually had polygonal graphics.  I thought this game was going to as well, but obviously not nearly as impressive as the Saturn version, but that wasn't the case with this one.  The graphics were redone with sprites, and pretty poor quality too.  I played a few rounds with Akira, and that was about as much as I wanted to play from it.  Honestly, this one shouldn't have been put on the list.  Sonic 3's missing, you know....

The last game I played for the night was:

Before there was Dark Souls, there was Comix Zone.  That's kinda how I felt about this game, because it was just so hard.  I made it to the next level before the night was over, but I remember having such a hard time with it when I first played it.  I absolutely loved the concept of the game, though.  Now that I have save states, I might start using them and see if I can actually beat the game this time.  

That's it for this blog.  I'll have another tomorrow as I play more games from the Mini.