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45 articles in this category
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Heretic: Shadow of the Serpent Riders Retrospective
Welcome back to the Nostagia Train – the series that brings you back in time to enjoy the beloved or not-so-beloved games of our past. This time, we are headed back to 1994 when FPS shooters involved tricky mazes, creatures from another world, and mild motion-sickness. Following the success of Doom and Wolfenstein 3D, Heretic: Shadow of the Serpent Riders was a dark, medieval take on the first-person shooter.
A twisted atmosphere of ambient noise and uncertainty around every corner, Heretic is more than just a Doom clone. While most of the game takes cues from its predecessor, Heretic manages to stand on its own as a pretty solid game. There are a few functional changes and a different theme bundled with a little online multi-player option that makes this game worth checking out.
Heretic: War of the Serpent Riders
Three devious Serpent Riders with powerful magic have sought to control the kings of the world and wage war. However, the Sidhe elves resisted the riders. They sacrificed their own power to stop the kings from tearing each other a part at the cost of their own magic. Thus, the elves were rendered helpless before the Serpent Riders and forced to go into hiding. One remaining warrior, Corvus, seeks vengeance against the Serpent Riders and sets out to defeat the weakest first – D’Sparil. Will his vengeance be realized and can he make it home alive?
Navigating the City of the Damned
Heretic is your basic first-person shooter, but with a few perks. Unlike previous games, you can actually look up and down in this game! It’s a little change, but it really helps when you’re trying to find out what’s shooting you. A less helpful tidbit is the introduction of gibs – that way you are pleasantly reminded of the fact that you died a horrible, skin-melting lava death. Oh yes! And you can fly. So, there’s that.
Aside from these small changes, game play is very similar to other FP shooters of the era. Players must navigate through a level-based structure with varying degrees of difficulty. Find weapons, find keys, find treasure and murder the bad guys. Part of the fun of these games is figuring out the puzzles and unlocking the door forward to the next, more difficult level of the dungeon. That, and the abusive cheat codes.
Trying to cheat, eh? Now you die!
One of the best parts of Heretic and games like it is throwing on the cheat codes and slaughtering your foes. There are several codes for “god mode” or “all weapons” – but don’t go typing in IDKFA of IDDQD just yet. The game actually punishes players that try to use the secret codes from Doom. If you don’t believe me, give it a try! You can download the game on steam!
Overall, Heretic: Shadow of the Serpent Riders is one of those games that slipped through the cracks. While the story isn't much to write home about, the actual game play is where Heretic shines. It was released at a time where Doom was king, and the release date had it competing with the next level of gaming. It had missed its mark, but it really is a solid game. If you are into old school first-person shooters, Heretic is really worth spending the time and money on. If you end up liking it, there are two sequels!
So, what do you think? Want to head back into the past? Where should we go next? Let us know in the comments below!
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Gaming For The Nerd at Heart
Well, first off, this is my glorious ode to my life-long love affair with games. Included in these posts will be stories of games gone by, reviews, and "deadicated" insight on the games of now.
For the most part, I am a big nerd trapped in a smaller nerd's body; but I say embrace that inner nerd. It is for the best. What else could we be if we were not true to ourselves?
These posts will range from personal tales that connect me to the video games of old to comparisons and reviews in modern times.
Honestly, anything is "game"...
HAHAHAA. Okay, enough.
Anywho, I plan to wade into an ocean of board, PC, and console games alike!
I hope that you'll enjoy and look back at your own gaming lifetime and smile. I grew up on games - and I hope those of you, out there enjoy a nostalgia trip as much as I do.
Thanks for reading!
-Sera
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Horror Game Settings: Raccoon City vs The Warlock's Castle
When it comes to fear, everyone has their own poison. Some are afraid of clowns, others spiders, and some might be afraid of plastic wrap, but the general idea is that everyone is afraid of something. I have a handful of irrational fears: the dentist, needles, clowns, and zombies. I'm not really sure why, but something about each of those 'things' freaks me out. Aside from phobias, it is easy for me to be frightened by things, and I blame my love for music and writing.
Music and writing can pray on your fears like a mantis on the head of her mate! It lulls video gamers into a false sense of security, or just nerves them up and boom—you are dead. Still, the mark of a decent writer or a composer is the chills that make a gamer want to vomit as they enter that creaking door.
Now hold on. You know, some people like to be scared. Horror games are a pretty popular genre. But when is a game really scary? I mean, a number of games can have zombies, or ghosts, or...chainsaw wielding killers, but honestly, half of what players hope to be frightening ends up just being ridiculously bad. I, on the other hand, am stuck in a time warp. Times have changed for the horror genre and there are new ways to make gamers wet themselves, but is the style really different today? Do the same skin crawling techniques apply to the current generation of gamers?
[caption id=attachment_2131" align="aligncenter" width="1024] Um...That's a big bowl of NOPE.[/caption]
Actually, I'm not too keen on the horror genre. In fact, if anyone asked me if I've played any recent horror game, I may respond by screaming and throwing holy water on the poor soul. That being said, I'm going to take you way back to a bygone era when I did dabble in scary stuff before my belly was painted yellow.
Now, there are two games I blame for current day cowardice: Shadowgate for the NES and Resident Evil: Director's Cut. How can this be? They certainly can't be too scary now! Not so fast. Maybe my childhood nightmares send me into a panic whenever I hear a zombie shuffle down the alley, but it may very well be the very fibers of the horror genre that still grip me. Consider early horror movies; they are the trend setters for the future of horror! Perhaps the same could be said about video games. Let's examine each game starting with Shadowgate.
Scary Point and Click Games
[caption id=attachment_2132" align="alignleft" width="218] Clearly a lovely way to pass the time.[/caption]
So, why in the world would this lovely game make me want to cry every time it was inserted into the game console?
Well, for starters, the premise of this game is pretty simple. It is a text based game where the player guides the protagonist through a dungeon, searching for an evil warlock. This warlock lord plans on summoning a Behemoth and taking the whole world to hell. It is a nice basis for a typical medieval text based RPG. However, when the player begins the game, the music isn't the normal 'knights and lady fair'
<---- LISTEN!
[caption id=attachment_2133" align="alignright" width="234] I'm sure nothing bad will happen once we go inside.[/caption]
Now you get to enjoy 8-bit music while trying to figure out how this stuff is even the least bit scary. Continuing on, Shadowgate's game-play is based on puzzles that lead the player through the dungeon and ultimately to the Warlock Lord. No actual battling takes place; it's essentially a point and click game, but the player needs to find objects in order to get through the castle alive. If the player doesn't find what he or she needs, death is an instant result.
[caption id=attachment_2135" align="alignleft" width="247]
Click me to hear creepy music as you stare into my glowing coal-stone eyes.[/caption]
Yes, death lurks around the corners of every hallway a player might venture down; it's best to save often. An added bonus of creepiness, the player must constantly keep a torch lit, otherwise, when darkness falls, unseen demons feast on the protagonist.
If the creepy music and the sudden death idea isn't enough to scare the horror seeker, consider the following; it is possible to commit character suicide in this game by various methods. A player can burn his or herself to death with their torch. A player can smash a mirror unwittingly and be pierced by the shards of glass and writhe in agony until he or she bleeds to death. (Coincidently, a player must choose which mirror is the correct mirror to break out of three.) A player can be eaten by a shark, burnt by a dragon, or impale his or herself on a sword. And once a player dies, the haunting death theme plays and the grim reaper shows up with glowing eyes.
[caption id=attachment_2136" align="alignright" width="307] All of these situations end in death.[/caption]
The type of horror displayed in this game doesn't have to rely on view-able violence or evil creatures. The text describes what happens to the 'hero' as events occur, and the music lingers as a reminder, just like the Warlock Lord's eyes that watch the hero from time to time. Shadowgate creates a moment of panic, because there is no telling what will happen to the player at any given moment. It keeps the player on his or her toes, so to speak. If the player doesn't react quick enough, they might have to start over. There are limited torches in the dungeon, specific solutions to the puzzles, and everything is difficult to remember. This captures the basic survival horror themes, but instead of limited ammo, players have limited light - and one false move can destroy all progress.
If anything makes this game frightening today, it could just be because of the power of text. You are given images, words, and music - the rest up to you, the player. The unnerving fear lies in the self-discovery. Try playing this old gem at night; it is possible to saturate the couch seat with sweat...or urine. This is just a game formed on the basics of horror; the second is a bit more visual.
Zombies and Other Freaky Stuff
[caption id=attachment_2137" align="aligncenter" width="320] Do I have to?[/caption]
As a reminder, I am afraid of zombies...so a logical choice for a scary game is Resident Evil. I am aware of the irony. I had this old gem on the PS1, and it has since been remade, remastered, and had it's world destroyed by some terrible movies. (Sorry.)
[caption id=attachment_2139" align="alignright" width="320] Because Bazooka[/caption]
Besides the zombies, Resident Evil makes good use of its score. Deep cello for opening windows, no music at all for sections, orchestrated selections for random attacks; all were effective for creating tension the dialogue lacked.It's best to ignore the terrible acting and get right to the game play. Just the Music.
Like Shadowgate, Resident Evil uses the element of the unknown. The player never knows what to expect. The dead silence can prove to be unnerving, as well as the apparent lack of communication with the outside world. Essentially, the characters are trapped in this mansion full of scientific experiments and zombies. There are no explanations or answers, and the player must choose who will be the hero of their adventure.
Jill Valentine and Chris Redfield are the choices and each provides the player with different scenarios. The game can be beaten in a number of different ways, and not all of the endings are happy ones. I usually pick Jill. Why? She gets a bazooka and Barry. Barry is helpful from time to time, but the Bazooka is amazing when it comes to killing zombies. Speaking of zombies...
[caption id=attachment_2140" align="alignleft" width="320] Oh...hai... [/caption]
...
is what Chris or Jill walks into in the first few moments of the game. Neither of them has any clue what is going on, and following this scene, whoever a player did NOT choose vanishes.This game is far more violent in terms of visual effects, though it is possible that mental anguish could be more frightening. The game establishes a survival instinct, and in order to survive, a player must navigate through the mansion.
Shadowgate and Resident Evil both involve puzzles and dungeons of sorts. Jill must keep her gun bullets stocked, while the hero against the Warlock Lord must keep torches handy. The scarcity of these essentials ups the stakes and each hero is on their own, facing the
What makes both games so intimidating? Nothing is worse then facing an enemy in an unpredictable world. Though the subject matter might be fantastical, the situations are life-like. Life is unpredictable. The hero doesn't always have to survive.
Our new age of entertainment today takes that turn with shows like Game of Thrones or The Walking Dead. We thrive on the unpredictable - we hate and love it. That is the draw of horror; no one is safe. The fear of uncertainty plays the same notes and pulls on similar heartstrings. When the odds are stacked against our heroes, that moment where the music switches gears, and the very second a final scene is set - that familiar feeling of dread starts to sink in. That tension is what horror is all about. No matter the scene, a good game should have a player on the edge of his or her seat so that when the signs appear, they can still be shocked by the result.
[caption id=attachment_2141" align="alignleft" width="320] Adorable zombie dogs too![/caption]
Horror is in the untapped veins of musical notes scratched across a chalkboard, silence, uncertainty, and abandonment. There isn't always need for blood, just the unknown and chance a character might be instantly killed. I think I need to turn the lights on now.
So what do you all think? What games made you want to wet your pants? What are your favorite horror games? Let me know in the comments below!
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Did You Have The (Nintendo) Power?
On my journey through the world of nostalgia, the flood of memories usually involves my family. Today, video games are more or less about system quality, graphics, achievements, or
and less about people gathering around a system to enjoy the experience. Nintendo still does it – the experience with the Wii and Wii U follows the ideals that video games should be fun for the whole family. I’m not against being a hardcore gamer – I mean, sometimes I feel like ripping a still beating heart from my opponent’s chest, but regardless there is something to be said for the special time games of old. It doesn’t have to go back as far as mine, but consider when you first fell in love with games.
[caption id=attachment_2154" align="alignleft" width="240] At least she has a hobby...[/caption]
Let me take you back, and share a memory when I first fell in love with games.
GET THE POWER!!
In an issue of Nintendo Power magazine, my brother, Dennis, claims there is an ad asking for photographic evidence of the completion of Super Mario World. I'm not too sure of this accusation, since there have been plenty of
issues since then (at least until they stopped printing them) and I'm not about to go scrounging around for the answers. While a stray copy might exist in some nerdatorium-like Bat Cave, or perhaps in the archives of the Nintendo Company, the bass line of truth remains. I do not care that much to prove him wrong. Be that as it may, in the possession of our family photo album is the evidence that we did, in fact, defeat the evil Bowser and release all of the imprisoned Yoshi...or Yoshis back in 1991.
[caption id=attachment_2155" align="alignright" width="223] Get the POWER![/caption]
The hype, of course, was the final battle scene. Bowser would enter the stage riding inside his floating white and green transporter, painted with an orange, clown-like smiley face. Mario would have just made it to the top of the tower after battling various Mecha-Koopas and spitting fireballs. He'd be more than just a little singed, but he might have a feather stowed away- just in case he needs his cape.
To be frank, though, whatever form of 'power-up' he came into the final dungeon with, fire flower or feather; it was long gone by this showdown. The killer part was getting to Bowser with at least some strength, at least a mushroom. Super Mario was better than little Mario any day.
The final dungeon is usually much more difficult than Bowser. Final levels from Mario games past consisted of one continuous level; this new final dungeon had two parts. The problem with Super Mario World’s final dungeon was a matter of personal choice. The dangers span between falling buzz saws to chattering skulls that carry Mario over lava. Every door takes Mario to a separate part of the dungeon. Of course, after we played through the game in years to come, we found a consistent pattern of easiest doors to enter. But, at this particular moment in history, we had never beaten the game.
Facing Bowser
Dennis, my eldest brother, sat on the edge of his heavy wooden chair, analog controller in hand, eyes squinting at the screen. Beside me, my other brother Philip stood, leaning forward like he was about to catch a fish with his hands. I wouldn't recommend catching the bone fish with razor sharp fangs that swam in Bowser's moat. My second oldest brother, Donald, paced, twiddling his fingers before his lips as he observed the final stretch from behind the couch. My mother wasn't watching at all. She was sewing a pair of jeans, but occasionally, she smirked in our direction with a shaking head.
She had seen this all before; the anticipation, the licking of the lips, the hunched shoulders, the leaning so far in that it left one vulnerable to a shove. Whenever Dennis would get close to defeating Bowser, the opportunity would slip from his grasp by way of misstep or miscalculation. Bowser's flying clown car would crush him with its spinning turbines and he would cry out. "That was FFFu--cheap. That was cheap." Lucky to remember my mom was sitting right behind him, he would usually catch himself.
This time was different. Dennis was in the zone. He licked his lips and kept a careful eye on Bowser. He had the algorithm memorized. Bowser would float around and throw giant bowling balls out of his clown chariot. Then he would swoop down on Mario. If the plucky plumber managed to dodge those obstacles, the King Koopa would chuck Mecha-Koops at him. Those Mecha's were oh-so-helpful for striking Bowser, once they'd become immobilized with a single jump.
Dennis was on a roll. One hit would send that over-grown lizard flying.
Bowser Strikes Back
[caption id=attachment_2159" align="alignleft" width="259] This is totally not terrifying.[/caption]
Mom had stopped sewing the jeans and watched the action on the screen. The four of us hardly noticed.
Bowser was ticked. His eyes swirled and he waved his arms in the air. Struck by a Mecha-Koopa, his clown cart capsized. But the giant turtle, lizard, reptile-king managed to control himself and fly off screen. Suddenly, the sky rained fire. Easy enough to dodge, the little spits had two evil eye slits. After the barrage of flame, Bowser's chariot returned. This time, Princess Toadstool rose like a charmed snake and cried, "Mario!" She tossed a helpful mushroom. As the battle continued, Donald's pace quickened. The shelves shook as his feet thudded of the ground. Phil bit his nails, and with his free hand, he clutched the table that held the television.
[caption id=attachment_2161" align="alignright" width="300] Maybe something dramatic will happen![/caption]
"Don't touch that!" I grabbed his hand and forced it off the table. "You want the game to restart?" The good ol' Super Nintendo had sensitivity. One good shake and not only would the game be lost, but the save spot too.
"You're not the boss of me," Phil said.
"Quiet!" Mom was leaning forward now and watching the battle as if it were the World Series. We silenced. Dennis had made it passed the second round and Bowser was fed up. He slammed into the ground with his clown hover, turbines spinning like a windmill in a tornado. Occasionally, he tossed a Mecha-Koopa, bowling balls, or slammed into a section of the rocky castle brick.
We stopped breathing. Dennis was hit by a spinning turbine. Super Mario shrank. It was all over. Little Mario sped out of the way as Bowser crashed along, accidentally smashing one of his own Mecha's.
Mario Out Of Luck
Dennis saw his opportunity. Donald stopped pacing. Phil had no more nails to chew, so he bit his fingers. I clasped my hands together, while my mother covered her mouth.Mario darted beneath the massive King Koopa, grasped the fallen Mecha and threw it high into the lightning cracked sky. Bowser saw stars. He spun out of control and flipped. Princess Toadstool floated safely down and we cheered. This was the moment we had been waiting for.
Dennis jumped into the air...and landed hard. The table and game jarred and the screen went black.
PWNED
A collective scream shattered the room and chaos erupted. Donald ran out of the room and paced in the hall way, yelling at Dennis from a safe distance. Philip began to argue with him over whose fault it was. I was close to tears. My first real video game ending and I couldn't even watch it.
"Why don't you beat it again?" The voice of reason. Mom smiled from her chair. We stared at her and she shrugged. "You did it once, right?" Dennis took in a deep breath and hit the reset button. The Super Mario World coin appeared and it was game on--Part Two.
[caption id=attachment_2164" align="alignleft" width="225] Epic SHOWDOWN...at least that's how we saw it.[/caption]
The second round of Dennis vs. King Koopa was successful. My mother had the camera ready and Dennis kept his feet on the ground. I'll never be sure if he did send a copy to Nintendo Power. I do know that we have a copy to keep this memory; my first game ending ever.
[caption id=attachment_2157" align="alignright" width="256] Worth all the time![/caption]
Since then, there have been many beaten games, many entirely on my own and it was never as epic it seemed. Then again, everything seems so much cooler when you are five. It seems such a small accomplishment now since we can pretty much beat the game blind-folded after playing it so many times.
Of course, there are so many wonderful games out there that I have yet to play, so time will tell. Perhaps my nephews or my own future children will have the same feeling one day.
How about you readers? What was your first epic game experience? When did you fall in love with games? =) Be sure to comment! Now, go play games.
[caption id=attachment_2212" align="aligncenter" width="1920]
Click here so you too can see the credits!![/caption]
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Chrono Cross Retrospective: A Serge of Destruction
If it’s not the first I’ve ever seen, it was one of the first I’ve ever beaten. One of the most underestimated and unknown RPGs is a proud bearer of the Squaresoft label. Yes, before Square Enix was a thing.No, it is not the Final Fantasy series. I'm talking about the "Chrono" series, more in particular, Chrono Cross.
Chrono Cross is a fantastic RPG that is not only beautiful to look at, but it is fun to play. With awe-inspiring screen shots, spectacular imagery, and enchanting music, this game is easily one of the best I've ever played. I’m not saying it’s the best, but it holds a special place in my heart.
Don't Go Breakin' My Heart
But, that stuff isn't the half of why Chrono Cross is important. This is first game I ever beat by myself, on my own, no help, no guide, and no brother-- in fact, I beat it before he did!(Now that I think about it, I’m not sure he ever did.)
Granted, I did beat other games about the same time, but here's a little scenario of what my gaming life was all about during the 90's:
When growing on games, I used to watch my oldest brother, Dennis, play everything. He would work his way through Final Fantasy 1, 2(IV), 3(VI) , and Mystic Quest on the Super Nintendo. He displayed his air skills with Mario's jump, Dixie Kong's funky hair, and Ryu/ Ken's Hurricane Kick. He punched out lights in Final Fight, Mortal Kombat, and Killer Instinct. Finally, when the Playstation came around, he put his skills to use with NHL EA Games and the famous Final Fantasy 7.
Yes, Dennis was a gaming master. For fourteen years, I would watch him, open-mouthed, saliva frothing as he battled
, King Koopa, and conquered his foes with Dhalsim and Glacius.
However, whenever he approached the ending of a game, he would pause the game, turn to me and say, "Get out. You have to beat it for yourself if you want to see the ending."
Crushed Hopes and Dreams
My heart would be crushed. I would curl up into a ball and sob for hours upon hours, not knowing if Cecil, Rosa, Kain, Edge, and Rydia defeated the evil Xemus, not understanding what happened after Chun-Li faced off with M. Bison, and dying to know what horrors awaited Diddy and Dixie Kong. After all, he let me watch the end of Super Mario World. Why did he stop now?
[caption id=attachment_2194" align="alignright" width="340]
Mwhahahaaa...[/caption]
Honestly, it was kind of
What better way to keep your little sibling busy without missing game time? Just simply convince the little one that watching a video game is just as awesome as playing.
Still, this all raised a question in my mind as I mopped up my tears and broken dreams; why didn't I try to play a game? I'll admit, it enhances the gaming experience to beat something on your own, but really, was I worthy of such a task?
After Dennis banned me from watching him beat games, I tried to play the games I wanted to see the endings for, but everything was much too hard. I was so YOUNG and FOOLISH! I didn't know to grind in RPGs like Dragon Warrior, I would mash on the buttons in a sad attempt to form combos, and I was slain by the simplest of goombas.
Placing the Blame
[caption id=attachment_2195" align="alignleft" width="300]
Okay. This wasn't me...but I was used to seeing this.[/caption]
I blame him, mostly. He always hogged whichever system we had, letting me watch him play. After a short time, I realized I was trying to pull off tricks my brother would on his best days. I was enthralled by the story, not the game play. He was far more skilled at these games- I mean, he had some practice. I decided if I wanted to beat a game, it would have to be one I never watched him play. Then I could go back and beat them the way I liked to play.
I had to develop my own style. I had to pick my own fighter, choose my own adventure. In essence, in order to become a gamer I had to discover and play a game on my own.
I don't know why I picked up Chrono Cross. I'd never played Chrono Trigger. Quite frankly, I was afraid of RPGs. But when I first turned it on, a whole new world was opened up to me, and I fell in.
One of longest games of my life(up to that point), I played night and day in order to defeat this game as completely as possible. Only after I purchased the guide, years later, did I find that there were multiple things I didn't know about and all of my efforts were fruitless, rotten, and smashed with a hammer.
Getting in the Game
Chrono Cross is an RPG sequel of the Square company's Chrono Trigger. It follows the journey of a young man named Serge, who becomes trapped in an alternate universe where he has 'died'.
It is masterfully put together with a wonderful soundtrack that takes on a character itself.
Serge ends up helping a girl called Kidd search for something called the 'Frozen Flame' hoping to find a way back to his own world. As the game continues on, he encounters a number of playable characters who can join the party. There are so many, it is impossible to get them all the first time one plays the game through.
In fact, it is impossible. Certain choices a gamer makes can determine which characters they get as the game progresses. When a player reaches the end of the game, they can save it, and start a new game, carrying over everything the player found in the previous adventure, but the player pretty much begins at a lower level.
When the player reaches a certain point of the game, it is possible to transfer all of the characters from the first game. That is the only way a true gamer can get them all!
Get All The Characters!
I continued to work my way through this RPG, taking in the story, discovering and exploring all parts of the map, and pressing on toward the end. Beating a game on my own proved to be one of the most thrilling experiences in my lame young life. (Don't judge.)
I discovered the art of leveling up, magic allocation, and upgrading weapons. The game system was different than most I'd watched Dennis play. The characters equip armor, weapons, and accessories like most rpgs.
The magic system required elements, and each character has his or her own 'elemental' specialty. Serge's element is white, which is weak again black elements. His use of white elements is stronger than any other character without the 'white' element specialty.Also, when a character starts off, he or she can only equip a few elements. Element usage reflects in battle; if a player can't hit the enemy, the element gauge doesn't go up. The more a character hits, the higher the level of spell can be cast.
Moving Right Along
Plus, Serge and his buddies get to travel around the map getting all kinds of vehicles, party members, and different shenanigans. Serge's main concern is Kidd and her nemesis, Lynx.
The story takes some interesting twists, and much of it is shocking as well as enthralling. I found myself rushing through the game to see what would happen next in the story; this wasn't a good thing necessarily. In my haste, I missed crucial moments in the game and forged through a bit under leveled. Of course, the thought of missing things in the game made me want to replay it in the New Game + mode. Also, after beating Chrono Trigger, I played through the game again and freaked out about the connections.
Nothing is better than seeing something in a game, movie, or anything that you can recognize as a reference. You can take that to the bank. Really, think about it. But you have to have someone who appreciates it, otherwise, it's only you freaking out about it; which is still fun in my book. Perhaps I would have appreciated the references in the first play through had I beaten Chrono Trigger first, but alas -- it was at a time Super Nintendo games were getting harder to find.
Hiccups in the System
I digress.
As I made my way to the final few battles, my PlayStation fell prey to one of the many designing flaws most new technology has; it stopped working properly. It is easy to see where this story is going.
Honestly, I should have prepared for such a problem, but at the time, I just wanted to beat the game. In lieu of revealing key plot points, I approached the final battle with knowledge, with satisfaction, and with earnest.
Truth be told, I was more excited by the fact that no one had helped me with this game. I was hyped with the knowledge that I would be the first in the family to defeat Chrono Cross and bring Serge back to his own time.
If you haven't played the game, I guess the things ahead are semi-spoilers that are vague enough that they shouldn't matter. Then again, the game was released in 1999. This game is almost old enough to vote in the US. But, you have been warned.
Spoiler Alert!
[caption id=attachment_2199" align="alignleft" width="249] We had been through so MUCH!![/caption]
Anyway, after everything Serge and I had been through, I wanted to save Kidd from her torment, release Lynx from his bounds, and end the horror of this twisted world. By using the obtained 'Chrono Cross' I completed the game with the 'perfect' ending. In order to use the device, my characters had to cast spells in accordance with the sounds of the Chrono Cross. When a player casts an element, a sound goes off and the meter is filled with that color. When the succession of the element casting is complete it is a rainbow of magical power, which surges through the enemy and ends the game.
I had done it. After six different attempts, I had achieved my goal. As the end credits played, my next goal was to save the game and all of its glory in order to start a new campaign...to get everything I possibly could.
And that is when the game began to skip and glitch.
Chrono Cross: The System Glitch
I recognized the signs. My brother was playing NHL and was on the verge of defeating the Nashville Predators when the game could no longer recognize the disk. It skipped through a slap-shot and shut off. He wasn't happy.
I wasn't happy either. It took me almost a half hour to cast the stupid Chrono Cross in succession and I wasn't about to lose all of my progress.
Then it dawned on me; I had read on the internet somewhere about PlayStations going buggy, or maybe it was Game Informer? I can't remember where now, but it was worth a shot.
[caption id=attachment_2200" align="alignright" width="420]
This was me too...only with a more positive outcome.[/caption]
I stretched my fingers out to the PlayStation, and slowly inched the tips beneath it. Gingerly twisting the device, I managed flip the console upside-down. The credits finished.
As I'm writing this, I feel the urge to play through it again, because...for the life of me...I don't remember the ending. I was too busy trying to save my progress. It makes me sad, actually, to think I was more concerned with saving all of the cool stuff I managed to get, but then I realized that it was something more than just 'stuff'. Everything I managed to pick up in the game was a small victory, and finding it was more difficult than slaying any boss monster. Granted, those battles were tough, and each was greeted with a challenge that made the victory that much sweeter, but all of that hard work makes the ending seem far too simple.
Think about it.
All of the energy put into RPGs, do the endings really satisfy? In most cases, I'd like to say no. The endings are anti-climatic, and often a let down. I want to know what happens next. Like in the movies, when the hero does what we all think he or she is going to do, and the day is won; we are all brought back to earth when the credits roll and a big THE END appears. But it's not the 'real' end. Who cleans up that mess?
Games are about the play, about the win.
The end of Chrono Cross was bittersweet in many ways. I didn't want to leave the characters, I couldn't enjoy the ending, but I pressed the power button with one comforting thought; There are at least eight different ways to beat this game and each has a different ending.
What do you guys and gals think? What was the first game you ever beat? Any mishaps happen to you when playing? Let me know in the comments below!
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Mario Jumps - But Can He Make It?
Life is full of ridiculous shock and awe moments. Some of them are disturbing, while others keep you clutching your sides for years to come. Quite often, these two feelings collide to make a moment in life an epic historical spectacle that should be immortalized.
[caption id=attachment_2255" align="alignleft" width="225] Yep. It really did.[/caption]
There was this one day in my life where I thought I'd seen the most ridiculous display ever. A moment that claimed this prize of epic milestones. This time was simpler, when the worst thing in my life involved going to math class every day at Montgomery Elementary school. Yet, at this point, school was out. It was a lovely summer day with baby blue skies (you know the kind) and little wisps of marshmallow fluffy clouds drifting on a casual breeze. The buzz of dragonflies and hum of grasshoppers played a taunting tune as we were being forced into a vehicle, far away from summer fun.
Some of us grasped onto the door in hopes that she would not close it on our fingers. My brothers and I were begging, pleading, bribing her to reconsider her position, but our propositions fell on deaf ears. And she almost did catch our fingers in the door as she slammed it shut.
For grueling minutes, we huddled in the center of the hot-tub-temperature of the van. It was dark(the shades were down,) sticky (someone spilled soda before,) and every thing we touched was like a burner that had been left on high for an hour.
Finally, light leaked through as our mother climbed into the car. "We're going to grandpa's and that's the end of it. Get in your seats."
The Horrors of Grandfather's House
Okay, maybe we were a bit over-dramatic, but Harvey's Lake was a 40 minute drive. Going to grandpa's wasn't exactly the most ideal scenario on such a lovely summer day. We plastered ourselves to the windows like Garfield cling decorations.
It was always the same. Grandpa always gave us stale candy, and would ask Dennis to beat video games for him. It was all well and good, but only Dennis ever got to play and not for very long.
"What do you think he'll have you beat this time?" Philip asked Dennis, but he wasn't paying attention. He was too busy being a moody teenager, staring out the window with his brow furrowed.
"Doesn't matter. He probably can't even do it," I said, trying to get a rise out of him. This didn't work either. "Fine. I hope he doesn't have stale
. ."
"God, would you just shut up already?" Dennis growled and hit Philip with his cap. "Just wait. We're almost there."
I turned away from the boys and sank down into the chair. To keep my mind off the enticingly sunny world outside, I tried to think of every game Dennis had played for grandpa. He had Super Mario World, Mario All-Stars, and Donkey Kong Country for the SNES. Recently, grandpa had taken a liking to the original Super Mario Brothers. Whatever game it was, I was still happy to watch.
[caption id=attachment_2256" align="alignright" width="300] Here...do this one difficult part so I may enjoy the spoils.[/caption]
When we finally rolled up to the ramshackle white and grey house near Harvey's Lake, my brothers and I dog-piled out of the car in a giant lump; except for Dennis. He was still dragging his feet, grumbling about 'stupid kids.' We climbed to our feet and brushed off our clothing. Our mother ushered us toward the house when we noticed grandpa's TV sitting outside on the stoop. We stared at it and groaned.
"Now what are we going to do?" I whined, but I stopped once I heard the recognizable Mario jingle. My mother glanced at the television, and I craned my neck over to take a gander as well. Nothing seemed to be wrong with it. She shrugged and entered the house. We halted in the doorway.
There was my grandfather, stooped over and staring into the smallest television I've ever seen, perhaps on a Martz Bus once. My grandpa was not a small man. He was large, about six foot, and very heavy set. His eyebrows were bushy black and his hair a wavy, permed grey. His lower lip acted like it was too big for his mouth to it protruded far beyond his top lip, making him look a bit like a bull dog. He never smiled, and he certainly wasn't about to start now.
"Dad, what are you doing?" My mom asked, slowly guiding us into the house. "What's wrong with your tv?"
"Nothin's wrong. There's this jump in Mario. It's too big to make," My grandpa said gruffly.
"Wait. You couldn't make a jump in Super Mario...so-" Dennis started.
"Got a smaller tv. Make's the jump smaller," Grandpa said.
[caption id=attachment_2261" align="aligncenter" width="625] Oh, if only internet memes were a thing back then.[/caption]
If only I was kidding...
How do you react to something like that? That lovely memory aside, I have told the story many times since then, and it never fails to get a dumbfounded look and a chuckle. There's not much more to it, but my grandpa has done many things that fall into the epic memory category.
[caption id=attachment_2260" align="alignleft" width="300] I imagine this is the size of the jump...[/caption]
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The Monopoly Mogol
So far I've talked about Super Nintendo, NES, and PlayStation games. I think it's about time to talk about board games. I am a bit of a board game lover. I will be the first to jump on the opportunity if one of my friends offer the suggestion, "
"
[caption id=attachment_2646" align="alignleft" width="206] All games aren't fun...[/caption]
Nerdism isn't limited to analog controllers and PC headsets. This being said, there are many games that I would love to play over and over again. Some have even crossed the gaming line from board to buttons and screens. But some games should just stay off of the game systems entirely. One of the longest lasting, most played, most irritating games in the world is Monopoly.
Along with having the many board games versions to purchase, Parker Brothers has a few versions translated into the gaming world. I give everyone the evidence. Monopoly for the NES.
For those of you in the board game world, this game is always grounds for controversy. Why? Well...recall anytime this quiet little board game is being played at home.
The Game From Hell
[caption id=attachment_2647" align="aligncenter" width="150] No Jigsaw, NOOOO![/caption]
Everything starts off as '
' and then the tears start when your little sister lands on Park Place where, waiting for her, are three hotels and bills pile up so high she can roller-coaster down them into bankruptcy. Tears, curses, and a flipped game board later, your father is arguing with you about how you should have 'let her win!' She's your sister! Wouldn't you lend her money? You wouldn't let her go bankrupt!
[caption id=attachment_2648" align="alignright" width="150] This is you after student loans...or after your parents disown you because of this game.[/caption]
Thankfully, I have no little sister. Unfortunately, I am the little sister. But, I'm impatient, and the game of Monopoly allows me foolhardy purchases and an early exit from the game. Baltic Avenue and Reading Railroad seemed like a good idea at the time. My father is too good at making deals, however, and I don't know how, he'd always end up with all of the properties in the end,
.
Monopoly is the devil. In fact, Monopoly almost single-handedly responsible for my non-existence.
My father was playing my mother and destroying every bit of confidence she had. She was up to her elbows in debt and she owed him big. He offered a trade, which he is still famous for, and she obliged by handing over Pennsylvania Avenue. The very next turn, she landed on Penn Ave and the board sailed into the air.
To this day she will never play him again.
All the old wounds aside, Monopoly is still a fairly popular game. When it was introduced the NES, the game took on the old school style. Up to four players could play or a player could go solo against the computer. (I think the computer cheats, personally. That might just be my angst for Monopoly talking.)
How to Cheat Your Way to Victory!
When playing the game, a player rolls virtual dice to go around the board and picks up properties, after he or she chooses a token. The originals are all there from the boot to the little doggie.
[caption id=attachment_2656" align="alignright" width="150] Hahaha! Take that, losers![/caption]
The player then rolls and moves from property to property. Those that do not get purchased strait out get auctioned off.
As the game goes on, it is much like a normal round of Monopoly. The player starts to purchases houses and hotels, eventually the game turns into a rolling/pay off roulette. The player can make deals with the other players, or the computer (which is 3 other players). They can land on community chest or chance spaces, or even go to jail. Basically, Monopoly NES is pretty simple.
However, if you are impatient, like me, a back-handed player could cheat in order to win. The best way to do this was to claim that more than one player was taking part in the game. You can take all of the properties from the computer characters using the first and second players. The system never fails, and the game integrity is ruined. But you win at Monopoly. Monopoly is also available for SNES and the N64, but they aren't as fun to play.
Why play on any game system when the board game is still a juggernaut?
And Now, Some Ridiculous Monopoly Games
There is a Monopoly style for everything and everyone.
[gallery link=file" columns="4" ids="2657,2662,2661,2660,2659,2658,2664,2665]
These are just a few of the many Monopoly
!! Ok, some of these are over the top. Do we really need an all pink Monopoly? Also available are Seinfeld, Family Guy, The Simpsons, Penn State, Sponge Bob, Dora, and thousands more versions of the game. There is a Pirates of the Caribbean Monopoly. When will the Monopoly invasion stop?! Sure, it teaches young players simple math, but at what cost?
Of course, most of these games mirror the old school Monopoly, but a newer 'high-tech' version is available to reflect the change in cost and real estate over the years. Who knew selling and buying places would end up being a pastime and possible divorce of families all over the globe? Kudos to people who are excellent in math.
So, what do you all think? Do you hate or love Monopoly? Which form do you prefer?
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The Evolution of Final Fantasy
Nostalgia is one of the key components for marketing an established series, remake, or sequel. Whether it’s Batman, Ghostbusters or whatever the hell else Hollywood and game industries try to make a cash cow, childhood memories are a gold mine. However, depending on the hype and the how the bloodthirsty fans receive the release, re-releases can be pretty dangerous territory. In the game world, so many companies rely on their dynasty games for revenue. Xbox has its Halo and Gears of War, PlayStation has
, and Nintendo has its many , but what makes each entry part of that series?
Game franchises grow and expand over the years, trying new things or sticking with the same old formulas. Sometimes they grow stale and repetitive, but some become almost unrecognizable. The question is, what really defines a game series? What makes each part of that series connect with the ones that came before it? When does a game no longer fit the original mold and when does it need to make a change?
Final Fantasy: A Legend
One of the game series I’ve fallen in love with over the years was Final Fantasy. Final Fantasy has established itself as one of the greatest RPG series of all time from way back in 1987 to today.
There have been so many main installments (1-15) and so many other off-shoots that it really has become a household name. Over the years, however, the series has evolved in so many different ways that it has attracted new fans, alienated old ones, and completely changed its look. Each entry provides a different play style, a different story, and over the years the series has traveled from medieval times to a futuristic era. Regardless of whether someone is a die-hard fan or someone who is just discovering the series, it’s hard to pinpoint what exactly a “Final Fantasy” is anymore.
Some would argue that the series is no longer what it once was based on the changes of the time period, the battle system tweaks, or the experience of the game. Others say that there is nothing wrong with the series making changes to fit a modern world with modern needs. That all being said, does throwing a character named Cid and slapping in a few Chocobos and Moogles make a game a Final Fantasy title? What about all of the off-shoots like Final Fantasy Tactics, Final Fantasy Legends, Crystal Chronicles,
, or any of the other games born from the main series?
Getting a Series Right
Like I said, nostalgia is tricky – sometimes it’s not about familiar faces, but a familiar feel or experience that brings a long-time gamer back to a series. So how can a company manage that when the story changes in every entry? What type of gamers do these companies want to attract? Are they just publishing games with this title to draw in the fans for the cash? With the announcement of the
remake, I can only sit back and wonder what the outlook will be. There is something to be said about hype: it can destroy the experience. Granted, the remake's release will bring all of the fans; some will likely be disappointed, some will love the changes, and others won’t tell just because…fanatics are just the worst. (Oh, those blind die-hards who think that X company, movie, or sports team can do no wrong.)
Rather than talk out what I think is right or wrong with Final Fantasy as a whole, in a small series, I’m going to be taking a look at all the main installments of the series plus one (Final Fantasy Tactics, because that game is awesome). This series will examine each Final Fantasy title from its humble beginnings to the final entries; each entry will include the criticisms, accolades, and a bit of memory for each game. I hope you enjoy it!
Before we begin, are you a fan of the Final Fantasy series? Which one is your favorite installment and why? Stay tuned for the first installment on the original Final Fantasy!
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Final Fantasy 1 Retrospective
Let me take you back to 1987, when Square was facing bankruptcy and needed a small miracle to dig itself out of a hole. Enter the first installment of a grand franchise known as Final Fantasy. I first picked this game up several years after its release, since I was only two at the time and I was more interested in my toes and running around screaming, and it didn’t reach the US until 1990. It has been re-released on several platforms since its debut on the NES. As we examine the first in the series, I feel the need to mention this overlook will contain spoilers – but since the game is 29 years old that shouldn’t be a problem. Then again, there are people out there who have never seen Star Wars: Episode IV, so I guess I shouldn’t be shocked.
The Plot
: a kingdom in need, and a princess to save. Yes, the Kingdom of Coneria was crying out for their princess Sara to be saved from the evil knight, Garland. Enter our four heroes, the legendary “Light Warriors.” As foretold by the wise sage, Lukahn, these fine young warriors were destined to save the world from darkness!
[caption id=attachment_2733" align="alignright" width="300] Now what do I do after I beat up that pirate and stole his ship...[/caption]
It is a basic plot, but that’s how games were back then and we LIKED it. The glory of Final Fantasy 1 was in the simplicity of the story. Players had one main quest; the object of the game was to defeat the four fiends that have caused the Elemental Orbs to darken; the Lich, the Kary, the Kraken, and the Tiamat. The adventure was far greater. This quest lead the warriors through the Earth Cave, Gurgu Volcano, the Ice Cave, and the Castle of Ordeal. On their journey, they must battle dark elves, team with
and mermaids, and prove their courage to the King of Dragons, Bahamut. The warriors must then go fathoms below to the Sunken Shrine, learn Lefeinish in order to reach the Floating Castle and finally, defeat Chaos – who turns out to be the very knight they vanquished on their first quest, Garland!
Who wouldn’t want an adventure like that?
The Good, the Bad, and the Unsightly
[caption id=attachment_2734" align="alignleft" width="256] So, you aren't Bahamut? Dammit![/caption]
As far as plots go, this was the one to start them all. It was unique for the time and didn’t require much explanation – until, of course, the end. It turns out that the elemental fiends sent Garland back in time, and Garland sent them forward to do so in order to create a time loop so he could live eternally, but the mission is clear – restore the crystals and
There were no questions about mission, but the game made it very easy to get lost. (Of course, that’s not the plot’s fault.) This game was about exploration, and the simple guidelines gave the player goals to follow and a few main characters.
The quest itself was made more difficult by the little puzzles and side missions that really filled out the game play. This game was also limited by the strength of the NES; it was limited as far as NPC or character development is concerned. There are a handful of characters: Matoya, Princess Sara, the King, The Pirate, Nerrick, the Elf Prince, and Bahamut. Unfortunately, interaction and growth of these characters isn’t really extensive. The villains are established, but the only one that really shows any growth is Garland.
As for the main characters, they are silent protagonists. They have no backstory; players can choose their own characters. It’s a generic cookie-cutter storyline for the four Light Warriors so each party can fit the mold.
Still, the game was very engaging and the plot takes a player to very different settings and ends with the now classic, far-out twist that we have come to love from Final Fantasy games.
GAME PLAY
[caption id=attachment_2735" align="alignright" width="512] Um...maybe we shouldn't have stolen that ship.[/caption]
Final Fantasy I is a basic RPG. The player is given four character slots and six possible job classes to pick from: Fighter, Thief, Black Belt, Red Mage, White Mage and Black Mage. Each option has its advantages and disadvantages, but a player must choose only four. After meeting with Bahamut during the game, these characters will receive an upgrade that will give these characters new abilities. The characters are allowed to equip items specific to their class; overtime, players can find better weapons with stronger properties, but it is important to keep upgrading armor. Magic can also be purchased with the choice being either Black or White. The spell levels players can purchase rises with the difficulty of the game, but only certain party members can learn these spells.
It’s important to choose a party wisely – otherwise, a player may not make it far.
The game takes place on an over world map, where the party will travel across the continents, through dungeons and towns, battling monsters on the way. The monsters are random encounters on the map when traveled by any way other than airship.
The player must visit
to get information and supplies, while they must explore dungeons, caves, forests, and other places in order to find rare items and fulfill quest objectives.
In order to get stronger, a player must “gain experience” by getting into battles. Each of the four characters gets to try his hand using a weapon, an item, or magic to win the battle. Players also have an option to flee. The game essentially centers on exploring the world – discovering which areas are too difficult, grinding for levels, and uncovering all of the secrets on a quest to save the world.
Pros & Cons:
There are a lot of positives about the game play. There is a giant open world for players to explore, and they can do so at their own pace. The ability for a player to make his or her own party is also fun for multiple adventures – so the replay value is there. A player can customize how the party learns, levels, and each experience can be new and different.
[caption id=attachment_2738" align="alignleft" width="606] Nooo![/caption]
Just be aware of NES syndrome; there are situations that can completely level a party if a player isn’t prepared.
However, if someone is new to the RPG world (and this was the first so…like almost everyone who didn’t play
at the time) it may take some trial and error. This could also be good for someone who likes a challenge. No one would try to beat the game with four white mages the first play through…right?
The battle system is pretty archaic – it was limited by the system capability back in the day. A player would have to choose the enemy she planned to fight with one character (a warrior perhaps?), but if that enemy was killed by another character first, then the warrior would just attack the empty space. Still, each battle requires a bit of strategy depending on your party and the enemies you encounter; for example, some enemies are weak to magic and strong against physical attacks, while others, like zombies, can have a weakness to particular spells, like cure or fire.
Also, customizable characters are great – but that limits character development. The story for each of the characters is the same every single time. The journey may different, but the adventure is just the same. Another issue comes in the form of grinding, or spending hours leveling characters just to get on to the next part. The random battles aspect makes it impossible to avoid battles completely.
It’s a very simple game – with complex puzzles and difficult boss battles.
How it Compares
This game was the first; there really is no comparison. This game laid the groundwork of what has grown into the franchise we know today. It is a classic hero’s journey story: four youths setting out on a journey they may not have wanted or asked for, but they must go on to save the world. The only thing missing is having a solid character to take the journey – but that is part of the game. Creating your own heroes and traveling each time with a different group gives it a personal touch.
Oh, and have I mentioned the music? Iconic? Classic? Amazing - but at times repetitive. Hey, it was NES. Overall, though it is the first of the series, it's not necessarily the best of the series. There were some issues with the battle system, the character development needed some improvement, and it did get a little dull grinding for levels endlessly. Still, it was the beginning, and it is worth a play-through for all fans of the series.
It’s amazing to see where this game has started and where it will go. The rough graphics, the glitches, and the crazy plot twists aren’t just old favorites; it’s a foundation for the future.
Want to read about Final Fantasy II?
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The lead writer of Mass Effect is joining Bungie for Destiny 2
Somewhat breaking news, video game lovers! Chris Schlerf has moved on from BioWare Montreal for Bungie. After concluding his work on
, the lead writer of awesome games like Mass Effect and Dragon Age has jumped onto the Bungie train to be the lead writer on the upcoming Destiny sequel.
While it seems there is no bad blood between Schlerf, who called his time working on the two game franchises one of the “best experiences” of his career, it is exciting to see what a great writer could do with the next installment of Destiny – having previously worked on Halo 4. That is, of course, if his hands aren't tied.
This raises a few questions, mainly: What can Schlerf offer the Destiny franchise? The Bungie title has received praise for the game, but heavy criticism for the lack of story- that is until you download all of the DLC.
Schlerf's first work, Mass Effect, is a widely successful intergalactic adventure that extends to several sequels from 2007- to the upcoming release of Mass Effect: Andromeda in 2017. Over the years, the game series has solidified itself as a mainstay action RPG of sorts and has a universal following. Bungie, on the other hand, is responsible for most of the
series – a juggernaut franchise for the XBOX - before the buyout and their next project, the online-FPS Destiny.
Both of these series are in a similar 'sci-fi mystical adventures' vein, but one can’t help but wonder what this partnership could mean for both franchises. What will happen to Mass Effect following the departure of the lead writer? What will Destiny inherit?
Destiny’s greatest flaw wasn’t in the game play, but in the string of “Pay to play” content that would “evolve” the world overtime. If you don’t have deep pockets, Destiny could be a very disappointing game experience. Plus, with the original Destiny purchase, players had to access a website in order to figure out what was going on. The story lacked cohesive connections, was filled with shallow plots, and uninspired settings. Though it was positively received, it wasn’t without major flaws. This didn’t stop it from being one of the highest selling games of 2014. This raises an important question: would hiring a well-known writer help a series that is near the end of development?
While Destiny is slotted to get a huge expansion at the end of the year, Destiny 2 will not be out until 2017 – which, truth be told, is not actually that far away. Recently, Bungie made mention that the sequel would experience a delay; this may be because of the involvement of Schlerf.
One can only hope he can add something brilliant to the story.
What do you all think? Have any theories as to why Schlerf decided to part ways with BioWare and join team Bungie? Will this help or hurt these two well-known game franchises? Let us know in the comments below!
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Final Fantasy II Retrospective
For the second part of this series, we shall be taking a look at Final Fantasy II – and I mean the real Final Fantasy II. It’s not hard to get bewildered in the US, with the release of Final Fantasy Legend, Final Fantasy Legend 2, and Final Fantasy II (which was actually IV) for the SNES. The FF2 for the SNES was renamed so as not to confuse American gamers…now it’s just a mess. Yes, we are focusing on Final Fantasy II, the game most American gamers didn’t actually get to see until it was released on the PlayStation in the Final Fantasy Origins pack and then re-released on a ton of other platforms again and again.
This entry holds no connection to the previous one; it takes on a new life and stands on its own. Final Fantasy II makes improvements on the previous formula and tries some new things to set itself apart from its predecessor. While it’s not in the running to be the best entry in the series, it was received favorably by fans. Though the basic formula of the four youths on an adventure is the same, Final Fantasy II sets its sights on new horizons in game play, and in storytelling. Let’s dive in.
CH-CH-CH-Changes and Introductions
[caption id=attachment_2826" align="alignright" width="439] World in peril? Time to capitalize![/caption]
Final Fantasy II is the first series to introduce several things into Final Fantasy mythology. The cute and lovable Chocobo makes its first appearance as well as the reoccurring series character,
, and the Dragoon fighter class. This is also the first entry in the series to kill off characters permanently – no surprise come-backs, just straight up murdering characters left and right.
Final Fantasy II is also the first game of the series to swap characters out of the original party. While three of the main characters remain constant, the fourth party member changes periodically. In addition to the change in characters, the battle system takes a complete left turn. It stays true to turn-based combat, but alters the way characters level. In future entries, a few of these ideas become cannon, but none more-so than the constant tinkering with battle mechanics and how a Final Fantasy is played. No two entries will be the same in story or game play – but the series will contain recognizable tropes to connect gamers on a different wavelength. Each entry tries to improve on the previous – but it doesn’t always work.
Basic Plot
[caption id=attachment_2817" align="alignright" width="480] This never ends well...[/caption]
Like the previous Final Fantasy, this adventure focuses on four main characters, but this time they are not cookie-cutter characters. In the very start, we are introduced to Firion, Maria, Guy(or Gus), and Leon as they flee from the invading Empire. Before our new heroes can even throw a punch, they are struck down by powerful black knights and left for dead.
Lucky for them, they are rescued by Princess Hilda and the resistance. Upon awaking, only Firion, Maria and Guy remain, but their resolve is strong as they yearn to join the rebellion and take down the evil Emperor of Palamecian (Or Paramekia. I don’t know. There are a lot of different translations!) Though initially the three warriors are denied, they manage to join with Princess Hilda to take down the Empire. Firion and friends must go on numerous fetch quests to retrieve the powerful metal, Mythril, find the mighty Sunfire to destroy the dreaded warship, and obtain Ultima – the bugged spell! They are joined by a prince, a pirate, a villager, and a mighty dragoon in their quest, losing many friends along the way. Together, Firion, Maria and Guy must search for their long lost friend Leon and finally bring an end to the devilish Emperor.
On Closer Inspection
Final Fantasy II's story is slightly darker than the previous entry; it is a time of war and rebellion resulting in many NPC and character deaths. While this story was way more intricate than most other games at the time, the story line still left something to be desired.
Yes, there were now characters with names and faces, but they were underdeveloped and didn’t necessarily have a voice of their own. They were more fleshed out than the choose-your-own characters of Final Fantasy 1, and it was an improvement overall. The constantly changing fourth character had a bit more intrigue; each had their own reason for joining and though sometimes their involvement seemed forced, I had much more interest in their background. Paul, the thief, was also a pretty cool character - thought he never officially joined the party.
[caption id=attachment_2818" align="alignleft" width="300] So...is this a prerequisite of becoming emperor?[/caption]
SPOILER! This game also had a habit of killing off the fourth character. It was very clear that Firion, Maria, and Guy were main-stays, but the fourth character was never safe. In fact, most of the main NPCs, including Cid, managed to get killed off. Granted, this did solidify a kingdom-at-war feel, but the problem was caring. I didn’t feel like I got to know the characters well enough, but this was never done before. END SPOILER!
Regardless, the story was leaps and bounds from the first entry, and it was much more involved. Character interest drove the plot forward as these warriors searched for their lost comrade and eventually ended up walking straight through hell (literally) to face off with a demon. It was exciting and new for games to have a little character background and a story that was more involved.
Game Play
Final Fantasy II had a number of different innovations when it comes to game play. Players are still able to freely roam the world and explore towns, castles, and dungeons. Spells are still purchased, items are disposable, and characters can upgrade equipment through purchase or exploration.
One feature new to the series was the concept of ‘word memory’ or password memorization. Key words pop up during important conversations and players can “memorize" them. In turn, players could use these words to unlock information about destinations and unlock new actions.
Another feature new to the series was the use of key items. Like key words, the key items were used to unlock pathways, discover new information, or to push the plot forward.
Focusing more on battle, one of the biggest criticisms came with the new battle system. Final Fantasy II took a radical turn away from experience stat growth and went for a more, ‘practiced’ approach. Much like the Elder Scrolls games, Final Fantasy II had players build their stats by using commands in battle. The idea: characters would have to practice spells, weapons, and wear armor to boost their stat growth over time. While good in theory, this new battle system was easy to exploit, and players could maximize their stat growth by attacking their own characters. The final new addition to the battle system was the ‘back’ row; characters in the back row were immune to most physical attacks, but not long range attacks from bows and magic.
Final Thoughts
The second of the series provided many firsts and the start of story telling for the franchise. While not without its annoyances in regards to numerous fetch quests, some resulting in a useless spell or item, and the broken system, Final Fantasy II was a step in the right direction following the first entry. The story had more depth and daring, the battle system was something new, and the world was introduced to Chocobos.
While not without its flaws, Final Fantasy II was a decent follow-up, though not as iconic, entry to the franchise. The replay value is not nearly as high as the original, though I suppose a player could have fun building up different abilities. Again, with the system being so easy to exploit, the game might not be as fun on a second play through.
As the series grows and improves, change is something that will never be final in Final Fantasy.
What do you all think? Were you a fan of Final Fantasy II? Where does it rank in your all time favorite Final Fantasy games? Please comment below! Want to read about FF1, well...click here!
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Unravel is a spool of memories and symbolism
Memory is a powerful tool.
Thoughts about our past govern how we live our lives and make choices in the future. They start off strong, freshly formed, and they fade behind us as we grow older and wiser. Memories connect us to who we are, who we were, and to the people and places that weave in and out of our lives. Memory is a powerful device; it can sell things, conjure up emotion, and even rule the way someone lives his or her life. It can attach us to places, objects, and people we never thought possible, but above all else, memories can disappear completely. Unravel for XBOX One is a stunning, visual game that not only captures what makes a memory, but it creates an experience that almost all gamers can connect with.
We follow the journey of Yarny, an anthropomorphic thread of yarn, as he explores a captivating world to piece together lost memories in a photo album. As the tale unfolds, gamers will awe, connect, and feel their way through Unravel discovering their own personal connection with memory. This game is the exploration of everyone’s personal journey and the obstacles we all must overcome. With a rich story and stunning visuals, this ColdWood Interactive game is most definitely one worth playing.
Symbols on a Journey
There are many wonderful symbols that tie the events of Unravel together. The richness of the scenery, the haunting and enchanting score, and the items Yarny discovers are all pieces of the tapestry that weave an entrancing story. Interactions and inanimate objects serve as a gateway to unlock a simple, yet truly touching story in unspoken silence. Each of these symbols set the stage for this truly entrancing game.
Yarny: The Game's Fabric
Yarny, our guide, is our first symbol. He is bright red, the color of passion, but mainly a color that stands out as a life force, energy. He leaves a trail of yarn wherever he goes, like we all leave a path wherever we tread. Yarny serves as two separate purposes. The first is the Unravel metaphor that we all blaze a trail and leave one behind us, while the second is something of a connection to comfort and simpler times.
As Yarny journeys in search of his trinkets, he must use part of himself to move forward to the point where he almost completely unravels, until he finds new yarn that is. He grows as the experience takes him to new places and through dangerous territories. Life takes a lot out of us as we journey, but we always find a way to grow and remake ourselves in different ways. Yarny shows this by using his yarn to explore his world and finding new bits of yarn to continue on. He is in constant reinvention of himself, though he keeps the same appearance throughout the game. Over time, it becomes more difficult to find yarn to build himself back up as he pieces together his memories.
Tangible Symbols
Also, much like the Velveteen Rabbit or Edward from The Miraculous Journey of Edward Tulane, by Kate DeCamillo, people often find a connection with pieces that reflect child-like wonder or bring us back to that time. These objects are inanimate, but the journey gives them life and personality we would not see otherwise.
Consider your own childhood; growing up, many children take to a toy or a blanket that provides comfort. These items remain special to us, even after we stop using them. While each of us has a connection with a certain item, it is not the same for everyone. Really, it is a small part of our life that provides us solace when it seems like our world is collapsing. At times, we may seem so insignificant – like when Yarny is so simply swept up by a crow or weighed down by water, but there are many wonders to be found and even at the bleakest points, Yarny finds a way to lift himself up.
Unravel the Scene
Each level reflects a memory. This game has some of the most incredible graphics I’ve ever seen in a game, and there is good reason for it. We are reliving these memories through Yarny. When recalling a memory, there is always a little uncertainty that our recollection is at all we imagined it to be. We recall our memories so vividly and our brains fill in the gaps. We will remember the visual parts as crisply as we think they were, though the real memory may not match it.
The scenes in Unravel have a life of their own, whether Yarny is walking a forest path, exploring an old car shop, or facing a terrible snow storm. The scenery builds upon the mood in every chapter, setting the tone without having to say a word. We feel the lighthearted joy of a fun winter’s day, while moments later we can feel its bone-chilling clutches. Each scene captures the tone and development of the story in the simple touches in the sparkle in the water or the gray sky.
While the vivid visuals give us a sense of tone, the music, too, tells a story. It guides gamers through tense moments and carefree exploration intensifying each second of game play. Both mediums capture scenes of sorrow, happiness, and mournful woe. It couples well with the crisp imagery for a truly awe-inspiring game.
Fibers of Game Play
Unravel is exciting with its puzzle game play. There are plenty of head-scratching riddles for players to solve and many secrets to uncover. Players control
as he searches for his memories and his only tool is the yarn he is made of. Players explore this vivid world building bridges, swinging from branches, and climbing obstacles to find the coveted knit piece.
The game is not without its dangers – while there are a few riddles that require some deep thought, others are time sensitive as Yarny must escape the threats in his tiny world. Sections can be downright brutal when a player is thrown down by a gopher or gets carried away by a wind gust. Even after all of the hardships, the discovery of that carefully crafted memento, those lovely knit keepsakes, make all of the trouble worth it as Yarny cradles it close. It is both challenging and exciting to traverse the different terrains and unfold the memories behind each piece.
Memories: Time and Space
This simple, yet beautiful game reminds us that life is full of memories and obstacles. As we live, we leave pieces of ourselves behind and face many trials. We dig and discover our own past experiences through items, pictures, and places. Unravel manages to exceed all expectations to tell a story that is personal, heartfelt, and worth more than a few tears.
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Overcooked Review: A Taste of Victory
You know what's more fun than cooking in an actual kitchen? Being a master chef of the video game world! And what better way is there to spend time screaming at your friends or loved ones than sitting on the couch with Overcooked. Team 17 created a fun and fast-paced cooking based game that everyone can enjoy. Whether you are prepping the kitchen for four or going solo, this game is a great way to pass the time.
Setting Up The Kitchen
Our culinary quest starts like any other adventure; King Onion and his dog, Kevin, plead with us to save the world by satisfying the hunger of The Beast. Unfortunately, as players are cooking newbs, the only items they can serve up is salad. Let's face it; the Beast's hunger cannot be satisfied by salad alone.
King Onion takes it upon himself to send the players back in time to travel about and sharpen their cooking skills for a rematch. In order to prepare, the future master chefs (not to be confused with Master Chief...that's another game) must head through cities, go on the road, and venture into outer space to conjure delicious dishes to satisfy the Beast.
Overcooked Recipe Book
Overcooked has several different modes: Campaign, Versus, and DLC in the Lost Morsel, and Festive Seasoning. Regardless of the mode you choose, the game has the same focus.
The object of Overcooked is to prepare and serve food while avoiding obstacles and beating the clock. The quicker players put out orders, the more tip money and points they receive. Each level usually has a particular recipe to prepare, such as soup, burgers, fish and chips, or pizza. Orders will consist of various ingredients that must be chopped, cooked, assembled, plated and sent out. In some cases, players are responsible for cleaning dishes, while in others they must avoid kitchen hazards like moving counter tops and jumping between food trucks.
In the campaign mode, players tackle a series of levels that require a mastery of 1-3 stars to advance to the next section. Each level has a particular score that needs to be hit to earn a rank, and players must cooperate in order to master the kitchen. Versus mode pits players against each other in an all-out cook out. Overcooked's DLC options offer would-be chefs more levels and more avatar options.
Next Top Chef?
When I purchased this game during XBOX ONE's Black Friday deals, I was reminded fondly of an Atari game called
. My nostalgia factor took over, and I sat down to play this game. First off, the graphics are pretty great. The game has an old school feel with smooth, modern graphics. The music is catchy, though forgettable - but that's not really what matters in a game like this.
This game is addictive, especially as a co-op game. It's not enough to get one or two stars. I had to have them all, and each stage had a fair amount of difficulty. While not the hardest game on the shelf, some of the levels could prove to be pretty challenging depending on how well your team works together, or how many players you have.
The controls are simple enough, and when it comes time for Versus mode, there is a fair amount of challenge swapping between avatars to beat your opponent - unless of course, you have more players.
I found myself saying pretty often, "There's no way you could do this with one player." That being said, it really isn't as fun with just one person. I'm not sure it's meant to be played solo.
Overcooked: Final Cook Off
If you are looking for some good, competitive fun, this is the perfect game to pick up. It's a great game to play with a couple of friends or family members, provided you work as a team. Of course, if cooperation isn't your thing, you could find yourself screaming "CHOP THAT ONION" at someone you thought was your friend, but clearly doesn't know his or her way around a kitchen.
Regardless, it's a wonderful way to spend the afternoon, and with the added DLC, players can keep coming back to the kitchen for another round.
So what do you think? Have you played Overcooked before? Which avatar is your favorite? Let us know in the comments below.
Want to try Overcooked?
Buy it here on XBOX ONE, PS4, or Steam!
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Final Fantasy III Retrospective
Hold on! This is the third in the series - If you are going in order, check out Final Fantasy II first.
Ah yes, the third installment of Final Fantasy – the one that didn’t officially make it to the US until 2006. There is a little confusion with the real Final Fantasy III and the one we got for the SNES – which was actually Final Fantasy VI. (Soon…soon, I will write about you.) With the release of the real Final Fantasy III on DS, everything made sense. Just to make things clear, when the SNES Final Fantasies were released in the USA, the number system went as follows: 2, 3 and the 7 for the PSone. If your head is spinning, it’s okay. The real Final Fantasy III has since been released on several different platforms, and there are numerous fan translations of the original.
Like the previous entry, this game holds no connection to the previous two save a few series archetypes. Again, the game continues on with a familiar formula in plot, but has completely different battle mechanics to learn all over again. However, one big issue lies within the plot; depending on which copy you pick up, this game could go very differently. Regardless of any differences between the remakes and translations, one thing is for sure – our journey starts with four orphans on a journey to save the world...again Let’s dive in!
Firsts and Redos
Final Fantasy III gives us three firsts for the Final Fantasy series: The Job Class System, Summoners, and Moogles. We'll focus more on the job system in the game play section, but this installment introduces us to two franchise staples. Summoners are a playable job class, but they are not necessarily a main focus of the story as they tend to be later. Moogles, on the other hand, have brief and cute introduction. They, too, play a small roll, but like the summoner, they become essential in later entries.
While the first two Final Fantasies have been re-released with minor changes that add depth to the game play, fix system glitches, and clarify translation. Final Fantasy III's remake changes the plot. The original translation has four orphan boys exploring a cave after a recent earthquake, while the Nintendo DS gives each of the characters a name and a background: Luneth, Arc, Refia and Ingus. I'll speak briefly on both, but let’s stick with the original for now.
PLOT: The Original
Like the first entry of the series, Final Fantasy III begins with a prophecy prediction that tells the story of four elemental light crystals on a floating continent. It tells of how a past civilization tried to control their power unsuccessfully as it disrupted the balance of the world. The disturbance called forth the warriors of the four dark crystals to save the civilization; though they were successful, they were too late to save the people. So their story is retold, for history has a tendency to repeat itself.
This is where the events that follow change depending on which copy of the game you have. Either way, the four heroes accidentally happen upon a buried light crystal, and they are told they have to save the world. Nefarious beings have begun to stir and the threat of impending doom is hovering over them as the prophecy predicted. The four heroes discover that there is a whole world outside their own and must go on numerous quests to find the crystals, gain their power, and defeat the Cloud of Darkness.
The game explores all different regions, castles, and dungeons. Periodically, your party gains a fifth member who tags along for a short time for story line purposes, but doesn’t actually participate in battle. At the very end, these 'fifth' party members have a small part to help bring about the downfall of the villain, and balance is ultimately restored to the world.
Remaking a Classic
There are several changes in the beginning of the DS version of Final Fantasy III. Players start off with Luneth only, and he continues through the early events of the game finding each additional party member as he goes. Also, a female character is added to the heroes, while the original uses four boys. When Luneth gathers his crew, they are warped away to the light crystal, which in turn lends them its power. In this version, there is added depth to the characters by giving them much needed backstory. After the crystal gifts the new light warriors with job classes, the game continues past character introductions and on like the original.
Crossing The Streams
As far as the original game, the plot is very basic and the main party characters are incredibly wooden. However, the remake takes steps to remedy that situation by engaging the audience and creating individual characters rather than the four cut-and-paste heroes from the original. The remake doesn't expand on the plot all that much and we are left with one of the simplest stories in the franchise; however, considering this was the last entry on the Famicom system, there is a lot to be said about the size of this plot.
This quest took our heroes all over the place: a floating continent, under the sea, the desert, across mountains, through swamps, and more. While there really wasn't more to the story other than 'Oh, you're a light warrior - you can do the thing!' there were many more tasks to overcome. Clearly, the story wasn't the focus as it reuses ideas and cliche tropes from the previous entries, but it did have charm. Final Fantasy III's story was a lighthearted turn from the war-torn story of its predecessor, and is one of the easier in the series to play.
Game Play
Like the previous franchise entries, Final Fantasy III uses a turn-base combat system with some rather exciting upgrades. First and foremost, this game has an auto-targeting ability for all melee attacks, so your characters won't simple hit the air after targeting an enemy that is already dead. Also, there is an indicator that lets players see which enemies they have targeted.
[caption id=attachment_2899" align="alignleft" width="480] Hmm...am I going to be the Ninja and Sage, or the Ninja and Sage...[/caption]
The experience system also makes a return - but there is also a new and improved feature: the job class system. This system allows players to customize their party by choosing from available 'job classes' like Onion Knight, Thief, Dragoon, Black Mage, Summoner, Scholar and more. A player gains 'capacity' points in battle, which allows them to switch between job classes in order to increase levels and stats. Each class has its own special features and skills, such as the Thief, who can steal and unlock magic doors. The classes have their own specific commands, weapons, armor, accessories and magic spells. The longer a character is a job class, the more powerful they become.
While the system works very well, it isn't without some flaws. While there are many different classes to choose from, there are some job classes that are downright useless. Black Mages, White Mages, and Knights are much better to use than the Viking, Scholar, or Summoner classes. While there are many job classes to choose from, it is clear that some are just way better than others and it lowers the replay value.
Final Thoughts
Final Fantasy III signifies the end of the Famicom Era. While we didn't get this installment until much later, it is still a fun game that fixes the errors of its predecessors and makes a brand new experience. Also, I'll have to say this is the entry that Nobuo Uematsu really understood the capabilities of the Famicom. His music only gets better from this point on. Finally, it introduces the Final Fantasy series to the job class system. (Without it, there would never be a Final Fantasy Tactics! That's a world I just don't want to live in.) The plot itself wasn't ground breaking, but the game is still fun and worth the time. While the NES/Famicom era comes to a close, so comes the SNES era of Final Fantasy games -some noted, arguably, as the best in the series.
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Top 10 couch coop and versus games for the holidays
It's that time of year again! Time for families to make the trek back home or for people to attend parties, or do none or all of the above. Even with all of the festivities and travel, there is no excuse to stop gaming - in fact, there is every reason TO game. Let's be real - games are a big part of holiday fun. With technology today, we are no longer limited to only board games - though those are incredibly fun. What better way to spend the holidays than screaming at your siblings over an exciting co-op couch game! Not sure what's out there exactly? Well, here are my top ten co-op games!
Let's be clear - these aren't in any particular order, as they are all great in their own way. These are also COUCH games - online play doesn't count for this list, though it could add to the fun! Without further ado...
Nintendo Land
System: Nintendo Wii U
Players: 1-5
One of first co-op games on our list comes from those geniuses over at Nintendo:
. Players can explore this amusement park-themed game where they can team up to save Hyrule, hunt each other down in Luigi's Mansion, or a number of other fun "Nintendo-themed" activities. The mini-games aren't limited to multi-player events; there are some addictive solo games where players can try to beat each other's high score, like Ninja Castle. What's better than throwing ninja stars at things? Additionally, Nintendo Land is easy to play, but it has enough challenge for adept players. Overall, this one is good for all ages and gamer levels.
LittleBigPlanet 3
System: Sony PS4
Players: 1-4 (Plus Online Multi-Player)
LittleBigPlanet 3 is an insanely fun co-op platformer following the adventures of Sackboy in his attempt to save Bunkum, the
universe. This puzzle game requires a bit of cooperation and all of the players you can get. Players team up to explore and conquer levels, gathering items along the way. While any gamer can attempt this one alone, some puzzles and hidden items require team work! Of course, this is no problem when a player has a few partners. This game is adorable, addicting, but requires a little finesse. In addition to playing the story, gamers can also create their own levels, which adds another layer of fun to the mix. While this game is a blast, it might not be the best for novice players.
Mario Party
System: Nintendo Systems
Players: 1-4 (5 for Mario Party 10)
This one seems like the most obvious of all the co-op games on the list. Party is in the title!
games start as far back as the N64 and there is no sign of them slowing down. With a number of different boards, players follow a 'board game' style system that pits everyone against each other. The objective is to gather as many stars as possible before the final round; the player with the most wins. Of course, it's not as simple as that. Players must move around the board, gather coins, win mini-games, and deal with the treacherous Bowser! In the lastest version, Mario Party 10, a player can even play as Bowser. While the mini-games require a bit a skill, the game is mainly luck based. This one can grate on the nerves after awhile, so be sure to have another game handy.
Super Smash Brothers
System: Nintendo Systems
Players: 1-8
The best co-op games often involve two or more characters beating each other to a bloody pulp. What better way to deal with holiday frustrations, right? Well, Super Smash Brothers provides a
game with all of our favorite characters. The fighting mechanics range from easy (for you button-mashers out there!) to difficult, depending on what kind of combos a player plans on pulling out of his or her arsenal. There is a character for everyone, unlockables, and seeing Jigglypuff fly off the stage is so satisfying for some reason. Of course, fighting games aren't for everyone. If you aren't a fan, it's best to try another option on this list.
Super Mario 3D World
System: Nintendo Wii U
Players: 1-4
Nintendo has it's fair-share of fun co-op games, and
is no exception! This exciting platformer requires skill, cooperation, and puzzle solving - unless you like watching your friends die. In that case, all bets are off. Players team up and navigate the Mushroom Kingdom to save the Sprixie Princesses from Bowser. While it can get frustrating trying to play through the levels when one person is messing around, this game can be a blast for a four-player team. Plus, if anyone has ever played any Mario game before, no training is required!
The Jackbox Party Pack 3
System: PC/Mac/PS4/Amazon Fire Family/ Xbox One
Players: 1-8
Here's an utterly awesome and almost effortless party game! Gather everyone around the TV and whip out your cell phones! The
contains 5 crazy fun games that include trivia, terrible drawing skills, and quirky word play. Each game is straightforward and all players really need to know is how to use a cell phone with internet access. Players log into jackbox.tv, enter the code, and join their friends in board game-inspired fun. This game is for anyone and everyone, and actually has a 'clean' version - and how 'clean' it is can depend on your answers. Easy to set up, fun to play; this is gaming done right.
Rocket League
System: Microsoft/PS4/XBOXONE/OS X/ Linux
Players: 1-4(8)
If fighting, trivia, or platform games aren't for you - maybe cars are more your speed!
is an incredibly addictive competition that combines soccer, basketball, or hockey with demolition derby. It works beautifully. Rev up those engines, design your car, and take to the field to face off against local friends or attempt some group free-for-alls online. While it may take a few minutes for a novice to get the hang of the controls, the excitement and smack-talk that follows will be legendary.
Wii Sports
System: Nintendo Wii
Players: 1-4+
An oldie, but a goodie! These simple turn-based sport activities are easy and enjoyable for just about any level of gamer. Things could get incredibly exciting if you turn these into drinking games--ha, but I digress. Though there is a nice dose of competitive play, most of the Wii Sports games are low impact and quick to grasp. So grandma and your kid brother can both try their hand at bowling, baseball, golf, tennis or boxing. Play in teams, or go solo - but most of all, get up and have some fun!
Overcooked
System: Microsoft Windows/ PS4/ Xbox One
Players: 1-4
There's a saying:
. This is not true when it comes to Overcooked. This game was meant for multi-player! It thrives on culinary chaos as players work as a team to put together as many dishes as they can in a limited amount of time. Play against each other or team up in a simple 3-4 button game that requires a little teamwork and a plan. Either that or just let everyone run wild and burn the kitchen down.
Mario Kart 8
System: Nintendo Systems
Players: 1-4
This is the ultimate
. Racing games are always a blast, but Mario Kart 8 is a cut above the rest. Get ready to burn rubber while dodging pesky banana peels, navigating obstacles and winning that coveted trophy. It's hard to find someone who hasn't heard of or played any Mario Kart game before, but it's easy enough to play for even the most clueless gamer. Soon enough, Great Grandma will be cackling like Wario as she blasts you with red shells like a boss. It's classic, and it's a good time.
When it comes to co-op games, any one of these games is a winner. So what are you waiting for? Gather everyone up, pick a game, and start swearing at each other - and have an amazing gaming experience at the same time.
What do you all think? What are your favorite co-op games? Prefer some old school two player action? Why not hop on the Nostalgia Train and check out Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Turtles in Time, or my personal favorite, Contra.
Have a great holiday!
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Final Fantasy IV Retrospective
Following along with the series? Check out The Evolution of Final Fantasy: Final Fantasy I, II, and III!
We have finally come to the Super Nintendo Era of Final Fantasy games. This particular era holds a great deal of nostalgia for me as they really are the entries that pulled me into the franchise. With this entry, the Final Fantasy series grows into a rich tapestry of lore and story telling that really stands out from its predecessors. While Final Fantasy IV takes some of the tropes from the previous games, this one blows all of the other entries up to this point out of the water.
A story of adventure, excitement, betrayal and revenge,
(# II in the US) has the first dramatic plot in the franchise and is the first to use the active time battle system. Players control a diverse and extraordinary cast of characters as they once again band together to save the world from utter destruction.
Incredible Cast of Characters and Job Classes
[caption id=attachment_2928" align="alignright" width="1280] Wow...insulting![/caption]
Final Fantasy’s NES era is stuck with the same common problems: a lack of individualized characters and a deep plot. The system was held back by software limitations and the SNES was a good opportunity for Square to take the series to the next level. Final Fantasy IV is the first game in the series to feature complex characters and a dramatic story line. This entry is a grandiose tale using a few familiar story points, but in a refreshing new way.
Final Fantasy III’s individual job class system is re-purposed to fit each individual party member that comes and goes. Each character has a specific job class that he or she will master as a player continues through the game. This provides a strategic challenge as a player is forced to fight with different character combinations adding a new twist to the game design.
Unlike previous series titles, Final Fantasy IV breaks the “four” character formula and throughout the game, players can control anywhere between 1-5 characters at a time. Like Final Fantasy II and III, characters will join and leave the party. While the other entries had NPCs with crucial plot involvement, there wasn’t enough of a connection to really cause an emotional response. Final Fantasy IV, easily, has one of the most interesting and engaging plots of any Final Fantasy, though understandably it does get a bit elaborate.
The Crystal Sheds Its Light Silently: Plot Points
Our story begins with Cecil Harvey, Captain of the Red Wings, as he returns from his latest mission. As his crew reflects on the recent events, the story flashes back to the moment when Cecil and the Red Wings attack a peaceful town in order to obtain their water crystal for the Kingdom Baron. Right off the bat, the tone of Final Fantasy IV is established like no other Final Fantasy had before. We control a dark knight from tyrannic kingdom scrambling to collect the world’s crystals. As the story continues, Cecil is cast out of his role after he questions the King of Baron, the man who took him in. Cecil is forced to examine his own motivations and perspective on the situation. Together, with his friend and rival, Kain of the Dragoons, he must deliver a package to the village Mist in order to regain his position as Captain.
After a fiery development, Cecil is in a race for the crystals and in an attempt to stop Baron from destroying more lives. His quest takes him through many kingdoms fighting the man who replaced him, Golbez. Final Fantasy IV takes players on a journey across the face of the Blue Planet, up mountains, underground, through caves and even into outer space. The cast of characters is strong: a cowardly prince, a vengeful sage, twin magicians, the last summoner, a wise and strong monk, a smart-mouthed ninja, and a few more. Cid even joins the party as a clever airship engineer. These characters unite with Cecil in order to defeat the evil Golbez and Zemus in order to save the world.
Plot Overview
Of course, there are plenty of twists and turns in this plot; it is emotionally driven and it is easy for players to get invested in these characters. Each character has motivation, growth, and it really provides a wonderful experience. It is definitely worth picking up and playing just for that alone. The plot of Final Fantasy IV really establishes the formula for all the entries that follow, providing a rich narrative and lovable characters. That being said, the only real complaint for the plot is that it does get overly complicated and outstretched. Granted, considering the previous entries, that tends to be a staple in Final Fantasy. There is a point where the plot goes a bit overboard, but it can be forgiven just because the rest of the game is so well put together.
What this game also does well is it establishes a motivation for all of its characters and it creates a solid villain in Golbez. From the moment he is introduced, Golbez is a force to be reckoned with. With previous entries, we are barely given a glimpse of the main villain, but Final Fantasy IV establishes its main antagonist pretty well. The final defining feature of Final Fantasy IV is the musical score. Nobuo Uematsu took video game music to the next level with this game. The "Theme of Love" is hailed as one of his best musical movements, but the game has many more memorable tunes. The score perfectly fits the tone of the story, successfully establishing each scene.
Overall, this was the game that set the standard in story-telling for the series.
Game Play
Final Fantasy IV’s game play focuses on the diverse cast of characters in the game. Players traverse the world map, towns, and dungeons like the previous entries. Random battles function the same way, but different characters have specific 'job' abilities. The new battle system contains the active time battle (ATB) system, which has players working in real time rather than waiting for everyone to have a turn.
Each character class has its strengths and weaknesses; magic users tend to have less hit points, while melee fighters tend to have low agility. Characters gain abilities and stats as they gain levels, but unlike the previous entries, players can no longer purchase magic spells. Magic users learn their spells as they gain levels or as the plot progresses.
As stated earlier, the game is set up in a way that forces players to change their strategy according to the characters they have in the party. At one point in the game, the party has several wizards and one fighter, while at another point, melee warriors are in the majority. During these points in the game, the enemies the player will face may be tailored to test his or her skills in battle.
Final Fantasy IV’s battle system’s difficulty varies depending on the version. The version for the SNES for the United States has the difficulty scaled down, while the Nintendo DS version has veterans of the series scratching their heads. It makes for an interesting amount of challenge, but only depending on the version.
Final Thoughts
Final Fantasy IV is the game that changed the way players viewed the series. It truly started the SNES era off right with balanced battle mechanics, memorable characters, and an incredible story. It only gets better from here,
!
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Final Fantasy V Retrospective
Following along with the series? Check out Final Fantasy I, II, III and IV!
is the last of the “missing” games of the series, though it came to the US before the others – only 7 years after it was originally released (unless you had a fan translation, of course.) Since then, the game has been re-released on many different platforms and we were given the gift of this light-hearted, yet challenging JRPG.
With this game, we return to the four character formula and the job class system from Final Fantasy III, but this time it works brilliantly together. Also, the graphics take a step up; this is one of the more brightly colored games in the series. The character sprites show a greater range with added emotes in order to really connect with a scene. However, as some aspects of the game improve, there are a few setbacks. What Final Fantasy V delivers, though, is a fun game with touching moments and excellent game mechanics.
Haven’t I Heard This One Before?
The plot of Final Fantasy V is not exactly the best. Most of the game is a rehash of the first four into a cohesive narrative that has poor pacing. That’s not to say it doesn’t have its charm.The back story is very similar to its predecessors. A powerful mage named Enuo summons an evil entity called the “Void” to destroy everything. The people fought back using the twelve legendary weapons, but though they defeated Enuo, they could not destroy the Void. In order to contain this evil and save the world, the people split the world in two and the Void was sealed between them.
700 Years Later
Our main story begins as the wind abruptly stops blowing and the King of Tycoon must travel to see the Wind Crystal in order to get to the bottom of the problem. As the King arrives at the Wind Shrine, the crystal shatters before his eyes and the chaos is about to begin.
Meanwhile, a young traveler named
(Or Butz…Yes, Butz. You are allowed to snicker), witnesses a meteor fall to the planet’s surface. As he investigates, he comes across Lenna, the Princess of Tycoon, and a partial-amnesiac named Galuf, who were both on their way to the Wind Shrine. The trio is eventually joined by the mysterious pirate captain, Faris. As they discover the shards of the Wind crystal, they become Crystal Warriors.
As our heroes try to protect the remaining three, they learn that the crystals are acting as a seal over a Dark Mage named Exdeath. (You can snicker here too.) Once released,
plans to unleash the Void, devouring all life forms in the process. On their quest, the heroes must discover where King Tycoon has gone, help Galuf regain his memory, heal the dying Hiryuu, and discover the mysteries behind the pirate captain, Faris. In the end, the heroes must battle again Exdeath and his henchman, Gilgamesh, and stop the Void from consuming both worlds.
Wait…hold on.
Yes, this is a very similar plot to Final Fantasy III. There are also two separate worlds and the use of job classes. But there is a little more substance this time around. Players are given a bit of backstory about each of their characters, but they each have the same motivation; quite honestly, one character has a strong background: Galuf.
The story does have original twists, turns and differences from the earlier games, but it does borrow a lot. It also has some scenes that are groan-worthy bad and there are some pacing issues. Sometimes it feels like the story comes to abrupt halt, but these reasons aren’t enough to really destroy the experience.
The game does offer some truly heartfelt scenes and memorable moments. Some scenes may even get you choked up. Also, the music for this game is incredible. Nobuo Uematsu does an excellent job capturing each scene, while providing us with a wonderfully unique soundtrack. While the narrative isn’t as powerful as the Final Fantasy IV, it is a light-hearted and noteworthy addition to the franchise.
Game Play
Where story line fails in this game, the battle system excels. Final Fantasy V has an excellent job class system that is an extraordinary improvement over its predecessor. The game still has a similar exploration mechanic. Gamers have an over world map where they can navigate through towns, dungeons, and explore terrain with different vehicles.
In the battles, Final Fantasy V makes use of the active time battle (ATB) system, but with a slight upgrade. Players can actually see their battle gauge fill and prepare for their next turn. This game also makes use of an upgraded job class system. Gone is the point system of Final Fantasy III. The characters can make use of various job classes at will, while their base character (“Freelancer”) gains the stats. Players can ‘master’ job classes by gaining ability points in battle. AP and levels do not cross between job classes, but characters can learn different abilities that can be transferred. For example, players can equip a white mage character with black magic. These enhancements really open up character customization.
The only criticism with the battle mechanics in this game is based on the number of random encounters. The encounter rate on this game is staggering. Also, this particular entry is associated with hours of grinding. While players don't have to grind, it is imperative if they want to get the best out of the job classes.
Final Thoughts
Final Fantasy V is a fun entry in the series that is worth playing just for the battle system alone. If you can make it past the grinding and somewhat goofy moments in the plot, this is definitely an enjoyable entry. If you pick up this game, you are promised some great emoting graphics, a catchy soundtrack, and some awesome game play.
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Final Fantasy VI Retrospective
We have come to the end of the SNES era of the Final Fantasy franchise, and what an ending it is! Final Fantasy VI is arguably one of the greatest entries in the series. From the epic opera-inspired story line, to unforgettable villains, this is simply one of the greatest
. Final Fantasy VI is the first entry to pull away from the classic tropes involving crystals and faceless mega-antagonists to conquers new narrative horizons. With the largest character cast in the franchise, Final Fantasy VI has an appealing backstory woven. I can’t say enough about this game without going into spoiler territory, but it contains one of the biggest twists in gaming history. It is worth picking up.
Bringing the New: Background
Final Fantasy VI is the
to take place in an “Industrial” era. The game still keeps the fantasy feel by using medieval weapons and creatures, but puts a new spin on things.
Our story opens with a scrolling narrative about Great War of the Magi 1000 years before the game takes place. The Warring Triad, three gods, initiated the war and the catastrophic consequences. Their release of magical energy created magical warriors called espers. In the horrid aftermath, the Triad gave free will to the espers. Their only request was that the gods be sealed in stone and locked away. The espers obliged, hiding away the stone gods and faded away to myth and legend. But the world has changed – and now technological advancements and a cruel Empire have led to the discovery of the esper’s safe haven.
The Thick of the Plot
The game picks up with the mysterious magic wielding Terra accompanied by two soldiers (Vicks and Wedge) on a mission for the Empire. They have been sent to investigate a frozen esper in the town of Narshe. When they reach the icy creature, it reacts with Terra and she breaks free of the Empire's control. Unfortunately, she wakes with amnesia and an angry mob crying for her capture.
With the help of Locke, a treasure hunter, Terra is protected from the Evil Empire and brought before the leader of a resistance group called ‘The Returners.’ Both the Empire and the Returns are interested in Terra’s natural ability to use magic; she is the key to victory and understanding the power of the legendary espers.
The Returners must convince Terra to join with them in order to topple the evil Empire – ruled by Emperor Gestahl and his three deadly generals. But not everything is as it seems. Will our heroes succeed, or will this feud cause the gods to awaken for another War of the Magi?
A Bigger Picture and Avoiding Spoilers
A simple synopsis doesn’t do this game justice. It is difficult to go into the winding details of Final Fantasy VI without spoiling the wonderful discoveries in the plot. The story is simple enough: an evil empire is taking over the world, and the Returners are trying to stop it. It is a very familiar story, but what makes it extraordinary is the character development. With fourteen different characters, it would seem that the story would get murky with unnecessary backstory, but it does not.
Up to this point, the Final Fantasy series had one or two entries with well-developed characters, more notably Final Fantasy IV and V. Final Fantasy VI took character development to a whole new level. Gamers would be hard-pressed to pick out the main protagonist because each of the fourteen characters is a main protagonist. Each character has his or her backstory, clear motivation, and an amazing character theme. A mysterious woman, a heart-broken treasure hunter, a loyal knight, and a wild boy are just a handful of the wonderful cast, and their stories weave an incredible
tale.
Final Fantasy IV and V each took turns expanding video game narratives, but Final Fantasy VI really lets these characters grow. Their stories intertwine and their growth delivers a rich experience. While the characters are some of my favorite in the series, this game also contains one of the franchise’s greatest antagonists.
Final Fantasy toys with Joker-esque style chaos in its main villain,
. Previous series villains had players fighting devils, sorcerers, and larger-than-life bosses. Kefka is portrayed as an eccentric, physically weak, and unstable mage general under Emperor Gestahl. While his origin is largely unknown, what’s understood is that he is the product of the earliest attempts at infusing warriors with magical power. What gamers receive is a maniac without restraint or empathy in a position of unspeakable power. This provides an excellent balance in a way that is fresh for series veterans.
The Last Laugh
There is very little to complain about with a story this massive. The game moves along at a steady pace and has some unpredictable twists. However, at one point in the game, the main narrative drops off and while Kefka remains a looming threat, it is with less urgency. That’s not to say that the second half of the game lacks a narrative – it depends on how many side-quests a player wants to complete. This open exploration really changes the pace of the game, and slows things down. Also, depending on which version you decide to pick up, a little theatrical emphasis is lost in translation.
Music: Dancing Mad
One of Final Fantasy VI’s defining features is its impressive soundtrack. While the previous entries were amazing in their own right, this particular symphony takes the cake. Nobuo Uematsu enriched the narrative of this RPG, elevating it to a whole new level. From the opening scene to the epic end, the music itself tells a story through carefully crafted themes and memorable movements. One of Final Fantasy VI’s most captivating scenes involves a
and the final boss’s “Dancing Mad” is arguably one of the greatest final battle themes. The music helps carve out these iconic moments and really sets this entry apart.
Game Play: Active Time Battle
Final Fantasy VI’s play style is very similar to the previous entries. Players must traverse a world map, towns, and dungeons in an effort to gain levels, learn new information, and discover hidden treasures. An interesting addition is the option of the Colosseum. Players have the option to bet items in their inventory for some rare and powerful weapons, provided their character can defeat the appointed enemy.
Final Fantasy VI is also the first game in the series to split parties up. The players are given enough characters to actually take on sprawling dungeons with two to three separate parties. This particular addition received mixed reviews – especially if players didn’t like swapping equipment between the parties. While both of these additions pull away from the original series formula, they were not a complete departure and gave new life to the series.
It’s also worth mentioning that this is the first game in the franchise that doesn’t require a specific party lead. For example: Final Fantasy IV required players to have specific members in the party at all times. With Final Fantasy VI, there are a few instances where certain characters are forced into your party, but for most of the game players can customize their party.
Combat: Limit breaks and ATB
Final Fantasy VI’s combat system is formulated after the ATB system from the previous two entries. Like Final Fantasy V, players can see the ATB bar fill up and anticipate their next move. This game also embraces Final Fantasy IV’s job class system; each character is given a specific job class with special abilities that cannot be transferred. The special abilities are unique interpretations of the job classes veterans have come to know, but with a new twist.
Also new to the series is the ‘Limit Break’ or the desperation attack. If characters are low on hit points, it is more likely that they will deliver a ‘critical’ hit. This concept has since been expanded upon, but Final Fantasy VI is the first to do it.
Relics and Espers
While previous entries had characters suiting up in full armor, Final Fantasy VI simplified the process slightly. In this entry, it is possible to equip each character with a weapon, a shield, armor, and a helmet. These items raise a character’s stats and some have party member limitations. Players can also equip two relics that bestow special immunities, stat boosts, or various other helpful abilities.
In addition to basic equipment, players can equip characters with espers in order to learn magic. Each esper, or ‘magicite’ contains a specific number of spells, stat growth, and spell learn rate. For example: The esper ‘Phantom’ contains the spells berserk, vanish, and gravity. Two spells are learned x3 rate, while one is x5. At level up, the character gains an added MP growth of 10%. In battle, players receive magic points which are then applied to the spell rate. After the spell percentage reaches 100%, that character learns the spell.
Any character can equip espers; this leads to endless character customization. Depending on which espers a player decides to equip, each play through will contain very different characters.
The Downside
While endless customization of magic seems like a wonderful idea, it can throw off the balance of the party. Players can grind to teach all of their characters magic, which takes away the fun. Magic power, however depends on your characters stats. That means a character like Shadow (a ninja) will cast weaker spells than a character with higher a magic stat, like Terra. This helps a bit, but the esper stat bonuses can easily override that.
Also, the run system in this game is horrible. Characters run away one at a time – and it takes them a long time to do so. This game has an extremely high encounter rate and running from battles can often result an entire party death. I guess the solution is to not run from battles or find a Safety Bit.
Another criticism revolves around the character Gau and his abilities. Gau’s skills are based on learning monsters’ abilities, which he gains by leaping on them. He can only do this in an area called ‘The Veldt.’ The Veldt contains all the monsters a player has encountered during a run-through, and it runs on a particular algorithm. It is difficult to gather every single ‘rage’ in the game without a ton of grinding.
Final Thoughts
Final Fantasy VI is an amazing final bow for the SNES era of the franchise. With wonderful characters, an enchanting soundtrack, and excellent game play, this is simply one of the best games in the series.
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Bionic Commando Retrospective
Hello retro gamers of the world! Welcome to the Nostalgia Train, the monthly installment that takes a look at older video games and really basks in how amazing or horrible the past truly was. This month’s installment is none other than the puzzle-platformer Bionic Commando. Originally release as ‘Hitler’s Revival: Top Secret’ or Hittorā no Fukkatsu: Toppu Shīkuretto in 1988 for the Famicom, Bionic Commando for the
.
Ladd Spencer is a futuristic solider for the FF Battalion equipped with a gun and crippled by his inability to jump. No worries about jumping though; Spencer has an awesome bionic arm with a grappling gun. He can swing himself across the screen, grab items, and stun enemies with his handy robotic appendage – so who needs jumping?
The Dossier: Finding Super Joe
on his journey to save the Commando Super Joe from a thinly veiled futuristic Nazi-like regime. (Yay, censorship!) It’s the Federation pitted against the “Badds” Empire. The Federation gains the upper hand after discovering an unfinished Imperial project by the name of “Albatross.” The Empire’s lead general, Generalissimo Killt, is planning to finish the project. Super Joe (named for the 1985 Commando title from Capcom) is sent on a secret mission, but he ultimately fails. It is up to Spencer to rescue Super Joe and uncover the secrets behind project Albatross. Bionic Commando’s story is relatively simple, like most games back in the NES era. It’s a basic war scenario; our hero is against some steep odds, but eventually comes out victorious.
Censored! Nintendo Says No
[caption id=attachment_3033" align="alignleft" width="469] Gasp! How dare they![/caption]
This daring mission pits gamers against a recognizable pure evil. However, pure evil wasn’t exactly something Nintendo wanted to sell to audiences back in the day. All Nintendo games were heavily censored for violence, sexual connotations, religious implications, profanity, or a number of other nonsense reasons. Despite all the censoring, it’s painfully obvious that the Empire is based off Hitler’s Nazi regime. The “Badds” are original called the “Nazz,” the Swastika insignia are replaced with eagles, and the end boss Master-D was originally named Hitler.
[caption id=attachment_3031" align="alignright" width="128] But we can't call him Hitler![/caption]
Also, I guess it was okay that the villain shouts a single profanity and meets a gory end. It seems random that these aspects would be left in the game after considering all the work done to alter all of the other references and plot points. The plot itself is nothing spectacular, but that is de-emphasized by game play.
Game Play with "The Claw"
Bionic Commando is unique for an action-platformer. As the game opens, players must navigate a numbered map by helicopter, avoiding enemy trucks, and descending to each section. The game has two different perspectives: overhead encounters, and 2D platforming. When Spencer’s chopper encounters an enemy truck, he must battle his way through enemy territory. These mini sections are done in overhead perspective; players can shoot down enemies in order to obtain eagle-shaped markers for extra continues.
[caption id=attachment_3041" align="alignleft" width="360] I came in like a wwreckinngg baalll![/caption]
The 2D platforming begins when a chopper stops on a numbered space. The game contains two different areas: combat areas and neutral zones. When entering combat levels, players can select Spencer’s weapon, ‘armor,’ a specialty weapon, and a communication device. Once he descends, Spencer must navigate enemy grounds,
through with his bionic arm and mowing down enemies with his gun in the process. As gamers forge on, they must find communication rooms to reach members of the Federation for assistance or to ‘wire-tap’ for enemy intel. It is imperative to reach every communication room in order to progress with the game. At the end of each combat zone, there are final “bosses” protecting a mechanical core. Once the core is defeated, Spencer will receive an item – whether it is a gun, a communicator, or piece of armor.
[caption id=attachment_3042" align="alignright" width="421] Words cut deep, too![/caption]
Neutral zones are levels where gamers can collect information or items. Since these zones are ‘combat free,’ if Spencer fires a couple rounds, he will be attacked immediately. Of course, if an Imperial solider attacks you, none of that will happen. So…I guess they are ‘selectively’ neutral. It’s important to explore every area in the game to find Super Joe, gather all of the items, and to really master Spencer’s bionic arm.
Overview: The Best and The Worst
Bionic Commando’s game play is incredibly fun. While there are moments that are ‘Nintendo Hard,’ it isn’t impossible to beat. There are some fairly challenging levels and the bionic arm mechanic adds a certain level of puzzle solving to the scheme. The bionic arm can go one of three angles: overhead, directly across, or 45 degrees. This provides a bit of a challenge when navigating the levels. Re-spawning enemies is also a thing; some levels have enemies continuously dropping from the sky. Regardless, the game has a nice amount of challenge. On a side note, the NES release was ‘re-balanced,’ and some of the areas were re-worked on a lower difficultly level. So, if this game was ‘too easy’ try the Famicom version!
[caption id=attachment_3039" align="alignright" width="1600] I'm sure it's fine.[/caption]
The Sounds of War
One of Bionic Commando’s best features is the music. It really adds layers to the game, providing an upbeat and memorable soundtrack.
helps set the tone for the game. It adds layers of tension and desperation that perfectly suit a war-themed narrative.
Final Thoughts
Bionic Commando is considered one of the best NES titles of all time. While it has a few remakes and an indirect sequel, it will never match the nostalgia of the good ol’ NES version. It’s one of those classic games that players remember fondly and wish to pick up again and again. Seriously, pick up this blast from the past and kill some Nazi---I mean, Badds. You’ll be happy you did.
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Final Fantasy VII (PS1) Retrospective
With the SNES era come and gone, we head into the next generation of both consoles and the Final Fantasy series. In 1994, development for Final Fantasy 7 began, but it wasn’t smooth sailing. The hardware for the Nintendo 64 cartridge lacked the storage and capacity for the movie footage; Square decided to split from the gaming giant in favor of a CD-ROM drive. Thus, Square(Soft or Enix) began its partnership with Sony and Final Fantasy 7 was underway for the new PlayStation.
While each entry thus far is remarkable, Final Fantasy 7 brought the series to the mainstream. The seventh entry is often the first for many Final Fantasy fans, and it has gathered such a following that Square Enix has not only produced several spin-offs and short films, but the company announced a complete remake of the original.
[caption id=attachment_3138" align="aligncenter" width="1618] Here's a mash up of some of our favorite characters.[/caption]
The Legendary Legacy
As Final Fantasy 7’s opening
, gamers knew they were in for something they had never before experienced in a Final Fantasy. As the camera zoomed out on the industrial city of Midgar, the fast-paced start gave players a small taste of the epic adventure to come. Even veterans of the series didn’t know what to expect; the game throws players right into the action with a covert mission to blow up a core reactor.
Gamers are appointed a duty they may not feel comfortable performing, but from there they are taken on a whirlwind journey with an unreliable lead character. Final Fantasy 7 is undeniably one of the most ambitious games, taking place over three discs. Up to this point, the series was confined to cartridge limitations; the PS1 really allowed creators to really run with the project. As a result, Final Fantasy 7 created the new standard for the series and brought a new look to the franchise. While the innovations and graphics date the game now, it truly was revolutionary for the period. As groundbreaking as the game design was, the story and musical score provided the perfect finishing touches for a unforgettable gaming experience.
[caption id=attachment_3134" align="aligncenter" width="1280] Spikey #&*%*^%[/caption]
Soldier First Class: The Mission of Final Fantasy 7
[caption id=attachment_3425" align="alignright" width="1024]
It's okay. I'm just going to kill everyone.[/caption]
Unlike previous Final Fantasy games, there is no looking into the past at a war, or hidden prophecy. Players take control of Cloud, a former First Class SOLDIER of Shinra’s military, during a mission to blow up one of Midgar’s Mako reactors. Hired by the radical environmentalist group, AVALANCHE, Cloud and the crew are aiming to bring down the evil Shinra Corporation whose Mako-energy reactors are slowly killing the planet.
What starts as environmental terrorism becomes a man-hunt; President Shinra is more than aware that his Mako reactors are destroying the planet and soon it will run out of energy. Shinra is on the lookout for the last surviving “Centra,” a near-extinct race with a close connection with the planet. He believes that the Centra are the key to entering ‘The Promised Land’ where there is boundless energy. Cloud unwittingly meets with the target, Aeris(or Aerith) and becomes her bodyguard. However, neither party realizes someone else is looking for the Promised Land. Sephiroth, a legendary former SOLDIER who is thought to be dead, appears to have reclaimed the body of Jenvoa – a calamity that nearly destroyed the earth when she fell from the sky – and wishes to finish her work by summoning meteor.
Cloud and his friends must band together to battle both the likes of Sephiroth and Shinra, but there is something off about our main protagonist. In a tale of intrigue, betrayal, murder and destruction, Final Fantasy 7 definitely keeps players on their toes.
Don’t Look Away: You May Get Lost
Final Fantasy 7’s plot is a little tough to grasp in a simple synopsis. There are many twists and turns in the story, and it really does require an in-depth explanation. What it does provide is decent character development, a complex narrative, and more than a few tears. Nobuo Uematsu out does himself once again with an amazing soundtrack, including one of the most intense boss battles of all time in “One-Winged Angel.” The music adds the perfect touch with wonderful melodies and captures every moment. Final Fantasy 7 marries sci-fi and fantasy in this entry, allowing for medieval inspirations with a more modern twist. Each area is carefully constructed and, for the most part, the story moves along quickly.
[caption id=attachment_3142" align="aligncenter" width="1280] He really are.[/caption]
That being said, there are a few spots where the pacing slows to a crawl. The narrative itself becomes increasingly complex and character development is allowed into territories that were previously untouchable. Without the strict censorship, Final Fantasy 7 was allowed to tackle some darker subject matter (though Celes attempting suicide in FF6 is pretty dark).
On the other side of the coin, some have found the story to be overly complex and dramatic. Also, the translation is thought to be a terrible short-coming – there are a significant amount of simple errors in the English translation. Regardless, FF7 is viewed as one of the best in the series and perhaps one of the best games of all time.
Breakthrough to Blocks: FF7 Graphics Then and Now
Final Fantasy 7’s graphics are one of the game’s major pain points. When the game first released, the look and feel was something that had never been done before. The realistic backgrounds and in-battle character models were outstanding to say the least. However, the over world character models were blocky and deformed. Another point of contention centered on spell and summon animation. While both were graphically outstanding, one of the biggest complaints is the time sucked up by long spell animation. There is no skip option, so when it comes to long summons, players are left re-watching the same spell over and over again.
There is no quick fix for the spell animation, but the future has brought gamers MODS. Players who’d rather look at cleaner looking character sprites have the option of upgrading their graphics with some downloadable player mods. Of course, you’d have to re-purchase the game.
Final Fantasy Basics
Final Fantasy 7 is much like its predecessors; players use a main party to travel across an over world map, through dungeons, towns, and other areas in search of plot points and hidden treasures. While the scaling has improved, the character models were still blocky and awkward. As with the previous series, players have access to a number of different vehicles that aide in exploration, so there are no surprises here. Players can also run into random battles in order to build up experience and find gold.
Battle System: Set Up
The battle system in this game is incredibly simplified when compared to previous entries. For character set-up, each character can equip a character specific weapon, plus an interchangeable piece of armor and accessory. While accessories boosts stats or provide protection from magic or status ailments, the armor and weapon contain different slots for materia.
Materia is the central skill system of the game as well as a major plot point. Depending on the equipment slots, players could junction several types of materia in order to cast spells, perform actions like ‘Steal,’ or add effects to a character’s equipment. There are several equitable materia types: green for magic, yellow for skill, red for summon, purple for support, and blue for junction materia. While the characters don’t have any innate unique abilities, players could customize the stats based on materia set-up.
[caption id=attachment_3136" align="aligncenter" width="1920] He said you needed a chocobo![/caption]
Materia and Limit Breaks
During battles, unlike previous franchise entries, FF7 allows only three characters per battle. The game uses the traditional ATB system, but has made improvements on Final Fantasy VI’s ‘desperation attack’ with a new Limit Break system. Instead of a random critical attack, each character has a visible bar that fills each time he or she takes damage. Once the bar is completely filled, players can unleash that character’s Limit Break. Depending on the character, the Limit Break could be a devastating attack or something that could help your entire party. Savvy players can even avoid using these Limit Breaks immediately and store them up for an upcoming boss battle.
As usual, when a battle is won, characters will gain experience, but so will the materia they have equipped. As materia levels, it will gain stronger spells or stat boosts, and it can be equipped on any character. When a piece of materia is leveled up completely, it reaches ‘master’ status – retaining all of the possible abilities – and a new materia is born on level 1. It’s important to be careful when equipping materia – it’s not a very good idea to load up your characters and send them off to fight. Equipping material has a direct effect on your characters’ stats – magic materia tends to lower physical attributes. Certain characters also have better stats for casting spells or physical attacks – so be aware of your materia set-up.
While this system allows for ultimate customizing, it takes away from individual character skills. The game plot does its best to provide enough differences with equipment and personality development in order to make characters more unique.
Mini Games Galore
While side missions have always been a thing in Final Fantasy, FF7 really adds content with its extended side-quests and mini games. Players are on either side of the fence when it comes to extended content, but Final Fantasy 7 provides unique additions. Players can fight optional super bosses and explore hidden areas, or they can try their hand at Chocobo breeding and racing. FF7 improves upon the Colosseum concept of Final Fantasy VI with an exciting battle arena. Also, there are a few plot based mini games that mix up tradition.
Again, gamers are split on these concepts; some enjoy the challenge of the battle arena, while others groan at the idea of trying to breed the rarest chocobo. Regardless, this (mostly) optional extra content began a new tradition for all future franchise entries.
FF7: The Overview and Remake of the Future
One of the most outstanding RPGs of all time, Final Fantasy 7 truly changed the direction of the franchise. With a new found freedom and boundless opportunity, this was the one entry that all future installments had to top. Of course, fans couldn’t get enough of it and the creators returned to the series with a number of
. However, nothing was greater than that outcry for a remake of the game. For years, the fans pleaded for a
, and for a while it was very unlikely. However, during
conference, the teaser trailer had every fan boy/girl screaming at his or her television.
While this remake is happening, it appears that it is not without some big changes. For one, Square Enix appears to be turning away from the traditional ATB system in favor of a real-time battle system more similar to the Kingdom Hearts series or Final Fantasy XV. The game is also set to be released in a series rather than one full game. Unfortunately, there really isn’t much else to go on except for cryptic interviews and gossip. Of course, all of the talk has the fan-base split on the direction Square-Enix is taking with the game. One side has purists who basically want a graphic upgrade to the original with all the bugs fixed and some new content, while others are excited about the new upgrades and possible changes. Either way, the original Final Fantasy VII is truly one of the franchise’s most beloved entries. Only time will tell if the remake will hold a candle to it.
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Rocket League Review
What happens when you throw soccer, speed boosts, and a demolition derby together? The answer is one of the most addicting games ever released on a console. Rocket League has players pitted against each other in a battle royal in an attempt to score as many times as possible. Whether you prefer online play or want to try your skills against the bots, Rocket League provides hours of mindless fun for any skill player.
Score: All About Game Play
Rocket League pits a certain number of drivers against each other as they attempt to score goals with an over-sized ball. Players can pick up boosts, drive on walls, flip jump, or spiral in order to rack up points for their team. It’s also possible to take out other drivers by ramming and blowing up their cars. No worries, the destroyed cars re-spawn only moments later, but that could make the difference. Each match is set at 5 minutes; it’s easy to feel the pressure to score as much as possible.
During a game, players can earn points depending on what actions they perform in a match. Scoring goals can rack up big points, but so can blocking a goal, assisting a goal, or centering a ball. As racers earn points, their skill level grows and they win new cars, decals, and other decorations. These small details really allow a personal touch for each player experience.
[caption id=attachment_3161" align="aligncenter" width="1920] Are we laughing yet?[/caption]
Modes: Bots or Free-For-All
Rocket League allows for
t modes: single mode and multi-player. Single player mode allows gamers to practice their skills alone or with local friends. There is also a Season mode that allows players to play against bot teams of varying difficulty, much like any sport. This mode is particularly fun with two players.
Gamers can also play online in 1-1, 2-2, 3-3, or 4-4 matches. While waiting for other opponents, the game fills in open slots with bots, but as players join – the bots are taken out. It is likely that you can join a game that is already underway. Depending on how chaotic you like it, a match with 4+ players can get pretty crazy, but that is part of the fun. As players join online matches, the system takes under consideration where a player ranks – whether he or she is a rookie or a veteran – and it pairs him or her with the best possible matches. It balances out the teams and makes for a more enjoyable experience.
Exciting Add-ons and DLC
Rocket League’s DLC involves some themed goodies and fun car customization. Packs include new cars, nods to Mad Max, and cool new cosmetics that are not crucial to game play, but are fun to have. Let’s not forget the Back to the Future, Batman v Superman, and Knight Rider DLC options! Depending on the platform, Psyonix made licensing agreements with particular franchises that brought
to the PS4 and Halo-Themed and Gears of War vehicles to XBox. There are so many customization options, it's easy for players to really stand-out.
In addition to awesome decals and vehicles, Rocket League features some free updates that allow a twist on the original format. These mods include low gravity, a cubed ball, or other challenging options to change-up game play. There are also two variations involving other popular sports: an ice-hockey inspired and a soon-to-be basketball-inspired version. The hockey version went over so well, it became a permanent addition.
What’s most exciting about Rocket League is the most recent announcement: cross-platform compatibility. Imagine this; you have an XBOX 1 and your friend has a PS4. Soon, you can play Rocket League together regardless of your system loyalty! That sounds like a win-win to me. Of course, this is all new technology. We shall see what the future holds; choice may not be an option. It is a step in the right direction.
Overall: 3…2…1…
Rocket League is quick, mindless fun that any gamer has time for. Anyone can squeeze in a five minute round, but that doesn’t mean it’s easy to stop at one. With well-designed game mechanics, a simple concept and a purely fun design, it’s a game that is easy to pick up, but hard to put down. No wonder it received so many awards. Now, go score some goals!
What do you guys think of Rocket League? Give us a review down below!
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