Lost Gold

One surprise that emerged from the 60 years of Sega, was a prototype of a new Golden Axe game that emerged for public viewing. It went under the name of Golden Axed (ha) and was available to play for a limited time). Being the Sega fan that I am, of course I took a shot at it. 

Given that this is a prototype, it is expected that this will be nothing less than a glimpse into game that may never will be. There's only one playable section, the whole thing runs for less than five minutes and are bugs abound. But as a glimpse into a Golden Axe game that never was, it is effective. It plays very much like it's arcade progenitor- only with more modern graphics - and the character designs are still retained. 
It is indeed frustrating that this all we're getting of a new Golden Axe (to say little of the behind-the-scenes dramas that came with it). There was indeed some potential but it won't be going anywhere. 
I for one would welcome a new Golden Axe game and it is exasperating that Sega is doing nothing with such an IP (as they have been doing with many of their other IPs).

But then again, perhaps no new Golden Axe has more appeal than a crummy new Golden Axe game....

Barred entry

This weekend, i went to a gaming bar.

Now that gaming has well and truly grown out of it's niche interest and into the juggernaut it is, you see this type of thing a lot: A place where gamers can gather, interact, drink grog and play some games (although not necessarily in that order).

I was told of the place beforehand and instructed to turn up early so i don't get left out. But when I did show up at the opening hour, there were very few people there. 
Upon entry, I noticed a number of arcade games (Golden Axe, Galaga and TMNT among them). There was beer available and the staff were friendly.
But there were few in the way of other patrons - which was surprising as this was a Saturday evening. Therefore, one expected more numbers and more rowdiness but that was not the case. 

Still, at least i can say I have been to a gaming bar

You're an all star

I recently heard that a follow up to Sonic and Sega All Stars Racing is currently in development.
I've played the first game and I thought it was all right. Sure I bear the scars of having lived through years when everyone was making their own karting game in an attempt to match the success of the original Super Mario Kart, but Sonic and Sega All Stars Racing was good fun - and a great way to put one's friendships on the line just to notch up a win (although it is bit puzzling as to why the super fast Sonic needs a car....).

A look at the character list reveals some familiar faces: Vyse of Skies of Arcadia, Nights from Nights into Dreams, Gillius Thunderhead from Golden Axe and Joe Musashi from Shinobi. Much like the first game, the character roster seems spread across Sega's history with some classic figures stepping back into the light and some lesser-known faces getting a second shot. The titular character from the upcoming movie Wreck it Ralph is also present (nice tie-in there), real life racing driver Danica Patrick is also in, and the racing tracks will be inspired by the likes of Outrun, Panzer Dragoon and Afterburner.

Whilst it is nice to see Sega dust off some of their other IP, it does make one wonder if they may have something up their sleeve. Years earlier Nintendo did the same thing with Super Smash Bros Brawl - notably with the presence of the character Pit which eventually led to a new Kid Icarus game - twenty years since the last one.
Could this be a sign a change may be afoot? Considering that Sega finally released Nights into Dreams on the XBLA with a new HD remakes one would think that Sega may be trying some market research to see if some old IP may be worth something.
It maybe too early to call but for the romantics among us, it would be nice to think that Sega may finally be moving past their Megadrive/Genesis glory days and digging up some lost treasures to preserve. The Saturn games have built a reputation for being notoriously difficult to emulate but the presence of Nights (even if it was also on the PS2) is a step in the right direction.
If so, how about Panzer Dragoon Saga eh?

31 Songs (no.2)

Welcome to part two of this series and thanks for joining us. Well let's not dither around, let's dive straight in.
Last week I talked about the gaming themes I listened to, and enjoyed, as a kid. And seeing as nearly all of them came from games on the Commodore 64, let's head into the next generation of gaming history. That's right, lets talk the fourth generation - it's round about here that many recognizable themes begin to show their faces. So which have I enjoyed and which still hold up years later? Let's find out...

Cannon Fodder - War has Never Been So Much Fun

Let's kick things off with a game that wasn't on the Megadrive or SNES! Okay so maybe this game got converted onto the afore-mentioned systems but honestly? In retrospect, the Amiga definitely comes across as being the true version.
I’ve made mention of Cannon Fodder previously where I pointed out how the game was devised as an anti-war game masquerading as strategy game. And no better is this idea exemplified than with this rather cheerful sounding, but still quite morbid, title theme. Handled by the late great Richard Joseph, this one of those rare computer game themes that invite a singalong – and how can one not? The song is built around a repetitive chorus that’s quite catchy – but go beneath the surface and it’s clear the song is a condemnation as opposed to a glorification. But it’s only after the listener has been sucked in by the lyrics that the realisation becomes crystal clear. For any song to pull that off is feat in itself but for a videogame theme? Absolute genius. Interestingly enough I can’t think of any other games that feature a singalong opening theme (except Sonic CD) – maybe they needn’t bother as Cannon Fodder did it right the first time around.
Interestingly enough this song didn’t survive the conversions to the Megadrive or SNES – as such the point of was lost in mass of blips. So listen to this in all it’s original glory and chalk one up for the underdog.
(and yes I am well aware of the irony of me mentioning this song on Remembrance Day so please don't point that out)


Final Fantasy 6 - Terra's Theme

Yeah well we all knew this was going to happen: It seems to be some sort of law that you can't talk video game music without mentioning the Final Fantasy series.
In last week’s post, I was praising the composers of the C64 era in how they managed to come up with material so memorable and evocative through the limited of technology. And the same could be said for Final Fantasy 6. Now whilst the SNES had some great soundtracks in it’s own right (some of which are mentioned later on in this post), I personally feel that Final Fantasy 6 has a soundtrack that could be truly considered epic. Now whilst many video games of soundtracks may strive for an epic feel in their soundtrack, I think Final Fantasy 6 may have been the first to do so - and hey, a game soundtrack boasting the only opera ever written for game is something not to be sniffed at.
So this is a theme that’s repeated many times throughout the game in different forms (leitmotifs one would call them) yet one never gets tied of it. It consists of a sweeping, epic feel that one would expect from the likes of Richard Wagner or John Williams yet it never once feels out of place in a videogame. It evokes many emotions from the sombre to the inspiring. And seeing this theme matched up to three mechs traveling through the snow truly makes for an unforgettable sight. And for a theme to accomplish all of this is indeed impressive.
But then again what would I know? In the end, it’s one of the finest pieces of music to emerge from the entire series and perhaps one of the real signature pieces of Final Fantasy (One Winged Angel be damned!). It’s also a damn good tune too.


Golden Axe 2 - Ravaged Village

I must admit - whilst I may have sworn my fourth generation allegiances to Sonic and the Megadrive, a lot of games on the Megadrive look different from an adult perspective - they have not aged at all that well. And such is the case of the music: Many Megadrive game music sound ghastly and irritating now but Golden Axe 2 is an exception.
I love the Golden Axe games for the action, the artwork, setting and obvious steals from the Conan the Barbarian mythos. And I really enjoyed the music with Golden Axe 2: Listening to it now really encapsulates the feel of traveling from one end to the other of a ravaged land that is being torn apart by some evil forces of insurmountable odds. Pounding drums are featured throughout and the soundtrack still sounds great. In fact, I think the music in Golden Axe 2 is better than that of the original Megadrive Golden Axe.
That being said, there's not much I can add to Ravaged Village - It's the best theme in the entire game and it encapsulates the feel of the rest of the soundtrack in general. It’s just the type of thing one could do with listening to when assaulting a village filled with Orcs…


Legend of Zelda: Link to the Past – Light World Dungeon theme

Strange as this may seem but I don’t think that the music from subsequent Zelda games aren’t as good as Link to the Past. That’s not to say that the music to Twilight Princess and Ocarina of Time have been crummy – far from it – but it is only in Link to the Past that the soundtrack has made the greatest impression on me.
Now whilst there have been some superb themes from Link to the Past that may have been worthy of consideration, the one I will always remember is the Light World Dungeon theme. It starts off nasty and foreboding before it gives way to a hypnotic synthesizer riff – and the inclusion of the (imitation) trumpet is the icing on the cake. There may not be much going on in this theme but it works wonders. It’s a triumph of minimalism evoking danger, darkened corridors and stepping into the unknown. Many RPGs have tried to replicate similar feelings but this is the one, I feel, that does it the best. And who would’ve guessed that a trumpet could work for a dungeon theme?


Phantasy Star 4 - Air Castle

As mentioned above whereas many Megadrive game music sounds dated today there are however three exceptions I'm willing to make. Golden Axe 2 is one and Phantasy Star 4 is another (and the third? Keep reading...)
As PS4 was pretty much the last hurrah for the original series, it seems the creators went all out with this one: Everything from the gameplay, graphics and storyline is top-notch and made with obvious care and love as one could muster for a last hurrah. And indeed, the soundtrack sounds great throughout - even to the point where I never thought it possible for the Megadrive.
And then there's this: the Air Castle theme. The Air Castle may be one of, if not the, toughest dungeon in the game so what music accompanies this area? The loudest and most scariest theme in the entire game. This seems the ultimate throwing down of the gauntlet: A dungeon theme that's taunting the player is if to say: "You want to step in here? You must be crazy!" I like the pulsating bass line throughout, the freaky synthesizer effects and, how the theme fades in once a battle's been fought and the dungeon resumes. This definitely seems the theme of a warlord's fortress, challenging anyone foolish enough to enter.
Interestingly enough, when I was doing research for this post, I found out this theme is actually a remix of the original dungeon theme for Phantasy Star 1. Comparing the two, the original seems more stiff and bland - whilst with this remix, one felt the theme was given the bite it so originally deserved.


Secret of Mana - Fear of Heavens

Yeah it’s another no-brainer but dammit if I could include the entire soundtrack to this game to this list then I would. Every damn song on there is a gem and exhibits a lot of variety and creativity on the composer’s part (one Hiroki Kikuta). I’ve said that many Megadrive soundtracks have dated horribly in the years since but that does not seem to be the case with the soundtracks from the SNES. The system may be long gone but Secret of Mana possesses that rare trait of having a soundtrack that never once sounds outdated – indeed many more modern games don’t come close. Wonderment, adventure, and mood emphasis – the Secret of Mana OST does all this and more – And special mention must go to the haunting-like-no-other game over theme Close Your Eyelids.
That being said, choosing one of this list isn’t easy (A Curious Tale, Into the Thick of It, The Dark Star are all beauties) but I settled with the opening theme. In my Degeneration serial, I noted I disappeared from gaming for a number of years – But that turned around when I decided to hunt down Secret of Mana and give it a shot. Thus hearing the opening piano chords to Fear of Heavens for the first time and I knew the exile was over. Now I could to continue to gush over how good the soundtrack to Secret of Mana is but I would rather leave that to the many critics the internet has to offer. Instead, I’ll say that Secret of Mana, and Fear of Heavens, represents a place in time – a point in my life where things changed completely. Everyone has pieces of music that do that type of thing (and if you don’t then you’re a liar) but for a theme to a videogame to do just that is indeed an accomplishment in itself.


Sonic the Hedgehog - Green Hill Zone

And it’s a hat trick for the Megadrive - although admittedly, the inclusion of this shouldn’t really come to as a surprise. Now whilst the original Sonic the Hedgehog game had many exceptional themes, many of which still sound great twenty years later, I’ve decided to go with the original Green Hill Zone theme. True the themes to the Marble Zone, Spring yard Zone and Star Light Zones are all superb, but this for me was pretty much the beginning of an adoration of Sonic – and I’m certain I’m not the only one.
If anything, the themes of Sonic the Hedgehog represent a time and place better than any game soundtrack I've ever heard. And hey, if they left an impression on me as a nine-year old that has lasted twenty years since, then something must've worked. And for a game soundtrack to do that is an impressive feat indeed.


Super Metroid - Brinstar

One thing I like about SNES music is how good it is replicating the sounds of bass guitar. And this is a shining example of that principle (the Filmore theme from Actraiser and certain themes from Tetris Attack are also good examples). Indeed, the bass line dominates the song and is pretty much the focal point throughout the song. Also pleasing are the many colors built around the bass with the percussion effects and the weird keyboard effects.
But enough with the technical talk: Whilst much of the music to Super Metroid is minimalist, often used to haunting effect, this theme sounds more like a fully-formed theme. But it is no less freaky. It’s a bizarre amalgam of natural sounds combined with a sci-fi/technological theme – much like Brinstar itself. Such a combination seems a recipe for disaster – but that’s not the case with this theme. It does what it sets out to do and does so with flying colours – much like Super Metroid itself.
In fact let’s just drop the pretenses altogether: I think finding the words as to why I like this theme is doing this theme a disservice. Just listen to the damn theme yourself and draw your own conclusions.


Terranigma - Underworld

One of the lesser known titles in the SNES canon, Terranigma still has managed to garner some recognition in the years since the 16-bit era. Aside from being a forgotten treasure (if you were in the US at least) it has been praised for being a solid RPG, the philosophical themes the game addresses and being somewhat ahead of it’s time. But it’s in the music that Terranigma comes into it’s own, standing proudly as one of the finest in the SNES library. And again, there are many masterful pieces in the soundtrack that it makes selecting one a tough task. However I decided to go with this: The Underworld theme. This is the first thing the player hears when Ark steps beyond his village, the only world he was ever known, and ventures into the real world. And what does he find? A dead, lifeless world that’s waiting to be brought to life.
In any RPG, a lot rests on the shoulders of the music – it can establish a mood and convey an idea that gets the player thinking. Whilst there have been themes in RPGs that have been used for exploring and adventure, this theme sounds different. Whereas other themes have been inspiring and stepping out into a weird and wonderful world, this theme sounds far more sombre and cautious, suggesting that maybe the outside world isn’t really that great. Of course, this isn’t the way it’s meant to be done but to me, that makes the theme work so well.


And that's it for the fourth generation! Tune in next week when we head into the age of fifth generation where Playstation takes the field and many more memorable themes come into play. Which of them made an impression on me? I think you might be surprised....

Degeneration (no.4)

And thus we arrive to the fourth generation.

Now those who’ve been following this series will note that my recollections seem somewhat hazy. This is due to things being experienced out of order and exact moments in my gaming history are difficult to pinpoint.
But now all that is changed. Because I can recall one particular moment that sold me over: It remains burned in my memory as a turning point and, in retrospect, marks my true beginning as a gamer. And that moment was this:

Megadrive (or as some of you call it Genesis)

I recall reading through my brother’s video game magazine and was hit by a full page ad for Sonic the Hedgehog. And, like hundreds of other people, it was all over. I had know idea who this blue guy was but I was sold with his big eyes, cocky grin and a general ‘bring it on’ disposition. Naturally, this led me gravitating towards the Megadrive.



Needless to say, when I finally saw one in action, I wasn’t disappointed. It seemed a world apart form the eight bit games I had seen before. Of course this was all 16-bit but it seemed beefier: Anything seemed possible within this new gaming technology, with colourful graphics, large worlds to explore and character that would be impossible to replicate on the Master System, NES or Commodore 64.
As luck would have it, my cousin had one so many times were spent talking about games and playing them to death. Many memories were built up and some I still recall: Playing two player games of Golden Axe 2, the theme to the first level of Truxton, the character of Rocket Knight Adventures, being floored by the rotoscoped graphics to Flashback, playing an ace conversion of the Mortal Kombat arcade, being impressed by the tactical pace of Jungle Strike, being blown away by both Sonic and being excited about the arrival of Tails in Sonic 2 (and subsequently laughing by how many times he died through following Sonic).

However looking back through an adult perspective, there is a lot that hasn’t aged well in the world of the Megadrive. A lot of games have aged horribly (most of them being part of the pre-Sonic era when this new technology was being figured out) through lousy graphics, crummy sounds and being dull to play. Many game soundtracks now sound dreadful given the limited sound prowess of the console (ie Shining Force 2) and many games were really overshadowed by Sonic. True sport games had a field day on the Megadrive, the Shining series had some gems and the Phantasy Star’s importance as a pioneering RPG series can never be overlooked but beyond Sonic, one would struggle to come up with an equally important IP – whereas Nintendo had how many? Three? Five?

But in the terms of building a lasting impression, the Megadrive is in a class of it’s own. It’s arrival opened my eyes to the world of gaming: I discovered there was a world waiting for me and I charged right in: I read the CVG magazines my brother collected. I sought out the NES and the Master System. I became aware of Sonic’s intent to usurp the throne of some guy called Mario. I talked games with my classmates and built up bonds through common interests. I began to grow excited of the game that resided in the arcade machine. I built up an ear to the ground and grew excited about the hype machine (the arrival of Streetfighter 2 to home computers and the afore-mentioned arrival of Tails being two such examples). The wall may have been chipped previously, but this was a breakthrough. And it all came in the form of Sega’ s little black box.

SNES
Having spent the previous paragraphs gushing about the Megadrive it’s fair to say that I spent the fourth console generation as a Sega fanboy. So is there anything I can say about the other camp? Why yes there is.

I recall the SNES being really popular in it’s day: Even to the point when the Nintendo fans recovered ground lost by the Megadrive and, as before, outnumbering us Sega fans. But it was not without good reason. Now whilst I had a lot of focus towards the Megadrive, I will admit there some instances of the some Nintendo games slipping through the cracks. Through visiting friends at the time, I remember quite a bit: Getting my claws on Super Mario World and being impressed by how the familiar can be revamped quite dramatically, Playing Yoshi’s Island and thinking how the bizarre can actually come across as something very enjoyable, plunging headlong into the world that was Super Metroid and being very impressed with Donkey Kong Country.



But my own experiences with the SNES really come in two halves: With my childhood years and with my adult years. As described in the previous paragraph the childhood years were nothing more than flirtations but come my adult years, it was something completely different.
You see, it’s only in past few years that I started playing SNES games again – thus heralding the end of many years of wandering in the wilderness. In that period, I set about rediscovering the type of stuff that my comrades were doing years before. I hunted down many games that escaped my notice the first time and, needless to say, I found them very enjoyable. Even now it does indeed blow my mind that a game I noticed when I was a child could still work for me as an adult.

In fact, this perception of the SNES is an interesting counterpoint to the Megadrive: Whereas I can easily find a lot of things with Megadrive games that have been dated in the years since, this does not to be the case with the SNES library. I have played and enjoyed the likes of Super Mario World, Legend of Zelda Link to the Past, Secret of Mana, Actraiser, Terranigma, Super Metroid, Final Fantasy 4 & 6 and, of course, Chrono Trigger. All of which hold up remarkably well in this age of hi-def graphics. An obvious point would be the high quality game play the game is built around has outlasted many of trends that has come since the game’s initial release but the same could be said at an aesthetic level: Many of the SNES game are still as beautiful to look at now as the day they were released. I’m still impressed by how much detail can be squeezed out of such graphical limitations. And many of the music in games still hold up – and it seems that, through the presence of orchestral arrangements and remixes, many will agree with me. I love the Final Fantasy music (who doesn’t?), I rate the Secret of Mana very highly, and I think some of Link to the Past music outdoes many of the successive Legend of Zelda games.
Indeed, it’s fair to say that many games on the SNES have withstood the test of time very well – in fact, it makes one wonder whether the games we’re playing now will have similarly staying power ten years from now…
But one must take the good with the bad and in the SNES’ case I can see a problem: If the NES was something of a franchise starter, then the SNES is where the franchises took root. And to does raise the problem in that everyone was playing the same damn thing – even to the expense of the other titles. Granted it’s because the games were great but even now, you ask someone which was the best game on the SNES and they reply with the usual suspects: Super Mario World, Link to the Past, Super Metroid, Secret of Mana, Chrono Trigger and Final Fantasy 6 (even as I type this I can see myself repeating myself and it’s damn depressing). Indeed, if you challenge anyone to name the best game on the SNES without mentioning those made by Nintendo or Square and they’ll struggle to say the least. Indeed, it’s this sense of entrenchment that may be costing Nintendo even now….

But criticism aside, the SNES was indeed one of the finest consoles ever made, blessed with superb titles and technological prowess. It represents for me staying power in games and a shining example of how something can last, and keep calling me back, years later. It’s a bastion still standing no matter what time, age and technological developments can throw against it.

Phew, what a mammoth post. No matter: I had a lot to say and I'm glad to have it said. See you this time next time next week for a shock to the system....

Shining Star

Another game has been struck down from the Hall of Shame - Phantasy Star 4.

During the sixteen-bit era (largely regarded by some as the Golden Age of Gaming), whilst Nintendo had Final Fantasy, Sega had Phantasy Star. At that time, I had heard of both but it didn't go further beyond the names. It's ironic considering that Final Fantasy, of course, would go on to become inescapable - but what of the other camp?

Well having played PS4, I have to say I was impressed. I didn't know the Megadrive/Genesis for having any RPGs but this was indeed a treat. It was well presented, the plot was compelling, the characters likable, the whole thing was well-written.
There are signs this game was a labor of love and it shows: The graphics were gorgeous to say the least - I particularly enjoyed how the plot was conveyed through comic-strip style imagery. The combat was great and well thought out. Also pleasing is how the writers really worked hard to wrap up everything that had come in the previous Phantasy Star - even throwing in more than a few allusions - and bring the series to an excellent resolution.
And special mention must go to the music: I have a problem with Megadrive soundtracks in that they tend to date rather horribly but the music to Phantasy Star 4 - along with Golden Axe 2 and Sonic the Hedgehog - still holds up pretty well some seventeen years later.

It's not to say PS4 was without it's quibbles: The leveling up happened so quickly the challenge died away (indeed, I defeated the last boss on my first try!) - which is a bit odd as the Phantasy Star series has enjoyed a fearsome reputation of being one of the most the difficult RPGs ever made. And the encounter rate was stupidly high that traveling the worlds was a slow and annoying process.

Still, I enjoyed Phantasy Star 4 - and it is indeed admirable that it ended the way it did in an age where franchises are run into the ground (not least of which is PS's formal rival).
And so I come away with this game being not only is it the best of the series but both one of the Megadrive's finest moments and one of the best RPGs of it's era.
Good enough reason for it to stand tall with it's head held high.

XBLA Wish List

Seeing as the XBLA likes to dust off old arcades games and put them up for offer, I present a list of suggestions I would like to see put up for purchase.
I played these games when I was a kid and love to see them on XBLA - Probably may never happen but we can always dream....

Vendetta
A beat-em-up made by Konami made in 1991. Whilst the four-way beat-em-up was popularized by Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, I do remember this one quite fondly. What made this one stand out was the wide variety of weapons, which indeed made the game heaps more fun. Also noteworthy is the sense of humor that was quite lacking in the genre. I mean come on, where else can you have Mike Tyson, Hulk Hogan, Jean Claude Van-Damme and Mr. T all banding together to beat up some punks?! Sure the presence of the gay dudes that dry hump the player characters may cause some offense but I will gladly pay for the censored US version of Vendetta for, if anything, to just play the damn thing again.

Golden Axe 2: Revenge of Death Adder
Well the original Golden Axe found it's way onto XBLA so why not it's follow up? Without question the high point of the entire series, RoDA takes what works in GA and improves it on many levels. Better graphics, more beasties to ride, more foes to crush, gorgeous environments, magic combos, multiple paths, and even catapults! Again, having this not follow it's older brother onto XBLA is just mind-boggling. And considering that was never released for a home console in it's day, this is hands down one game that needs a second chance.

Alien vs Predator
Developed by Capcom in 1994, this is one game I played at every opportunity and enjoyed every minute of it. Take two marines (one of them being Arnie's character from the first predator movie) and two Predators and go kill some Alien arse. Some detailed graphics, great music, and the mind-bending opportunity to mow down so many xenomorph scum at once is indeed an attractive package. Plus, seeing as there exists crummy movies and crummy games based on the AvP concept, I would certainly welcome this, the best of the lot, to the XBLA.

Sunset Riders
Well seeing as westerns are enjoying a resurgence (in the form of Call of Juraez and Red Dead Redemption) it would make sense to see this game on the XBLA. Again this is four-way game - and console games are really more fun when played with a group of people (you only need to look at Castle Crashers for proof). But, unlike the three listed above, this is a shooter and has lot's of personality to boot. Humorous moments are filled with the game which are hilarious to watch and it's fun to see how much inspiration is drawn from old Western movies. Indeed, special mention must be made of the game's willingness to not take itself seriously and comes out heaps more fun because of it.