Regular visitors to this blog would know that I’m something of a connoisseur when it comes to RPGs. So the big question then is: Which do I prefer out of Western RPGS or JRPGs?
Much like any tribe, it would seem that there is no overlap: It’s either one or the other. My experience has shown that people raised on Dungeons and Dragons think JRPGs are inane whilst people who grew up with Final Fantasy tend to have little to no time for anything else.
But if the logic of 'the first one is the best one' was true then I’d lump in with Western RPGs. I grew up playing Pool of Radiance on the Commodore 64 and it in turn got me interested in Dungeons and Dragons. It proved to be my gateway drug to fantasy and as a result, set me on a path to seek out familiar material – eventually leading to reading Fighting Fantasy, Chronicles of Narnia, Dragonlance and Lord of the Rings.
However that logic isn't always the case: You see what appeals to me about RPGs is more or less a replication I had when I was a child: Taking a group of heroes together and go kicking some arse in various forms: Visiting interesting locations, smashing the face in of anything dumb enough to stand in your way, growing stronger with each step, building a bond with the dudes in your party, and, well, saving the world (true many games of the era did that but only in RPGs did it present a time investment that actually felt like the effort was worth it). This may sound like nostalgia but ultimately any RPG whether from the East or West, seems to follow the same formula – it only becomes matter of how this formula can be utilized.
So what do I like about Western RPGs? I enjoy roaming around Tolkien-inspired environments, with quasi-medieval elements merged with huge monsters. I enjoy a high quality of narrative and writing that always accompanies Western RPGs. I like being an elf, complete with long hair and pointy ears. I enjoy making decisions that actually have an effect and shape the world around me. I like leading a large party of dudes (large party as in more than two) through one battle after another. I like storming into a final dungeon made to look like an extension of hell loaded with demons galore. I like seeing, and interacting with, worlds that had been from straight from the pages of Tolkien. If anything I like seeing the Dungeons and Dragons rule-set being replicated in gaming form.
That being said, is there anything I don't like about Western RPGs? Why yes: They all seem to drawing from Tolkien playbook that it gets really tiresome to see the same tropes used over and over again. Also if you, like, play enough Bioware RPGs you soon realize that they're all formulaic - come on: you can't tell me that Mass Effect, Dragon Age Origins and Stars Wars KOTOR aren't running on the same blueprint.Indeed, it is rare to see one break from the formula - and rarer still to see one do so successfully (as the fans of Planescape Torment will attest).
So what does the JRPG offer to me then? Well for a start they offer a lot on technical level: I love the use of bright colours that I wouldn't see otherwise in a Western RPG. I love seeing environments that are inventive in their design. I love being swept up in a continually gorgeous soundtrack. Anything beyond that? Well, I do like how many JRPGs treat their characters and put effort into writing for them. And say what you like cinematics in a JRPG you can't deny that they're done very well. And if anything I appreciate JRPGs for being (for most of the time) an antithesis for the gritty Tolkien-inspired Western RPGs.
So then, what don't I like about JRPGs? Oh where do I start? For one, I find they don't offer a sense of non-linearity - you go in a different direction than the one the computer wants you to go in and computer gets all sulky. For two, there is very little freedom on offer when compared to Western RPGS - you're not making lasting decisions, no you're just prodding a character along a predetermined route. For three, whilst JRPGs may look great on a technical level most of it comes at the expense of the actual game part of the game. For four (?) I don't like many of the enemies in JRPGs because, more often than not, they look stupid and have equally silly names that one wonders if they're there to be taken seriously. Finally, through playing numerous JRPGs, there is the realization that they're all trying to be Final Fantasy. And don't say they're aren't lest I call upon the bullshit police. I've seen attempts to replicate the formula that made Final Fantasy work in both the likes of Phantasy Star and Skies of Arcadia. And even then Final Fantasy originated as a variation on the DnD rule-set. In fact I can't think of any areas where the formula needed improving - which may account for why little has been done with the JRPG genre since.
So in the end what can I conclude from this post? Well I can say that I see these two forms of RPGs as beverages: Western RPGs are like a fine wine and JRPGs are like red fizzy cordial - both of them are nice but there's a time and place for each of them and they're not to be conusmed all at once.
Yeah lets go with that
Showing posts with label Phantasy Star. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Phantasy Star. Show all posts
Wednesday, April 24, 2013
Monday, November 12, 2012
Not a Lunar anymore
Recently I've been having a crack at the Sega CD game Lunar: the Silver Star.
The Sega/Mega CD has been a continual source of fascination for me. In the early nineties I recall Sega drumming up interest for it promising better graphics & better sound then what was going around and the incorporation of videos into gameplay. Yet my ten/eleven year old mind was skeptical: These features sounded great but how would they fit into the game? And what were the games like anyway?
And as it turned out, such a mindset was prophetic: The Sega CD was plagued with lousy games that relied more on FMV than actual games. Nevertheless, with a such a wretched track record, the Sega CD did however boast some decent games - and to me seeking out these diamonds in the rough sounded something of a challenge worth rising up to.
Which now brings me to Lunar: the Silver Star. I never knew Sega as having much in the way of RPGs so to see an RPG on a Sega machine that isn't Phantasy Star or Ultima certainly raises an eyebrow. Furthermore, the Lunar series came courtesy of Working Designs who were noted for taking little known Japanese games and giving them wacky translations. Some game fans might consider this blasphemy but I'm more curious to this. Why? Well sometimes a free translation may result in something even better than the original (e.g. the anime Ghost Stories and Samurai Pizza Cats) and after playing so many serious RPGs I think it was high time I tried something fun and light hearted. Keep in mind that Lunar was released in the US in 1993 - the following year Final Fantasy 6 would arrive and commence the ultra serious path that the Final Fantasy games have been following ever since.
So far I'm finding a lot to enjoy in this game. The graphics are nice and colourful and the music is great. Okay, it is a bit odd how the music stops and starts - as opposed to following in a continuous loop - but there are some nice themes and a great use of the sound capabilities of the Sega CD, In particular I really love the Overworld theme this game has:
Also of note is that game is fun to play. Now I've had my share of grind in RPGs - even 4th generation RPGs - and here it is no different but somehow it doesn't feel tedious. Yes I've had some moments of grind but they haven't happened very often and the few that have, have gone by at more more quicker pace and never once did I find it dull.
Of course this is only a first impressions and it would be interesting to see how this game ends up for me. But for now I like this game and I look forward to playing more (and eventually it's sequel!)
The Sega/Mega CD has been a continual source of fascination for me. In the early nineties I recall Sega drumming up interest for it promising better graphics & better sound then what was going around and the incorporation of videos into gameplay. Yet my ten/eleven year old mind was skeptical: These features sounded great but how would they fit into the game? And what were the games like anyway?
And as it turned out, such a mindset was prophetic: The Sega CD was plagued with lousy games that relied more on FMV than actual games. Nevertheless, with a such a wretched track record, the Sega CD did however boast some decent games - and to me seeking out these diamonds in the rough sounded something of a challenge worth rising up to.
Which now brings me to Lunar: the Silver Star. I never knew Sega as having much in the way of RPGs so to see an RPG on a Sega machine that isn't Phantasy Star or Ultima certainly raises an eyebrow. Furthermore, the Lunar series came courtesy of Working Designs who were noted for taking little known Japanese games and giving them wacky translations. Some game fans might consider this blasphemy but I'm more curious to this. Why? Well sometimes a free translation may result in something even better than the original (e.g. the anime Ghost Stories and Samurai Pizza Cats) and after playing so many serious RPGs I think it was high time I tried something fun and light hearted. Keep in mind that Lunar was released in the US in 1993 - the following year Final Fantasy 6 would arrive and commence the ultra serious path that the Final Fantasy games have been following ever since.
So far I'm finding a lot to enjoy in this game. The graphics are nice and colourful and the music is great. Okay, it is a bit odd how the music stops and starts - as opposed to following in a continuous loop - but there are some nice themes and a great use of the sound capabilities of the Sega CD, In particular I really love the Overworld theme this game has:
Also of note is that game is fun to play. Now I've had my share of grind in RPGs - even 4th generation RPGs - and here it is no different but somehow it doesn't feel tedious. Yes I've had some moments of grind but they haven't happened very often and the few that have, have gone by at more more quicker pace and never once did I find it dull.
Of course this is only a first impressions and it would be interesting to see how this game ends up for me. But for now I like this game and I look forward to playing more (and eventually it's sequel!)
Monday, April 30, 2012
You. Me. Outside. Now
Some gaming deathmatches I would like to see:
Kratos (God of War) vs Amaterasui (Okami)
Sephiroth (Final Fantasy 7) vs Kefka (Final Fantasy 6)
Samus Aran (Metroid) vs Femshep (Mass Effect)
Lara Croft (Tomb Raider) vs Nathan Drake (Uncharted)
Kratos (God of War) vs The Master (Actraiser)
Morrigan (Dragon Age Origins) vs Morrigan Aensland (Darkstalkers)
Shodan (System Shock 2) vs GlaDOS (Portal)
Wander (Shadow of the Colossus) vs. James Sutherland (Silent Hill 2)
Vaan (Final Fantasy XII) vs. Vyse (Skies of Arcadia)
Aerith (Final Fantasy 7) vs. Nei (Phantasy Star 2)
Tifa Lockhart (Final Fantasy 7) vs. Taki (Soul Calibur 3)
Duke Nukem vs. Sonic the Hedgehog
Kratos (God of War) vs Amaterasui (Okami)
Sephiroth (Final Fantasy 7) vs Kefka (Final Fantasy 6)
Samus Aran (Metroid) vs Femshep (Mass Effect)
Lara Croft (Tomb Raider) vs Nathan Drake (Uncharted)
Kratos (God of War) vs The Master (Actraiser)
Morrigan (Dragon Age Origins) vs Morrigan Aensland (Darkstalkers)
Shodan (System Shock 2) vs GlaDOS (Portal)
Wander (Shadow of the Colossus) vs. James Sutherland (Silent Hill 2)
Vaan (Final Fantasy XII) vs. Vyse (Skies of Arcadia)
Aerith (Final Fantasy 7) vs. Nei (Phantasy Star 2)
Tifa Lockhart (Final Fantasy 7) vs. Taki (Soul Calibur 3)
Duke Nukem vs. Sonic the Hedgehog
Wednesday, April 11, 2012
Rewriting the Ending
I still have yet to pick up Mass Effect 3 - the day will come when I'll play it true but for now I'd rather wait for a price drop or, better still, when a Special Edition is released with all the DLC readily available.
But maybe I should go ahead and admit it: I find the outrage over the ending to ME3 far more fascinating than the actual game itself. It may be a disturbing thought but I have never seen fans grow so outraged over something that it's creators have to make drastic changes.
So yes whilst Bioware may have given in and produced a DLC ending, it does place an interesting spotlight on game endings and how makers have been forced to change it. This does suggest that an ending CAN be changed - which is fascinating to me as gaming history is littered with games that have been challenging and demanded effort but have ultimately yielded an anticlimactic ending (Xenon 2 anyone?).
But ultimately, this is one more chapter in the relationship between the developer and the gamer - where the developer has made a decision and the fan's reaction it is one of disgust that changes are made. That being said, here some anecdotes to ponder on:
In 1990, the Sega Megadrive was blessed with a rare RPG game: Phantasy Star 2. It was a followup to a popular game on the Master System and expanded on it's predecessor in more ways than one. One thing PS2 set out to do was to do things unique to RPGs at the time to set itself apart from the crowd. One telling sign is the permanent death of a party member partway through the game: The artificial human Nei is confronted with the truth of her genesis and attacks the scientist who created her with reckless abandon. She is subsequently killed - forever - and her death inspires her comrades to win even more. It was a bold move that saddened many players to a point where denial crept in and rumours began circulating that there was a way to resurrect her. All of which proved untrue.
Interesting enough is that years later, PS2 players finally got their wish: As part of the Sega Ages revamp for the Playstation 2, Phantasy Star 2 was dusted off and given a new lease of life - and as part of it, Nei could be resurrected (and effect the plot) once players accomplished a laundry list of requirements that were anything but easy to achieve.
In 1997, Final Fantasy 7 did the same thing: The permanent death of a major character in the form of Aerith Gainsborough. Like Nei, the player reaction was the same. Unlike Nei, the scale of said reaction was much, MUCH bigger. Some gamers cried, some gave up playing and some are STILL talking about it a decade and a half later. But most importantly, the denial was much bigger and, with the rise of the Internet, much easy for rumours to get about. Many methods were tried but all failed.
There was some demand to Sqauresoft to bring her back but they refused - for it was their plan to kill someone in the party off partway and Aerith was their choice - and she did the job better than anyone could've hoped for. And thus Squaresoft have resisted any demands - even her role in (admittedly fanwank) movie Advent Children was a small one. But if the rumours of a new FF7 continue to persist, it seems doubtful the Aerith will ever be left to rest in peace.
And then we have the Mass Effect 3 ending - And the reaction/outrage has been incredible to say the least. The effort to persuade Bioware to change their mind has been unlike anything before it and the anger invested puts a lot of Star Wars devotees to shame. Fandom may have decreed Aerith to have eclipsed Nei but the fracas over the ME3 ending leaves the flower girl in the dust. Mind you, I can see and understand just how a delicate balance it is for a creator/writer in trying to keep true to one's vision and trying to keep the fans, the people who decide your success, hanging around - so credit for Bioware for handling this the way they have amid accusations of false advertising, betrayal, and spin doctoring (I'd sure hate to have been Bioware's PR person during all of this).
So yeah, three tales of fan outrage and how the company reacted - all yielding three very different outcomes. As said above, the outrage over ME3 has been mind-blowing - even to the point where similar outrages that have come before it seem pitiful by comparison.
Still, as this post has hopefully proven, one cannot forget the past - otherwise we are doomed to repeat it.
But maybe I should go ahead and admit it: I find the outrage over the ending to ME3 far more fascinating than the actual game itself. It may be a disturbing thought but I have never seen fans grow so outraged over something that it's creators have to make drastic changes.
So yes whilst Bioware may have given in and produced a DLC ending, it does place an interesting spotlight on game endings and how makers have been forced to change it. This does suggest that an ending CAN be changed - which is fascinating to me as gaming history is littered with games that have been challenging and demanded effort but have ultimately yielded an anticlimactic ending (Xenon 2 anyone?).
But ultimately, this is one more chapter in the relationship between the developer and the gamer - where the developer has made a decision and the fan's reaction it is one of disgust that changes are made. That being said, here some anecdotes to ponder on:
In 1990, the Sega Megadrive was blessed with a rare RPG game: Phantasy Star 2. It was a followup to a popular game on the Master System and expanded on it's predecessor in more ways than one. One thing PS2 set out to do was to do things unique to RPGs at the time to set itself apart from the crowd. One telling sign is the permanent death of a party member partway through the game: The artificial human Nei is confronted with the truth of her genesis and attacks the scientist who created her with reckless abandon. She is subsequently killed - forever - and her death inspires her comrades to win even more. It was a bold move that saddened many players to a point where denial crept in and rumours began circulating that there was a way to resurrect her. All of which proved untrue.
Interesting enough is that years later, PS2 players finally got their wish: As part of the Sega Ages revamp for the Playstation 2, Phantasy Star 2 was dusted off and given a new lease of life - and as part of it, Nei could be resurrected (and effect the plot) once players accomplished a laundry list of requirements that were anything but easy to achieve.
In 1997, Final Fantasy 7 did the same thing: The permanent death of a major character in the form of Aerith Gainsborough. Like Nei, the player reaction was the same. Unlike Nei, the scale of said reaction was much, MUCH bigger. Some gamers cried, some gave up playing and some are STILL talking about it a decade and a half later. But most importantly, the denial was much bigger and, with the rise of the Internet, much easy for rumours to get about. Many methods were tried but all failed.
There was some demand to Sqauresoft to bring her back but they refused - for it was their plan to kill someone in the party off partway and Aerith was their choice - and she did the job better than anyone could've hoped for. And thus Squaresoft have resisted any demands - even her role in (admittedly fanwank) movie Advent Children was a small one. But if the rumours of a new FF7 continue to persist, it seems doubtful the Aerith will ever be left to rest in peace.
And then we have the Mass Effect 3 ending - And the reaction/outrage has been incredible to say the least. The effort to persuade Bioware to change their mind has been unlike anything before it and the anger invested puts a lot of Star Wars devotees to shame. Fandom may have decreed Aerith to have eclipsed Nei but the fracas over the ME3 ending leaves the flower girl in the dust. Mind you, I can see and understand just how a delicate balance it is for a creator/writer in trying to keep true to one's vision and trying to keep the fans, the people who decide your success, hanging around - so credit for Bioware for handling this the way they have amid accusations of false advertising, betrayal, and spin doctoring (I'd sure hate to have been Bioware's PR person during all of this).
So yeah, three tales of fan outrage and how the company reacted - all yielding three very different outcomes. As said above, the outrage over ME3 has been mind-blowing - even to the point where similar outrages that have come before it seem pitiful by comparison.
Still, as this post has hopefully proven, one cannot forget the past - otherwise we are doomed to repeat it.
Friday, February 3, 2012
Talkin' 'bout My generation
Here's a random thought that came drifting into my mind: Has there ever been a game where one plays across a number of generations? I think the first that comes to mind would be Phantasy Star 3 and Dragon Quest 5 but, today, they're relics from the 16-bit generation. Indeed, it make me wonder in this day and age, when so much thought goes into the gaming story and how to present it, why such an idea hasn't been revisited.
So why not dust it off? Seeing as RPG's these days, like Mass Effect, tend to be built on making decisions that can come back later and bite the player on the arse, it would be an interesting take on the concept.
That begin said, I would like to play an RPG trilogy wherein the player uses one character in the first game, then their child in the second and their grandchild in the third! And as the trilogy progresses, the play can meet characters, both NPCs and party members, throughout that may appear young and vital in the first game and then old and wizened in the third. And the player can make choices throughout the first game that effect future generations: Thus it then becomes possible to be a complete bastard in the first game and thus present the next generations the task of doing some kind of redemption - or being an even bigger bastard. And through exploring the world across three games, it is possible to see it change through the progression of time.
The only problem I can see is that players may balk out at having their favorite character being replaced by someone new and unfamiliar (Metal Gear Solid 2 anyone?).
And who the hell sets out make a trilogy anyway?
So why not dust it off? Seeing as RPG's these days, like Mass Effect, tend to be built on making decisions that can come back later and bite the player on the arse, it would be an interesting take on the concept.
That begin said, I would like to play an RPG trilogy wherein the player uses one character in the first game, then their child in the second and their grandchild in the third! And as the trilogy progresses, the play can meet characters, both NPCs and party members, throughout that may appear young and vital in the first game and then old and wizened in the third. And the player can make choices throughout the first game that effect future generations: Thus it then becomes possible to be a complete bastard in the first game and thus present the next generations the task of doing some kind of redemption - or being an even bigger bastard. And through exploring the world across three games, it is possible to see it change through the progression of time.
The only problem I can see is that players may balk out at having their favorite character being replaced by someone new and unfamiliar (Metal Gear Solid 2 anyone?).
And who the hell sets out make a trilogy anyway?
Friday, November 11, 2011
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....
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....
Wednesday, September 21, 2011
Unlucky Seven
...blah blah big news blah blah Final Fantasy X blah blah PS3 remake blah blah....
Now that we got that out of the way, reaction this surprising announcement seems to be a mixture of delight and disgust. And whilst people getting irate over decisions made by SqueeEnix is nothing new, the loudest voices of disgust come from those who wanted a VII remake. Good lord are people still demanding this?
Okay firstly, FFX for the PS3 is not a remake. No, it's a straight up port only in HD.
Now we got that out of the way....
Secondly, as SqueeEnix have said before, remaking FF7 would involve starting over from scratch and a large budget. Conversely revamping FFX in HD thus seems more easier and less costly on their end.
Thirdly, no one's really missing out on anything: FF7 is still available on the PSN the last time I checked.
Fourthly FF7 is pretty much lightening in a bottle: It happened and it's probably never going to happen again - no matter how much the fans want it to nor how hard SqueeEnix try with the Final Fantasy games since. It's a standard that can't be met so why bother? Why not just walk away from it and move on?
And finally, Aerith's not going to come back. She did her job of extracting an emotional response from the player better than anyone could've hoped for so let's just let her rest in peace - and just because the PS2 revamp of Phantasy Star 2 offered the resurrection of Nei, doesn't mean FF7 has to do the same.
Really, the more I look at this notion of remaking Final Fantasy 7 the more it become clear that people are after the same experience they had when they were ten years old. That being said, let me tell you something kids: When I was ten years old, I played Pool of Radiance on the Commodore 64. I played it, loved it, and was my gateway drug to the worlds of both RPGs and Dungeons & Dragons. Years later it got a remake - but it was one many people would rather forget.
Now that we got that out of the way, reaction this surprising announcement seems to be a mixture of delight and disgust. And whilst people getting irate over decisions made by SqueeEnix is nothing new, the loudest voices of disgust come from those who wanted a VII remake. Good lord are people still demanding this?
Okay firstly, FFX for the PS3 is not a remake. No, it's a straight up port only in HD.
Now we got that out of the way....
Secondly, as SqueeEnix have said before, remaking FF7 would involve starting over from scratch and a large budget. Conversely revamping FFX in HD thus seems more easier and less costly on their end.
Thirdly, no one's really missing out on anything: FF7 is still available on the PSN the last time I checked.
Fourthly FF7 is pretty much lightening in a bottle: It happened and it's probably never going to happen again - no matter how much the fans want it to nor how hard SqueeEnix try with the Final Fantasy games since. It's a standard that can't be met so why bother? Why not just walk away from it and move on?
And finally, Aerith's not going to come back. She did her job of extracting an emotional response from the player better than anyone could've hoped for so let's just let her rest in peace - and just because the PS2 revamp of Phantasy Star 2 offered the resurrection of Nei, doesn't mean FF7 has to do the same.
Really, the more I look at this notion of remaking Final Fantasy 7 the more it become clear that people are after the same experience they had when they were ten years old. That being said, let me tell you something kids: When I was ten years old, I played Pool of Radiance on the Commodore 64. I played it, loved it, and was my gateway drug to the worlds of both RPGs and Dungeons & Dragons. Years later it got a remake - but it was one many people would rather forget.
Wednesday, August 17, 2011
Secret to the Success
Last weekend a friend brought it to my attention, years later, both Final Fantasy 7 and Ocarina of Time are still as popular as ever. They’re still highly rated and this popularity shows no signs of abating. Some may say this is because both games are kept in public eye through the DS revamp (for Ocarina) and SqueeEnix milking Cloud and co for all their worth but others may attribute the principle that a game that has lasted due to it doing everything right.
Which now brings forth a new question: What do we do now? The enduring popularity of Ocarina of Time and Final Fantasy 7 may suggest that the greatest game(s) of all time have been made and there’s little point trying to best them. And it would seem many other people agree.
Both games were essentially the end of a long period of evolution: Final Fantasy evolved over six games, developing things that worked and ditching things that didn’t. As a result, Final Fantasy 7 was the breakthrough hit and brought mass awareness to the end result. BUT! Whilst Final Fantasy 7 was a mass seller unlike any other, it also made millions aware of the formula. Indeed, once played Final Fantasy 7 one can’t really go back to the previous games as the formula is now obvious – and in the games since, the formula has been tampered with to mixed results. The evolution of the formula, and the pioneering spirit it comes with, is more or less now irreverent. Once you know what works, it kind of shapes the perception of future endeavors.
The same goes with Ocarina of Time. The original Legend of Zelda was, at the time, ground-breaking of it’s open-ended gaming. Link to the Past revved it up a notch with expanding the formula and introducing new concepts (not least the Dark World). Does this mean anything? Of course not. Why? Because the formula reached it’s zenith with Ocarina of Time. It made the formula work and sold like hotcakes. That’s not to say that both Oot and FF7 were doing anything new (the former expanded and improved the experiments of Super Mario 64 and the latter eschewed medieval/steampunk setting for cyberpunk) but in the end it was the result of years of evolution that nothing can possibly follow it. Thus every Final Fantasy game since has polarised opinions and people have been treating both Majora’s Mask and Twilight Princess with more apprehension than eagerness. Maybe once people know the secret to one’s success the mystique surrounding the product tends to dissipate.
It does raise an interesting point though: Which is more important: The game that introduces a new idea or the game that actually make the idea work? Personally, my money is on the latter however reluctantly. It’s a fact true but not one I’m happy with. Think I’m wrong? Okay then: hands up who’s heard of Aerith Gainsborough. Right: now hands up who’s heard of Nei – yes all five of you.
Which now brings forth a new question: What do we do now? The enduring popularity of Ocarina of Time and Final Fantasy 7 may suggest that the greatest game(s) of all time have been made and there’s little point trying to best them. And it would seem many other people agree.
Both games were essentially the end of a long period of evolution: Final Fantasy evolved over six games, developing things that worked and ditching things that didn’t. As a result, Final Fantasy 7 was the breakthrough hit and brought mass awareness to the end result. BUT! Whilst Final Fantasy 7 was a mass seller unlike any other, it also made millions aware of the formula. Indeed, once played Final Fantasy 7 one can’t really go back to the previous games as the formula is now obvious – and in the games since, the formula has been tampered with to mixed results. The evolution of the formula, and the pioneering spirit it comes with, is more or less now irreverent. Once you know what works, it kind of shapes the perception of future endeavors.
The same goes with Ocarina of Time. The original Legend of Zelda was, at the time, ground-breaking of it’s open-ended gaming. Link to the Past revved it up a notch with expanding the formula and introducing new concepts (not least the Dark World). Does this mean anything? Of course not. Why? Because the formula reached it’s zenith with Ocarina of Time. It made the formula work and sold like hotcakes. That’s not to say that both Oot and FF7 were doing anything new (the former expanded and improved the experiments of Super Mario 64 and the latter eschewed medieval/steampunk setting for cyberpunk) but in the end it was the result of years of evolution that nothing can possibly follow it. Thus every Final Fantasy game since has polarised opinions and people have been treating both Majora’s Mask and Twilight Princess with more apprehension than eagerness. Maybe once people know the secret to one’s success the mystique surrounding the product tends to dissipate.
It does raise an interesting point though: Which is more important: The game that introduces a new idea or the game that actually make the idea work? Personally, my money is on the latter however reluctantly. It’s a fact true but not one I’m happy with. Think I’m wrong? Okay then: hands up who’s heard of Aerith Gainsborough. Right: now hands up who’s heard of Nei – yes all five of you.
Friday, July 29, 2011
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....
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....
Friday, May 6, 2011
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.
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.
Monday, April 18, 2011
Shining in the Dragon Force
Ask any gamer which out of the many games they've played is their favorite and they'll struggle to come up with a decent response. I'm no different but I must profess a soft spot for the Megadrive (Genesis) game Shining Force 2.
Sure it may look childish (at least from an adult perspective), but there is still a a lot going for this game: Large battles, a big cast of characters (even if half of them are hopeless), fun with class changes and a big world to explore. It's a shame that the SRPG genre is kinda dead at the moment but Shining Force 2 (and it's comrade in arms Ogre Battle 64) still holds seem appeal to me that keeps calling me back.
Mind you, the only bone of contention I have with Shining Force 2 is the music: Good Lord, does it get VERY irritating VERY quickly. No I'm bagging the Megadrive's music capabilities but compared to many of the SNES' efforts, the music of many Megadrive games have dated quite horribly (although I do find the Sonic games and Phantasy Star 4 being an exception). And Shining Force 2 is indeed a casualty in the transition of time.
Thus, I've found the game can be massively improved by muting the sound completely and putting on some Dragon Force instead. It's amazing how such fast paced metal (or, as my friend put it, Battle music) can really fit in the game itself. It brings more excitement to the game itself and really fits the massive battles that make up SF2's gameplay. Indeed hearing Valley of the Damned in the middle of fighting a battle is an experienced that has be done to be believed.
So to all of you with SF2 on your Virtual Console: Try it! Drop the sound and put on some DragonForce. And trust me: Once you do, you'll never be able to go back.
Not that you'd want to anyway ;)
Sure it may look childish (at least from an adult perspective), but there is still a a lot going for this game: Large battles, a big cast of characters (even if half of them are hopeless), fun with class changes and a big world to explore. It's a shame that the SRPG genre is kinda dead at the moment but Shining Force 2 (and it's comrade in arms Ogre Battle 64) still holds seem appeal to me that keeps calling me back.
Mind you, the only bone of contention I have with Shining Force 2 is the music: Good Lord, does it get VERY irritating VERY quickly. No I'm bagging the Megadrive's music capabilities but compared to many of the SNES' efforts, the music of many Megadrive games have dated quite horribly (although I do find the Sonic games and Phantasy Star 4 being an exception). And Shining Force 2 is indeed a casualty in the transition of time.
Thus, I've found the game can be massively improved by muting the sound completely and putting on some Dragon Force instead. It's amazing how such fast paced metal (or, as my friend put it, Battle music) can really fit in the game itself. It brings more excitement to the game itself and really fits the massive battles that make up SF2's gameplay. Indeed hearing Valley of the Damned in the middle of fighting a battle is an experienced that has be done to be believed.
So to all of you with SF2 on your Virtual Console: Try it! Drop the sound and put on some DragonForce. And trust me: Once you do, you'll never be able to go back.
Not that you'd want to anyway ;)
Wednesday, November 3, 2010
Reach Out
So Halo Reach is, reportedly, the last Halo game from Bungie? I sure hope so. I think it's fair to say that everyone is pretty sick of Halo, it's devoted-to-the-point-of-downright-weird fans and the over-saturation of it all. I personally don't mind Halo but I find it interesting that Bungie decided to move on.
You hear so many people complaining about how gaming franchises are run into the ground and no one seems keen to try something new. I personally find it interesting that anyone who has the balls to genuinely try something new is swallowed by gamers and shat out as yet another franchise. Case in point: God of War. It came when action games were running out of puff and presented a compelling anti-hero along with a deconstruction of Greek mythology. Also, it presented a proper story with a well-realised resolution. As such, I have no idea why the God of War sequels exist or there is any need: Sure the action is still there but the plot just gets silly plays off of Kratos being a total jerk - thus ruining a lot of what originally made him so interesting.
So I give Bungie credit: They are obviously closing the book on successful franchise and moving onto something different. You don't see that much in the gaming these days becuase such a move requires a large amount of balls to do so. I can only think of only one other case where a franchise was deliberately put to rest and that was Phantasy Star 4 on the Sega Genesis/Megadrive.
Indeed, I'm interested to see what Bungie does next, and whether they will stick to their guns in the face of greedy business types and fans who will eat up anything with Halo written on it. It takes balls to do unconventional things with an established franchise (Leisure Suit Larry 4 comes to mind) so yay to Bungie.
Of course there is talk of doing ANOTHER Halo game only this time by fans but to me, in this franchise-driven, fan-pandering era, there's nothing sadder.
You hear so many people complaining about how gaming franchises are run into the ground and no one seems keen to try something new. I personally find it interesting that anyone who has the balls to genuinely try something new is swallowed by gamers and shat out as yet another franchise. Case in point: God of War. It came when action games were running out of puff and presented a compelling anti-hero along with a deconstruction of Greek mythology. Also, it presented a proper story with a well-realised resolution. As such, I have no idea why the God of War sequels exist or there is any need: Sure the action is still there but the plot just gets silly plays off of Kratos being a total jerk - thus ruining a lot of what originally made him so interesting.
So I give Bungie credit: They are obviously closing the book on successful franchise and moving onto something different. You don't see that much in the gaming these days becuase such a move requires a large amount of balls to do so. I can only think of only one other case where a franchise was deliberately put to rest and that was Phantasy Star 4 on the Sega Genesis/Megadrive.
Indeed, I'm interested to see what Bungie does next, and whether they will stick to their guns in the face of greedy business types and fans who will eat up anything with Halo written on it. It takes balls to do unconventional things with an established franchise (Leisure Suit Larry 4 comes to mind) so yay to Bungie.
Of course there is talk of doing ANOTHER Halo game only this time by fans but to me, in this franchise-driven, fan-pandering era, there's nothing sadder.
Monday, July 12, 2010
Phinal Phantasy
Further work is being done to my Hall of Shame: I have recently returned to Phantasy Star 4.
I've been playing this game from the Sega Megadrive/Genesis collection released on the PS2 but boy, has this one been a problem and a half! Twice so far I have had to restart from a certain point due to the save file dumping me into a point from which there is no escape. I can imagine this type of thing has happened to other gamers out there - sucks doesn't it?!
Other than that, I am enjoying this game very much. I've had little knowledge of Sega's once glorious/pioneering RPG series and, looking back from that angle, Phantasy Star certainly had a lot going for it. Phantasy Star 4 is indeed an entertaining game where a lot of effort has gone into it, with the music, presentation, graphics and playability. It's indeed a great game that can stand on it's on two feet when Final Fantasy seems to rule the roost.
I've been playing this game from the Sega Megadrive/Genesis collection released on the PS2 but boy, has this one been a problem and a half! Twice so far I have had to restart from a certain point due to the save file dumping me into a point from which there is no escape. I can imagine this type of thing has happened to other gamers out there - sucks doesn't it?!
Other than that, I am enjoying this game very much. I've had little knowledge of Sega's once glorious/pioneering RPG series and, looking back from that angle, Phantasy Star certainly had a lot going for it. Phantasy Star 4 is indeed an entertaining game where a lot of effort has gone into it, with the music, presentation, graphics and playability. It's indeed a great game that can stand on it's on two feet when Final Fantasy seems to rule the roost.
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