Last weekend I was in Melbourne - so I made an unplanned visit to PAX.
Never been to a PAX before but from what I gathered from those in the US, it's a major convention being one of the biggest and most important one's on the convention circuit and a nothing less than a big deal.
So I went in and the first thing that grabbed me was the stalls where various new tech was being plugged. The area all these stalls were in were in in poorly lit areas and featured lots of loud music and neon lighting - an experience akin to being in a rave.
But getting past that initial experience, I spent little time in the tech area. But what i did see were crowds of people gathering around to see what was on offer and snapping up free stuff where available. But strangely seeing what was new didn't interest me - I've been suckered into what was 'new' before only to emerge disappointed. Thus there is a wisdom in being cautious.
What really interested me however was what was happening in the area outside of the 'new' stuff: there were tables of DnD players, various stalls plugging non-electronic gaming wares, and a complete retro gaming section boasting a history of pinball display & games ready to pick up and play. Indeed, it is telling that i spent more time at this retro area than with all the new stuff.
Two things struck me as being of particular interest: One was an area where people can bring in their rig for a gaming at the con. I've been to several cons and have never seen anything like it before. Naturally, this area was under constant security but it's impressive that people will bring their rig to a con just for it - but hey, it's a gaming con, right?
The other thing was a live-speed run, where a guy sought to beat Super Mario World in 100 minutes with a) 95 exits unlocked and b) without the cape. And he did it! I've heard that speed-runners are super insane at their chosen games but it see it done live is something else. As such, the player drew a large crowd and had people cheering him when he performed particular feats.
But in the end, for a con meant to be about the glory of gaming I spent little time around the 'new' stuff and more time running around taking photos of the cosplayers. It may not have been the intent of the con but hey, it worked for me.
So in the end, I had a great time at PAX but it is interesting to note that enjoyment had, once again, nothing to do with the latest games and/or tech. Telling much?
Showing posts with label Super Mario World. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Super Mario World. Show all posts
Monday, October 30, 2017
Monday, March 3, 2014
The Castle theme to end all Castle themes
Something I came across on youtube. Someone doing the Super Mario World castle theme (along wth the Yoshi's Island castle theme) on an organ
And somehow making even more scary than the original:
Original video located here. Accessed 3rd March 2014
Monday, July 15, 2013
Two's Company and Three's a Crowd
An age-old debate: 2d platformers or 3d platformers?
Honestly this question isn’t something I really need to think about: 2d all the way. I grew up with eight bit and 16 bit games and, as far as I’m concerned, they did the job nicely and still do today.
My experience with 3d platformers has been varied: I recall the first time I played Super Mario 64 on the N64 and, having enjoyed both Super Mario World and Super Mario Bros 3, experiencing some kind of culture shock: I had no idea what I was supposed to do with Mario or where I was supposed to go. Consequently much of my time in Super Mario 64 was spent running around like a headless chook. Latter still I found many 3d platformers seemed unclear as to not only where to go but how to get there: At times my experience with 3d platformers was awash with difficulty in distinguishing what was a ledge and what was scenery – And anyone who tells me they haven’t slipped up a complicated jumping onto something they thought they could hang onto is a liar.
I also didn’t appreciate the fact that much the graphics looked really ugly – a fact not helped years later as many fifth generation games have not aged well in the graphics department. And matters were not helped by a wonky camera that seemed to refuse to go where the player wanted it to.
And that pretty much sums up my feelings towards 3d platformers: Unclear paths, hideous graphics and a resentful camera. Major problems that, to me, was more than enough as a deal-breaker. And having come from the 16-bit era, these flaws came across as being a major regressive step – why try and ruin that which was working so well already? Indeed, these problems were, and still remain, the reasons why I loved 3d platforms: The screen moved with the PC, they looked nice (some even hold up really well today) and it was always clear where the player was meant to go (not to mention the thrill of finding new paths to get to the exit). That and they were tremendous fun to play.
Now that’s not to say that I’ve found 3d platformers that I’ve enjoyed – Prince of Persia Sands of Time comes to mind – but that had a great narrative and a fun time-rewind mechanic to back it up. In fact I’ve found that when a 3d platformer is offering something else, I will latch onto the ‘something else’ and lo and behold, I find I can really enjoy the game itself (ie Ico, Shadow of the Colossus, NiGHTS and God of War).
As for the 2d platformers, I love them and I still do. And I suspect I’ll still be enjoying them ten years from now. I still finding some being made today (Eversion anyone?) and they are still as compelling as ever. I think that is how I feel about the conflict between 2d and 3d – I’ve become so accustomed on 2d so for 3d to grab my attention it had better offer something else on top.
Your move 3d platformers
Honestly this question isn’t something I really need to think about: 2d all the way. I grew up with eight bit and 16 bit games and, as far as I’m concerned, they did the job nicely and still do today.
My experience with 3d platformers has been varied: I recall the first time I played Super Mario 64 on the N64 and, having enjoyed both Super Mario World and Super Mario Bros 3, experiencing some kind of culture shock: I had no idea what I was supposed to do with Mario or where I was supposed to go. Consequently much of my time in Super Mario 64 was spent running around like a headless chook. Latter still I found many 3d platformers seemed unclear as to not only where to go but how to get there: At times my experience with 3d platformers was awash with difficulty in distinguishing what was a ledge and what was scenery – And anyone who tells me they haven’t slipped up a complicated jumping onto something they thought they could hang onto is a liar.
I also didn’t appreciate the fact that much the graphics looked really ugly – a fact not helped years later as many fifth generation games have not aged well in the graphics department. And matters were not helped by a wonky camera that seemed to refuse to go where the player wanted it to.
And that pretty much sums up my feelings towards 3d platformers: Unclear paths, hideous graphics and a resentful camera. Major problems that, to me, was more than enough as a deal-breaker. And having come from the 16-bit era, these flaws came across as being a major regressive step – why try and ruin that which was working so well already? Indeed, these problems were, and still remain, the reasons why I loved 3d platforms: The screen moved with the PC, they looked nice (some even hold up really well today) and it was always clear where the player was meant to go (not to mention the thrill of finding new paths to get to the exit). That and they were tremendous fun to play.
Now that’s not to say that I’ve found 3d platformers that I’ve enjoyed – Prince of Persia Sands of Time comes to mind – but that had a great narrative and a fun time-rewind mechanic to back it up. In fact I’ve found that when a 3d platformer is offering something else, I will latch onto the ‘something else’ and lo and behold, I find I can really enjoy the game itself (ie Ico, Shadow of the Colossus, NiGHTS and God of War).
As for the 2d platformers, I love them and I still do. And I suspect I’ll still be enjoying them ten years from now. I still finding some being made today (Eversion anyone?) and they are still as compelling as ever. I think that is how I feel about the conflict between 2d and 3d – I’ve become so accustomed on 2d so for 3d to grab my attention it had better offer something else on top.
Your move 3d platformers
Monday, April 9, 2012
Do the Mario
This weekend, I had the pleasure of striking another game from my Hall of Shame. This time it's Super Mario Bros. 3.
I remember many games I played as a kid but this is one I recall more than others. For this game was hailed as the greatest of it's day. It was the game every NES had to have and everyone had to play. I myself didn't have a NES but my brother had a friend who did so thus I was able to see, and eventually play, this game of near monumental reverence.
Yet it is only years later through the Virtual Console, that I'm able to play SMB3 and see it through to the end. So what did I think of it?
Well, firstly I tell a lie: I didn't see it all the way through: I used the infamous Warp Whistles to skip the worlds 5-7 and take the fight straight to the last world with a bundle of power-ups in tow. But that counts: I trounced Bowser and saw the ending - and believe you me it does make a lot of difference getting there yourself as opposed to seeing someone else do it.
But what of the game itself? Well the legendary reputation of this game does carry an enormous amount of intimidation with it but I still had fun with it. It's interesting to see implementation of the open world map and the mini-games but, in a way, it does some rather quaint seeing as many other games have added mini-games and non-linear approach many times since. It's interesting to see new features to the Mario series added but some have left me wondering why they haven't reappeared since (Hammer suit anyone?).
And then there is the difficulty: I've often found the Mario games to be quite fiendishly tough when they want to be and SMB3 is no exception. The lack of a save feature is infuriating particularly when using a continue essentially forces the payer to go back over levels they tried so hard to get through - and, more often than not, on the hope of never repeating again. Indeed I encountered the same problem I had with Super Mario World: I had trouble with the tough levels that by the time I got to Bowser I defeated him in one go thus rendering the whole encounter one big anti-climax. Indeed, I'm beginning to wonder that if the minions give the hero more trouble than the Big Bad, then he isn't much of a threat...
Still I enjoyed playing SMB3 and it was good fun. It certainly has a level of addictiveness and, despite my grumbling about the difficulty, the challenge was one to rise up to. So yeah: Super Mario Bros 3 is one game that certainly holds up years later and I'm glad to have finally beaten it.
Now if I could only get my hands on Super Mario Galaxy.......
I remember many games I played as a kid but this is one I recall more than others. For this game was hailed as the greatest of it's day. It was the game every NES had to have and everyone had to play. I myself didn't have a NES but my brother had a friend who did so thus I was able to see, and eventually play, this game of near monumental reverence.
Yet it is only years later through the Virtual Console, that I'm able to play SMB3 and see it through to the end. So what did I think of it?
Well, firstly I tell a lie: I didn't see it all the way through: I used the infamous Warp Whistles to skip the worlds 5-7 and take the fight straight to the last world with a bundle of power-ups in tow. But that counts: I trounced Bowser and saw the ending - and believe you me it does make a lot of difference getting there yourself as opposed to seeing someone else do it.
But what of the game itself? Well the legendary reputation of this game does carry an enormous amount of intimidation with it but I still had fun with it. It's interesting to see implementation of the open world map and the mini-games but, in a way, it does some rather quaint seeing as many other games have added mini-games and non-linear approach many times since. It's interesting to see new features to the Mario series added but some have left me wondering why they haven't reappeared since (Hammer suit anyone?).
And then there is the difficulty: I've often found the Mario games to be quite fiendishly tough when they want to be and SMB3 is no exception. The lack of a save feature is infuriating particularly when using a continue essentially forces the payer to go back over levels they tried so hard to get through - and, more often than not, on the hope of never repeating again. Indeed I encountered the same problem I had with Super Mario World: I had trouble with the tough levels that by the time I got to Bowser I defeated him in one go thus rendering the whole encounter one big anti-climax. Indeed, I'm beginning to wonder that if the minions give the hero more trouble than the Big Bad, then he isn't much of a threat...
Still I enjoyed playing SMB3 and it was good fun. It certainly has a level of addictiveness and, despite my grumbling about the difficulty, the challenge was one to rise up to. So yeah: Super Mario Bros 3 is one game that certainly holds up years later and I'm glad to have finally beaten it.
Now if I could only get my hands on Super Mario Galaxy.......
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....
Monday, February 21, 2011
Showing one's age
I use my Wii almost exclusively for the Virtual Console (and I swear I'm not the only one who does so). For me, it is the means of catching up on stuff that I missed out on the first time around - Indeed adulthood certainly makes way for a whole lot more freedom than one's teen years.
However, it is interesting to note that looking back, some games that may have seemed ace at the time haven't really aged well. The greatest offender here is Super Mario 64. Now, I've played Super Mario 64 many times and actually find it quite enjoyable. I recall when it was released it was universally praised and many people crediting it (and even now) as being the game that took the then new technology of 3d environments and made it fun. HOWEVER! Looking back at it now, the problem of the crummy camera functions are glaringly obvious - Indeed, this has been such a problem you have to wonder how Nintendo, who have prided themselves in game design, could have gotten away with it. And how many people can overlook this problem to, then and now, dub Super Mario 64, the Greatest Game EVAH.
Indeed, it is interesting to consider how many games can be loved on their initial release only to be condemned (with venom) years later. The backlash is interesting indeed, exhibit the kind of betrayal one would think they are dealing with Marcus Brutus, Benedict Arnold or Judas. Sure nostalgia may play it's part but I don't buy that: Nostalgia only provides a positive experience that people are trying to find every since but as such an experience is a unique one, such a quest is a doomed mission. And if the first few games one plays had such an important part in one's perspective I'd be playing the Commodore 64 version of Double Dragon over Beatles Rock Band but this is not the case.
It is interesting to note how many games have staying power within an industry where everything moves so quickly: Technological advancements get developed quickly and, as such, gamer's attention is quite limited and fickle. I still enjoy games from obsolete consoles (give me Secret of Mana over any recent JRPG any day) and for good reason: They work. They have great ideas, attention to detail, efficient design and a technical spark that makes the game enjoy a lifespan far longer than it's parent console.
It makes me wonder what people ten or fifteen years from now are going to think of the games going around at the present time. Compare Super Mario Galaxy to Super Mario World: they may look like they've come from different planets (pun most certainly intended) but that's fifteen years of technological advancement right there. So when you consider Gears of War 2 you have to wonder what things are going to look like in in 2025.....
However, it is interesting to note that looking back, some games that may have seemed ace at the time haven't really aged well. The greatest offender here is Super Mario 64. Now, I've played Super Mario 64 many times and actually find it quite enjoyable. I recall when it was released it was universally praised and many people crediting it (and even now) as being the game that took the then new technology of 3d environments and made it fun. HOWEVER! Looking back at it now, the problem of the crummy camera functions are glaringly obvious - Indeed, this has been such a problem you have to wonder how Nintendo, who have prided themselves in game design, could have gotten away with it. And how many people can overlook this problem to, then and now, dub Super Mario 64, the Greatest Game EVAH.
Indeed, it is interesting to consider how many games can be loved on their initial release only to be condemned (with venom) years later. The backlash is interesting indeed, exhibit the kind of betrayal one would think they are dealing with Marcus Brutus, Benedict Arnold or Judas. Sure nostalgia may play it's part but I don't buy that: Nostalgia only provides a positive experience that people are trying to find every since but as such an experience is a unique one, such a quest is a doomed mission. And if the first few games one plays had such an important part in one's perspective I'd be playing the Commodore 64 version of Double Dragon over Beatles Rock Band but this is not the case.
It is interesting to note how many games have staying power within an industry where everything moves so quickly: Technological advancements get developed quickly and, as such, gamer's attention is quite limited and fickle. I still enjoy games from obsolete consoles (give me Secret of Mana over any recent JRPG any day) and for good reason: They work. They have great ideas, attention to detail, efficient design and a technical spark that makes the game enjoy a lifespan far longer than it's parent console.
It makes me wonder what people ten or fifteen years from now are going to think of the games going around at the present time. Compare Super Mario Galaxy to Super Mario World: they may look like they've come from different planets (pun most certainly intended) but that's fifteen years of technological advancement right there. So when you consider Gears of War 2 you have to wonder what things are going to look like in in 2025.....
Monday, October 18, 2010
It Takes Two
As some of you may know, I do have a significant other in my life: Like many other relationships, we bonded over similar interests, namely anime and video games. Thanks to my partner I have an interest in the Xbox (a console I had previously little to do with) and I've had an attentive audience watching me play games.
Strangely, we've never really played a game together. This may seem strange as we both love gaming and playing a game together is something couples do (or at least should do). Thing is, the games we like aren't really of a two player variety. Indeed, the games we've really played together are few in number: Rock Band, Singstar and Super Mario World (note how all bar one are music games)
We both enjoy the Bioware RPG's. I loved Baldur's Gate and was determined to play Dragon Age Origins as soon as I saw it. My partner meanwhile was won over through playing Mass Effect and completed Dragon Age Origins well before me. The thing is, RPG's are really a one player game: there is no room for a second player to come in. Fable may present a second player option true but the role of the second player is reduced to that of an underling.
I would like to see an RPG where a second player can come in. It may seem a tall order seeing as RPG's are all about making decisions and fashioning character development in a way that stays with the player throughout the entire game but why not? True RPG's are usually a one player game but consider Final Fantasy X: The main character is Tidus but he isn't the driving force of the man quest - Yuna is. I would like to see conversations between two player characters where two people are individually selecting responses. I would like to see one player character doing something that will ultimately effect the other player character. I would like to see two people going off an doing separate sidequests at the same time. I would like to see two people playing the same RPG and making choices via connected consoles. We have the processing power so why not?
Strangely, we've never really played a game together. This may seem strange as we both love gaming and playing a game together is something couples do (or at least should do). Thing is, the games we like aren't really of a two player variety. Indeed, the games we've really played together are few in number: Rock Band, Singstar and Super Mario World (note how all bar one are music games)
We both enjoy the Bioware RPG's. I loved Baldur's Gate and was determined to play Dragon Age Origins as soon as I saw it. My partner meanwhile was won over through playing Mass Effect and completed Dragon Age Origins well before me. The thing is, RPG's are really a one player game: there is no room for a second player to come in. Fable may present a second player option true but the role of the second player is reduced to that of an underling.
I would like to see an RPG where a second player can come in. It may seem a tall order seeing as RPG's are all about making decisions and fashioning character development in a way that stays with the player throughout the entire game but why not? True RPG's are usually a one player game but consider Final Fantasy X: The main character is Tidus but he isn't the driving force of the man quest - Yuna is. I would like to see conversations between two player characters where two people are individually selecting responses. I would like to see one player character doing something that will ultimately effect the other player character. I would like to see two people going off an doing separate sidequests at the same time. I would like to see two people playing the same RPG and making choices via connected consoles. We have the processing power so why not?
Friday, June 4, 2010
The Conquering of a Super Mario World
Yesterday, I completed Super Mario World. I wouldn't say complete though: I beat Bowser, I saw the ending and 80% completion is good enough for me.
Having spent a childhood wishing I had a SNES, playing SMW on the Virtual Console all the way through, is a new thing for me. I've always enjoyed the Mario games but it's interesting to note how they suck you in: The Mario games I've played start off accessible but then gets fiendishly difficult to the point of loud screaming and controllers being flung across the room. And SMW is no different: Up to Vanilla Dome, I was scoring bonus lives by the truckload. By the time I got around to the Forest of Illusion, I was up to over 80 lives! At first I thought the game was being awfully generous but then i found there is a good reason for this: Those lives? Ya gunna need 'em. Thus, when I was trudging through Chocolate Island and the Valley of Bowser, I was losing lives at a staggering rate (Wendy's Castle is an absolute BITCH!). I lost count on how many times I had to backtrack in order to find power-ups/lives/the long-suffering Yoshi necessary to solve the level.
And there's some areas I need to crack, like Star Road 7 and the Star Road exit from the Twin Bridges area (how one does that I'm still not certain on). No rest for the wicked....
Still, SMW is as just as much fun as it has ever been. You have to feel for poor Yoshi though: He looks like his back will collapse under the weight of the big Mario and he's frequently sent plummeting to his death. Still, he at least got to carry Princess Peach all the way back home (who appeared to be a more appreciative of her steed than Mario ever was) so there's a happy ending.
Having spent a childhood wishing I had a SNES, playing SMW on the Virtual Console all the way through, is a new thing for me. I've always enjoyed the Mario games but it's interesting to note how they suck you in: The Mario games I've played start off accessible but then gets fiendishly difficult to the point of loud screaming and controllers being flung across the room. And SMW is no different: Up to Vanilla Dome, I was scoring bonus lives by the truckload. By the time I got around to the Forest of Illusion, I was up to over 80 lives! At first I thought the game was being awfully generous but then i found there is a good reason for this: Those lives? Ya gunna need 'em. Thus, when I was trudging through Chocolate Island and the Valley of Bowser, I was losing lives at a staggering rate (Wendy's Castle is an absolute BITCH!). I lost count on how many times I had to backtrack in order to find power-ups/lives/the long-suffering Yoshi necessary to solve the level.
And there's some areas I need to crack, like Star Road 7 and the Star Road exit from the Twin Bridges area (how one does that I'm still not certain on). No rest for the wicked....
Still, SMW is as just as much fun as it has ever been. You have to feel for poor Yoshi though: He looks like his back will collapse under the weight of the big Mario and he's frequently sent plummeting to his death. Still, he at least got to carry Princess Peach all the way back home (who appeared to be a more appreciative of her steed than Mario ever was) so there's a happy ending.
Monday, May 31, 2010
What I've been playing (no.1)
So what I've been playing recently?
Rock Band 2
Sure I made it to the Immortals induction and unlocked the Endless Setlist but this game is far from over: My band Demon Flower is now going back over previous locations to achieve a five star score over places which I may have missed the first time around. And as long as there continue to be opportunities to take advantage of the DLC then I doubt I'll be getting tired of RB2 any time soon.
(Shackler's Revenge is still a bitch though)
Final Fantasy 1
Downloaded to the Virtual Console, this game looks weird, when one is more used to it's dazzling offspring. But, it is interesting to play it from a pioneering perspective: There are some really good ideas at work here and it's interesting to see which ideas have lasted throughout the series in various incarnations.
That and the fact that's a really fun game to play.
Super Mario World
Another gem from the Virtual Console. I remember playing this as a kid and it's still as fun as it ever was - Although some of criteria to access the secret levels are fiendish. "You expect me to do WHAT!?!"
Rock Band 2
Sure I made it to the Immortals induction and unlocked the Endless Setlist but this game is far from over: My band Demon Flower is now going back over previous locations to achieve a five star score over places which I may have missed the first time around. And as long as there continue to be opportunities to take advantage of the DLC then I doubt I'll be getting tired of RB2 any time soon.
(Shackler's Revenge is still a bitch though)
Final Fantasy 1
Downloaded to the Virtual Console, this game looks weird, when one is more used to it's dazzling offspring. But, it is interesting to play it from a pioneering perspective: There are some really good ideas at work here and it's interesting to see which ideas have lasted throughout the series in various incarnations.
That and the fact that's a really fun game to play.
Super Mario World
Another gem from the Virtual Console. I remember playing this as a kid and it's still as fun as it ever was - Although some of criteria to access the secret levels are fiendish. "You expect me to do WHAT!?!"
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)