Monday 29 December 2014
The Game Over Club: Pantheon of Pain
The Game Over Club: Pantheon of Pain: I must be a sucker for pain. Cause' I play a lot of tough games. I mean a ton of them. But unlike others who bitch and complain how unfa...
Pantheon of Pain
I must be a sucker for pain. Cause' I play a lot of tough games. I mean a ton of them. But unlike others who bitch and complain how unfair a game may be I dig in my heels and have another go. Adventure Island? Nice place. TMNT? Those are my boys. Ninja Gaiden III? Been there, done that. Contra? I got your rifle right here.
So what are the hardest of the hard games on the NES? Why do players (of all ages really) say "that's NES tough" to designate the difficulty (and level of difficulty) of newer games? Yeah, the Nintendo was notorious for brutal difficulty, the kind that slaps you in the face, pours salt on your wounds and kicks you downhill...into a nest of bees. I've been there man. And I want to tell you some of my heroic deeds. I may not be the best looking dude around, hell, I'm not even the most intelligent. But I do know how to beat games. Let's take a look at my "gamer cred".
In my lifetime I've beaten these games (multiple times mind you):
So many tough games on one system!
So what are the hardest of the hard games on the NES? Why do players (of all ages really) say "that's NES tough" to designate the difficulty (and level of difficulty) of newer games? Yeah, the Nintendo was notorious for brutal difficulty, the kind that slaps you in the face, pours salt on your wounds and kicks you downhill...into a nest of bees. I've been there man. And I want to tell you some of my heroic deeds. I may not be the best looking dude around, hell, I'm not even the most intelligent. But I do know how to beat games. Let's take a look at my "gamer cred".
In my lifetime I've beaten these games (multiple times mind you):
- Double Dragon III
- Ninja Gaiden series (1, 2, 3)
- TMNT
- Ghosts N' Goblins
- Silver Surfer
- Battletoads (with warps and no warps mind you)
- Adventure Island
- Contra
- Super C (which I think is the tougher Contra game)
- Adventures of Bayou Billy
- Batman
- Mega Man ( I think this one is even tougher than the third installment)
- Mike Tyson's Punch-Out!
Hudson had a thing for extremely difficult games
I'm sure there's more but you get the idea. Still, there's a lot of other games I want to beat but simply can't wrap my head around them. Like Alpha Mission, Star Voyager, Destination Earthstar, Adventures of Dino Riki, Knight's Quest and many, many more. But I keep chipping away. Little by little I add another cart in the defeated pile. But for what reason? To impress my fellow gamers? I dunno, maybe. To be honest its a constant battle within. See, as a kid I had a burning desire to be the best at something. Anything really.
Whether it was sports, the arts, or academically it didn't matter. When I was turned on to the NES at a young age (around 6 but it went full viral when I was 7) I knew then and there I wanted to be the best at the NES. And not just one game. All of them! Any game that was thrown in my lap I wanted to be able to tell my friends "I can beat that, no sweat!" and then do it. Now almost 23 years later I still have that passion. It's one of those things that defines me (although it isn't my entire life by a long shot).
"as a kid I had a burning desire to be the best at something. Anything really."
Another reason why a few years back (2009) I started to keep a record of all the NES games I've beaten. It's a fun little thing to look back and see what you've accomplished in a year. Hell, you can check my other thrashed games list right here on my blog! I think I'll keep on playing these tough games for another 23 years. I'm a sucker for pain.
-Will ^>^
Tuesday 23 December 2014
The Game Over Club: Karate Kid (NES) Thoughts
The Game Over Club: Karate Kid (NES) Thoughts: LJN. You know it. You probably hate it thanks to the Nerd. But not ALL of the company's published work is garbage. They really do get...
Karate Kid (NES) Thoughts
LJN.
You know it. You probably hate it thanks to the Nerd. But not ALL of the company's published work is garbage. They really do get a bad rap. Yeah, Uncanny X-men is a pile of shite, but Jaws, Nightmare on Elm Street, and Friday the 13th are damn fine offerings.
The Karate Kid is one of LJN's earliest games released on the NES too. And while you may think that the game is just based off the original movie, it actually only has one level dedicated to the first film. The rest of the game is based directly off the second movie with Daniel-san.
Sure the graphics aren't all that great. But I would say it does the job of what is there. I would like to point out that Daniel's clothes change each and EVERY level. So that is a neat bonus. Plus, his wardrobe actually matches with what he actually wears in the movie. It's true! Also, the bonus screens look really nice, especially the fly catching bonus screen and the ice breaking game.
The only thing really challenging about the game are three things (and they're all cheap mind you);
At only four levels the Karate Kid is a short game with sub par graphics, excellent music, and annoying in certain parts. I like the variety of all the bonus levels (there's 3 or so in total). Although the addition of a two player fighter just thrown in there is weird, either way I like the Karate Kid. Check it out.
You know it. You probably hate it thanks to the Nerd. But not ALL of the company's published work is garbage. They really do get a bad rap. Yeah, Uncanny X-men is a pile of shite, but Jaws, Nightmare on Elm Street, and Friday the 13th are damn fine offerings.
The Karate Kid is one of LJN's earliest games released on the NES too. And while you may think that the game is just based off the original movie, it actually only has one level dedicated to the first film. The rest of the game is based directly off the second movie with Daniel-san.
More like Karate Kid Part 2
Sure the graphics aren't all that great. But I would say it does the job of what is there. I would like to point out that Daniel's clothes change each and EVERY level. So that is a neat bonus. Plus, his wardrobe actually matches with what he actually wears in the movie. It's true! Also, the bonus screens look really nice, especially the fly catching bonus screen and the ice breaking game.
The fly catching bonus level is actually a lot of fun!
The only thing really challenging about the game are three things (and they're all cheap mind you);
- Getting hit by the enemy sends you flying around like a pinball
- Level 3 is super annoying because of the wind pushing you back
- The spear men
At only four levels the Karate Kid is a short game with sub par graphics, excellent music, and annoying in certain parts. I like the variety of all the bonus levels (there's 3 or so in total). Although the addition of a two player fighter just thrown in there is weird, either way I like the Karate Kid. Check it out.
Tuesday 16 September 2014
Nes Games Thrashed: 2014 Edition Part 2
An updated list of my current new game completions on the NES. So far, I've beat my total from 2010 (which was 17 new completions). Now I'm just 3 more shy of another record. Not really sure what games I'll tackle next...
January
-Cabal
-WWF Wrestlemania
February
-The Legend of Zelda (2nd Quest)
-Robocop
-Kickle Cubicle
March
-Adventures of Bayou Billy (used only 1 continue!)
-Jaws (First time playing it I beat the game!)
-Isolated Warrior
-Rad Racer II
-City Connection (Hi Score and all 6 levels finished)
-AD&D Heroes of the Lance (Finished with only 3 party member deaths!)
-Monster in my Pocket
-Mighty Final Fight
August
-Rygar (top contender for retro game of the year)
-Adventure Island
September
-Super Spike 'Vball
-Legend of Kage
-Rush'N Attack
-Bump n' Jump
-Silver Surfer (no cheats used!)
-Al Unser Jr. Turbo Racing (highly underrated racing game. Basically, Rad Racer III)
-Double Dribble (Hardest difficulty)
October
-T&C Surf Designs (Beat Wood and Water Rampage getting the high score)
November:
-Dr. Mario (Level 20, Slow Speed)
-Tecmo Bowl (New York Giants beat Bo Jackson's L.A. Raiders in the Tecmo Bowl)
December:
-Karate Kid (on my 3rd attempt I beat the game quite handily. Funny, I replayed the game after winning and beat the game again!)
-American Gladiators (a tricky, but fun little game that gets way too much flak.)
January
-Cabal
-WWF Wrestlemania
February
-The Legend of Zelda (2nd Quest)
-Robocop
-Kickle Cubicle
March
-Adventures of Bayou Billy (used only 1 continue!)
-Jaws (First time playing it I beat the game!)
-Isolated Warrior
-Rad Racer II
-City Connection (Hi Score and all 6 levels finished)
-AD&D Heroes of the Lance (Finished with only 3 party member deaths!)
-Monster in my Pocket
-Mighty Final Fight
August
-Rygar (top contender for retro game of the year)
-Adventure Island
September
-Super Spike 'Vball
-Legend of Kage
-Rush'N Attack
-Bump n' Jump
-Silver Surfer (no cheats used!)
-Al Unser Jr. Turbo Racing (highly underrated racing game. Basically, Rad Racer III)
-Double Dribble (Hardest difficulty)
October
-T&C Surf Designs (Beat Wood and Water Rampage getting the high score)
November:
-Dr. Mario (Level 20, Slow Speed)
-Tecmo Bowl (New York Giants beat Bo Jackson's L.A. Raiders in the Tecmo Bowl)
December:
-Karate Kid (on my 3rd attempt I beat the game quite handily. Funny, I replayed the game after winning and beat the game again!)
-American Gladiators (a tricky, but fun little game that gets way too much flak.)
Tuesday 1 July 2014
Monday 9 June 2014
Sunday 8 June 2014
Friday 30 May 2014
Tuesday 27 May 2014
Monday 26 May 2014
Sunday 27 April 2014
Monday 21 April 2014
Tuesday 15 April 2014
Sunday 13 April 2014
Wednesday 12 February 2014
Sweeter When its Nostalgic?
I just beat a game that I couldn't do in my childhood. I beat Robocop on the NES. I remember "beating" the game when I was young with the Game Genie. Never thought I could without the cheating device. But lo and behold I did just that. Its so much more satisfying winning over the game you could only beat with a cheating device, my 10 year old self would be so proud (and amazed!). You know what else helped? Something I never wasted my time doing...
Blocking.
Its true! While its not in a convenient location on the select button, and you have to sit still, it made the difference. Also another great tip is don't chase down enemies if you don't have to. Just keep pushing forward. Especially in the latter levels as mini bosses appear, they wipe away any small fry enemies.
One other big tip: near the end of the game just after the large turret (that sprays missiles and fire at you) you'll meet Clarence Bodiker for the last time. When you shoot him down and collect the Cobra gun, save it! Use it against ED-209. Another cool tip; every 3 1/2 to 4 steps the large robot shoots his gun. So get right up into its face and blast away!
What else can I say. Robocop is one of Data East's best games on the Nintendo. Check it out, it really is a solid licence game. Good graphics, nice music and its not too long of a game either. Which for me, is a nice little bit sized robot treat.
18 more to go!
-Will ^>^
Blocking.
Its true! While its not in a convenient location on the select button, and you have to sit still, it made the difference. Also another great tip is don't chase down enemies if you don't have to. Just keep pushing forward. Especially in the latter levels as mini bosses appear, they wipe away any small fry enemies.
One other big tip: near the end of the game just after the large turret (that sprays missiles and fire at you) you'll meet Clarence Bodiker for the last time. When you shoot him down and collect the Cobra gun, save it! Use it against ED-209. Another cool tip; every 3 1/2 to 4 steps the large robot shoots his gun. So get right up into its face and blast away!
What else can I say. Robocop is one of Data East's best games on the Nintendo. Check it out, it really is a solid licence game. Good graphics, nice music and its not too long of a game either. Which for me, is a nice little bit sized robot treat.
18 more to go!
-Will ^>^
Tuesday 4 February 2014
NES Games Thrashed 2014 Edition
A new year brings new challenges. New bosses, new weapons, new carts, new experiences, and new endings...hopefully. Last year was quite the impressive year. I beat 21-22 NES games previously topping 2010's offering of 17. But can I beat that goal set last year? It may be a tough one!
January
-Cabal
-WWF Wrestlemania
February
-The Legend of Zelda (2nd Quest)
-Robocop
-Kickle Cubicle
March
-Adventures of Bayou Billy (used only 1 continue!)
-Jaws (First time playing it I beat the game!)
-Isolated Warrior
-Rad Racer II
-City Connection (Hi Score and all 6 levels finished)
-AD&D Heroes of the Lance (Finished with only 3 party member deaths!)
-Monster in my Pocket
-Mighty Final Fight
August
-Rygar (top contender for retro game of the year)
-Adventure Island
September
-Super Spike 'Vball
January
-Cabal
-WWF Wrestlemania
February
-The Legend of Zelda (2nd Quest)
-Robocop
-Kickle Cubicle
March
-Adventures of Bayou Billy (used only 1 continue!)
-Jaws (First time playing it I beat the game!)
-Isolated Warrior
-Rad Racer II
-City Connection (Hi Score and all 6 levels finished)
-AD&D Heroes of the Lance (Finished with only 3 party member deaths!)
-Monster in my Pocket
-Mighty Final Fight
August
-Rygar (top contender for retro game of the year)
-Adventure Island
September
-Super Spike 'Vball
Friday 31 January 2014
The Game Over Club: What the hell is up with Nintendo?!
The Game Over Club: What the hell is up with Nintendo?!: The Wii was a great success. It seemed everyone had the damn console. So when the Wii U was released a few years back did Nintendo really th...
What the hell is up with Nintendo?!
The Wii was a great success. It seemed everyone had the damn console. So when the Wii U was released a few years back did Nintendo really think they would have another multi-million dollar hit? As much as I love the original NES, the SNES didn't do as well as its predecessor. It's true and you know it!
So Iwata takes a pay cut, and basically says the Wii U's Game Pad is to blame for the lack of sales....well, that and the fact that there's hardly any marketing done so the casuals can actually see the thing and all of its games.
Games...games...that's another thing. Nintendo needs to beg and plead on their hands and knees to get those 3rd party developers on board. C'mon Konami! C'mon Capcom (I'm still pointing a finger at you though...). Ubisoft, Activision, EA, Sega and the rest. Get on board, scratch those grey cells of yours and figure out some fun ways to implement the Game Pad tech.
Things you already heard a million times before on other sites, blogs, and videos. Here's a little list of what Nintendo should do to turn things around. (And yes, I've never run a multi-billion dollar company...and neither have you. But, it's still fun!)
So Iwata takes a pay cut, and basically says the Wii U's Game Pad is to blame for the lack of sales....well, that and the fact that there's hardly any marketing done so the casuals can actually see the thing and all of its games.
You can help fix it Iwata!
Games...games...that's another thing. Nintendo needs to beg and plead on their hands and knees to get those 3rd party developers on board. C'mon Konami! C'mon Capcom (I'm still pointing a finger at you though...). Ubisoft, Activision, EA, Sega and the rest. Get on board, scratch those grey cells of yours and figure out some fun ways to implement the Game Pad tech.
Wii U won't fall that hard
Things you already heard a million times before on other sites, blogs, and videos. Here's a little list of what Nintendo should do to turn things around. (And yes, I've never run a multi-billion dollar company...and neither have you. But, it's still fun!)
- Commercials. Promote the damn thing! You've banked millions from the success of the Wii. Promote the thing so people stop thinking its an add on to the Wii!
- Games. I don't think the Wii U will be a system seller on its own. You need to push the games out. That also means the Virtual Console too.
- Connectivity. The 3DS is your bread and butter right now. It had a shaky start, but its really one of the best handhelds ever. Tie both systems together. You buy a VC NES game on your 3DS? Bam! You can now play it on your Wii U too! And vice versa!
- Stemming from the point above, have one UNIFIED Virtual Console. I should be able to download all the games on my Wii U, AND my 3DS. (Looking at you Earthbound!)
You should be on the 3DS!
It shouldn't take a rocket scientist to clean up this mess Nintendo. Spread the news of your wonderful system. Bring in the 3rd party devs and kiss their asses for a bit, you need them! And for the sake of all things good, unify the Wii U and the 3DS. You're Nintendo. You can do this. Just don't give up like you did with the Virtual Boy. ^>^
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