tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11233515782935412472024-03-17T21:43:44.936-04:00GAMING ROCKS ONReggie White Jr.http://www.blogger.com/profile/10467336468770627457noreply@blogger.comBlogger1652125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1123351578293541247.post-80592648276177670852023-04-08T22:56:00.001-04:002023-04-08T22:56:21.859-04:00VGM Saturdays Vol. 2. No. 008<p>Keeping it even this week, we have three songs from games and three arrangements of game tracks that are not in games. </p><p><b><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;">The Conflict - Romancing SaGa (SFC)</span></b></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/ffVp6jhgxDI" width="320" youtube-src-id="ffVp6jhgxDI"></iframe></div><p>Another week of VGM Saturdays, another track by Kenji Ito. This time we have the standard battle theme from Romancing SaGa. The Romancing SaGa games alone have all kinds of stellar battle themes but even when compared to greats like <i>Beat Them Up!</i>, The Conflict is still a big favorite of mine.</p><p><b><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;">PLAYER SELECT - Art of Fighting 3: Path of the Warrior (ARC)</span></b></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/SfUjuIioEgI" width="320" youtube-src-id="SfUjuIioEgI"></iframe></div><p>I haven't touched any of the games in SNK's Art of Fighting series but the soundtracks are not something that is lost on me. Personally, I think Art of Fighting 3 has the best music of the lot. More laid back character select themes, please.</p><p><b><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;">We Ain't Came to Loose - Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Shredder's Revenge (Multi)</span></b></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/r4Kvauxz1DA" width="320" youtube-src-id="r4Kvauxz1DA"></iframe></div><p>The soundtrack to Shredder's Revenge is GODLIKE. Of course they just had to have one of the most baller vocal tracks play when you fight Shredder. Even if rap isn't your thing, you cannot deny that this song is so hot. </p><p><b><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;">Stickerbrush Symphony - Donkey Kong Country 2: Diddy's Kong Quest (SNES) - Neon X</span></b></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/qTxxFYUY6Mo" width="320" youtube-src-id="qTxxFYUY6Mo"></iframe></div><p>Donkey Kong Country 2's soundtrack needs no introduction. It is brimming with a plethora of amazing tracks from start to finish. A huge fan favorite is undoubtedly Stickerbrush Symphony, the track that plays during some of the more tense brambled filled levels of the game. I think David Wise would be proud of Neon X's synth fused cover of his classic track.</p><p><b><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;">Sunshine Airport - Mario Kart 8 (Wii U) - Neon X</span></b></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/BNVaUatUDLM" width="320" youtube-src-id="BNVaUatUDLM"></iframe></div><p>And here we have another remix from the very talented, synth lover, Neon X. I love Sunshine Airport, both the race track and the song that accompanies it. When I saw this pop up in my recommendations, I had to give it a listen. The addition of a boarding call is a nice touch.</p><p><b><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;">Column Drive - Columns III: Revenge of the Columns (GEN) - amphobius</span></b></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/OGbo82Iyweo" width="320" youtube-src-id="OGbo82Iyweo"></iframe></div><p>The first time I heard this song was in Sonic Megamix, a ROM hack of the original Sonic the Hedgehog. I never expected to come across a remix of this one, but once again, I have to thank YouTube's recommended side bar. </p><p><b>VGM Saturdays Vol. 2 Database</b></p>Reggie White Jr.http://www.blogger.com/profile/10467336468770627457noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1123351578293541247.post-52871919687221089462023-02-18T01:52:00.001-05:002023-02-19T01:24:00.348-05:00VGM Saturdays Vol. 2. No. 007<p>I went with the Arial font for the titles this week. Nothing against Georgia font, but I thought I could use a bit of a change.</p><p><b><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;">K.K. Cruisin' - Animal Crossing (N64) - Funk Fiction, Tee Lopes</span></b></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/WKlzDVqRcgI" width="320" youtube-src-id="WKlzDVqRcgI"></iframe></div><p>K.K. Slider is one of the best dogs in gaming. Not just for his super chill attitude, but for his wide selection of music. A big favorite of mine ever since the first game has always been K.K. Cruisin'. That is a jam that can be heard in one or sometimes two rooms in my house on New Horizons. Back in 2020, Funk Fiction and Tee Lopes worked together to give us this sweet remix and it just might be my favorite K.K. Cruisin' arrangement. </p><p><b><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;">Dice-Dance-Days / Dancing Smash Hero - Gunstar Heroes (GEN) - Monte</span></b></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/Jjuo22AcNQw" width="320" youtube-src-id="Jjuo22AcNQw"></iframe></div><p>Since I plan a great deal of these VGM Saturday posts out in advance, I sometimes surprise myself when I look back on the music I choose. Legend of the Gunstar Heroes definitely deserves more listens. Since it has been a while since I heard this one, I'd forgotten how hard the guitar goes on this track.</p><p><b><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;">Cyber Space 1-6: Go Back 2 Your Roots - Sonic Frontiers (Multi)</span></b></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/PCX4pSmQWn8" width="320" youtube-src-id="PCX4pSmQWn8"></iframe></div><p>Well, would you look at that. More Sonic Frontiers music. That's two weeks in a row now. I changed things up a bit by using a Guardian track last week, but once again, we're back in Cyber Space. Yes, I use a lot of Cyber Space tracks for VGM Saturdays (they are so FREAKING GOOD) but I adore the entirety of Sonic Frontiers' music. I thought the layout of this particular level looked familiar. It turns out it is Green Hill Act 1 from Sonic Generations. </p><p><b><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;">Lethal Strike - Final Fantasy Legend II (GB)</span></b></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/iZkL3ohAxLg" width="320" youtube-src-id="iZkL3ohAxLg"></iframe></div><p>Back when I first got into the FINAL FANTASY series, I would pick up any game I came across if I could afford it. One such title was Final Fantasy Legend II, which is actually a SaGa game. Kenji Ito wrote this battle theme and I fell in love with this track the first time I heard it. This is high energy chip tune goodness and I am so happy it is available on streaming platforms legally. </p><p><b><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;">SUPER M.T.B. - Danganronpa: Trigger Happy Havoc (PSP)</span></b></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/T9I7Qc7kTBE" width="320" youtube-src-id="T9I7Qc7kTBE"></iframe></div><p>The Danganronpa games intrigue me and I would like to get around to playing them sometime. Trigger Happy Havoc originally released on the PSP in 2010 and it has since been ported to the Vita, PS4 and mobile devices. I did listen to the soundtrack for the game shortly after it was released and this track as well as SUPER FINAL M.T.B. were huge stand out songs for me.</p><p><b><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;">Cyan's Theme - FINAL FANTASY VI (SNES)</span></b></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/Mn0CmkJ6sIw" width="320" youtube-src-id="Mn0CmkJ6sIw"></iframe></div><p>SQUARE ENIX may treat FINAL FANTASY VII with vastly more favoritism than the other games (OK, a LOT more favoritism) but VI is a grand game all it's own. It tackles a lot of themes such as acceptance with one's self and how the loss of loved ones can deeply impact someone. Terra is largely seen as the central character in FFVI and she has a great story arc but seeing my man Cyan pick himself up after losing his wife and child hits me in the feels something fierce. </p><p><b>VGM Saturdays Vol. 2 Database</b></p>Reggie White Jr.http://www.blogger.com/profile/10467336468770627457noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1123351578293541247.post-92167517825223941382023-02-11T04:51:00.001-05:002023-02-11T04:51:13.370-05:00VGM Saturdays Vol. 2. No. 006<p>I hope you like jazz, synth and battle music, because that's what we got on the menu for this Saturday. Pop in those ear buds or headphones and let the good tunes play. </p><p><b><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">Guile's Theme - Street Fighter II (AC) - Mitch Murder</span></b></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/yRh5klg_5kc" width="320" youtube-src-id="yRh5klg_5kc"></iframe></div><p>The theme that goes with everything. What could make it even better? A killer synth arranged version by our boy, Mitch Murder. The CPS-II version of Guile's Theme is the one that gets the most recognition and this rendition is played in the same key of said version. If this version of the theme isn't on one of your playlists, something is very wrong with you.</p><p><b><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">Mute City - F-ZERO (SNES) - Mitch Murder</span></b></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/IiNLQefcSPU" width="320" youtube-src-id="IiNLQefcSPU"></iframe></div><p>Another Mitch Murder synth cover? What can I say, I'm a sucker for his work. And anyone that gives Nintendo's forgotten F-ZERO series some love in any way, shape or form is alright by me. There's a key change at the two minute mark and Mitch even put another tune in this one.</p><p><b><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">Steam Gardens - Super Mario Odyssey (NSW) - The Consouls</span></b></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/ozoytzqNp-s" width="320" youtube-src-id="ozoytzqNp-s"></iframe></div><p>Jazz is one of my favorite music genres, so naturally, The Consouls are pretty ace. Steam Gardens is a banger of a track. I definitely need to make a playlist of their music and include this cover. It matches the same energy of the original to a T.</p><p><b><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">Guardian: SHARK - Sonic Frontiers (Multi)</span></b></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/YgmPHc4LGhI" width="320" youtube-src-id="YgmPHc4LGhI"></iframe></div><p>It is soooo hard not to post Sonic Frontiers music every week. Yet, I remain strong to keep these weekly posts from becoming too over saturated with this game's glorious soundtrack. This cool dance number comes with it's own mini boss fight.</p><p><b><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">Battle - FINAL FANTASY VI (SNES)</span></b></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/oW6AWnGWJik" width="320" youtube-src-id="oW6AWnGWJik"></iframe></div><p>The first FF game that I ever played wound up becoming my favorite. Looking forward to (finally) playing the Pixel Remaster on Switch. The music for the Pixel Remasters is freaking incredible but I will always love FFVI's original SNES music. This is definitely in the top 5 for my favorite normal FF Battle themes.</p><p><b><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">Canyon Run - Hotshot Racing (Multi)</span></b></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/WB153q_f5kc" width="320" youtube-src-id="WB153q_f5kc"></iframe></div><p>The year 2020 was a rough one. Hotshot Racing uses '90s style polygons as well as music that sounds like it came out of that era to take you back to the past, which was very welcoming considering how craptastic 2020 turned out. </p><p><b>VGM Saturdays Vol. 2 Database</b></p>Reggie White Jr.http://www.blogger.com/profile/10467336468770627457noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1123351578293541247.post-72085374726435589332023-02-10T01:12:00.000-05:002023-02-10T01:12:00.895-05:00Let's Discuss: That FIRE Feb 8, 2023 Nintendo Direct<p>The Big N announced that they would be dropping a Nintendo Direct on Feb 8 that would consist of roughly 40 minutes of gaming goods for the first half of 2023. "First half of 2023" is a bit misleading since some games won't come out until July or late August but this Direct was so freaking good, so I'll let that slide. Stuff that has me hyped for the Switch in 2023? Read on.</p><p><b><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">Pikmin 4</span></b></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUhdzrpW6mGHfJU_MXkRRD4bkWPE6SUwkpTOk2UEZfiVheWqJcyLIcQbzAoGh5NIux2xBBNluhEkl5FOP9T5lVwLhYHYAMrdDZ0rvdZMDbEOUb7Xi1fLlkHkItxUC4g7Nny-S6IeXeBXhyaAd-MtTCkETSvrqQl_yRqLQtBG5cmuqo_4IaRAENCKbD/s1250/screenshot05.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="703" data-original-width="1250" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUhdzrpW6mGHfJU_MXkRRD4bkWPE6SUwkpTOk2UEZfiVheWqJcyLIcQbzAoGh5NIux2xBBNluhEkl5FOP9T5lVwLhYHYAMrdDZ0rvdZMDbEOUb7Xi1fLlkHkItxUC4g7Nny-S6IeXeBXhyaAd-MtTCkETSvrqQl_yRqLQtBG5cmuqo_4IaRAENCKbD/w400-h225/screenshot05.jpeg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Image: Nintendo</td></tr></tbody></table><p>We finally saw gameplay footage of this game. It looks just as cute, charming and as fun as the other games. Ice Pikmin were shown off and that makes me wonder if there are other new types in the game as well. There is an adorable two legged dog that doesn't have a nose and I need the plushie for him NOW! I suppose I should finally pick up Pikmin 3 Deluxe and finish it. I loved the demo.</p><p><b><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">Kirby's Return to Dream Land Deluxe</span></b></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhb5ssGsNA_wcvrfS6eLPXJAkDCs84gGepIefY0Fbh2iCcPoMP4S4l9-OGbAIueZGqyZfqvVkbFx7h23DgKF35gFzo-3Uq9Z_Z9t7BRdWnIcY-mkFnYxygpdtHm2cDaEYHrhA0spssT4i_zLi9jrZByUggQmafTyQAKJ-OSt1WrJyP69xsk7jDPB-02/s1250/screenshot02.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="703" data-original-width="1250" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhb5ssGsNA_wcvrfS6eLPXJAkDCs84gGepIefY0Fbh2iCcPoMP4S4l9-OGbAIueZGqyZfqvVkbFx7h23DgKF35gFzo-3Uq9Z_Z9t7BRdWnIcY-mkFnYxygpdtHm2cDaEYHrhA0spssT4i_zLi9jrZByUggQmafTyQAKJ-OSt1WrJyP69xsk7jDPB-02/w400-h225/screenshot02.jpeg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Image: Nintendo</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div>The demo was dropped after the Direct. I decided to pass on it because I already know I'm going to love this remake. The Magalor Epilogue makes for some nice additional content. After he tried to conquer the world, I'm tempted to leave him stranded but he turns over a new leaf and builds theme parks now, so I guess I gotta help him. <p><b><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">Metroid Prime Remastered</span></b></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCGJcZMfXnpdX9ywCtAhJ_8Vuf0Jze36dd-eYCMMHCZXIoYsN7rvOoNGSxFecG5OFC5HImMSCwDIDdXaXqxj7F2ngpZiEZZ2KnMV4o_-D8HCYK-SMI2xgI3OZs0fjScUov4Xf09zleF-bCo4SWn6pYh2g_0Jon9cHLpZdSu00m2bem2-O0OoiQ7S4b/s1250/screenshot02.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="703" data-original-width="1250" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCGJcZMfXnpdX9ywCtAhJ_8Vuf0Jze36dd-eYCMMHCZXIoYsN7rvOoNGSxFecG5OFC5HImMSCwDIDdXaXqxj7F2ngpZiEZZ2KnMV4o_-D8HCYK-SMI2xgI3OZs0fjScUov4Xf09zleF-bCo4SWn6pYh2g_0Jon9cHLpZdSu00m2bem2-O0OoiQ7S4b/w400-h225/screenshot02.jpeg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Image: Nintendo</td></tr></tbody></table>I place zero stock in rumors. Until things are officially confirmed, I don't care. Welp, Nintendo confirmed it, so now I'm on the care train. Despite owning the original on GCN and the Metroid Prime Trilogy for the Wii, I never played much of the first Metroid Prime. This remastered version looks amazing and has multiple control styles. Nintendo also shadow dropped this sucker. Only $40 for the digital and physical versions. I'm already buying a lot of games this month and Nintendo is making me spend more money. <p><b><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">Fashion Dreamer</span></b></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgs3i3whxtaqczBC0eSAo20dTQQEFZsJGSe--33a5N3RpFwrHQktRYwBNEl_orFBJa3RnSclTBNnswAIeA1AvqMDdjNQUH7iAt5W8RoYs_5u3StgHKkpqGqTHtjbDpyh1G_NyGcvfoEywfd90HoTkllbHOTggWXjUVmPwT0JQgHZu3yUmiRVu1ZCgSB/s1250/screenshot06.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="703" data-original-width="1250" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgs3i3whxtaqczBC0eSAo20dTQQEFZsJGSe--33a5N3RpFwrHQktRYwBNEl_orFBJa3RnSclTBNnswAIeA1AvqMDdjNQUH7iAt5W8RoYs_5u3StgHKkpqGqTHtjbDpyh1G_NyGcvfoEywfd90HoTkllbHOTggWXjUVmPwT0JQgHZu3yUmiRVu1ZCgSB/w400-h225/screenshot06.jpeg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Image: Nintendo</td></tr></tbody></table>I legit thought Style Savvy was coming to the Switch, but my hopes were dashed. But it turns out the developer of Fashion Dreamer is Syn Sophia, the same devs of the Style Savvy games, which explains why it looks so similar to Nintendo's fashion series. The myriad of different clothing is gonna make for some killer combinations. This game looks like an excellent fit for the Switch and I am itching for a release date.<p><b><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">Disney Illusion Island</span></b></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5S68QO_4aC0G51GdAHKEcKWUAvitWTMR2dX7cwIeP7mN53SRV2i6xURAxBbrpc4Ydmh2bn1F1w6ZhXWA9BV0WWXyyyRjzj_NGXh6_BdR2iNh__NIWxWNi8VgoizhXd9mZkKc4YS-zsvfCqz5vueR3ySKyDhI5xRupwMldFQ5DbfuPBa2p_fP9fjSv/s1250/screenshot02.Jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="703" data-original-width="1250" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5S68QO_4aC0G51GdAHKEcKWUAvitWTMR2dX7cwIeP7mN53SRV2i6xURAxBbrpc4Ydmh2bn1F1w6ZhXWA9BV0WWXyyyRjzj_NGXh6_BdR2iNh__NIWxWNi8VgoizhXd9mZkKc4YS-zsvfCqz5vueR3ySKyDhI5xRupwMldFQ5DbfuPBa2p_fP9fjSv/w400-h225/screenshot02.Jpeg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Image: Nintendo</td></tr></tbody></table>Combine the words "Mickey Mouse" with "Illusion" and you have people's interest. Throw in a few of Mickey's pals, evoke the look and feel of Rayman Origins/Legends and you've got me ready to throw money on the table.<p><b><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">Nintendo Switch Online Game Boy & Game Boy Advance Games</span></b></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7JhfCW8mMfRj90AKxr4lPxIZ0iNxMDW1DB8iDlki5ryp7N6u-7jpjNQgSbPvWysPTSl-gys50YW4Ubh5QAodSqu6NfVF2WmYdFcF3yMkJrsEsN3dtvEiJgU1WCG_N9p-Nb4kzu4neF97wH4Qzhb9zHE8rh-eTuYpIyXUxcXuB0euAWd54y5Ejutyv/s1000/1280x720_NSO_GB_GBA.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="563" data-original-width="1000" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7JhfCW8mMfRj90AKxr4lPxIZ0iNxMDW1DB8iDlki5ryp7N6u-7jpjNQgSbPvWysPTSl-gys50YW4Ubh5QAodSqu6NfVF2WmYdFcF3yMkJrsEsN3dtvEiJgU1WCG_N9p-Nb4kzu4neF97wH4Qzhb9zHE8rh-eTuYpIyXUxcXuB0euAWd54y5Ejutyv/w400-h225/1280x720_NSO_GB_GBA.jpeg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Image: Nintendo</td></tr></tbody></table>I initially wasn't really excited about the reveal of these games finally hitting the Switch. But once the Direct was over, I found myself checking the eShop to see when I could download the applications for both game sets. The GB was a huge part of my childhood, so I can't help but be gleeful about being able to play these games again. NSO GB games one-up the 3DS versions by having rewinds and classic GB, GB Pocket and GB Color filters. You can also go with the original GB motion blur. Which I absolutely hated as a kid so I won't be using it. <p><b><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">Baten Kaitos I & II HD Remaster</span></b></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIwiLNQYFL20p-KhNmFgnoVGgBMDxwQWAg2wr5MUlIDzZ4oyVvc3FZ1j7HMqAy4tUdytFroWCb0GPqC8uthorGTi60fTCelH6bwVdBCLFSH_smNGmJeooMM-5oFvlsmzMypD5lT2huyf4ApwYw2ZenG0H-kw8xCGQ_nfFsqCLGrYvfajrETjAsRfHx/s1250/screenshot03.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="703" data-original-width="1250" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIwiLNQYFL20p-KhNmFgnoVGgBMDxwQWAg2wr5MUlIDzZ4oyVvc3FZ1j7HMqAy4tUdytFroWCb0GPqC8uthorGTi60fTCelH6bwVdBCLFSH_smNGmJeooMM-5oFvlsmzMypD5lT2huyf4ApwYw2ZenG0H-kw8xCGQ_nfFsqCLGrYvfajrETjAsRfHx/w400-h225/screenshot03.jpeg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Image: Nintendo</td></tr></tbody></table>I was curious about these games back in the GCN era but I think I was turned off by the card battle system. These days, I play all kinds of games I think I can adjust to battling with cards. I hear the story and characters are some of the best in the RPG genre. The music is by Motoi Sakuraba? *faints*<p><b><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">Ghost Trick: Phantom Detective</span></b></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicRy9vKXdS1_PmVpgvZyB0BNk_8zAuhEBODTMU8UkGZllLft0H-l5kIAgEl13KCOApHiYrvy26ScuvN5ND2WmQv_v4VTK_ljW924b3KrTjzYiHTXg7bFCa0OUFeUuU5TL61dt1w6gMsD4aqsYcs30OBrlbjpJEHZP_-3hpeUUfHxh8_XRolyYZVok7/s1250/screenshot04.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="703" data-original-width="1250" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicRy9vKXdS1_PmVpgvZyB0BNk_8zAuhEBODTMU8UkGZllLft0H-l5kIAgEl13KCOApHiYrvy26ScuvN5ND2WmQv_v4VTK_ljW924b3KrTjzYiHTXg7bFCa0OUFeUuU5TL61dt1w6gMsD4aqsYcs30OBrlbjpJEHZP_-3hpeUUfHxh8_XRolyYZVok7/w400-h225/screenshot04.jpeg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Image: Nintendo</td></tr></tbody></table>This game was originally on the DS and I have only heard good things about it. I never got around to picking it up back in the day, so I won't make the same mistake for this HD version. Murder mysteries aren't my favorite genre but with all the praise I've heard for this one, I'm gonna give it a look. All you fans that played the original, I know you've gotta be on cloud nine right now.<p><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><b>Etrian Odyssey Origins Collection</b></span></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEia04a1DlGRSv9Reb4oM9BQnFw6ELfVGEM1ecXe2WVl2nmwVap6W75OLGj2j_ucvnb6hbrr4ru69LT1etXVUTpOHMJMohUaYeBWm-74bbC4dXcrtv9UDSRr-2z5AXTxTo2Y1pfkX8x53ZaMBoORxzPoRe2ZeklmovSv7krPcZkugnCmIhf181tMPjun/s1250/screenshot02.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="703" data-original-width="1250" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEia04a1DlGRSv9Reb4oM9BQnFw6ELfVGEM1ecXe2WVl2nmwVap6W75OLGj2j_ucvnb6hbrr4ru69LT1etXVUTpOHMJMohUaYeBWm-74bbC4dXcrtv9UDSRr-2z5AXTxTo2Y1pfkX8x53ZaMBoORxzPoRe2ZeklmovSv7krPcZkugnCmIhf181tMPjun/w400-h225/screenshot02.jpeg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Image: Nintendo</td></tr></tbody></table>I never picked up any of these games, but a good buddy of mine always goes on about how good they are. These HD versions look dang good and while the price is steep for all three ($80), I'm still gonna give these a try. RPG fans are eating GOOD on Switch this year.</div><div><br /></div><div><b><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom</span></b></div><div><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsuzyvaN1T7-l34SydMmCGxewGLGrDIfnFqtKCnkvB0e1MGwTMPluJ4L71M15Vz0OpH8JJZ6Ao6g3SRkQP1dGvLBYXlb66GPysvI2AZ5MPEvD-AoWa2j49hi5_2Eu8AdMUCv5LR3qqYyj7WFVyoA1yMaNN7i1Gvjpc73oAjtiP2Gq-I63S1S4uf6fJ/s1250/screenshot02.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="703" data-original-width="1250" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsuzyvaN1T7-l34SydMmCGxewGLGrDIfnFqtKCnkvB0e1MGwTMPluJ4L71M15Vz0OpH8JJZ6Ao6g3SRkQP1dGvLBYXlb66GPysvI2AZ5MPEvD-AoWa2j49hi5_2Eu8AdMUCv5LR3qqYyj7WFVyoA1yMaNN7i1Gvjpc73oAjtiP2Gq-I63S1S4uf6fJ/w400-h225/screenshot02.jpeg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Image: Nintendo</td></tr></tbody></table><div>Yes, I am beyond hyped for this game, GIVE ME IT ALREADYYYYYYYY!!!! *Ahem* Link can drive tractors now? How did his hand get all messed up? What happened to Zelda? Are there more runes in this game? Will rain strike when we try to climb stuff? I have so many questions. Yeah, it sucks that the game is $70 and I can in no way shape or form defend that, but dang it, I want this game sooooo bad, so I'm getting it. Gaaaaahhhh, I absolutely cannot wait to get my hands on this game and roam around, putting off the main quest. </div>Reggie White Jr.http://www.blogger.com/profile/10467336468770627457noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1123351578293541247.post-35310170904637888932023-02-04T02:30:00.001-05:002023-02-09T02:03:12.334-05:00VGM Saturdays Vol. 2. No. 005<p>Dranius, Tales of Symphonyia Remastered, Kirby's Return to Dream Land Deluxe, Octopath Travler II, Theatrhythm Final Bar Line. This month is packed with releases, so much that I don't know if I'll be able to afford them all. Heck, I didn't even list them all. Momentary distractions are one of life's treasures, so here's some music to take your mind off of this month's wallet apocalypse. </p><p><b><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">Ordinary People - Trials of Mana (SNES)</span></b></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/RCySvICNKoE" width="320" youtube-src-id="RCySvICNKoE"></iframe></div><p>In 2019, the sequel to Secret of Mana (Seiken Densetsu 2 in Japan) was at long last released officially outside of Japan in the Collection of Mana anthology under the name Trials of Mana. In 2020, the game got a full remake and from what I hear, it was received much better than 2018's Secret if Mana remake. I'm nowhere near as familiar with the soundtrack to Trials of Mana as I am Secret of Mana's score, but Hiroki Kikuta wrote the music for both games. If you haven't heard the music to Trials of Mana and need an invitation, there ya go. One of my favorite tracks from the game, Ordinary People is a jolly, jovial town track.</p><p><b><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">SS Anubis - Jet Force Gemini (N64)</span></b></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/RvHiAiR0kjE" width="320" youtube-src-id="RvHiAiR0kjE"></iframe></div><p>The N64 was the subject of much criticism. Since Nintendo stuck with cartridges and Sony went with CDs, the 32-bit machine one uped the 64-bit machine in the sound department. This didn't stop talented composers from bringing out some incredible sound. Rare had some of the most skilled composers in the field and while Goldeneye and Banjo-Kazooie often steal the show for Rare N64 titles, Jet Force Gemini remains one of the company's best works. Just hearing this one makes me feel like a teenager again, N64 controller in hand, stealthily walking around the Anubis. Snag a copy of Rare Replay on the Xbox One to get a plethora of Rare goodness, which includes Jet Force Gemini.</p><p><b><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">Step Careful (Lexis Theme) - 2064: Read Only Memories (Multi)</span></b></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/2Is-Tq4OCLA" width="320" youtube-src-id="2Is-Tq4OCLA"></iframe></div><p></p><p>Cyberpunk is a genre I really get a kick out of, so when I heard that an enhanced edition of 2064: Read Only memories was headed to the Switch in 2018, I downloaded that sucker. Like any good adventure/mystery game, this one is loaded with interesting, memorable characters (that are superbly voiced), stylish retro visuals and tons of choices which can lead to numerous endings. Futuristic cop music is a head boper. <br /></p><p><b><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">Clickbait - Lame Genie, LongestSoloEver - Splatoon 3 (NSW)</span></b></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/mJ6obLnRGeg" width="320" youtube-src-id="mJ6obLnRGeg"></iframe></div><p>In what comes as a surprise to no one, the music in Splatoon 3 is freaking amazing. I'm not just talking about the jams in multiplayer. Well, I am today, but the music in Hero mode is also dance worthy stuff. Lame Genie came to my attention thanks to his metal covers of songs from Kirby and the Forgotten Land. For this metal version of Clickbait, he collaborated with LongestSoloEver. Here's hoping they do more projects together and more Splatoon 3 covers.</p><p><b><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">Get a Weapon - Neon X - Mega Man 3 (NES)</span></b></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/_uFX43KK534" width="320" youtube-src-id="_uFX43KK534"></iframe></div><p>Mega Man 3 has THE GREATEST Get a Weapon theme from ANY Mega Man game. That is an indisputable fact. Even if Mega Man 3 isn't your fav Rock game, you cannot deny that this theme is 11 different kinds of awesome. Neon X knows this theme is a super banger so he gave this synth cover everything he had.</p><p><b><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">The Shinobi - The Revenge of Shinobi (Remastered)</span></b> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/hvo7c0m8ME4" width="320" youtube-src-id="hvo7c0m8ME4"></iframe></div><p>What more needs to be said about the music of The Revenge of Shinobi? It is often praised as one of the greatest gaming soundtracks of all-time and that praise is very much deserved. In 2021, a digital version of the remastered soundtrack was released. If you're used to the audio from the Genesis version, it might be a bit strange to hear it on the NEC-PC 88 files, where it sounds more clear and uncompressed. </p><p><b>VGM Saturdays Vol. 2 Database</b></p>Reggie White Jr.http://www.blogger.com/profile/10467336468770627457noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1123351578293541247.post-14937299375199641972023-02-02T18:41:00.001-05:002023-02-02T18:41:08.083-05:00Control Issues: A Blessing in Disguise <p> <table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8zvM6uKnGkPK0CAX-m0wBTEIADIznAAwSmn3xxbb9k12ppDZisY-4hD8e81gsclm_QAC-JPcvAOLn0AWR0YKXOqYRR3uXb2zpmnaWM1cNIBXKmAzNHvEn59waBsJo3FpwWMut5eB7C6S7Rtck6xSQwTEyNqbvEPTfPaS5QEnGnOGdM72MITzANQcu/s4624/20230201_185211.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2604" data-original-width="4624" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8zvM6uKnGkPK0CAX-m0wBTEIADIznAAwSmn3xxbb9k12ppDZisY-4hD8e81gsclm_QAC-JPcvAOLn0AWR0YKXOqYRR3uXb2zpmnaWM1cNIBXKmAzNHvEn59waBsJo3FpwWMut5eB7C6S7Rtck6xSQwTEyNqbvEPTfPaS5QEnGnOGdM72MITzANQcu/w400-h225/20230201_185211.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Image: Reggie White Jr.</i></td></tr></tbody></table></p><p>My past five years with first party gaming controls have been, how shall we say, enlightening. Usually, whenever I purchase a new game console, I stick with the first party controller. The concept of having multiple third party controllers never really occurred to me. And then I bought a PS4 and Nintendo Switch.</p><p>Drifting. A term associated with racing games to get around turns without sacrificing speed. I love drifting. It feels so good to do in Mario Kart 8 Deluxe and it makes me realize how much I miss the Ridge Racer series. These days drifting is more commonly used to refer to the analog stick imputing movement on its own without any movement from the player. This results in unwanted movement and can really mess with your game. Drift is such a widespread issue on the Switch that Nintendo was hit with a lawsuit. If the Joy-Cons are used enough, drift is inevitable. I've had it happen on my first Switch. My nephew is on his second pair of Joy-Cons. My sister, who mostly plays Animal Crossing: New Horizons on her Switch, is drifting. The Joy-Cons that came with my OLED Switch are fine so far. I don't use them unless a game demands it like Nintendo Switch Sports. But, it is probably only a matter of time before my OLED model Joy-Cons start drifting. Can we go back to the time when drifting was strictly a racing term?</p><p>The Switch is a phenomenal system. It is under powered but it has a huge supply of games, which has made it the go to system for a lot of gamers. The fact that it can be played at home and on the go is also a very big deal. But the drift with the Joy-Cons cannot be overlooked and unfortunately, the problems do not end there. If I'm being perfectly honest, the Joy-Cons aren't enjoyable to use. Buttons are prone to sticking and analog movement feels stiff. Prolonged periods of play with the Joy-Cons is just not comfortable. This is the default controller that comes with the Switch it comes with so much baggage. </p><p>As bad as drift is with the Joy-Cons and the stiff feel of the buttons, Nintendo isn't the only one at fault their system with a controller with a number of issues.</p><p>When I purchased my PS4, I bought Yakuza 0 and The King of Fighters XIV for it. Yakuza 0 felt perfectly fine to play on Sony's DualShock 4. KOFXIV was a different story. Movement and button inputs did not feel right. A few years later I would buy Tekken 7 and even with that game, I got the feeling that the DualShock 4 was not a controller I could play fighting games on and have it feel comfortable. Sony must have went cheap on the rubber because my analog sticks were showing serious peel wear. It is not good to have your thumb slipping off the sticks when you're playing the Crash Bandicoot N. Sane Trilogy and a boulder or angry polar bear are gunning for you. One of my DualShock 4 controllers, for unknown reasons got bricked. The only inputs it would take were left and down on the D-pad, leaving me with only one first party controller, lest I shell out a AAA game money for a new one. Nah, I'm good. </p><p>The problems I've encountered with the Joy-Cons and DualShock 4 forced me to look into third party controllers. As much grief as the aforementioned controllers gave me, going third party for controllers has benefited me a lot in the long run.</p><p>HORI's Split Pad Pro is a must have for anyone who plays the Switch in handheld mode. It lacks rumble but the buttons feel amazing, the analog sticks aren't stiff and the D-pad is insanely precise, something you very much need when playing Tetris 99 or Tetris Effect: Connected. Unless you absolutely need rumble in handheld mode, the Split Pad Pro is a great alternative to Joy-Cons. Sadly, these things don't work with all games. I was bummed when I couldn't use them for Sonic Frontiers. </p><p>8BitDo makes some excellent controllers, for the most part. I love the responsiveness I get from the D-pad and the analog sticks are some of my favorites from any controller, regardless of the type they've made. Issues I've had with their controllers. A few years back, I was using the SN30 Pro USB Wired controller. For a while, the thing worked great until it didn't work at all. I would plug it into my Switch and would get nada. To this day, I have no idea what caused that malfunction. There's also some noticeable lag in certain games. Mega Man Legacy Collection has it bad with my 8BitDo Pro 2 and so does Splatoon 3. Thankfully, the HORI Split Pad Pro eliminates the lag for Legacy Collection and Binbok's Wireless Switch Pro Controller (with Crack) is an all around great controller not just for Splatoon 3, but a lot of Switch games.</p><p>By owning various controllers, I've arrived at this conclusion: controllers are something you can never have too many of. Having an extra in case one goes awry is always nice. That and depending on the game you're playing, you might want a controller that is more suitable. When I'm playing Super Smash Bros. Ultimate, I use one of my three GameCube controllers. The thing was just built so dang durable and I worry far less about mashing on it and doing crazy analog moves than I would other controllers.</p><p>I was never an arcade kid, having gone to them very little growing up but the appeal of an arcade stick is still very much there for me. I have the HORI Fighting Stick Mini for my Switch. I have a ton of arcade titles and I wan</p><p>Even as I was writing this, I was digital window shopping for potential new controllers to add to my small but growing collection. I would like to have another arcade fighters and old school SHMUPs, maybe something bigger than the HORI Fighting Stick Mini. Being raised on pads, I'm not good at movements in SHMUPs when it comes to arcade sticks, but I'm willing to learn. I could use a Genesis controller for all those Genesis games on Nintendo Switch Online and the SEGA Genesis Classics collection.</p><p>I'm not saying a plan on owning a smorgasbord of controllers, but having more than a few of them around certainly doesn't hurt.</p>Reggie White Jr.http://www.blogger.com/profile/10467336468770627457noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1123351578293541247.post-22318948882463133072023-01-28T13:20:00.002-05:002023-02-01T04:40:04.055-05:00VGM Saturdays Vol. 2 No. 004<p>I love me some lofi, so I've included two tracks this week along music from 2021's Cyber Shadow and SEGA's Fantasy Zone II among others.</p><p><b><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">Ridley - Tune in with Chewie </span></b></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/0M5lTNGc8FU" width="320" youtube-src-id="0M5lTNGc8FU"></iframe></div><p>This song was first heard in the 1994 mega classic, Super Metroid under the title Big Boss (no relation to the dude from the Metal Gear series). The theme would be so heavily associated with Ridley over the years that it would go on to become his theme with an arrangement of it playing during his reveal trailer for Super Smash Bros. Ultimate. This lofi remix turns the tense, fist pumping track into a more chill piece and it works really, really well. </p><p><b><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">Apparitor, Pt 1 - Cyber Shadow (Multi)</span></b></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/e39PNKDYbZo" width="320" youtube-src-id="e39PNKDYbZo"></iframe></div><p>Cyber Shadow is like the NES Ninja Gaiden games. Except there's way, way less cheap bull to keep you from rage quitting. The game can be tough but fair. I'm hoping for a physical release of this game but a year later and still no luck. </p><p><b><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">Secret of the Forest - Pontus Hultgren - Beyond the Flow of Time: Music from Chrono Trigger</span></b></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/48BEdUOWElA" width="320" youtube-src-id="48BEdUOWElA"></iframe></div><p>I've come across the music of Pontus Hultgren through his FINAL FANTASY VI arrangements. Eventually, the YouTube recommended section placed his Chrono Trigger album before me. Check out the rest of his music on Beyond the Flow of Time. It's nearly an hour's worth of Chrono Trigger arranged goodness.</p><p><b><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">FLY HIGH [RD.6] - Fantasy Zone II (AC)</span></b></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/2OTEWEyQnUg" width="320" youtube-src-id="2OTEWEyQnUg"></iframe></div><p>Unlike some game companies (Nintendo), SEGA is quite good at making their music available on streaming platforms like YouTube and Spotify. I would argue that they need to get more of their catalog out there, but some of the biggest names are already up, such as Out Run, Super Hang-On and a plethora of Fantasy Zone music. If you have a playlist for happy game music, be sure to add this track.</p><p><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><b>Power and Beats - Final Vendetta (Multi)</b></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/gd94R8T62PQ" width="320" youtube-src-id="gd94R8T62PQ"></iframe></div><p>Despite the difficulty that I've heard it brings, Final Vendetta has been on my radar for some time now. The soundtrack is a banger and a half with this track oozing '90s sickness. </p><p><b><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">Prologue - Curly - Animal Crossing: New Horizons (NSW)</span></b></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/hDNH65CRoK4" width="320" youtube-src-id="hDNH65CRoK4"></iframe></div><p>The usual hourly music you get in Animal Crossing games is, at first, absent during your first few days on your island in New Horizons. What music you do get is serviceable, but I could see how quickly it would grate on the nerves for other players. Curly managed to make a head bopping arrangement out of that music most player probably tired of hearing. It is the track that kicks off GameChops Nook & Chill and as much as I loathe Tom Nook, I can let the name of the album slide when the music is packing this much dope chill.</p><p><b>VGM Saturdays Vol. 2 Database</b></p>Reggie White Jr.http://www.blogger.com/profile/10467336468770627457noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1123351578293541247.post-60081237274236374792023-01-21T02:00:00.001-05:002023-01-25T05:55:26.337-05:00VGM Saturdays Vol. 2. No. 003<p>Here's a little behind the scenes info. These VGM Saturday posts? I have the songs picked out in advance. In the past I wouldn't have the songs picked until the very day I post. Now? I have songs picked out weeks and weeks ahead. It makes things a lot easier on me since I'm working on multiple different blog posts at a time.</p><p>Ahem.</p><p>Anyhoo, enjoy this week's tunes! </p><p><b><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">Johnny's - Eastward (Multi)</span></b></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/MLz1HTiirdU" width="320" youtube-src-id="MLz1HTiirdU"></iframe></div><p>I almost bought Eastward on the Switch digitally last year, but that physical version kept me from double dipping. And it is yet another game I have not gotten around to playing. Johnny's quickly earned a spot on my Relaxing playlist on both Spotify and YouTube Music. Lofi artists, where is the cover of this banger already?</p><p><b><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">Spark Man - Mega Man 3 - Neon X</span></b></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/tD0_QIBfSjc" width="320" youtube-src-id="tD0_QIBfSjc"></iframe></div><p>Synth wave is something I've really fallen in love with over the past few years. YouTube ended up recommending videos by Neon X. I've been subscribed to him for about two months now. This is the first of many tracks I'll be posting from the arranger. He's on Spotify as well. If you love his take on Spark Man's theme, you should definitely check out the rest of his Mega Man 3 covers.</p><p><b><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">Jaw Breaking News - Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Shredder's Revenge (Multi)</span></b></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/V65xbnfiVfc" width="320" youtube-src-id="V65xbnfiVfc"></iframe></div><p>The wait for this game seemed so long. I've done multiple plays of this beat 'em up (Mikey and April are my faves) and the soundtrack never fails to impress. Tee Lopes got wide recognition for his work on Sonic Mania back in 2017 and since then, he's popped up or now projects, even doing arrangements with Sonic music composer Jun Senoue. The music from Shredder's Revenge carries a lot of that super high energy from Sonic Mania. If not for the jingle from the Channel 6 News theme and the bit of the 1987 opening theme tune included, this could easily be mistaken for an unused Sonic Mania piece.</p><p><b><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">Cyber Space 2-6: Transparent Highway - Sonic Frontiers (Multi)</span></b></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/jrQn2dj9FAA" width="320" youtube-src-id="jrQn2dj9FAA"></iframe></div><p>Just so you know, I could easily go each week with of VGM Saturdays tossing in a track or two from Sonic Frontiers. I choose not to because it is an easy route to take and I don't want to have tracks from that game every single week, as it would take away from other That said... Maaaaaaaayyyyyyyyyyyynnnnnn, THIS SOUNDTRACK IS SO GOOD!!! I've been jamming out to tracks from this game daily. Transparent Highway plays on, from what I've read, Sky Rail, a level from Sonic Adventure 2. This is one of the longer Cyber Space levels with lots of rail grinding. I've never played much of Sonic Adventure 2 beyond City Escape (where are our Sonic Advneure 1 and 2 remakes, SEGA?) so a lot of those levels are unknown to me. As someone who has never played the level 2-6 is based on, I really got a kick out of this one, both design and music wise.</p><p><b><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">Chill-pede - Atari Recharged (Original Video Game Soundtrack)</span></b></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/klxjZjwkRrQ" width="320" youtube-src-id="klxjZjwkRrQ"></iframe></div><p>The Recharged line of Atari games offer fresh takes on classic arcade titles like Asteroids, Break Out, and my personal favorite, Black Widow. Each game has smooth vector graphics, is easy to play but difficult to master and comes with music from Megan McDuffee. If you've played the River City Girls games, you're familiar with some of her excellent work.</p><p><b><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">LAST WAVE - Out Run (AC)</span></b></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/BDdfdvAzTv8" width="320" youtube-src-id="BDdfdvAzTv8"></iframe></div><p>Most arcade games of the day didn't let you pick your levels or your music. Not only did Out Run let you choose your next destination via a fork in the road before each new stage begins, you also had a selection of three music tracks to choose from before you began each run. The music is of exceptional quality, composed by SEGA music legend Hiroshi Kawaguchi, or as he is often referred to, HIRO.</p><p><b>VGM Saturdays Vol. 2 Database</b></p>Reggie White Jr.http://www.blogger.com/profile/10467336468770627457noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1123351578293541247.post-69801349691983431902023-01-14T02:13:00.001-05:002023-01-14T02:13:41.050-05:00VGM Saturdays Vol. 2 No. 002<p>Normally, I would go with all winter themed music for this time of year and I had very much considered going that route, but as I as compiling tracks for this week's music, it had completely slipped my mind to include all cold type music. So enjoy the very mild selection of winter tracks this week.</p><p><b><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">Walking the Beat - Cosmic Star Heroine (Multi)</span></b></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/tqAe5cHegNg" width="320" youtube-src-id="tqAe5cHegNg"></iframe></div><p>I was recommended this game by a good friend of mine, so I scooped it up on PS4 and never got around to playing it. When it came out for the Switch, I bought it for that system. Neeeeeveeeeer got around to playing it. What I did get around to is listening to the soundtrack or some of it, at least and it is very impressive stuff. I probably should get around to playing the game at some point.</p><p><b><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">Greenpath (From "Hollow Knight") - Hollow Knight Lofi - Collosia</span></b></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/PZ4yP6Bigxc" width="320" youtube-src-id="PZ4yP6Bigxc"></iframe></div><p>The indie scene is overrun with Metroidvania games. Hollow Knight manages to stand out from the pack with a huge map, tough bosses and highly memorable areas to explore. Oh and the music is all kinds of awesome, with some of the very best in relaxing musical pieces coming from this game. One of my favorite tribute albums is Collosia's Hollow Knight Lofi. The album is up on Spotify as well as YouTube.</p><p><b><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">Snowy Mammoth - Ape Escape Origineape Soundtracks</span></b></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/FGnCFRbMSbk" width="320" youtube-src-id="FGnCFRbMSbk"></iframe></div><p>I often think of how Nintendo and SEGA are so neglectful of their IPs but Sony isn't much better. How long has the Ape Escape IP been rotting away in an attic? Those of you that have played the original Ape Escape might be familiar with this track. The first Ape Escape hit the PS in 1999 and would get a PSP port in 2011. The music here is from the PSP port and its been enhanced. While I do prefer the original PS music, the PSP port does a commendable job on one of my favorite tracks.</p><p><b><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">[GBA] Terminal Velocity (Act 1) - Sonic Colors [Sonic Advance 3 Style] - JX</span></b></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/9xiHcvtX6sg" width="320" youtube-src-id="9xiHcvtX6sg"></iframe></div><p>I was fighting the urge to include a track from Sonic Frontiers this week. You have no idea how much I freaking love that soundtrack. So I made a compromise by including a Sonic track from a different Sonic game with a different sound font. This is the first of many JX arrangements. Who is JX? A super cool composer that does bang up work on retro video game covers. Bet you never knew how much you needed Sonic Colors' Terminal Velocity Act 1 with the Sonic Advance 3 instruments in your life until you heard it.</p><p><b><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">DANCIN' SWORD - Star Ocean (SFC)</span></b></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/RLe8MWQwJCY" width="320" youtube-src-id="RLe8MWQwJCY"></iframe></div><p></p><p>In late October a bunch of the Star Ocean soundtracks officially made their way to Spotify and YouTube. Hooray! More SQUARE ENIX music to listen to without worrying about it being removed. When I found out Star Ocean music was on Spotify, I immediately added this to my SQUARE ENIX battle music play list. The enhanced version from First Depature is really nice and all but I looooove the Super Famicom original.</p><p><b><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">Next Chapter - Tetris Effect (Multi)</span></b></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/0BsGVs6-9WE" width="320" youtube-src-id="0BsGVs6-9WE"></iframe></div><p>Tetris Effect was one of those coveted games I wished would make it to the Switch. It just seemed like one of those games that was a perfect fit for the system. Once again, the waiting game paid off. In 2021, the game came to the Switch under the name Tetris Effect: Connected. A physical version was released in 2022. Like the cool visuals, the music plays a large part of the game's appeal. Changes in the songs are based on the player's progress. You'll have to clear a certain amount of lines before the claps kick in on this track.</p><p><b>VGM Saturdays Vol. 2 Database</b></p>Reggie White Jr.http://www.blogger.com/profile/10467336468770627457noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1123351578293541247.post-29031898229671561932023-01-12T23:19:00.003-05:002023-01-12T23:19:39.537-05:00About Sonic Frontiers Losing to Genshin Impact<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgr1S7R4Uswv3OFlBeEGZRuUNPO8VduQfPPcx1jgy_B0FgYDkHX1aesQESa2zgGsa3Di1xWVwU1oSaPegYQyNokSa3L-ycldPmvboezoYCfNUJwMFL6U3UpEsm-4ZjNzwrrfjPFU-HRmgogj0WDye-62UuWNtaVllG9sRy9OCuop_HIWGDJtIeIvul1/s1023/0-Sonic-Shrug.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="727" data-original-width="1023" height="284" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgr1S7R4Uswv3OFlBeEGZRuUNPO8VduQfPPcx1jgy_B0FgYDkHX1aesQESa2zgGsa3Di1xWVwU1oSaPegYQyNokSa3L-ycldPmvboezoYCfNUJwMFL6U3UpEsm-4ZjNzwrrfjPFU-HRmgogj0WDye-62UuWNtaVllG9sRy9OCuop_HIWGDJtIeIvul1/w400-h284/0-Sonic-Shrug.jpeg" width="400" /></a></div><p>The 2022 Game Awards have come and gone and for a yearly event I have never really cared about, I did find them interesting for a number of reasons, but mainly for the Player's Voice award.</p><p>The Player's Voice award is exactly what it sounds like: fans get to vote for the game they wish to get recognition. It got quite heated between Sonic fans and Genshin Impact fans for the award but in the end, the gotcha game that was released in 2020 emerged victorious. <a href="https://wegotthiscovered.com/gaming/the-sonic-frontiers-vs-genshin-impact-fandom-war-finally-has-its-victor/" target="_blank">To say that some Sonic fans weren't pleased would be an understatement.</a> I would have liked it if Sonic Frontiers did get the Player's Voice award, but at the end of the day, I'm not really bothered by Genshin winning.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/_NVxtuW2x4U" width="320" youtube-src-id="_NVxtuW2x4U"></iframe></div><p>One of my favorite games of 2022 (spoilers for a future blog post, BTW) is Kirby and the Forgotten Land and it won Best Family Game from the Game Awards. As great as that is, that isn't what I or for that matter, most people will remember Kirby's 30th anniversary game for. Kirby's first big 3D adventure will be remembered for it's large levels, sweet Copy Ability upgrades, the new lore it added to an already lore rich series and that unforgettable finale that hits like a freaking truck.</p><p>Sonic Frontiers may not have won the Player's Voice award but look at all the acclaim the game has received from fans and critics. Yes, you'll find some critics that didn't give Sonic Frontiers high marks but on the whole, the reception has been mostly positive. When you think of Sonic Frontiers, what comes to mind? The insanely epic fight with Giganto and the other titans? Or how about the time you were minding your own business on Kronos island and Squid gets all up in your face because the whole concept of personal space is lost on it? The struggle of trying to S rank Cyber Space 1-2, the character interactions with Sage, Tails, Amy Knuckles, fishing with Big and that absolute banger of a soundtrack; Sonic Frontiers is such a blast of a game and it has given me memories that will last a lifetime.</p><p>Call me crazy for not being upset that Sonic Frontiers lost to Genshin Impact, even under questionable circumstances. But all the enjoyment I've gotten from the game and the super warm reception from fans put me in too good of a mood to be mad about an award snub. Between Sonic Frontiers, the Sonic the Hedgehog 2 movie and Netflix Sonic Prime, 2022 was a banner year for the world's most famous hedgehog. With Sonic Frontiers set to get a ton of free DLC in 2023, Sonic fans will stay eating well.</p>Reggie White Jr.http://www.blogger.com/profile/10467336468770627457noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1123351578293541247.post-81699095982378347272023-01-07T03:50:00.001-05:002023-01-07T03:50:19.989-05:00VGM Saturdays Vol. 2. No. 001<p>I'm doing something I've thought about doing for a long time now: starting VGM (Video Game Music) Saturdays fresh. The original had a good run and as much as I love milestone numbers, the landscape of game music has changed a lot over the past decade on YouTube and I'd like for Volume 2 to reflect that. This means that whenever possible, official track uploads will be embedded from YouTube here. Of course, there's a lot of game music that isn't on YouTube officially and Nintendo still refuses to get with the freaking times and post their music like other game companies do, whuch has made me question whether I should even post unofficial video embedding of their music. In the end, I decided to post what I can from the Big N while it is available. </p><p>Since we're starting over, you'll see music from the original run of VGM Saturdays along with a slew of new music. The world of game music is vast and I hope more and more of it will be officially posted on streaming sites and apps. Get ready for arrangements from musicians all over the globe. We're opening up the floodgates, baby.</p><p>Vol. 2 of VGM Saturdays begins now.</p><p><b><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">Cyber Space 1-2: Flowing - Sonic Frontiers (Multi)</span></b></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/uoPHRrYuwrA" width="320" youtube-src-id="uoPHRrYuwrA"></iframe></div><p>Sonic games pretty much always have soundtracks that are bursting with top quality jams. But dang, son, the music in Sonic Frontiers, even by the series exceptional standards, is truly something special. The open zone areas have calming piano music, led by piano pieces while the Cyber Space levels are high energy tracks designed to push you onward. I think pretty much everyone can agree that Cyber Space 1-2 is a certified banger of a song. I've seen streamers that have never played a Sonic game say this one track is fire. You want a track that's gonna get you moving, Flowing is it. Good lucking getting that S rank!</p><p><b><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">Deceptive Paradise (Megaman 8) (Opening Stage) - Metallool</span></b></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/WuBCik7ExKA" width="320" youtube-src-id="WuBCik7ExKA"></iframe></div><p>It isn't perfect but I really like Mega Man 8. One of my favorite songs is the Opening Stage. Metatllool has been on YouTube for years but I didn't become aware of him until a few months back. He's done some really good video game arrangements and I'm especially impressed with his work on this piece. The guitar solo and piano solos are just everything in this song for me. Do yourself a favor and subscribe to him on YouTube and follow him on Spotify. Guy deserves way more love than he's getting.</p><p><b><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">Ground Theme (From "Super Mario Bros. 2") - Lofi Lia</span></b></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/HZHxSEZXwlc" width="320" youtube-src-id="HZHxSEZXwlc"></iframe></div><p>Some of the game music I listen to most frequently is on the more soothing, relaxing side of things. I love a pulse pounding beach as much as the next person, but sometimes you just want some music to chill to. Over the past few years, lofi has become one of my favorite genres, so expect to see more lofi music recommendations from me either with soundtracks or right here on VGM Saturdays. This interepiritation of Super Mario Bros. 2's famous Ground Theme is by the amazingly talented Lofi Lia. Follow her on Spotify and subscribe to her on YouTube if you haven't already.</p><p><b><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;">Penny's Song (English Version) - WarioWare: Get It Together! (NSW)</span></b></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/jv-9tXSNBHc" width="320" youtube-src-id="jv-9tXSNBHc"></iframe></div><p>A year ago, Nintendo did something crazy: they uploaded one of their very own music tracks to YouTube. This is one of, if not the only time I'll post a track that Nintendo, the company that is super stingy with their game music, has chosen to actually share with the world. Man, it sure would be nice if Nintendo did this with, I dunno, all of their music. Anyhoo, Penny's Song is a bop. I've posted the English version but Nintendo has it up in Spanish as well. </p><p><b><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">OCTOPATH TRAVELER -Main Theme- - Octopath Traveler (NSW, PC, XBO)</span></b></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/sR1OHW_IReI" width="320" youtube-src-id="sR1OHW_IReI"></iframe></div><p>Originally released as Nintendo Switch exclusive, Octopath Traveler wound up being a surprise success, to SQUARE ENIX, anyway. It turns out fans are quite hungry for retro inspired RPGs with modern game design. Who knew? The game would later be ported to PC and Xbox One. Why Sony platforms got left out in the cold, I have no idea, especially when the sequel is set to release next month and land the Switch and PS4 and PS5 respectively. Even if you haven't played the game yet, do yourself a huge favor and let your ears get to hear the game's soundtrack. </p><p><br /><b><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">Roar of Dedede - Kirby and the Forgotten Land - FamilyJules</span></b></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/9Ff57bllfDA" width="320" youtube-src-id="9Ff57bllfDA"></iframe></div><p>King Dedede's theme has been a series staple since the very first Kirby game. The composers at HAL have managed to refine and reinvent the track on numerous occasions. For Kirby's big 30th anniversary game, Kirby and the Forgotten Land, they decided to go hard. No, like, really, really freaking HARD. I don't know what I was expecting before I fought D3, but a rock/metal version of his theme was not it. FamilyJules added even more metal to this track. There have been numerous covers of this theme since the game dropped but this one really stands out to me.</p><p><b>VGM Saturdays Vol. 2 Database</b></p>Reggie White Jr.http://www.blogger.com/profile/10467336468770627457noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1123351578293541247.post-38762190727724578172023-01-04T20:49:00.001-05:002023-01-04T20:49:11.898-05:00My First 3D Super Sonic Battle<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqA7QUayAk5skCekGnAAasTtg5q8jjAizrUzr5zREobAptow6UmMQiUt1wbRc6oRWWv_3OAAhoZRZouvEbmqw50369KxeRd-EdXSX__XhzkjPxRBwrVgfQE77Dv8DdrLTCUhWS18HWGskjRJicLSQI04Wtn247zRmeDMqxVFVHmKtbDqQPVz_B1USV/s1200/super-sonic.webp" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="675" data-original-width="1200" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqA7QUayAk5skCekGnAAasTtg5q8jjAizrUzr5zREobAptow6UmMQiUt1wbRc6oRWWv_3OAAhoZRZouvEbmqw50369KxeRd-EdXSX__XhzkjPxRBwrVgfQE77Dv8DdrLTCUhWS18HWGskjRJicLSQI04Wtn247zRmeDMqxVFVHmKtbDqQPVz_B1USV/w400-h225/super-sonic.webp" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Image: SEGA</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div>WARNING: The following post contains spoilers for Sonic Frontiers. If you have any interest in playing the game and do not wish to be spoiled, do not proceed any further.</div><div><br /></div><div>3D Super Sonic boss fights. Since Sonic Adventure, Super Sonic boss fights have served as a final battle for dedicated players. These showdowns are often accompanied by stellar music tracks like <i>Open Your Heart, Live and Learn, What I'm Made Of</i> or outstanding orchestrated versions of the game's main theme such as the Sonic Unleashed theme song, <i>Endless Possibilties.</i> I've heard these music tracks and seen clips of these clashes on YouTube but I've always been on the outside looking in. </div><div><br /></div><div>And then I played Sonic Frontiers. </div><div><br /></div><div>The first time I ever participated in a 3D Super Sonic boss fight and it just so happens to be in Sonic's latest outing that has received much acclaim from both fans and critics. It was better than anything I could have imagined. And I didn't have to wait until the end of the game to throw down as the golden hedgehog. This fight was waiting for me at the end of Kronos Island. </div><div><br /></div><div>But first, some background.</div><div><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOCIUimm1CSgOvvuhFKJbQ4ic0mMIuw8WRZlfGQyggsKHxzLX6Dl_hF1hk53La14q7hONZqeonWHg6mFhro4hmZTM5sGU1i2_BcVIi47IETfs5YPdovdhtKPM94JMxWmCFe3i-4RrH-8RZiRhWNnfy2_cXek5ly-I_BUQkp77y6YJzbbxDIIoozF9u/s1400/sonic-frontiers-Giganto.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="787" data-original-width="1400" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOCIUimm1CSgOvvuhFKJbQ4ic0mMIuw8WRZlfGQyggsKHxzLX6Dl_hF1hk53La14q7hONZqeonWHg6mFhro4hmZTM5sGU1i2_BcVIi47IETfs5YPdovdhtKPM94JMxWmCFe3i-4RrH-8RZiRhWNnfy2_cXek5ly-I_BUQkp77y6YJzbbxDIIoozF9u/w400-h225/sonic-frontiers-Giganto.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">That's a big boy. Image: SEGA</span></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div><br /></div><div>The boss of the first island is Giganto, a towering goliath. This thing doesn't even flinch at Sonic's Homing Attacks and repays the hero's pitiful attempts to defeat it by grabbing Sonic and chucking him through two ruined towers like a fast pitch. Neither Sonic nor I was prepared for that work.</div><div><br /></div><div>After getting curb stomped, I resumed exploring Kronos Island. At one point, I looked off and spotted Giganto, remembered the beating he gave me and said one word, "Nope!" I went back to collecting Kokos, Purple Coins and doing Cyber Space levels. I didn't even wanna look at Giganto. Like, that thing put the fear of God into me.</div><div><br /></div><div>Eventually, I collected six Chaos Emeralds and would have to face Giganto again, which, in case you couldn't tell, was something I was very much dreading. I don't think I've felt this uneasy about a boss since after getting my metal cheeks handed to me by Vile in Mega Man X when I was a kid. As a climbed Gigant to the building music, my mind wasn't any more at ease. </div><div><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIouOuFSM6y2Grcht_62uw_EDs5vqh3iQPj4cM5S21HbCoW6JLhQCqjKSIDMdqyGgUB2mLEsCbbMpYbOiChyFIfdEbxujf0rJeTuFDsIQWNw6y3vrAIlP1xLhbLzlJExmNOyv0hZ5ZSVfpLnYKbdP1X0AAb8nFm5OIqLj3PrLRunn3bvfDNhJEseEO/s1800/Sonic-Frontiers-Giganto-03.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1800" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIouOuFSM6y2Grcht_62uw_EDs5vqh3iQPj4cM5S21HbCoW6JLhQCqjKSIDMdqyGgUB2mLEsCbbMpYbOiChyFIfdEbxujf0rJeTuFDsIQWNw6y3vrAIlP1xLhbLzlJExmNOyv0hZ5ZSVfpLnYKbdP1X0AAb8nFm5OIqLj3PrLRunn3bvfDNhJEseEO/w400-h200/Sonic-Frontiers-Giganto-03.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">"Boy, do you really want to catch this smoke a second time?"<br />Image: SEGA</span></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div>I had a feeling Giganto had the final Chaos Emerald and yup, it turned out he did. That sucker was resting on the back of his dome. "OK, I've got the last Chaos Emerald, but now what?" I thought to myself. I still have no idea how I'm going to beat this thing.</div><div><b><i><br /></i></b></div><div><b><i>*Sonic transforms into Super Sonic*</i></b></div><div><br /></div><div><i>I'm hanging on to the other side</i></div><div><i>I won't give up til the end of me</i></div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/u_FRDqHT5y0" width="320" youtube-src-id="u_FRDqHT5y0"></iframe></div><br /><div><br /></div><div>You know that feeling that swells throughout your mind, when you know without a shadow of as doubt, "YOU GOT THIS!!!"?? That is how I felt once Sonic activated his super mode. He floats in front of Gigant as Undefeatable, one of the greatest vocal bangers in Sonic history begins playing and Sonic just smirks at him as if to say "It ain't gonna be like last time."</div><div><br /></div><div>At this point, I really need no instructions on how to take down Giganto. Yeah, there's some text on the screen that tells me rings will deplete as the battle goes on and I need to deal heavy damage but my take away from all of that is <b><i>HIT. HIM.</i></b> Andrelaline, the likes of which I have rarely felt before, courses through my entire body as I fly towards the titan and start whaling on him. Whereas Giganto felt nothing from normal Sonic's Homing Attack, every blow from Super Sonic deals clear, undeniable damage to him as he is knocked back. He's showing those chompers, but he sure ain't smiling. Every punch Sonic throws shows a transparent, golden fist connecting to Giganto's oversized jaw, accompanied by the most beautiful punching sound effects that an ultra powerful supped up hedgehog can deliver.</div><div><br /></div><div>Oh sure, Giganto fought back. He tossed out some long ranged swipes but, you know the scene in Dragon Ball Z where Frieza hits Super Saiyan Goku with his Death Beam and he literally just takes it on the chin like it is nothing? That's how Super Sonic reacts to anything Giganto throws at him. You get knocked back, sure, but Super Sonic just shrugs it off. Every time Giganto knocks me back, I fly back up to him and punch the ever living crap out of his giant, metal can. </div><div><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7UQD5t8BI6WxtcoUl_92Lzn7nR3uo4nNunIHupIStUc7G7ub0uTuZmsrVbx1tVOwvTkGx5AJKNMIshOiP_G1BxkIHiZ0vNM66F-egXhsghNAGDFoBYa_SVxPNQPmcq6j9h4q_Y1lSW5UYukVsc-2DNB-s2ASvkzXjHxYM5q6Sl91plalMaSzq4FO0/s1920/SONIC_FRONTIERS_20221030200615.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1920" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7UQD5t8BI6WxtcoUl_92Lzn7nR3uo4nNunIHupIStUc7G7ub0uTuZmsrVbx1tVOwvTkGx5AJKNMIshOiP_G1BxkIHiZ0vNM66F-egXhsghNAGDFoBYa_SVxPNQPmcq6j9h4q_Y1lSW5UYukVsc-2DNB-s2ASvkzXjHxYM5q6Sl91plalMaSzq4FO0/w400-h225/SONIC_FRONTIERS_20221030200615.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Image: IGN</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div>Giganto tried lasers, but he clearly has no idea who he's screwing with. To keep from getting laser blasted in the face, you just have to button mash. I messed up my hands on mini games in the original Mario Party, so this was nothing to me. When successful, Super Sonic caught them and tossed them away. Giganto also tried to eat me and once again, mashing is required to keep from becoming a Super Sonic meal.</div><div><br /></div><div>When you deplete Giganto's life bar, the fight isn't simply over. You get this bad awesome cutscene where Super Sonic flies right through Giganto, finishing him off in a scene that was more than likely meant to pay homage to how Demon King Piccolo died in Dragon Ball and it is so freaking cool!</div><div><br /></div><div>My first ever 3D Super Sonic boss fight and it was one of the hypest things I've ever experienced in a video game. I was so jazzed after that fight, I immediately went to YouTube to get other people's reactions and it was more excitement for me to feed on. By watching reactions, I also learned that you can parry some of Giganto's attacks and counter with this sick after image strike. Actually, all of Sonic's moves you've learned up to this point in the game can be used when fighting Giganto. Yes, I cannot wait to fight him again with this knowledge.</div><div><br /></div><div>In an age where so many things are spoiled become some little snot has to have their 15 seconds of internet fame, I am so, so, soooooooooo happy I was able to go into Sonic Frontiers without having this moment spoiled for me. This is one of those gaming experiences that will always stick out for me, much like my first battle with a Lynel in The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild. </div><div><br /></div><div>After hearing about 3D Super Sonic boss fights, it feels great to be able to participate in one. I legit wish I could do the Giganto fight for the first time all over again.</div>Reggie White Jr.http://www.blogger.com/profile/10467336468770627457noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1123351578293541247.post-58606931362100200632022-11-17T22:07:00.002-05:002022-11-17T22:07:08.206-05:00Thank You, Kevin Conroy<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNbnxtoYCs6D01e-GZzm0vf8TOZA82EOqnEUtO2aJow-gVBqyt4y2g-SvdIlQhUrOXC0vuB16v_DkOZbcFgZMwkFl17y67-73BObl6P_HqUAV15UgCZrCOylLm1LWK0-59ulBm2yb5RyfuxoBFp4ibSXcIIjPEAvEsbmKN7ig6YYL6vJl2eBx5hMbs/s1200/1668186418_634542_1668186669_noticia_normal.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="675" data-original-width="1200" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNbnxtoYCs6D01e-GZzm0vf8TOZA82EOqnEUtO2aJow-gVBqyt4y2g-SvdIlQhUrOXC0vuB16v_DkOZbcFgZMwkFl17y67-73BObl6P_HqUAV15UgCZrCOylLm1LWK0-59ulBm2yb5RyfuxoBFp4ibSXcIIjPEAvEsbmKN7ig6YYL6vJl2eBx5hMbs/w400-h225/1668186418_634542_1668186669_noticia_normal.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div><br /></div><div>Kevin Conroy recently passed away. He died on November 10th, 2022 at the age of 66. He was an actor. You might have seen him on shows such as the Office, Another World, or Search for Tomorrow. I never saw him in any of his TV or film roles. It would probably be more apt to call Kevin Conroy a voice actor, because, well, let's be real; that's what he was most famous for. In particular, Kevin Conroy was known for his work vocing one of the most iconic ficonal characters of all time: Batman. </div><div><br /></div><div>Batman: The Animated Series hit TV screens in 1992 and it was the first time I'd ever heard Kevin's voice and by extension his take on Batman/Bruce Wayne. The voice he gave Bruce was light hearted, sounding almost carefree. It was the complete opposite of his voice for Batman. This was done intentionally to distinguish the two identities. Kevin's voice for Batman was gruff, raspy and every bit as dark as Batman himself. It was the first time in any media that Batman and Bruce Wayan sounded like two completely different people. And this was something that Kevin himself came up with. I'd also like to add that he did that knowing very little about the character.</div><div><br /></div><div>One of my favorite lines that Kevin has ever spoken is "I am vengeance! I am the night! I AM BATMAN!" from the episode BTAS "Nothing to Fear". The line was also used in promos for the show, which was the first time I'd heard it. It sounded like such a sick line and hyped me up even more to see the show. After the 9/11 attacks in 2001, Kevin was doing volunteer work, cooking for firefighters and police officers and would recite this very same line to some understanably downtrodden workers, which as it turned out, were big fans of BTAS. Kevin's recital of that line was met with huge applause. Kevin has told that story numerous times and I was never tired of hearing it.</div><div><br /></div><div>BTAS ended in 1995 but Kevin's voice work for Batman was far from finished. BTAS was just the beginning in what would go on to be known as the DC Animated Universe. A world composed of numerous shows that included BTAS, Superman: The Animated Series, Batman Beyong, Static Shock, Justice League and Justice League Unilimted. DCAU Batman is often cited as being one of the best, if not definitive versions of the character and while a lot of that is owed to great writing, we also have to thank Kevin for breathing so much into this version of Batman.</div><div><br /></div><div>Voice work is something not everyone truly understands. It isn't just reading lines from a script in a certain tone. There's a lot of nuance and subtlety that goes into the line delivery. I got the impression that Kevin really understood Batman and because of that, he was able to voice the character so well.</div><div><br /></div><div>Kevin has voiced numerous versions of Batman for nearly 30 years. It's amazing to see how much he improved the role. His voice for Batman in BTAS, The New Batman Adventures, Justice League and the Arkham games all sound so different, if only by the slightest bit in some versions. For a lot of you that read Batman comics, Kevin's voice is what pops in your head. I'm the same way. </div><div><br /></div><div>I never got to meet him, but from what I've seen in interviews and footage of him at cons, Kevin had this warmth to him. You couldn't help but smile whenever you saw him or heard him speak. When news reached me of his death, it stung. Still does. He was only 66. I had hoped we'd get to hear him voice Batman for years to come. I'm sure you've heard it from countless others, so you'll have to forgive me for repeating it but, for me, Kevin will always be Batman. No disrespect to anyone that has voiced the character in the past, but Kevin is THE VOICE for Batman. </div><div><br /></div><div>Thank you, Kevin Conroy. </div>Reggie White Jr.http://www.blogger.com/profile/10467336468770627457noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1123351578293541247.post-53831918222789171202022-10-06T23:42:00.001-04:002022-10-06T23:42:25.497-04:00Let's Discuss: The Super Mario Bros. Movie Teaser Trailer<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvgAU2Lqs6ZaO53-wcRq1j1A6iMo1jLotATAcKEIhYQFH1u4nZaOLLvOtbkWoJVq1F84Uh8-r-uPBi7NsBBT3tBhd4vfkB-8ir4OLLXWH88BQbagOc950BiBfBC1thD_pu7iRJXaRo4VrvttabM8JyOr0dEui4_hPkciaZjiSK8h4nGU9QqTxwDX-r/s1170/TSMBMT.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="658" data-original-width="1170" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvgAU2Lqs6ZaO53-wcRq1j1A6iMo1jLotATAcKEIhYQFH1u4nZaOLLvOtbkWoJVq1F84Uh8-r-uPBi7NsBBT3tBhd4vfkB-8ir4OLLXWH88BQbagOc950BiBfBC1thD_pu7iRJXaRo4VrvttabM8JyOr0dEui4_hPkciaZjiSK8h4nGU9QqTxwDX-r/w400-h225/TSMBMT.jpeg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Image: Illumination/Nintendo</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div>There was much anticipation from Nintendo fans for October 6th, in particular, fans of the Big N's mascot, Mario. This afternoon Nintendo graced us with a teaser trailer for the Super Mario Bros. Movie with a short Nintendo Direct. After some words from from some of the folks involved with the movie including Shigeru Miyamoto and voice cast Chris Pratt and Jack Black, the moment we were all waiting for had finally arrived. And it did not disappoint. Mostly.</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/9X2251IuWp0" width="320" youtube-src-id="9X2251IuWp0"></iframe></div><br /><div><br /></div><div>That opening scene where Bowser rolls up with a whole friggin' island to take a Power Star was AWESOME. That Bowser slow walk, the delivery of "OPEN THE GATES!" to Bowser displaying his fire breath had the perfect blend of action and comedy, topped off with some great facial expressions from Bowser, and the penguins. Say what you want about Illumination but they put in serious work on this flick and it really shows.</div><div><br /></div><div>I think the biggest criticism people have about this teaser is how Mario sounds. Granted, we heard very little of Chris Pratt Mario but the little we heard was enough to have fans fuming. I think I heard a tiny bit of an accent in the line "Mushroom Kingdom, here we come." I personally wasn't expecting a full on Charles Martines but I was hoping to hear, well more than what we did from him. I'm willing to give this the benefit of the doubt as Mario, the star of the movie, got some of the fewest lines in this teaser. Perhaps Nintendo doesn't want to show too much of Mario speaking just yet.<br /><div><br /></div></div><div>Can we talk about Toad? Duuuuuuude, I LOVE HIM! Keegan-Michael Key was born to voice Toad. His Toad voice isn't a one-to-one of the Toad we get from the games (that would probably be grating on the ears after two hours) but I am all about the voice he's given us. He had me cracking up and every time I see that scene with Toad in the teaser, I'm laughing out loud. I cannot wait to see more scenes with Toad.</div><div><br /></div><div>Seeing as how this trailer was a teaser, we didn't get to hear wat Donkey Kong, Peach and others will sound like, but in time, more trailers will come. What I've seen was enough to get me excited for this film. Whatever the outcome, it can't be any worse than the 1993 Super Mario Bros. movie.</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6sa5AcDUUDskD1rAGWdpDqhyu7zTPEC2QvuObBAt2bma5A0eDddf_Xz27NVHHzpRpA9Yo_rJ7vRjdnEha1_QGOyLORgsahgdkR3PmcuGR2aREllfK1CbQYVEuk8y3Hrel5DZ7v2bXRM2tJS6iMh658JFBM_IebsDR8Ef0d_-TWXlcm0gCYKHl37r8/s1329/FAA3PKoVEAE6_pK.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="747" data-original-width="1329" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6sa5AcDUUDskD1rAGWdpDqhyu7zTPEC2QvuObBAt2bma5A0eDddf_Xz27NVHHzpRpA9Yo_rJ7vRjdnEha1_QGOyLORgsahgdkR3PmcuGR2aREllfK1CbQYVEuk8y3Hrel5DZ7v2bXRM2tJS6iMh658JFBM_IebsDR8Ef0d_-TWXlcm0gCYKHl37r8/w400-h225/FAA3PKoVEAE6_pK.jpeg" width="400" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>*Shudder*</div><div><br /></div>Reggie White Jr.http://www.blogger.com/profile/10467336468770627457noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1123351578293541247.post-27963155954572389712022-08-11T21:53:00.003-04:002022-08-11T21:53:37.967-04:00Kirby 30th Anniversary Music Festival <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeGoC0nJBos33vqkvwyuRHbMMAFgnG8Y_gVY4su5fvmCniTqM_oqKn-bEn0zuBjFxat3MgtU1VVTxfJddbGPu44NKWqNDtKnQM9Id_tpjQafpN5W9xQrzukWHUgZiiYlApqf5YCWZMYJaP5HlIcXqzKT1YAZfrNGbGT17nCYyngrCTYKrcIfKCEwi3/s1200/MFBIYWI2FBHG5AERF5Z7V6IU6A.webp" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1200" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeGoC0nJBos33vqkvwyuRHbMMAFgnG8Y_gVY4su5fvmCniTqM_oqKn-bEn0zuBjFxat3MgtU1VVTxfJddbGPu44NKWqNDtKnQM9Id_tpjQafpN5W9xQrzukWHUgZiiYlApqf5YCWZMYJaP5HlIcXqzKT1YAZfrNGbGT17nCYyngrCTYKrcIfKCEwi3/w400-h300/MFBIYWI2FBHG5AERF5Z7V6IU6A.webp" width="400" /></a></div><br /><p>An event I've been looking forward to all year is the Kirby 30th Anniversary Music Fest, a live stream orchestral concert. Me being a goof, I let the date of the live stream slip past me and I wasn't able to catch it live. Thankfully, some super kind souls have preserved it on YouTube. At least until Nintendo comes along and axes it. Enjoy it while you can.</p><p>You can catch the entire event...</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/zJoBSUoZjpw" width="320" youtube-src-id="zJoBSUoZjpw"></iframe></div><p><br /></p><p>...Or a cut up stream that has only the music.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/0yYDPwlj6cA" width="320" youtube-src-id="0yYDPwlj6cA"></iframe></div>Reggie White Jr.http://www.blogger.com/profile/10467336468770627457noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1123351578293541247.post-77873219093559698302022-08-11T16:03:00.000-04:002022-08-11T16:03:01.469-04:00Make Way for the New King of Best Selling Kirby Games<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXu_L0fiW7qdKixPEqcEJvvzOMKXY1arGjERGJVBALkQFuLdDJAGPj0EXYiw4UzpAHDRiulpSxYrwAOz50ka2gYF-0I191Tvc349JwewtRIafC81BUzQgMVv87JvTBkKnQonYUOvEiazUcu2mR-ZPtCKQthiUeGjZbwToHHoyd3snBPGY8KY1iE_qS/s1920/KirbyAndTheForgottenLand_scrn_KirbysHouse.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1920" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXu_L0fiW7qdKixPEqcEJvvzOMKXY1arGjERGJVBALkQFuLdDJAGPj0EXYiw4UzpAHDRiulpSxYrwAOz50ka2gYF-0I191Tvc349JwewtRIafC81BUzQgMVv87JvTBkKnQonYUOvEiazUcu2mR-ZPtCKQthiUeGjZbwToHHoyd3snBPGY8KY1iE_qS/w400-h225/KirbyAndTheForgottenLand_scrn_KirbysHouse.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Image: Nintendo</td></tr></tbody></table><p>This year marks the 30th anniversary of the Kirby franchise. The first game, Hoshi no Kabi, translated to Kirby of the Stars, released in Japan on April 27th, 1992, which would later be released in other regions under the title known as Kirby's Dream Land. A myriad of Kirby titles have followed since pink puff ball's first outing and while many would agree that much of what came after has far and away surpassed Kirby's Dream Land, the same can not be said for sales. Many a Kirby fan adores Kirby Air Ride, Kirby's Return to Dream Land and Kirby: Planet Robobot but none of those games or any other Kirby game has managed to sell more copies than Kirby's debut Game Boy title, which sits atop the throne at 5.13 million in lifetime sales. Welp, there's a new king coming to town and it goes by the name of Kirby and Forgotten Land.</p><p>If you've just escaped Another Dimension, Kirby and the Forgotten Land is the first mainline 3D Kirby adventure. The game was released worldwide on March 25th, 2022 on the Nintendo Switch <a href="https://www.nintendolife.com/news/2022/08/kirby-and-the-forgotten-land-becomes-the-second-best-selling-kirby-game-ever" target="_blank">and has already sold more than 4.53 million copies. </a>This makes Kirby and the Forgotten Land the fastest selling Kirby title but the fact it has been on store shelves less than six months with such huge numbers means that it will more than likely overtake Kirby's Dream Land as the best selling Kirby game.</p><p>Kirby has always been beloved by fans but the series has never had the sales of other Nintendo IPs such as Super Mario or the Legend of Zelda games. To see Kirby's latest game be so successful fills me with joy, especially as a long time fan of the tough cream puff. Those sales are well deserved. I for one cannot wait to see Kirby and the Forgotten Land overtake the sales of Kirby's Dream Land. </p>Reggie White Jr.http://www.blogger.com/profile/10467336468770627457noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1123351578293541247.post-56562726649977491802022-08-04T21:08:00.000-04:002022-08-04T21:08:26.622-04:00I Caved and Bought Sonic Origins<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHbNHVi6ZbUikrU5mE7ik8SPRH4XS8AiWBNFW9RPx8O8-24juq9DbK54XmN0R49-veY9qfczQp0hKOzQqcZEcc--NAPeBdE6rkrsQFU56nymHOI1kqAt490u4CgqQmTkQqKZ7UljtVED3qQA_8ZlL4ru21u20WAuVn_QABwj_pB_d9zUHZoV-BTHXT/s1600/sonic-origins-game-modes_0012_1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHbNHVi6ZbUikrU5mE7ik8SPRH4XS8AiWBNFW9RPx8O8-24juq9DbK54XmN0R49-veY9qfczQp0hKOzQqcZEcc--NAPeBdE6rkrsQFU56nymHOI1kqAt490u4CgqQmTkQqKZ7UljtVED3qQA_8ZlL4ru21u20WAuVn_QABwj_pB_d9zUHZoV-BTHXT/w400-h225/sonic-origins-game-modes_0012_1.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><p>Back in June, <a href="https://gamingrockson.blogspot.com/2022/06/sega-staying-sega-with-sonic-origins.html" target="_blank">I put SEGA on blast for the way they chose to handle the release of Sonic Origins. </a>You know, the digital only release, extra features like more music, extra character animations and such being tucked underneath a $5 blanket. I still think that sucks. But for all my bravado, I went ahead and bought Sonic Origins on release day. </p><p>So how did SEGA get me? Mission mode. The way they showed it off in trailers really stirred my interest. Mission mode is pretty lit even if some of the challenges do make me a bit salty. This mode is also a great way to earn coins to buy stuff in the museum.</p><p>What is becoming one of my favorite features of retro compilations is the archival of artwork that usually comes with them. Yes, we can see a lot of this artwork online but I always love it when developers go that extra mile to include it in game. I was playing Mega Man X Legacy Collection some time ago and I found myself looking through the original artwork from the first Mega Man X. The character designs from that era still look amazing in my book. I ended up spending more time than I thought looking through the old images from Sonic the Screensaver that have been thankfully included in Sonic Origins along with the concept art and a few images I'd never seen before. Being able to look through this artwork with a playlist of Sonic tunes I created from what the game gives you is pretty neat, though I do wish the songs looped twice. An option to have songs play endlessly would be nice. And the music from Sonic Mega Collection such as that ultra soothing <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EmFsRw6zGi0&t" target="_blank">Extras Menu</a> music would have been heaven if it was included.</p><p>As for the games themselves, I like most of what is here. Sonic 3 & Knuckles in wide screen on the Switch is a dream come true and is without question the best game in here. Sonic 2 is mostly a good game and Sonic CD's crazy, uneven, whacky level design is still a headache for me to slog through, which only serves as proof that the Classic era of Sonic is not all sunshine and Flickies as many fans would like you to believe. The first Sonic game is still one of the best and isn't held back by it's slower paced levels.</p><p>You can use coins to buy art and music from the Museum, but coins are also excellent for retrying the Special Stages. Coins, saved my sanity while playing Special Stages in Sonic Origins. I have never gotten all of the Time Sones in Sonic CD due to the limited times you could try for them in past releases of the game. But the coin system in Sonic Origins let's me retry the Special Stages as long as I have coins on me.</p><p>Could Origins be better? Of course it could. Filters, which are standard fare for these collections are nowhere to be found. By no means is the absence of them a deal breaker but you'd think they would be included. I get that fans are upset that not all of Sonic 3 & Knuckles original music could be included but the replacement music is not the disaster all the memes and YouTube videos make them seem. Far from it. I found myself humming some of the replacement tracks while at work and that Super Sonic theme for S3&K one-ups the highly repetitive original. </p><p>Oh, I had $6 in coins on my eShop account so that took some of the sting out of paying $40 for a collection of some nice games that I still felt was a bit overpriced.</p>Reggie White Jr.http://www.blogger.com/profile/10467336468770627457noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1123351578293541247.post-68951868455932978222022-07-22T03:04:00.003-04:002022-07-22T03:04:40.455-04:00TMNT: Cowabung Collection FINALLY Gets a Release Date<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkd2Nq27CcWYw2wMprDmZuFZGOC7xYAOgt5MTZqPTiP2qq9KpzThAQ6gKT7AFp7ulRQ71etvt4V1wZ3CMN8_YxdOpySWc43vUjfaDD9lpk1mLkjdD4RnoIepEtV6Ye9826tWEHRCtPUxVeiTk5GiUNbUDBpgz3Ne3QI4LH99wGfm2ElM6UcM-1N5SH/s3840/teenage-mutant-ninja-turtles-the-cowabunga-collection-state-of-play-2022-51928815101-o-1654300175706.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2160" data-original-width="3840" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkd2Nq27CcWYw2wMprDmZuFZGOC7xYAOgt5MTZqPTiP2qq9KpzThAQ6gKT7AFp7ulRQ71etvt4V1wZ3CMN8_YxdOpySWc43vUjfaDD9lpk1mLkjdD4RnoIepEtV6Ye9826tWEHRCtPUxVeiTk5GiUNbUDBpgz3Ne3QI4LH99wGfm2ElM6UcM-1N5SH/w400-h225/teenage-mutant-ninja-turtles-the-cowabunga-collection-state-of-play-2022-51928815101-o-1654300175706.png" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Image: IGN</td></tr></tbody></table><p>Remember when Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: The Cowabung Collection was revealed back in early March of this year? Maaaaan, the hype was REAL. And then we waited for Konami to give us a release date. And waited. And waited. And waited. Freaking Bayonetta 3 got a release date before the Cowabunga Collection. Then, yesterday, out of the blue, Konami gave us a release date for this godlike Turtle compilation. IGN was the first to post the video with the release date, which will be August 30th, 2022. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/aR3ZE5vFi7c" width="320" youtube-src-id="aR3ZE5vFi7c"></iframe></div><br /><p>I've been playing and loving Shredder's Revenge. As a huge Turtles fan, it is a fantastic beat 'em up. But I was going crazy wondering when the Cowabunga Collection was gonna drop. I've had the game on pre-order for months. I've bought more trades of the TMNT Ultimate Collection comics (up to volume 5 now) and I picked up some 1987 inspired Turtle figures for my birthday as well as a Playmates Classic Leonard figure. I got a sick looking Rocksteady figure from BSTANX and The Last Ronin in hardcover. I've been binge watching the show (I'm halfway through season 4). My Turtle Mania fever is running high. I NEED the Cowabunga Collection to help feed my addiction. </p><p>Getting the Cowabunga Collection at the end of August makes me a very happy Turtle fan. I was beginning to wonder if it would be released in November or get pushed back to 2023, but thankfully, that isn't the case. </p><p>A lot of the games in the Cowabunga Collection (the arcade TMNT, TMNT NES, TMNT II: The Arcade Game, TMNT IV: Turtles in Time, the SNES version of Tournament Fighters especially) hold a lot of fond memories for me. I cannot wait to play through these games again and experience them anew with my friends, nieces and nephew. There's an inexpensive arcade stick I've had my eye on for a while now and I just might pick it up in time for the release of this Turtle Anthology. </p><p>I don't think you understand how excited I am for this release. This game has me more excited than a lot of other releases coming down the road this year. Maybe a lot of it is fueled by nostalgia, or my love for the Turtles. Maybe both. This game finally, <i><b>finally</b></i> getting a release date was <u>the</u> gaming news for me this week. Like, I'm considering requesting August 30th off work and ordering Pizza Hut. It will make for a pretty gnarly Turtle Tuesday, don'tcha think dudes?</p>Reggie White Jr.http://www.blogger.com/profile/10467336468770627457noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1123351578293541247.post-17629310333319921962022-06-26T03:03:00.001-04:002022-06-26T03:03:30.426-04:00Another Slice of Turtle Mania<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBeAXA7rhC2c65XkdtMPHJVdy5TpBr5jKqyIk4vOLAE6a3n5sCtO5s76aRpXxSWtmy52DGg9EgeE3N7ebVwjrgaG-N81gWhoAIevuO-gwcEfh1fP3mhZ0kyryfdct2z7a9bHAuR_zXjC71JLsFVTFqeOymFybAEujUcfeT1nx7gMMkwtc89ER4DJSF/s1920/tmnt-shredders-revenge-april.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1920" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBeAXA7rhC2c65XkdtMPHJVdy5TpBr5jKqyIk4vOLAE6a3n5sCtO5s76aRpXxSWtmy52DGg9EgeE3N7ebVwjrgaG-N81gWhoAIevuO-gwcEfh1fP3mhZ0kyryfdct2z7a9bHAuR_zXjC71JLsFVTFqeOymFybAEujUcfeT1nx7gMMkwtc89ER4DJSF/w400-h225/tmnt-shredders-revenge-april.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><p>During the late 1980s and early 1990s, you couldn't go anywhere without running into the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles. Though the green machines originated in comic book form thanks to creators Kevin Eastman and Peter Laird, it was the 1987 animated show that gave rise to a tsunami of turtle fever that would last for years. Movies, video games, TV specials, cereal and of course, toys. Oh, the toys. It was a time of Turtle Mania and I was so happy to experience it.</p><p>But like all good things, sadly, it came to an end.</p><p>Although the headday of the Turtles may be behind them, they remain firmly ingrained in pop culture. You can still find these ninjas on clothing, buy toys and for the first time in years, we're getting some very, very good Turtle games, with the most recent one, Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Shredder's Revenge, being released last week.</p><p>I've done three runs through Shredder's Revenge (one with Leo, Mikey and Raph) and it just might be the best TMNT game. Shredder's Revenge reminded me of all the old TMNT games and brought memories of the cartoon it is based on flooding to the surface. So much with this game just clicks. Wonderfully animated sprite graphics, the sounds of Foot Soliders and Mousers getting smacked around. The stages are not too long or too short. And that absolute BANGER of a soundtrack! I've been jamming out to that sucker for more than a week now. Sooooo goooood!</p><p>As if Shredder's Revenge weren't enough, sometime this year, we'll be treated to a plethora of games that helped Turtle Mania maintain dominance during the franchise's peak. I am of course talking about the Cowabunga Collection, my dream anthology that I never thought would come true, but sometimes reality isn't disappointing. All the NES, SNES, Arcade, GB and Genesis games in one shell of a collection. Man, just give me a release date for this game already!!! I needed my old-school Turtle beat downs yesterday!!!</p><p>I am so freaking excited about all the TMNT love we're getting for games this year. Recently I bought the 1987 TMNT series on DVD. The plan was to finish Adventures of Sonic the Hedgehog and Teen Titans shows I've been binging but Shredder's Revenge has me on such a high that I had to change my plans. I've already breezed through the first two seasons. Rob Paulsen Raphael might be my favorite version of the character.</p><p>I've been meaning to start reading TMNT: The Ultimate Collection, which reprints the original Mirrage Studios comics. I've actually read the first issue of TMNT before as well as the Leonard One-Issue Micro-Series, which is one of my favorite comics that replies heavily on panels without words to showcase the action. In fact I own an original copy of that issue. </p><p>I should probably start collecting some of those hardcovers of the IDW TMNT comics. That's a run I've been wanting to check out as I've heard so many good things about it. </p><p>Back to the 1987 Turtles, we just learned that IDW will be printing a four issue mini series based off off the aforementioned incarnation of the Turtles dubbed <a href="https://comicbook.com/comics/news/teenage-mutant-ninja-turtles-saturday-morning-adventures-tmnt-1987-cartoon-series-idw-publishing-comic/" target="_blank">Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Saturday Morning Adventures</a> beginning this September. Makes me wish Archie's Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles Adventure comics were collected in a format besides a measly four issues perk book because I really want to read those.</p><p>Action figures played a huge part of my childhood during the pinnacle of Turtle Mania. While I was poking around on Amazon, I saw some Turtle figures based off the 1987 caroons as well as the first Playmates figures, which were some of my favorite toys to collect. I'm planning on picking those up for my birthday. </p><p>This really is a great time to be a fan of the TMNT. It's like we're getting another slice of Turtle Mania. It may not be a whole pizza that we got back in the day, but I will gladly take that slice and savor it. Party on, dudes.</p>Reggie White Jr.http://www.blogger.com/profile/10467336468770627457noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1123351578293541247.post-86737532041744712842022-06-02T03:43:00.000-04:002022-06-02T03:43:22.641-04:00SEGA Staying SEGA with Sonic Origins Release<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtXLG1NfHRLzSIOCPa_p5-JqN-AGxLfSE42OJF9A_RNPSy9PEiqBgcKarm0fP70suD54qGw4KRUq89yb_j97yNk5Ck64WLfgJnHV63HWJmPK0Of645eAQTuHQSeciSH0aYiTQoNMydvKQmxGQxpev_mg4x1CqURqNLZmQpDruIXbz_6_BlLULc28r_/s3840/iJKp1MBNkDE4sBUNTVCDm0yv.webp" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2160" data-original-width="3840" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtXLG1NfHRLzSIOCPa_p5-JqN-AGxLfSE42OJF9A_RNPSy9PEiqBgcKarm0fP70suD54qGw4KRUq89yb_j97yNk5Ck64WLfgJnHV63HWJmPK0Of645eAQTuHQSeciSH0aYiTQoNMydvKQmxGQxpev_mg4x1CqURqNLZmQpDruIXbz_6_BlLULc28r_/w400-h225/iJKp1MBNkDE4sBUNTVCDm0yv.webp" width="400" /></a></div><br /><p>June 23, 2022 will mark Sonic's 31st birthday/anniversary. To Celebrate, SEGA will release, Sonic Origins, a collection that houses wide screen, enhanced versions of Sonic the Hedgehog, Sonic the Hedgehog 2, Sonic CD and Sonic 3 and Knuckles. The first three games listed have been on the mobile market for years. It took an eternity, but SEGA has finally decided to bring them to consoles. And true to form for the company, SEGA had to go and mess up a good thing with what should have been a simple compilation release.</p><p>The trend of withholding content that should obviously be included from the get go is something SEGA has grown quite attached to. We saw it with Sonic Colors Ultimate, which had the original music from the 2010 Wii game locked behind a DLC paywall unless you sprung for the Digital Deluxe Edition. Super Monkey Ball: Banana Mania also had a large chunk of extra content placed behind a DLC paywall, and like Sonic Colors Ultimate, one such thing was the original music, something you should not need to fork over additional dough for. But hey, if you got the Digital Deluxe Edition, you got your OG Super Monkey Ball jams. But if you bought the physical version? Welp, you were screwed.</p><p>What has SEGA locked behind the Digital Deluxe Edition of Sonic Origins? An island camera, character animations, bonus hard missions, additional music tracks, and a letter boxed background. Features that really aren't worth the extra $5 bucks. The intial reveal of the two versions of Sonic Origins was so confusing that SEGA had to put up a spread sheet to make it make sense. And of course, SEGA's spread sheet was only more mind boggling. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbeK3CJzon6ofNODCU-o7Xipmb7bacPRgLgO2J0DIFiJCufy8WvVojVGjM58KG4n74UFR3577XOZnt4bzONfManWM-YHPll10l320qnYn5oLdxTJJFkjA5BloWMbSqxX6hmPbbGY9H1pmvEtQ6GC37x9rf_CDAK2FjnzyaZk4zfutNXGEfMFM9Yxj1/s2842/Screen_Shot_2022_04_20_at_9.53.30_AM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1120" data-original-width="2842" height="158" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbeK3CJzon6ofNODCU-o7Xipmb7bacPRgLgO2J0DIFiJCufy8WvVojVGjM58KG4n74UFR3577XOZnt4bzONfManWM-YHPll10l320qnYn5oLdxTJJFkjA5BloWMbSqxX6hmPbbGY9H1pmvEtQ6GC37x9rf_CDAK2FjnzyaZk4zfutNXGEfMFM9Yxj1/w400-h158/Screen_Shot_2022_04_20_at_9.53.30_AM.png" width="400" /></a></div><br /><p>I would say "How could SEGA screw this up?" but then I remember that they are SEGA. SEGA screwing up is kiiiiiiinda their thing.</p><p>If you need further proof that one of the best things SEGA is known for is making dumb decisions, look no further than the mid 1990s. They had so much good going on for them. A rival mascot to Nintendo's Mario with Sonic, and thanks to SEGA of America's aggressive marketing, they took the number one spot from Nintendo. SEGA would continue to rock hard with the Genesis but with the threat of next gen systems looming, SEGA of Japan would make a number of blunders that would be so disastrous that they are still talked about to this day. </p><p>First was the SEGA CD, an expensive add-on for the Genesis with a few great games but ultimately flopped. Then came the 32X, which was home to some great ports but was another add on that required the Genesis to run it. Like the SEGA CD, it was a failure. In hopes to beat Sony to the punch in the 32-bit console war, SEGA released the Saturn early and at a higher price than the PlayStation. This not only steamed retailers but the early release made for some sloppy launch games. Debacle after debacle damaged SEGA's reputation both with retailers and consumers. Two years after launch, the Dreamcast was discontinued and SEGA pulled out of the hardware business.</p><p>And that's just the abridged version of some of SEGA's idiocy. They can and have made some stellar games. But they really are and continue to be their own worst enemy. Do you really need some animated cut scenes and a moving camera to get the most out of Sonic Origins? And what extra music is SEGA talking about? If it is anything like Sonic Colors Ultimate and Super Mokey Ball: Banana Mania, it could be a full soundtrack that SEGA chose to make DLC just to nickle and dime us.</p><p>Oh and did I mention that Sonic Origins is only a digital release? Yup. SEGA has no plans for a physical release at this time, which is more SEGA stupidity. The mascot of the company is celebrating his birthday with some of his most memorable games and SEGA can't even bother to give the blue boy some physical lovin'. Or maybe they plan to see how many of us will double dip. I've been waiting for Sonic 3 & Knuckcles to get the wide screen treatment and come to the Switch for years. That time has finally come and SEGA had to go and pull a friggin' SEGA. Sonic Origins should have gotten a physical release from the start and if they do plan to release a physical version, then </p><p>My intent of this post was not to dull anyone's excitement for Sonic Origins. If you're stoked for the game and are going to pick it up, by all means, have at it. But SEGA's way of going about this release leaves such a nasty taste in my mouth that I personally don't feel like being so quick to give them my money.</p>Reggie White Jr.http://www.blogger.com/profile/10467336468770627457noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1123351578293541247.post-47115059716154742272022-05-12T20:57:00.001-04:002022-06-02T02:51:53.109-04:00Why the Nintendo Switch Sportsmates Hate?<p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6MEvK2Ta-1dMg4ipxOdHZiA3lWiTnLjS93HPTcPEGKNhOfBYh4VG4_BzJDbpgSyFDEUlqCoLx3V4d7YDvQjgU0jtr3O130SZfJIZ7xRoIF3viJQISl4MecQSVMmlzbqQIe2n4fVWBmke92w_kSKftmcwzGmxGvp6RTTd9IDOutNzPqKHQvOHhZOy_/s1920/nintendo-switch-sports-1.webp" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1920" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6MEvK2Ta-1dMg4ipxOdHZiA3lWiTnLjS93HPTcPEGKNhOfBYh4VG4_BzJDbpgSyFDEUlqCoLx3V4d7YDvQjgU0jtr3O130SZfJIZ7xRoIF3viJQISl4MecQSVMmlzbqQIe2n4fVWBmke92w_kSKftmcwzGmxGvp6RTTd9IDOutNzPqKHQvOHhZOy_/w400-h225/nintendo-switch-sports-1.webp" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Image: Nintendo</td></tr></tbody></table> </p><p>When Nintendo Switch Sports was revealed during the February 2022 Nintendo Direct, it was a day for celebration. A Revival of Nintendo's Wii Sports series meant we were gonna get down like it was 2006 all over again. One of the defining features of the Wii Sports games was the use of Miis, character avatars that often served as self inserts for the players to use. Miis have gone on to become a Nintendo staple with a presence on every Nintendo system since the Wii. So when the new Sportsmates were shown front in center for Nintendo Switch Sports, some fans were, how shall we say, concerned? Overreacting? Yeah, let's go with overreacting.</p><p> It was and to some extent, still is impossible to go into a conversation about Nintendo Switch Sports without the Sportsmates being derided as inferior, or lesser beings in comparison to the Miis. I've read comments from some saying "They look weird" or "They replaced Miis." As for the Sportsmates looking weird, nah, son, I'm not seeing it. I think they look perfectly fine. I have however, seen some pretty screwed up looking Miis but that hasn't sent the internet into a frenzy. And the Sportsmates never replaced the Miis in Switch Sports. During the game's reveal it was clearly shown that you could still use Miis but I guess some folks were too busy freaking out over new avatars getting some time in the spotlight to notice.</p><p>Nostalgia is one heckuva drug. Yeah, it makes you feel warm and fuzzy but it can also cloud your thinking and make you less welcoming to new things. The Miis are now 16 years old so it is only natural for gamers to be attached to them. But I do think a great deal of nostalgia is making some gamers dislike the Sportsmates. </p><p><a href="https://gamerant.com/nintendo-switch-sports-sportsmate-avatar-mii-replacement-branding/" target="_blank">There's an article on Game Rant that talks about an uncertain future for the Sportsmates,</a> stating that their name prevents them from being useful in future Nintendo titles. This article is strange to me. What if Nintendo doesn't want to use the Sportsmates for other games? Just because the Miis are used for multiple games doesn't mean the Sportsmates have to follow suit. And what is to prevent the Sportsmates from being in other Nintendo games? Because they have "Sports" in the name? Really? If Nintendo does want to use the Sportsmates in other games, I doubt they are gonna let a name stop them from doing so. Like I said, that article is strange to me.</p><p>Nintendo Switch Sports as a game has also been labeled by some as not being on the same level as Wii Sports or its sequel, Wii Sports Resort. Like Wii Sports, Switch Sports has six sports to choose from, but a big fan favorite, Boxing, is nowhere to be found in Switch Sports. At least not yet, anyway. During the game's reveal, Nintendo told us Golf would be coming in the fall so I've no doubt other sports will be added to Switch Sports, Boxing probably being among them. Switch Sports seems to be following the same route that the Mario sports titles on the Switch have. That is to say, the game releases and then gets free updates as time goes on. Mario Golf: Super Rush had more courses and characters added after launch and while I immensely enjoyed the base game, the updates made it even better and I'm sure some would argue it should have hit with all of that included on day one. I'm not the biggest fan of sending out a bare bones game but at the same time, I'm not gonna say no to free content. </p><p>Back to the hate on Sportsmates, I really don't get it. It never should have been an issue to begin with since Nintendo let us know that Miis were still on the table. Nothing is preventing players from using the Miis. But perhaps the outrage over Sportsmates is coming from a vocal minority. Every time I've played online, I've been seen a plethroa of other players using Sportsmates. So maybe the Sportsmates aren't nearly as hated as they seem. Granted this is just my own personal experience but I've seen Sportsmates pop up in YouTuber videos as well so it looks like a lot of gamers are embracing them.</p><p>One thing the Sportsmates could use is some more hair options. No love for the bald people? Come on, Nintendo. </p>Reggie White Jr.http://www.blogger.com/profile/10467336468770627457noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1123351578293541247.post-60459411657239160782022-05-12T19:38:00.004-04:002022-05-12T19:42:43.067-04:00Kirby and the Forgotten Land: Quite Possibly the Best Kirby Game<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiR_tc_NgqwfICgkM1PhfiGdyPk_Km5-GtCYu9DDxC87hmH7EPdr0Mf_Eyk9kWqIzKbl4tD5RZkAriWkUi-5SdEI_HS9dGt2qq3KbqDUZWzCkOgjbdI5MEtzo7ovmU1LbXFHIM6uWOKOJMwhZUDqxPzYv-fNAbFFcUuamu5LvQf5Q_AvfYX5vB6UC16/s1200/1200px-KatFL_Key_art.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="675" data-original-width="1200" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiR_tc_NgqwfICgkM1PhfiGdyPk_Km5-GtCYu9DDxC87hmH7EPdr0Mf_Eyk9kWqIzKbl4tD5RZkAriWkUi-5SdEI_HS9dGt2qq3KbqDUZWzCkOgjbdI5MEtzo7ovmU1LbXFHIM6uWOKOJMwhZUDqxPzYv-fNAbFFcUuamu5LvQf5Q_AvfYX5vB6UC16/w400-h225/1200px-KatFL_Key_art.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><p>From the very first time the little pink, adorable puffball took his first steps into the gaming landscape 30 years ago, Kirby's games were always developed with younger players in mind. The ease of accessibility has constantly remained front and center to each title to this day. Sure, this may turn off some players but it hasn't stopped Kirby from earning a devoted fanbase. The games have made changes here and there to keep things interesting. Kirby's Return to Dream Land added four player multiplayer and greatly rammed up the Copy Abilities and the move set of each one. Kirby: Planet Robobot let Kirby pilot a mech and use a variation of his Copy Abilities with said mech. And through it all, Kirby has remained in two dimensions. Well, that all changes with Kirby's latest game.</p><p>Kirby and the Forgotten Land is a game fans as well as myself have been waiting for with baited breath ever since it was revealed in September 2021's Nintendo Direct. Some games have dipped a toe in 3D but this is Kirby's first big, full blown 3D adventure and it is the perfect way to kick off the Pink Demon's 30th anniversary. It is also one of the very best Kirby games. Maybe even the best.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKyLvteVv--5M4dnMHyqRFvBDNwZx8s-lH7iA2MEn22PQuWoorvJ3y8vK39tKHU8vdk3aP0eZj4GPTh6Jacce9pYm8lR6WQfsTY3gQ-6HEMaiIHW1EtlXuO8xX9YHeg-rUWrU57SL-h2nkugeOVg8tED1p9XBRUvahI7nJko-4-j3rjfGN7btvfUtW/s1280/kirby-and-the-forgotten-land-gorimondo-eng01.webp" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="1280" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKyLvteVv--5M4dnMHyqRFvBDNwZx8s-lH7iA2MEn22PQuWoorvJ3y8vK39tKHU8vdk3aP0eZj4GPTh6Jacce9pYm8lR6WQfsTY3gQ-6HEMaiIHW1EtlXuO8xX9YHeg-rUWrU57SL-h2nkugeOVg8tED1p9XBRUvahI7nJko-4-j3rjfGN7btvfUtW/w400-h225/kirby-and-the-forgotten-land-gorimondo-eng01.webp" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgIslUFuyyiLeuKna2GxbTFxbWOXLBzt_zlsLWBSQCBns6G-k4vpZantFE1FYWaFbdY_tvGJy37BHCLppdUXLvLWtMIhgoanxnSv6Z8ERGlg2Writ2TKR5DfNxZ8AjNOLVQx9Sw9aujaN8HO88lgCOZf6z7RXh_NZlBUd-tP9yV8wXrhylOSx70Ucg/s1280/kirby-and-the-forgotten-land-ranger03.webp" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="1280" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgIslUFuyyiLeuKna2GxbTFxbWOXLBzt_zlsLWBSQCBns6G-k4vpZantFE1FYWaFbdY_tvGJy37BHCLppdUXLvLWtMIhgoanxnSv6Z8ERGlg2Writ2TKR5DfNxZ8AjNOLVQx9Sw9aujaN8HO88lgCOZf6z7RXh_NZlBUd-tP9yV8wXrhylOSx70Ucg/w400-h225/kirby-and-the-forgotten-land-ranger03.webp" width="400" /></a></div><p>If you haven't played Kirby and the Forgotten Land and are worried about spoilers, worry not. I have no intention of divulging any of the plot here. I'll save that for a future post. For now, read on about this wonderful Kirby game.</p><p>Kirby and the Forgotten Land starts out like the last few Kirby games. Well, things are a little different this time. Kirby is actually awake when everything goes to crap. Our favorite tough cream puff is enjoying a beautiful day on Planet Popstar, riding on the Warp Star. Everything is happy and grand. But because that wouldn't make for a enthralling adventure and because Kirby's home world is a magnet for disaster, crap happens in the form of a vortex opening up, sucking up everything in sight, our hero included. When Kirby awakens, he's on an abandoned beach in a strange land, dubbed the New World, which is eerily similar to our own, except there are no humans to be found. The New World isn't entirely devoid of life, however. The usual mooks Kirby encounters in his adventures on Popstar are all over the place and the local wildlife known as the Beast Pack have been targeting Waddle Dees capturing them en mass. Shortly after Kirby begins exploring the New World, he helps a cute, blue, big eared mouse-like creature called Elfilin, who wants to save the captive Waddle Dees. United by a common goal, Kirby and Elfilin set off to rescue King Dedede's adorable minions.</p><p>I must say that controlling Kirby in 3D feels perfect. It was one of the first things I noticed about the game. Kirby retains all of the moves he had in the 2D games except you no longer need to double tap forward to run. Much like Kirby 64: The Crystal Shards, Kirby's hover ability has been nerfed, so your time spent in the air is limited. Looking at the trailers for this game, I speculated that Kirby's hover would be scaled back. It isn't just your air time that's limited. The height at which you can hover has also been greatly reduced. Obviously this was done to make use of the new Mouthful Mode.</p><p>Ah, Mouthful Mode, amusing, body horror and cursed power-ups all rolled up into one package. When Kirby inhales an inanimate object that's larger than he is, he'll take on the shape of that object as well as the abilities that object grants. Using Mouthful Mode on a car lets Kirby zoom around on four wheels, doing donuts and smashing through rocks and debris that obstruct your path. Inhaling a vending machine will let you chuck out cans of soda at your enemies so long as you don't run out. Even baddies deserve to stay hydrated. You'll lose Kirby's normal mobility and you can't use whatever Copy Abilities you're currently carrying but Moutful Mode never overstays it's welcome and the different forms it takes are a blast to use. It becomes very chuckle worthy to see Kirby waddle around as a huge light bulb or see the blank expression on his face after inhaling a whole freaking staircase. </p><p>The levels you'll travel through in the Forgotten Land do have the usual types associated with them. A grass world, a desert world, an ice world and so on, but the way the game tackles these level things keeps things fresh and interesting. The first world, Natural Plains is your grass world but the second level has you exploring this massive tunnel that takes you underground to see the remains of a construction project. The fourth level in Natural Plains takes place inside a mall and in a clever bit of world building you'll actually see posters that advertise an amusement park, Wondaria, which is the game's third world. In a few stages of world 4, Winter Horns (which is clearly meant to be a stand-in for London), you'll notice a massive bridge. As you make your way through this world, you'll eventually come to the level that takes place on that bridge and it is one big mini boss rush. Things like this serve to make Forgotten Land a more cohesive game.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgniSSeGvXJnSDuJmNy5--tYYp_CV0sz5zLe965fXAFHbXrjgCDDqU0ao0ad9_wBGy_EQ52ccq4PRGzkiXGD-zqgFsRt4CBN3wfzUYF5hS_S0jLxlJzO35iUoBoNVSfIGAwGV37D8ZxtGJtqEUnzoZS00qwxGjDyaSV7dhfkn2AQUbttAAoDjK4BPBe/s1280/kirby-and-the-forgotten-land-world4-4.webp" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="1280" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgniSSeGvXJnSDuJmNy5--tYYp_CV0sz5zLe965fXAFHbXrjgCDDqU0ao0ad9_wBGy_EQ52ccq4PRGzkiXGD-zqgFsRt4CBN3wfzUYF5hS_S0jLxlJzO35iUoBoNVSfIGAwGV37D8ZxtGJtqEUnzoZS00qwxGjDyaSV7dhfkn2AQUbttAAoDjK4BPBe/w400-h225/kirby-and-the-forgotten-land-world4-4.webp" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWEagXhkhrBGHq7ItrFbDZxT-mXd-kimfdTCPeguQA-nuMzVBHTZCaQ-i8hM9c0RKfOzCl3roojnfEE5hmIOOwE9WwatVGLgpFjgnEBI9LZeaXr4_BF7k8-JcoA4R2SbBOXoHiO7YJfB_fDomT3eK8GPevl628Arh16FitlgWwkvKTga-iHBShnjon/s1280/kirby-and-the-forgotten-land-world3-4.webp" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="1280" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWEagXhkhrBGHq7ItrFbDZxT-mXd-kimfdTCPeguQA-nuMzVBHTZCaQ-i8hM9c0RKfOzCl3roojnfEE5hmIOOwE9WwatVGLgpFjgnEBI9LZeaXr4_BF7k8-JcoA4R2SbBOXoHiO7YJfB_fDomT3eK8GPevl628Arh16FitlgWwkvKTga-iHBShnjon/w400-h225/kirby-and-the-forgotten-land-world3-4.webp" width="400" /></a></div><br /><p>Despite each world running with a theme, no two levels feel alike. Every single stage across the game's six worlds stand out thanks to the unique level design. You can walk in on a friend playing the game and if you're familiar enough with the game, you could easily deduce exactly what stage they are on. </p><p>The third dimension has done wonders for Kirby's battles. Slashing foes with sword, cracking skulls with Hammer and barreling at a Awoofy with Fire feel oh so satisfying. Kirby's dodge ability has also received a significant upgrade. Hold any of the shoulder buttons and move out of the way of attack at the right moment and time will slow down. This mechanic is great for evading attacks that can be tricky to do my simple dashing away, sliding or hovering. As any great sales person would say "But wait, there's more!" you can follow up perfect dodge with an attack. This varies depending on the weapon you're using and the distance between you and your foe. If you're using Hammer and pull off a perfect dodge and immediately attack, you'll strike with a level 2 Hammer charge. Yes, perfect dodging is an extremely useful technique but it isn't always a get out of danger free card. Perfect dodge in the wrong direction and you could end up in the path of an attack that is already in motion. That being said, it is better to learn and get used to this move sooner rather than later as some bosses almost require it. Plus, it really is just the best when you pull it off.</p><p>Quality over quantity is the name of the game with Copy Abilities in Forgotten Land. Past Kirby games have given our pink dancing ball of joy 20 plus abilities to use. Here, he's only got 12 Copy Abilities but each of them can be upgraded to pack even more of a punch. Upgrading Abilities doesn't just make them more powerful, no. They come with cosmetic changes to boot. As much as I love seeing Kirby do his best Link impression with the default Sword, Gigant Sword, while being a bit sluggish has more range, hits harder and comes with a dope shield that can take so many attacks without Kirby taking damage. We also get to see him run around with that huge sword over his shoulder. Toy Hammer is worth the upgrade just to see Kirby with that cute helmet and I'm sure you've already heard how OP Toy Hammer +Star is by this point. Bombs can be chained together for more explosive power and when upgraded to Homing Bomb, you can worry less about aiming since the bloodthirsty little things will seek out prey. </p><p>One of my favorite Copy Abilities (and lots of other fan's faves) is Ranger. From what I hear, this isn't the first time Kirby was able to use a strap, but it is the first game I've played in the mainline series where Kirby can shoot enemies and as well all know, guns make everything better. Why bother getting close to your enemies when you can just pick them off from a distance? Nobel Ranger gives Kirby TWO guns and as cool as that is, Space Ranger is even better for giving you a nifty space helmet and when fully charged not only does it create this huge plasma blast, it slows down anything that is caught in said blast. Where has Space Ranger been all my life and when does the plush for it drop?<br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_QiCU4gw0uJkF6pYfleRgw5J8_sgKEiDYW_SF1MwTGuGKujR2jGmg2OIHPSxoLi83VCHDMEwT6_YENppjjlom8ELDwrcoHDwcUO2sCcjtNyUBy3GnTnnFZQbgOwB0Ur1QxSVeTN7waBLTLRdZtrObq2iQbC4xQPRNRLiDlveaoQxReLRK87z192ku/s1920/images-2.webp" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1920" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_QiCU4gw0uJkF6pYfleRgw5J8_sgKEiDYW_SF1MwTGuGKujR2jGmg2OIHPSxoLi83VCHDMEwT6_YENppjjlom8ELDwrcoHDwcUO2sCcjtNyUBy3GnTnnFZQbgOwB0Ur1QxSVeTN7waBLTLRdZtrObq2iQbC4xQPRNRLiDlveaoQxReLRK87z192ku/w400-h225/images-2.webp" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjI4DfEWOsIqyhQ7mWbzLmPFC--AJEcurTrPgrskMDve_MQb2B_rGum6HtnJZsrdUrg3wqlPGtyVjB0waAAQ5MmFVhz45nfNjmqexf81_kz40YJiMFQiKguilTbudiwddc3z55j3QhVwN077iRsZ0vr1JxiJTSldS7i5XSXDMWStYrQAbldS2UUADDE/s1280/large.webp" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="1280" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjI4DfEWOsIqyhQ7mWbzLmPFC--AJEcurTrPgrskMDve_MQb2B_rGum6HtnJZsrdUrg3wqlPGtyVjB0waAAQ5MmFVhz45nfNjmqexf81_kz40YJiMFQiKguilTbudiwddc3z55j3QhVwN077iRsZ0vr1JxiJTSldS7i5XSXDMWStYrQAbldS2UUADDE/w400-h225/large.webp" width="400" /></a></div><p>The composers of Kirby and the Forgotten Land have blessed us with an exquisite soundtrack. Veteran Kirby music writers Jun Ishikawa and Hirokazu Ando were joined by Yuuta Ogasawara and Yuki Shimooka. Ogasawara's first Kirby game was 2018's Kirby Star Allies whilst Shimooka got his start with 2019's Kirby Fighters 2. Ishikawa and Ando have been writing Kirby bangers for more than two decades but they've turned in the least amount of music for Forgotten Land. The bulk of the heavy lifting for the game's soundtrack was handled by Ogasawara and Shimooka with the latter composing the majority of the game's score. Star Allies clocked in with a massive six disc soundtrack when it was released. Forgotten Land's eventual soundtrack release could top it as the in game music player has more than 90 songs. The music for Forgotten Land consists of mostly original compositions, something I highly applaud. As great as it is to hear arrangements of classic Kirby themes, the new music that we're presented with here ranks among the series best. Ando and Ishikawa may have written fewer tracks for this game, but some of my favorite new Kirby songs come from these two vets. <i>Through the Tunnel</i> is a song I've listened to more times than I can count and <i>The Battle of Blizzard Bridge</i> is right up there with Nobou Uemtatsu's <i>Battle on the Big Bridge</i> from FINAL FANTASY V when it comes to fantastic video game bridge music. Of course Ogasawara and Shimooka wrote plenty of stand out tracks as well. <i>Running Through the New World,</i> <i>Welcome to the New World, Northeast Frost Street</i> and <i>Road of Dedede</i> are already firmly nailed into the brains of Kirby fans all over the world.</p><p>It isn't often I feel a sense of sadness after completing a game but that was the feeling that washed over me sometime after I 100% completed Kirby and the Forgotten Land. Yes, I was happy I finally did that stupid Tilt and Roll Kirby 3, got the gotcha figure and pushed my percent meter to max but it saddened me that the adventure was at long last finished. Even now, as I write this, I'm not ready to stop playing this game. I'm looking for a reason, any reason, to keep playing it 75 hours later. I can power up all of my Copy Abilities. I can go for the max star coins on each stage. I could see how much I can better my time in the Colosseum without using power-ups. Well, except Ultimate Z Cup because dang, that sucker is a nightmare. Maybe I can do all the bosses without any Copy Abilities. </p><p>Kirby and the Forgotten Land is such a joyous game that I want to play it again and again. Seriously, I could start a whole new file just to play through this game all over again. It has taken a decade, but I think Kirby's Return to Dream Land may have been dethroned as my favorite Kirby title. I do hope Nintendo gives us an update for Forgotten Land. Maybe an EX mode, but even if they don't I know that Forgotten Land is a game that will spend many more hours on my Switch.</p><p><b><i>Screenshots from Nintendo and Nintendo Life.</i></b></p>Reggie White Jr.http://www.blogger.com/profile/10467336468770627457noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1123351578293541247.post-43420430378931829212022-04-28T20:31:00.001-04:002022-04-28T20:31:39.708-04:00Memories #29: Kirby's Dream Land<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiedDKVWazHDNGM7dAD1XRHp-6zusGTptMYxNMgaF0Fg4NZwtZFivSXnO9URfBn_Zj2ZT42QBhx9_s-PX1ptJTQdbB1DMx-ONesZEjutMHwa1wxP6DoauPtmymdT4S5N7yLDjYUhtzexhXBAVQOJ_pV992gx_tYGMWi2J1hrqyjgZgVnpgrVYMQkcRt/s400/gb_kirbysdreamland1_front.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="357" data-original-width="400" height="358" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiedDKVWazHDNGM7dAD1XRHp-6zusGTptMYxNMgaF0Fg4NZwtZFivSXnO9URfBn_Zj2ZT42QBhx9_s-PX1ptJTQdbB1DMx-ONesZEjutMHwa1wxP6DoauPtmymdT4S5N7yLDjYUhtzexhXBAVQOJ_pV992gx_tYGMWi2J1hrqyjgZgVnpgrVYMQkcRt/w400-h358/gb_kirbysdreamland1_front.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><p>This is where I go and hint at my age. </p><p>I'm old enough to remember the time before YouTube. Before the internet. A time when video game news would reach you through these relics that were called video game magazines. If not those, it was a TV ad. The later was the first time I heard of Kirby's Dream Land.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/BP5pb7hGelM" width="320" youtube-src-id="BP5pb7hGelM"></iframe></div><br /><p>I saw this commercial so many times I could practically quote the whole thing. This was during the time that I didn't have a Game Boy and this was one of the games that made me crave one even more. </p><p>Also, DANG, did Kirby ever look different back in the American TV ads. </p><p>Although Kirby's Dream Land was the first time I'd ever heard of the tough cream puff, this was not the first game in the series I played. I wouldn't play Kirby's Dream Land until either 1993 or 1994 and by that time, I had played Kirby's Adventure, widely viewed as a bigger, better game than Kirby's first outing. Even so, I wanted to play Kirby's first game. Nintendo Power's top 20 charts had Kirby in the top 5 consistently which and by the time I bought it, it was a Nintendo Player's Choice title, sporting that big, gold ribbon, letting everyone know that the version you had was discounted. Personally, I liked the gold ribbons. They were much better than that icky green of the PlayStation Greatest Hits and whoever came up with that should have been slapped furiously with a thick rolled up newspaper.</p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVCD40MtYVwAXQ1MkcQ6vJnfHa3_i5Qe1hH4ZIkruExORZAh8GJ5rPNI5dgLG7Ma9FBo94wOMPX_Yz-AahPK0eDg9i5fUZ9DxV9Yqk4e82HcIaC8xRGpV3AJxGm129-kQBfCtnRcqnIIE41ImcDvpgjFQz1TzvJKWOjoHEXqX_tTnk3cGoOldREVH9/s800/39096-kirby-s-dream-land-game-boy-back-cover.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="795" data-original-width="800" height="398" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVCD40MtYVwAXQ1MkcQ6vJnfHa3_i5Qe1hH4ZIkruExORZAh8GJ5rPNI5dgLG7Ma9FBo94wOMPX_Yz-AahPK0eDg9i5fUZ9DxV9Yqk4e82HcIaC8xRGpV3AJxGm129-kQBfCtnRcqnIIE41ImcDvpgjFQz1TzvJKWOjoHEXqX_tTnk3cGoOldREVH9/w400-h398/39096-kirby-s-dream-land-game-boy-back-cover.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Image: MobyGames</td></tr></tbody></table><p>It was a bit strange coming from Adventure to Dream Land. Kirby's now signature Copy Ability wasn't invented yet, nor could he slide. Kirby may seem basic to an outsider but in Kirby's Dream Land he was super basic. But in this case and for the time, super basic was pretty good.</p><p>My copy of Kirby's Dream Land was bought from my local Meijer. You know how they had games behind a glass case and if no one was there, you had to ring for assistance? Ah, good times. Kirby looked so happy floating towards Whispy Woods on the box art about to make him cry. For the first time. Whispy was so ingrained into my brain thanks to that commercial. Crying Whispy, in particular. I believe one of the screen shots I saw of the game in Nintendo Power was of Kirby either fighting Whispy or of Whispy already beaten and crying. I think the North American box even had a screen of Whispy on the back. I did a search while writing this up and yup, there's Whispy. I really like the shade of blue on the back and side of the box. Goes great with the logo so thumbs up for whoever came decided choose and go with those colors.</p><p>Back when games came with instruction manuals, I would look through them before starting up a game. With Kirby's Dream Land, it was no different. I still have a lot of my old manuals, so the one for Kirby's Dream Land may be packed away somewhere. </p><p>The story of Kirby's Dream Land goes like this: King Dedede steals all of the citizens'food along with their Sparkling Stars. Huh. I completely forgot about the Sparkling Stars. Maybe it was due to Spring Breeze in Kirby Super Star that just mentioned the food being taken. Anyhoo, Kirby comes along and I remember him stating in the manual something along the lines of, "Don't worry, I'll get your food back." Looking back on it, it's a bit odd to read about Kirby speaking in full sentences but it was his debut game.</p><p>After reading through the entirity of the manual, I plunked the cartridge into my original brick Game Boy and was greeted with a title screen that showed numerous Kirbys walking about while the most jovial title music I'd ever heard at the time played.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiugLbdBJeqOQ3NEdNTu6RZsLfb58PmPJMZfx116IZzDxdDQklcEsRm4WFRY1AtSiqihJJx2wzGlbcDuOkqHI2gfGBrfYseeRj2MK18jn7Mj4FbCv2f_XWr1VwJ5QbXvr2VexYRYvXXnJ_3Iy1yqd-5cisrrRZjnLaiopiI74zu00Ebkm1okSrFsp3g/s560/128y.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="560" data-original-width="560" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiugLbdBJeqOQ3NEdNTu6RZsLfb58PmPJMZfx116IZzDxdDQklcEsRm4WFRY1AtSiqihJJx2wzGlbcDuOkqHI2gfGBrfYseeRj2MK18jn7Mj4FbCv2f_XWr1VwJ5QbXvr2VexYRYvXXnJ_3Iy1yqd-5cisrrRZjnLaiopiI74zu00Ebkm1okSrFsp3g/w400-h400/128y.gif" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">GIF: GIFER</td></tr></tbody></table></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><span style="text-align: left;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><span style="text-align: left;">Pressing start treated my ears to a very familiar theme, Green Greens. Having beaten Kirby's Adventure a year ago, the level that Green Greens played on it that game really stuck out to me. For one, it was the only level in that game to have the song playing. Two, the level was in black and white. I don't think I made the connection at the time, but now I know that clearly that stage in Kirby's Adventure was paying homage to Kirby's Dream Land. Kirby's Adventure has a phenomenal soundtrack so it was enlightening to hear what has become Kirby's most prolific piece of music came from his very first title. Being on the GB, I could tell it sounded a smidgen different but it was still as catchy and hummable as ever. </span></div><p>I went into Kirby's Dream Land knowing full well that Kirby did not have the Copy Ability. Just inhale enemies and shoot them at other enemies. Or inhale stars and fire them off at the opposition. Simple and effective. The kind of innovation you would expect from a Nintendo published title. Alternatively, Kirby's exhaled breath could also be used to attack mooks but not the bosses.</p><p>Kirby's Adventure had these super cool transition sections where Kirby would hop on the Warp Star and ride off to another part of the level. It turns out these Warp Star ride segments were first used in Kirby's Dream Land and are every bit as neat. Also neat was Kirby's animations. Kirby has this bounce to his movements which is attributed to his simplistic design. When he runs into a wall, he'll squish up against it and a tiny star will bounce out of him. This was all stuff I'd seen in Kirby's Adventure but it was used first in Kirby's Dream Land, much to my surprise. They carried over a lot from that GB game.</p><p> </p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiceZqKnPaIWI2Dg27XnO52Efa5Ee9sxszxXBXI_GBll1jeiefAcxZHsh8XZEhhcmQIeW623gTtLzuMM9XBErxY4m09eS2E5T6-fuwaFNCXdWg_evU_7wrBy8eKIM6rsB-8hURxDIG-Q0gP7YY7gJkAh3U3h2kKeo53DsyahH_o53Ndzw4pEBYTI1J5/s540/tumblr_nqzzdgD90h1u8iryno1_540.webp" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="486" data-original-width="540" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiceZqKnPaIWI2Dg27XnO52Efa5Ee9sxszxXBXI_GBll1jeiefAcxZHsh8XZEhhcmQIeW623gTtLzuMM9XBErxY4m09eS2E5T6-fuwaFNCXdWg_evU_7wrBy8eKIM6rsB-8hURxDIG-Q0gP7YY7gJkAh3U3h2kKeo53DsyahH_o53Ndzw4pEBYTI1J5/w400-h360/tumblr_nqzzdgD90h1u8iryno1_540.webp" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">GIF: Tilt Controls</td></tr></tbody></table><p>I could be wrong but I believe that Kirby's Dream Land marked the first time I was ever exposed to the compositions of Jun Ishikawa. Green Greens was a certified banger but really, the entire soundtrack is an absolute bop. Castle Lololo, Float Islands, the Ending theme are some of the best Kirby songs. Along with Green Greens, Invincibility and the Kirby Dance jingle, King Dedede's Theme was first used in Kirby's Dream Land, meaning some of the series' most famous tracks were first used in this game. I was listening to the soundtrack while writing this and 30 years later, it still holds up magnificently.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYSM24XUfpU45zuDSfli-ItMuWlIL3QyqclTS-Aq1gxDsJ8tqzynXqIGqs-eoKjVWl5qno5sdpfOm4dSG3UbKPuxIC0_EvsbK6049aeAgT-DvO5zI7ZffRzZS04TSAp6eIlFo7mxsmRGOSumAmbeoTmmCuzIh4GYhq1dJdja1hydh_-O5AxNBBfiE4/s433/pSiTfKa.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="334" data-original-width="433" height="309" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYSM24XUfpU45zuDSfli-ItMuWlIL3QyqclTS-Aq1gxDsJ8tqzynXqIGqs-eoKjVWl5qno5sdpfOm4dSG3UbKPuxIC0_EvsbK6049aeAgT-DvO5zI7ZffRzZS04TSAp6eIlFo7mxsmRGOSumAmbeoTmmCuzIh4GYhq1dJdja1hydh_-O5AxNBBfiE4/w400-h309/pSiTfKa.gif" width="400" /></a></div><p>Maybe it was those three days I spent with Kirby's Adventure or the fact that Kirby's Dream Land was designed for entry level gamers. But I recall beating Kirby's Dream Land in about 30 minutes. It isn't a long game at all, even for the GB. It only has five levels and the last one is a boss rush. Kirby's Dream Land does have some of the same bosses I fought from Kirby's Adventure. I think I had winced a little when I saw that Kracko was a boss but I don't think I had nearly as hard a time with him in Dream Land as I did in Adventure. Maybe he was harder in Adventure because you had the Copy Ability in that game. You can read about my grievances with him in the next Memories post.</p><p>The setting for the battle with King Dedede was super cool. It was a boxing ring. How awesome is that for a final showdown? It has always been one of my favorite things about Kirby's Dream Land. Since Dedede turned out to be not-so-bad in Adventure, I wondered why he would steal all of the food from the citizens of Dream Land. I guess we can chalk that up to Kirby creator Masahiro Sakurai still trying to figure out these characters. I might have died to Dedede once or twice trying to learn his attack patterns.</p><p>Throughout the 1990s, Kirby's Dream Land would be a game I would always keep on me. If I didn't feel like going through the more frustrating levels of Donkey Kong or had about 25 minutes to kill, I would pop this game in and breeze through it, enjoying the simple but fun gameplay and charming music.</p><p>Without question there a better Kirby games out there. I still say Kirby's Adventure is better than Kirby's Dream Land. But I don't for one second regret my time with Kirby's Dream Land. If I could go back to that Sunday afternoon and pick up Kirby's Dream Land all over again, I would do it and then celebrate with my awful attempt at the Kirby Dance. </p>Reggie White Jr.http://www.blogger.com/profile/10467336468770627457noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1123351578293541247.post-1323687216501381542022-03-30T22:29:00.002-04:002022-03-30T22:29:34.027-04:00Sequel to Breath of the Wild Delayed to 2023... And I'm Cool With That<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1UgZ8AvRpaAICTp85s5Ro9pc92i4mwE-vzJFaeIlLhz6G55wtMBHlCrIK85Q4BdBDtu1GUsULkBbAm6Ebn-NfXXJxJxDIUoYeQ8egXYtIypm78jIGQnaKr-ec2nYgjjx_kuxh7np_HhMcZ_sKT2GL-LPV2mkvyhLiWgQkaf6YmXLrP6a__7ABtPzt/s1200/botw2_master_sword.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="675" data-original-width="1200" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1UgZ8AvRpaAICTp85s5Ro9pc92i4mwE-vzJFaeIlLhz6G55wtMBHlCrIK85Q4BdBDtu1GUsULkBbAm6Ebn-NfXXJxJxDIUoYeQ8egXYtIypm78jIGQnaKr-ec2nYgjjx_kuxh7np_HhMcZ_sKT2GL-LPV2mkvyhLiWgQkaf6YmXLrP6a__7ABtPzt/w400-h225/botw2_master_sword.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><p>Nintendo came out and announced that the sequel to the highly acclaimed 2017 The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild has been delayed to 2023. </p><p>Breath of the Wild is one of my favorite games and like many of you, I've been anticipating the sequel since it was revealed that it was in development back in 2019. But when Eiji Aonuma said they were aiming for a 2022 release date in a 2020 Nintendo Direct, I had a feeling there was a serious chance that the game would not launch in the year they had planned. No doubt this delay is very disappointing to fans but in all honesty? I ain't even mad. </p><p>Now teenage me would have reacted to the delay of this game with anger and frustration. But adult me has thankfully matured and learned that some things just aren't worth getting upset over.</p><p>In today's gaming climate, games can be rushed out the door in a pitiful state they really have no business launching in and be patched up later, a practice far too many triple A game publishers are perfectly fine with. I'm making mean faces at you, Cyberpunk 2077 and Grand Theft Auto The Trilogy: The Definitive Edition. Call me old fashioned, but I prefer my games to come out of the gate in a competent state to where they don't need to be stitched up like a pair of heavily worn jeans. </p><p>I'd also like the developers to be treated like human beings and not be subjected to crunch. Release the game when it is done and don't overwork the staff just because there's a deadline to meet and stock holders to please. </p><p>2022 is also looking to be a pretty packed year for Nintendo. I'm starting to lose track of all the games I've got pre-ordered on the Switch and I've got games from 2021 I haven't even really dived into like Metroid Dread. We've got 9th generation Pokemon near the end of the year and Nintendo hasn't even shown us what all they've got for us to play during the fall. I already have a ton of games on my plate so I'm not going to lose any sleep over Breath of the Wild 2 being delayed. </p><p>I started playing through the original Breath of the Wild sometime in 2021 after having not touched the game in years. This delay will give me some time to explore ravaged Hyrule once again before seeing what Nintendo has in store for us in Link's next adventure. And that is an adventure I am perfectly fine waiting for.</p>Reggie White Jr.http://www.blogger.com/profile/10467336468770627457noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1123351578293541247.post-89407747539287782182022-03-12T02:40:00.000-05:002022-03-12T02:40:35.026-05:00SQUARE ENIX Presents SQUARE ENIX MUSIC Channel on YouTube<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiPmWqvS7vN1dinYcRthB0Sfdy9F8WWazuW4g9BYCiBw_3IOfm3k-RXue3GGAgqfWi_BXovbNLOu0mT2j1gKHLXjwHXFsFfX6VVSnD29kHiPlgwlAcZqFXuBOvNO_bNbFZIrObTfC7UvR4EGuk9YgTspFy3rp1PKD3ffnb8qG0O1G5n7Z2ZG8Hk55-1=s900" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="900" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiPmWqvS7vN1dinYcRthB0Sfdy9F8WWazuW4g9BYCiBw_3IOfm3k-RXue3GGAgqfWi_BXovbNLOu0mT2j1gKHLXjwHXFsFfX6VVSnD29kHiPlgwlAcZqFXuBOvNO_bNbFZIrObTfC7UvR4EGuk9YgTspFy3rp1PKD3ffnb8qG0O1G5n7Z2ZG8Hk55-1=w400-h400" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div><br /></div><div>Spotify and YouTube are massive platforms for music listeners. Video game music has long been uploaded on the later but more often than not, these music uploads are not official and can be taken down at any time. It has taken years, but more and more game companies have slowly started to realize that, there might be something to these streaming services and that gamers actually like listening to video game music outside of the game. Crazy, right? The latest company to get in on providing their music on YouTube is none other than SQUARE ENIX, which launched their very own music channel earlier this week, simply called <a href="https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCMx60HYcw1ieiPlZZagfqXQ/featured" target="_blank">SQUARE ENIX MUSIC Channel.</a></div><div><br /></div><div>If you're a game music listener that frequents Spotify, you've probably known that a sizable chunk of SQUARE ENIX music has been up on that app for a good while now. Still, it is always nice when game music becomes more widely available and as someone who practically lives on YouTube, I whole heartily embrace SQUARE ENIX's decision to launch a music channel.</div><div><br /></div><div>The usual suspects are up on SEMC. If you want to hear soundtracks from the mainline FINAL FANTASY games, the channel has you covered. But if you think that's all there is, you'd be mistaken. Soundtracks from the MANA games is here, the SaGa series, the Chrono series, NieR and specially crafted music selections are readily available on SEMC. Even the superb soundtrack for Octopath Travler is there along with the soundtracks for The World Ends with You and NEO: The World Ends with You. We are looking at well over 5,000 music tracks and the channel isn't even a week old yet. </div><div><br /></div><div>Eagle eyed SQUARE ENIX music lovers are sure to notice that there's still quite a few omissions. LIVE A LIVE is not up. The entire Front Mission series is absent. There's no Racing Lagoon, Bahamut Lagoon or any Parasite Eve soundtracks. And many of the spin off FINAL FANTASY soundtracks like Mystic Quest, Tactics and Crystal Chronicles aren't available. I guess we can chalk this up to the channel being so new, but I'm really hoping these soundtracks as well as others pop up.</div><div><br /></div><div>Another quibble I do have is that there are a lot of track titles that are not in English. I find this strange since on Spotify, many of these soundtracks are available with Japanese as well as English titles. This could be another thing that is due to the channel being in it's infancy. I do hope more English track titles pop up as without them, it can be quite difficult to identify a specific song until you hear it.</div><div><br /></div><div>SQUARE ENIX MUSIC Channel is something that I really, really, hope we see more of (glaring at you, Nintendo) and I hope to see the soundtrack uploads increase. As for suggestions on what to listen to? I recommend the GB SaGa games, AKA Final Fantasy Legend soundtracks for some underrated chiptune goodness. The Mellow Minstrel Mix has quickly become a favorite of mine, containing chill, lo-fi arrangements of SQUARE ENIX music, some of which as of this writing, has not made it's way to Spotify. </div><div><br /></div><div>Go listen to some music from this amazing channel. It'll probably help wash the horrendous taste that is Chocobo GP micro transactions out of your mouth.</div>Reggie White Jr.http://www.blogger.com/profile/10467336468770627457noreply@blogger.com0