Re-Releases You Should Play Part 1

Hello and welcome to the sister series of Much Needed Re-Releases. This series features games that have been fortunate enough to receive a re-release that you should check out.

Mega Man 7 - SNES

Released in 1995 on Nintendo's 16-bit baby, Mega Man 7 became one of those rare SNES carts and as such, you can expect to pay a hefty sum of change for a physical copy. The game's first re-release was for the 2004 Mega Man Anniversary Collection on the PS2 and GCN, but it was not the best way to play the game as it had slowdown, some input lag and Mega Man's slow walk during the end credits was completely removed due to emulation issues. Mega Man 7 has thankfully been re-released on the Wii U's eShop and has none of the hiccups that were present on the Anniversary Collection. While yet another solid entry in the classic Mega Man series, Mega Man 7 has unfortunately received a bad rap because it uses larger sprites than the first 6 NES Mega Man games. Yes, this does alter some of the precise movements with the sprites taking up more space but the game's pros far outweigh the cons. There's lots of secrets to uncover via exploring with Mega Man's numerous weapon power-ups, the game gave us the excellent due of Bass & Treble and it has a sweet selection of tunes.

Available On: Wii U


Monster World IV - GEN

For years, fans had two options if they wanted to play Monster World IV, arguably the best game in the Monster World franchise. Either import the game and pay absurd prices or get the fan translated ROM. In 2012, Monster World IV finally received an official release outside of Japan, fully translated in English. The game is a wonderful action platform affair with RPG elements strewn about. You'll explore numerous dungeons, find treasure, get immersed in the plot all while being treated to some of the finest audio and visuals on the Genesis. Even today, Monster World IV looks and sounds fantastic.

Availalbe On:  Wii, PS3, 360

EarthBound - SNES

Known as MOTHER 2 in Japan, EarthBound released in 1995 in the west to abysmal sales. An RPG with a modern day setting was a wonderful breath of fresh air after years of swords and sorcery. Unfortunately RPGs were still a niche at the time and many could not get over the game's simplistic visuals, which are really a large part of EarthBound's charm. At one point I actually remember seeing the game in Best Buy for $8. Since this game came with a Nintendo Power player's guide, that was quite the bargain. If you jumped on a such a deal back in the day, congrats because now even loose carts of EarthBound are very costly. In 2003, EarthBound was released on a GBA cart along with the prequel as MOTHER 1 + 2. Naturally, this released stayed in Japan. In 2013, fans prayers were finally answered when EarthBound was at long last released on the Wii U's eShop. Beneath EarthBound's simple visuals lies a hefty does of humor with plenty of dark themes. The MOTHER/EarthBound series has a very dedicated fanbase, which not only lead to the release of EarthBound, but the first official release of the EarthBound Beginnings, the first MOTHER game, in both America and Europe.

Available On: Wii U

Sonic CD - SCD

Having played through Sonic CD a few times, I'm baffled as to why so many claim it to be the greatest Sonic game ever made. The overdose of pinball mechanics is very unhealthy, there are too many spikes and the level design can be a mess in lots of place. That being said, I still think Sonic CD is a game worth experiencing. Being able to see past and future versions of each zone is a cool concept and both the Japanese and American soundtracks are incredible. The PS3 and 360 versions are the ideal way to play Sonic CD since it features both region's soundtracks and the option to use Sonic 2's version of the spin dash since Sonic CD's version is pretty wonky.

Availalbe On: PS3. 360

Favorite Tunes #110: Days of SEGA Gone By

Oh, SEGA. You were once one of the greatest console manufactures in the business with some of the best first party software on the planet. Then you got out of the console game and became a third party, but you still cranked out some hits. Alas, you are now a shadow of your former self with the most we see from you being Sonic games with varying degrees of quality. I'd love to see the company return to form but until then, I can always look back on the glory days.

Main Theme - Space Harrier (ARC)

"Welcome to the fantasy zone. Get ready!" These were the words that welcomed players to the world of Space Harrier, SEGA's 1985 arcade shooter. Unlike most games of the genre at the time, there's no overhead perspective and you don't pilot a ship. You control a blonde gent armed with a huge cannon blasting away the bizarre creatures of Dragon Land. The game's main theme was composed by Hiroshi Kawaguchi, who is known for composing songs of a more lengthier, yet memorable variety.

North Crimson Wing (Track 5) - Hang On GP (SAT)

This game plays nothing like the arcade Super Hang-On and as such, feels like just another generic racing game. OK, so not every game listed in Favorite Tunes is gonna be a winner in the gameplay department but Favorite Tunes has always been about the audio and that's where Hang On GP shines. While Hang On GP was a console release, the music wouldn't at all feel out of place in one of SEGA's stand up arcade games. This isn't Hiro's work but Shirou Ioroi still does a commendable job. In Japan, this game is known as Hang On GP '95 and Hang On GP '96 in Europe.

Ancient Weapon 1 - Panzer Dragoon Orta (XB)

SEGA supported Micorsoft's first console with some great exclusives like Panzer Dragoon Orta. The Panzer Dragoon games were among the best on the Saturn and Orta was another fine entry in the rail shooter series, Among Orta's bonus content was an unlockable port of the original Panzer Dragoon game. You'd think this would be one of those titles SEGA would mine from their extensive back catalog and give it a digital release. You would think, anyway.

Sprinter - Super Hang-On (ARC)

What can I say, despite the the very short amount of games in the series, Hang-On music is undeniably awesome. But then, the music in Super Hang was done by Hiro so, one can expect nothing short of excellence. It's another long, complex musical piece with lots of twists and turns throughout. Sprinter is the probably the most famous Super Hang-On jam, second only to Outride a Crisis.

Long Distance - Monster World IV (GEN)

In 2012, Monster World IV, the pinnacle of the Wonder Boy series was at long last officially translated and given a digital release. It's filled with lots of dungeon crawling, some simplistic puzzles and lots and lots of solid platforming. The game's main them gets reused a lot but the way its done with each piece makes it so it doesn't grow wearisome.

Storm - Super Monkey Ball (GCN, PS2)

Welcome to the final ten floors of Super Monkey Ball's Expert difficulty. These floors will take the sanest gamer and reduce them to a gibberish-spouting lunatic. This rock theme is used on all ten floors to emphasis that monkey business is officially over.

Favorite Tunes Database

Favorite Tunes #76: Girls, Girls, Girls, Girls

In case you haven't guessed, this one is all about the ladies. Enjoy!

A Simple Rating (Theme of Karin) - Street Fighter Alpha 3 (ARC, PS, SAT)

Of all the games in the Alpha series, Alpha 3 is by far the one I've invested the most time in, specifically the PlayStation port. With so many characters and modes to choose from, this game kept me busy long after the shrink wrap came off the CD case. Karin is Sakura's rival and despite this being her only appearance in a Street Fighter title, she has a huge fanbase.

File Selection - Super Princess Peach (DS)

In one of his more brilliant moves, Bowser kidnaps Mario and Luigi, the usual rescuers of Princess Peach. This leaves the ruler of the Mushroom Kingdom being the only one capable of going off to rescue the duo. With a magical umbrella and the power of mood swings, Peach stared in an easy, but still fun platformer.

World 4 (Alta NET) - Mighty Flip Champs (DSi)

The first game in WayForward's Mighty series, Mighty Flip champs was a unique take on the puzzle genre. Using both screens, you could flip the level around to access portions of the area you wouldn't be able to reach otherwise. This theme plays in one of the toughest areas of the game.

Heart of Icegrave - Monster World IV (GEN)

'Twas truly a good day when Monster World IV was officially released via digital download. And in English! This absolutely charming action/RPG has some of the finest visual and sounds to come from the Genesis as well as one of my favorite duos in gaming, Asha and Pepe. Much of the music consists of a single them that gets used over and over, but the arrangements are done so well that it never grates on you.

Datadyne Central Defection - Perfect Dark (N64)

The Carrington Institute has a wealth of good soldiers but few of them are as skillful as Joanna Dark, the only agent to get a perfect rating, hence her code name, Perfect Dark. A lot of the themes used in Perfect Dark come in two flavors, the normal theme and the X version, which is more frantic than the standard tune.

Jody Summer - F-Zero GX (GCN)

Out of the 30 racers in F-Zero GX only a handful of them are female and Jody has one of the better vehicles to choose from. Unlike a lot of other character themes, Jody's is gentle like a nice summer breeze.

Nobody Catch Me - Tekken 2 (PS)

I know I've said it before but really good things need to be repeated. Namco has a habit of going the extra mile on their ports. The PS version of Tekken 2 got an incredibly arranged soundtrack and I actually prefer it over the arcade score. This is Michelle Chang's theme.

Stone Forest (PAI) - Virtua Fighter 5 (ARC, PS2, 360)

This year marks the 20th anniversary of SEGA's Virtua Fighter series, gaming's first 3D fighter. Unfortunately SEGA didn't really roll out the red carpet for this franchise like they did with Sonic. Oh well. Of all the female brawlers this series is known for, Pai will always be my lady of choice.

Main Theme - The Legend of Valkyrie (ARC)

Later ported to the PC Engine, The Legend of Valkyrie is actually a sequel to the Famicom game Valkyrie no Boken. This obscure Namco character has gotten a bit more love as of late. She was one of the many playable characters in the 3DS game Project X Zone.

Terra - Final Fantasy VI (SNES)

With so many characters and many of them getting ample screen time, Terra is probably the closest Final Fantasy VI has to a main character. This half human/half esper undergoes a lot of character development before she's comfortable with who she is. Terra's theme functions as the world map theme for the World of Balance, the first half of the game.

Favorite Tunes Database

My Favorite Video Game Box Art Part 1

This is something I've been wanting to do for a very long time. After seeing the videos that Happy Console Gamer and Alpha Omega Sin did, it gave me the push to finally go ahead and do mine. As I was working on this, I came to realize that I have a lot of video game box art that I really like. So this is Part 1 of a feature that I have absolutely no idea how many parts will be total.

Monster World IV

Released in 1994 on the Mega Drive in Japan and tragically denied American and European gamers until it was given a digital release on the Wii, Xbox 360 and PlayStation 3, Monster World IV is arguably the best game in the series. This beautiful clay sculpture cover is one of the best Genesis box covers I've ever seen. Considering all the great Japanese box art that the Genesis has, that's speaking in volumes. The chibi versions of Asha are a cute touch.

Sonic the Hedgehog 2 (American Version)

More fantastic Genesis box art. The American version's cover art for Sonic 2 may very well be my all-time favorite video game box art. I just love the way Sonic and Tails are standing there looking like coolest duo on the planet with Robotnik crushing the top of the "2" behind them.

Super Mario 64 (American Version)

Super Mario 64's American cover is actually pretty similar to it's Japanese counter part. But since the American and European Nintendo 64 boxes are horizontal instead of vertical, about half of the small planet Mario is flying around is missing. Still, I've always appreciated what Nintendo of America gave us. Like Super Mario World's box art, we see Mario with (what was at the time) a new power-up, in this case, the Wing Cap.

Final Fantasy VII (American Version)

You know how Japan used to get all the swell box art back in the day? Well that wasn't always the case. Final Fantasy VII's American box art is infinitely better than the original Japanese January 1997's release. The American version takes an image of one of FFVII's promotional posters and switches it up a bit with a white background. We've got main protagonist Cloud, Buster Sword in hand, staring at the Shin-Ra corporation. I'm betting he's all outta bubble gum so that only leaves him with one thing to do. Sure we can't see Cloud's feet, but that's still a pretty powerful image. By comparison, the Japanese version is pretty vanilla. How vanilla? Take a look for yourself.

Gunstar Heroes (Japanese Version)

Treasure's very first game is a good contender for the best action title for the Genesis. The Japanese version was given some gorgeous hand drawn artwork showing the main characters and five of the reoccurring bosses, including fan favorite Seven Force pilot, Green.

Street Fighter Alpha 2

The most famous of Street Fighter Alpha 2's covers. Akuma made his debut as a hidden character in Super Street Fighter II Turbo, but chronologically, this is the game where he showed up in the series' story. From the way he and Ryu are looking at each other, it looks like the ensuing fight is going to be vicious.

The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time (Japanese Version)

I do like the gold covers with the game logos that Nintendo of American gave us for the longest time, but I'd be lying if I said the Japanese versions weren't anything special. The image of Link getting ready to ride off on Epona with a towering flame in the background is miles better than a giant logo on the box.

X-Men vs. Street Fighter (Japanese Version)

I believe I've already mentioned how much I love hand drawn artwork. For the most part, Capcom has gone this route with most of their crossover fighters. Was I guess Wolverine Publicity was in full effect even in the late 1990s because there he is, front and center on the cover.

Mega Man 7 (Japanese Version)

Most Japanese Mega Man covers usually have the Blue Bomber with the faces of the Robot Masters of the game behind him looking all menacing. Rockman 7 continues this tradition, but this is by far my favorite Classic Mega Man box art. Keiji Inafune's art style had been improving greatly as the years went by and it's very apparent with this cover.

Final Fantasy VI (Japanese Version)

This won't be the first time you hear me gush over the astoundingly good artwork of Yoshitaka Amano. The man has a style unlike that of any other, one that is instantly recognizable. Amano has been involved with Final Fantasy from the series' humble beginnings designing characters, monsters, logos and even box art. The Japanese cover for Final Fantasy VI has Terra (Tina if you live in Japan) in Magitek Armor overlooking what I'm assuming is the Gesthalian Empire in Vector. Makes for quite the impressive image, don't you think? This is the PlayStation re-release cover, which is the same as the Japanese SNES version. The only difference is that the logo is on the bottom of the box. Enjoy a bigger, clean, wallpaper sized version of this cover, sans logo, here.

M.U.S.H.A. (American Version)

Part of the the now defunct Compile Aleste series, MUSHA is a fantastic shooter that places you in command of what I can only say is one of the sweetest looking mechs this side of Gundam. The Japanese box art is very anime-like, and I like it, but not nearly as much as I do the visual of the MUSHA with flames behind it. I guess you really can't go wrong with that type of picture.

Metal Slug 2

I never owned a Neo Geo (really, who did when the thing cost $650?) but I've since been able to play many of SNK Playmore's games via compilation releases. The Metal Slug tank may be slow but it sure beats being one-shot killed in a game where death is all around you. The heroes almost seem like they're busting from the cover, colored in blue shading against the red backdrop. Metal Slug X, the updated version of Metal Slug 2 is the better game, but I'd argue that Metal Slug 2 has the better box art.

Mario & Luigi: Superstar Saga (American Version)

There's a lot to love about the Mario & Luigi RPG games. Hilarious writing, fun characters, clever battle systems and of course, the oh-so-lovely hand drawn artwork. It's some of my favorite art from any Mario series. The game's big bad Cackeletta is present in the center but to the right and left are two of the game's most memorable characters, Prince Peasly and the guy with enough fury to last a lifetime, Fawful. All of this and Luigi's stripped socks, too!

Final Fantasy V (Japanese Version)

The first time I laid eyes on the box art for Final Fantasy V was in the final pages of a 1998 issue of Electronic Gaming Monthly. My adoration for the FF series had increased exponentially after finishing FFVII  and FFIV so I was dying to get my hands on FFV. Problem was, it wasn't available in English at the time. That didn't bother me too much, tough. Seeing Bartz staring off in the distance with Boco at his side made just made me want to play the game even more. Looking back at the image today and now having played through FFV two times, I know that Bartz is a wanderer so it looks like he just stopped to enjoy the scenery.

Part 2

Great Duos in Gaming Part 1

Sometimes a job is so tough that one cannot accomplish it all by their lonesome. As much of a loner as he is, even Batman doesn't always fly solo. Why should gaming characters always go it alone? Welcome to a new feature I like to call Great Duos in Gaming.

Popo & Nana - Ice Climber & Super Smash Bros. Series

Popo is in the blue and Nana is in the pink. Together, they form the frosty due that is the Ice Climbers. These two Eskimos made their debut on the NES in the aptly named Ice Clumber. Player one assumed the role of Popo while player two played as Nana. They scaled a number of mountain peaks while being confronted with all types of opposition such as the polar bear wearing shades. The two were missing in action for nearly twenty years but that all changed when there were made a selectable fighting pair in the 2001 Super Smash Bros. Melee. Popo and Nana fight together, striking foes with their mallets, ice breath and other manner of dual attacks. The Ice Climbers are much stronger together than they are alone. If you lose one of them during a fight, your battle strength will be cut in half. Popo and Nana returned in Super Smash Bros. Brawl and thanks to the Wii's added visual power, the fur on their parkas looked even better. You will not find a cuter pair of Eskimos in gaming or real life.

Bub & Bob - Bubble Bobble Series

Are they dragons or are they dinosaurs? This question is still hotly debated to this day. One thing no one will dispute is how undeniably adorable these two are. Like any disgustingly cute critter, Bub and Bob dispose of their enemies by blowing bubbles to trap their enemies and using the spiked backs to burst the bubbles, killing those juveniles. Who says cute games don't contain some form of violence? In their original game Bub and Bob are on a long journey (seriously, even by arcade standards, Bubbble Bobble is not short) to save their girlfriends. You can certainly opt to play the game solo as Bub, but considering how difficult the game gets, bringing a second player into the fray as Bob is certainly recommended.

Issac Washington & Agent G - House of the Dead: Overkill

The two protagonists of House of the Dead: Overkill do not get off to a friendly start. How not friendly? In the game's opening cut scene, Issac Washington sucker punches Agent G, much to the later's confusion. But an endless horde of mutants force these two to rely on each other. Through wave after wave of undead flunkies, two blown up automobiles, and a nightmare train ride, G and Washington become one of the best pairs of fire forged friends in gaming. The back and forth banter these two provided during gameplay and cut scenes make so much of the game's dialogue an absolute riot to listen to. What does the G stand for? As far as Washington is concerned, it stands for genocide.

Banjo & Kazzoie - Banjo-Kazooie Series

A bear and a bird? That seems like a pretty crazy combo, but Rare made it work and crafted two of the most memorable platformers on the N64. Banjo is the bear and while he houses a great deal of muscle, the bird, Kazooie spends a lot of time being carried around by Banjo via backpack, but she more than carries her own weight on this team. In fact, Kazooie can even walk around and carry Banjo on her back. The combined might of bear and bird allow this duo to swim, fly, climb walls and much more. Whille Banjo loves to have fun, he's more the straight laced, serious type when compared to Kazooie who is always quick with the snarky remarks. Like all best friends, they bicker from time to time but there's no better pair of bear and bird than Banjo and Kazooie.

Sonic & Tails - Sonic Series

Sonic may be the fastest thing alive, but in spite of his speed, he'll never be the genius that his best friend Tails is. In his first appearance, Tails was kidnapped by Sonic's arch fiend, Dr. Robotnik (Sonic the Hedgehog 2 on the Game Gear). Not exactly the best first impression to make, but he made up for it in Sonic the Hedgehog 2 on the Genesis. Tails was controlled by the AI but a second player could plug in another control and play as Sonic's sidekick, which is much more preferable if you're playing with Tails and want to get all those Chaos Emeralds. Tails is invaluable during certain boss fights and since he's incapable of dying, he's gaming's greatest meat shield. Tails received some new abilities in Sonic 3 & Knuckles where players could actually make use of his ability to fly and unlike Sonic, he can swim. It may not have been established early on in the West, but Tails is a child prodigy. He built Sonic's plane, the Tornado and he's a technical wizard with all types of machinery.

Asha & Pepe' - Monster World IV

It was getting too stuffy with all the boy heroes mucking up the Monster Boy series. So they dropped the lads and made a girl the star. Asha completes the game's first dungeon on her own but she'd be helpless without Pepe's aid for the remainder of the game. Asha handles the combat while Pepe' provides her with much needed assistance. Pepe' grants Asha an extra jump, is resistant to fire, be the thrown to press switches and can be held to slow Asha's descent. Monster World IV is a fantastic actrion/RPG that everyone should check out. It was originally only available in Japan but now it can be experienced, fully translated in English on the Wii's Virtual Console and Xbox Live Arcade and PlayStation Network.

Mario & Luigi - Mario & Luigi Series, Super Mario Series

One is short and a bit tubby, the other is tall and lanky. If Mario is the ultimate player one, that makes Luigi the ultimate player two. Mario is hands down the most recognizable character in gaming and Luigi is his younger twin brother that stands in his shadow but still has throngs of fans. Originally a palette swap of Mario, Luigi gained his own jump and slippery traction in Super Mario Bros.: The Lost Levels. It wasn't until Super Mario Bros. 2 that Luigi took the appearance that he's known for today. In the 3D Super Mario games, Luigi was absent but he returned to fight by Mario's side in the hit RPG Mario & Luigi series where he and Mario could use joint moves both on the field and during battle. In the Super Mario Galaxy games, Luigi was finally made played in 3D Mario adventures, containing his unique Lost Levels performance attributes. Mario & Luigi are arguably the most popular duo in video games.

Bill Rizer & Lance Bean - Contra Series

Look up BAMF in the dictionary and you're sure to see a picture pf these two gun-touting macho men. Based off of Sylvester Stallone and Arnold Schwarzenegger, Bill and Lance are so manly that just playing a game of Contra will put hair on your chest. These two take on aliens, wreck giant Terminator-like bosses and ride on airborne missiles all without breaking a sweat. Bill and Lance's idea of partying is blowing up everything in sight. When they attack, they attack aggressively. Aliens found this out the hard way since Bill and Lance don't take kindly to otherworldly invaders.