VG Soundtrack of the Day 010: OutRun Original Soundtrack

Yesterday's soundtrack was pretty beefy, so I thought we'd go with something that isn't so long winded. When it released some 30 years ago, OutRun was a very unique beast. It wasn't so much a racing game, rather it was a driving game with your only real opponent being the clock. The game features a total of 15 stages but you can only play through five of them on any run. After each stage, you'll come to a fork in the road and this is one of the things that separated OutRun from so many other racing/driving games at the time. Players loved OutRun's no liner approach as well as the incredible Latin inspired soundtrack. Before starting a run, player could choose between three songs, all of which offer a sublime listening experience, though many say Magical Sound Shower is the best OutRun tune (it's really Splash Wave). Over the years, OutRun's soundtrack has been expanded upon from the initial 3 songs for driving. The soundtrack I've selected for today's listening is the 2014 release, OutRun Original Soundtrack, which was originally divided into 3 releases but is available on Spotify as one album. It contains the original 1986 arcade music, two new tracks form the Nintendo 3DS version of OutRun and the excellent music from Turbo OutRun.

OutRun Original Soundtrack (Spotify)

VG Soundtrack of the Day Database

Re-Releases You Should Play - Part 7

If you've played them before, play them again. If you haven't consider taking these out for a spin.

SEGA AGES OutRun (NS)

It may have been releases more than 30 years ago, but SEGA's arcade OutRun is every bit as good now as it was when it was released in 1986. The game has seen numerous releases over the years but the Switch version going under the SEGA AGES OutRun title is the best, most accessible version to date.

No stranger to porting old games, M2 has proven themselves to be wizards at the craft, having worked on tons of SEGA titles, making them run just like they did on the original hardware they were released on. This also includes past OutRun releases like the Japan exclusive SEGA AGES 2500 OutRun on the PS2 and the 3D OutRun on the 3DS.

For the few of you not in the know, OutRun is a racing/driving game that pits you against the clock. Driving with your girlfriend in a convertible (SEGA no longer has the Ferrari license), there are a total of 15 stages, but you'll only go through five of them on each play through. Before each stage ends, you'll come to a fork in the road, allowing you to choose your own path. This non liner gameplay has been one of OutRun's biggest draws and each path has a different ending. OutRun is one of many SEGA arcade game's to use the company's super scaler technology, creating a very convincing pseudo 3D scrolling affect that is impressive to this day. That combine with the high speed you can achieve in OutRun makes for a trilling racer. On the other hand, simply cruising on the open virtual road is just as enjoyable as.

OutRun is also famous for it's soundtrack. Originally composed by Hiroshi Kawaguchi (often going under the name Hiro), OutRun's soundtrack has a heavy Latin feel with long lasting songs that can be selected before each run. Magical Sound Shower, Passing Breeze, Splash Wave and Last Wave are some of the most memorable arcade jams of all time, nay, in the history of video games. 3D OutRun brought two new songs to the overall OutRun soundtrack, Cruising Line, scored by Manabu Namiki and Camino a Mi Amor, written by Jaelyn Nisperos and they fit right in with the original OutRun music, even mimicking the original sound font. The tracks from 3D OutRun have been included in SEGA AGES OutRun and they are joined by four new arranged tracks: Step On Beat -Arcade Edition, Midnight Highway -Playback, Radiation -Nostalgic Ver., and Driver's MegaMix Vol.1. All new arrangements (with the exception of Driver's MegaMix Vol.1) use the sound format of the original OutRun and are splendid additions to the game's already stellar soundtrack.

Other features include a wealth of screen options including wide screen with optimized, non stretched pixel, multiple arcade screens, smoothing and filtering settings, scan lines or you can just go vintage and play the game with the original arcade screen, complete with screen curving. You can also play the new or old version of OutRun, the different between the two being some slight course alterations between the Japanese an American versions. There's also motion controls for those that want an even more arcade-like experience and online rankings is another reason to push you to perfect your driving skills. You can even unlock the original arcade version of OutRun that only contains the iconic three music tracks and runs at 30 FPS as opposed to the special versions 60. Unless you absolutely must play with a Ferrari, SEGA AGES OutRun on the Switch is the definitive version of SEGA's classic driver.

Also on (but without the extras): ARC, PS2, 3DS

Downwell (NS)

Part shooter, part platformer. All awesome. Downwell is a very interesting take on the two genres. This rogue-like game has you descending down what I can only assume is the world's most ridiculously deep well.

Armed with the sickest pair of kicks ever known as Gunboots, your in game persona can shoot blocks to clear a path or dispose of enemies that cannot be jumped on. Your Gunboots can also be used to position yourself  as you fall so you can reach platforms and stomp on those enemies that just so happen to be stompable. If you can continue stomping on enemies without touching terraferma, you can get a combo chain going. Maintaining that chain however, is anything but easy.

It is actually possible to beat Downwell in the 20 to 14 minute range. For those that are really, really skilled at the game and know the ins and outs of it, that is. For the rest of us mere mortals, well, Downwell is pretty dang difficult. You get one life to make your descent and when you die, you've got to start all the way back from the beginning. With the rogue elements, no two attempts will be the same but with enough practice, you'll be able to breeze through the first area with little to no problems. The second area is where things start to get harry and the difficulty only goes up from there. Did I mention that this game has bosses? If all the enemies flying and creeping your way aren't enough to end your run, a boss most surely will.

Despite the difficulty, Downwell remains a highly entertaining shooter/platformer. I've had the game hand me my butt cheeks on a silver platter time and time again but I keep coming back for more due to the simple premise being executed so well and to see how much farther I can get. There are different play styles you can unlock like one that gives you more health at the cost of far less frequent shops. You can also unlock a multitude of palettes to change the game's colors. In particular I'm fond of the Aqua palette but I'm sure others will find the GB and VB (Virtual Boy) palettes chuckle worthy. At $2.99, Downwell is a steal.

Also on: iOS, AND, PS4, PC

Favorite Tunes #254: Toejam Slowjam

For this week's Favorite Tune, for the first time in a while, there isn't a single track from Super Smash Bros. Ultimate. That makes me both happy and sad at the same time. Its easy tossing in a new remix from Ultimate because the music in that game is so dang good but I realized that including a track from that game every week was taking up a slot for something else that could be there. So enjoy some Mega Man X5 music, Final Fight and some beats from ToeJam & Earl to name half the stuff here this week.

Slums Underground - Final Fight CD (SCD)

For years, this was the definitive version of Final Fight. And then, Capcom would go and release the arcade version several times over with the latest version being bundled with six other beat 'em ups a la Capcom Beat 'Em Up Bundle. As swell as the arcade version is, it doesn't have the SEGA CD version's excellent arranged soundtrack from T's Music.

Opening Stage (Zero) - Mega Man X5 (PS)

Some cite Mega Man X5 as the beginning of the decline for the X series. It certainly has it's issues like Alia constantly interrupting you in stages, but I've always managed to get quite a bit of enjoyment out of the game. I do like how X5 continued the trend that X4 started, that is, giving X and Zero different opening stage themes.

Ashley's Song - WarioWare Gold (3DS)

One of my (and apparently many other people's) favorite characters from the WarioWare series, Ashley is the cutest, monotone sorceress, you've ever seen. Fan demand for her in Smash is high yet she remains an Assist Trophy. Her theme song was remixed in Brawl and has been in every Smash game since. The original version of her song has compressed audio The version used in WarioWare Gold sounds much clearer without the compression.

Toejam Slowjam - ToeJam & Earl (GEN)

I wish I could have been exposed to this oddball of a due as a kid, but alas, I didn't get in touch with ToeJam & Earl until adulthood. I also didn't get the chance to play the first game until I picked up the SEGA Genesis Collection and let me tell you, those funky beats are straight up fire. The game only has a handful of tracks, but every single one of them is a winner.

Ending Theme - The Hybrid Front (GEN)

You wanna talk about a Genesis soundtrack that is a total banger? OK, yeah, there's the above mentioned ToeJam & Earl, which I'd wager far more gamers are familiar with, but don't sleep on The Hybrid Front's music. The game was only ever released in Japan and since it is a very text heavy game, I don't see SEGA translating it for western release anytime soon. (Hasn't stopped fans from taking a crack at it, though.)

Midnight Highway (FM ver.) - OutRun 3-D (SMS)

The SEGA Master System and Game Gear have nearly identical hardware so it wasn't strange to have games looking and sounding similar between the two systems. The Master System in Japan did have an extra sound font referred to as the FM version while most American games did with the PSG version. Midnight Highway just might be one of new favorite OutRun jams. There's a really good arrangement of it in the SEGA AGES version of OutRun on the Switch.

Favorite Tunes Database

Favorite Tunes #249: Glorious Mega Man 5 Medley

Smash Ultimate is so dang good. Last week the game took up the entirety of Favorite Tunes, but this week, only a single track gets a slot. You can expect me to be talking about the music from Ultimate for a very long time. However, other music this week comes from OutRun, Double Dragon II and Persona 5.

Nina Williams - Tekken 3 (ARC)

Some fans feel that Tekken music has gotten worse over the years. While on the one hand, I see it as the music changing with the times, I can sort of see where they are coming from. There's a lot of music in Tekken 7 that seems to have an emphasis on being loud above all else. Regardless of that, Tekken 7 still has some really good tracks. If you prefer the music from earlier Tekken entries, Tekken 2 and Tekken 3 are arguably the best of the first four Tekken titles.

Dark Man Stage (Mega Man 5)  - Super Smash Bros. Ultimate (NS)

Wallpaper by Cat with Monocle

The new remixes of Super Smash Bros. Ultimate are freaking amazing. I was only expecting a few new tracks for the Wily Castle stage, but to my surprise, there are a dozen of them. The title of this one may be Dark Man Stage, but it contains the Fake Proto Man Whistle, the Get a Weapon jingle, the Opening theme and the Title music, pretty much making it a badawesome Mega Man 5 Medley. Go to the Wily Castle stage in My Music and crank this sucker to Often on max.

You Get (Stage 4) - Zero Wing (ARC)

Largely know for the "All Your Base" memes it spawned in 2001, Zero Wing's origins are that of an arcade game, where the botched translation that spawned the meme is nowhere to be found (that would be the Mega Drive version). Being a game developed by the defunct Toaplan, the music is exceptionally awesome.

Mission 1: Heliport - Double Dragon II: The Revenge (ARC)

The Double Dragon II has been out on the PS4 under the Arcade Archives line for a few years now but if you prefer to take your arcade experiences on the go, it recently came to the Switch. If you wonder why the subtitle is called "The Revenge," look no further than the intro, which sees Marian getting gunned down. Spoilers, be tee dubs.

Life Will Change - Persona 5 (PS3, PS4)

Considering the fact that Joker has been announced as the first DLC character for Smash Ultimate, I think that posting some music from his game is appropriate. I've never played Persona 5 but it was one of those games of 2017 that it was impossible to not hear about. Even the game's most famous battle theme, Last Surprise, reached my ears and I'm really hoping it is one of the music choices for Joker's stage in Ultimate, along with this one.

Step-On Beat - SEGA AGES OutRun (NS)

Developed by M2, one of the best in the business when it comes to emulation, SEGA AGES OutRun is already out on the Japanese Switch eShop. Gamers outside of Japan will receive the game in early January of 2019. Along with all of the music from the 3D Out Run on the 3DS, The SEGA AGES Switch version includes four brand new songs, using instruments to match the original 1986 OutRun soundtrack. It's pretty rad to hear the Genesis exclusive track, Step-On Beat with arcade sound.

Favorite Tunes Database

Favorite Tunes #206: Trouble Maker

The Switch continues to kill it and EA still sucks. How's that for a topical opener? Anyway, this week, there is music from the Classic Mega Man series, Gunstar Heroes, Tekken 7 as well as SEGA's classic racing game, OutRun.

Tengu Man Stage - Mega Man 8 (PS)

With Mega Man 11 having been announced (squeee!!!) it is only fitting that I post a tune from the Mega Man series this week. While I do prefer Tengu Man's more series Saturn exclusive theme, I still get a kick out of his more cheerful PlayStation track. Tengu Man is such a smug punk that it makes beating him all the more satisfying.

Don't Slip! - Splatoon 2 (NS)

Even taking into account that the first Splatoon released on the Wii U, a console that was a huge bomb, the game did extremely well, becoming Nintendo's most recognized new IP in recent years. So of course they had a sequel in the works for the Switch. Splatoon 2 has gotten some criticism for feeling too samey but if sales are any indication, I don't think too many people mind this. Like the original Splatoon, the music for Splatoon 2 is very much on point.

I'm Here Now 7's Remix - Tekken 7 (PC, PS4, XBO)

I wouldn't call Tekken 7 may favorite soundtrack of the series, but there are some really good tracks in there. I'm Here Now was one the many good songs in Tekken 5. That intro for said game had Kazuya and Heihachi fighting off an army of Jacks. Tekken 7 let's you play out that fight with this bumping remix as your background fight jam.

Dancing Smash Hero - Gunstar Heroes (GEN)

Gunstar Heroes on the Genesis just might be the best run 'n gun game ever. It's sprites and backgrounds still look marvelous to this day, it has sweet (if broken) weapon combos and the soundtrack is some of the best music on the Mega Drive and gaming in general. If anyone says Genesis music can't hack it, point them in the direction of Gunstar Heroes soundtrack.

Magical Sound Shower (Arrange Ver.) - OutRun SEGA AGES (SS)

The Saturn version of OutRun is one of the best available. It contains a hidden option to make it run at a smooth 60 fps and has some killer arranged music in addition to the outstanding original beats. Well, at leastthe Japanese version of the game does. For some strange reason, gamers outside of the Land of the Rising sun got the middle finger when it came to these songs.

Trouble Maker - Mischief Makers (N64)

Oh, Treasure. Only you could make a game with an adorable, anime-esque protagonist who's claim to fame consists of "SHAKE, SHAKE, SHAKE!!!" Mischief Makers probably isn't the first game to come to mind when one thinks of games by Treasure. It is overshadowed by Gunstar Heroes and Sin and Punishment but it still has a cult following. This is one of those games that could use a re-release.

Favorite Tunes Database

Favorite Tunes #197: To Be This Good Takes Ages

As I was going through the happening Studiopolis Zone Act 1 in Sonic Mania, I came across one of SEGA's old advertising slogans: To be this good takes Ages. Ages spelled backwards is, of course, SEGA. I've been wanting to do another SEGA focused Favorite Tunes for a while now and perhaps what I saw in Studiopolis was a sign. Get it? I'll jut let myself out.

Stardust Speedway Act 1 - Sonic Mania (PS4, NS, XBO, PC)

I'm not going to mince words: I hate Stardust Speedway. Outside of the killer music in both the JP/EUR and USA soundtrack and the Metal Sonic race, the zone is not fun to play in Sonic CD. Kind of a shame too, because I love the look of the zone. The Zone is a bit more tolerable in Sonic Mania, but I'd be lying if I said I enjoyed bouncing back and forth through those springs and tubes. Thanks to sexy beast Tee Lopes, the music for Stardust Speedway Act 1 is wonderful R&B that will melt your ears.

World 3 (Under the Ocean) - Super Monkey Ball 2 (GCN)

It is so nice of SEGA to give that speedy blue hedgehog and Yakuza attention but I'd love for my favorite monkeys to come back. You just don't know what fun and frustration feels like until you tilted a monkey encased in a ball to get him/her to the goal. If you owned a GameCube, the Super Monkey Ball titles were a must and blue boy isn't the only SEGA animal critter with sick beats.

Take Back - Galaxy Force II (ARC)

Galaxy Force II is on the Genesis but it doesn't hold a candle to the arcade version. The game uses SEGA's famous super scaler technology like Space Harrier, Super Hang-On and Out Run. If you want to check out a masterful port of the arcade version you can grab it off the 3DS eShop. But if you want it in physical for, pick up a copy of SEGA 3D Classics Collection on the 3DS. While you're shooting everything that moves you'll be jamming out to the game's catchy soundtrack.

Gigantic Fleet - Panzer Dragoon Orta (XB)

Do you like shooters? I like shooters. Scratch that, I love shooters. Flying around in a ship, shooting stuff down is cool and all how but how can you make that better? Riding on a dragoon, shooting stuff down. Toss in dragoons and you game is ten times cooler. It worked for Final Fantasy IV. I would love for SEGA to re-release Orta since I never got the chance to play it. If the music I've heard is any indication, I really missed out on something special.

VS. Metal Sonic (US ver.) Remix - Sonic Forces (PS4, XBO, NS, PC)

Sonic Forces is looking pretty legit with the tag team gameplay and the return of the boost formula. The game is looking to have a somewhat darker storyline with Eggman having succeeded in taking over the world. He's also brought back a few of Sonic's worst enemies like fan favorite, Metal Sonic. I enjoy the US soundtrack of Sonic CD and it's nice to see SEGA giving it more love. Hearing this Metal Sonic remix it making it harder to resist searching out more Sonic Forces music.

Last Wave - Out Run (ARC)

As is the case with Galaxy Force II, if you want to play an extremely good version of Out Run, you can find 3D Out Run on the 3DS eShop. Unfortunately, this one isn't bundled with a compilation of other SEGA titles. At least not yet. Out Run may only have a handful of tunes, but the quality over quantity is undeniably strong here.

Favorite Tunes Database

Favorite Tunes #166: Vroom Vroom

This week's Favorite Tunes is kinda racing themed, but not 100%. You'll find a few tracks that don't have you getting into cars and listening tot he purring of engines. Anyhoo, enjoy the tunage.

Time Attack - SEGA GT 2002 (XB)

I wonder if SEGA will ever realize that they do have other racing IPs they can use that don't star a speedy blue hedgehog. Hey, I love Sonic as much as the next fun, but I wouldn't mind seeing Virtua Racing come back on SEGA GT. Jazzy racing music? Why yes, I'll have some, thank you.

Title - Paper Mario: Color Splash (Wii U)

Oh, Color Splash. You were hated so much before release because you resembled Sticker Star, a game the bulk of the Paper Mario fanbase despises with a fiery passion. But it turns it you're a pretty good game with tons of laugh out loud dialog and some truly splendid music. Not only do a I stop to look at the cute title screen intro, but the accompanying music is both catchy and charming.

Shake the Street - Turbo OutRun (ARC)

Other SEGA racers? Well, how about OutRun, probably the most famous one of the bunch. Of course you've also got OutRun 2006: Coast 2 Coast, my favorite of the series as well as Turbo OutRun, which has sadly, not seen a re-release. Well, that is what I would say, but Turbo OutRun will be appearing on SEGA's 3D Fukkoku Archives 3, which is the Japanese eqivilent to SEGA 3D Classisc Collecrtion. Here's hoping for a stateside release.

K. Rool's Acid Punk - Donkey Kong Land (GB)

Think the Donkey Kong Country gameplay can't be captured on the GB? Think again. Not only that, but David Wise managed to pump out some killer beats. Some tracks are chiptune versions of the SNES themes, while others are original compositions.

FFVIII Circuit - Chocobo Racing (PS)

You say you didn't know there was a Chocobo racer? There certainly was. It was even released outside of Japan. You get plenty of cheerful, high energy music with this game and it's pretty good stuff. I think I may actually like this arrangement of Final Fantasy VIII's Don't Be Afraid (the normal battle theme) more than the original.

Rainbow Road - Mario Kart: Double Dash!! (GCN)

It certainly isn't my favorite Mario Kart title (this is the game that gave the Spiny Shell it's OP status) but I wouldn't object if Nintendo did decide to revisit the two character kart gameplay. It actually took me some time to warm up to this theme. Upon some repeated listening, it grew on me. It combines the main theme of Double Dash with part of the theme of Mario Kart 64's Rainbow Road.

Favorite Tunes Database

Favorite Tunes #123: Better, Faster, Stronger

I cannot believe August is already here. Seems like only yesterday we were welcoming 2015 and now, here we are well into summer with the year more than half way over. 

Attract - Ridge Racer (ARC)

Do people still watch demos in gaming or do most just jump right into the action? I'm assuming its the later, but I personally like to see if the game will go off and do its own thing for a bit before returning to the title screen. Ridge Racer does have a demo sequence and with it is a unique track that can only be heard as said demo sequence plays. Kinda of a shame you can't race around the track with this sucker playing but at least you can watch the game look badawesome doing it.

Primeval Mountain - Chrono Trigger (SNES)

Chrono Trigger is an RPG masterpiece devoid of random encounters, a memorable cast of characters and an engaging plot spanning multiple eras. While Yasunroi Mitsuda took the lion's share of soundtrack compositions, Final Fantasy music big wig Nobuo Uematsu as well as Noriko Matsueda did contribute to the game's marvelous sound work. This is one of Uematsu's tracks.

Meteor - Stage 5 - Gradius V (PS2)

This is my personal favorite game in the entire Gradius series, spin-offs included. Development duties were handed off to Treasure and they did a spectacular job keeping the feel of Gradius well in tact. Even on the easy setting, Gradius V will beat the player into bloody submission. Hitoshi Sakimoto is mostly known for his work on RPG soundtracks but he's no stranger to writing music for SHMUPs. Having worked on Radiant Silvergun and Magical Chase among others, he was an excellent choice for Gradius V's music. 

Lacrima, The Black Evil Castle - Riviera: The Promised Land (PSP ver.)

Way back in Favorite Tunes #63, I made the first mention of music from Riviera: The Promised Land, but from the GBA version. The PSP version takes advantage of the system's capabilities and pumps out some excellent arrangements. This was already a powerful piece on the GBA and it was greatly enhanced on Sony's handheld. 

Cruising Line - OutRun 3D (3DS)

The 3DS version of OutRun is arguably the best version of the game to date. You can play at 30 or 60 fps, use multiple screen options, and there are even options for screen tilting to emulating the rocking of the sit down cabinet. There are also two brand new songs using the sound hardware from the 1980s OutRun so they don't feel out of place.  

Stronger (Theme of Garuda) - Street Fighter EX Plus Alpha (PS)

The arcade version of Street Fighter EX already had a pretty good soundtrack. When it was ported over to the PS, Akira could have left well enough alone but they went the extra mile and arranged all the tunes. The result? The PS version o SFEX+@ soundtrack owns the arcade version for free. The new character themes turned out exceptionally well and I'm a huge fan of Stronger.

Favorite Tunes Database

Much Needed Re-Releases Part 1

Through compilations and the rise of digital gaming, replaying the games of yesteryear has become quite the easy task. Want to play Super Mario Bros but don't own an NES? That game has been ported to nearly every Nintendo platform under the sun. Ditto for the original Sonic the Hedgehog. Sadly, not all games have been so lucky. Welcome to Much Needed Re-Releases, where we'll discuss games that should get an extra shot at life.

Mega Man: The Wily Wars (GEN)

You could look at this anthology release as the Super Mario All-Stars for the Genesis. Mega Man 1-3 were brought to SEGA's 16-bit powerhouse sporting updated graphics and Genesis music, though some may argue that the flair from the NES originals was lost in this transition, there are some nice Genesis versions of the classic themes, while others don't sound so hot. The game also features a save system and upon completing all three games, you unlock Wily Tower, a lovely four stage bonus with original Robot Masters. What's more, you can select any eight Robot Master weapons and assist items from all three Mega Man titles before starting each stage. These stages also carry a unique musical theme that rank among Wily Wars best musical compositions. The collection certainly isn't perfect. It suffers from some bugs, glitches and somehow, even worse slowdown and the NES originals. The save feature gets wonky on emulated versions, often erasing saved data and the version that came in SEGA's 2012 At Games Ultimate Portable Game Player suffers from even worse emulation. With Capcom giving so much love to Mega Man re-releases over the years, it really wouldn't kill them to show some appreciation to the first Mega Man anthology, giving players a more ideal method of playing it.



OutRunners (ARC)

A significant step up from the the first OutRun, OutRunners features even more stages, multiple cars with different drivers for even more endings and ultra lively arrangements of the classic OutRun themes along with new tracks such as "Speed King"  and "Blow Your Cool." Being a 1993 arcade release, the game runs on much more powerful hardware. As impressive as SEGA's super scaler technology was, the SEGA Multi 32 board hardware makes OutRunners look and run super smooth. The sprites and scaling in OutRunners is nothing short of breathtaking. OutRunners was definitely worthy of the OutRun name and it's quite unfortunate that it never gained the popularity that the original game did. It received a single, shoddy Genesis port, making the arcade version the only way to go. With the excellent work M2 is doing on the classic SEGA games like Super Hang-On and OutRun on the 3DS, one can dream that the developer will get to take a stab at OutRunners so more players can experience this exceptional game.

Alien vs. Predator (ARC)

It isn't that all aliens are bad. Its just that, well, more often than not, they are up to no good and that is unsurprisingly the case with Alien vs. Predator. While there have been a plethora of games to use the Alien vs. Predator name, Capcom's 1994 beat 'em up has been the only one I've ever really cared about. Playing as either the marines or the Predators, you must stop the Earth from being overrun from those creepy things from the Alien flicks. Enemies come at you in droves and get quite relentless in their assault. Even with another player watching your back, it doesn't take much for both of you to get overwhelmed. Thankfully you've got a nice supply of special moves and weapons to dispose of the Aliens with. Punching down thugs in your standard beat 'em up is fun to be sure. But there's nothing quite like mowing down a slew of Aliens with different fire arms in Alien vs. Predator. The game still looks quite nice and has a soundtrack that does a good job of getting you pumped to thrash some Aliens. This game was never ported to anything and being a licensed property that Capcom no longer holds the rights to, it may never see the light of day again.

Space Megaforce (SNES)

Developed by the now defunct Compile, this game is actually known as Super Aleste in Japan, making it part of that long running series. With Zanac and MUSHA (also games made by Compile) being Virtual Console releases on the Wii, I had some hope that Space Megaforce would join those games, but no such luck. It's a real shame because for me, this is the pinnacle of the Aleste games. The levels themselves can be quite long, possibly a little too long for the standards of a shooter but it has a great weapon system used in earlier Compile games and each of them can be upgraded up to five times for some serious firepower. I always preferred the three shot lasers myself. As is the case with most shooters, you can expect lots of on screen mayhem and you might be expecting the to experience some slowdown from so much clutter. Nope. Compile had a knack for maintaining high frame rates on shooters even in their NES days and Space Megaforce is no exception. I would love for this baby to be given new life in digital format. Even a non complete copy of the game runs for over $100.

The Greatest Video Games of All-Time Vol. 1

Some games are truly near and dear to my heart. These are the games that I go back to and play time and time again or look back on with immeasurable fondness. These are what I consider to be the greatest games in the history of the medium. It should go without saying that this is my own personal list. No doubt some gamers will take issues with some of my choices and that's fine. I've decided not to rank my picks. This feature isn't about where each particular game stands but rather about the games themselves. All of these games are here because I think they deserve to be so I'm not going to be bothered with attaching a number placement to them.

Super Mario Bros. 3 (NES, 1990)

My first, clear memories of gaming began with Mario so this feature may as well kick off with one of his best efforts. After taking a trip to the strange, yet intriguing world of Subcon in Super Mario Bros. 2, Mario and Luigi returned to the Mushroom World to take on the Koopa Troop once more. This time, Bowser got himself some extra help. Bowser has the Koopalings at his aid and has sent each one off to conquer seven worlds. Super Mario Bros. brought back the familiar power ups from the first Super Mario Bros. while introducing a slew of new ones. The Super Leaf allowed Mario the brief power of flight. The god-like powers of the Hammer Suit made losing it the most painful feeling in the world. The Frog Suit made those torturous underwater levels a breeze. So many power-ups and suits were at your disposal that you could stock them up for later use. But Super Mario Bros. 3 didn't just expand the number of power-ups. The worlds of the game were so much bigger than the ones in Super Mario Bros. 1-2 that they were each comprised on their own world map. This of course meant you could bypass certain levels all together. Super Mario Bros. 3 also hosts some of the shortest levels of the franchise, which made lack of checkpoints on the more difficult levels especially painful. Improved controls made using the new abilities you gained so much more satisfying, making for a platform fan's utopia on the NES. From start to finish, Super Mario Bros. 3 is an unforgettable thrill ride that never gets old no matter how many times I play it.

Also on: SNES, GBA, Wii, Wii U, 3DS, 

Sonic 3 & Knuckles (GEN, 1994)

Sonic the Hedgehog 3 was released in Feburary of 1994. Come October of that same year, Sonic and Knuckles stormed onto the Genesis. Strap Sonic 3 onto Sonic & Knuckles through the later cart's lock-on technology and you get Sonic 3 & Knuckles, the mammoth sized game Sonic 3 was always intended to be. Taking plenty of cues from Sonic 2, Sonic 3 & Knuckles has expansive zones to explore and keeps much of the same high speed fun and platforming. The game does, however, spice things up by giving you three characters to play as. While Sonic, Tails and Knuckles are all speedy little devils, each one has something that sets them apart. Sonic controls the same way he always has but Tails can fly and swim for brief periods of time. Knuckles can't jump as high as the previous two but he can glide, climb walls and bust down certain walls to reveal shortcuts. Those new elemental shields really came in handy depending on what area you were in and were a step up from the first game's vanilla shield. Throw in some slickly design zones, some incredible final boss battles and some catchy, mondo cool beats and you've got my all-time favorite Sonic game. Don't bother play these games as stand alone titles. You're doing yourself a great disservice.

Also on: SAT, GCN, PS2, XB, DS, Wii

Final Fantasy VI (SNES, 1994)

Final Fantasy VI features an intriguing plot driven by some of the most colorful cast of characters in an RPG. Through Terra, Lock, Celes, Shadow and the rest, the game deals with some pretty heavy issues like coping with the loss of loved ones, suicide, teenage pregnancy and coming to terms with who you are. The good guys are a wonderful band of protagonists but they really do get upstaged by the game's villain, Kefka. Initially introduced as a gofer, by the time you reach the second half of the game, Kefka is the god of magic, has transformed the world into his own private hell and most of the remaining populace lives in fear because the maniacal clown can pretty much put an end to their existence whenever he feels like it. The different character classes keeps the battles from growing stale and the relics that can be equipped turn some characters into walking tanks. Fine as the battle system is, though, the real attractions of Final Fantasy VI are the story and memorable cast members.

Also on: PS, PS3, Wii, iOS

Gunstar Heroes (GEN, 1993)

Konami's Contra franchise houses some truly magnificent run 'n gun games, with the crown jewel being Contra III. So it's fitting that some of Contra III's staff would go on to form Treasure and their first game as the company was the legendary Gunstar Heroes. Gunstar Heroes does much to make it stand out from most games in the genre. You actually have a health meter that can be increased. The first four levels can be selected in the order of your choosing. You can mix and match weapon combos for devastating, even game breaking results. Even your partner in co-op play can be hurled at the enemies and will receive no damage in turn. The level design is also quite lively. The anti-gravity mine cart level lets you shift gravity at any time and is capped off with a jaw dropping battle against Seven Force, a shape changing mech. There's even a crazy board game stage where you roll dice and get sent off to do a myriad of different trials such as getting through a maze or fighting a pint sized soldier who is far stronger than his size would lead you to believe. All of this and some of the most impressive visuals and audio on the Genesis make Gunstar Heroes a 16-bit masterpiece.

Also on: PS3, Wii, 360, iOS

Final Fight (ARC, 1989)

Mayor Mike Haggar's daughter has been kidnapped! That's terrible! Does Haggar sic the police on those awful Mad Gear thugs? Nope. Being a former pro wrestler, he's not afraid to get his hands dirty so he takes to the streets along with Cody and Guy to clean their filthy clocks. Walk to the right and beat up mook after mook. Some are harder to take down than others but the concept of the game is simple, repetitive, beat 'em up fun and great for when you just want to zone out. Being an arcade game, Final Fight is on the brutal side and if you happen to being playing the arcade version, expect to see up to eight Mad Gears on the screen at one time, even if you have back up. Guy is quick and can wall jump, Cody has a really good stabbing hand whenever a knife is nearby and Haggar moves like a tank and has the muscle of said machine. Choose your brawler and go save that daughter!

Also on: SNES, SCD, GBA, PS2, XB, PSP, Wii, PS3, 360, Wii U, iOS

Mega Man 3 (NES, 1990)

The second Mega Man game I ever played is, in my honest opinion, the greatest Mega Man game of the whole franchise, yes, even eclipsing the highly praised Mega Man 2. Mega Man 3 kept plenty of what had become series staples by this point. Crafty level design, a catchy chiptune soundtrack, and some pretty memorable bosses, even if Top Man is a little bit of an oddball. This game also brought some new things to the table. The mysterious, fan favorite Proto Man would often show up to challenge you and other times, he'd aid you. Mega Man gained his faithful robo canine Rush in this outing as well as some faster maneuverability with the slide move. Along with all the new stuff the game has going for it, Mega Man 3 shows that it isn't afraid to tread some old ground. All of the Robot Masters from Mega Man 2 are back and so is a second incarnation of the dreaded Yellow Devil. Mega Man 3 is a long (at least in terms of classic Mega Man), sometimes frustrating, but very entertaining Mega Man experience that I love returning to.

Also on: PS, GCN, PS2, XB, Wii, Wii U, 3DS

Donkey Kong (GB, 1994)

Everyone remembers the 1981 arcade classic Donkey Kong. Platform through four levels to rescue Mario's girlfriend Pauline all the while being assaulted by her captor, the big ape himself. At the end of the fourth level, Mario trounces DK and is reunited with Pauline. But then Donkey Kong gets back up, kidnaps Pauline again and initiates one of the lengthiest video game chases ever, going to the city, the jungle, the desert and even the arctic to name a few locals. Huh. That never happened back in 1981. This masterful handheld Donkey Kong game contains all four original arcade levels and 97 brand  new stages. Mario can perform hand stands, back flips, double jumps and more. And you thought Mario's jump game didn't get crazy until Super Mario 64. You'll need Mario's insane acrobatic moves to navigate through this platform/puzzle affair to reach the key and proceed on to the next stage. Mario still has access to his trusty hammer, he can pick up certain enemies and chuck them at other baddies a la Super Mario Bros. 2, and his durability has been improved so he can fall from slightly greater heights and still keep breathing. If you're looking to see Mario and Donkey Kong's rivalry at it's very best, look no further than Donkey Kong on the GB.

Also on: 3DS

Out Run (ARC, 1986)

Yu Suzuki's driving masterpiece is quite simply one of the finest video games that has ever come out of SEGA. The only thing you're outrunning in Out Run is the clock as you drive cross country with your girlfriend at your side through five different stages. When you approach the end of the stage, you'll come across a fork in the road, which lets you choose which destination you'll travel to next. Most arcade racers at the time had you traveling the same path over and over but the non-liner stage progression really keeps Out Run from getting stale. Using "super scaler" technology (also used in games like Super Hang-On, Space Harrier After Burner, and Galaxy Force II) Out Run pumps put some eye widening visuals that remain impressive almost 30 years after the game was released. Ditto for the game's soundtrack. "Magical Sound Shower", "Splash Wave", "Passing Breeze," and "Last Wave" rank right up there with the "Ground Theme" from Super Mario Bros. when it comes to iconic game music. It may seem dull on paper, but passing other cars, handling tight turns and traveling the world on four wheels at high speeds is one of the best experiences the medium of gaming has to offer.

Also on: SMS, GEN, GG, MSX, SAT, PCE, DC, GBA, PS2, XB, 3DS

Metal Gear Solid 2: Sons of Liberty (PS2, 2001)

The stealth action gameplay had been refined from the original Metal Gear Solid. Being able to aim in first person mode with any gun allowed for greater accuracy and the inclusion of lockers meant you could hide bodies to avoid alerting other enemy soldiers to your presence or unleash your inner bully. Many were butt hurt upon learning that Solid Snake had been replaced by newcomer Raiden , but I honestly didn't mind this because, as much as I like Snake, the gaming world is overrun with characters just like him. MGS2 also catches flak for its cheesy romance between Jack and Rose and absurd story moments. Yeah, let's pretend the other MGS games are perfection and don't have more than their fair share of eye rolling moments.

Aslo on: XB, PS3. 360

Kirby's Return to Dream Land (Wii, 2011)

Good things are worth waiting for and such is the case with Kirby's Return to Dream Land, a game that went through a lengthy development cycle, spanning a little over ten years.  The game plays like a bigger, better Kirby Super Star, which is pretty impressive when you consider that Kirby and Super Smash Bros. creator Masahiro Sakurai had nothing to do with this game's development. New abilities are introduced, older abilities are enhanced and it has chaotic, but super fun, drop-in-and-out four player multiplayer. Anyone that isn't the first player can play as non-pink Kirbys or select from King Dedede, Meta Knight and Waddle Dee. The game also sports a beefy amount of bonus content like an EX version of the game's main story mode, which gives bosses more attacks, cuts your life bar in half and overall makes the game a lot more challenging. There's also the Challenge mode that has you mastering each Copy Ability to be awarded the highest ranking medal, which, surprise, surprise, isn't gold. The Arena, a boss rush mode also makes a come back as does The True Arena. From Pop Star to Halcandra, to insane duels with Galacta Knight, to fun with acronyms, and cutting a mountain in half with a giant fish, Kirby's Return to Dream Land gets my vote as the best Kirby game ever.

The Greatest Video Games of All-Time Vol. 2
The Greatest Video Games of All-Time Database