Kirby Manga Mania is Bonkers and is Awesome Because it is Bonkers

When I heard that a Kirby manga was being translated to English speaking audicences for the first time (legally), I was thrilled. First, I didn't even know there was a Kirby manga, but given the cute cream puff's popularity, it shouldn't have been a surprise. Second, well, there is no second, so that that pretty much wraps that up.

What is Kirby Manga Mania? If you're thinking the title sounds very similar to Super Mario Manga Mania that released last year, you'd be right. Much like Super Mario-kun received a name change for it's first official English release, Kirby's second longest running manga is getting the same treatment. 

Written and illustrated by mangaka Hirokazu Hikawa, in Japan, Kirby Manga Mania is known as Hoshi no Kabyi: Dedede de Pupupu na Mongatari, or Kirby of the Stars: The Story of Dedede Who Lives in Pupupu. Knowing what the manga was called in Japan after finishing the first volume, sheds a bit more light on the stories since King Dedede has appeared in every chapter. The manga ran from April 27, 1995 to October 27, 2006, clocked in at 25 volumes. The fact that English speaking audiences are already slated to get volumes 2 and 3 is excellent news for Kirby fans such as myself. 

But man, Kirby manga! How cool would this be?! Seeing Kirby go on all kinds of crazy, world saving adventures, defeating gods like he does in the games? Well, there was none of that. The thought occurred to me that Kirby Manga Mania might be different from what I was expecting, but what I got was something else entirely. Kirby Manga Mania is, in a word, bonkers. In two words, really bonkers. In three words, really freaking bonkers.

The premise for Kirby Manga Mania can be summed up as follows: Dedede is trying to live his life and like wrecking ball, Kirby swings in and ruins everything. Being a child, Kirby is often oblivious to making Dedede's life miserable but that doesn't stop him from using his Copy ability to often make things worse. In the first story, Dedede is enjoying a picnic until Kirby descends, accidentally gets drunk (the story says Kirby is "loopy" but we all know what that means) throws a tantrum and rants to his majesty about life. That may sound too crazy and unlike Kirby to be true, but I promise you, I did not make up any of what I just wrote. All of that is a legit. 

The Kirby in Kirby Manga Mania is the biggest mischief maker we've ever seen him be. Kirby has the time of his life while Dedede is burned, smashed or crushed over and over again. You might think this makes the manga stale, but the outlandish scenarios Kirby and the gang get into manages to keep things fresh. I think my favorite story involves Kirby and Dedede getting into a fight that escalates to them each founding their own nations. Yes, you read that correctly. 

Outside of Kirby and Dedede, Poppy Bros Jr., Adeline, Rick, Coo, Kine, Gooey and other Kirby familiars show up. The art style is very round-ish, reminding me a lot of earlier manga works. 

This is very much a children's gag manga and is a wonderful contrast to the more serious, dark manga the market is rife with. But just because children are the target audience, that doesn't mean adults won't get lots of kicks out of it. I sure did and I am eagerly anticipating the next two volumes and hoping we get more.

Kirby25: A Chiptuned Retrospective

2017 was an anniversary year for a multitude of games, so much so that it was hard to keep track of them all. I was aware that it was the 25th anniversary of gaming's most adorable pink puff, Kirby, but the existence of this 25th anniversary album is something that I was completely unaware of.

Kirby25: A Chiptune Retrospective is a digital album consisting of 34 tracks from numerous Kirby games. The album is dominated by main line platform entries like Kirby's Adventure, Kirby 64: The Crystal Shards and Kirby's Return to Dream Land (my personal favorite Kirby game) among a plethora of others but spin off titles such as Kirby Air Ride and Kirby's Block Ball get some representation as well.

A Kirby arrangement album done exclusively in chiptune form is strangely refreshing but fitting since Kirby's audio roots are heavily planted in chiptune hardware. A total of fourteen different artists contributed to this album and their love for Kirby really shines through with this project. I get the impression a lot of these arrangers were fans of SUNSOFT's NES sound font because plenty of these tracks have that undeniable SUNSOFT punch. I think that's a good thing because the majority of NES games with the SUNSOFT name attached have outstanding soundtracks (Batman: The Video Game, Gimmick!). The drum samples and baselines throughout many of these tracks ring of SUNSOFT quality. I'm not saying these guys just copy pasted  SUNSOFT's audio and called it a day, though. Every track on this album has that Kirby charm and you can hear bits of the sound font taken from Kirby's old chiptune titles.

Most of the songs you would expect to get arranged do get arranged. If there wasn't an arrangement for Green Greens people would undoubtedly cry fowl. You've got your Factory Investigation, Rainbow Resort, King Dedede's Theme, Sky Sands and C-R-O-W-N-E-D to name a few. Strangely, there isn't an arrangement of Gourmet Race. As much as that song as been remixed over the years, perhaps the artists didn't feel like covering it. As much as I adore that song, the absence of it isn't really a big loss. Some of my favorite Kirby tracks that don't get as much love as the aforementioned tracks have been given some time in the sun here. Marshmallow Castle, Grass Land 2, Cappy's Stage (Kirby's Block Ball), White Wing Dyna Blade get some long overdue appreciation. Some of my more recent favorites are also covered here as well. White Office March sounds every bit as awesome as the 3DS original and Lovely Yellow Va-Va-Vrooms sounds like it was ripped right out of Kirby's Adventure, perfectly capturing the lively, chipper feel of the original tune. 

Look, if I haven't made it abundantly clear already, Kirby25: A Chiptune Retrospective is an album that I cannot get enough of. It is not only a tribute to Kirby's long history but also his chiptune sound origins. The album is a pay what you want download, so you can give a few bucks or get it for free. Your choice. Whatever you do, just get it.

Kirby25: A Chiptune Retrospective

Favorite Tunes #170: 2017 is Here

2017 is upon us. I'm going to be getting a PS4 soon and I'm really looking forward to Nintendo has in store for us with the Switch. I'm also excited about the all the great soundtracks that are sure to accompany this year's games. Let the first Favorite Tunes of 2017 commence!

Beyond the Speed Of... - Sonic Runners (Mobile)

Sonic Runners may be no more, but at least you can still enjoy the game's highly energetic soundtrack. Tomoya Ohtani has been scoring music in Sonic games for years and I've yet to be letdown by his work. He could have easily phoned in the soundtrack for Sonic Runners since it was on a mobile, but he gave us music that is on par with the bigger budget Sonic titles.

Battle Theme arrange from FINAL FANTASY X - Dissidia Final Fantasy (AC)

The third game in the line of Dissidia Final Fantasy titles, this is the first entry to debut in arcades. Perhaps it is for this reason that the music has plenty, electronica, rock and metal. That may be to this dislike of fans that prefer more orchestral Final Fantasy music, but I found myself liking the music from this one quite a bit. This metalized version of Final Fantasy X's Normal Battle theme is freaking sick.

Relax and Reflect - Final Fantasy XV (PS4, XBO)

In development since 2006, Final Fantasy XV, at long last released in 2016. Nobuo Uematsu hasn't been the sole composer of a Final Fantasy game since Final Fantasy IX and while I do miss his compositions, Square Enix has found admirable replacements for him. Yoko Shimomura is the primary composer for Final Fantasy XV and you can spot her Kingdom Hearts style of music in a lot of this game's tracks.

Select Theme - Ice Hockey (NES)

The NES had a few early sports titles like Tennis and Baseball. Both of those games were butt, if you were wondering, but Ice Hockey, which debuted in the late 1980s was pretty ace and I'm completely baffled that it was not included on the NES Classic Edition. The game's music was written by the great Soyo Oka, who would later go on to compose music for Pilotwings and Super Mario Kart.

Ship - Final Fantasy (NES)

Yes, I know I'm giving Final Fantasy a lot of love in this week's Favorite Tunes, but during the planning stages of this one, I already had this track listed as one of my pick's before Dissidia Final Fantasy became a part of it. This is the final Final Fantasy tune this week. Beat up a gang of pirates in the second town you explore and you'll be rewarded with your first mode of transportation, a pirate ship, letting you sail the seasons. It doesn't protect you from random battles, but more of the world is opened up to you as is this super peppy theme.

White Office March - Kirby: Planet Robobot (3DS)

Of the two Kirby games to release on the 3DS, Planet Robobot is easily my favorite. The Robot Armor Kirby can access has the ability to scan foes, mimicking Kirby's Copy ability, albeit on a bigger scale. Planet Robot also has some pretty rad music. I'm really hoping this dub-step style track makes it into the next Super Smash Bros.

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Fantastic First Level Themes Vol. 6

They say you never forget your first. First kiss. First car. First level of a video game. We're here to focus on that last one. The first level of a video game can say a lot about the rest of the game. It can be a great way to grab the player for invested play time. For a lot of us, not only do we remember the first level because it is the start of a game, but because the music with that beginning level really stayed with us.

The Hard Corps - Contra: Hard Corps (GEN)

There's been a security breach. Baddies are running rampant. And the whole city is on fire. Enter you, literally crashing onto the scene so fast a set of enemies couldn't react in time. Now that's the way you start out a game. Let's go! Time to put in that work! Annnnnd then the game quickly puts in that work on you. You thought other Contra games were tough? Son, please. This is Contra: Hard Corps and it will firmly imprint it's giant boot on your butt. Oh and that dude up top that loves throwing cars at you? He's but one of the first stage's mini bosses. But hey, at least that music is getting you stoked, right? Right?

Opening Stage - Mega Man X2 (SNES)

Peace is something that never lasts in the Mega Man games. I mean, the most anyone ever gets to enjoy of it is usually six months or so. Within half a year's time, trouble starts brewing for X and once again, he has to show those trouble making Mavericks what's up. On this extremely rare occasion X doesn't start the level by teleporting in, but rather arriving on a hover bike along with the famous Green Biker Duder. After the opposition puts some lasers into his ride, X swiftly returns the favor by crashing it right into them. The intro stage to Mega Man X 2 is much shorter compared to the first game, probably helped due to dashing being a function now built into X's systems. As you make your way through crushers and blast renegade robots, you're treated to an electrifying opening tune that's so good, it comes back for the final level.

Corneria - Star Fox Zero (Wii U)

If you live in the universe of Star Fox and Corneria is your home, why have't you moved? The place is always a breeding ground for destruction and the Star Fox crew always has to go in and set things right. The Corneria theme for Star Fox Zero really paints the beautiful city in dire straits. Like, the city, really needs some heroes.

Patched Plains - Kirby: Planet Robobot (3DS)

Don't you just hate it when you wake up from your nap only to find your planet overtaken by an army of robot invaders? Whelp, looks like Kirby's gotta save the day again. But this time, he gets so freakin' sweet mech armor!  Despite Popstar being overrun by robots, the game still begins with a jovial theme that's sure to have you humming and whistling right along with it.

Favorite Tunes #155: Tide Goes Out

I didn't intend for this to be a Nintendo themed Favorite Tunes originally but as I was making the list, that's the direction it took so I decided to roll with it. We've got music from two Kirby entries, a game that never made it outside of Japan, a gone but not forgotten series and Splatoon.

Rainbow Resort - Kirby and the Rainbow Curse (Wii U)

Rainbow Resort has been a Kirby theme I've held near and dear ever since I heard it way back in 1993. One of the best things about Rainbow Curse is all the unlockable remixed music from numerous Kirby games. The Rainbow Resort remix is vastly different from what you might expect. It's rock based but still keeps that soothing feel of the original.

Staff Roll - Famicom Detective Club Part II (SNES)

Originally released only in Japan, the second Part of Famicom Detective Club was ported over to the Super Famicom with a graphical and audio overhaul. The music was already fine to begin with, but the SNES gave it an added punch. The bass guitar is far more pronounced in the SNES version and that electric guitar is killin' it.

Arabic - Kirby: Planet Robobot (3DS)

I just resumed playing this game after not having touched it in a over a month for some strange reason. I left off at the beginning of the token desert world and was greeted by this super lively Arabian-themed tune. Granted Kirby has had a history of have some truly exceptional desert music in his games (Air Ride, Return to Dream Land) but this arguably tops them. It's hard to really appreciate how grand this theme is when playing the game without a set of headphones on.

Grasp Power!- 1080 Snowboarding (N64)

I love how critics and detractors give Nintendo flack for having only a handful or franchises. In truth, Nintendo has a ton of franchises. Sadly, they don't do much or anything with most of them. Take 1080 for example. The last 1080 game we had was Avalanche on the GCN and it wasn't nearly received as well as the first game. Listening to more of 1080's music not only makes me wish more music from the series had been featured in Super Smash Bros., but for Nintendo to bring the series back.

All-Star Rest Area - Super Smash Bros. 3DS/Wii U (3DS, Wii U)

What is this? Music from the Super Smash Bros. games being featured for the umpteenth time? Who could have seen that coming? In all seriousness, Each entry in the Smash series gives us even more music than the previous games. Brawl's soundtrack was huge but Smash 4 makes it seem tiny in comparison. Even when you don't include reused songs, Smash 4 has a lot of original tunes. Nothing like relaxing after a hard fought battle in All-Star mode. Which I still need to clear with all the characters.

Tide Goes Out - Splatoon (Wii U)

To all those people that said "The next Splatfest should be Callie vs. Marie," congrats! You got your wish! Annnnd it was the last Splatfest. I guess all good things really do come to an end. The final Splatfest was a blast. Splatfest may be no more but Splatoon goes on and the game's beats are still stuck in my head. Nintendo was even kind enough to give us two new songs from the Squid Sisters. Well, if you picked up the Callie and Marie amiibos, you get them.

Favorite Tunes Database

Favorite Tunes #153: Hot Summer Days

We're well into summer and here in Virginia, it's getting hotter. The only relief from the heat is the rain or the coolness that night brings. Or if you're like me, you're probably staying in doors to avoid the blistering heat. Take my advice, listening to hot beats is infinitely better than dripping sweat.

Clawdaddy Beach - Yoshi's Woolly World (Wii U)

One of my favorite (as well as cutest) games of the current generation is Yoshi's Woolly World. This game is so dang good that it may very well be better than the SNES classic Yoshi's Island. The soundtrack may not be on the same level of Koji Kond's music from said game, but what we do have is some catchy, well composed tunes. I'll be listening to this one the next time I'm on the beach playing Pokemon Go.

Hot Reception - Super Adventure Island (SNES)

Yuzo Koshiro really knows how to write some superb beats. My favorite things about his Streets of Rage music is that so much of it sounds very late 80s early 90s. Super Adventure Island is dripping with 1990s music flair. The music is the highlight of what is a very cruel game.

Inferno ~ Descending - Mega Man X8 (PS2)

After two abysmal X games, Mega Man X8 put the series back on track. We even got to play as the title character from the get go! Huzzah! With a few exceptions, X8 sticks to the series tried and true 2D roots with plenty of bot busting action. The music is on point too, with a hefty supply of rock.

3DS DK Jungle - Mario Kart 8 (Wii U)

With its item balancing, compelling single player and online modes, Mario Kart 8 might just be my favorite Mario Kart game. The track designs outshine some of the best from previous entries and the soundtracks is some of the best music I've heard in a video game. Originally a track in Mario Kart 7, DK Jungle got the HD treatment. I thought the song sounded just find on the 3DS but it sounds even better in Mario Kart 8.

Scene 2 - Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles III: The Manhattan Project (NES)

Disappointed with the HD Mutants in Manhattan? Fire up one of the older Turtles games for an infinitely more satisfying experience. You're probably thinking of TMNTII or TMNTIV, but why not give the often overlooked TMNTIII a try? It serves up a good challenge, impressive NES visuals and some sweet chiptunes.

Rock Star Select - Kirby 64: The Crystal Shards (N64)

2.5D gameplay, and cool weapon combos we sadly haven't seen since this game, Kirby 64 is one of the few Kirby games I've completed 100%. When I picked up Kirby's Dream Collection a few years back, I really sank my teeth into the game and music made a big impression on me especially Rock Star as well as the Select theme for Rock Star.

Favorite Tunes Database

Favorite Tunes #150: Stay Determined

Here we are at long last, the 150th installment of Favorite Tunes. The road here was long, sometimes tiring, but without question, it was a road worth traveling on. I'm not the most musically inclined person out there, so describing music in rich detail is very difficult for me. Nevertheless, I love video game music, so I don't let my inability to talk about notes and chords in rich detail stop me from sharing that love.

I tried to be diverse with the tracks for this milestone edition. From the ten tracks presented here, you'll find music from the 16-bit era, the glory days of arcades all the way up to current gen consoles and handhelds. Here's to another 150.

Battle! Raikou  - Pokemon HeartGold/SoulSilver (DS)

Like Pokemon Red/Blue/Yellow, Pokemon Gold/Silver/Crystal was given the remake treatment, but on the fancy DS hardware. That meant beefed up graphics and of course, a considerable upgrade to the game's music. One of Gold/Silver's best battle themes had several variations in HeartGold/SoulSilver, but I gravitated towards Raikou's version as my favorite. Those guitar riffs, those drums, they all sound greatly improved over the excellent GB chiptune.

Crying World (6-1) - Ristar (GEN)

One of the dropped concept ideas for SEGA's new mascot was later revisited in the form of Ristar. Boasting some of the most impressive visuals ever seen on the Mega Drive, Ristar is a fun, challenging platformer that sees the titular character get around and defeat enemies by using his stretchy arms. Developed by Sonic Team and having the same composers that worked on Sonic CD's Japanese soundtrack, Ristar's music is audio bliss with bouncy, upbeat, soothing and funky tunes.

Crateria (Main Theme) - Super Metroid (SNES)

I almost envy gamers that are experiencing Super Metroid for the first time. The game is now more accessible than ever thanks to digital distribution and my mind is still blown that it can be played on the New 3DS. Super Metroid has a very ambient, atmospheric soundtrack and one theme you will never forget is this one. Not only do you hear it as you explore Crateria further, but it plays during the game's climax.

Rasterd Road - Kirby: Planet Robobot (3DS)

Another Kirby game, another vibrant soundtrack. I think it really is impossible to listen to the music in a Kirby game and not smile. Yeah, Dream Land has been overtaken by robotic invanders but there's still plenty to smile about. I mean, who wouldn't be happy about wrecking stuff in a mech? I get extra jolly when I do it to the sound of this music.

Old Ferrum Town (Winter) Pokken Tournament (Wii U)

Pokken Tournament is already shaping up to be one of my favorite games of 2016. This is one of the first fighting games I've really gotten into since Super Street Fighter IV. I came into this game expecting nothing but Pokemon remixes but what I got was a soundtrack that consists of splendid original themes. The standard Old Ferrum Town theme is quite good, but I prefer the little additions to the Winter version.

34 N, 12 E... for Mad Space - Sonic Adventure 2 (DC, GCN)

Sonic Adventure 2 was released as the 10th anniversary Sonic game. It was also the last Sonic title to be released on a SEGA system as the company had jumped out of the console business in 2001. Sonic Adventure 2's soundtrack has a plethora of rock but there are other genres throw in like drum & bass and then you've got this number, which sounds like a jazzy spy theme, fitting for a jewel hunter like Rouge.

No Escape - Super Contra (ARC)

Ported to the NES under the title Super C, the music made the jump the console quite nicely. Still, I have to admit, the arcade score pretty much aces it. The sound font of the arcade score has a more hardcore rock vibe to it and it is especially evident in tracks like No Escape.

Ending - Final Fantasy VI (SNES)

How do you cap off such an amazing RPG that has already dished out so many astounding themes? Why, with a lovely medley of all the character themes that leads into a grand send off that is the staff roll, of course! Dancing Mad, the final boss theme is over 17 minutes in length. This theme surpasses it by being over 21 minutes long. Both are worth every minute of listening.

Sigma 2nd - Mega Man X (SNES)

My second favorite Mega Man game, Mega Man X was a much needed shot in the arm for the overall Mega Man franchise. The formula is the same as the Classic series, but it adds enough to differentiate itself from Mega Man's more light hearted adventures. Survive the first battle with the saber swinging Sigma and you'll face his final form, a boss so large he nearly takes up the entire screen.

SAVE the World - Undertale (PC)

Undertale has already become a regular here in Favorite Tunes. The soundtrack is just that darn great. For me, the game's reoccurring theme is right up there with the Ground Theme of Super Mario Bros. Lots of games and movies arrange a main theme over and over but Toby Fox has done so many different variations of if that it never becomes tiresome. There's a chiptune version, an orchestral version, a dozen others and then you've got this badawesome rock version of it that fills you with boundless determination.

Favorite Tunes Database

Favorite Tunes #148: Kirby Gets a Robot

Kirby: Planet Robobot  came out a week ago and I just started playing it and I'm loving it. So in adition to a catchy Kirby theme, I've also included jams from Sonic the Hedgehog 2, Shinobi III and one of the greatest game soundtracks ever, Final Fantasy Tactics.

Patched Plains - Kirby: Planet Robobot (3DS)

Trouble always seems to find Dream Land. This time, the invaders of the the metallic variety. Along with his Copy ability, Kirby can use Robot Armor to give the artificial invaders a taste of their own medicine. Hirokazu Ando returns once again to sever us up some positively splendid Kirby themes. Patched Plains is where Kirby begins his journey to tack back his home and the music that plays here is every bit as bouncy and jovial as you'd expect.

Regi Ruins - Pokken Tournament (Wii U)

If turned based battles aren't you're thing, Pokken Tournament may be the kind of Pokemon battle you can get into. This arena based fighter features some of your favorite Pokemon in stylish, eye popping, jaw dropping combat. Pokken Tournament's soundtrack comes from Tekken series composers so you'd better believe the music is on point.

Ending - Sonic the Hedgehog 2 (GEN)

Guess who turns 25 soon? It seems like we were just celebrating Sonic's 20th anniversary yesterday. It isn't uncommon to hear a lot of fans say Sonic 2 is their favorite Sonic game. Bugs and some odd level design choices here and there aside, it's a good Sonic title but the other games still trump it in lots of areas.

Back Fire - Final Fantasy Tactics (PS, PSP)

I have gushed over Final Fantasy Tactics marvelous soundtrack numerous times in Favorite Tunes. No matter how many times I hear it, it just blows my mind. The music is calm when the mood calls for it and tense during the game's numerous scripted battles. Tactics has so many wonderful battle themes that its tough to pick a favorite but if I ever do manage to make a list, Back Fire will be pretty close to the top.

Mandara - Shinobi III: Return of the Ninja Master (GEN)

There have been some slumps in the series, but Shinobi has certainly fared better than some of SEGA's other franchises. The last Shinobi game was 2011's Shinobi on the 3DS. Characters like NiGHTS wish they were that fortunate. Shinobi III's music does not get the same level of praise that Revenge of Shinobi does. Yuzo Koshiro is a hard man to top, but for what Shinobi III does offer, it is more than admirable.

Mysterious Forest - The Legend of Zelda: Link's Awakening (GB)

I think there's always going to be that Zelda game that's different. Zelda II is the side scrolling one, Skward Sword has sword swinging motion controls and then there's Link's Awakening. No Zelda or Ganon to speak of in this adventure. But there are tons upon tons of cameos from Mario to Yoshi and even Wart. The music is some of the GB's best chiptunes.

Favorite Tunes Database

Favorite Tunes #141: Spring Has Sprung

As of a week ago, spring has officially come. Though I can't tell because the weather here is being really fickle. Sometimes we get summer days, sometimes we get spring days and then when you least expect it, it decides to go all winter on us again. At least, that's the case for us here in Virginia. But since it is spring, I figured a spring inspired Favorite Tunes would be appropriate.

Shy But Deadly - Yoshi's Wooly World (Wii U)

If you're looking for a Yoshi game that's as good as or arguably surpasses the SNES clasic Yoshi's Island, you need to play Yoshi's Wooly World. Developed by Good Feel and a spiritual successor to Kirby's Epic Yarn, Wooly World has that classic Yoshi's Island gameplay but with a modern touch, full of creative level design. To get the most enjoyment out of the game. hunting down all the Flowers and Wonder Wool is a must.

Meadow Breeze - Kirby Mass Attack (DS)

Like Kirby's Canvas Curse, Kirby Mass Attack makes excellent use of the DS touch screen, controlling completely with the stylus. There is something undeniably cute about sending a little pink army to mercilessly slaughter enemies. The game's soundtrack was composed by Shogo Sakai, who worked on Kirby Air Ride and MOTHER 3 among other Nintendo games. The title theme to Mass Attack is so good you get to hear a remix of it on the first stage.

Windy Hill Zone Act 1 - Sonic Lost World (Wii U, 3DS)

"It isn't as fast as other Sonic games! Sonic sucks again!" OK, so Sonic Lost World was no Sonic Colors or Sonic Generations but it hardly sent the series back to Suckville as some would have you believe. If running around Act 1 of Windy Hill Zone while this music plays wasn't enough, you can send players flying off the stage to it in Super Smash Bros. for Wii U.

Charge - Phalanx (SNES)

What is there to be said about Phalanx? I mean, besides the fact that its a slightly above average shooter and the North American box art is criminally offensive. It has a decent power up system, some serviceable graphics and a soundtrack that, while isn't the best of the SNES pack, is one I'm quite fond of. What can I say, I'm a sucker, for generic, cheese rock.

Attack - Legends of Legaia (PS)

Legend of Legaia was the RPG I played while I waited for Final Fantasy VIII to drop later in 1999. The game's random encounter rate was like that of old-school RPGs but the martial arts combat system did help spice up battles.

Windy City - Breath of Fire III (PS)

It wouldn't be a Breath of Fire game without a Windia, which is of course, home to a version of our favorite series winged princess, Nina. In most games, Windia is given a gentle-sounding theme. In Breath of Fire III, we've got a theme that names you wanna kick back and relax.

Favorite Tunes Database

That One Level Part 3

You're trucking along in a game just fine and then, IT happens. What is IT, you ask? Why, it's the level that trips you up over and over again and makes you wanna crack your controller in two. TV Tropes likes to call these areas That One Level because despite all the colors these levels may or may not have, the stage has you seeing only one color: red.

75cm - Donkey Kong (ARC, NES)

Even by arcade standards, Donkey Kong is a short game, consisting of only four levels, three if you're playing the NES version. By far, the hardest level of the game is the third level 75cm. You've got small, moving platforms, Fire, the game's most prominent mook that can move up and down ladders and the stage lacks the Hammer, so Mario is completely defenseless. But the moving platforms and Fires are the easiest things to deal with. The most infuriating obstacle on 75cm is the freaking Jacks that bounce across the screen. When you work your way to the right side of the screen and get closer to Donkey Kong, these things become a serious threat. Jacks bounce in the exact same pattern each time they cross the screen but this knowledge does little to help you on that last ladder climb to reach Pauline. If you climb the final ladder at the wrong time or are in the wrong position, you're taking a Jack to the face. This single item makes 75cm a game stopper for a lot of new Donkey Kong players. In the NES version of Donkey Kong 75cm is the second stage. 75cm is a stage in Super Smash Bros. Brawl and Super Smash Bros. for Wii U and unsurprisingly, its a much loathed stage.

Supply Lines - Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas (PS2, XB, PC)

If you ever tire of being a taxi driver, popping off rival gang members and increasing your wanted level, there are plethora of missions to do in Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas, many mandatory, some optional. One such optional mission is Supply Lines, one of Zero's missions, a good buddy of CJ's. In Supply Lines, you take control of an RC plane to shoot down five moving targets in San Fierro, the San Andreas version of San Francisco. Sounds like an easy job, right? The only thing standing in your way of completing your objective is the shoddy controls of the RC plane.

Picture if you will, the most difficult flight based controls in a video game that you've ever played. Now those awful controls of whatever game you're thinking of? That's Heaven. The RC controls here are Hell. Whatever game burned you with bad flight controls has nothing on Supply Lines. Oh and because garbage controls weren't enough to deal with, the RC plane has a limited amount of fuel, placing a time limit on what is already a highly stressful mission. But you're likely to crash and burn the plane a few hundred times long before you come close to getting the hang of the crappy controls. Why are we doing this mission, again? Oh I said Zero was a good friend of CJ's, did I? I don't even like Zero all that much. Screw 'em.

Scrambled Egg Zone - Sonic the Hedgehog 2 (GG, SMS)

Sonic the Hedgehog 2 on the Game Gear and Sega Master System is one of the most difficult games in the entire character's history. The Acts have no checkpoints and every single boss act gives you no rings, meaning failure really stings here. But the real sledge hammer to the face comes in the form of Scrambled Egg Zone. You know those tubes in Chemical Plant Zone in the Genesis version of Sonic the Hedgehog 2? Scrambled Egg Zone is full of these things, taking up most of the level, in fact. These tubes are the primary means of transportation around Scrambled Egg Zone and as you may have already guess, it is very easy to get lost. Take a wrong turn and some of these tubes will send you to your death. If you're searching for trial and error gameplay at its worst, look no further.

King Stage 2 - Mega Man & Bass (SNES, GBA)

Mega Man & Bass is one tough costumer all around. It gives you no E-Tanks, the Robot Masters are some heavy hitters, and depending on whom your playing as, the severity of the migraine this game will give you has varying degrees at specific points. The game has more than its fair share of BS for both characters but King Stage 2 is straight booty no matter how you slice it. For whatever unholy reason, King Stage 2 is a a marathon level. It drags on and on, thanks in large part to the bosses, four of them to be exact, including King himself. King isn't what will make you rage quit. That honor goes to the tank boss and his three forms, more specifically, the first two forms.

Even with the proper weapon equipped, these thing take forever to kill and the first two forms have no life bar, which gives you the impression that these are mid bosses, but they are not. As aggravating as the first form is, the second is unquestionably the worst. You have to contend with the tank's second form while jumping on moving platforms over a bottomless put. That's a challenge in and of itself but Capcom didn't think that was exciting enough, so they decided to have the boss shoot a fist at you, which can destroy the platforms you're jumping on. Oh yeah, and we can't forget about that flash bang attack that whites out the whole screen, blinding you for a second, making it very easy for you to screw up and die. Bass has more options for avoiding the fist attack due to his double jump and Treble Boost but Mega Man? Oh, he is so shafted. King Stage 2 is the main reason some players haven never even finished Mega Man & Bass, myself included.

4-2 The Wild Red Yonder - Kirby and the Rainbow Curse (Wii U)

Most Kirby games are pretty easy. These are, after all, designed with entry level players in mind. Even so, some levels can prove more than a little challenging even for the experienced player. The Wild Red Yonder is one such level. Throughout the course of the stage, a ship frequently blasts Kirby and his Waddle Dee pals with bombs. You can see where these explosives are going to hit but steering clear from the blasts is still some tricky business. These booms from the bombs linger on the screen for several seconds so its very possible to take multiple hits from a single bomb blast. Often there's several bombs hitting the screen at once. To compound the problem, this is an auto scrolling level. The Wild Red Yonder brings the frustration for solo or group parties.