Thanks to everyone who came to my party, this year was a blast as usual. I wouldn't have said that it was the best one ever, but it certainly wasn't just good.
Of course, just like EVERY SINGLE TIME I host an event like this, SOMEONE is missing something. One of my friends has managed to misplace a 3DS somehow, so if any of you have it, make sure to get it to me as soon as possible.
Also, and I'm not sure HOW this happened, but I am missing four Playstation 2 games. Now, I don't know how someone could possibly accidentally take PS2 games, but I can't find them anywhere, and PS2 games aren't exactly that difficult to find. If they could be returned to me as soon as possible, that would be great.
Friday, June 28, 2013
Monday, June 10, 2013
Into the Cave
IT'SABOUT2WEEKSAWAYOMGI'MSOEXCITEDCAN'TWAITTOPLAYMONSTERHUNTER
Ahem. Sorry about that. It happens occasionally.
Today, I am going to review a game I've been wanting to review for awhile, actually. Very few of you have probably heard of this, and it's certainly a game worth hearing about. I bring you Cave Story.
This was another one of those games that I came upon through the internet. I'm not exactly sure where I first heard about it, but I remember one thing: that it was considered to be a hidden gem. One of those games that few people actually know about it, but all that do love it. This may have been the fact that this game actually originated on the PC. Generally, PCs are known for their online games and not their normal ones, so it's not surprising to see how this game became unnoticed. But enough about it's popularity, let's dive into it, shall we?
This game is basically a platformer with RPG elements. Your weapons have levels, and there's lots of storyline, but the flow of the game is basically a platformer. If I were to describe this game using popular ones we already know, this is kinda a mix between the original Mario and Megaman games...only so much more than that.
First off, you jump like Mario jumps. You jump pretty high, you can turn in midair, and vice versa. The controls feel a little shakier than Mario does, but it's not terrible. Momentum plays a part in this too, adding both challenge and reality into the mix.
The elements of Megaman involve your attack. Your only method of attack involves your various ranged weapons in your possession (mostly guns), which you can switch between during gameplay. Some use ammo, but most of them don't. Each gun is quite different and unique, so it's easy to find one that suits your needs. Some are upgrades, but we'll get to that later.
Also, this game doesn't really have levels. It's more of an explorable world in a 2D enviroment, sort of like the original Legend of Zelda games, but on horizontal display. It's quite cool, really.
The first different thing you'll notice about this game (if the pictures didn't give that away already), is that you get a lot more of the screen than you would in more platformers. Everyone in this game is pretty small, plus the screen is much larger than general. This is nice as you can see threats before they come, so you have more time to prepare for enemies than usual.
The second big difference in this game is the weapon level system. Unlike most games with weapon levels, each weapon can only go up to level 3. Each level improves the weapons damage, range, and physically changes the blasts too. Some levels even completely change the blast pattern. However, to make up for such low levels, you lose weapon exp of the weapon you're currently holding every time an enemy hits you. And not just little chunks, fairly big chunks. It's another punishment besides losing HP, so dodging enemies becomes very important here.
If I said this game was easy, I'd be lying. This game is actually fairly difficult compared to most platformers I've played. Right off the bat you fight multiple enemies at a time, and it only gets worse as time goes on. Rarely do you have time for a breather during levels, enemies are just about everywhere. The loss of weapon exp makes it more difficult too, ESPECIALLY during boss fights. Enough hits can make a weapon pretty much useless, so dodging becomes imperative as you progress through the game.
However, this is not one of the games that bores the heck out of you trying to beat it. The landscape is colorful, the music is bit magic, and it's just plain fun. I played the same location 10 times in a row, still failed, and was ready to try again.
Despite looking pretty cute, the story's actually pretty depressing. I mean, surprising so. Two of the main characters die not too far from the beginning, and more may die depending on choices you make throughout the game. This is one of those games like Majora's Mask, which I call "Charmingly Depressant". It's got sad and dark moments, and yet has charm to it that keeps it from getting too depressing to play.
Getting back to the choices part, how the game ends is somewhat of your choosing. There are three different endings in total, and each has different requirements. However, it's not just the choices you make, it's also the secrets you find. Cave Story has many secrets throughout the game: upgrades, weapons, gags, you name it. In fact, the considered "best" ending of the game requires several events to happen, some of which requiring certain upgrades that can only be obtained through careful investigation.
Games rarely surprise me these days, as I am a bit more merciful than most when it comes to games. I enjoy games that most people despise, and see potential in lots of abandoned games. However, this game was not at all what I was expecting. I knew it was a gem, I knew it was highly recommended, but I didn't expect to receive another Link to the Past as a platformer. It has great gameplay, an intensive story, wonderful music...I could just go on and on with this game. One of the best parts is that most of you could easily get this game. While I doubt you could easily obtain the PC version, it is downloadable for the Wii and 3DS for a measly $10. Anyways, I hoped you enjoyed this post, and see ya guys next time!
Ahem. Sorry about that. It happens occasionally.
Today, I am going to review a game I've been wanting to review for awhile, actually. Very few of you have probably heard of this, and it's certainly a game worth hearing about. I bring you Cave Story.
This was another one of those games that I came upon through the internet. I'm not exactly sure where I first heard about it, but I remember one thing: that it was considered to be a hidden gem. One of those games that few people actually know about it, but all that do love it. This may have been the fact that this game actually originated on the PC. Generally, PCs are known for their online games and not their normal ones, so it's not surprising to see how this game became unnoticed. But enough about it's popularity, let's dive into it, shall we?
This game is basically a platformer with RPG elements. Your weapons have levels, and there's lots of storyline, but the flow of the game is basically a platformer. If I were to describe this game using popular ones we already know, this is kinda a mix between the original Mario and Megaman games...only so much more than that.
First off, you jump like Mario jumps. You jump pretty high, you can turn in midair, and vice versa. The controls feel a little shakier than Mario does, but it's not terrible. Momentum plays a part in this too, adding both challenge and reality into the mix.
The elements of Megaman involve your attack. Your only method of attack involves your various ranged weapons in your possession (mostly guns), which you can switch between during gameplay. Some use ammo, but most of them don't. Each gun is quite different and unique, so it's easy to find one that suits your needs. Some are upgrades, but we'll get to that later.
Also, this game doesn't really have levels. It's more of an explorable world in a 2D enviroment, sort of like the original Legend of Zelda games, but on horizontal display. It's quite cool, really.
The first different thing you'll notice about this game (if the pictures didn't give that away already), is that you get a lot more of the screen than you would in more platformers. Everyone in this game is pretty small, plus the screen is much larger than general. This is nice as you can see threats before they come, so you have more time to prepare for enemies than usual.
The second big difference in this game is the weapon level system. Unlike most games with weapon levels, each weapon can only go up to level 3. Each level improves the weapons damage, range, and physically changes the blasts too. Some levels even completely change the blast pattern. However, to make up for such low levels, you lose weapon exp of the weapon you're currently holding every time an enemy hits you. And not just little chunks, fairly big chunks. It's another punishment besides losing HP, so dodging enemies becomes very important here.
If I said this game was easy, I'd be lying. This game is actually fairly difficult compared to most platformers I've played. Right off the bat you fight multiple enemies at a time, and it only gets worse as time goes on. Rarely do you have time for a breather during levels, enemies are just about everywhere. The loss of weapon exp makes it more difficult too, ESPECIALLY during boss fights. Enough hits can make a weapon pretty much useless, so dodging becomes imperative as you progress through the game.
However, this is not one of the games that bores the heck out of you trying to beat it. The landscape is colorful, the music is bit magic, and it's just plain fun. I played the same location 10 times in a row, still failed, and was ready to try again.
Despite looking pretty cute, the story's actually pretty depressing. I mean, surprising so. Two of the main characters die not too far from the beginning, and more may die depending on choices you make throughout the game. This is one of those games like Majora's Mask, which I call "Charmingly Depressant". It's got sad and dark moments, and yet has charm to it that keeps it from getting too depressing to play.
Getting back to the choices part, how the game ends is somewhat of your choosing. There are three different endings in total, and each has different requirements. However, it's not just the choices you make, it's also the secrets you find. Cave Story has many secrets throughout the game: upgrades, weapons, gags, you name it. In fact, the considered "best" ending of the game requires several events to happen, some of which requiring certain upgrades that can only be obtained through careful investigation.
Games rarely surprise me these days, as I am a bit more merciful than most when it comes to games. I enjoy games that most people despise, and see potential in lots of abandoned games. However, this game was not at all what I was expecting. I knew it was a gem, I knew it was highly recommended, but I didn't expect to receive another Link to the Past as a platformer. It has great gameplay, an intensive story, wonderful music...I could just go on and on with this game. One of the best parts is that most of you could easily get this game. While I doubt you could easily obtain the PC version, it is downloadable for the Wii and 3DS for a measly $10. Anyways, I hoped you enjoyed this post, and see ya guys next time!
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