Category: Video Games

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Video Games

Pushmo

PushmoDownloaded a fine little 3-D puzzle gem title Pushmo a few weeks ago. It’s very fun and a perfect little eShop game.

The idea is so simple, you just pull blocks to climb up a structure. However as with any great puzzler it can go from simple to challenging in no time. At times, I want to break it challenging.

The use of 3-D is really nice, but not overdone. Pulling blocks towards you just looks cool. Very good quality, especially for a eShop game. I really like the art style, there’s something fun and light about it.

You can also create and share your own levels too. I haven’t delved much into this yet, but will have to come up with something goofy if I get some time.

Simple fun way to kill some time. If you own a 3DS download it now.

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Video Games

The Legend of Zelda: Skyward Sword

Skyward SwordI know I’ve played a pretty amazing game when I’m both happy and sad to of finished it. Though I’m very happy to of played through the Skyward Sword, I am kinda bummed that the journey is no more (well there is Hero Mode I suppose, but I do also have a job).

This game was a masterpiece from top to bottom. Some of my fondest childhood memories are of playing the original Legend of Zelda for the NES 25 years ago with my brothers and friends. We were instantly hooked and it truly changed how we thought of video games from that point forward.

Even with my wild imagination 25 years ago, I’d of never of thought that the series could of reached the status that is has today.

The art style was stunning. It was like playing one massive painting. While not as photo realistic as many of the current A titles out, I really liked the art direction taken in this title. It just seemed very original to me.

I will always be amazed at the puzzles and dungeon designs. I wonder who comes up with them? They’re original and challenging but not too challenging at the same time.

The MotionPlus controls were spot on. It’s a shame that more titles haven’t been able to duplicate that yet. Sword strikes were dead on, with many moments decided by precision slashing. Very well done.

This was a true masterpiece and a must play for anyone who owns a Wii. The story was great, and really does a great job of tying in moments from the numerous installments over the past 25 years.

A truly amazingly well made game. And a prime example of when the are video games art debate comes up.

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Video Games

Super Mario 3D Land

Super Mario 3D LandI did pick up a Nintendo 3DS a few months back when they dropped the price. But I really hadn’t played any of the 3DS titles on it just yet. There really wasn’t anything that great that had been released in my opinion.

However, when Super Mario 3D Land was released I was sure to pick up a copy right away. I mean, it’s Super Mario in 3D after all. Something I’d of given many rupees years ago to of experienced.

The game was great, and really showcases just how amazing 3D gaming on the 3DS can be. Nothing felt forced or gimmicky, it just works. The production values are top notch, like you would expect from a top tier Nintendo title.

At first the whole 3D can be a bit daunting, but just a few minutes in you’re easily immersed  and can judge jumps like a pro.

The first bBowser fight was really impressive to me. The fire that he throws at you really jumps off the screen and adds an element of hurry to your actions. I felt like a little kid, it was great.

The only drawback is that the game isn’t very challenging to a Mario veteran. However, it’s not so simple as to bore.

An amazing game and a reason in itself to buy a 3DS. Very impressed and looking forward to more A-grade titles.

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Video Games

Catrap

CatrapDownloaded a fine little old puzzle game a week or so ago on my shiny Nintendo 3DS that’s really impressed me. The game is Catrap, a puzzle game that was originally released for the Game Boy in 1990.

Despite the ancient black and white graphics and horrific sound, the idea is simple yet addictive. You have to clear a simple room with a cat person thing (still figuring that one out), that’s all. However the really cool thing is that you can rewind gameplay just by holding down a button. Mess up, make a bad decision, stuck in a corner now; just rewind and try again.

I do believe that this was the first game that featured the concept of rewind (think Prince of Persia Sands of Time). So in 1990 this must’ve really been an amazing idea.

Some of the levels can be very challenging (thought I was about to give up on I think level 29 or something around there). It’s the perfect brief puzzle for when I need just a few minutes away from what I’m doing.

At $2.99 I highly recommend it. I really want to consider developing a simple browser based version of this. I think that’d be a really cool project.

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Video Games

Link’s Awakening

Link's AwakeningBeing a big fan of the Zelda games since 4th grade, I knew I had to pickup a copy of Link’s Awakening when I picked up a 3DS (which by the way is an amazing device). Link’s Awakening originally came out in 1993 for the GameBoy. I remember hearing great things about it at the time, but never did get around to playing it at the time, nor when it was re-released in 1998 for the GameBoy Color.

So I downloaded it right away, and was instantly hooked. It was just like the old school Zelda that I remembered, but a little bit better. Considering when this came out and the hardware that it came out out I must again salute the folks over at Nintendo, this was very impressive.

There was just so much to do in this little game, but not so much that it got overwhelming at times. Some of the newer games out are great, but also a bit too complex at times. This struck the perfect balance, and wonder why more games made today can’t be as balanced.

This little game kept me entertained into the late hours of Hurricane Irene. Though I did hit some tough parts, it did remind me how much more difficult games were compared to the majority of recent releases.

Very close if not a perfect game.

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Video Games

Chrono Trigger

Chrono TriggerBack in the early 90’s I was a huge fan of Japanese RPG’s on the NES and later the SNES. Looking back, it was my personal golden age of video games. However I never did get around to playing Chrono Trigger, it just happened to come out when I was graduating HS and starting college.

Chrono Trigger always makes it way high up on lists of greatest games ever, and after playing it through I must agree and place it very high on my list of all time greats as well. Even though this game was from super way back on the SNES in 1995, it amazingly still held up as a great game.

It seemed to have everything that I used to enjoy in games as a kid. The numerous characters you get, the rich story (time travel is always cool), and the numerous side quests and alternate endings are very cool too. All in all just everything that used to be great about Japanese RPG’s. Wish they still made them like this.