Retromercial

These are screens from the sequel to Retro Game Challenge, which we will only get if you purchase the one that released last week. I don’t ordinarily push games like this, but I am totally in love with the first. It captures my nostalgia while offering classic game types that are informed by the changes in gaming between now and then. My favorite so far is top-down shooter, Star Prince. I’ve always been a sucker for a good top-down shooter.

metal slug stash

I pulled down my copy of the Metal Slug Anthology for PSP today after listening to the 02/12/09 Retronauts podcast. I agree with the hosts that the loading times are ridiculous, but it’s still a great game. I NEVER played any of these games before I picked up this anthology a year or so ago, and I would recommend any fan of the Contra series try it. I am terribly glad that Retronauts survived the 1UP sale. I don’t know what I would do without my retro gaming news. As a side note, IGN’s Retrocity takes a different but also enjoyable regular look at retro games. If anyone knows of good retro games podcasts, I am always looking for more.

sonic’s genesis mafia

I stayed up last night playing Sonic’s Ultimate Genesis Collection, which is available for PS3 and XBox 360 (I got the PS3 version for the better d-pad). I don’t understand everyone whining about the 16:9 mode and the “smoothing” effect you can optionally layer over the games. I would rather an old game do a little bit to tidy itself up before stepping brazenly into the 21st century. Why are retro gamers so angry about everything? Play it on your still-functional Genesis if it’s really such a problem, jerk.

*whew*

Just finished a longer post on the connective potential of Flower at FWR. There is still so much to talk about with this game. I will probably have to play it once or twice more and write up another post or two. The narrative, specifically, seems like it needs more exploration.

flowering enthusiasm

I “finished” Flower already. I’m not feeling well and haven’t really left the couch all day, so I decided to just go ahead and barrel through it, definitely an impulse that is encouraged by the game design. I am pretty sure that this will be one of my all-time favorite games. A perfect game for players with and without game literacy skills, and one that conveys a powerful narrative relying only on the interactive environment — no text or dialogue at all. I will be writing up a longer post on this for FWR, so keep an eye out for that.

a victory garden of gaming ideas

I just downloaded Flower from the PSN and it does look as amazing as the journalists have been saying for the past few months. $10 gets you another of ThatGameCompany’s products that will challenge how you think of games in general. Their last project, Flow, was a good attempt but ultimately a little disappointing in its execution. I think Flower might fill in the gaps left by that game.

faux retro fandom

I love it. I have unlocked 4 games now. They are excellent. These are REALLY GOOD 8-bit games. Please buy this.

retro game mania

I just picked up Retro Game Challenge for the Nintendo DS. I completed the first set of challenges for Galaga mock-up “Cosmic Gate” on my lunch break, and it is a blast so far. I read at IGN that the soon-to-be-released sequel is 16 bit games?! Everybody, please buy this so that they translate the sequel. I am begging you. Please.