Sunday Round-up: 8/7/11

Will the onslaught of old PS1 games ever end? I sure hope not. This week brought in a good batch of PS1 title, the PS2 Spyro games (for better or for worse), and a free copy of a PC game compliments of Gen Con Indy 2011. Let’s start, shall we?


3D Dot Game Heroes
Playstation 3
Release Date: May 11th, 2010

A title released exclusively on the PS3, something not done to often these days. 3D Dot Game Heroes is supposed to be a retro fan’s dream, bringing to the style and gameplay of older games like the original Zelda’s and running them on today’s hardware. I have been eying this game for some time now, so finally getting my hands on it is a relief. I’ll let you know how it is…

Spyro: Enter the Dragonfly
Playstation 2
Release Date: November 3rd, 2002

Earlier this year I came into ownership of all the PS1 Spyro games, something I was quite happy with. When I ventured out and saw one store selling four of the PS2 titles, I had a thought: “Jason,” I said, “you should play ALL the Spyro games!” Great idea, I initially thought. Upon further review, though, these newer games (this one in particular) are supposed to be complete shit comparatively to the PS1 titles. Ugh…

Spyro: A Hero’s Tail
Playstation 2
Release Date: November 3rd, 2004

Here’s the second title in the PS2 Spyro line-up. Not sure how I feel about the furries on the cover. I mean, I’m not at all against fuzzy animal protagonists, but this may (or may not) be overkill. This is also 5 games in, so it’ll be awhile before I find out.

The Legend of Spyro: A New Beginning
Playstation 2
Release Date: October 10th, 2006

The first in a new trilogy of Spyro games. I read this was supposed to reinvigorate the franchise, and start it all off again. It apparently achieved nothing. This Spyro themed marathon may have been a bad choice afterall.

The Legend of Spyro: Eternal Night
Playstation 2
Release Date: October 2nd, 2007

The last (for now) of the Spyro titles I picked up, this is the second in the trilogy. Look at him on the front… he doesn’t even look that cool anymore. Too much attitude, and they make him look friggin’ huge. The whole point of the series is that he’s a tiny, semi-cutesey dragon. Take that away and you’ve got the makings of another bland platformer.

Iron & Blood: Warriors of Ravenloft
Playstation 1
Release Date: October 31st, 1996

I’ve actually started playing this one, and aside from an actually decent intro video (long one, too), there is absolutely nothing redeeming about this game. I’m a fighting game nut, but this is just bad. I recorded some of my gameplay, and after I move I’ll be sure to upload it and link to it. Interesting fact: This is actually a Dungeons & Dragons game. Look above the logo and you’ll see the Advanced Dungeons & Dragons logo. Weird and unfortunate for the D&D franchise of games…

Rising Zan: The Samurai Gunman
Playstation 1
Release Date: September 30th, 1999

Saw this one of the self and it caught my eye pretty fast. The whole “Samurai Gunman” subtitle makes me think Red Steel for the Wii. That game was alright, but it did at least have the Wii remote’s motion control going for it. I’ll have to see how this one fares…

Incredible Crisis
Playstation 1
Release Date: November 6th, 2000

Again, this title and cover just caught my eye. Reviews online are saying it’s good, but it appears to be almost too short. The back cover looks ridiculous as well, with dudes falling out windows, strange looking ladies, and a skyscraper-sized pink teddy bear. Oh Japan, you’re nuts 🙂

Mega Man 8: Anniversary Collector’s Edition
Playstation 1
Release Date: January 1997

Easily my favorite video game character and series, Mega Man 8 isn’t a bad one in the original series. Not as good as the NES titles, Mega Man 8 was the last title in the series for a very long time. For about 11 years, actually, when the equally awesome Mega Man 9 was finally released.

Wu-Tang: Shaolin Style
Playstation 1
Release Date: October 31st, 1999

You know, I never actually listened to Wu-Tang Clan. Probably because rap music never really tickled my fancy. I think m brother did though. But you know what I did do (And still do, actually)? Play fighting games, and when I see one, I tend to get all excited, like a dog does when company first knocks at the door. This game took the rappers from the group and pitted them against other martial artists and saw them fighting it out, Shaolin Style apparently. Oh crazy fighting games 🙂

Rift
PC
Release Date: March 1st, 2011

The newest game picked up this week in terms of release dates, Rift was a promotional gift I received from attending Gen Con Indy 2011. Everyone that attended and brought their ticket up to bag claims got a welcome bag that, among other nifty items, contained a full retail copy of this MMO. I’m actually excited about this one: I haven’t been online for an MMO since I stopped WoW’ing in early 2008. It could be nice to get back. Anyone have thoughts on this one that would care to share? If you are still playing, expect a small boom once the 40,000’ish Gen Con goers log in.

DownStab has been a personal endeavor of mine for many years. Please enjoy the content and let me know if you have questions, comments, or just want to connect. And as always, game on.

– Jason J

Original blue and red Nintendo Switch controllers
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Dreamcast • Game Gear • Saturn
Xbox • Xbox 360 • Xbox One

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