My Another 10 Christmas Wish List

Hello everyone, It's almost the day of Christmas that everyones loves spending time setting up their Christmas decoration & trees, preparing nice Christmas dinner for whole family, building up snowman outside of the house and getting nice gifts for their kids during a Christmas seasons.  

I've originally made my first 10 Christmas Wish List last year, so if you haven't seen my first ones from the last year then here's my link down below:

https://zeeshanmirzasblog.blogspot.co.uk/2015/12/my-10-christmas-wish-list.html

I decided to make my another 10 Christmas Wish List that i'm planning to get these games for the Christmas holidays, so sit back and enjoy my 10 most wanted games for the Christmas. 

1 - Saturn Bomberman 

I really loved the Bomberman series so much. It's one of the Hudson's best video game series are known for amazing action-based maze gameplay, intense boss battles and crazy multiplayer battles where they can blow up each other with tons of bombs. 

Saturn Bomberman is concidered to be one of the best bomberman game for the Saturn which features excellent story modes which can be played on solo or teaming up with your friends on 2-player co-op. It has impressive maze levels, challenging gameplay, cool power-ups and wacky boss battles that made the game so awesome. What really made the game awesome is the multiplayer modes that supports up to 10-players on battle mode with 2 multi-taps adapter that made the game so much fun to play with 10 people in the same room. It's addicting, it's epic and it is definitely one of the best multiplayer game for the Saturn. 

2 - Megaman: The Wily Wars

                

Megaman series has the best games for the 2D run n gun genres by Capcom. Megaman: The Wily Wars is a video game compilation for SEGA Megadrive which features the remakes of the 3 classics Megaman games that are originally released for the Nintendo Entertainment System. The game was released in cartridge format in Japan and PAL regions, while the US was available exclusivity on the SEGA Channel service along with games like Pulseman and Alien Soldier.

I'm very glad that Capcom did make a interesting 16-bit remakes based on classic NES game which features updated graphics, arranged music and providing save data (via battery back-up) which allows game to continue without using a password features. It still retains a same gameplay style as the NES version, but it features exclusive game mode called Wily Tower where the players must travel though 3 different stages against new bosses. 

It's a very interesting video game compilation for SEGA Megadrive, but it's a shame that the US version was never released with cartridge format unless you can get the game as the reproduction copies from Ebay in cheaper price. 

3 - Transformers: Devastation     

      

I heard of this game is mean't to be a better transformers games on the series. Activision has asked one of the best video game developers team, who are very known for having such an awesome games like Madworld, Bayonetta and Vanquish, to take part of the game's development and they just finally got the game right where it should be. Platinum Games did a such a great job on this game that focuses on 80's nostalgia roots, fast-paced combat gameplay and amazing presentation that really puts Michael Bay's Transformers games into shame.

I'm definitely wanted to get this game for PS4 because I'm hoping to look forward to play this game.

4 - Panzer Dragoon 

          

Back in the days, I remember playing Panzer Dragoon when I was a kid. It's one of the memorable 3D rail-shooter for SEGA Saturn. I was surprised with the game's presentation with outstanding story and excellent FMV cutscenes. It has great levels with variety of boss battles, awesome gameplay mechanics with very good rail-combat and 360 degrees field of view, gorgeous 3D graphics with well detailed backgrounds and environment, and of course it has the outstanding CD quality orchestrated music that fits the mood of the game. 

Panzer Dragoon was well received in 1995 by critics calling it best games of 1995 and it was followed by the 1996's prequel Panzer Dragoon 2: Zwei and 2 sequels such as 1998's Panzer Dragoon Saga and 2002's Panzer Dragoon Orta.

5 - Rock N Roll Racing 

             

Hey Metalheads and Rock N Rollers, remember the 16-bit hidden gems classic racing game called Rock N Roll Racing. Yep, it is a vehicular combat-based racing game for Super Nintendo, SEGA Megadrive/Genesis, and it was later re-released on Game Boy Advance. 

It's very similar to the NES racing game like R.C. Pro-AM that uses the isometric perspective, but features with kickass insane power-ups and hazard objects. This game features with impressive driving controls, excellent racing tracks, 2-players modes and of course it has the licensed rock and metal soundtracks, such as Black Sabbath - Paranoid, George Thorogood - Bad To The Bone, Deep Purple - Highway Star and Steppenwolf  - Born To Be Wild are being arranged by video game composer Tim Follins did a terrific job with these licensed music running on the 16-bit console. 

This is definitely must own racing titles for those who likes playing racing game genres and listening to rock and metal musics. 

6 - Pulseman 

     

Pulseman is a interesting 2D action-platform game for the SEGA Megadrive. Like I've mentioned Megaman: The Wily Wars, It was originally released with cartridge format only in Japan, while the US version was being released exclusivity on SEGA Channel service.

It was made by same developer teams called Game Freak, who are best known for Pokemon series, made such decent game for the SEGA Megadrive's library. It does have impressive futuristic looking levels, cool power-ups and badass Megaman character look-like protagonist that made the game look stunning for the SEGA's 16-bit hardware. The game was also re-released worldwide for the Wii on the Virtual Console service and you can also get the reproduction copies of the game from Ebay in cheaper price. 

7 - Freedom Wars      

Freedom Wars is a Third-Person Action RPG games for PS Vita. It's a shame that the PS Vita didn't hold up well with the hardware sales, but the handheld system does offer some of the greatest libraries of the games out there. Freedom Wars is a game that takes place in the distant future where the mankind is imprisoned in penal city-states known as Panopticons which wage war against one another, so you take a control of the character cooperating together to fight against enemies and contribute towards their Panopticon. 

This game has sold well in the Japan as being the second highest all-time opening sales for Vita software and it gained positive review from the critics calling it solid action RPG for PS Vita titles with enjoyable single player and multiplayer modes. 

This is game that I'm definitely give a worth try for my PS Vita because I really love the handheld system with great libraries of games to play.   

8 - Crash Team Racing

I've never played the original Crash Bandicoot games before, but I heard a lot of good things about these series. The franchise were known for unique levels, addicting gameplay, stunning visuals and memorable main protagonist that made the first Crash Bandicoot so remarkable for PS1 library and it has sold 6.8 million units worldwide. They later made the 2 sequels such as Crash Bandicoot 2: Cortex Strike Back and Crash Bandicoot: Warped, as well a kart racing game titled Crash Team Racing for the PS1. 

Crash Team Racing is a Mario Kart clone racing game where it focuses on team of characters, who must race against the egomaniacal Nitros Oxide to save their planet from destruction. It has 5 selectable racing modes, 15 playable characters and 4-player modes with multi-tap adapter. It has similar Mario Kart vibe for the gameplay style which really fits for the kart racing game's genres. 

This game was praised for having rock-solid multiplayer modes, fluid gameplay controls and excellent visuals that defines the PS1.

9 - Life is Strange 

I've never played any of the graphic adventure games until this game got me attention. Life is Strange is a episodic graphic adventure games where you get to play as school photographer named Max who discovers her ability to rewind time to make her right choice. After having foreseen an approaching storm, Max must take on the responsibility to prevent it from destroying her town.  

The game focuses on third-person view gameplay where you can able to interact with objects and puzzle-solving. It has choices of dialogue options are used for conversations during the event, so choices in dialogue will alter and affect the story through short or long-term consequences and the character can also use the rewind time to redo any action that has been taken. 

The game does have interesting point and click gameplay style and the story presentation that made the game sounds very unique for the graphic adventure genres and it has won several video game awards for amazing storytelling, great narrative, stunning performance, and being best episodic adventure game which can lead the game achieved financial and commercial success. 

10 - The Last Guardian 

     

I'm quite impressed with the Team Ico's previous games like Ico and Shadow of the Colossus which I have played it on the PS3 as the remastered version. These are the best adventures games I've ever played because I loved the Ico for puzzle aspects of gameplay, outstanding art visuals, and perfect presentation with great storyplot and impressive characters, while Shadow of the Colossus is one of my favourite on the series for well designed open world environment, beautiful made graphics, stunning presentation, incredible soundtrack and great combat gameplay mechanics that made me enjoy the most epic action-adventure games of all time. 

Sony has first announced the game called The Last Guardian in 2009 which is mean't to be made for the PS3, but unfortunately it suffered several delays due to hardware difficulties which causing the creator Fumito Ueda and other Team Ico members to work on the PS4 instead. They finally got the game ready in 2016 release and it turns out to be really great game for PS4, but it wasn't well received as the previous game such as Ico and Shadow of the Colossus which receives much higher praise review, but they still say it is quite enjoyable exclusive game for PS4.

The Last Guardian is a action-adventure game where you take control of young boy who befriends a giant half-bird-half-mammal creature named Trico. It features similar actions to the gameplay in Ico and Shadow of the Colossus for young boy's platform mechanics such as ability to run, jump and climb. It can also interact with the big creature using its animal instincts to solve puzzles during the gameplay. I'm hoping to have a hands on with The last Guardian for PS4 because I really enjoyed the previous 2 games, so this is definitely be on my Christmas wish list.

If you like my recent blog, please hit like and comment below for further questions. 

This is Zeeshan Mirza's Blog and I'll see you next time, happy blogging and have a Merry Christmas and Happy New Year to you all.

      

             

  

Shantae: Risky's Revenge - Director's Cut PS4 Digital Download Review

Shantae: Risky's Revenge is a 2D platform game, which both developed and published by WayForward Technologies, and it is a sequel to 2002's game called Shantae for GBC. This game was originally released in between 2010 and 2011 for Nintendo DSi, and it was later ported to PC in 2014, then the PS4 and Wii U in between 2015 and 2016 as the Director's Cut, which features re-imagined warp system and new magic mode. 

I've never played the original Shantae for the GBC, but I heard a lot of great things about the game are considered to be a cult classics for the GBC according to video game critics and fans had given such higher praise for impressive graphics, quality sounds, larger exploration levels, and solid 2D gameplay that really shows off the GBC's hardware power.

I've bought the Shantae: Risky's Revenge - Director Cuts from the PS Store on Cyber Monday sales for £5, which is a great value for me to purchase the game. So far, I really enjoyed playing this game because I'm quite impressed with the 2D metroidvania style gameplay with great exploration and amazing puzzles levels. I love the looks of 16-bit style graphics with nicer details of characters, well made levels design and it has decent look of visuals animation. The presentation has interesting storyplot to keep the story sounds incredible and of course Shantae is definitely one of the awesome female protagonist for the 2D platformer series. 

Without go further do, let's talk about the game's overall.

Presentation

The story takes place in Scuttle Town, Shantae and her friends went to annual relic hunters expo to see her Uncle called Mimic, who is relic hunter, has unveil his latest find an lamp, until Risky Boots crashes the expo and steals the lamp. After Shantae got knocked out in the battle against Risky Boots who got managed to escape, Mimic has reveals the news to Shantae about the three magic seals are allowing to release the lamp magic and she sets to find them to prevent Risky's plans. 

The story is much easier to follow because it has simple storyplot that made the game's presentation sounds interesting to watch during the cutscenes and I also loved the look of the slideshows with anime style characters design and I like the letterbox shaped dialogue are also easier to read. Most of the characters in the game are actually pretty good, like Shantae because she has really nice arabian outfit and long purple hair, I also liked the villain Risky Boots with pirates outfits and her pirate hat and the rest of the characters are looking quite amazing in the whole game. The each area in the game is looking magnificent with the towns, seasides, deserts, forrest, and dungeons are all well designed which really fits the game's presentations.   

Overall, the story is pretty straightforward, the characters are excellent, and well made level areas.

Gameplay

You take control of Shantae the half-genie to explore the whole areas in order to stop Risky's planning. 

Your main attack is her purple hair as whipping weapon and she also has magic spells that allows her to use ranged attacks. You can purchase the magic spells from the shop, such as fireball, pikeball and storm puff are quite a basic magic attacks, but you can also purchase a better ones like spitfire, flamethrower, super or mega pikeball and crush or mega puff which allows to perform higher damage attack to the enemies, but magic jams items are also required in order to purchase the updated magic spells and character's abilities, which magic jams items can be found somewhere in the area. Controlling Shantae is simple and easier to use because the character's movement feels much smoother and responsive while running, but you can also make her walk by holding the attack button. The whipping attack are also responsive with good hit detection on the enemies and objects, but you can also make her whipping abilities much faster by purchasing silky creme item which improves the whipping power and speed. You can also upgrade your character's health and magic meter by collecting heart holder that extends hearts and purchasing magic fill that slowly refills your magic meter automatically, but you can also use potion and magical vial which is a quickest way to increase your health and magic meter faster. Your character has ability to use transformation relics such as monkey that allows player to climb and jump on walls, the elephant are used for smashing rock to gain access to the secret levels and the mermaid are used for swimming under the water which is very useful for puzzle level aspects. 

The levels in the whole game are quite good for the exploration like searching for key to gain access to the next level, finding secrets inside the cave, collecting the important items to give someone, obtaining the new relics, and warping in different areas is kinda give a metroidvania style gameplay, which I kinda liked the idea how the game is played. I say the map area is okay, but at least they could have been made the overworld map design bit better, but that's okay to me. The boss battles are pretty decent to fight, but I finding the boss are quite overpowered which takes sometime to beat the boss during the battles.

The game is quite too short to beat the game, but if you want to go for the higher challenge then go for the magic mode which increases higher difficulty, so good luck for that.

Overall, it has solid controls, great range of attacks and magic, and stunning level exploration. 

Graphics

I really liked the look of the 16 bit style graphics. It has excellent character's design with impressive animations. The level environment has well detailed buildings in each areas and the background has stunning views of landscape and scenery. It does have some nice usage of colours and visuals effects to make the game look spectacular for 16 bit graphics. You can select any of screen options to stretch out the screen size such as 16:9, 4:3 with or without border and original size. I'm finding 16:9 size kinda looked bit stretched out, which doesn't look good with the 16:9 size. The original size looked pretty fine, but it's kinda looked too small for the HDTV,  but I always prefer to choose 4:3 size with or without border over the 16:9 and original size because the game looks better with the 4:3 size which is right for the screen resolution on the HDTV. 

Overall, it has excellent character's design, well detailed environment, and nice colours and visuals effects.    

Music and Sounds

I say this game has great arabian style soundtrack which fits the game's settings. It was composed by Jake Kaufman, who was known for composing music for Shovel Knight, Contra 4 and Ducktales: Remastered, did a fabulous job for making such incredible music in each levels. I really love the sound effects in the game which is quite good for the 16 bit style era. The developer teams did optimised the whole music and sounds well for the console ports from the original DSi version without making quality too thin or thick. 

Overall, it has awesome soundtrack and fabulous sound effects.    

Special Features

The director's cut do offer small things like new outfit costumes and new magic modes, but it has trophy support as well. There's not many unlockable stuff in the game, which they could have been added more newer features than this would have been nice too.  

Overall, it does offers the small things, but it needs to add more new content. 

Advantages

Straightforward storyplot

Impressive characters

Solid gameplay

Amazing exploration

Excellent graphics

Awesome soundtrack

Disadvantages

Short length single player

Overpowered boss characters

Not enough new special features

Final Verdict

Presentation 8/10 - Pretty straightforward storyplot, the characters are excellent, and well made level areas.

Gameplay 7.5/10 - Solid controls, great range of attacks and magic, and stunning level exploration.

Graphics 7.8/10 -  Excellent character's design, well detailed environment, and nice colours and visuals effects.

Music and Sounds 8.3/10 - Awesome soundtrack and fabulous sound effects.

Special Features 5/10 - Offers the small things, but it needs to add more new content.

Overall 7.5/10 - It is a really decent 2D platformer game for those who likes playing retro gaming. It has great story, amazing female protagonist, solid gameplay, amazing exploration, excellent graphics and awesome soundtrack that keeps the game so much entertaining. I'm very glad that the developer teams have bought the game to the PC, PS4 and Wii U, so if you're the fan of the 2D platformer genres then this is definitely must purchase from Steam Service, PS Store, and Nintendo eShop.  

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This is Zeeshan Mirza's Blog and I'll see you next time, happy blogging everyone.