Top 5 Castlevania Games

 

What a horrible night to have a curse...yes everyone, we are taking a look the one of the Konami's classic franchise that are originated from mid-80's era which is a Castlevania.

It's one of the game that you take control of the vampire hunter set off the journey to confront and defeat Dracula to save the humanity.

Starting off from successful traditional 2D action-platform to popularising Metroidvania genres to 3D hack 'n' slash reboot, Castlevania as a whole are widely regarded as being one of the Konami's acclaimed franchises and also one of the best-selling of all-time in early days had spawned many of sequels, spin-offs, comics, novels, and of course animated series.

It was known for unique level design, gothic themes, bunch of vampires and monsters, numerous of sub-weapons and specials, epic bosses, memorable soundtrack, and overly challenged gameplay element which heavily focused on enemy's patterns, exploration, and multiple paths is what makes the whole franchise so recognisable.

I decided to make my 5 favourite games that I had a nostalgia on these games as a childhood such as the designs, sounds, graphics, and bosses. 

So without go further do, here is my top 5 Castlevania games.

5 - Castlevania: Aria of Sorrow (GBA)

Before I begin explaining this game, first of all I wasn't impressed with the first two GBA games such as Castlevania: Circle of the Moon which brings me a disappointing experience that aren't as good as the outstanding Castlevania: Symphony of the Night had delivered perfectly well on the PS1 libraries, but going back to this it suffered with dull graphics design and stiff gameplay controls that really started to effect my overall fun factor and then we have another title called Castlevania: Harmony of dissonance which had improved upon over the Circle of the Moon, but then again it suffers with easier difficulty lacks overall challenge and poor quality soundtrack that didn't give a game justice.

Then I finally found a better GBA game that finally got everything right it should are Castlevania: Aria of Sorrow which is a final Castlevania title for GBA libraries that beings very close to Symphony of the Night has to offer.

You take control of young teenager student named Soma Cruz battles against the dark figures that wish to inherit the undead lord's power. 

Like Symphony of the Night that heavily focused on non-linear gameplay with large exploration and RPG elements requiring experience points for level up system, the game introduces the new mechanics called tactical soul which involves absorbing the souls of enemies in order to gain additional abilities such as Bullet souls are Soma Cruz's replacement for sub weapons, Guardian souls allows you to transform into mythical creatures and summoning familiars, Enchant souls provides you a unique abilities equipment such as the ability to walk on water, and Ability souls makes your abilities active longer such as double jump and sliding.

So far, I had no issue with the game at all because I believe the producer Koji Igarashi had acknowledged the issues from the Harmony of Dissonance after receiving the feedback from the fans of the series resulting more depth gameplay design, lengthy levels, satisfied difficulty system, quality soundtrack, and detailed graphics is what made Aria of Sorrow a worthy title for all Castlevania fans should able to appreciate more on this game than the previous two GBA titles.

4 - Castlevania: Rondo of Blood (TGCD)

"Die monster, you don't belong in this world!" -Richter Belmont 

At the time where I remember playing Castlevania: Dracula X on the SNES as a young teen back then right before I've discovered this game for TGCD that I didn't knew this was existed way before the SNES port. 
This is Castlevania: Rondo of Blood which is a first traditional 2D action-platform that never got released officially outside of Japan till I got it off from software emulation site as well as owning both the PSP and PS4 version as the Dracula X Chronicles and Castlevania Requiem. 

You take control of Richter Belmont goes out to save his lover Annette, who was abducted by the evil vampire leader Dracula.

This game has 9 stages with 4 multiple routes resulting with different alternative levels, so you will have a whip as a main weapon and various of sub-weapons such as throwing daggers and axes, holy water, spinning crosses, pocket watch, and grimoire which you will need these to fight off against the hordes of vampires or monsters throughout the level before facing with the bosses and you will have some sub-goals is to rescue 4 maidens including 12 year old Maria Renard, who then becomes a playable character, has ability to use attacks using her doves and one of 6 sub-weapons such as a white tiger kitten, dragon whelp, baby phoenix, turtle, egg and musical notes as well as being able to perform double jump.

I got to say that I was impressed with the game because I did not expect TGCD version to be more superior than the SNES port has to offer due to technical marvel of CD add-ons system was capable of utilising the graphical power and arranged soundtracks that really adds up the game's atmosphere and action.

It has well builted level structures that has tons of hazardous objects and many enemies that requires memorising patterns and the bosses are quite satisfactory that keeps you well entertained. 

I also liked the use of multiple routes which relying on rescuing 4 missing maidens and leads you to alternative stage adds the overall replay values. 

The game is ridiculously expensive on TGCD which cost around over £100 to £200, so I highly recommend you to get it cheap on both PSP and PS4 under Dracula X chronicles physically or Castlevania: Requiem digitally. 

3 - Castlevania: Bloodlines (SEGA Genesis/MD)

        

       

As a huge SNES kid back then, I was surprised to see a vampire hunter game being on the SEGA's console platform called Castlevania: Bloodlines which is the only Castlevania game ever released for SEGA Genesis/MD as much with the Super Castlevania IV are exclusively on SNES.

The story focused on the vampire hunter John Morris and his best friend Eric Lecarde set their quest to take up the fight against evil as well as preventing the full resurrection of Dracula. 

Unlike the previous entry of Castlevania, this game gives you an option to select any of two playable heroes has different main weapon and abilities such as John is able to swing past gaps with his whip, whereas Eric must use a different route by performing high jumps by using his spear which adds the new variation of the gameplay style.

Like most of early Castlevania game involves players proceed through each level, defeating enemies, and collecting gems to power special weapons, it included the sub-bosses where you get to fight against them before proceeding to main bosses and the game splits into different paths depending on which character you had chosen. 

I'm really impressed to see the game as a whole turns out to be a stunning experience of 16-bit library thanks to clever use of graphical effects of parallax animation looked pretty amazing for some stages such as glossy water animation bounces ups and downs, wobbly blue castle that tilts side to side, spinning colosseum rotates around, and illusions platforming splits in threes which I considered this as being the most technically achievement on SEGA's 16-bit system. 

I really liked the overall presentation of the game for its vampiric themes of stages filled with dark forests with haunting castle, clock rooms with full of cogs work, blue palace with broken statues, and navy clouds with bloody red moon. 

The gameplay design has the same charm as the early Castlevania titles featuring a tight controls, responsive combat weapons, great use of platforming, battling with bosses, and being able to play as twos with multiple path choices and different style of gameplay is what I called a finest side-scrolling action for those who owns the SEGA's 16-bit machine.

The game is also available on PS4, XBONE, PC and Switch as part of the Castlevania Anniversary Collection that you can able to get it digitally.

2 - Castlevania: Symphony of the Night (PS1)             

     

         

"What is a man? A miserable little pile of secrets, but enough talk...have at you!" - Dracula

One of the game had caught my attention when I was a young teen at the time where I normally get the software emulators and bunch of game ROMs online to play many of the classic retro games for particular platform. 

I remember playing this game first time on PS1 emulator to see how this game was different from any of the traditional Castlevania games, but I wasn't being able to finish the game properly which I was currently more busy playing on PS3, Wii, and PS Vita as well as had too much focusing on my important studying in college.

Then a years later when I had a Castlevania: Dracula X Chronicles digitally on PS Vita as well as Castlevania: Requiem for PS4 which included the 2 favourite classics such as Rondo of Blood and Symphony of the Night, I decided to give a game another try and see if I can able to beat the game entirely.

The answer is yes I've managed to finish the game on both version and so far it is one of my second favourite title in the series that really adds my gaming nostalgia I will never forget remembering how legendary this game had turned out.

Castlevania: Symphony of the Night is one of the game mixes with the genres of platforming-adventures and Action RPG are widely known as Metroidvania, a genre was pioneered by Nintendo's Metroid series, making a huge departure of traditional side-scrolling action from early Castlevania games.

It takes place after the event of Rondo of Blood where it takes role of Dracula's son named Alucard sets off his journey to putting the end of his father's cursed castle that harms the humanity. 

It's one of the game that heavily focused on large range of non-linear exploration featuring many locations to visit, finding hidden secrets, collecting items that leads you to gain access to undiscovered areas, and uses the RPG-style level up system that requires gaining many experience points as possible in order to be good enough to fight against the wide range of enemies and bosses with their highest level status.

What I liked about the game is that each of the combat weapons have their own advantages and disadvantages that is designed for various reasons such as you have sword that has a fair amount of damage attack, the daggers are quicker but weak compared with swords, the ranged weapons worked better for far-ranged attack, the two-handed weapons equips two except one, the clubs has better use of defense, and the shields are protective item against the enemy's projectiles. 

The game also has really cool relics that gives you ability to transform into wolf and bat, performing double jump and swim underwater, being able to gain entry to sealed doors, and summoning those supportive familiars such as sword, demon, ghost and fairy which can be found on curtain location.

So far, the overall gameplay design is absolutely terrific for its larger exploration of map design, the combat and relics is fluid and responsive, the RPG elements that builds up your confidence to progressing your player's stats, and it has two possible endings that adds up a ambitious replay value is what made the game so special.

I love the look of the graphics design is pretty damn amazing for the PS1 standards despite the system has the difficulties to create a smooth 2D title, this game offers a use of visual transparency for lighting and shadow, 3D style background design, sharper texture details on environments, and stunning character's animation which I considered as the best looking 2D game of all PS1 libraries.

The game had an excellent CD quality soundtrack by Michiru Yamane, a Japanese composer who had previously worked on some Castlevania games and later for Bloodstained: Ritual of the Night, did a remarkable job of creating her best video game scores of whole Castlevania series. 

Castlevania: Symphony of the Night is clearly the legendary title that really holds up to today standards, so the PS1 copy is stupidly rare which cost more than £200 to £300, so like I've mention with Rondo of Blood before, you can able to get this game dirt cheap on both PSP and PS4 under Dracula X chronicles physically or Castlevania: Requiem digitally. 

1 - Super Castlevania IV

So you been wondering why I chose this game as my number 1 favourite over my previous two on my top 5 Castlevania games? well the answer is that I had the reason why this game had defined my childhood gaming because I grew up mostly on SNES as a young kid which means that Super Castlevania IV is my top favourite of all-time.

I remember when my brother took me to the video game store to discover the game that I really wanted to play, so my brother had given me a recommendation for my SNES library is Super Castlevania IV that I was looking forward to play this kind of game.

I remember having first time playing this with my cousin who came to my home to play my SNES and after playing amount of hours of fun we were very impressed with the game had turned out to be quite success. 

Super Castlevania IV is one of the game similar to original's 1986 Castlevania for NES featuring expanded play control, 16-bit graphics make use of SNES Mode 7, and a soundtrack with new pieces and arrangements based on previous Castlevania music. 

Following the same setting as Castlevania on the NES, you take control of vampire hunter named Simon Belmont has his quest to defeat Dracula once for all through 11 stages.

Like the first Castlevania game where you use whip as a basic main weapon, various of sub-weapons, extending range of whip, and being able to walk on stairs, the game had introduced a whip mechanics such as you can swing your whip around in 8 different direction blocking enemy's projectiles, latching onto rings to swing over areas that are too wide for the player to jump across, and you can able to move as well as using whip attack while crouching which really gives the new addition to its gameplay style making an easier to control.

The gameplay has incredible challenges that involves platforming where you need to memorise all the enemy's pattern and hazards to get to the next area without dying that keeps you playing more and more till you reach at the end of the level. 

The boss battles is superbly epic that is so difficult to master, but it is a fun at the same time that takes you sometime to get used too is what makes the game satisfy you enough to impress the game even more. 

The graphics is absolutely well made for the use of mode 7 engine such as rotating level backgrounds, boss animation, and transparency effects is damn looking spectacular that shows off the SNES powerhouse.    

I really liked the darker presentation of the game filled with the gritty level design and deadly enemies that really adds the game's personality that made the game quite appealing and it does always have one of the most memorable soundtrack that give the SNES do a justice that made the game so recognisable.

That being said, this is my favourite Castlevania games I ever played that really defines my nostalgia as a child and I will never forget this masterpiece had deserved to be on my own SNES libraries.

I say go play this game on SNES or get it for PS4, XBONE, PC and Switch as part of the Castlevania Anniversary Collection I can guarantee you will be superbly impressed by playing this awesome game.      

Honourable Mention:

Castlevania: Lords of Shadow (PS3)

Castlevania (NES)

Castlevania 3: Dracula's Curse (NES)

Castlevania Adventures (GB)

Castlevania: Dracula X Chronicles (PSP)

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This is Zeeshan Mirza's Blog and I'll see you next time, happy blogging and have a nice spooky halloween everyone, MUHAHAHAHAHAHA!

  

            

          

Resident Evil 2 PS4 Review

 

Resident Evil 2 is a Survival-Horror title for PS4, XBONE, and PC which was developed and published by Capcom. It is a full remake of 1998's title of the same name and of course a sequel to first Resident Evil game.

Resident Evil as a whole video game series are one of my favourite horror franchise was widely known for creepy settings of horror presentation, deadly bio-monsters, survival tactics, puzzle-solving aspects, cast of memorable characters, and the story involves outbreak crisis that is the reason why I loved the series so much from my childhood nostalgia to current gaming generation. 

I will never forget the memorable moments that defining the series such as zombie coming out of closet, dogs jumping out of windows, nemesis chases you around, battling with tyrants, villagers welding with the chainsaw, escaping from self-destruct, and lets not forget a hilarious part from Jill sandwich jokes to Chris punching boulder.

The first Resident Evil game in 1996 was well received and commercially, and it is often credited for defining the survival horror genre had led the series spawn with many sequels, spin-offs, remakes, films, novels, and merchandises.

The game I will reviewing on is definitely Resident Evil 2 for my PS4 as I'm looking forward to playing a full remake of beloved 1998's original title. While the remake did follow the similar plot of original featuring better script writing and character's performance, the game managed to improve upon the original such as playing on third-person perspective similar to previous RE game such as RE 4 which resulting better combat gameplay and easier to interact items and objects, and more realism on the graphics design featuring better character's animation and level structure.

So far, I got to say this is clearly one of the best remake I ever played because it is a faithfulness to the original that I am so glad at Capcom had created the masterpiece that we begged them for years to make a another remake since the 2002's remake of the first game.

So without go further do, let's start the review.

Presentation

The game takes place two months after the event of the first game and it's set at Raccoon City in September 1998 where most of the people have been turned into zombies, due to an outbreak of a viral bioweapon known as the T-Virus, manufactured by Umbrella Corporation.

The game begins with gas station where the rookie cop named Leon S Kennedy meets college student named Claire Redfield, who is looking for her brother named Chris Redfield, a original character from first game.

While escaping from the gas station, they both got separated after car accident which Leon and Claire had agreed to meet up at the city's police department as well as their goal is to escape from the city.

The game had 2 separate scenario such as side A and Side B depending which characters you're playing as in single-player story mode.

You have Leon's scenario where he met another survivor named Ada Wong who works with FBI as her job is to investigate Umbrella as well as obtaining the G virus sample to prove Umbrella's corruption. The Claire's scenario is where her job is to protect the little girl named Sherry Birkin who is also survivor searching for her mother named Annette Birkin, a umbrella employee who reveals that the creature, who chased after her daughter, is her husband William Birkin.

Then you have some random characters like Lieutenant Marvin Branagh, who served with the Racoon Police Department, was infected by the virus and informed Leon or Claire about the incident that affected the city and helped them solve the problem. 

There's one of the asshole named Chief Brian Irons who held Sherry captive after confronting her and Claire at parking garage for the whole mess which is the reason I hate this guy in passion.

So far, I liked how the script of the story line is done absolutely well for making the plot much easier to follow the point of the story where the characters get to know each other about the outbreak disaster had affected in city, searching for the loved ones, knowing the history of umbrella, and plotting to escape from the place that are no longer safe is what made this game so important that the viruses are very deadly bio-weapon that kills many of innocent lives affecting global worldwide.

I say I really liked the major two characters such as Leon and Claire are my favourite RE characters because of their relationship between these two really made an interesting conversation when they are inside the car while driving through city and at the outside gateway which builds up the character's development.

I say I also liked the scene with Claire and Sherry are also build a great friendship which is the best way to gain the trust each other as you can see Claire is a kind hearted character that protect the little child like Sherry from those scary zombies which I really liked her the most. 

I got to say Ada takes time to trust Leon as she asked him to leave the place, but instead they agreed to help each other to stop the Umbrella corruption which I got to say she is still just a decent as any RE characters.                                    

The whole presentation in the game is pretty well done which brings up the nostalgia of the original design. You have the recognisable locations such as police station filled with the hallways, library, office room, statue's room, clock tower, parking garage, the sewers, and underground base that these settings in the remake are much more appealing to look at and how nicely these level structure came close to the 1998's original design. 

I also liked the tone of the whole game are much terror and darker than the original version that really adds up the overall atmospheres of horror design and I got to say most of the zombies and dogs is actually look good in the game giving more aggressive look of their faces. 

The best of all are actually cast of monsters such as Lickers the fast moving monster can scratch you with their deadly claws, Plant 43 creatures can bite your head off clean, Lesser G monsters has large tentacle mouth and arm, Tyrant Mr. X chases you around the rooms till you get a massive beatings, Giant Crocodile is a huge-ass monster chases you through the sewers hall, and that god damn William Birkin always never dies that adds up the scare factor which is the reason why these monsters are so memorable in the game.

Overall, it has fantastic story, recognisable cast of characters and enemies, and darker presentation.

Gameplay

In single-player mode, you have an option to pick first two playable characters such as Leon or Claire in different two scenarios (for example: Leon A to Claire B or Claire A to Leon B) as you take control of who you playing as in third-person perspective.

Your goal is to find the way of escaping the city which requires you to complete the puzzle aspects and being able to open up new passage for escape root.

You will starting off with basic controls such as moving player and camera on thumbstick, while pressing left thumbstick to sprint while pushing the stick backward and pressing the circle button to perform 180 degree turn. 

You can interact objects and picking up items by pressing the X button to confirm, while the circle button acts as cancel as well.

You will draw the weapon by holding the left trigger, while the left shoulder equips sub-weapon and then pressing or holding the right trigger to shoot at enemies, while you can move and aim with the both thumbstick.

You can gain access to inventory screen by pressing triangle button which lets you re-organise your weapon and items of slots as well as adding weapons on d-pad button as a short-cut which lets you quickly change your weapons.

Each of weapons will have different firing rate and range such as pistol are basically just a handgun deals with less damage and quick reload, the shotgun is short-ranged but deals with powerful shot, the sub-machine gun has faster firing rate but slightly weaker targeting, magnum deals with heavy damage than pistols, and grenade launcher has two variation ammo of acids and flames that gives you an instant kill at enemies.

The sub-weapons such as grenades that lets you throw on the ground or far-distance to blow up whole surrounding enemies, while flash bomb blinds the enemies for 5 seconds. You can also use combat knife as a melee attack when zombies or monster grabs you in close-range, but you can also do the same with the grenades or flash bombs as another back-up melee attack.

You may be encounter by the hordes of zombies or monsters in the department which you will need these weapons to kill them for survival, but the ammo may be limited that you really need to be careful when using the weapons frequently incase you purposely running out of ammo causing you to run away from them, so use it wisely till its necessary.

Aside with the combat controls, you will have the list of objectives on the map screen which involves puzzle solving such as obtaining 3 emblems to unlock hidden path, find the lost object that requires to unlock mechanism such as individuals bookshelf to get across the empty bridge, water down the burning helicopters, open up locked doors or gate with keys or card, developing dispersal cartridge in drug testing lab, and finding another route to enter blocked area.

The key or object can be found in different locations which you can look carefully on the map screen which helps you to navigate the rooms that you never or previously visited, so you can able to find a right room that leads you to the key or object you are looking for.

The part I like in the game is that you will be chased by no other than big dude Mr. X will crush you in pieces when getting to close at him, so you can't kill him instead either stun him for 5 seconds or avoid him as far as you can.

Zombies and dogs are actually dealing with some damages, while some of the enemies deals with their variation such as Licker can perform wall-climbing and using claws as weapon dealing with heavy attack, the plant 43 gives you instant death in close-range, and Lesser G monsters will pouring their spits all over you causing to poison your health status.

You can able to find healing items such as herbs or first aid spray to heal your health status. For example: green herbs heals small amount of health, while combining with red herbs gives you same amount as the first aid spray, and then the blue herbs helps reduces your poisonous status.

You many able to access to safe room where you can able to save progress on typewriter with limited ink ribbons and the storage box lets you store many items to keep it safe for later use.

    

So far, the game has played absolutely remarkable for making a huge changes on the remake side thanks to third-person perspective view which really helps the game as opposed to fixed-camera angle from the original that didn't hold up to today standards which is the reason why Capcom wanted to go for a over the shoulder view for its easier gameplay design such as being able to aim and shoot freely at enemies, making easier to navigate items and objects what's front of you, and controlling your playable character precisely than the tank controls from the original that made the game fully playable for newcomer of the series.

The combat system is perfection because I really liked how each of weapons has advantages and disadvantages such as shotgun and grenade launcher are worked effectively against bigger tough monster, while the pistols and sub-machine guns are better for some regular enemies in far range attacks and I also liked the rest of the weapons such as flamethrower, miniguns and spark shot which is clearly the strongest of all firearms that gives a instant kills are the best part in the game.

The puzzle solving aspects is actually fantastic that keeps me engaging with the game well because I really liked finding objects to reveal the hidden area as well as finding key or cards in different rooms that leads me to next locations that makes the whole exploration very satisfied.

Collecting random documents and letters are also gives a clue that can lead you to unlock a safe combination for extra useful item and being able to solve the puzzles quickly is quite a helpful. 

I also liked the survival tactics in the game where it's more relying on limited ammo and smaller combat focused as well as keeping eye on your health status is the key important for survivors when it is necessary to fight back at zombies or monsters is what survival horror was known for its staying alive as possible without dying.

The game definitely has the coolest boss battles with no other than Mr. X and William Birkin came out of nowhere and start kicking your ass that keeps you very entertained due to overall difficulty really adds a game's challenge. 

Overall, it has improved gameplay design, perfect combat, fantastic puzzles, amazing tactics, and entertaining bosses.

Graphics

Resident Evil 2 as a remake is incredibly remarkable for its technical marvel for both PCs and consoles. The newly RE engine really pushes the graphical power of the game's system which really adds the major improvement on character's model feels very rich and detailed that is fully utilised with motion capturing system featuring better facial animation that adds the character's personality and the body movement for both cutscenes and in-game is what I call a biggest achievement in video games.

The game has outstanding level structure that captures the original concept of classic horror game with great environmental details on floors, rooms, and gates, as well as the use of the lighting details that is not so dark and not so bright at the same time that gives the locations a very suspenseful presentation.

I got to love the graphical scenes with so many bloods pouring out and gores fell apart in pieces is perfect for most of the terrifying death scenes.

Overall, it has brilliant character's model, outstanding level structures, and very graphic effects.

Music and Sounds

Unlike the 1998's original soundtrack is clearly has the memorable scores of all Resident Evil games, this score for remake is actually pretty damn amazing that is sounds different from the original game featuring a creepy sounds that made your body shivers the most, while sometimes others can be very dark and depressing for some scenes which I really liked it.

It was composed by Shusaku Uchiyama and Zhenlan Kang did a remarkable job of making a finest score that fits pretty well for most part in the game.

I also liked the environmental sound design for most locations with realistic sound effects and the grunting noise of zombies and monsters, and I got to say the voice performance on character did a amazing job had nailed their role in this game.

Overall, it has excellent music score, environmental sound design, and amazing performance by voice role.

Special Features

The game has in-game unlockable such as 4 survivor modes to play, bonus characters in Tofu survivor, all accessories/hats in ghost survivors, and unlockable alternative costumes based on original RE 2 game, but I got to say it is better to avoid purchasing "all in-game unlock" as DLC because you may accidently unlock a infinite ammo for single play can ruin the whole game, so it's better for you to stick with the unlocking in-game content by simply completing the game itself rather than using this DLC, if you wanted to unlock just for survivor mode and bonus costumes.

It's a shame that the game didn't include the mercenaries mode which is kinda bummer for those who loves spending time shooting bunch of zombies and gaining many score points, but I'm pretty sure the future RE games will definitely going to have it. 

Overall, an solid overall packaging. 

Advantages

Darker presentation

Fantastic story

Memorable characters and enemies

Perfect combat and puzzles

Cool bosses

Incredible graphics

Amazing music score

Disadvantages

Infinite ammo on all in-game unlock DLC (SO PLEASE DO NOT BUY THIS!!!)

Missing out mercenaries modes 

Final Verdict

Presentation 10/10 - fantastic story, recognisable cast of characters and enemies, and darker presentation.

Gameplay 9.5/10 - improved gameplay design, perfect combat, fantastic puzzles, amazing tactics, and entertaining bosses.

Graphics 10/10 - brilliant character's model, outstanding level structures, and very graphic effects.

Music and Sounds 10/10 - excellent music score, environmental sound design, and amazing performance by voice role. 

Special Features 9/10 - in-game unlockable such as 4 survivor modes to play, bonus characters in Tofu survivor, all accessories/hats in ghost survivors, and unlockable alternative costumes based on original RE 2 game.        

            

       

Overall 9.5/10 - As I loved the original RE2, this is a game that deserves to be not just the best remake ever made, but also an all-time greatest game in history that the remake delivers a same charm as the original game has to offer.

I am so happy to see Capcom had finally open their ears to their fans by bringing a game that we all wanted for years since the outstanding RE 1 remake had came out in 2002 releases.

It's good to see your original favourite heroes in a good shape, delivering a spectacular game's design featuring better combat, clever puzzles, intense bosses, and then overall presentation had improved upon on horror settings and the script wring is what made Resident Evil 2 remake class as the masterpiece.

I say this is definitely must buy for all newcomers and the fans of the series, so hopefully I will consider getting Resident Evil 3 Remake for sometime future as well as looking forward to see Resident Evil 8: Village for next gen console.        

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Luigi's Mansion 2 3DS Review

 

Luigi's Mansion 2 (A.K.A Luigi's Mansion: Dark Moon in US) is a Ghost Horror Action-Adventure game only for 3DS, which was developed by Next Level Games and published by Nintendo. It is a sequel to the 2001's original title for Gamecube called Luigi's Mansion which is also on the 3DS as remake in 2018 by Grezzo.

I remember back in my childhood days when my brother and I had first bought the Gamecube and the games from the electronic store, so I was looking forward to play the first Gamecube game which is a Luigi's Mansion where you take control of Luigi in the haunting mansion to capture many ghost as well as his job to search his missing brother Mario. 

It's one of the game that is quite different from any of Mario games which I really liked the idea of playing as the different character especially with Luigi did end up getting his own game as the main protagonist in whole game. 

I believe the whole concept of the game is somewhat inspired by the likes of classic 80's film such as Ghostbusters which is the reason why the game involves catching many ghosts with the vacuum cleaner that fits perfectly well for the Nintendo's ghost-horror title making the most recognisable Gamecube title that sold over 2.5 million units placed in 5th best-selling Gamecube game of all-time.

The game's success had led to sequel for 3DS in 2013 which I had decided to play another Luigi's ghostly adventure featuring 5 different themed mansions and one of the first game to include co-op play for both 4-player local and online.

This game is definitely one of the better entry of the series taking an advantage over the 2001's original thanks to fluid suction and blowing functions mechanics, puzzle-based missions, and variations of ghost enemies and bosses had played absolutely well on the Nintendo's handheld devices, but there's couple of some mistakes that I also wanted to point out which I will explain the further details on my review.

So without go further do, let's start the review.

Presentation

The game starts off with Professor Elvin Gadd, one of Luigi's scientist from the original game, happily working his science work with the friendly ghosts until the villainous fat ghost named King Boo, who already managed to escape from the painting, destroying dark moon which causing the remained pieces scatters in 5 mansions turning all ghosts into hostile.

Meanwhile at the small house, Luigi was contacted by E. Gadd asked him to come at his bunker for terrible news that has already happened. 

After learning about the King Boo's returns and ghost's oddly behaviour, Luigi has his quest to obtain 5 missing dark crystals as well as capturing all ghosts to restore peace to Evershade Valley.       

I got to say the story is rather more interesting than the original game which I really liked the idea where all the happy looking ghost starting off really nice with the scientist until that the fat spooky ghost had taken his power to changed their behaviour into frightening looking creature and conquered the land of home valley.

I also liked the dialogue between the Luigi and E. Gadd are making their strategy plan and objectives before preparing for the next mission which encouraging Luigi to motivate himself and learning to reduce his fears on ghosts in the mansion which I really liked the part in the game where the person needs to stand up and fight to save the land. 

We all know Luigi is a younger brother of ironic mascot hero Mario as well as being a sidekick in many Mario games. Unlike Mario is a brave plumber had the balls to stomp goombas and throwing fireballs, Luigi is much of being a scaredy ass pussycat always act timid which shows lack of bravery that is easily to get frightened by the ghost in entire game, but it makes him quite memorable regarding with his fears that made me liked Luigi a lot. 

I don't really mind the side character Professor Elvin Gadd which I know him from the first game. He just the scientist trying to help Luigi to solve the issue inside the haunted mansion filled with many crazy ghosts. He normally contacted him through the video calls for hints and clues during the mission which there's nothing to say about the character because he just a normal scientist thats all.

I can't really stand Toad in any of Mario games especially this where he just completely useless character which I will explain it further later on the review, that damn mushroom people makes me want to eat their heads off.  

I really liked the choices of the ghost characters in the game, so you have averaged green ghost, tough red ghost, stick-thin blue ghost, big-fat yellow ghost, sticky purple ghost, crackhead pink ghost, three sisters, variants of possessors, and of course cute little ghost pup. 

Besides with story and characters, the presentation looked amazingly appealing with dark and goofy looking mansion which is a straight up cartoony concept that made the locations quite wacky, so you have standard looking Gloomy Manor, overgrown botanical Haunted Towers, an old-fashioned clock tower in Old Clockworks, an mining cold mountain in Secret Mine, and of course the Treachous Mansion with full of museums which I got to say I really liked seeing the different settings of the mansion that you don't end up being stuck in the one mansion just like the first game which really adds up the presentation so nicely in the game that trying to come up with the new concept.

Overall, it has memorable characters, interesting story dialogue, and goofy presentation.

Gameplay

In single player mode, the game is divided into multiple mission-based levels that has the number of the objectives you need to complete throughout the game, such as retrieving an object, accessing a particular room, and defeating a stronger boss ghost. You take control of Luigi at the top of the 3DS screen for 3D gameplay, while the bottom touchscreen displays the map screen which you can able to navigate the rooms during the exploration. 

The circle-pad moves Luigi around, while pressing Y and B button to look up and down while standing still. Holding the B button and pushing forward makes Luigi sprinting while not holding B button and push forward makes him walk instead. You can interact the objects by pressing the X button when the X icon appears on objects like furniture, treasures, and any objects.

After retrieving the vacuum cleaner and UV touch from the first mission, your vacuum has two functions mechanics such as suctions that sucked all the way inside the vacuum by holding R button, while blowing just used for blowing out of suction by holding the L button.

You can use these methods which helps you to gather the items such as money and collectables, interact things like elevator with pinwheels, inflating the balloon makes Luigi float up in air, picking up objects like logs or books, and shooting out spike ball.

To capture the ghost, you may need to use flashlight to stun ghost which expose their health rate and then use suction while pushing back circle pad to decrease its hit points until it is weak enough to be captured, but you can vacuum up to three ghosts simultaneously. You can also charge up your torchlight by holding then let go the A button to perform the large range stun which worked effectively against the bigger ghost enemies.

There are meter level system which tells you that if you reached up to the full meter while performing the suction on enemies this will allow you to damage their hit points faster by simply hitting the A button making a easier chance to capture ghost.

Your UV touch are designed for finding a hidden objects or footprints in the area, so you will hold Y button to use UV light until the hidden objects like furniture or treasures will suddenly re-appear, but it is also worked effectively against the invisible boos in some areas.   

 

What I liked about the game is that each of the enemy ghosts has different abilities and attacks such as green ghost that are the weakest of all ghosts, but it uses a clever armed and shielded tactics that preventing Luigi from capturing them such as dressing up in suit of armor or mummies and using the swords and shields as their armed weapon that you need to find the way to stun them until you found one of their weak spot.

The red ghost are slow but strong brutes that can create a ranged shockwave attack, the blue ghost are quite fast paced has their ability to hide on the objects as well as throwing the banana peel on the ground to make Luigi slip so you need to track them down faster by interacting the right spot of the objects, the pink ghost can surprise you behind your back with the jumpscare causing to lose Luigi's health points, the purple ghost can stick you inside their body as well as their defense is slightly better compared with the rest of the ghost which you cannot capture them when they are attached to the floor, and then you have fat yellow ghost which has higher health rate can throw their goos as a projectiles as well as slamming Luigi in close contact resulting heavy damage point.

So far, the enemy ghosts in this game is pretty good when it comes with their strategy resulting a many variations of attacks and ability making them a less boring that worked pretty well for most rooms.

The game involving puzzle solving where you need to solve the problem in the area such as collecting 4 missing gears to unlock new passage, clearing out spider-webs, activating hydro generator, repairing pinwheel lock to enter hollow tree, rescuing toads by putting them into safe location, chasing down ghost dog for special key, and many more mission-based objectives that I really liked how the ghost horror title involves solving the problems and being able to gain access to new rooms adding a fun factor of the game.

I also liked collecting the moneys, golds and coins which can be located in each rooms resulting a higher scores after beating the level, so if you collect many of currencies then you will be awarded with the upgradable items such as increasing UV gauge bar which allows you to use UV light much longer and meter strength level of vacuum cleaner is making easier to pull ghost enemies resulting a higher damage points.

 

I got to say the ghost capturing system is slightly better in this game because I liked the improvements on suctions and blowing functions especially with adding strength meter that is so easier to pull the enemy ghost into the vacuum cleaner which takes 5 to 10 seconds, while the first game has wonky controls that you had to push the stick back can leads the slow process of capturing ghosts.

I also liked the large range of charged flashlight which I can able to stun them much quicker compared with turning the flashlight off then turn back on from the first game.

Capturing the boos on this game is less headache than the first ones because instead of using suction on boos when they fly around the room, you can capture boos by simply expose them with the light, pull their tongue out till the health is down and then suck them into the vacuum cleaner which I kinda glad that the boos doesn't run around the room as much in first game.

The puzzle solving is pretty straightforward that does not require a complicated objectives meaning that you can able to solve problems faster thanks to simple list of tasks resulting a very good mission play in each levels.

The boss battles are pretty fun in the game, so you have the three ghostly sisters, the variation of possessor, and of course the King Boo which really adds up a experience of the game thanks to clever tactics that keeps you engaging with the boss fights. 

There are some parts in the game that really annoys the f**k out of me was that little mushroom head toad was completely doing my heading because the part where I walked on the water or swamp ground he's not willing to cross over the things that he is afraid off so I had to pick him up with the bloody vacuum cleaner to help him get across is just unbelievably painful and then when the ghost appears in the room he ran around like an idiot and I was like ugh just shut the f**k up.

I also wanted to point out the gyro control where I crossing on the narrow bridge without having to falling off the stage, so I had to balance out by keeping your 3DS system steady incase I don't fall down instantly which I think it felt its way to gimmicky for my playstyle, so I rather much preferred using with the circle pad instead. 

I've managed to enjoy the whole single-player campaign because this game got it everything right for level design, variation of enemies ghost, the list of objectives, and gameplay mechanics which brings me many moment of this spookiness adventure. The game also includes 4-player modes called thrill tower which you take control of different coloured Luigi so your goal is to explore each floor of mansion and complete the objective within time limit which leads you to the next floor. You will have 3 different objectives such as rush where players must race to find the exit door, hunters involves capturing many ghosts as possible, and polterpup where you must pursue and capture ghost dogs.

These multiplayer can be played on both locals and online play which gives you an option to play on solo or teams which I got to say it is a fun game mode that I really liked in the game, so it's pretty wicked.

Overall, it has good level design, variation of enemies ghost, the list of objectives, and great gameplay mechanics.

Graphics

The graphics are sure looks pretty solid on the Nintendo's handheld system. You have a spectacular character's design that looks very recognisable especially with Luigi and bunch of colourful ghosts that is way more appealing than the original game. I also liked the rendered cartoony animation for most that makes the whole settings of the game look wacky and goofy, and the environmental design sure does look haunting for most of the areas which they did a decent job on textures and surfaces of rooms and courtyard. 

The use of visual effects filled with cloudy mists, sandpits, swamps, and sparkling stars above the night sky that is looking perfect with the stereoscopic 3D display which really helps the graphic design feel more like a true 3DS experience. 

Overall, it has spectacular character's design, cartoony animation, and impressive environmental design.

Music and Sounds

They did a fabulous job on the original soundtrack featuring orchestrated sounds that feels just like the original game. It was composed by Chad York, Darren Radtke, and Mike Peacock did made a great rendition of the Kazumi Totaka's original score from the first game because I really liked the whole entire music in every playable area that really adds the Tim Burton's films vibes to the game's personality.

The sound effects are very well done with atmospheric sounds of level environment and the grunting noise of ghosts did add up a solid overall sound design, and I also liked the voice of Luigi by Charles Martinet who has voiced his role of our favourite mascot Mario from many Super Mario titles that is the reason why I liked the iconic voices of the beloved character gets really frightened in entire game. 

Overall, it has memorable soundtrack, solid sound design, and iconic voice role. 

Special Features

The game does have unlockable bonus level when you capture all 5 boos in each mansion, the vault room has the collection of captured ghosts and the gems you collected, and it has collectable E. Gadd medals which unlocks gold file frame.

Overall, an acceptable features.

Advantages

Goofy presentation

Recognisable characters

Great gameplay mechanics

Clever enemy's tactics

Good puzzle solving

Amazing visuals

Memorable soundtrack

Disadvantages

Gyro controls feels gimmicky

That damn Toad 

Final Verdict

Presentation 8.5/10 - memorable characters, interesting story dialogue, and goofy presentation.

Gameplay 8/10 - good level design, variation of enemies ghost, the list of objectives, and great gameplay mechanics.

Graphics 8/10 - spectacular character's design, cartoony animation, and impressive environmental design.

Music and Sounds 9/10 - memorable soundtrack, solid sound design, and iconic voice role.

Special Features 7/10 -  unlockable bonus level, the vault room, and collectable E. Gadd medals.

Overall 8/10 - It is a solid overall title that gets everything right for a sequel that does better job than the first installiment thanks to fluid capturing system with improved gameplay mechanics, additional bonus missions, entertaining boss battles, great cast of enemy ghost, and has good multiplayer mode and excellent single player campaign that made Luigi's Mansion 2 a fun ghost-horror title on the 3DS library.

So what you're know? it's a Nintendo game everyone, it's supposed to be a fun games for all families and children, so I say this is definitely a buy for everyone who own a 3DS. Will I able to see another Luigi's spooky nightmare (Luigi's Mansion 3 on Switch)??? maybe just maybe for another future as consideration, but enough talk I'll go out and catch many ghost as possible with my vacuum cleaner, time for my ghost haunting action.   

     

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Metroid: Samus Returns 3DS Review

 

Metroid: Samus Returns is a 2D Side-Scrolling Adventure game only for 3DS, which was developed by MercurySteam and published by Nintendo. It is a full reimagining of the 1991's game for Game Boy called Metroid 2: Return of Samus which is the second remake on the series since the 2004's GBA title Metroid: Zero Mission.

Due to popularity back in between mid 80's and early 90's, Metroid is one of the video game series that pioneered the side-scrolling adventure genres which was known as Metroidvania helps influencing many developers for their own later titles such as Castlevania: Symphony of the Night, Cave Story, Shantae, and many others.

I had such fun playing much older titles from the series such as Super Metroid which was highly regarded as being the greatest game of all-time which was the reason why it is one of my favourite title on SNES thanks to dynamic exploration, atmospheres, intense bosses, and unique gameplay. 

I also enjoyed stuff like Metroid Fusion on GBA which deserves a same charm as the previous SNES's legacy title and then I was impressed with the Metroid Prime, a sub-series for both Gamecube and Wii which was heavily focused on 3D FPS perspective rather than 2D side-scrolling which I call it an outstanding transitions of the original franchise.

Then it got quite disappointing with the Metroid: Other M for Wii which I seen so many hate from the fans of the series wasn't pleased with the overall game being mediocre, but to me I don't really think it's that pretty bad which I consider it as the black sheep of the series due to game receiving a poor reputation from the fans, hell even the Metroid Prime: Federation Forces on 3DS is doing a worst job which had received a numerous negative reception from the gaming outlets for lacking Metroidvania approach from the original Metroid Prime trilogy and the absence of all-time favourite heroine Samus Aran which is a huge embarrassment for Nintendo just having a terrible day on both E3 2015 live conference and the actual release of dumpster fire title.

A year later, Nintendo had finally returning back to it's original form of the series with another title called Metroid: Samus Returns for 3DS which is a game that we been wanting from Nintendo.

The game was praised for its impressive visuals and improved gameplay over the original game which many called it a better Metroid game of 3DS library is the reason why I decided to brought this from online store for my 3DS library. 

After playing for weeks, I really happy to see how the game had turned out since I've played Metroid: Other M on Wii. It is good to have me playing another title of the series that I was hoping to see a good Metroid game once again.

It had large exploration of areas, improved gameplay features, and solid visuals that the game got everything stepped up in the right direction which is fully different from the original game counterpart.

So without go further do, let's start the review.

Presentation

The game takes place after the event of the first Metroid game. It sets in the year 20X5, where a lone bounty hunter named Samus Aran who had previously experiencing her first mission to defeat a pirate leader Mother Brain.

Due to disappearance of special squadron of Galactic Federation for investigation mission and retrieving a small sampling of data confirming a Metroid presence within the planet, she been sent her next mission at SR388 to destroy the remaining species.

I believe the game follows the similar story as the original game which is obviously true that is good to have an opening cutscenes added in the 3DS bringing the additional plot that you not going to see it on the original Game Boy version meaning that the remake is doing better when it's comes with the introductory of the game itself that is easier for newcomer to know what exactly the game is all about.

We all know Samus Aran is the most recognisable female character in video games makes a return for the recent title since the 7 years hiatus of the whole series.

She's one of the character that we all liked for her appearances and bounty hunter job which is the reason why she totally kicks all alien pirates asses making her a most recognisable character of whole series.

The game still retains the bosses from the original game such as alpha metroid, arachnus, gamma metroid, zeta metroid, omega metroid, and queen metroid, but this remake introduces two new bosses that weren't featured in the original such as diggernaut and proteus ridley which is kinda nice to add extra new bosses in the game.

There are 9 areas in the game which has different environmental design filled with bluey waterfalls, neon purple landscape, lava like pits, golden ruins, swamp like underground, greenery crystals, and many more locations with stylistic presentations which I kinda liked how the game looks very sci-fi alike in each areas giving a eerie tone of whole levels which is pretty amazing to discover things in the game. 

Overall, it has decent opening plot, recognisable character, and stylistic presentation.

Gameplay

In single-player campaign, you take control of Samus in 2D perspective which heavily focused on Metroidvania aspects such as exploration and collecting power-ups that requires to gain access to undiscovered location.

Your goal is to take down many metroid species as possible which leads you to next area at golden statues depending how many DNA samples you have collected so far.

You can check out your map on the touch-screen which helps you navigate the levels such as items, upgrades, power-ups, and remaining species whereabouts.

You will have basic arm cannon that shoots beam at enemies and objects, while holding R button and then press Y button to shoot missiles that deals slight damage. You can able to aim around in 360 degrees by holding L button then using circle pad that you can shoot in multiple direction.

You can able to get through the smaller paths by turning into morph ball with tapping circle pad down and roll along with pushing forward.

The game introduces the melee system that allow you to parry the enemy's attack by pressing the X button if the yellow cling appears, so you may need to press it in right timing if successfully parrying the enemies. 

It also has 4 aeion abilities that is rely on an energy gauge such as scan pulse that lets you scan the surrounding environment for hidden paths and items, the lighting armor are used for protective shield to prevents physical damage from enemy's projectiles and toxic acids, the beam burst allows you to enhanced beam attack power with rapid-fire shots which is effective against one of the enemy's weak spots, and phase drift lets you performing slow down time helps you get across the obstacles and slowing the enemy's paces down. 

There are several of the power-ups which can be located somewhere in the area such as charge beam that allow you to charge up your beam and release the powerful attack dealing with 2 times of damages, bomb can be used for breaking objects while on morph ball mode, ice beam freezes the enemy that you can hop on top to use it as platforming segment, spring ball lets you hop as morph ball while spider ball lets you stick and move across the walls paths, wave beam can shoot through the walls and objects while spazer beam shoots with 3 wavy projectiles, and high jump boots lets you jump twice as high while space jump performs multiple jumps let you reach at higher platform.

There are some of the power-ups that lets you activate blocked doors and open up blocked paths such as regular missiles that opens red, super missiles opens green, power bomb opens yellow, plasma beam destroying creature stuck on the blocked door, and using the screwattack breaks blocked paths. 

You can also find and discover the upgrades somewhere in the area such as missile tank that adds up your missile capacity, the energy tank that adds up your health capacity and the upgradable suits which prevents damages from the fire location room.  

You can recharge your missiles and energy by standing on the stations pods and you can fast travel through the areas by going into the traveling pods lets you select the locations you wanted to visit which is the quickest way of traveling through the locations instead of having a longer backtracking to the levels. 

You can able to save game by standing on the save pods lets you save progress that you can able to play again sometime, so it lets you continuing the game where you left off. 

I got to say that my overall experience of this game is played pretty well for most part because I had such fun of playing over the hours of Samus's next adventure. I really liked exploring around the level because I wanted to spent time of discovering the hidden items and searching for new locations which really helps me encouraging to get a full completion of the whole game as well as setting with the new time record for single-play.

The boss battles in the game is clearly a solid action that I wasn't feel disappointing with the recent Metroid game thanks to strategic enemy's patterns that really adds up a fun factor of the game and I got to say the combat gameplay is doing quite a job thanks to types of aeion abilities really helps me to worked effectively against some type of enemies that are difficult to kill, finding a locations that are undiscovered, using the protection shields to prevent damages, and making your pace faster than the enemies that is come in useful.  

I really liked the parrying system, useful power-ups and upgrades that it worked decently in this game

that I can able to perform a smooth counter-attack, shooting out 3 waves of plasma, swinging around with grapple beam, screwing in mid-air, and having to worn newer suit to reduce heat damaging is what I call a true Metroid experience. 

The actual controls feels just like playing the 2D classic Metroid games which I believe this game got it right with the button mapping such as shoot, melee, jumping, and morphing, as well as having to select any weapons on the touch-screen interface that worked pretty good for most part, but I do feel that the game does not give you an option to toggle the R button mechanism because I think holding the R button frequently is not the best way of using missile as I didn't want repeatedly holding the R button several times and the game did not have a lock-on target mechanism when aiming at the enemies and objects which it takes sometime to get used with the controls.

I do feel that the part that gotten frustrate me was the enemy's overpowered attacks that drains the player's health down too quickly especially fighting with the smaller types of enemies uses their instant attack deals with the heavy damage feels kinda way too overdone.

So far, I've managed to enjoy the game which is really nice to see a good Metroid game again that deserves a second chance, so I am very glad that the game had turned out pretty fun to play on Nintendo's handheld system.

Overall, it has large open-area with full exploration, solid gameplay with great abilities and weapons, and great boss battles.

Graphics

The graphics is stunningly impressive for the 3DS standards thanks to great environmental design for most areas, well made character's animation, fantastic details of landscape backgrounds, and the use of visual effects is looking damn amazing that they utilizes the game engine are heavily designed for 3DS hardware showing no signs of slow downs and missing frames meaning that the game ran perfectly on the 3DS making the best graphical technology that MercurySteam has ever done...OH lets not forget having the 3D effects turned on because it looks gorgeous playing on the 3DS with 3D effects that allow the environmental design looks and feels like playing a pre-3D Metroid titles.

Overall, it has great environmental design for most areas, well made character's animation, fantastic details of landscape backgrounds, and the use of visual effects.

Music and Sounds

The music in the game is the great rendition of the original game with fully arranged soundtrack was done by the composer Kenji Yamamoto had worked his score on mostly Metroid titles did a fabulous job of rearranging the original soundtrack of classic 1992's title for Nintendo Game Boy because I really liked the darker tone of the soundtrack fits pretty well for most areas is what made Metroid a recognisable game.         

It shares with memorable sound effects from the previous 2D Metroid game followed by great environmental sounds and ambient effects.

Overall, it has fabulous music and memorable sound designs.

Special Features

The game comes with 3 unlockable endings and hard mode adding a additional replay values and it also give you an option to scan the amiibo to unlock content such as art-work gallery, sound test, and fusion mode which is cool features, but it's kinda annoying to buy amiibo's figurine to have them unlocked which I rather have them preferred unlocking normally on gameplay. 

Overall, cool content.

Advantages

Stylistic presentation

Large exploration

Solid gameplay

Great boss battles

Fantastic graphic design

Fabulous soundtrack

Disadvantages

Overpowered enemy's attack

Missing out toggle function and lock-on mechanism

Unlockable content requires amiibos figurines 

Final Verdict

Presentation 8.5/10 - decent opening plot, recognisable character, and stylistic presentation.

Gameplay 7.5/10 - large open-area with full exploration, solid gameplay with great abilities and weapons, and great boss battles.

Graphics 9/10 - great environmental design for most areas, well made character's animation, fantastic details of landscape backgrounds, and the use of visual effects.

Music and Sounds 9/10 - fabulous music and memorable sound designs.

Special Features 8/10 - 3 unlockable endings, hard mode, art-work gallery, sound test, and fusion mode.         

     

Overall 8/10 - This is a very good title that the fans of the series can get a hands on with the full remake of the classic original. 

I am happy that Nintendo did make a good Metroid game again since the previous twos such as Metroid: Other M and Metroid Prime: Federation Forces are the most hated games in the series, but this game makes a triumph return of the Metroidvania's 2D root with decent changes of gameplay mechanism, fully exploring levels, graphically impressive visuals, and replay values.

I got to say it is not the best in the whole series, but it is also a great game that deserves to be my top 5 list of favourite 3DS libraries.

The game is quite pricy for over £30 from mostly online store which I was lucky I got this game just for £18 worth, so I say it is a buy for every 3DS collectors.

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