Top 5 NES Games

In year mid-80s where Nintendo Entertainment System had dominating the gaming market of third generation era. It is heavily regarded as being a most successful home consoles at the release which sold over 60 million units at worldwide due to cool looking hardware system filled with technically advanced 8-bit graphics that showing the power of the NES hardware, the controller were considered revolutionary at the times when they introducing d-pad controls, 2-action buttons and has select and start buttons which are used for extra playability, and it has most of the best NES library that packed with Platformers, Run n Guns, Hack N Slash, and RPGs.

I never had own the original NES at my good old 90's days until I have finally got hands on with the NES Classic Minis which is a miniature version of original NES was released in year 2016, so I had to pick it up so I can able to enjoy playing some classics like Mario, Zelda, Metroid, and so on. I wanted to focus on my favourite NES game that I really liked for its story presentation, challenge, style of gameplay and best looking graphics.

So without go further do here is my top 5 NES Games.



5 - Ninja Gaiden

          



















The game that caught my attention was the Ninja Gaiden which is a Hack N Slash game was created by Tecmo. You take control of a Ninja Warrior named Ryu Hayabusa went on his mission in America to avenge death of his father was murdered by unknown assailant while searching for the archaeologist named Walter Smith who knew the information about Ryu's father and the ancient demon statues.

I was blown away by the story presentation filled with cinematic designed cutscenes and story dialogue in which I was impressed to see how developers can able to fit well in the whole NES cartridge. It has beautifully made animated sequences and fantastic storyline that are easy to understand the game's plot.
What really made Ninja Gaiden so great was the 2D gameplay style which is very similar to Konami's NES title such as Castlevania, but with added newer mechanics in the game such as ability to jump and climb walls which is very new to the genres. Ryu has abilities to use basic katana sword as primary weapon, while using his techniques as secondary attack such as throwing stars, twirling fireballs and jumping slash which is very useful for most of the levels and boss battles. The game was known for being ridiculously tough to beat as the whole game filled with the respawning enemies and having to remember all the enemy's patterns including boss characters is what really makes the game harder to play, but it really does adds up the fun factor of the game. The level presentation has cool looking stages including city, forrests and ancient temple which has well designed levels due to great use of parallax background effects, well builted stage design with great use of textures, flashy special effects and great character animation sprites are looking spectacular for NES hardware. This game also has the best original soundtrack of each story cutscenes and levels which really fits well to the series.

Ninja Gaiden is definitely a finest Hack N Slash titles of 80's which I highly recommend you all to play.



4 - Castlevania

            



















I was familiar with this series back in a day where I've played Super Castlevania IV on SNES which is one of my favourite game of the series that got me interest to play some of the Castlevania titles like Castlevania: Bloodlines on SEGA Genesis/Megadrive, Castlevania Advenures on Game Boy original and Castlevania: Symphony of the Night on PS1.
The game that I really wanted to play was Castlevania on NES which is a action-platformer title was created by Konami, a same company was very known for their famous franchises of the retro gaming days like Gradius, Contra, Silent Hill and Metal Gear Solid.
You take control of vampire killer named Simon Belmont has set off his quest to defeat the vampire named Count Dracula as your goal is to reach at the Dracula's whereabouts by completing all of stages.

The game was known for darker and gritter presentation in the whole levels and the game mixes the genres with platforming and action styled gameplay.
Simon Belmont has a basic whip attacks while upgrading the whip makes it better for the longer range attacks and it has useful items attacks such as throwing knives, holy water, and throwing axe. The game filled with the types of enemies such as flying medusa's head, bats scatted around, dead skeletons, and knights are the highlight of the game for its difficulty as you have to memorise their attacking patterns which is great for its platforming gameplay, while this game has several of tough ass boss characters such as Death the Grimreaper, Frankenstein's Monster, Mummy Men, Phantom Bats, Medusa, and of course Dracula which really adds the epicness of the game.
I also liked the look of the graphics which has very gothic looking stage design and quite medieval looking enemy's sprites which really fits well to the series as I really liked the gritty styled castle building and horror style presentation that really adds the atmospheres, so if you're looking for a great action-platformers titles then this game is for you to play.



3 - Megaman 2

      
















      
Ahhh good old Blue Bomber, Megaman is considered to be a Capcom's legendary franchise was known for having a best boss battles, hazardous level design, catchy soundtrack, and cool weapons is what really makes the game so amazing to play and of course Megaman is also a lovable video game heroes that he can kick all the robots masters and Dr Wily asses in pieces.
Starting off with the NES original Megaman was first came out in year 1987 and it was well received at the release, but not quite successful as the later Megaman titles. It was praised for its overall game design and difficulty which is a biggest highlight of the game, but it was later improved for its better sequel called Megaman 2 was came out a year later after the first game which featured a password system, improved audio-visuals, and new power-ups. Unlike the first Megaman, the sequel had becoming a commercial success which sold over 1.5 million units and it also listed as being one of a greatest game of all-times.

I grew up playing several of the Megaman titles such as Megaman X for SNES, Megaman X4 for PS1, and Megaman 9 and Megaman 10 for PS3 in which I had fun playing over an hours, but until I got hands on with Megaman 2 on my NES Classic Mini which I considered this game as my favourite game in the series.
It is a action-platformer title that you take control of a blue bomber named Megaman has his mission to stop Dr Wily's evil plan once again as he has to take out those robot masters in order to reach at Dr Wily's whereabouts.
Megaman has abilities to use his blaster as primary weapons, while you can able to gain new weapons after beating stages such as Metal Blade, Atomic Fire, Quick Boomerang, Bubble Lead and more which is very effective to use heavy damage on any of robot masters depending what their weakness are being immune to. While the weapons are worked absolutely fine in the whole game especially with boss battles, the platforming stages are quite hazardous which requires players to avoid those enemy's projectiles and some dangerous objects without taking so much damage which really adds the fun of the game itself.
The game does also have an memorable characters including most of the robot masters did have an awesome concepts to the game and I say Dr Wily is by far the best villain of 80's gaming era. I also liked the graphic design in the whole game which is very futuristic and colourful which makes the whole environment looked amazing for its NES standards and it does have a catchy original soundtrack that Megaman series are also being known making it a memorable video game soundtrack in history.

Megaman 2 is a better choice that I highly recommend playing this on not just the original NES, but it is also available on Switch, PS4, XBONE and PC as part of the Megaman Legacy Collection.



2 - The Legend of Zelda

  
  















"IT'S DANGEROUS TO GO ALONE! TAKE THIS"  Memorable Quote from Unnamed Old Man in The Legend of Zelda   

Zelda franchise is always be my all time favourite Action-Adventures series that Nintendo has ever produced. Going for quest to save a Princess Zelda, defeating evil Ganon, gaining three triforces, solving the puzzles, retrieving an items from open chest, collecting rupees and running around the overworld is what made Zelda series so much fun.
It's regarded as being one of the Nintendo's most successful video game franchise had received acclaimed titles such as Breath of the Wild, Link To The Past, The Windwaker, Twilight Princess, Majora's Mask and of course the legendary title Ocarina of Time had won several video game awards and being listed as greatest video game of all-time.

I had fun playing some of the Zelda's titles back in my days where I had SNES, N64, Gamecube, and Wii, until I finally had a chance to play The Legend of Zelda on my NES Classic Mini. The story set in the fantasy land of Hyrule is been horribly invaded by evil Ganon and his army. In attempts to stop Ganon from stealing the triforce, the hyrule Princess named Zelda has splitting the triforce in eight pieces and hides them into secret underground dungeons before she being kidnapped by Ganon. You get to play as the Hyrule's hero named Link setting off his quest to collect eight missing pieces, defeat Ganon and rescue Zelda.

The game is actually mixed with the genres of open-world Action-Adventures and RPGs elements which was played on overhead perspective allowing players to explore the large map of overworld with various environments. The combat gameplay is much more simple and easy to use as Link uses his sword as primary weapon while some items such as bomb, boomerang, and arrow are the secondary weapons which is very effective for some different types of enemies. There are some useful items that adds the variety of gameplay elements such as candle for its dark area, life potion to increase health, rings that reduced hit damage, and stepladder to walk past the small spans of water, lava and pits which makes the game so unique to its genres. What makes the game really entertaining was the dungeon stages which filled with clever puzzle solving, great exploration to discover the new areas including secret passage, and excellent boss battles which adds the fun factor of the game itself.
The game was praised for its fantasy setting presentation, memorable musical score, detailed graphic design, and non-linear gameplay which makes the franchise a biggest pioneer of the Action-Adventures genres.



1 - Super Mario Bros

                  


















"THANK YOU MARIO, BUT OUR PRINCESS IS AT ANOTHER CASTLE" Memorable Quote from Toad in Super Mario Bros

Yes everyone, we all know that Super Mario Bros is always be the greatest game ever made.
Starting off with mastermind video game creator Shigeru Miyamoto who had previously worked on his early 80's arcade title like Donkey Kong and Mario Bros. He wanted to make a different Mario title that focused on more of the Side-Scrolling platformer which is Super Mario Bros was originally released at the year of 1985. During the release of the Super Mario Bros on NES, it became worldwide successful which sold over 40 million copies making it a best-selling games of all time and it is also listed as being the greatest game of all-time which turns the popular franchise into a worldwide phenomenon. The success of the franchise had spread with numerous sequels, spin-offs, animations, movies and merchandises.

Mario is always be my favourite video game heroes that loves spending time to jump on goombas, kicking koopa's shell, throwing fireballs, entering warp pipe, saving Princess Peach all the times from King Bowser, you name it because it's f***ing Mario, so everyone loves their favourite Italian plumber hero. I grew up playing several of Mario titles back in my childhood days when I had SNES, N64, GBC, GBA, and GC kept at my bedroom to play games like Super Mario All-Stars, Super Mario World, Super Mario Kart, Super Mario 64, Super Mario Land, and Super Mario Sunshine that really defining my gaming life as a kid, but in my nowadays I have finally had my NES Classic Mini to play those classic games especially with Super Mario Bros is by far my favourite NES game of all-time.
You take control of heroic Italian plumber named Mario to rescue Princess Peach from that mean ass Koopa King named Bowser.

The game is very straight-forward to play as it plays on side-scrolling gameplay style where your goal is to beat all the stages without wasting time limit by heading straight to finishing flagpole in order to enter King Bowser's castle. Along with the goals, you had ability to jump and dash as the main part of the gameplay action which is used for jumping over the obstacles without falling off the stage and there are koopa's minions that gets in your way such as brown mushroom shaped goomba, bouncy turtle Koopa Troopa, non-stop hammer throwing minion hammer bro, big black missile bullet bill, and of course chomping pipe creature piranha plant that you are requiring to dodge or kill those enemies is what adds the overall challenge. The flower power and star invincibility are also comes in handy which allows you to attack enemies quicker which is a great addition to its side-scrolling elements.
It has memorable stages including overworld level, underground area, seawater stage, and King Bowser's castle are the main highlights of the game. The graphics are looked phenomenal which has aged remarkably well over the years and lets not forget the Koji Kondo's famous theme song in the game are widely considered to be a huge landmark of video game music genres which turned into a biggest signature song of Mario franchise.

While I've also enjoyed playing another sequel such as Super Mario Bros 2 and 3 which are also fantastic overall, but Super Mario Bros is still remains my number 1 favourite NES game of all-time.




Honorable Mentions:

Kirby's Adventures
Contra
Batman
Battletoads
Blaster Master
Kid Icraus
Metroid
Final Fantasy
Punch Out
Gradius
Startropics



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Nintendo Classic Mini Console Review

Back in the early 80s when the crash of gaming industry had been starting off in between 1983 and 1985 where several of companies had declared with bankruptcy which causes them to stop producing their home computers and video game consoles in their region. Due to poor reception of Atari 2600's title such as Pac-Man 2600 and E.T the Extra-Terrestrial are the biggest examples of failures that damages the company's reputation which led Atari, Inc. to decline in 1984, there are one of the game console that saved the gaming industry was Nintendo Entertainment System is a Japanese 8-bit game system created by Nintendo was released in year between 1985-86 for western release and it is considered to be not only being one of the greatest game console of all-time, but it is also being one of the best-selling console of 80's which sold over 60 million worldwide. It was known for being technically impressive 8-bit graphics filled with colourful and advanced looking game design, the controllers are fully well-designed for the quality of gameplay style, it has memorable 8-bit soundtrack that defined video game music genres, with all the help and support of third-party developers making their titles for the Nintendo's system, and spawns numerous of killer games that defined gaming like Mega Man, Castlevania, Contra, Ninja Gaiden, Kirby's Adventures, The legend of Zelda and of course the Nintendo's biggest landmark title Super Mario Bros which is highly successful video game franchises in history.

The success of Nintendo Entertainment System had inspired several of manufacture companies such as SEGA, Atari Corp, Panasonic, Philips, Sony, and Microsoft in later gaming generation of 90's to 2000's. With the legacy of NES, the company Nintendo had decided to make a smaller version of their successful 8-bit console called Nintendo Classic Mini (AKA NES Classic Edition in US and Nintendo Classic Mini: Family Computer in Japan) was released in November 2016. It's a miniature game system which features 30 licensed NES library and ability to use save state for all of them. It sold 2.3 million of game system during the release and got discontinued in April 2017 which causing confusion to consumers and leading with higher price among sellers. Due to console demand, Nintendo had finally re-release the system on June 2018 till December 2018.

Back in my gaming nostalgia days when I grew up playing several of classic game systems such as SNES, Megadrive, N64, PS1, Saturn, Dreamcast, Gamecube, Xbox original, and GBA, but I never had a chance to play the original NES until in 2016 I had finally got hands on with the Nintendo Classic Mini because I f***ing love Nintendo with passion, so I had to get this bad boy setup on my HDTV and start playing several of great NES title in over 3 hours a day. I was super surprised with the mini system had turned out to be a successful which did not disappoint me at all as I really enjoyed playing Super Mario Bros, Kirby's Adventures, Punch-Out, Donkey Kong and many of games to play on this tiny little system. I love several of the NES games titles which I felt this is a great choice to fit well on the NES library and I also liked the NES controller which is simplistic and comfortable to hold. The graphics and sound design are so far well emulated on HDTV standards offering much tidier and neater display and all of the sounds were still present for most of the NES titles. Despite the positive aspects of this system, it also had some minor drawbacks such as short length wire, missing posters and plug adaptor for European releases, and some favourites NES titles weren't featured in the classic mini such as Batman, Blaster Master, Ducktales and Battletoads in which I will discuss these further later while reviewing this product. I'm very glad that it was manufactured by Nintendo themselves because I didn't want to buy any of crappy third-party companies like how AtGames, a companies who was known for making their piss poor clones consoles, totally destroys their clone version of SEGA's beloved console from early 90's such as SEGA Genesis/Megadrive, so looks like SEGA got their lesson learned because Nintendo just got their own dedicated console right where it should be and knows how to make the console properly before the release. 


So without go further do, lets start the review.



Hardware and Design

On the box set of Nintendo Classic Mini, it has nicely made front cover art of this package that has the image of the game system and controller with 30 games pre-installed that really adds the public attention to consumers. I also liked the gradient background colour of black and blue adding with white doted on the front of the box set, while the side of the box shows the person's hand holding the NES mini console and the back of the box shows the selection of NES library which I think it's pretty look good for its box art design meaning it gives a significant feel of the original NES from the mid-80's.
After unboxing things, it comes with one manual which has a guidance instructions to help you how to set up the game console correctly which comes useful, it comes with one controller which you will need it in order to play NES game by plugging into the console ports, the USB power supply cable are used for powering up your console where you can plug it on the USB port, but unfortunately the European release doesn't come with the USB plug adaptor so unlike the US release you have to buy a USB adaptor separately from the store, the HDMI cable are for connecting from back of game console into the HDTV which allows system to display the game in the HDTV screen. So far the actual game box are packaged nicely well especially with the brand new condition that keeps the overall product well neatly without any signs of damage.

The design of the mini console is just about the size of the human hands which feels quite lighter to hold as the build quality of the system are quite acceptable which Nintendo has done properly right meaning that it doesn't feel any cheap and clunky on the system which I'm glad that the NES Classic Mini is looking spectacular to see how they managed to make a perfect quality console. This console obviously resembles to 80's original NES which I really liked the overall design with orangy red font style on the front of the console and the whole console mixed with light and dark grey surfaces with vertically black rectangular shaped on the top-right side of the console. It has two button on the front-left side of the console where you can able to turn on or reset your console and the front-right side of the console has two controller ports which is very identical to Nintendo Wii Remote's port which is different from the original NES controller port from the 80's has only 7 pins connector. The back of the system has USB power supply port which you will need to connect from the system into the USB port of devices or adapter, while the HDMI output port connects from the system into the HDMI output port of HDTV.

While testing the NES mini console for more than the week, I felt the hardware emulation is responding well as the original NES which I don't see any sign of game crashes and major slowdowns meaning that this system is quite flawless with no sudden mistakes when using the NES system for 3 hours a day. There are some minor glitch for some NES game (such as Super Mario Bros 3, Megaman 2 and Kirby's Adventures) was present on the original NES version which I don't think it would effect the gameplay overall as I say that it plays absolutely fine with no sign of display lags when playing these awesome game on HDTV.
It is good to see that most of the NES titles on the European NES Classic Mini system are running on the forced NTSC region meaning that the NTSC version has better emulation speed than the slower PAL version.
For example, I've began to research by watching the video comparison between the NTSC and PAL version of the original NES console where most of the TV technologies from the 80's had different two encoding systems on each countries such as the NTSC are originated from Americas, while PAL are originated from Europe. I started to notice that the NTSC version of original NES console runs on 1.79 MHz allowing the games to have better overall frame rate and screen resolution, while the PAL version of original NES console has 1.66 MHz which is slightly slower compared with NTSC, but still remains playable. So far, the NES Classic Mini had worked positively which I barely see any of problems on this hardware meaning that the Nintendo had done successfully well on making this piece of technology as being a highest quality of all dedicated console.


Overall, it has sleek console design, great build quality and responsive hardware emulation.



Presentation

On the menus, you can see how good the user interface looks such as icons, images, colours and designs. I really liked the dark blue backgrounds and the grey layouts of menus which presenting really well for the NES theme. I felt that the menus are easier to navigate things because it has highlighted blue box which allows you to navigate things as the navigation in the menus felt really smoother to control these selectable options. I really liked the icons on the top menus which helps me able to recognising these options easier such as display which has TV display icon, options has tool icon, languages has letter symbol, manuals has question mark icon and legal notice has paper icon, and I also liked the wings animation and size of box screen on the save state options. On the front of the NES menu screen which has selection of games to choose as these games title has image of game's front cover, four smaller circles for save states and player icon for number of players.

I believe these numerous of NES titles were included on this system are seems to be pretty wise choice for NES mini console such as Super Mario Bros, The Legend of Zelda, Ninja Gaiden, Super C, Castlevania, Kirby's Adventures, Donkey Kong, Excitebike, Final Fantasy, Punch Out, and Megaman 2 which really fits well for the NES categories, while I think Tecmo Bowl and Castlevania II: Simon's Quest are kinda seems to be bizarre choices for NES collection because I'm not good at playing the American Football type of game and it would have been better if Castlevania 3: Dracula's Curse were included on this than the Simon's Quest in my opinion, but still it wasn't a bad thing to have it on the NES Classic Mini library. There are some fewer missing games that aren't present on the NES classic mini such as Contra, Ducktales, Batman, Battletoads and Blaster Master which should have been a much fun choice to add it on the NES mini system.

So far, I really liked the overall presentation and the game choices of NES console mini as it appeals to all retro gaming fans who liked the old-school style gaming may going to enjoy playing these games on the modern HDTV.


Overall, it has simple UI design, easy to navigate menus and great selection of NES games.



Controller

The original NES controller is remarkably legendary when it comes with the classic 8-bit gaming was known for innovative gameplay which heavily utilises the NES controller meaning it has ability to add more commands for its gameplay style such as allowing character to move, jump, shoot, and etc.

Going back to this controller for NES console mini which is exactly the same as the original NES controller, but there are notable differences from the original. It has the rectangular shape of the controller with d-pad, 2-buttons, and Start and Select button just like the original, but it has different wired plug which is identical to Nintendo Wii's Classic Controller which fits into the Wii remote's port so I can able to use NES classic mini controller plugged into the Wii remote to play Virtual Console NES titles which is sounds pretty cool. The overall design itself is definitely spot on because the button layout on the controller is well designed and I liked the shape of the controller which is comfortable to hold and play many of the NES games, but the problem on this controller is that the wire is lot shorter than the original NES which is harder for gamers when trying to bring their controller near them as they preferred sitting on the couch far way from TV over sitting on the floor near too close to TV unless getting the third-party extension cord is the best option to make the wire much longer. So far, I really liked the controller because its one of the most inspiring video game controller ever created by Nintendo themselves. I have no issues with the controller while playing some of the NES titles such as Super C where I can able to shoot anywhere in different direction and on Super Mario Bros I can able to dash and jump at same time which works absolutely fine with no annoying input lags whatsoever meaning that the controller is still fantastic overall.


Overall, it has impressive design and responsive controls.



Graphics and Sounds

The graphics in each NES titles are looking spectacularly on the HDTV due to use of HDMI output can able to run on 720p/1080p making it look more cleaner and neater without any signs of blurry ness and messy images. You have the options to select any of three graphics filters such as CRT which is more of the old-school style filters from CRT TV of 80's and 90's, the 4:3 resolution has normal size screen which is more balanced looking pictures with simple filters, and the pixel perfect has smaller screen but has better graphics filters which I preferred more of this better over the previous displays options. I see no signs of display lags on the HDTV which I believe Nintendo knew how the classic gaming console worked properly when testing several of NES games to see if works properly done on HDTV.

The sounds on the NES classic mini has catchy 8-bit tunes on the menus which kinda reminds me of jingle tunes from Wii Shop Channels. The soundtrack from the NES titles had worked really well meaning it hasn't missing out the melodies whatsoever making it a near perfect music when listening some memorable tunes such as Mega Man 2, Castlevania, Ninja Gaiden, Punch Out and many of games, and the sound effects are also present on every NES games with no sudden sounds delays meaning that all sound effects are working fine as normally on original NES.


Overall, it has cleaner graphics and perfect sounds design.



Special Features

What really made this mini system cool that aren't present on the Original NES console was the ability to use save states that allows you to save game as a bookmarks so you can able to continue the game where you left off makes very easier for newcomers to save whatever they want and other cool features is that your Wii classic controller are compatible for this system meaning that you can able to play NES games with your Wii classic controller which I finding it a wise choice by Nintendo because now I can use my Madcatz Arcade Controller (Wii) on this system which worked really well when playing most of the NES titles. It's a shame that they didn't include the poster from the US release which is kinda bummer for those who have NES Classic Mini from European release because I really wanted to stick the cool looking poster in my bedroom, but oh well that's Nintendo to you guys. 


Overall it has cool save states and compatible controllers.



Advantages

Sleek looking old-school console

Great controller with no input lags

Magnificent selection of games to play

Game looks fantastic on HDTV with much cleaner graphics filters

Perfect sounds emulation

Cool special features


Disadvantages

Some few games are missing such as Contra, Ducktales, Castlevania 3: Dracula Curse, Batman, Blaster Master and Battletoads (Why Not?!)

Short length of wire

The poster and DC plug adapter were missing on European release


Final Verdict


Hardware and Design 9.5/10 - sleek console design, great build quailty and responsive hardware emulation.

Presentation 9/10 - simple UI design, easy to navigate menus and great selection of NES games.

Controller 9/10 -  impressive design and responsive controls.

Graphics and Sounds 9.5/10 -  cleaner graphics and perfect sounds design.

Special Features 9.5/10 -  cool save states and compatible controllers.


Overall 9.5/10 - Nintendo Classic Mini is got to be one of the best dedicated console ever I've bought it for my gaming collection. It has tons of NES games to play, great controller, options to change filters, having Wii Classic Controller compatibility and everything that this system has to offer. I had such fun of playing this system over a 3 hours a days with zero flaws and not making any of issues meaning this things works brilliantly for the fans of the retro gaming.

This system cost originally £50 at the release which unfortunately when the mini system went out of stock quickly that causing to increase cost higher than the original price meaning that it makes lot harder for consumers to buy it from online or retail store because it may be harder to find as it goes fully rare and expensive now of days, unless find something cheaper from any of local video game store or flea market for less than the original price. Despite the ridiculous high price due to out of stock units, I'm very glad that I had thing thing in time so I can able to spend time more playing on NES system and I highly recommended to all the collectors to go pick it up and play all your favourite classics to bring back your gaming nostalgia, so if you are able to master all your favourite classics NES titles then now you're playing with the power.
                                                             

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Shantae: Half-Genie Hero: Ultimate Edition PS4 Review

Shantae: Half-Genie Hero is a 2D Side-Scrolling Adventure game for PS4, PSVita, XBONE, Wii U, Switch and PC and it is a sequel to previous titles of the series. It was first originally released in 2016 as digital title for all version, while Switch version was later released in year later. The game was finally get a physical releases in 2018 as Ultimate Edition which packed with fully completed content included on game disc, soundtrack CD and official artbook.

I got very impressed with previous game title that I've played on my PS4 such as Shantae: Risky's Revenge and Shantae and the Pirate's Curse, so I'm definitely look forward to play with Shantae's new title as I'm a huge fan of playing several of 2D side-scrolling games. This game comes with brand new adventures with more exploration and discoveries, great storylines and cast of characters, complex gameplay with 2D metroidvania-style, and fluid looking animation as I had a fun spending time playing this game for more than an hours which kept me more motivated to enjoy this awesome title. Shantae: Half-Genie Hero is a remarkable game that the series is kept getting better with numerous of sequels really shows how much the game had improved upon from the previous titles.

So without go further do, lets start the review.



Presentation

The game takes place after the event of the previous title. The story focused on Half-Genie girl named Shantae, who been awoken from her dream experience after discovering the Genie Realm. She began to visit her Uncle named Mimic who is working on a new invention known as the Dynamo, which will keep the Scuttle Town protected from the attack until the town was been invaded by Pirate leader named Risky Boots and their minions known as Tinkerbat are aiming to steal Mimic's blueprint. After Shantae had finally finished battle against Risky Boots, Mimic had given her quest to collect the remaining components which requires Dynamo to get it run, so Shantae begins searching across Sequin Land for the remaining components with the help of her friends such as Bolo, Rottytops and Sky.

The story in the game is still positively interesting which explains that how Shantae had discovered her mysterious dreams which she was visited by the Genie Realm tries to warns her with the fewer important details. The story in the game are also has cool storylines between Shantae and cast of characters that kept the story ongoing such as the part where Mayor Scuttlebutt once again fires her from her position as the town's guardian genie due to Risky's escape and the damage incurred in Scuttle Town, and the part where Shantae started to confronting her enemies before the battle starts are also pretty good for its single-player story dialogue.
I really liked the style of animation on its characters to make it look more like Japanese anime with acceptable personality and facial expressions, and it also has really great dialogue boxes on the actual sildeshow cutscenes.
Shantae as a playable character is still an amazing protagonist in whole game which was known for her special powers, long-purple hair, and has cool belly-dancing sequences, while the supportive characters such as Mimic, Sky, Rottytops and Bolo are also quite memorable in the game. I got to admit the cast of villains such as Risky Boots are cool and edgy looking female pirate that always loves spending time putting trouble on Shantae. She is so much just like from the other video game villains of popular 2D platformer games such as Dr.Wily from Megaman series and Dr. Robotnik from Sonic the Hedgehog series. Several of boss characters such as Ammo Baron, Squid Baron, possessed Giga Mermaid, and others are also quite good in the game.

I really liked the concept of level design filled with fitted kinds of settings such as the main streets are more like the arabian-style environments, the Mermaid Fall are full of water and forrest, Tassel Town are sandy-dessert places, Cape Crustacean has racing-circuit track, and Hypno Baron's Castle filled with horror typed settings which is very well made for its single-player presentation.

Overall, it has great storylines, excellent characters, and cool level concepts.



Gameplay

At the main game, you take control of Shantae exploring around the level to collect important key items, gaining new abilities, and defeating boss in each locations.
She uses her long-purple hair as a basic attack to knock down enemies, but you are also required to gain more abilities, upgrades and magic items which allows your character to become more stronger for its attacks, so in order to do so, you will need to earn enough of gems which you are able to purchase it from the shop in Scuttle Town. The upgradable items will allow to reducing damage hit and increasing attack power, while magic items such as fireball, pike ball, Scimitar, and Storm Puff which is used for its magic attacks and bubble are used to protect character from enemy's projectiles which worked very effectively for its combat gameplay. You will able to earn more abilities by defeating the boss which allows you to perform transformation into different kinds of animals such as the monkey are used for climbing on walls, the mermaid and crabs can swim underneath the water, the bat and bird has ability to fly through the level, the elephant can break through the heavy objects, the spider can crawl through the top path, and the mouse can access through the smaller lines of sculptures which adds the newer variety of gameplay style.
What makes the game very interesting is that you can able to do side-quest where people in the certain location had given you a objectives to complete the task by finding a missing important key items are required to access a new map in the game, so it is a good to re-visit the same level to find a new discoveries such as hidden secret areas and obtaining new items from treasure chest.
The gameplay plays really amazing with their useful magic items, transformation abilities and combat controls which worked really well for its 2D side-scrolling environment. I also liked the level design choices with bigger area to explore and I loved the platforming style in the game where you had to avoid hazards objects and jumping through the levels which adds the overall game's challenge, so the level has great segmants such as the Cape Crustacean where you had to jump on magic carpet during the race, the Mermaid Falls where you had to avoid objects without falling off the stage and the Tassel Town where you had to survive through from the dangerous pet worm which increases the game's atmospheres. The boss battle in each levels are also quite entertaining especially playing on both Main and Hardcore mode which makes the game even fun to play.
What really makes the game quite bummer is the lack of the actual map screens on the pause menu which are used for examining the level stages in whole game was unfortunately not included in this game making it quite too linear compared with previous game which allows you to check the map screens.

There are two replayability modes such as Hero mode where you can able to re-visit a same main story with few transformations at the start, while the Hardcore mode focuses on a old-school style gameplay with much more harder difficulty to play which adds the fun replay values of the whole game.
You can also play these two expansions such as Pirate Queen's Quest which you're playing as the main villain Risky Boots, while Friends to the End takes control of three playable characters such as Sky, Rottytops and Bolo which focused on different playstyle and storylines.
There are four non-story mode to play such as the Ninja Mode, Officer Mode, Beach Mode and the Jammies Mode which is a nice addition to the game itself, but my favourite two are Ninja and Officer Mode because the Ninja mode is basically like Ninja Gaiden for NES, while Officer Mode heavily borrows the same gameplay mechanics from Mighty Switch Force series which I kinda enjoyed the most, but I do find Beach Mode is kinda weak compared with other game modes due to my frustration on sunburn damage which quickly drains down your health which makes the game down right unplayable, but at least the Jammies Mode plays it better overall which is a much more nicer addition.

Overall, it has amazing 2D gameplay style, great exploration, cool new abilities and items, and extra modes to play.


Graphics

The graphics in the game is looking so spectacular with anime-style characters and cartoony looking environments.

The characters in the game are well drawn with fluid animations and great use of facial expressions which adds the personality of the character's development. the level environment is looking amazing on each locations such as Scuttle Town has whomping 3D panoramic background effects, the Mermaid Fall and Tassel Town has really crystal clear water animation and sandy dust wind effects which is looking quite cool. The whole environment is quite colourful with amazing background details and some great use of textures on level objects. I got to admit that the game is looking different from the previous titles are more of 16-bit style presentation which is excellent, but I adored with the newer style graphics for the recent title to make the game looked more up to date.

Overall, it has spectacular character's design, amazing level environment and great use of special effects.


Music and Sounds

We all know Shantae series always has the best original soundtrack in every game.
The music was composed by Jake Kaufman, a well known composer behind Shovel Knight, Ducktales: Remastered, and previous Shantae titles, did a incredible job of making a wicked electronic arabian style soundtrack on whole game which really fits well on every game levels. The game also has great use of sound effects for most of the levels with amazing background noise and atmospheric effects, while the voice acting in the in-game dialogue and gameplay stages seems to be quite limited instead of using a proper full voice over which is kinda shame, but its still sounds good overall that didn't effect the story dialogue.

Overall, it has incredible soundtrack, decent sounds and acceptable partial voices.



Special Features

The physical ultimate edition of the game bundled with artbook, soundtrack CD and all completed content such as two DLC expansion story, costumes and extra game modes are included on actual game disk. The game are also featuring bonus gallery mode including fanart and unlockable transformation for single-player mode such as Sophia III from Blaster Master Zero.

Overall, its a proper full completed game for all collectors. 




Advantages

Excellent Presentation

Amazing 2D Gameplay

Spectacular Graphics

Incredible Soundtrack

Ultimate Edition of physical copies packed with completed bundle.

So much replay values.


Disadvantages

Lack of actual map screens

No fully voice over for story dialogue

Beach Mode aren't as fun as other game modes


Final Verdict


Presentation 9/10 - Great storylines, excellent characters, and cool level concepts.

Gameplay 9/10 - Amazing 2D gameplay style, great exploration, cool new abilities and items, and extra modes to play.

Graphics 8.5/10 - Spectacular character's design, amazing level environment and great use of special effects.

Music and Sounds 8.5/10 - Incredible soundtrack, decent sounds and acceptable partial voices.

Special Features 9/10 - Proper fully completed game for all collectors.


Overall 9/10 - Like I've enjoyed the previous titles of Shantae series, this is by far not the only best 2D side-scrolling game, but its one of the better sequel of the whole series which I'm very happy to see what the developers can able to push the game forward allowing to make the series getting so much further and better with the awesome artstyle of game graphics, exciting game modes to play, complex 2D gameplay style, catchy arabian-style soundtrack, and great story presentation with cool characters is the main highlight of whole game especially with the ultimate edition of physical copies is a nicer addition for all video game collectors should able to pick this game up for worth less than the original price because Shantae: Half-Genie Hero is a outstanding game for all the fans of retro gaming. 



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My 5 Christmas Wish List of 2018

Yep, it's almost Christmas, a holiday that where people celebrating this season with bunch of Christmas related stuff like decorations, trees, building snowman, dressing up as Santa, singing Christmas Carol, watching Christmas films, preparing special dinner and of course unwrapping the present from the family and friends is what the Christmas is all about, but I wanted to focus on the things that I considering getting it on this holiday as I'm looking forward to see what kind of my gifts that I end up getting, so I decided to make my own wishlist that I wanted to have on the day of Christmas.

Here is my 5 Christmas Wish List of 2018.



1 - Nintendo Classic Mini

Back in the day of mid-80's where gaming console had becoming a worldwide successful which is the original Nintendo Entertainment System that finally saves the gaming industries from the terrible crash of Video Game in 1983 due to numerous of game libraries, third-party support, simple controller design, colourful 8-bit graphics and memorable soundtrack from each games that really defines gaming.   

Despite the success of the original NES console from the 80's, Nintendo had finally revealed the smaller version of NES which is a Nintendo Classic Mini (AKA NES Classic Edition in US and Nintendo Classic Mini: Family Computer in Japan) was released in year November 2016 and then got discontinued in April 2017. Due to high demands of NES Classic Mini console, it got re-released in June 2018. This dedicated system helps the gamers of 80's era by re-visiting back to their childhood favourites featuring a 30 games titles built-in such as Ninja Gaiden, Megaman 2, Castlevania, Super Contra, Metroid, Legend of Zelda, Super Mario Bros and many more great titles to play on.

I felt that the price of this system is very reasonable which made me want to pick it up for less than £50 because I just really wanted to play these old-school gaming, so if I don't buy this on time before it went out of stock again then the NES Classic Mini goes really expensive for more than the original price cost.



2 - Shantae: Half Genie Hero - Ultimate Edition (PS4)

     
















I was super impressed with the past Shantae titles such as Shantae: Risky's Revenge, and Shantae and the Pirate's Curse which is the 2D metroidvania games where you take control of half-genie girl named Shantae sets her quest to save her homeland from the evil Pirate leader named Risky Boots. During her quest, Shantae has her ability to use her hair as whip attack and using her magic items as well as unlocking her new abilities and discovering new locations which leading her to battle against her nemesis in whereabouts.

While I finding these games are quite entertaining, I'm considering to pick the physical copy of Shantae: Half-Genie Hero - Ultimate Edition which comes with official soundtrack, artbook, and all DLCs pack are included on the actual completed game disc. I'm looking forward to play a newer titles filled with brand new adventures with story and gameplay, cartoon style graphics, and more game modes with extra content.



3 - Sonic Mania Plus (PS4)

   

















Back in my old days of 90's where the Blue Hedgehog named Sonic had becoming one of a SEGA's most lovable mascot that really made SEGA's 16-bit hardware quite successful. The very first Sonic game that came out in year 1991 for SEGA Genesis/Megadrive to complete with their rivalry such as Nintendo's memorable mascot Mario with the SNES. It sold over 15 million copies worldwide that led into SEGA's success which spawned numerous of sequels, spin-offs, toy merchandises, cartoon shows, comic books and etc.
Despite the success of the franchise, it went go down the drain with shitty Sonic later titles in around mid-2000s and nowadays. SEGA had learned their lesson from their horrible titles from the past (such as Sonic 06 and Unleashed) which led the team to work on the project called Sonic Mania which is a 2D platformer game that finally brings back the original 16-bit root of the classic Sonic titles that we all love.
It filled with enhancement 2D graphics resembling the classic 16-bit era, 12 levels including eight redesigned stages from the past games, speedy 2D platforming gameplay, and three playable characters. The plus edition comes with two newer characters, new game mode with remixed levels and four-player competition mode.
As a fan of Sonic franchises, I'm very glad that SEGA are going back to this classic root of Sonic titles which got me excited to play this type of game.



4 - Megaman 11 (PS4)

    



















The blue bomber is finally back for its 30th anniversary of beloved franchise by Capcom. Megaman is a action-platform game where you take control of Megaman to battle against his nemesis Dr.Wily and the Robot Masters. It was known for its unique levels filled with hazardous objects and enemies, gaining newer weapon ability, cool presentation with great story intro and characters, and amazing 2D gameplay.

It's been for like a 8 years since after the release of Megaman 10 where Capcom did a shitty move of cancelling their recent projects such as Megaman Legends 3 and Megaman Universe that really got the fans excited for the announcements, but got badly outraged at the end after finding out the cancellation of these bigger two projects. Capcom had finally opened their ears to the fans and give them what they wanted with the newer Megaman title released in year 2018. It retains the classic Megaman 2D gameplay with newer weapons and abilities, newer robot masters to fight against, modern style graphics with classic style 2D environments, and additional features including Time Trials, Missions, Concept Art Gallery and more.

I'm definitely to look forward to see a new Megaman game which got me hyped to see a return of the classic franchise.



5 - Action Replay Plus (SEGA Saturn)

 



















Back in our retro gaming days where some of the third-party companies wanted to make their own kinds of gaming accessories like game controllers, universal game adaptors and other weird technologies. I remember the time that I had the Action Replay for the Nintendo Gamecube and Game Genie for the SEGA Genesis/Megadrive which I am using these for not just for the actual cheats system like unlocking stuff, infinite mode and other weird stuff, but I just wanted to use it to bypass the system region code which allows me to play any of US and JP NTSC games on my PAL game system.

I'm considering to get a Action Replay Plus for SEGA Saturn because I just wanted to play any of US and JP exclusive titles that never got made in PAL releases like Radiant Slivergun, X-Men vs Street Fighter, Astal and other kinds of titles. The price of this adaptor are quite expensive on Ebay which mean I had to wait for while until it goes down cheaper for like less than £20 in the right future. I just wanted to have a fun experiment of having this thing tested on my game console to see if its actually works well when attempting to play JP games on my PAL system.



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Top 5 Great Arcade Games that never came to Home Consoles

Back in my old days, I remember playing tons of arcade titles of early 90's to late 2000's. The arcade machines are located in places like theme parks, cinemas, and restaurants, while places like retro gaming stores that they normally kept it for very long time. The games like Street Fighter 2, Mortal Kombat, SEGA Rally Championship, Outrun, After Burner 2 and many of the successful arcade classics that are later being released for home consoles that gamers can able to enjoy these titles at their home. I wanted to focus on the arcade games that are never got it made to the home consoles version, so it's kinda sounds odd that the famous companies like SEGA, Capcom, Konami and others publishers are missing out some of the great games that I've enjoyed the most, but it's rather kinda shame that they are never able to port it to consoles version, so everyone can able to pick it up and play it on their home systems. Luckily I'm able to play those arcade titles on Mame 32 which is a video game emulator that allow you to play several of your favourite arcade games on your PC.

I decided to make my 5 favourite arcade games that should have been released to the home consoles, so without go further do, here is my Top 5 Great Arcade Games that never came to Home Consoles.




5 - Violent Storm

  














Released in 1993, Konami made their beat em ups for arcade machines created by Konami, a same company behind franchise like Castlevania, Contra, and Metal Gear Soild.
Konami was the master of the beat em ups genres which they shares with great titles like X-Men Arcade, TMNT: Arcade Game, and of course The Simpsons Arcade.

Violent Storm is a beat em ups game where you take control of three mens setting out to rescue their woman friend named Sheena, who was held kidnapped by the biker gangs of Lord Geld. The game looks identical to Capcom's early beat em up title Final Fight with similar gameplay style, but it has larger graphics design, catchy 80's style soundtrack and different looking presentation that made the game looks and sounds very interesting. Each of the playable characters has different types of fighting styles such as Wade, a balanced fighter with simple attack, Boris was capable of using his powerhouse throwing attack, and Kyle uses his fast-paced kick to prevent enemy's charge attack. I was impressed with the gameplay fighting style, the game's challenge, the enemies and boss battles that adds up the game's epicness, so it would have been sounds awesome if this game were made for 16-bit home consoles like SNES, but it never happened. I would love to see this game deserves to be re-release for the modern day console, so that the fans of the genres can able to enjoy this epic brawler.



4 - Viper Phase 1

 














Seibu Kaihatsu Inc. was best known for their classics shoot em ups arcade game series such as Raiden. They released the spin-offs titles in the series called Viper Phase 1 for Arcade machines in 1995.
The game is identical to their previous Raiden titles, but takes place in space as you take control of space fighters to battle out their rebels to save the earth. The game is just quite good as the previous titles, but it offers much more better variation of shoot em ups gameplay that made the game quite fun to play.

What made me really surprised me the most is the 6 types of power ups that allow your firing power to become stronger, so things like letter P symbol that powers up your Vulcan Gun, the Blue Laser are the most damaging secondary weapons are worked effectively on larger enemies, the Burst Missile that firing multiples of missile, the Napalm Missile that shoots large green explosions of missile dealing with heavy damage, and the Wide Vulcan that expands your Vulcan Gun into wide firing making it easier to shoot whole enemy's ship. Despite the quality gameplay, the graphics are well made for its level design, the special effects and presentations that made the game looks very appealing for the mid-90's gaming. It's definitely has the best original soundtrack of all stages which makes you feel pumped up for shoot em ups action.
The game also forced you to play the whole stages again after beating the game, but becoming much more harder to play which adds up a magnificent replay values of the game if you want to become a shoot em up experts.

Unlike some of the Raiden titles that are released to home consoles, the Viper Phase 1 are the only game that never got made it to home consoles, so I wish this game deserves to be re-release in the future because Viper Phase 1 is among being one of my favourite shoot em ups game of all-time.



3 - GunForce 2

  
        

















In the year 1994, Irem made their one of their last arcade titles called GunForce 2, a superior sequel to the 1991's title GunForce and It was made by same team behind their later SNK's Run N Gun series such as Metal Slug. The game focuses on two playable heroes set off to shoot down many of the enemies and rescue several of female hostages who are been held captive.

The whole presentation and gameplay are very similar approach to SNK's Metal Slug as the sequel are considered to be a major improvement over the original game. It has multiple of environmental destruction which filled with explosions and wreckage which adds the game's atmospheres as it feels much like the 80's action films of Run N Gun genres. This game features awesome weapons to choose from such as flamethrower and laser are great addition for its combat gameplay and it has really cool segments of riding on multiples of vehicles such as mechs, motorbikes, tanks and flying crafts which adds the overall greatness of Run N Gun action. The game also featured 2-player co-op which you and your friend will able to enjoy the epic action game.

The game are also released for PC in 2011 as Irem Arcade Hits, but it would have been sounds better off re-releasing it for the home consoles such as PS4, XBONE, and Switch. If you're the fan of the games like SNK's Metal Slug then this game is definitely for you to play.



2 - Ninja Baseball Bat Man

 













Imagine having a classic 80's Cartoons shows like TMNT combining with Baseball Sports related things that would become as Ninja Baseball Bat Man is a Arcade Beat Em Ups title by Irem that was released in 1993. 
You get to play as 4 playable Baseball players dressed up as Ninjas has set off their mission to retrieve their stolen various artifacts. It's one of the weirdest Arcade game I ever played which featured a several of enemies are completely made of the Baseball equipments and other weird random things.

There are 4 playable characters that you get to choose such as Captain Jose the balanced character with simple moves, Twinbats Ryno which is a speedy fighter with quick pacing attacks, Beanball Roger is fat and powerful brawler, and Stick Straw are capable of using long-range attacks. Each of the characters has different set of special moves, combo attacks and fighting mechanics that adds the variation of gameplay style. It has addicting 4-player co-op are great for local multiplayer and epic levels with tons of insane enemies and crazy boss battles that keeps you playing more and more. The graphics are very comical with cartoony style characters and colourful environments that adds up the presentation well for early 90's arcade days.

I find the title screen quite bizarre as it's says Bat Man at the name title which I finding it sounds confusing because it has nothing to do with actual DC comics character from the past such as Batman, so it should have been meant to say Batsmen which would have made sense to this game to avoid the name confusion.
I considered this game a forgotten hidden gems of arcade library that no one have ever heard before due to game only came out on Arcade machine meaning there are no home console release for this game. It would have been sounds really awesome if this game could have gotten a re-release for later consoles. 



1 - Golden Axe: The Revenge of Death Adder

Back in my old childhood days, I remember playing the original Golden Axe for SEGA Genesis/Megadrive are among not just being one of the greatest Hack N Slash/Beat Em Ups game of all-time, but one of the most impressive arcade to home console conversion that showed off what SEGA Genesis/Megadrive could handle the game well from the arcade counterpart. The success of first has spawned with sequels and spin-offs titles for later years after the original game. There's one of the game that got my attention was Golden Axe: The Revenge of Death Adder that came out for arcade hardware in 1992. It's one of the first game of the series that never got made into the home consoles which I find it quite odd that SEGA could never able to release this game for their later home systems like SEGA Saturn that would have been sounded like a excellent addition to the Saturn home library that didn't actually happened, so moving on with this game right now.
You get to choose 4 of the playable warriors such as Goah the giant, Stern the barbarian, Dora the Kentauride, and Little Trix has their quest to battle against the medieval Death Adder once again.

The game featured with multiples paths that allows players to choose different pathways, the 4-player co-op are the welcome addition of local multiplayer play, and each of the characters has different magic powers depending what playable characters you're play as in local play. The characters such as Goah, Stern and Dora uses the offence magic attacks, while Trio uses the magic powers to replenish his health with apple trees.
The best part of the game's presentation was the enemy's death animation sequence where the player performing the magic attacks which led the enemies being burned alive or turned into rock artifects.
I was impressed with the fluid animations, detailed environments and cool special effects that made the game look very stunning for the early 90's arcade. The combat gameplay is much more faster and smoother that made the game more enjoyable than the previous installiment has to offer.

I think SEGA should re-release this game for the later console in the future because its clearly being one of the best looking arcade Hack N Slash/Beat Em Ups game that everyone will able to enjoy this kind of game. 



Honorable Mentions:

Alien vs Predator
Cadillacs and Dinosaurs
Star Wars Trilogy Arcade
R-Type Leo
The Outfoxies
Progear
Neo Bomberman
Zero Gunner   



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Amnesia Collection PS4 Review

Amnesia Collection is a video game compilation of three titles for PS4 and XBONE, which was originally developed and published by Fractional Games for its first game, while the sequel was developed by The Chinese Room. It is a Survival Horror game which the original game was first originally released for PC in 2010 as Amnesia: The Dark Descent, While Amnesia: Justine was originally downloadable content released year after the original game, then the sequel Amnesia: A Machine for Pigs was released for PC in 2013.

I have heard a positively of the first game was praised by video game critics and the fan of the genres regarding the game as being one of the scariest game titles of horror genres and it is also being most influential game that really inspires the later horror titles with similar game style such as Outlast, Layers of Fear, and Slender: The Arrival. The sequel had never received well as the original making it the weakest title of the series which receives underwhelming feedback from its fans of the first game, while critics had given a fairer reviews, so I decided to wait for these collection to go down the price until I have finally purchased the Amnesia Collection for PS4 from the Halloween sales of PS Store.

I had a chance to play these games to see if these games are going to impress me and is it worth for playing over the hours of fearsome titles, the answer is the collection is rather an average at best because I felt that the Amnesia: The Dark Descent is the strongest horror title that I've liked the most for its clever puzzle gameplay, horror atmospheres, and interesting storylines, while the sequel had missing several of important gameplay features from the original which makes the game quite too linear and simplistic to play as its being an inferior to the original game. Its really hard for console owners to decide whether they like to buy these collection for its worth of original price because it didn't came as the separate titles, so unlike the PC owner are able to buy these game separately so they can able to enjoy the first game even more than having to get the inferior sequel.


So without go further do, lets start the review.



Presentation

In The Dark Descent that takes place in late August 1839, a man named Daniel awakens in the dark and empty halls of the Prussian Brennenburg Castle, which he had lacked of his memory from the past as he began to exploring a dark castle, while he's trying to maintain his sanity by avoiding monsters and other terrifying obstructions. The sequel A Machines for Pigs focuses on a butcher named Oswald Mandus awakens from a fever that has lasted for several months, after returning from a trip of Aztec ruins in Mexico, as he searches for his two sons in different areas of Industrial factory.

I find the story was quite interesting in both games as what makes the first story worthy is that collecting diaries in the areas which reveals the story of the Daniel's past such as his past history of his archaeological expedition at the tomb of Tin Hinan in Algeria and receiving a letter from Baron Alexander which leads him to visit at Prussian Brennenburg Castle. The main protagonist Daniel is nothing but a scaredy cat that can't keep control of his sanity when it's comes with monsters in the castle as poor Daniel always starting mumbling in dark area in fear. Baron Alexander is the psycho-paths that he became obsessed with torturing the innocent people with deadly punishment such as types of execution methods in prison rooms making him the most disturbing video game villains in horror gaming. The second story is also good for its Mandus trying to regain his memory while he searches his sons whereabouts. He gets the call from the engineer knows where his sons been located in as he has to complete the task that the engineers had given him a guidance. I find Oswald Mandus kinda okay, but doesn't have a great personalities great as the main character Daniel from the first game. He had so much cared about his children went missing as he made himself promised to get his kids safe as soon as possible.

The horror presentation in both games are looking magnificent that defines modern horror genres. The Dark Descent offers horrific settings of castle that filled with blood and gore, darker areas that went everything goes pitch black, the whole environment of castles are gritty and mysterious giving a medieval look, while the A Machines for Pigs are more of haunting tone of atmosphere and some dark elements of factory in the game are also looked creepy which fits the whole presentation of the game well. The scariest part of the first game was the types of monsters in the castle such as the grunt that has the deformed face with their mouth dropped down and the brute that has big huge blade on their hand are looked very terrifying as they can able to chase you faster around the levels which really adds up the atmosphere of the game, while A Machine for Pigs does have a machinery like Pigs are also looked terrifying with their pigs squeals screaming all the way, but not as scary as the ones in The Dark Descent. I also liked the use of special effects on sanity part of the first game where Daniel had his head cracked up causing him to lose vision which makes the screen goes blurry are the best examples of how people have reacted while being encountered by enemies depending on their level of sanity.

Overall, it has great horror presentation and interesting storylines on both games.



Gameplay

You get to select these any of the three games on the menus and its also introducing the hard mode for The Dark Descent on both PC and XBONE, while PS4 will get it soon later around the end of 2018.

In The Dark Descent, you get to take control of Daniel of exploring the mysterious castle while dealing with his sanity, solving the puzzles and avoiding monsters nearby are the main key of survival, while A Machines for Pigs takes control of Mandus searching for his two lost sons in factory.

The Dark Descent involves exploration and running to survive, while finding clues and solve puzzles by collecting notes that gathers information which can be found in different rooms as you can able to interact and open the objects such as tables, drawers and other furniture in which you can able to read whats been said on the paper that gives you clues such as mixing chemicals, activating machines, searching for keys, and other kinds of puzzle solving which leads you to the next room. 
You have the items inventory screen which gives you an options to use and combine items which are very useful for its gameplay elements and you have the lamp touch which you can able to use it in the dark areas of rooms, but the oil can run out very quickly in which you need to use it wisely not to waste the lamp oil as you can able to refill the lamp oil from the inventory screen or the rooms that has oil canteen. Speaking of the lamp oil, you can also find tinderbox items which allow you to light up the candles to reduce the darkness as the darkness can also effect your sanity level leading into the fear that makes your character lose confidence, so keep the eye out of your sanity level while in the dark rooms. The game also involves stealth elements where you need to avoid being caught by the monsters nearby, so you will need someplace to hide while not to get closer to them, if so then they can chase you really fast making the player harder to evade the enemy encounter attack. Having the lamp touch on and making running noises can also attract the monsters too in which you will need to be very careful while attempting to escape, but you can also distract them by throwing small objects in random places.
You can take the health potion which increases your characters health conditions, so you need to be very careful not to get horribly damaged by these enemies. So far, I really enjoyed exploring around the castle which I felt that the game is looked bigger for its horror titles and I got to say the puzzle aspects and gameplay elements are very good for most part which really motivates me to enjoy this type of game. Getting chased around by the monsters are the highlight of the game that adds the overall atmosphere of the gameplay style, so its sort of like playing hide and seek for horror gaming. The expansion pack level called Amnesia: Justine are just the 10 mins survival mode where you get to control of woman named Justine, so it didn't have autosave functions and continues which means you will die instantly while not taking back to check point which adds up the game's challenge. The developer team are also adds hard mode on the The Dark Descent which had the same rules as the Amnesia: Justine making the game even scarier than playing on the regular difficulty.   

A Machines for Pigs is completely opposite from the original. Most of the important features of originals such as ability to use inventory screen, use oils for lamp touch, sanity levels and more important stuff wasn't present in the game which did not add up the game's challenge, so I'm not able to use tinderbox to light up candles, combining items together and adding oils on lamp which I finding it quite bummer and I do find this game is too linear rather than focusing on exploration and puzzles which makes the game too easy to beat for most part. The enemy encounter in this sequel is rather slow compared with the original which I felt that they haven't bothered making the enemies go faster which really drags down my overall experiences. Unfortunately I find A Machine for Pigs had becoming a weakest of the collection which is shame that this game had tone down the gameplay quality causing to miss out the important features from the first game. I think The Chinese Room didn't have their enough effort to make a such great horror title, so it would have been made the game better if the sequel been handed to Fractional Games, a original developer of The Dark Descent, knew how to make the game properly right. 

Overall, The Dark Descent has better overall gameplay for its puzzle, stealth and exploration, while  A Machine for Pigs had lacked of important features from the original.



Graphics

The graphics are looked quite acceptable for most part. It has impressive visuals of dark environments making the game quite haunting, but very super dark at same time which made it very hard for players to navigate things and see whats going on while walking around the dark area. I really liked the special effects on sanity parts where the whole screen went blurry which makes the whole game look very disturbing and the lighting on the lamp are also looked nice with glossy look of the shades at the backgrounds. The wall textures on the castle and rooms are looked pretty neat with no sudden smudges around the walls. The gorey environments in whole game are quite looked gruesome which really fits the atmosphere of the game.

Overall, it has great visuals, cool special effects and detailed environments.


Music and Sounds

The music in both games are the top notch for its creepy atmospheric sounds and sinister ambience soundtrack which really suited for the modern horror aspects of the game. I also liked the soundtrack of chase sequences with dramatic themes which really shows the overall scare factor of the game. The soundtrack for The Dark Descent was composed by Mikko Tarmia, while A Machine for Pigs was composed by Jessica Curry which I personally liked the atmospheres and realism sounds of the first game, while the second ones are also good for its orchestral style. The sound effect in the first game are kinda sounds creepy as you can able to hear the realistic grunting noises of monsters are definitely sounds terrifying in good ways, while the sequel had the screaming pig squeals.
The voice cast did a great job of story narrating and character's voice quality in both games which adds the personality in the game.

Overall, it has creepy soundtrack, realistic sound effects and great voice acting.


Special Features

The PC version also featured custom story which allows you to create and play the modded level campaign and it is also including the hard mode for The Dark Descent in PC and XBONE version, while PS4 version will able to get it on the end of 2018 via patch updates.

Overall, it has custom story for PC version and hard mode for all platforms.

  

Advantages

Horror Presentation on both games

Interesting Storylines on both games

Puzzle Gameplay

Decent Graphics

Realistic Horror Sounds

Having Hard Mode as newer feature of original



Disadvantages

Sequel had slow enemy encounter attack and lacked of important features from the original

Sequel is the weakest of the collection

Super dark areas making harder to navigate things



Final Verdict


Presentation 8/10 - Great horror presentation and interesting storylines on both games.

Gameplay 6.5/10 - The Dark Descent has better overall gameplay for its puzzle, stealth and exploration, while  A Machine for Pigs had lacked of important features from the original.

Graphics 8/10 - Great visuals, cool special effects and detailed environments.

Music and Sounds 8/10 - Creepy soundtrack, realistic sound effects and great voice acting.

Special Features 8/10 - It has custom story for PC version and hard mode for all platforms.


Overall 6.5/10 -  I find the Amnesia: The Dark Descent and Amnesia: Justine are the high points of the collection, while A Machine for Pigs are considered a bitter polarising title for the fans of the first game who are expecting the sequel to be just good as the first ones, but its not good enough to impress. Unlike the PC owners are able to buy games separately on Steam, Its really difficult to recommend console owners to purchase the whole Amnesia Collection from the PS Store and XBOX Games Store for its original price, so its worth better for waiting the price goes down cheap through sales.

My second opinion is to best to stick with the Amnesia: The Dark Descent and the expansion Amnesia: Justine because its a better horror title for console owners would able to enjoy these games than the sequel.


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