Shinobi 3DS Review

History of Shinobi Series:

Shinobi series was originated in 1987 as the arcade title where you get to play as the ninja named Joe Musashi set his mission to stop a terrorist organization named Zeed who are kidnapping his students of his clan. The game received positively at the release along with the Master System version, but not until The Revenge of Shinobi on SEGA Genesis/Megadrive arrived in 2 years after the release of the original game, which considered to be a classic for its smart gameplay, detailed graphics, and most memorable original music composed by Yuzo Koshiro. Its one of the first Shinobi games that featuring enemy characters based on cultural icons such as Spider-Man, Batman, Godzilla, Terminator, and Rambo, while Joe Musashi's face resembles as Sonny Chiba which can be shown only in Japanese version, but due to copyright issues had led worldwide version to remove several of guest characters from the Japanese version, while Spider-Man still retains as a guest boss characters for PAL/NTSC US release.
In 1990, the Shadow Dancer: The Secret of Shinobi is another title for SEGA Genesis/Megadrive which is a loose adaption to the 1989's arcade game Shadow Dancer as the game are also being well received at the release as being a superior to the original arcade game.
In 1993, Shinobi III: Return of the Ninja Master for SEGA Genesis/Megadrive are technically being one of the best in the series for its in-depth combat gameplay, high quality graphics, and has full of epic action packed levels.
There are the last game that people may not ever heard was Shinobi Legion for SEGA Saturn is one of final title in the series featuring a 2D side-scrolling perspective. It's one of the Shinobi game that featuring FMV cutscenes and digitalised graphics, while retaining a 2D side-scrolling gameplay style from previous game. Although it's not receiving well as the predecessor, but some may considered this game as the black sheep of the Shinobi series.
In 2002, SEGA went to focus on 3D hack n slash roots which is Shinobi for PS2 which was developed by Overworks. It was mean't to be originally planned for SEGA Dreamcast, but due to discontinuation of console which led the game been transferred to the PS2. The game had receiving fair praises for its gameplay and protagonist, while criticising for its difficulty and level design.
The 2003's sequel Nightshade are also shares the similar game style as the predecessor, but many of critics considered the game more of being the average title compared with the 2002's Shinobi.
Then finally in 8 years later since the 2003's title, we are able to get to see a return of the classic series with Shinobi for 3DS that I'm hoping to look forward to play on Nintendo's handheld system.



Shinobi 3DS Review:

Shinobi is a 2D side-scrolling hack n slash game for 3DS, which was developed by Griptonite Games and published by SEGA.

This game makes the return of the 2D side-scrolling roots once again since 1996's Shinobi Legion for Saturn. The game is much more different for its presentation comes with stylised-animation on the cutscenes, new protagonist, and filled with action packed sequences that made the game look pretty amazing, while I finding the storylines is not the best part of the game which kinda lacks in-depth plot and narrative which it should have done something better if they are able to get the story properly done right. I had really fun playing on the 2D side-scrolling gameplay which I finding it quite straightforward as long as the combat and levels are able to keeping intact together to make it more enjoyable. I really liked the style of the graphics which was mixed with 2D sprites and 3D backgrounds especially being with the 3DS standard is absolutely makes the game look acceptable and appealing at the same time.
In my opinion the game did executed well despite being the most under-appreciated title that couldn't get credit what it deserved, so is this obscurity game any good enough to impress the fans of the series?

So without go further do, lets start the review.



Presentation

The game takes place in year 1256 set in Kencho Era, Japan. The story focuses on young Oboro Clan Leader Jiro Musashi, a father of Joe Musashi from original Arcade and Sega Genesis Shinobi games, who is been sent to defend his home village from the ninja forces of Zeed right before he was sent 800 years into the future where Zeed now rules with an iron fist. He was been aided by local resistance leader named Sarah as he still continues to against Zeed while begins to uncover a deeper conspiracy involving ancient alien Orn.

I got to say that the story is rather mixed because it's sounds not as great compared with previous Shinobi titles. The story where Jiro been sent into the 800 years future which is pretty sounds familiar with the cartoon network TV series such as Samurai Jack has the similar plot that involves the Samurai hero been transferred into the futuristic era, so I think the idea they put into the game may be sounds interesting but I don't think it adds the originally of the story concept in the game. The game does not have enough in-depth plot and narrative which I believe the cutscenes may last for 30 seconds which really doesn't add up to the story overall, so I wish they could have been added further more to make the story sounds even better. I am grateful with the style of anime sequences does make the scenes look cool which is more like of the hand-drawn animation they put in the game.
The concepts of the levels did actually look pretty amazing for its mixed between past and futuristic design of Japanese culture around forrest, cities, facility, and many more been featured in the game.
I got to say the protagonist Jiro Mushshi is pretty look decent for his appearences as ninjas, but it doesn't have great personality as the Joe Mushshi which is more experienced character's development for it series, but so far I liked the character in the game.

Overall, it has cool animated sequences and decent protagonist, but it needs more work on storylines.



Gameplay

This game has 8 levels featuring 4 difficulty modes to select. You take control of Jiro Mushshi in 2D side-scrolling perspective to wipe down the enemies using the combat weapons and his ninja magics as your mission is to beat the stage.
You have the two basics weapon which are used for attacking the enemy. You have katana sword which is used for close combat as you can able to perform 2 or 3 combo slash, while using the shurikens worked for long distance range as you can also perform double jump attack which allows you to throw 8 shurikens at once in mid-air, but it may be runs out quickly until it automatically slowly replenishes back. You can also deflect the enemy's projectiles by using parrying which prevent you taking damage from the enemy, so you need to take sometime to get used with the parrying if you're doing in the right timing without trying to get hit.
You have these 4 ninja magics which allowing him to perform special ability such as Fire that increase damages against enemies, Water that allowing him to jump higher, Thunder that shields his health, and Earth that made his combat attacks much faster which I felt that these ability will benefits the combat gameplay style pretty well in the game.
For the platforming segments, your character can able to do stuff like wall jumping and climbing on surfaces like ropes and top walls which is really good for the levels that has rely on the platforming style.
The game also has action packed segments that adds the variety of levels such as horse riding in level 1, enemy trying to shoot missile while jumping off vehicles in level 2, using gyro motion to control surf board in level 4, theres after burner segment in level 5, and the weird mazes in level 7 which is surprisingly entertaining that adds up the fun factor of the game.

I got to say that the whole game is pretty good overall for putting up with decent combat and stage segments. I am satisfied with the levels that are more linear and fun to play, while do find the boss battle is ridiculously tough for its cheap enemy's pattern and being overpowered especially with the final boss which makes it too frustrating to play as it may not as good compared with the classic Shinobi title that got the boss battle just right where it should, but so far and all everything in the game is doing pretty solid once you get hang of learning combats and levels. You can also enjoy the challenge mode though the streetpass are also fun to play if you like these type of game modes.

Overall, it has decent combat and stage segments.



Graphics

The graphics in the game is looking better without using the 3D effects because it makes the environment looked choppy when having the 3D effects turned on. Despite the choppy 3D effects, I liked the 3D backgrounds for its use of parallax scrolling, but the textures on the objects is kinda look rough for the 3DS system as it may not look as polish in the level environment, but that all okay to me and I do appreciate with the use of hand-drawn style animation is looking so good on the not just the cutscenes, but the overall level design is quite appealing for Shinobi title as long as they keep the levels intact as possible to make the game look more suitable.

Overall, it has solid 3D backgrounds, great level design and hand-drawn animation.



Music and Sounds

The soundtrack is does sound good in the game, but its not as memorable as the classic soundtrack from the Shinobi games for SEGA Genesis/Megadrive. Instead of having edgy action music like the classic Shinobi, it more of the Japanese cliches style of orchestrated genres which seems to fit well in the game, so I wish it would have been sounds better if Yuzo Koshiro or anyone had involved making their music score for this game which could have been sounds more kick ass.
It does have good sound effects for more atmospheric and environmental sounds, while I find the voice acting is pretty poor in the game which didn't fit well for its voice personality as it sounds like a low-budget English dub from cheap DVD films which makes it very forgettable.

Overall, it has good music and sound effects, except voices.



Special Features

The game comes with streetpass challenge mode, unlockables, and dojo mode, but it would have been nice if they included 3 or 4 classic Shinobi games that may help the newcomer of the series able to enjoy the whole Shinobi saga.                       
  
Overall, it has streetpass challenge mode, unlockables, and dojo mode, but please add the classic Shinobi game next time.



Advantages

Cool animated sequences

Good protagonist

Decent combat gameplay

Acceptable visuals

Great stage segments

Some features



Disadvantages

Not enough in-depth storylines

Cheap bosses

Bad voices




Final Verdict


Presentation 6.5/10 - Cool animated sequences and decent protagonist, but it needs more work on storylines.

Gameplay 7.5/10 - Decent combat and stage segments.

Graphics 7/10 - Solid 3D backgrounds and animations.

Music and Sounds 7/10 - good music and sound effects, except voices.

Special Features 7/10 - has streetpass challenge mode, unlockables, and dojo mode.


Overall 7.5/10 - This is actually a good 2D side-scrolling game to play on 3DS, but it may be difficult to appeal the newcomer of the series who hasn't played the Shinobi games from the past. They got the combat gameplay and visuals design just right in the game as long as it may going to impress you enough to enjoy this epic ninja action.
It wasn't as brilliant as the classic Shinobi games for SEGA Genesis/Megadrive despite the cheap bosses and forgettable storylines are the major drawbacks that I wish the developers could have done something better than this, but so far I really liked the game as I considered it a forgotten hidden gems of the 3DS libraries, so I highly recommended to all the fans of the Shinobi series or someone who are really into the other ninja titles such as Ninja Gaiden and Strider for example.
The game cost around between £10 to £20 which is not as cheap but its good enough for collectors to pick up and play.

       
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Resident Evil The Mercenaries 3D 3DS Review

Resident Evil The Mercenaries 3D is a Third-Person Shooter only for 3DS, which was developed and published by Capcom. It is a mini-game title which is very similar with those two games like Resident Evil 4 and 5, and it was released in 3 months later after the launch release of Nintendo 3DS system in 2011.

I had fun playing the mercenaries mode on both Resident Evil 4 and 5 which is a mini-game mode, similar to battle mode on Resident Evil 1, 2, 3 and Code: Veronica, where your goal is to defeat many hordes of enemies to gain a high score as possible within a time limit. These are the best features of all Resident Evil franchises had filled with great mini-game mode, but I expecting Resident Evil The Mercenaries 3D on 3DS is gonna be just good as the mercenaries mode on RE 4 and 5, but it seems that this 3DS title is kinda rough in comparison due to sluggish animation, awkward controls, and not having enough content which I felt the game is pretty rushed out for handheld title. There are some positive things in the game which I going to explain more in further detail while reviewing this game. Is Resident Evil The Mercenaries any good on 3DS standards?

So without go further do, lets start the review.


Presentation

To keep you mind that this is the mini-game title that doesn't really need a story like from the main series, so you'll be starting out in menus where you get to select any of levels, characters, skills and weapons, while you also have the list of medals to earn your achievements by completing the goals task.
The characters in the game features your all-time classic favourites such as Chris, Jill, Claire, Hunk, Wesker, Barry, Rebecca, and Krauser which I felt its a great selection of playable characters, but I'm kinda bummed that they didn't include another well known characters from classic RE games like Leon and Ada could have been a wiser choice for this title, so I am fully understand the problem with the 3DS space limitations is the reason why they didn't include them in the game which kinda upset the fan of the series who really wanted to have their favourite heroes to be featured in the game. The characters also shares with cool looking costumes to choose from once you have unlocked them by beating the stage in higher rank.
The levels is pretty much like from the RE 4 and 5 as expected which has the village, castle, mines, factory, ship deck and others to select and play which seems to be a great choice to have it on this game.
At the start of the mission, you will receive radio calls will guide you how to play the game which is okay to help, but you can always skip it by pressing the start button if you don't want to hear it again.
There are most of the enemies featuring in the game from RE 4 and 5 such as the villagers, creepy priest, leatherface with chainsaw, big fat guy, tough guy with sharp blade, and all others.

Overall, it does have great selection of characters and insane enemies in the game.



Gameplay

This game features both solo or duo mode to choose before beginning the mission. You get to select any of characters that has different kinds of weapons such as Chris has shotgun, Jill has Machine Gun, Barry has heavy magnum, and Krauser has bow and arrow. Your goal is to defeat many enemies to gain more scores as possible before the time runs out, but there are some of the levels may have different objectives in the game such as Level 1 where you have to race through the maker and survive through 15 waves in Level 4.
You will have top screen which shows the third-person view of gameplay and levels, while the bottom screen shows 6 slots of weapons and items at the left side which helps you to select any of items and weapons and the map screen at the right side which shows your player marker that helps you navigate through the level.
To be honest, I don't like using the stylus pen for this game because everytime I had to keep changing the weapons and items which is not the quickest way to change the weapons and items during the battle. It slows down your play style when attempting to change items by using the stylus pen while trying not to get ass kicked by enemy nearby, so I think it's better to have it on d-pad so I can able to switch weapons and items faster.
The circle pad controls the player movement, while using the 4 face buttons allowing you to look around the level. Having the L and R shoulder buttons lets you aim and shoot at the enemies which can be also aimed with 4 face buttons, while using the circle pad to strafe while aiming.
I got to say that most of the combat weapons in the game is working fine in the game with acceptable range shot and targeting accuracy, but the issue is that the 3DS controls layout is not highly designed for the Shooters as it suffered with aiming inflexibility which makes it difficult to aim with 4 face buttons as it takes awhile to get used to play.
It did have the classic RE 4 controls in the game which can be found on control options, but I think its too dated for the early 2010s gaming era where most of the shooters nowadays had relying on two thumbsticks controls.
To keep you mind, this is early 2011's 3DS games that won't work on circle pad pro or New 3DS's pointing stick which is shame that they didn't bothered making the game's patch update for newer control scheme, so no wonder why Resident Evil Revelations on 3DS just plays better with the use of circle pad pro.
Despite awkward controls, I did manage to beat all the stages with higher rank which unlocks your awards such as medals, weapons, and skills.
The skills can be found on skill options where you can able to use upgrades to boost your character's ability such as weapon handling, improved vitally, toughness, luck, smart reload and many more to choose which can be also skilled up to level 3 as it really makes it beneficial for combat gameplay. You can also change loadout from weapon menu where you can able to transfer character's weapons loadout like for example: You can replace Barry's weapons loadout with the Krauser's weapons loadout which I think its a smart move by the developers that gives you an options to swap loadouts.

So far, the game is super short which lasted about 1 to 2 hours play which I felt that it's not the best way to enjoy the game as the level 1 to 5 are seems to be more like the tutorial stuff, while level EX has 9 missions which does play like the true mercenaries mode. I liked the choice of the levels location taking place from the RE 4 and 5 mercenaries, but it would have been nice if Capcom can able to add more new missions through DLCs or updates which should have made the game a whole lot better. However this game does have both online and local co-op support where you get to play with your friends throughout the hordes which is the positive part of the game.
With the use of stylus pen for selectable items, having weird 3DS controls, and not many content in the game is seems to be doing a lazy job by developer themselves, so I wish they could have done something more better job than this.

Overall, it has decent combat with customisable weapons and skills options, and co-op mode, but the game suffers with short length play and awkward controls.


Graphics

It is very hard for me to impress the looks of the graphics on 3DS standards. The only cool part in the game is the stereoscopic 3D effects which allowing the system to display the 3D images of in-game graphics. It does look okay using the 3D effects, but I got to say that the graphics in whole game aren't look good as compared with Resident Evil 5 for PCs and consoles which is more technical marvel at the time how realistic the RE 5 looks in year 2009, but this version is just felt like a striped down for whole game.
This game on 3DS did had some issues with character's animation at the draw-distance is looking so choppy compared with the near distance that ran just fine which I believe that the handheld system aren't being capable of having smoother animation in the game. I got to say that the textures on the building and objects are kinda look rough to look at as these surfaces looks more smudgy and unpolished that really missing some details in the games and it also had cheap lighting effects and average environments which I felt its pretty rushed out without having to bother polishing the graphics overall.

Overall, it has sluggish animation, smudgy details and cheap environments.


Music and Sounds

This game borrows the soundtrack from RE 4 and 5 which is still pretty sounds good so far as I really liked the intense upbeat music that makes you want to have edgy action in mercenaries modes, while the sounds effects are acceptable for most part such as gun shooting sounds, background noises, and atmospheric effects especially its sounds really good on the 3DS stereo speaker.
The voice overs sounds also decent for most of the characters in the game especially with the radio conversation part at the beginning of the game is sounds pretty amazing.

Overall, it has cool soundtrack and great use of sound effects.


Special Features

This game came with medals awards, leaderboards, and some cool unlockables features in the games such as alternative costumes and character's loadouts, but the best part of the features is that it has the early demo version of Resident Evil Revelations where you take control of Jill Valentine investigating through the dark room of ship deck which is a nice addition were included in the game.

Overall, it has medals, leaderboards, unlockables, and demo game.



Advantages

Great selection of characters

Liked the choice of levels locations

Customisable weapons and skills

Cool soundtrack

Excellent special features


Disadvantages

Short length play

Awkward controls

Weak graphics



Final Verdict


Presentation 7/10 - great selection of characters and insane enemies in the game.

Gameplay 6/10 - decent combat and co-op mode, but suffers with short length play and awkward controls.

Graphics 5/10 - sluggish animation, smudgy details and cheap environments.

Music and Sounds 8/10 - cool soundtrack and great use of sound effects.

Special Features 7.5/10 - it has medals, leaderboards, unlockables, and demo game.


Overall 6/10 - It's actually an okay title for 3DS libraries, but its definitely not for everyone's cup of tea as you can see this game is pretty seems to be rushed out which really ends up with lacking content meaning that there are aren't any of new DLCs and updates for more playable levels and characters. The gameplay and graphics are being major stepped back for the clunky controls schemes and rough environmental design choices, but at least the combat and co-op play are quite decent enough to impress those who are looking for the reliable gun play and working together as teams.
So far, it is definitely not the best Resident Evil title in my opinion, but it's not as bad as many people think.

It would have been played better on PCs and Consoles version if Capcom can able to re-release the game again in the future and analysing their mistake from the 3DS counterpart.

So far, Resident Evil The Mercenaries 3D is an average 3DS title which I don't really regret having this game on my 3DS collection, so if any of you interested in this game then I would say go for it as long as you're happy to give this game a try. It cost around between £5 to £10 from online store is still valuable enough for you to pick up and play, so yeah its still an fair game overall.




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Super Mario Maker 3DS Review

Super Mario Maker is a 2D platformer game which was originally released on Wii U in 2015, while 3DS port was later released in 2016. It was developed by Nintendo EAD and published by Nintendo. It one of the game that allow players to create and play their own custom courses based on 4 Mario titles, share them online, and download and play courses designed by other players.

At the start when I remember saw the new Mario title for Wii U which is a stage creation editor that allowing players to create their own various of stage design using the special development tools which I finding the idea very creative that inspires all of gaming community who really likes to design their own types of stages.
Remember back then where people has their level editor software for Super Mario World to create and play, so you can able to download these awesome fanmade SMW hacks from the emulation community sites and play it on your SNES software emulator. This is where Nintendo did a same thing for their title that has ability to build up your own levels which can be shared through online courses, so the users can able to play other peoples level stages which is really awesome.
Despite not owning the Wii U console and the game itself, I did managed to play this game on 3DS because it used to be my brother's 3DS back then before he decided to give it to me so I can able to spend playing on the 3DS.
I did play the Super Mario Maker for a week to see how good it is until I decided to start researching on both version of platforms to see comparison. Many of video game critics had criticised the 3DS port as being inferior due to lack of many features from Wii U version, so I wasn't surprising to see this version had been stripped down is because of its something to do with 3DS hardware restrictions cannot handle with the Wii U counterpart.
Despite the flaws, I did manage to enjoy the game with excellent Super Mario Challenge Courses, Course World, and Coursebots, along with designing my own levels that keeps me busy playing on the 3DS.

So without go further do, lets start the review.



Presentation

When booting up game, you will see different opening sequences of this game depending on days you're playing on. You will also see the pigeon starts eating bunch of green beans while loading up SD card and then you will able to see the title screen that you can still able to control Mario to run around the levels. When starting the Super Mario Challenge Course, you will have tutorial guide which introduces Mishiko (AKA Mary O) and Yamamura will guide you how to play the game along with their helpful advice.
When starting to build up the stage on create mode, you will have 4 different themes based on past Mario titles such as Super Mario Bros, Super Mario Bros 3, Super Mario World, and New Super Mario Bros U which can be added on your stage presets for your backgrounds layouts, hazardous objects, and minions and bosses. Super Mario Bros and Super Mario Bros 3 are based on NES's 8-bit pixel, Super Mario World are based on SNES's 16-bit pixel, and New Super Mario Bros U has similar graphics like the previous New Super Mario Bros titles for DS and Wii.   

So far, I really liked the overall presentation of the game just because it brings me so much nostalgia of classic Mario games that I remember playing back then. I can every time change any favourite themes based on earlier Mario games which really adds the positive things in the game that gives you an options to choose what stage presets do you prefer the most before you are ready to start building up your own levels.
I liked the idea of designing the own stages that gives you ability to use a tool that are easy and simple to use, so you can able to put something cool in the stage design like making bridges, adding minions like koopas, goombas, dry bones and others in the stage, put something hazardous like spikes, fire, saw, and other dangerous thing, and then you will also have trampoline to jump higher, adding question block, mushrooms to make you bigger, and all other stuff been featured in the game.
Having tutorial in Super Mario Challenge are also comes in handy which gives you an helpful advice will able to enhance your play skills once you getting better at the game.

Overall, it has amazing presentation for its tutorial, stage editing, and themes.



Gameplay

This game comes with three modes such as Super Mario Challenge, Courseworld, and Coursebots.
Super Mario Challenge will task you to complete all 18 worlds as you take control of Mario has ability to jump, climb, and dash. You will have 2 button control which allows Mario to jump on stages are also used for jumping attack on depending what type of enemies you are allowed to jump on. The dash button makes Mario run faster allowing him to evade stuff like stumping whomps and others, while you can able to dash and jump which allows him to jump even higher through longer distance. You can always change control scheme for your suitable play style like having B and A for jumping and dashing or have it on B and Y button instead.
The challenge course will give you a goal task to complete which awards you with two medals depending on what goals you are aiming to gain the medals, so there some interesting task challenges that keeps you playing longer like defeating 50 goombas, collecting 100 coins, beat stage without getting damaged, beat both Bowser and Bowser Jr, and all others cool challenge which really adds up the fun of the game.

Courseworld will have 100 Mario challenge which was designed by Nintendo themselves while recommended course was designed by 3DS users which you can able to send and receive levels through street pass or locally, but the issue is that the 3DS did miss out was custom search filters that were present in Wii U version, so meaning that it is difficult to use any of searches based on rankings, new releases and even specific course IDs that 3DS been missing in the game. What making even worse for 3DS version is that you cannot able to upload your own levels that you have created meaning that you will not able to share your levels through online instead you had to share the level through the 3DS devices nearby via street pass or locally which is not convenient for online users who wanted to have their level uploaded online, so the people can able to download and play on their 3DS system. The 3DS version will not able to play levels based on Wii U version is because of the 3DS limitations that only has limited area of space which is kinda bummer that I won't able to play any of the levels from Wii U version.

On creating the levels, you will have two screens from top to bottom which you are using for designing your own stages. In order to do that you have top screen which shows what your level look like on the level editor, while the bottom screen has editing tool which you will use stylus pen to navigate these icons and stages that you want to add on. At the top of the bottom screen, you will have the icons of objects, minions, bosses, and others that you wanted to place it on the stages such as bridges, trampoline, falling logs, blocks, coins, spikes, koopas, goombas, and other stuff.
You can also do some creative stuff like making enemies bigger by adding mushrooms, extending rotation fireballs, stacking all enemies together on top of Bowser, adjusting bullet bill heights, and all crazy stuff that you can put in the game.
On the left side of the bottom screen, you can change themes based on your favourite Mario titles, while on the right side of the bottom screen gives you ability to save and delete stages.
You can also extend the length of the levels from the bottom of the bottom screen to make the level longer to play, but then again that I've mention about 3DS limitation is that the size of the area is quite limited meaning that the whole levels aren't big as the Wii U counterpart that has bigger level area as opposed to 3DS version.
There one thing that the 3DS didn't have was the mystery mushroom which is the costume power up item that turns you into different kinds of characters like Link, Kirby, Pikachu, Pit and other characters which is kinda awesome that Wii U version were included in the game by using the amiibo figures except the 3DS version which did not have the support of the amiibo figure which is pretty bad.

So far, I did have fun designing the stages on level creator because this is kind of game that I really wanted to play that involves creating and designing stuff. I got to say that the overall gameplay is pretty good especially with using stylus pen are much easier to navigate stuff during the level editing. I also enjoyed the challenges that has several of great challenging levels which has the list of goals and I had a chance to play any created stages from recommended courses that people are doing a lot of fantastic stuff that they been added on their stages.
Its super disappointing that the 3DS version had missing out the features from the Wii U version making it hard to impress the 3DS owners who had hoped to see this game just as good as the Wii U counterpart.

Overall, it has great gameplay, creative level editor, and cool challenges, but lacked many features from Wii U version.



Graphics

The graphics on 3DS version is looking remarkably stunning for its visuals and design. It has colourful 2D environments for its backgrounds and textures which is simplified to see how good these details in the game. The animation is quite fluid for its characters sprites and some objects as you can see how smooth it looks on the handheld system and the character design in the game is just like the previous Mario title which is highly faithful to Mario universe.
I really liked the style of themes that mixes from 8-bit to modern style depending what themes you choose in level editor.
I also liked these choice of user interface for its icons and symbols which makes it easier to not just able to recognise things, but much easier to navigate things when selecting these types of icons.
Despite the level area are considered small on the 3DS, it still quite acceptable for the hardware system are not nearly as good as the Wii U counterpart.

Overall, it has colourful 2D environments, fluid animation, style of themes, and choice of user interface.



Music and Sounds

We all know Mario franchise always had the greatest soundtrack of all time which was composed by Koji Kondo was famous for his musical work behind every classic Mario titles. This game has every original music from Super Mario Bros, Super Mario Bros 3, Super Mario World, and New Super Mario Bros U were featured in the game.
The sound effects in the game still retains all of sounds from previous Mario games which is also the best part that made the game so recognisable over the years and don't forget the voice of Mario from New Super Mario Bros U are also memorable in whole Mario titles.

Overall, it has original music and recognisable sounds.



Special Features

It comes with street pass and local wireless for ability to share and play levels except the online upload features was missing in 3DS version. It has selectable challenge levels were featured in coursebots that you can able to revisit same level again to retain all the medals as possible, but it is also included secret levels once you completed the Super Mario Challenge as well.

Overall, it has unlockable secret levels and sharing levels through street pass and local wireless.




Advantages

Amazing presentation

Creative level editor

Cool challenge mode

Colourful graphics

Original music

Unlockable secret levels


Disadvantages

Lack of custom search filters

Not able to upload levels through online

Not able to play levels based on Wii U version

Missing out mystery mushrooms

Limited size of level area



Final Verdict


Presentation 9/10 - amazing presentation for its tutorial, stage editing, and themes.

Gameplay 7/10 - great gameplay, creative level editor, and cool challenges, but lacked many features from Wii U version.

Graphics 8.5/10 - colourful 2D environments, fluid animation, style of themes, and choice of user interface.

Music and Sounds 9/10 - original music and recognisable sounds.

Special Features 6/10 - unlockable secret levels and sharing levels through street pass and local wireless, but missing out online upload features.
  

Overall 7/10 - The 3DS version of the Super Mario Maker is actually decent port that the 3DS owner can able to play and enjoy their time while creating their own stages which is really fun to play, but it may be not recommended to those who already had the original game for the Wii U.
Having the game that involves creating amazing stuff and do something awesome is what makes the game so much fun, so is it worth playing this game for 3DS? the answer is if you already had the game on Wii U then its better off sticking with this version because Wii U has slight better features than the 3DS version, but don't get me wrong because I think the 3DS version is kinda a good port which I'm still happy to have it on my 3DS collection.

The reason why I give this game a 7 out of 10 is because I felt that giving this game a bit of lower rating than 7 is not totally sounds fair to those who actually liked the 3DS port, so this is why I wanted to give this game a chance to have it a decent score.
If it is the Wii U version then I would like to rate it 9 out of 10 which makes more sense, so that being said I really liked the Super Mario Maker and I hope that Nintendo gonna bring Super Mario Maker 2 to Nintendo Switch for next month.


         
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Mega Man 11 PS4 Review

History of Mega Man series:

It was all started in year 1987 where Capcom has released their title for NES which is Mega Man, a 2D action-platform game where you get to play as the humanoid robot named Mega Man to take down the mad-scientist Dr.Wily and the six Robot Masters, so you get to choose the order in which to complete these six stages before reaching to Dr. Wily whereabouts.
At the initial release of the game, it received positively for its overall design due to non-linear gameplay style, unique 8-bit graphics, and epic boss battle against robot masters, but it wasn't a commercial success at worldwide which was blamed for its poorly designed game cover at US release.
Capcom went working on sequel called Mega Man 2 for NES which was released year after the first title. The game was massive improvement over the first title for its memorable soundtrack, colourful visuals and has better gameplay overall including password features and new item as it became the bestselling game of Mega Man franchise has sold over 1.5 million units worldwide and listed as being the greatest game of all-time had led the franchise into success.
The popularly of Mega Man franchise had spawned with numerous of sequels for main series, the sub-series such as Mega Man X, Mega Man Legends, Mega Man: Battle Network, Mega Man Zero and Mega Man ZX, it also shares many of the spin-offs, remakes, compilations, comics, and TV series.

We all know the Blue Bomber himself Mega Man are considered to be one of the Capcom's most recognisable icons of video game industries. He also appeared on several of different game such as Marvel vs Capcom, Project X Zone, Street Fighter X Tekken, and Super Smash Bros Ultimate as playable characters.

So moving on to the review.


Megaman 11 PS4 Review:
      
Megaman 11 is a Action-Platform game for PS4, XBONE, Switch, and PC. It was developed and published by Capcom and it is a sequel to 2010's title Mega Man 10.

It's been for 8 years since we been waiting to see another Blue Bomber title from Capcom, but we all know some of the titles such as Mega Man Universe and Mega Man Legends 3 got officially cancelled which was the reason why Kenji Inafune had left the company to work on his kickstarter indie title called Mighty No.9 which had received poorly reception at the launch release meaning that the game doesn't have a same faith as the beloved Mega Man series were known for its challenging boss battles, hazardous level design, and innovative special weapons which Mighty No.9 couldn't able to do a same attempt in comparison with Capcom's Blue Bomber.
I'm very glad that Capcom had finally open their ears to the Mega Man's fanbase to bring back the franchise from dead as they bought out their 11th title of the main series which is Mega Man 11 had finally come to PCs and Console platforms as this game had finally puts Mighty No.9 to the shame.

I had a chance to play Mega Man 11 on my PS4 and I've played it for a week to see how the game going...the answer is....this is the game I'm been looking forward to play because I really liked the game overall for its 2.5D graphic style which is lot different from previous installiment that uses 8-bit style graphics, it also retains a original gameplay elements of the classic Mega Man titles to make it more faithful to the franchise, and it still has the best sub-bosses battle of all Mega Man series which is the reason why this game is still fun to play on your modern system.
The fan of the series will also enjoy the game with challenge mode which has Time Trials and other Missions will put you in the test with each challenging stages.

So without go further do, lets start the review.



Presentation

The intro starts out with the flashback of Dr Thomas Light and Dr Albert Wily as a students at Robot University where they start working on the research of robot technology. Due to Dr. Light made a disagreement with Dr. Wily's new prototype Double Gear System which could led risking to harm robots, Dr. Wily had left the Robot University as he swears one day to prove Dr Light wrong.
In the current story where Dr. Light and his crew Mega Man, Roll, Auto and eight Robot Masters are working on the maintenance lab, until Dr. Wily shows up with his dirty plans by capturing all Robot Masters and escapes from lab. Dr. Light had installed the prototype Double Gear System on Mega Man which gives him ability to use speed and power gear.
Mega Man began to set his mission to take down the eight Robot Masters and stop Dr. Wily once for all.

So far the story in the game is quite easy to follow as the story did add up the backstory behind two scientists been working together in Robot University until the fallout happens between Dr. Light and Dr. Wily had started to make arguments regarding their research on robots technology. You could really tell that Dr. Light was trying to prevent Dr. Wily from using his dangerous prototype that could put robots into danger which really made Dr. Wily so furious as he storms off from Robot University. This storyline really explains how selfish Dr. Wily is which was the main reason why Dr. Wily always failed his plans in whole Mega Man series, so it makes the story development very unique and interesting that really adds up to the series.
We know Mega Man is a great video game character shared with his cool personality and his classy appearances, while I find most of the Robot Masters in the game are actually just as good as the previous sub-bosses from older Mega Man title, so you have Bounce Man, Block Man, Fuse Man, Thundra Man and others featured in the game as sub-bosses. The supportive characters such as Dr. Light is kinda look like Santa Claus dressed up as a scientist that he encourages Mega Man to stop Dr. Wily's dangerous plan, while Roll and Auto are mostly spent time working in the labs during maintenance as you normally see them on cutscenes and item shop.
I got to say Dr. Wily is sorta like a insane version of Albert Einstein as a villain that really never learned a lesson from his past because he always causing trouble against Mega Man in the whole series which is the reason why I liked him as a great video game villains.

As you start beginning the game, you will have classic-style stage menus that has Mega Man on the middle screen staring at the Robot Masters everytime you highlight these sub-bosses screens.
I really liked the stage presentation for its overall design such as Block Man has Ancient style scenery, Acid Man has lab style settings, Impact Man has construction site, Bounce Man has playground area, and Fuse Man has nuclear power station which made the level design look very appealing in the game.
                  
Overall, It has straightforward storyline, memorable cast of characters, and great stage presentation.



Gameplay

In single player mode there are 4 difficulty options to select from easy to super hard depending on what difficulty suits your play skills and then you will select any of these stages as your aim is to defeat all the robot masters in order to reach at the Dr. Wily whereabouts. You take control of Mega Man being played in 2D perspective to beat the stage by reaching to the sub-bosses battle.

You have a buster as a main weapon which was used for shooting down these minions while holding down the shoot button will charging up the buster which allows you to shoot with the big blast for massive damage. The game introduces the double gear system such as speed gear which help slows down time allowing Mega Man to dodge the enemy's projectiles and hazards objects faster, while power gear increases his attack power for heavy shooting damage on enemy which really benefits the play style in the game, but it can also easily overheat when using them too much, so it will automatically take time to cool down these gear system till it's ready to use. Another cool stuff when using the double gear is when your health is low you will able to perform the powerful charge shot when activating both gears at the same time at once which also weakens Mega Man, so use it carefully.
I find the double gear system seems to be very interesting in the game which did really adds up the newer gameplay elements that allows to slow down time and making powerful attacks on enemies is pretty good in the game. You can also retain special weapons after beating the sub-bosses which these special weapons works very effectively on some sub-bosses depending what their weaknesses is as some of the special weapons are really good in the game are bounce ball that shoots multiple of balls bouncing around the levels, the thundra storm shoots with tornado vertically, the block dropper that shoots with the falling blocks on enemies, the pile driver allows you to perform launch forward attack, the blazing touch shoots with huge flames, the acid barrier uses as shields while shooting with green slimy stuff, the scramble thunder shoots with round electric that moves around, and lastly the chain blast is a detonator where you can shoot and detonate the enemies which I finding these special weapons is very useful for not just sub-bosses, but also kills the minions quicker.
Rush is a helpful robotic dog that can transform into two forms such as jet that lets you pass the level, while coil allows you to jump higher which is very handy if you really need a assistance help in the game.
 
At the stage selection menu, there are item shop where you can able to purchase those useful items such as energy tank that increases your health, while weapon tank can increase your limited ammo of special weapons. The mystery tank also increases both health and ammo, but also transforms into 1-up, so these are the tanks that you really wanted to use it during the in-game action. The variety of parts that lets you upgrade your ability such as awakener chip, buster plus chip, cooling system, power shield, and plenty more which can be unlocked by some of the requirements you’ll need to meet before you can purchase them. It is nice to have an upgradable parts that really makes you stronger, but I finding these upgradable parts are quite two overpowered which makes the game easier to beat quickly, so if you really prefer to play the game more harder then you can always turn off these abilities by unequipping all of these parts that you don't really need to have it on all of time.

I got to say that the platforming aspects in the game are just quite as good as the earlier Mega Man games regarding with the level design and difficulty choices are the main highlights of the game.
As you can see some of the levels are filled with hazards and minions that makes the platforming segments much challenging as you try to avoid all of enemy's projectiles that trying to damage you, the deadly spikes can instantly kills you in one hit death, and some of the areas with empty bottom layouts can lead you to fall off the stages. There are some variety of stages that has different kinds of hazardous objects such as laser beam in Fuse Man stage, the impact brothers can launch attack you in Impact Man stage, the colourful balls in the whole level can bounce you around in Bounce Man stage, the acid minions can turn pool into acids in Acid Man stage, and trying to evade the deadly flames in Torch Man stage is what making the level so great that really adds up the fun factor of the game itself.
The boss battle in the game are also pretty amazing is really showing what Mega Man series were being known in the game. It is good to memorising the patterns which really helps the player where you need to dodge and then attack on the bosses is what makes the game so much fun to play.
I find the game is super short which only takes about 1 or 2 hours to beat, but the good thing is that you can always play again which has 4 difficulty settings which adds up small replay values and it is also included challenge mode which has 9 modes to play such as time attack, score attack, boss rush, jump saver and all others where you need to complete the task by beating the stage will earn you the medals which I find these challenge mode quite fun to play.


Overall, it has great platforming levels, unique weapons, and epic boss battles.



Graphics

I got to say the graphics in the game is surprisingly amazing for its character's models that are more cartoonish and detailed in both cutscenes and in-game action. I liked the lip-syncing part in the cutscene while they start making conversation between the characters. The character's animation is quite super smooth for both facial features and body language that really adds up their personality as it made use of 3D polygonal characters.
The stage design is looking spectacular with amazing backgrounds area, great use of textures and has cool looking special effects for the use of lighting and explosion as I really liked the hand-drawn environments that made the game look more fresh and new to the series.
It does look very different from the previous game that uses the 8-bit pixel style, but this graphics is looking very impressive with more cartoonish style that fits well for the Mega Man universe.

Overall, it has amazing character's models, smooth animation, great stage design, and cool special effects.



Music and Sounds

The original soundtrack in whole game is sounds pretty fantastic. The video game composer did a fabulous job of making really catchy upbeat music in both menus and levels such as most of the Robot Masters stage, main menus, stage select and shop menus are definitely sounds like a Mega Man at all, while the sounds effects are quite acceptable for most part such as destructible sounds, atmospheric effects, and background noises.
The voice casting for the character is pretty okay at most part, but not as good doesn't mean its a bad thing as long as it can get their voice right it should be.

Overall, it has fantastic soundtrack and acceptable sound effects and voices.



Special Features

The game has extra modes which has challenge modes, gallery, and online leaderboards, but it would have been nice to add newer things like more playable characters, stages and bosses if they had a chance to bring a brand new DLC in the future, but so far its all pretty good. The trophy achievements are also featured in the game which keeps you busy to collect all of achievable goals.

Overall, it has extra modes and trophy achievements.



Advantages

Great presentation

Fun gameplay

Epic boss battles

Amazing graphics design

Fantastic soundtrack

Cool extra modes
                      
         
Disadvantages

Overpowered upgradable parts makes the game too easy

Short length single player mode



Final Verdict


Presentation 8/10 - Straightforward storyline, memorable cast of characters, and great stage presentation.

Gameplay 8.5/10 - Great platforming levels, unique weapons, and epic boss battles.

Graphics 8.5/10 - Amazing character's models, smooth animation, great stage design, and cool special effects.

Music and Sounds 8/10 - Fantastic soundtrack and acceptable sound effects and voices.

Special Features 8/10 - Extra modes and trophy achievements.


Overall 8.5/10 - Mega Man 11 is a great title that brings the Blue Bomber a huge comeback to the series since 2010's Mega Man 10.
This game finally proves that Capcom had made a promise for fans to bring a series back again with entirely fresh and new sequel which offers well designed levels for platforming aspects, newer gameplay mechanics including weapons and abilities, and entertaining boss fights are the biggest highlights of the game.
The fans of the series will appreciate with this title are worth for picking up from the stores, so I'm happy with this game had turned out so fantastic by Capcom themselves and I will definitely look forward to see newer future DLCs for this game with more levels and bosses or maybe for another future sequel.
That being said, this game totally kicks ass that deserves a seal of approval. 


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Why Sonic The Hedgehog Movie Official Trailer aren't good? (My Reaction and Rant)

Back in my days, I grew up playing Sonic The Hedgehog on SEGA Genesis/Megadrive are highly regarded as the greatest game of all time which made the franchise quite popular in early 90's. It had kickass blue Hedgehog himself that does a speed running though Green Hill Zone, cool spindash, collects rings, gaining chaos emeralds, and kicking Dr. Robotnik ass is what made the character so memorable back then.
The success of the franchise had spawned numerous of great titles such as Sonic 2, Sonic CD, Sonic and Knuckles, Sonic Adventure, Sonic Colors, and Sonic Generations, while sharing with the bad ones like Sonic Unleashed, Sonic Boom, Sonic Forces, and worst of all Sonic 06 which really killed off the beloved franchise that we all love.
Despite the franchise had their ups and downs, the movie studios Paramount Pictures has released their official trailer of upcoming live-action film which is titled as Sonic The Hedgehog are heading to be released on this November 8th 2019.

I had a chance to watch the actual trailer of this live-action film on YouTube and after watching this, I got really disappointed with this overall results. The reason why its so bad is because of horrendous looking Sonic's character design which they had got it all wrong such as human-like Hedgehog which took away the classic nostalgia of the original design that was featured on several of classic Sonic games. I know it's sounds very nip-picky to talk about the Sonic's design, but I'm not bullshitting because his eyes shape is way too small, his arms supposed to be full skin rather than full blue fur, he wears no gloves, and his body shape is more like a human compared with cartoony Sonic's design on past games like Sonic Adventure which is more appropriate for the character model than the movie version. I'm finding Sonic is looking too creepy in the movie which was the main reason why the people on the internet made their meme jokes to point out Sonic's terrible design as he look like a scary ass puppet mask from the Walmart store. I think they need to retweak the Sonic design to make it look more like the original Sonic that we all know from the past.
 
They putting out their weird music choice for the actual trailer that didn't fit right for the Sonic movie, so instead of using a same music from the Sonic franchise it uses one of the famous rap soundtrack from the 90's such as Coolio - Gangster Paradise had really nothing to do with Sonic at all, so where is the Green Hill Zone song from Sonic 1 and what about Crush 40's songs from Sonic Adventure which is sounds more appropriate than the licensed rap song that featured in the movie trailer.

The part that I'm more of concerned about is the storyline and presentation itself which is completely different from the Sonic series. Instead of saving the world, teaming up with friends, collecting chaos emeralds and defeating Dr. Robotnik like on the Sonic games, it's more of the buddy cop film which I felt that the movie is going to flop badly for lacking resemblance to the past Sonic games and having bad script in the movie. It's nothing but all about police officer named Tom just discovers blue Hedgehog who has ability to run at incredible speeds as Tom decided to protect Sonic from getting capture by government, while they aiming to collect rings and defeating mad scientist named Dr. Robotnik.

The only best part of the trailer is definitely Jim Carrey playing the role of Dr. Robotnik which actually nails it with his acting performance and sense of humour which really brings back his original comedy root since I grew up watching his films from the past such as Ace Ventura and The Mask. It may not look like Dr. Robotnik at the very beginning until you will see the best part at the end of the trailer does look like a character from the game.

Overall, I bet it's going to disappoint the fans of the franchise had their hope to see the movie succeed, but with the bad design choices for blue Hedgehog, poor presentation, and lacks resemblance to past Sonic games is definitely the huge kick in their faces. I'm not saying the actual movie is bad, but I don't think the movie is ever gonna be good at the cinema release, so I can't believe SEGA had to let the movie studio making a botched up trailer of live-action film based on blue mascot himself.
Hell, Warner Bros got it right with Pokemon: Detective Pikachu official trailer which is based on the original 3DS title of the same name are done way better than the Sonic The Hedgehog official trailer.

In my opinion, I wish Paramount Pictures should better off delay the film release to fix the Sonic's character design to make more visually appealing to gaming fans who has played Sonic games from the past and I hope the movie doesn't turned out disaster just like what hollywood film studios did to 1993's film such as Super Mario Bros had received poorly reception at the cinema release.     


If you haven't seen a trailer yet, then check out the video down below and tell me what you think:

 



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Top 5 Favourites Games Consoles

I'm a huge fan of playing all the video games consoles that really defines my gaming childhood. Starting off from SNES to PS4, video games consoles are the biggest entertainment industry all over the world that was known for having milestones gaming franchises, being commercially success across the globe, biggest online gaming services, adding media features like browsing, social media and movies, and so on.
I've spent time playing a numerous of all games titles that originally came out on certain of console platforms like SNES had Super Mario World, Saturn had Virtua Fighter 2, Xbox Original had Halo, PS1 had Final Fantasy VII, GBA had Wario Land 4, Genesis/Megadrive had Sonic, and so on.
It is also looked great for your gaming rooms where you had all collections of video game titles, controllers and accessories, and merchandises on store shelves.
After owning 13 consoles in my house including NES Classic Mini, SNES, Genesis/MD, Saturn, N64, GBC, Dreamcast, Gamecube, GBA, Wii, PS3, PS Vita, and PS4, I wanted to make my 5 favourite game consoles that I really enjoyed playing most of the time due to numerous of great libraries of games and groundbreaking graphics that blew me away as a young lad back in my days.


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




5 - SONY Playstation 3

 
   
       














Back in 90's, I didn't own any of the two Playstation consoles because I was a full time Nintendo kid back then where I focused mostly playing on SNES, N64, GBC, Gamecube, and GBA which I felt that the Nintendo consoles are part of my primary system of choice to pick up and play but until I growing up as a teen in late-2000s I've fully realised that I've being regretted for not owning any of SONY's game consoles because I heard lot positively from gaming articles and my friends from school as they proved that the PS1 and PS2 had shared numerous of best exclusives and third-party titles that made SONY's home consoles so popular over the years.

I always thought the PS3 is not doing great as their competitors which was the reason why I'm still sticking with the Nintendo's consoles including Nintendo Wii which I already own in year spring 2007.
It's a decent system at the time for its innovation and creative, but I fully realised that its not as powerful as their competitors in which both X360 and PS3 had shared with fully third-parties titles and better online gaming services that the Wii had lacked many of these support.
In 2011, I decided to pick up a PS3 normal slim for less than £200 from ASDA during spring sales making PS3 as my very first Playstation consoles I ever own.

The reason why I liked the PS3 better than the Wii is because it shares with great third-party titles like Assassin's Creed, Call of Duty 4: Modern Warfare, Dead Space, Grand Theft Auto IV, Resident Evil 5, Devil May Cry 4, Ultimate Marvel vs Capcom 3, and Virtua Tennis 3. I also got blown away with their groundbreaking exclusives titles like God of War 3, Gran Turismo 5, Infamous, Resistance, Yakuza 3 and 4, Metal Gear Soild 4, Uncharted 2, and The Last of Us that the PS3 was very known for having a best exclusives on the system making a biggest triumph in gaming industries.
Unlike the paid services like Xbox Live on X360, the Playstation network on PS3 is a free online services which lets you play online multiplayer without having to pay subscription which I felt its a neat move by SONY to bring more players to join online gaming for free.
The console has ability to play movies through Blu-Ray, DVD, Netflix and Lovefilm. It has PS1 backwards compatibility which allows you to play any of PS1 libaries via physical disc. The system are also region free for most of the PS3 titles from outside of US and Japan meaning that you can able to import any of Japanese copy of games titles without any of the region restrictions which is beneficial for most of the video game collectors and consumers. This system does have a replaceable Hard Drive Disk slots where you can able to replace it with a newer HDD for its higher capacity of memory size making it easier to download and install more games on the HDD. The clever things about the PS3 system was the remote play where you can able to play any of PS3 titles on your handheld system such as PSP or PS Vita depending what PS3 games are compatible on your SONY's handheld system.

PS3 is a great system to have it on your collection with numerous of exclusivity, ability to play PS1 titles, importing Japanese-only titles, watching Blu-Ray movies, and has remote play features is definitely worth pick up and play.



4 - Nintendo 64

    












At the time in mid-90s where my brother had bought me a SEGA Saturn which is one of my very first games consoles of fifth generation era that heavily focuses on 3D gaming. As a kid in year 1995, I had fun playing Saturn for many times with my brother, sister, and cousins with numerous fun of SEGA Arcade titles back then until in year 1997, my brother and I went to electronic shopping which I've discovered a brand new Nintendo system known as Nintendo 64 which was already released in March, so I was being a super brat when it comes with Nintendo's consoles which I've asked him to pick up a N64, but he still refuses to buy the system due to his budgeting which I had to wait for longer till it goes cheaper in Christmas holiday sales. In December 1997, my brother decided to exchange Saturn with the N64 from the video game store for cheaper deals. As I came back from my Junior School, I just found out that my Saturn had been taken away which really got me upset (but the good news is that I still got my Saturn back in year 2016 as grown lad) as my brother had cheered me up with my Christmas gift came with Nintendo 64 along with Super Mario 64.

After getting used with the newer Nintendo's system, I actually did not regret the decision from my brother and I really liked the console for its wonderful libraries of games that really changed gaming, so it has Super Mario 64 that considered revolutionary at the times that made the platforming genre quite popular, Goldeneye 007 are considered to be not only the best game based on the same title of the movie it was becoming a groundbreaking shooter title was known for action packed single player mode and addicting split-screen multiplayer that made FPS genre successful, and The legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time are among being a greatest open-world adventure game of all-times had received universally praised from fans and critics of gaming articles.
There are many games to play like Turok: Dinosaur Hunter, Starfox 64, F-Zero X, WCW vs NWO: Revenge, Mario Kart 64, Conker's Bad Fur Day, Banjo Kazooie, and Perfect Dark which I really enjoyed playing the most when I had N64 for very long time.
I got to admit that the N64 controller are quite amazing to see how these controller are fully designed for most of the 3D titles as the analog joystick worked perfectly for platforming games like Super Mario 64 and Banjo Kazooie. It also plays great for FPS games like Goldeneye 007 and Turok: Dinosaur Hunter that the analog joystick are used for aiming controls which is very precised and responsive to use.
The graphics are looking spectacular for N64 hardware which really shows how super smooth these animations, textures and environmental design for most N64 titles especially with games like Perfect Dark, Legend of Zelda: Mojora's Mask and Donkey Kong 64 make heavy use of expansion pak which inserts into the N64 expansion slot allowing to utilises more graphical enhancement.

Nintendo 64 is a fantastic system to pick up and play because it has great selection of games including the best local multiplayer titles and groundbreaking single player titles to play.



3 - SEGA Genesis/Megadrive

    














SEGA and Nintendo are the biggest rivalry of console wars gaming during the 16-bit era. During the success of Nintendo's system seller such as NES in mid-80s, SEGA decided to make the SEGA Master System successor known as the SEGA Genesis/Megadrive was released in late 80's and competing with their competitor Nintendo will later announced their SNES at the initial release in early 90s. A lot of people been watching the commercial ads on the television showing SEGA's powerful 16-bit hardware that demonstrated the system power could able to handle the arcade perfect ports, exciting upcoming titles and unique looking graphics that started to attract all the consumers worldwide. It's funny to see the ads starts making fun of Nintendo's system as they uses the word slogan "Genesis does what Nintendon't" meaning that SEGA does make their 16-bit console as opposed to Nintendo's successful 8-bit system, so you better be watch out SEGA because Super Nintendo is on the way to gaming market pretty soon.   

At my childhood days where I normally visiting at my cousin's house in every weekend as he had SEGA Genesis/Megadrive model 1 with numerous of game titles to play.
I remember playing those types of game that got me really into with playing like Super Thunder Blade, Alien Storm, Golden Axe, Street of Rage, Revenge of Shinobi, and of course the most beloved SEGA Mascots Sonic The Hedgehog.
It is really difficult to become a console fanboy as I'm a full-time Nintendo fan while my cousin are hardcore SEGA fan themselves. I do really appreciate with SEGA's games consoles because it has so many potential to see how good the SEGA 16-bit system is and how much the SEGA has to offer.
Me and my cousin are a true best friends when playing so many of video game consoles and arcade hardwares which really adds our nostalgia moments from the past.

As a grown up lad in 2016, I just finally picked up SEGA Genesis/Megadrive model 2 for £50 from Ebay to relive my childhood gaming. The reason why I wanted to pick up this console is because SEGA Genesis/Megadrive has the best selection of games to play like Golden Axe, Street of Rage 2, Shinobi 3, Thunder Force IV, M.U.S.H.A, Contra: Hard Corps, Castlevania: Bloodlines, Outrun, Strider, NBA Jam, Mortal Kombat, Altered Beast, and of course the system best-selling title Sonic 2.
I also liked the overall design of the system in both model 1 and 2 because it has nicely finished console design and smooth black coloured system which is more likely geared towards mature audiences who prefers a manly looking gaming system as opposed to kiddy system design like the SNES.
The controller has simple 3-buttons and rounded d-pad which is acceptable for most of the arcade titles, but it may not be as good as the 6-buttons controller which is lot better for most of the fighting games titles such as Street Fighter II and Mortal Kombat.
The graphics are not just as powerful as the SNES hardware which uses the graphic enhancer technology such as Mode 7 and Super FX chip, but it has better CPU speed for faster gameplay and professional use of parallax scrolling and scaling animation for its titles such as Thunder Force IV, Contra: Hard Corps, and M.U.S.H.A which is surprisingly to see how developers could able to manage to fit all the graphic design into the limited hardware processor.
It had quality original soundtrack from the game titles such as Street of Rage, Thunder Force IV, Sonic 2, Shinobi 3, Outrun and so on are the best for most of the music genres including Techno, Dance, Rock, and Metal that the game system was being capable of handling the music so well in the game. 
While SEGA Genesis/Megadrive is a unique game system during the 16-bit era, it also shared with terrible add-ons such as SEGA CD and 32X which meant to enhanced the gaming system but it turned out flopped at the release meaning its a bad luck for SEGA couldn't able to beat their rivalry with SNES.

So far, I really liked the system for its choices of game libraries to play with and slick console design, so if you're a hardcore fan of the 16-bit gaming, then this console is for you to pick it up and play.



2 - SEGA Dreamcast

  

In the late 90's where SEGA Saturn had becoming unsuccessful at the western territories, SEGA decided to make a powerful game console that are able to compete their rivalry such as Nintendo 64 and SONY Playstation 1, so that is SEGA Dreamcast as very first console of sixth generation era right before the arrival of PS2, Xbox, and Gamecube in early 2000s.
The system is starting out very impressive at the launch date due to excellent choice of games titles such as Soul Calibur, Power Stone, Hydro Thunder, House of the Dead 2, Ready 2 Rumble, and of course the system seller Sonic Adventure.
I was surprised to see any of third party companies such as Acclaim, SNK, Ubisoft, Midway, Activision, Infogrames, and Capcom had supported the system during its first year. It had so many of best titles including most of the Shoot em ups, Beat em ups, Light Gun Shooter, FPS, RPGs, Sports, and Fighting games that Dreamcast has to offer.
The system also introduces their online services such as Dreamarena and SEGA-Net geared for dial-up-based online gaming on the Dreamcast game console where you can plug it on back of your system and play online via dial-up cable, so you can able to play multiplayer games through online which is way ahead before Microsoft did a same thing with their Xbox Live services on the Xbox Original.

At the time where I was originally planning to get the SONY Playstation 2, but I decided to change mind with the SEGA Dreamcast due to great selection of games that I wanted to play. Games like Sonic Adventure which is a 3D platformer title mixed with action and open-world elements had gotten me attention as a very first 3D Sonic's game that I ever played on the system. I've enjoyed hell of this game when I had this game along with the 3D fighting game title such as Power Stone for my 8th birthday.
My brother also bought me a Official Dreamcast Magazines comes with the demo disk where you can able to play those demo game titles which is very handy for those who wanted to tryout the game in limited time before you can decide to buy the full version title from the video game store and he also subscribed to online services such as Dreamarena at the time where we getting a free copy of ChuChu Rocket! which is a fun-addictive puzzle title with excellent online multiplayer mode.
It's kinda sad to see SEGA last console had been declined in year between 2001 and 2002 at the US and European territories due to their rivalry SONY Playstation 2 had becoming a fast-selling system at the launch release in 2000 had sold magnificently well at worldwide and it had ability to play DVD and PS1 format as backward compatibility which is a main reason why SEGA had decided to discontinue their final system as they are no longer to become a hardware manufacturer meaning they had to move on with their software business to make games for non-SEGA consoles including PS2, Xbox, Gamecube and PCs.

Despite the SEGA's poor hardware sales, Dreamcast is by far one of my favourite SEGA's consoles that made my childhood amazing as I had a such fun spending time to play this system is because it had a massive libraries of games that the system was known for such as having the best arcade to console conversion titles such as The House of the Dead 2, Dead or Alive 2, Power Stone 2, Crazy Taxi, Virtua Tennis, Ikaruga, Confidental Mission, Dynamite Cop, Marvel vs Capcom 2, and Soul Calibur. It also shares with both great third-party and exclusive titles that defines the system such as Grandia 2, Skies of Arcadia, Quake III Arena, Jet Set Radio, Ready 2 Rumble, Resident Evil: CODE Veronica, and of course the triple A's titles Shenmue had showed off the Dreamcast's powerhouse as being one of the greatest game of all-times.
Most of the game titles had remarkably aged well over the years as the hardware's graphics design had ran on whomping 60 per frame second, and having smooth character's animation and realistic game's environments did hold up for the today standards.
The controller is quite unique for its designs as I really liked the 3D analog stick for its 3D platforming titles such as Sonic Adventures and Jet Set Radio, while d-pad button are better for most of the fighting game titles such as Marvel vs Capcom 2 and Soul Calibur.
The 2 analog triggers is worked well for racing game titles like Daytona USA 2001 and Metropolis Street Racer for its acceleration controls and the VMU screen are handy for games like Resident Evil: CODE Veronica and Dino Crisis to view character's health, and ability to have transferring options to play mini games on the VMU Unit for titles like Power Stone and Sonic Adventure which I considered innovative at the times before Nintendo did the same with their GBA's link cable for the Nintendo Gamecube in the year 2002.
As a kid, I was super surprised to see Dreamcast's online support where you can able to play games through online multiplayer such as Quake III Arena and ChuChu Rocket! and I also remember that the Dreamcast had their web browsing software called DreamKey where you can able to browse your favourite sites on your system which is kinda cool back then.

Dreamcast is a criminally underrated games console that didn't get much credit as what they deserved, so this system had offered all the best game libraries that are worth for giving a Dreamcast a second chance because I love SEGA's games consoles.



1 - Super Nintendo Entertainment System

       
     














SNES was a global success, becoming the best-selling console of the 16-bit era had sold remarkably well at the worldwide release. It was well known for its innovative controller, technically impressive hardware systems and of course the best-selling titles on their system such as Super Mario World, Donkey Kong Country, and Super Mario Kart.

My brother had thought me about how did he get SNES as my very first Nintendo's console as he has told me that at his times where he used to have Commodore 64 and SEGA Genesis/Megadrive in his bedroom right before it got stolen along with their old fashion TV and VCR in year 1994.
He was originally attended to get another SEGA Genesis/Megadrive console, but changed it mind with the SNES came bundled with Super Mario All-Stars which is a remake of all 4 NES classics.
He first introduced me with the game console that I had never heard of the gaming before as age of 3. This console had got me attention to play is because of the simple gameplay and colourful graphics are quite advanced for the 16-bit system.

There are quite a massive libraries of games that SNES had to offer as I really enjoyed playing titles such as Super Mario World which is a fun 2D platformer title with excellent stages, epic boss battles, cool power-ups, colourful graphics, and had so many replay values. It has the best local 2-player titles for both competitive and co-op couch play such as Super Street Fighter II, Super Mario Kart, TMNT: Turtles in Time, Contra III: The Alien Wars, Super Bomberman 3, ISS Deluxe, and Killer Instinct.
SNES does shares the greatest third-party titles like Secret of Mana, Final Fantasy 6, Chrono Trigger, Megaman X, Super Castlevania IV, Gradius III, Super Turrican, and Zombies Ate My Neighbours.
Nintendo are the king of all the exclusives for SNES libraries such as F-Zero, Yoshi's Island, Donkey Kong Country and Starfox are concidered to be a biggest technical marvel that really shows the system powerhouse due to make use of mode 7, Super FX chips and other graphical enhancements.
My favourite two titles are got to be Legend of Zelda: Link to the Past and Super Metroid are the biggest groundbreaking Nintendo's titles that not only defines the system, but a 16-bit gaming era.
SNES controller had coloured 4-buttons, 2-shoulder buttons, and d-pad which is great for the playability for most of the titles and the design of the dogbone controller is very comfortable to hold which is the reason why I loved the video game controller.
The graphics are the highlight of the system as the game like F-Zero and Super Mario Kart uses the mode 7 which allows to rotate the track when controlling the playable driver, Starfox has whomping 3D polygon environment using the Super FX chip which is a biggest achievements overall, and Donkey Kong Country uses the graphical enhancements technologies for character's animations and level designs which pushes the limits of SNES hardware.
It does have very best original soundtrack from the games like Megaman X, Chrono Trigger, Final Fantasy 6, Donkey Kong Country, Super Turrican, Legend of Zelda: Link to the Past, Super Castlevania IV, Actraiser, Killer Instinct, and Super Metroid that defines the video game music genres.

So far, SNES is one of my all-time favourite games consoles that everyone should experience with the power of the 16-bit machine.



Honorable Mentions:

SEGA Saturn
SEGA Master System
Nintendo Gamecube
Nintendo Wii
Nintendo Entertainment System
Game Boy Advance
Game Boy Color
Microsoft Xbox Original
SONY Playstation 1
SONY Playstation 2
SONY Playstation 4
SNK NeoGeo
TurboGrafx 16/PC Engine



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What have you done EA? (My Gaming Rant)

Uhhhhhh things didn't go well with EA nowadays. Back in the days when Electronic Arts used to be a top dog publishers of gaming industries behind their successful titles such as Battlefield, Medal of Honor, Burnout, Road Rash, Strike, Dead Space, and Need for Speed, but now they turned out to become a biggest enormous assholes corporation that started to shit on games that we liked, the consumers, and of course the best developers team behind their work.

I decided to make my gaming rant because I haven't made any of recent rant since 5 years ago, but now I have finally to discuss about the disastrous companies that started to become greedy and selfish.

What really started to annoy not just me, but also gaming community is that the company had no passion to make great games anymore instead they started to rush out the biggest titles that we are looking forward to see and there are some of the great developers that got badly screwed by the company themselves.

At beginning in early 2010s, they been awarded as being the worst companies in america of 2012-13 as they were blamed for its critically controversial title like Mass Effect 3 for its worst ending ever, weak sales of Dead Space 3 for its use of microtransactions, and the poor launch of SimCity reboot which getting a lot of bad reputation from the consumers and gaming community. They also killed off games like Medal of Honor: Warfighter, Army of Two: The Devil's Cartel, Battlefield: Hardline, Need for Speed Payback, and Mass Effect: Andromeda which received mixed reception from critics, while fans calling it most disappointing titles ever released.
The part that got me really angry is that one of the biggest games that I was looking forward to was Star Wars: Battlefront that got everyone hyped as it was mean't to be a reboot of the original game, but unfortunately it got disappointing at the initial release due to heavy use of microtransactions on online multiplayer, forcing to pay $40 season pass to gain all the contents, and missing single player campaign which the game had criticised, so they went to make another sequel to this game which did took off the season pass and having single player campaign, but then again it got badly flopped for having 2-3 hours shortest campaign, pay to win lootboxes, and 40 hours to unlock Darth Vader which EA Dice had badly messed up once again.
Speaking of EA Dice, they are also destroyed Battlefield V which received mixed responses from fan community due to degree of historical inaccuracy, lack of innovation, and shortage of content at lunch which causes commercially disappointment for its sales as it was never was good as the previous title such as Battlefield 1 which deserves more praise than these garbage.
There are one of the AAA title that we are hoping to see game succeed again was Anthem which is a Action RPG shooter by BioWare who was known for their series such as Dragon Age and Mass Effect, but it didn't turned out well at the release due to repetitive missions, disjointed story and of course long loading times that took 5 mins to start. What makes Anthem even worse is that the game itself did however crashes thousands of PS4 consoles as it bricks the console or shutting down itself while playing Anthem had gain so much controversy after hearing from several of gaming news article websites and gaming YouTube channel.

Unfortunately EA did screw up not only the developer team, but fanbase because they are now becoming anti-consumers, money hungry and being not caring about gaming products as they treated the products like a mobile games rather than designed for the actual PCs and Consoles gaming back then. Several of developers like EA Dice and BioWare which I believe they did not had a good reputation from the publishers as like what EA did to talented developers back then such as Westwood Studios, Pandemic Studios, and Visceral Games who was no longer active are becoming a biggest victims of evil companies like EA due to unsuccessful titles had sold poorly like Dead Space 3, The Saboteur, and Command & Conquer: Renegade which didn't meet expectations of the publisher, so I didn't want EA Dice and BioWare becoming downhill like the previous developers just had because of their failures they had from EA.
Things that really annoys me the most was they focusing too much on crappy EA Sports series like FIFA, Madden, NHL and every damn simulation sports games that we got sick of seeing these kinds of boring ass sports titles that keeps getting released in every single year, so why can't EA focused more on the classic series that haven't been made for ages like what the hell happened to Strike, Road Rash, and Burnout, so these are the games that deserves a sequel but unfortunately it never going to happen in the future.

Sigh...EA what have you done to yourself that you used to be a biggest companies of gaming back then, but now you're becoming a biggest joke to our gaming by destroying the best franchises that we grew up playing back then. Our favourite franchises was destroyed with pay to win lootboxes, heavy use of microtransactions, missing half of content, and unfinished development what really causing problems with gaming industries nowadays.
You're making so much poor business practices to treat consumers like an animal and you letting all best developers down by nothing but your greed, so someday you will going to regret pretty soon because you had done worst damage than the companies like Activision.
EA I hope you will learn the lesson from the previous mistake you made, but it won't save you at the end because people still losing your trust. Please EA we beg you to give the gaming fans community what they want and make your products good again, so we can able to enjoy the game what we like to play.
I'm very glad that Respawn Entertainment, a developer behind Titanfall series, did a fabulous job with their recent FPS Battle-Royale title such as Apex Legends that came out last month which is a really fun game had gained over 50 million players worldwide because it's free to play title meaning that you can able to download and play the game for free, so I hope the company doesn't do anything stupid with this game at the end because I really enjoyed the game a lot which I can't stop playing in over 2 hours of addictive battle-royale matches.       


          
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