Fire Emblem Echoes: Shadows of Valentia 3DS Review

History of Fire Emblem series:


Fire Emblem is one of the Nintendo franchise created by Shouzou Kaga. It is a fantasy Tactical RPG series that was first originated in early 90's making it a Japanese-only franchise that never got it first release at worldwide until when GBA title finally made a first debut in early 2000's.
Intelligent Systems had produced many of the series's main games and spin-offs such as 90's very first game called Fire Emblem: Shadow Dragon and the Blade of Light for NES which had received mixed reception from the critics, but also gaining fanbases that made the game popular for crediting with popularising the genre in general.

It was later spawning many sequels and remakes of main games which had gained so much better reception such as Fire Emblem: Mystery of the Emblem for SNES is one of the sequel had also included the remake of the original NES had gained the improvement over the original NES title, while later two sequel for Japanese releases are also gained positive for its storylines, difficulty and gameplay design.

The Binding Blade for GBA was released in early 2000's which is the last game being exclusive in Japan making other later two games a first worldwide debut such as Fire Emblem for GBA which had becoming commercially success overseas and gained highly acclaimed by critics and fans labelling the game as being one of the best in the series had establishing the Fire Emblem series in the Western territory, while the last GBA title The Sacred Stones are also well received at the release which leads Intelligent System to release many of later games such as Path of Radiance, Radiant Dawn, Awakening, Fates, and Three Houses, while sharing with spin-offs such as Heroes, Warriors, and Tokyo Mirage Sessions #FE.

The series had been starting out quite positive at western debut in 2000's thanks to Nintendo's fighting game title Super Smash Bros Melee for Gamecube which had included two fighting rosters from Fire Emblem series such as Marth and Roy were being first introduced in western releases.

So these are the small history of how the Fire Emblem series had first started in Japan, but now becoming a worldwide success had gained popularity which had later influenced developer's own Tactical RPGs series such as NCS/Masaya's Langrisser, Quest's Tactics Ogre, Nippon Chi's Disgaea, Square Enix's Final Fantasy Tactics, and SEGA's two series such as Shining Force and Valkyria Chronicles had shared the similar formula as the Nintendo's Tactical RPGs series was being known for popularising the genres.

Okay then, moving on to the review now.



Fire Emblem Echoes: Shadows of Valentia 3DS Review:


Fire Emblem Echoes: Shadows of Valentia is a Tactical RPGs game only for 3DS, which was developed by Intelligent Systems and published by Nintendo. It is a full remake of 1992's NES title called Fire Emblem Gaiden which added the elements in the game such as rebuilding the storylines and expanding core gameplay mechanics based on recent 3DS games like Awakening while adding dungeon crawler aspects in game.

It's been for 10 years since I've played Fire Emblem: Radiant Dawn on Wii which is the game that I've really enjoyed playing it, so it took me awhile to get a hands on with the later Nintendo consoles until I finally got my 3DS last year, so I can now able to go and pick up another Fire Emblem title that I wanted to play on my 3DS, so that is this game that I'm gonna review now because I've been played the game for over two weeks with such lengthy campaign and more storylines which is the reason why I've liked the game.
It has spectacular use of presentation including both FMV cutscenes and visual novel that brings the positively on story development, the graphics is definitely the best looking game I've seen on the 3DS system, the orchestrated soundtrack has epic rendition of the original NES title including some new track, and the battle gameplay system is surprisingly well made with the great use of strategy that made the game so much better than what I've expected from the talented developers that nails the remake so nicely in comparison with Fire Emblem Gaiden for NES.

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



Presentation


The main story in the game was based on original 1992's NES title Fire Emblem Gaiden. The backstory in the game explains the war conflict between the siblings gods Earth Mother Mila and the War Father Duma who split up and formed rival nations such as Mila's Kingdom of Zofia and Duma's Empire of Rigel.
While the story stills continue on, it focuses on the village boy named Alm who are now part of the deliverance team, along with his friends, had set his quest to overthrow Rigel's military leader Chancellor Desaix and drive Rigel's ruler Emperor Rudolf out of the Zofia.
Then you will have Zofian's priestess named Celica, along with her team, had a quest to reunite her childhood friend Alm after experiencing her nightmare, as well as reaching to Mila's Temple to see goddess Mila for seeking help and support of Zofia.

The story in the game is quite well done for its necessary backstory that involves the two rivalry between the Zofia and Rigel which is the reason why it explains how the land had been split in two continents that caused the war between two.
You have Zofian's goddess Mila wanted to protect her land from the evil imperial army who are aiming to conquer the land of Zofia which really shows how corrupted and vile the Duma is what really adds up the story development in the game.

The two major character in the game are also just good as the other protagonist from any of Fire Emblem game.
I find Alm is quite an interesting character with lot of bravery and heroic personality had a potential to become a leader of deliverance, while Celica are much more heartwarming and passionate girl who wanted to bring peace in the land of Valentia which is the reason why these characters in the game are quite memorable.
Then you will have a great cast of supportive characters in the game, so it has Tobin, Kliff, Gray, and Faye who are a great friends of Alm, while Celica had her partners such as Mae, Boey, and Genny. It also shares with the recruitment members that joins the forces with the Zofian's team such as hard-hitting veteran Saber, big-armoured Valbar, the mercenary dude Kamui, the handsome Clive, the noble Lukas, and etc.
The villain in the game such as Emperor Rudolf which I described him as not as evil you may think, so unlike the others such as Desaix and Slayde which has way more ruthless personality than the Emperor itself.
Then you have Berkut, Jedah and Duma which in my opinion are the best of all villain that really nails it well in the game. These are the tough mother f****er that you don't want to mess with them which is the reason why they are so deadly and vicious in the game.

Along with the fantastic storyline and interesting characters, the whole presentation in the game is looking spectacular for its 3DS standards thanks to full animated sequences throughout the game really shows how amazing the cutscenes looked on the Nintendo's handheld system which I am impressed that the developers can managed to fit all in the limited size cartridge filled with amazing anime drawn characters and fully voiced dialogue for its story design. I also liked the conversation between the characters on the visual novels aspects during the battles and memory prisms which is also done pretty good that really adds up more extra plot in whole game.
I really liked the design of the scenery that taking place in different locations, so you have quiet village homes, rich looking Zofian's castle, the gloomy swamp places, the spirited Mila shrine, the gritty graveyard, the huge forrest, the sandy desert, and huge cave dungeons which I think it did a remarkable job for its concepts choices to make the locations look attractive in the game.


Overall, it has fantastic story, interesting characters, and spectacular animated sequences.



Gameplay


The game has main 5 acts in single player campaign, while others is just the post-game bonus act which did not appear in Fire Emblem Gaiden.

You get to play as Alm or Celica had their quest to defeat the Rigel army to save Zofia depending on which acts you're playing on. It has overworld map where you can navigate both major character to move and locate, while battling against the enemies nearby which can be located inside the map, so your main goal is to beat the main objectives on each acts.
The game has three different mechanics such as turn-based core battle, point and click style, and dungeon crawler.

On the turn-based core battle where you and your team batting out against the enemies in tactical battlefield.
You will have an option to add and select any team units, organising weapons and items, and viewing the map before you are fully prepared for the next battle. 
You will have each classes of units which has different weapons and abilities such as sword fighter, knight, archer, mage, priestess, cavalier and etc.
The sword fighter are basically uses the sword, the heavy duty knight that carries lancer uses the heavy damage on enemies, the archer can shoot arrows in far distance, mage uses the black magic power, the priestess heals the ally, and the cavalier and pegasus knight rides their horse in the far distance.
You control them by navigating each units which highlights the blue squared grids which allowing your character to move around the battlefield on the selectable blue squares, while the red squared grids labels act as the attacking point where you can able to attack your enemy nearby depending on how strong your character's stats are worked effectively against them.
For example: one of the player's unit has higher attack points than the enemy's unit are more chances to finish them off quickly, while one of the enemy's unit may have better defense which preventing one of the player's unit from attacking them.
You can also take a look of your character's stats at bottom of the screen to check their attack, skill, speed, defense, and others just to make sure that your units are being good enough to fight against the enemy.
Be sure you have to use your strategy to figure it out the enemy's attack pattern in which you can highlight them to see their red grids on the battlefield which shows that they can attack you on close or far range distance. 
Defeating most enemies will gain your experience points which rewards you with levelling up your character's stats. It improves your fighting performance as well as being able to change classes if the class level had met the requirements, so this will evolve your current unit into a much more powerful classes.
For example: the fighter becomes hero class, the knight becomes baron class, and the archer becomes sniper class which will allowing their fighting performance worked effectively against the stronger enemy with higher rate level gives you benefit to fight them easily.
Depending on which difficulty settings you're playing on, the casual mode are much suitable to those who are new to series or someone prefers the mode in general which you can still retain all your team units back in action in every battle, while the classic mode are much more punishable where you can't retain all your units back after the amount of permanent deaths in every battle, but also quite a challengable once you get used with the game's difficulty.

Secondly you will have the point and click mechanics which can be featured on smaller locations where you can able to talk people in the town, examine the whole area for items and weapons, and move to different area to explore. 
You can also meet the blacksmiths which gives you an option to create or improve your certain of weapon you're using which requires sliver or gold coins to purchase, but you can also trade items that you no longer need it which give you enough coins to able to afford the stuff you wanted to upgrade.
Lastly you will enter the dungeon crawler area which was played on third-person perspective where you need to locate and explore the hidden secrets in which you will need to collect many of coins, items and opening up treasure chest for weapon and armours, while you are being encountered by the enemy somewhere in the cave which forces you to fight against them until its perfectly cleared, so you can still able to continue on exploring the whole area.

So far, I find the whole game is quite outstanding which is lot different from any Fire Emblem games.
The idea of overworld map is quite interesting where you can visit any places to talk people for info, examining areas in point and click style, releasing the innocent prisoner from jail cell, asking the fighter to join your forces, and meeting up the blacksmith to upgrade your weapons which I really liked the part that was included in the game.
I got to say the dungeon crawling aspects on some locations are actually pretty fun to explore where I can find any of treasure items, going to different route that leads me to secret areas, and of course fighting with the random bad guys which gives me confidence to improve the team's fighting experience the more it becomes better.
The core battle gameplay is just like what you expecting from Fire Emblem series. The grid system on battlefield is much easier to navigate where you can able to move and attack the enemy's unit, while highlighting the enemy's unit shows their attacking patterns which really helps your strategy to avoid getting contact by enemy's projectiles, even comparing your player's stats with the enemy's stats that shows on top of the screen will help you figure it out to know if yours are good enough to defeat them.
Each of the class units are pretty done fabulous when it's comes with stuff like archer that shoots far distance, the heavy duty baron are slow, but has better defense and powerful attacks works effectively against the enemy's sword fighters or knights, the mage has weaker health, but has more resistance and strong magic attacks, the sword fighters has better use of speed and skills, the cavalier and pegasus knights has more movements, and the priestess has better use of healing powers is the reason it balances the class units very well in the game.
I got to say the enemy's class units are lot different from the player's class units because they have brigand that weld axe, the cantor that respawns monsters like gargoyles and zombies, the witch has higher damaging magic attacks, the fiend is just as powerful as the player's baron with deadly attacking system, and the necrodragon are sure one tough monster that takes awhile to beat which really increases the game's overall difficulty that made the game quite tough, but satisfying at the same time.


Overall, it has excellent core battle, cool dungeons crawling areas, well balanced class system, and satisfying difficulty.



Graphics


The graphics in the game is clearly the best of all 3DS titles. Like I've mention the animated cutscenes that looked fantastic with the use of hand-drawn anime design, it is also looked pretty good on the visual novel presentation with less roughness on character's design and environmental scenery which they did a great job of polishing the whole game.
The graphics design on battlefield is looked incredible when using the 3DS's effects that made the whole environmental levels looked like a pre-rendered 3D built which really shows that the game isn't about using heavy 3D, it's about making the game design much easier to see things during the battle, so it has well built castles, houses, gates, bridges, pavements, and caves that is good enough for the game itself.
The character sprites on the battlefield is quite simplistic on the command unit, while during the animated fight sequences between the player and enemy are fully 3D which I think it did a amazing job that the game ran really well on the Nintendo's handheld system without noticing any of frame-rate issues, so this is why the whole game looked so incredible that never looked disappointed at all.


Overall, it has incredible game's design, impressive character's design, and solid overall environments.



Music and Sounds


I got to admit the game definitely has the best original soundtrack of whole series. It is a great rendition to 1992's original NES title with fully remade orchestrated music that made it sounds really epic on both overworld map and battle sequences. The game also included several of new soundtrack that aren't present on the NES version are actually heartwarming and heroic that really fits well for several of cutscenes which is the reason why I considered it as masterpiece.
I also liked the use of sound effects for its background noises and atmospheric effects which I really like hearing the sounds of waterfall, erupting volcanoes, and sword-swinging on my 3DS stereo speaker and the voice acting did a pretty stunning job on cast of characters which really adds the overall personality that shows much of the emotions and some time humour, so yeah I've liked it so far.


Overall, it has masterpiece soundtrack, atmospheric sounds, and stunning voice work.



Special Features


The game did have all of DLCs content which included 5 individual series made available in a overworld's option menu, so each of the series are entirely different from the original game itself which really helps expanding the game's length, but unfortunately the full season pass are quite expensive which cost you £40 to obtain all completed DLCs which is ridiculously pricey, but only if you are so keen to have all completed DLCs content.
It's a shame that it didn't include the multiplayer features like from Fire Emblem Awakening and Fates would have been nice if they included in the game.

Overall, the lack of multiplayer and pricey season pass did not help at all, but I did heard many positive things about the rest of DLCs series that keeps everyone busy with the game, so it's still a solid packaging.




Advantages


Fantastic storylines

Spectacular animated sequences

Excellent core battle

Cool dungeon crawling                                                         
                       
Well balanced class system

Satisfying difficulty

Incredible graphics

Masterpiece soundtrack

Extra DLCs



Disadvantages


Pricey season pass

Lack of multiplayer features       




Final Verdict


Presentation 9/10 - fantastic story, interesting characters, and spectacular animated sequences.

Gameplay 9/10 - excellent core battle, cool dungeons crawling areas, well balanced class system, and satisfying difficulty.

Graphics 9/10 - incredible game's design, impressive character's design, and solid overall environments.

Music and Sounds 9.5/10 - masterpiece soundtrack, atmospheric sounds, and stunning voice work.

Special Features 7/10 - lack of multiplayer and pricey season pass, but still a solid overall packaging.


Overall 9/10 - After 10 years of my wait, I am very glad that I had a 3DS which is the reason why I finally got a another Fire Emblem game that I can enjoy playing it on the handheld system.
So far, Fire Emblem Echoes: Shadows of Valentia is clearly being a best remakes in the series that finally did resolve the issues was present in Fire Emblem Gaiden for NES, so I am happy that it made the biggest improvement over the original NES featuring more story development filed with fantastic story and characters, introducing dungeon crawling mechanics to explore, and the overall battle gameplay did keep a satisfaction to the fans of the series will able to enjoy their Fire Emblem experience on this magnificent title on 3DS which offers many of joyful and teary moments that makes your heart feels very emotional is the reason why I loved this game so much.

I still liked the Radiant Dawn on Wii which is very good Tactical RPGs title, but this game on the 3DS is clearly my new favourite in the series that is definitely must buy for hardcore fans of the genres, so to keep you mind that the game won't be as cheaper from online store which cost around over £20 to £30, but I was lucky I got it for £14 instead.



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Kirby Triple Deluxe 3DS Review

Kirby Triple Deluxe is a 2D platformer game only for 3DS, which was developed by HAL Laboratory and published by Nintendo, and it is a thirteenth installment and first 3DS title of all Kirby series.

It's been for very long time that I haven't had played any of Kirby's games since I remembered the first time renting the copy of Kirby 64: The Crystal Shards on the N64 back in my early 2000s days. The character had caught my attention, after playing Kirby 64 and he's also a fighting roster in Super Smash Bros series, which I consider Kirby as the cutest character in video games.
I also had a chance to play Kirby's Adventure on my NES classic mini which is also excellent NES title, so I am very glad that I had a miniature console comes with 30 built-in games awhile back in my Christmas day 2018. 
I was planning to get any copy of Kirby titles for the Nintendo platforms such as SNES, GBA, N64, and Wii, but most of the Kirby titles are ridiculously rare and pricey in which I cannot afford due to my budgeting reason, not till I was lucky to get Kirby Triple Deluxe for 3DS which I got it for just £10 from online retail store.

I've been playing this game for a week on my 3DS to see if this title are just good as the previous entries of Kirby series, so far it's looks pretty and played good on the 3DS as I did enjoyed the overall single-player story filled with many great things in the game such as cool copy abilities, unique level design, two different paths, gyro controls, hidden secrets, and boss battles.
The reason why it named as the triple deluxe is because it comes with not just the main game itself, but also featuring two mini games such as Kirby fighters and Dedede's Drum Dash which is also a great bonus features that keeps you more busy on this game.
After having fun playing all three games in one, I will also discuss the two disadvantages that the game had suffered, but it's still a fun pack title for the 3DS libraries.

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



Presentation

The game takes place in a fantasy world of Dream Land. The game focuses on lovable round-ball creature named Kirby enjoying his full normal day of fishing, eating, and riding his warp star, until the night where the huge dreamstalk begins growing under the Dream Land and carries various landmarks into the sky.
Kirby makes his way to Dedede's Castle where he discovers the six-armed tarantula named Taranza capturing King Dedede which leads Kirby to track down the kidnapper into very top of giant dreamstalk as well as his quest to rescue King Dedede.

The story presentation is somewhat inspired by Jack and the Beanstalk which is the reason the game had borrowed the element, but it is completely in different storyline and featuring two main characters in the game.
The story is actually pretty good in the game which does not require a strong storyline which involves the pink little hero had discovered the new land he never seen before and trying to save the King from the evil ones which is the reason why it is so good on the opening scenes.

Kirby is one of the major character in the game that has a cuteness on his personality. He always been a happy and charming kid that loves spending his time to start playing around, loves making friends, and huge food eater.
He's one of the most innocent and clever video game character that is the reason why we all loved him so much.
I'm kinda bit surprised that King Dedede are no longer a villain in every game since Kirby's Dream Land 3, so I really liked the idea of having to change him from being greedy and selfish into more nicer and friendly as well as accepting to help Kirby to deal with greater threats together.
There are two main villains in the game such as Taranza is one of the trouble-making magician that uses his power to turn objects into monsters and control other beings as well as preventing Kirby stopping him from getting in his way which I describe him as clumsy, but being outright smartass.
Then you have Queen Sectonia who is...WTF NINTENDO!!! STOP BRING A F***ING BEES IN VIDEO GAMES!!!!! woah okay, I'll apologised with my total freakout on insects especially with bees and wasps in general, okay let's move on to review now.
She's one of the corrupted villain who attempted to take over Floralia and Planet Popstar so as to become their goddess which makes her becoming the most vile Queen in the universe.

The whole presentation on levels and concepts are actually pretty well done for most part.
It came with 6 different locations are included in the main game such as fine fields which is a grassland filled with flowers and greenery, the lollipop land is one of the candyland area filled with lots of sweets and desserts all over the places, the old odyssey is an cold mountain island has covered in cliffs and icy biomes, the wild world has huge ancient Egyptian and Mayan pyramids, the endless explosions has a huge eruption of volcanoes, and finally royal road is one of the Queen's dark castle has medieval look in the stages in which I think it looks remarkably outstanding that fits pretty well in the game.


Overall, it has cute storyline, memorable characters, and very sweet presentation.
 


Gameplay

On the main story, you have overhead map to select which level to play on, while it also shows stats in the game like how many sun stones and key chains you have collected after beating each stage.
You take control of Kirby in 2D perspective which borrows the elements from Kirby's Return to Dream Land as your main objective is to beat the stage by heading to goal area.

You can move Kirby by pressing d-pad or circle pad to move, the A button to jump while repeatedly mashing A to make him float high, but you can also press B button to blow out air attack in mid-air. Holding down the B button to inhale the enemies, but also press B again to spit out star at the enemy, while inhaling the enemy again and then pressing d-pad down to swallow which allowing him to use various of copy ability.                 
You will have a total of 26 Copy Abilities appear in this game such as the archer that shoots arrow in different direction, the bomb that allow you to throw bombs, the fighter makes kirby punching and kicking, the sword lets you use sword weapon, the wheel turns you into racing wheels, the ninja gives you ability to throw shurikens at far range and slashing blade at close range, the fire lets you melt icy objects, the whip uses as whipping attacks, and there's plenty more variety of Kirby's copy abilities you can attack them which I think these ability system are working flawlessly on most stages, but you can also remove ability by pressing the X button if you want to.
To keep you mind, the enemy instantly attacks you which causes your ability to remove as ability star starts bouncing around the level which you can also retrieve it by inhale and swallow it back into same form as before.
Kirby also can perform slide attack by pressing d-pad down and A button to break ground objects.

It also introduces new mechanics in the game, such as boxes with stars on them that allowing Kirby to teleport to other boxes, and there are a glass walls that you are walking through them which instantly removing one of the Kirby's abilities.
The game also uses the 3DS's motion controls that you can use it by tilting the 3DS system in which are used for some parts in the game such as riding on a gondola and pouring a bowl of water which is quite responsive to use gyro-motion especially you can also reset your tilting balance on the touch screen into centred position which really helps you balancing your 3DS system smoothly.
You can increase your health by collecting various of food to eat and then you will have invincible candy which makes your character invisible on short period of time.
The game features stars that can be collected throughout levels, so each of stars has different collecting system such as green stars are worth five, red are worth ten, blue are worth twenty, and yellow stars are worth one, but if collecting all 100 stars will reward you with extra life.
You will have a buddy named Bandana Waddle Dee will provides Kirby with a random assist item, which is stored on the touch screen and can be used at any time you want.
The goal game at the end of every level that can reward you with stars and recovery items, but it can also award you a collectable keychain which can stored on your world map or the main menu screen.
You will able to find sun stones which can be found on hidden secrets, so collecting all the sun stones on each world level will unlock the extra stages which the stage will labelled as EX.

The game takes advantages of 3DS's 3D technology by frequently having Kirby, projectiles, enemies, and obstacles move toward or away from the screen.
You will see Kirby getting hit by springy hand which launched him into screen, the 3D warp star will change Kirby's dimension from the foreground into the background and vice versa, and there's certain of new items and abilities which allowing Kirby to attack enemies in the background from the foreground and vice versa which I think it's very creative to see how the game can able to manage the game well for its 3DS standards.
My favourite part in the game is the miracle fruit item called hypernova which makes Kirby's inhaling abilities even powerful that allowing him to inhale bigger things such as large trees, pulling large items, and catching giant projectiles which is one of the best parts in the game that I really enjoyed it.
So far I really liked the various of abilities had worked absolutely well as the older Kirby's titles because we know the character is so cool for having to copy and using the same abilities as some enemies in the game especially with swords, ninjas, fire, and etc. are very useful for whole main game.
The 3DS motion system are actually done smoothly for some parts in the level which fits really well for the 3DS library, so I didn't have any trouble of using the motion sensor thanks to reset position button on touch screen which really helps me to balancing the system properly.
The game does have two different paths on some levels where it had two different doors to figure out which ones are leading us to something like hidden secrets.
I like spending time of collecting all of key chains and sun stones which is huge rewarding for players like me that loves discovering a new item in the game.
The issue in the game was the game's difficulty itself which I considered it too easy for boss battles and the whole levels which makes the game much quicker to beat, so it could have been better if they added the difficulty options to satisfy players who seeks with the bigger challenge and I finding the length of the game is quite short compared with games like Kirby's adventure has 8 world levels opposed with this game has 6 world levels which is just exactly the same length as the Kirby 64: The Crystal Shards, so I wish it could have added 3 more worlds to extend the game's length, but so far I did manage to enjoy the whole main story mode for its creative gameplay and unique levels.

There are some games mode that can keep you busy such as Kirby fighters which is a super smash bros style where you get to play as any Kirby with different ability to battle other Kirbies in stages based on levels from previous Kirby games which is really awesome that you can enjoy playing this mode with your friends through multiplayer, and then you have a rhythm game mode called Dedede's Drum Dash where you take control of King Dedede bouncing the drum through the level while avoiding the enemies and collecting coins to the tune of classic Kirby songs.
He also a playable on the extra modes called Dedede Tour! where you need to complete the whole level through time attack which is also a fun to play.


Overall, it has creative gameplay, unique levels, and cool game modes.



Graphics

The graphics is looking spectacular on 3DS standards. The overall environments of level design are bright and colourful for most stages in each worlds. I also liked the dimensions between the foreground and background on each stage which is pretty unique for 3DS title where you can able to see well made scenery from the background stages, while it has the objects and other random stuff on the foreground which is looking better on 3D side by displaying the 3DS's stereoscopic 3D effects.
The visual design has great use of animation and lighting effects which fits pretty well on the stages and most of the characters and enemies is looking amazing for its overall design especially most of the 3DS game like this was being capable of making the game look damn impressive for the system's powerhouse.


Overall, it has colourful environments, cool dimensions, and impressive visual design.



Music and Sounds

The original soundtrack is just sounds epic as the rest of the Kirby's titles which was composed by Hirokazu Ando and Jun Ishikawa did a fabulous job of making the greatest music of all Kirby series.
The sound effects still retains the same old-school sounds from previous Kirby games that keeps the game very faithful to the series.
Although it didn't had a full voice over in the game except it only uses small phrases from Kirby like "Hi" or "Poyo" in every stage which is quite acceptable for every Kirby titles.


Overall, it has great soundtrack and decent sounds design.   



Special Features

The game has over 100 sun stones and numerous key chains to collect, and it has unlockable content such as copy ability testing room, EX stages, jukebox, Dedede Tour!, and The Arena which is a welcome addition to this game.


Overall, it has plenty enough content in the game.



Advantages

Cute presentation

Adorable protagonist

Colourful graphics design

Unique levels

Cool ability system

Great game mode

Memorable soundtrack

More unlockables



Disadvantages

The game too easy

Short length play



Final Verdict


Presentation 9/10 - cute storyline, memorable characters, and very sweet presentation.

Gameplay 8.5/10 - creative gameplay, unique levels, and cool game modes.

Graphics 8.5/10 - colourful environments, cool dimensions, and impressive visual design.

Music and Sounds 9/10 - great soundtrack and decent sounds design.

Special Features 8.5/10 - collectable items and unlockable content.


Overall 8.5/10 - I am very happy that I am fully enjoyed Kirby Triple Deluxe on the 3DS had filled with adorable moments, classy gameplay, colourful visuals and has fair replay value which is the reason to recommend to all the fans of not just Kirby fans, but also a fan of platform genres in general.
Kirby Triple Deluxe is a finest 2D platformer that everyone should get a hands on because it is clearly one of the Kirby's strongest title of all 3DS libraries.
The game cost around less than £15 from online store thanks to Nintendo Selects program allowing their game to reduce down the current price. 



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WarioWare Gold 3DS Review

WarioWare Gold is a party game only for 3DS, which was developed by Intelligent Systems and published by Nintendo.
It is meant to be a definitive edition of past WarioWare titles including over 300 both new and returning microgames making it the most up to date title in the series.

WarioWare is clearly being one of the strangest game series that makes entirely no sense, but it is also being one of the creative video game series that was known for numerous of wacky microgames, sense of humour, multiplayer, silly presentation, and other cool stuff which had gained many praises from journalist and fanbase thanks to WarioWare, Inc.: Mega Microgames! making the first debut in the series for GBA.
It had spawned many titles such as WarioWare Twisted for GBA, WarioWare Touched for DS, WarioWare Smooth Moves for Wii, and WarioWare D.I.Y for DS which was also well received as the previous titles except Game and Wario for Wii U are marked as the weakest entries of all WarioWare series.

It's been for awhile that I haven't been played any of WarioWare games since the titles such as WarioWare, Inc Mega Party Games for Gamecube and WarioWare Twisted for GBA, so I decided to pick up the copy of WarioWare Gold for 3DS which I got so lucky that I bought it for £9 from online store, sounds like a bargain am I right everyone?
I have spend time playing the game on my 3DS for good 2 hours of play discovering 300 playable microgames, challenge modes, and 3 play-style based on previous entries which led me quite satisfied to see how WarioWare Gold had nailed so well on the 3DS.
I love the wacky animation on the presentation, the humorous cast of characters, and of course the it had the silly microgames that keeping us entertaining, but it is also shares with few problems in the game that I will explain more further on my review doesn't mean the game is quite let down because I really liked WarioWare Gold.

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




Presentation

The game focuses on greedy villain named Wario, who had ran out of his money the following a treasure hunt in the village of Luxeville, as he decides to run his gaming tournament in Diamond City, while his friends joins him to create some new microgames for the event.
It involves the player, who entered the tournament, must beat all 3 leagues to win the tournament will be rewarded with 10 million coin prize.

The story in the game is somewhat quite silly, but fun that made the game quite interesting to play.
You have Wario had secretly plots to take all the prize money for himself which is the reason why I liked him as the villain who had an obsession with the gold and money.
As the story goes further, you have several of the characters with different story plot such as Jimmy want to take his picture with his fans, Mona searches for dress to wear for her party, Dribble and Spitz fighting off UFOs with their space-flying taxi, 18-Volt participates in a rap battle against 13-Amp to win back a classmate's stolen games, and many more to discover which I think the plot in the game is quite straightforward that really adds up the positively for its overall story.

My favourite part in the game was Dr Crygor are one of the funniest character in the game where he get chased after by a robot with the mop stick and the second part where he had struggled to control his stomach during his grand-daughter Penny's weird experiment that really made me laugh the most.

While most of the characters in the game are pretty solid in the game, I got to say the presentation in the game is actually pretty humorous for most microgames.
You have the guy stalling for the toilet in desperation, the person in plank position bouncing the ball around, the gangster cats plays simon says in freestyle dance, squirting ketchup on fast foods, picking nose with the finger, sniffing snots into nostrils, the jumping frog lands into bathtub, plucking the hair out of onions, feeding Wario with fruits while stretching his mouth, and there's lots of more stuff that been added in the game that the series was being wide known for it's weird personality.

Overall it had interesting storylines, memorable characters, and humorous presentation.



Gameplay

On the story mode, the game had divided into 4 leagues with 5 stages of each 3 leagues and 3 remixed stages at last league, so your main goal is to beat all the leagues by completing each stages based on 3 play-style such as mash, twist, and touch in which I will explain these later on the review.

Each of the microgames falls under a specific genre such as sports, life, fantasy, Nintendo classics, and etc. as most of them involve the concept of microgames where the player must complete each game within a time limit, so you will have 4 lives to survive through the microgames.
As the player keeps playing, the game speeds up making microgames time limits shorter and forcing the player to complete them faster.
If the player wins the microgame then you are moved on the next ones, while if the player loses then your one of four lives will be taken away, while losing all of them causes the game will end with the best 3 scores, so these are the basic rules that made the game quite simple to play.

The mash gameplay involves button mashing mechanics which is based on WarioWare, Inc.: Mega Microgames as you simply using the d-pad and single button for some microgames.
For example, the microgames such as preventing solicitors entering into Wario's house where you had to mash single button rapidly, jumping over potato and sausage cars, sprinting through 100 meter dash, catching the baseball, sawing the logs, matching the one of 4 fronks, and pin-balling all over the places.
The twist gameplay focuses on gyroscope system based on WarioWare Twisted where you have ability to rotate your system from left to right, but it also included single button as well.
There are some microgames that are highly designed for gyro-motion gameplay mechanics such as lighting up candles, shaving the beard off, lifting up two dumb-bells, hitting assassins with samurai's sword, unlocking safecracker, putting the golf ball into hole, deflecting the hazardous objects, and selecting star screen on Wii menu.
The touch gameplay utilising the touch screen system based on WarioWare Touched where you can navigate the touch screen using the stylus pen.
The microgames that uses the touch screen play such as slicing the food in fruit ninja style, sterling your coffee, empty all toilet paper as possible, wiping off whiteboards, writing Japanese character letter perfectly, petting your animals, and shooting the cans off.
There's one of the new play-style were included in the game called ultra league where you can play each of the micro-games with all 3 play-styles that I've mention above, but is also featuring a mics mechanics that you can use the built-in mic on the 3DS system for some microgames such as blowing up balloon till it pops and shooting grapes with spit dart.

Three of these playstyle had worked really well for most microgames as the mash buttons are quite simple to use that does not require all buttons to get it work which means you only need a d-pad to move and navigate, as well as the single action button.
I got to say the twisting system are surprisingly playable due to system's built-in gyroscope are feeling tight smooth and responsive which is the reason why I liked WarioWare Twisted for its tilting mechanics had worked flawlessly for most microgames.
The touch mechanics is also pretty good when using the stylus pen to navigate things on the bottom screen are also responsive for most microgames, but my least favourite part of the game is the mics system on ultra league which I don't really want to keep blowing at the 3DS mic system because it got pretty lazy for some microgames with zero variation whatsoever, but overall the controls system of all 3 play-styles is actually played well for most part.

The story mode is pretty good for overall because the game is not ridiculously long that only takes 1 to 2 hours to beat the game which I think it's a fair length play filled with great leagues and has amazing selection of microgames to play, but I over heard the people saying that they finding the story mode is somewhat lacking challenge in comparison with challenge mode because most of the pro players finding the game way too easy to play which may not going to satisfy them enough, but to me I didn't have a same problem as everyone do because no matter what difficulty you are playing on as long as you can enjoy the game properly.
I got to say I really liked the challenge mode on WarioWare Gold because it features 8 amazing game modes that you can able to enjoy even more such as all mixed up, thrill ride and super hard which mixes all the microgames from all stages but makes the game even harder to beat and the better it's plays.
You have Wariowatch where you have to complete microgames as possible to get high scores till the clock reaches 0, the Wario Interrupts involves all microgames where he can unleash a distraction to block with or mess with the microgames, the cruise control focuses on controlling speed with 3DS's tilting mechanics while playing all microgames, the split-screen focuses on Kat and Ana take turns at playing microgames on both different screen, and my favourite of all challenge mode is sneaky gamer where you take control of 9-Volt playing microgames after bedtime while avoiding being caught by his mother 5-Volt.               
With all the great challenge mode, there are a local 2-player versus mode called battle time where both of the players battle against each other by playing the same microgame at the same time as well as the objective is to keep playing microgames until the opponent loses their last life which is pretty cool, but it's kinda bummer they didn't include several of the multiplayer modes from WarioWare, Inc Mega Party Games which could have made the game even fun with families and buddies.
           
Overall, it has great selection of microgames, good story mode, entertaining challenge mode, and of course solid gameplay mechanics.



Graphics

I got to say the graphics are pretty outstanding in whole game. I really liked the cartoony style of presentation filled with colourful environments and goofy animation that looked pretty good on the actual cutscenes. It has strange game's design for most microgames filled with wacky sense of humour and silly looking art style that made the game look funnier and comedic which is the reason why it looked spectacular on handheld gaming device and I also liked the overall design of all characters with great facial expression that really adds their overall personality.

As the game has appealing visuals and characters, the 3D functionally wasn't included in the game which totally makes sense as you don't really need a 3D effects to make the game look good because it's looked better the way it should be, cuz it's f***ing WarioWare, duhhhh!!!

Overall, it has cartoony presentation, colourful environments, goofy animation, and wacky looking game's design.



Music and Sounds

The original music in whole game is sounds terrific for most part. You have the cool character's theme songs such as spooky Ashley's theme is kinda has the Addams Family vibes, the Mona's Pizza song makes you wanted to eat pizza hut, the Rap Battle between 18 volt and 13 amp are sounds totally rad dude, and of course lets start partying with Wario de Mucho are the most recognisable parts in the game which was composed by Daichi Aoki and Yasuhisa Baba.

The sound effects in the game is sounds remarkably amazing for most microgames as it has cartoony jingles, background noises, and chanting voice which I find the overall sound design sounds pretty good on the 3DS's stereo speaker.
It is one of the first WarioWare games featuring fully voice characters on most cutscenes which is fantastic for most casts in the game especially with Wario was voiced by Charles Martinet, a recognisable voice actor behind Mario series, did a stunning job on his role in the game.

Overall, it has catchy soundtrack, comedic sound design, and fantastic voice cast in the game.



Special Features

The game came with the unlockables where you can unlock all the souvenirs from the capsules after earning enough coins from the microgames.
It features records to listen your favourite soundtrack, the studios lets you dub the lines on the cutscenes, it had mini games to play such as mewtroid, micro golf and other random stuff, the phone lets you contact by using one of the phone's codes, the movies has selection of watchable cutscenes, the cards lets you discover all the character's cards, and of course have a fun playing with the capsule toys which included the small details on the description.

While it had over 300 unlockable souvenirs which is cool, but I kinda think it is not enough features in the game, so I wish they could have been done better by adding more extra stuff in the game that will rewarded you with many surprises, but overall it's okay at best.

Overall, it has over 300 unlockables souvenirs, but lacking surprises.




Advantages


Wacky Presentation

Wicked sense of humour

Great selection of microgames

Solid gameplay

Good Story mode

Entertaining challenge modes     

Amazing visuals




Disadvantages


Lazy mics microgames on ultra league         

Not enough multiplayer modes

Lacking extra surprises





Final Verdict


Presentation 8/10 - interesting storylines, memorable characters, and humorous presentation.

Gameplay 8.5/10 - great selection of microgames, good story mode, entertaining challenge mode, and of course solid gameplay mechanics.

Graphics 8.5/10 - cartoony presentation, colourful environments, goofy animation, and wacky looking game's design.

Music and Sounds 8.5/10 - catchy soundtrack, comedic sound design, and fantastic voice cast in the game.

Special features 6/10 - over 300 unlockables souvenirs, but lacking surprises.



Overall 8.5/10 - Despite the few problems, WarioWare Gold makes the fascinating return to its roots since the abysmal title like Game and Wario for Wii U didn't live up to series reputation, but this game has everything you need from WarioWare series filled with strange visuals, fun packed microgames, and addicting game modes that keeps you more busy with the game.
I am glad that I had a tons of fun playing this game over and over because WarioWare is a family fun party game that everyone should gets a hands on with the series.
Is this game deserves an recommendation to all? the answer is yes, go pick this copy up and it only cost between £10 to £20 from online retail store which is not an expensive price to purchase this awesome game.

   
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Top 5 Defunct Video Game Companies

There are a lot of poor gaming companies that didn't deserve their closure with many ridiculous reasons whatsoever.
These are the video game companies that did had a potential to bring the success of their original IPs into the gaming industries until it went horribly wrong at the end that could lead into the problems with the companies themselves which turns out to be quite shameful.
Several of the well known companies like Visceral Games, Evolution Studios, and Bizarre Creations are the main examples that they starting out doing well for its their early original games that received many positives from the gaming articles and being able to earn enough income that helped developers to continue their business, but it's gets very uglier with their recent game that really killed the companies due to poor commercial sales and mixed reception of the game itself which causing several of employees to quit their business with the gaming companies after the huge failures.

Despite the closure, we want to take a look of the video game companies that are totally gone forever, but not really a long forgotten as we all remembered their wonderful titles that the companies had bought into the gaming worlds, so I wanted to make my 5 companies that are not been around anymore, but also being one of the kind in gaming.

So here is my top 5 defunct video game companies.




5 - Hudson Soft

 
     
















A Japanese video game company that was founded in early 70s by Kudo Brothers. It was started out as a amateur radio shop that sells various of the radio telecommunications devices, art photographs and personal home computer's related products until they're interested in the development of the video game in 80's and 90's era.
They also made a partnership with NEC for the creation of Turbografx-16, a video game console of late 80's era, to compete against their rivalry such as Nintendo, Sega, and SNK, while they continuing to make games on other platforms as a third-party developer.

The companies was being well remembered for its their original franchises such as Adventure Island, Bloody Roar, Bonk and one of the Hudson's big hit series Bomberman was heavily regarded as being one of the company's biggest landmark of the 90's era.
Let's not forget Hudson are also responsible of developing Nintendo's party series such as Mario Party which had gained positives from video game critics and becoming the longest-running minigame series.

Hudson Soft starting out pretty good with their titles from early days until it went fully wrong in mid-2000's where several of the key people had left the company due to financial loss which could lead the company into their downfall.
The poorly made recent games such as Bomberman: Act Zero, Deca Sports, and Calling had a negative reception from critics, while the later installment such as Mario Party 7-8, Bomberman Land Wii, Alien Crush Returns, Star Soldier R, and Adventure Island: The Beginning aren't nearly as good in comparison with previous entry of the series.

As Hudson Soft made a relation with Konami in 2000s, they made an agreement to bring their original IPs under Hudson brand to one of the Konami's division to take over the franchise as Hudson Soft are no longer active in year 2012.

It's really sad to see one of the best company are no longer to continue their gaming business as they struggled to make a finest installiment of the series that could've been a fun title to play.
Back then, we have Soldier Blade, Blazing Lazers, The Legendary Axe, Saturn Bomberman, Bonk's Adventures, Adventure Island, Bloody Roar, Mario Party 4, and hell even the underrated classic such as Jackie Chan's Action Kung Fu are the reasons why it defines the Hudson Soft's legacy.

Will Bonk and Adventure Island series ever make comeback? sure hell we don't know when it's gonna happen.



4 - Shiny Entertainment

One of the video game company from USA founded in October 1993 by David Perry, a programmer who is responsible of working on Virgin Games titles such as Global Gladiators, Cool Spot, and Disney's Aladdin, and he also responsible working on several successful video games during Shiny era, such as Earthworm Jim and MDK.

After leaving two years at Virgin Games, he began to form his development company as Shiny Entertainment in 1993 and began creating the Doug TenNapel's game for SEGA Genesis/MD and SNES called Earthworm Jim which was released in 1994.
The game received many positives at the release which praises the game for its unique animation featuring a hand-drawn style that looking impressive for 16-bit era thanks to Doug TenNapel's drawing techniques.
It has innovative gameplay design and hard hitting soundtrack by Tommy Tallarico which are also a main highlight of the game that made Earthworm Jim a most loved series.
The success of game that spawned many ports and remake of the original game and also went to create the sequel Earthworm Jim 2 in 1995 which are also well received at the release for both 16-bit system before being ported to other consoles.
Shiny had agreed to join Interplay Productions as studio division in 1995, while working on a new game development such as MDK which is the Shiny's first 3D run n gun shooter for PC and PS1 released in 1997 which was critically praised and commercially success worldwide had sold over half of million copies.

The reason why Shiny Entertainment had to shut down their studio in 2007 because it was being merged into the new studios such as Double Helix Games, a company that bought you the reboot of Killer Instinct (2013) and Strider (2014).
It's kinda shame to see company like Shiny Entertainment had their potential to make a solid experience of gaming, so unlike the Earthworm Jim and MDK are the only well received title that led their success, some of their game aren't doing as good as they used to be back in 90's era which was the reason why the developer's team had completely running out their creative ideas.
The publisher Interplay Productions wasn't pleased with the Shiny's later game like Wild 9, Messiah, and Sacrifice for its disappointing commercial sales that didn't live up to reputation, but it was also received positives from gaming media.
Being shifted to new publishing division like Atari, Inc and releasing the titles based on the movie franchise such as Enter the Matrix and The Matrix: Path of Neo wasn't good enough for Shiny's development choices that could lead into the rushed releases with such polarising reception is the reason why David Perry had left the company in 2006.

I enjoyed playing their past games as a kid back in my 90's days when I've played Earthworm Jim on my cousin's SEGA Genesis/MD and of course MDK on my old Windows 98 computer which was the reason why the company did well at the time, but I would love to see a returning sequel of Earthworm Jim and hopefully the MDK will make a comeback in sometime future.



3 - Factor 5

 A game developer studio from Germany was co-founded by five former employees of Rainbow Arts including Julian Eggebrecht in 1987.
It was being known for the home console conversion, technical hardware pushers, and has two well known franchises such as Turrican and Star Wars: Rogue Squadron.

It was all originated in Amiga era where they worked on the Amiga and Atari ST conversion of major hit title such as Turrican games in 1990-91.
Factor 5 went focusing on console programming to create their own development kits and software environments for 16-bit consoles as they went on developing Mega Turrican for SEGA Genesis/MD and Super Turrican 1 and 2 for SNES which was labelled as being not the only best 2D shooter on the system, but also being credited for technical achievements due to heavy use of parallax scrolling and sharper animation utilising mode 7 like engine designed for 16-bit hardware.

Factor 5 agreed to join partnership with LucasArts in creating their own flight-action game based on Star Wars franchise which is Star Wars: Rogue Squadron for N64 was released in 1998.
It's one of the N64 game that utilises the expansion pak allowing game runs on higher resolution resulting better graphics, while cramming the sound design fitting into N64's limited cartridge featuring all completed voice overs and original soundtrack.
The game received highly acclaimed at the release which resulted commercially success had sold over 1 million copies worldwide.
The success of Rogue Squadron had spawned two sequels for Gamecube in early 2000s release as it did live up to company's reputation were very positive for their satisfactory, until it fell very short for the development of Lair for PS3 were being announced for 2007 release.
It's one of the game that resulted a huge financial loss for the company due to poorly commercial sales and had received mixed reception from critics which is the reason the Lair really killed the company's business resulting discontinuation in 2009 as well as having the financial problem with the Factor 5 that did not pay well to their employees.
            
It is not surprising to see one of the well known company had struggled with their financial issues which could lead to cancellation of biggest prototype projects such as the new Superman game, the next-gen Turrican game, and Nintendo's Kid Icarus reboot which is huge bummer that these games are never got it finished, while fully completed game like Star Wars Rogue Squadron: Rogue Leaders Wii that was never got the full release worldwide.
Factor 5 are quite talented gaming companies that did really well on Turrican and Star Wars: Rogue Squadron series as well as working on great conversion of original games such as Konami's International Superstar Soccer Deluxe for Genesis/MD and Contra: Alien Wars for GB.
They also made responsible of designing sound compression technology for N64 games such as Nintendo's Pokemon Stadium and Capcom's Resident Evil 2.

As in 2017, the founder Julian Eggebrecht had decided to resurrect his former studio Factor 5 going back in gaming business and had reacquired the rights to the Turrican franchise, so does that mean the Factor 5 making comeback with the new Turrican game? so we don't know when it's gonna become the reality.



2 - Midway Games

An American video game developer and publisher founded in 1958 as an amusement game manufacturer, as well as being moved into the interactive entertainment industry, developing and publishing arcade video games in 1973.

It was all started in 60's era when Midway made the partnership with Bally to produce various of the slot machines for various of amusement park as well as licensing and distribution of Taito's arcade game title such as Space Invaders in 1978 as well as Namco's Pac-Man in 1980 and its sequel Ms. Pac-Man in 1982 were highly successful in US market.
Bally and Midway made agreement to join the division with Williams Electronics to produce various of pinball games and of course video games in 1988.
The classics such as Defender, Joust, Robotron 2084, and Gauntlet are the biggest hit of all golden age era that had gained popularly worldwide.
Sharing with the original franchise such as Rampage, Spy Hunter, NBA Jam, and of course the bloodiest fighting game series Mortal Kombat that everyone had talked about during the early 90's days.

It's one of a brutal fighting game series was being recognisable for its badass fighting roster, gritty presentation, memorable theme song by Techno Syndrome, and of course the instant gorefest including numerous of fatalities is the reason why it went so popular in fighting game genres.
It has many sequels, the merchandise, the film adaption, the TV series, and comics throughout the franchise.

Unfortunately the company went into bankruptcy following the lawsuit against former officers of Midway alleging that they had misled shareholders while selling their own stock which led the company fully shut down in 2009.
Despite the Midway's lawsuits, their assets including Mortal Kombat series was handed to NetherRealm Studios under the Warner Bros Interactive Entertainment in 2010.
Midway is one of the most important gaming company that brings all the great categories of arcade titles that really helped the gaming industries to keep it actively ongoing.
The gaming arcades won't be around in gaming industries without the existence of Midway that bought you a video game that defines not the only the golden age era, but also the 90's gaming era are the reason why the company actually doing well for their gaming business.

So rest in peace Midway you're one amazing video game developer and you may be missed, I'll salute you.



1 - Acclaim Entertainment
       

An American video game developer and publisher founded by three of the ex-Activision employees in 1987.
It's one of the company that hired some independent studios such as Iguana Entertainment, Probe Entertainment, and Sculptured Software who are becoming part of the Acclaim's development team
to develop mainly for video game ports, creating licensed games based on popular comics, television series and movies, and of course the original IPs, as well as localising existing video games from overseas.

It was wide known for home console conversion of many Midway's arcade games in the early to mid-1990s such as Mortal Kombat series, as well as publishing from other companies for west territories such as Technōs Japan's Double Dragon II: The Revenge and Taito's Bust-a-Move series.
They were highly known for its their own franchises and single titles during the mid-90's era such as Forsaken, WWF series, Shadow Man, Extreme-G, and of course one of their most successful video game franchise Turok was critically praised and commercially success worldwide that really helped defining the FPS genres on console gaming during the N64 era.

Acclaim did starting out pretty well in the 90's era that made them becoming the most successful video game publishers earning over $585 million income which really helped them to continue their business on video gaming until it went major downfall in early 2000s.
The company went into Chapter 7 bankruptcy for violating its own contract terms which leads $150 million in damages as well as filing for Chapter 11 bankruptcy that leads their development company shutting their business down due to financial problems as Acclaim are no longer active in 2004.

I had such a great memories of playing Acclaim games back in my days when I remember playing Alien Trilogy on my SEGA Saturn which is highly underrated FPS game that didn't get a attention they deserve.
I had fun playing Turok: Dinosaur Hunter on my N64 which is the biggest game changer at the time when I was blowned away with the graphics, the combat, and bigger exploration while fighting against dinosaurs which is the reason why I loved the game as a kid.
While sharing with the great titles that Acclaim had to offer, it also shares with really bad ones that are totally piss poor such as the wrestling titles like Legends of Wrestling series that are no where near as good as their predecessor wrestling titles, the Turok Evolution are the weakest of all Turok franchise, and of course the sports game BMX XXX had gained unfavourable negative reviews and received lukewarm sales which not the only killed off Dave Mirra's sports franchise, but also puts Acclaim's final nail in the coffin.

So I am glad that the company had sold their original IPs to other publishers such as Burnout series are handed to EA, the Juiced are handed to THQ, the Throwback Entertainment purchased such titles like Re-Volt and Extreme-G, and Nightdive Studios has resurrected the titles as remastered releases for today's gaming system like Turok, Forsaken, and Shadow Man.

Acclaim Entertainment was being well remembered for its various of home console ports and original games, but also being the biggest tough luck in gaming history that we never able to see them again. 




Honorable Mention:


Lobotomy Software
Clover Studios
Core Design
Eurocom
Evolution Studios
Bizarre Creations
Data East
Free Radical Design
Neversoft
Psikyo
Psygnosis
Quintet
Sierra Entertainment
Virgin Interactive
Visceral Games




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My Gaming Memories - SEGA Saturn

SEGA had shared their success of the gaming market during the 4th generation era where the console wars had the competition between the two biggest rivalry such as SEGA Genesis/MD and SNES are highly regarded as a all-time greatest system that defines the 16-bit gaming due to numerous of great categories of game library including most arcade titles, third-parties support and console exclusivity that led into being a best system seller of early 90's.

The gaming in mid-90's era had moved on into the 3D technologies where several developers wanted to focus primarily on 3D categories, so this is where SONY made their debut with the Playstation in 1995, a very first 32-bit console had reached over 100 million units after the initial release making it the best-selling system of 5th generation era.
That didn't stop SEGA trying to compete their rivalry against SONY and Nintendo with their next coming console called SEGA Saturn which is a 32-bit system released in 1995.
It was highly designed for bringing the SEGA's arcade titles into the home console release as well as creating many IPs of original games.
Most of the SEGA's arcade games were based on some hardware board they utilising with such as SEGA Model 1, Model 2 and of course ST-V were possible for SEGA developers to convert the games from arcade's system board to Saturn's hardware depending how well the game runs on the SEGA's home console.

Saturn had introduced the alternative save functionally for the system which is the backup RAM cartridge which allows you to store and transfer your save data on the cartridge as a backup due to Saturn's weak battery saves on hardware system that didn't last long.
It also has ability to play Music CDs with numerous of audio functionally and of course the Video CD which requires the system add-ons that you can enjoy watching your favourite movies on the game's system, so that's where it influenced SONY to have their DVD functionally on their later console such as PS2.
The system itself had shared with many of great Saturn's accessories such as arcade racer wheels for racing games, virtua gun for lightgun games, various arcade sticks for most fighting games, 3D pad uses the 3D analog controls for some 3D games, and Saturn's multitap which allows up to 6 to 12 players to play on the same console.

SEGA Saturn had a rough lifecycle in 5th generation era due to their failures in US launch release and the forthcoming of Nintendo's next system such as Nintendo 64 in 1996 had resulted SEGA a huge massive loss in gaming market and leading to discontinue their system in 1998.

Despite lack of their success, Saturn is being remembered for its numerous of SEGA's arcade titles such as SEGA Rally Championship, The House of the Dead, Virtua Cop 2, Die Hard Arcade, Daytona USA, and of course the system's best seller Virtua Fighter 2.
Capcom had shared with their best 2D fighting games such as Marvel Superheroes, Street Fighter Alpha 2, and X-Men: Children of the Atom are the biggest example of being faithful to their arcade counterparts.
Saturn are also shared with numerous of great AAA titles including Panzer Dragoon, Nights Into Dreams, Guardian Heroes, and Dragon Force are the highly acclaimed titles that defines SEGA's 32-bit system.

I decided to share my gaming nostalgia to discuss my experiences on games console that I've still own, so without go further do here is my gaming memories on SEGA Saturn.



My Gaming Memories - SEGA Saturn:


In the year 1995 when I was a kid, my brother had taken me to the electronic shop which he had bought the game system that I never heard of it before, so that is SEGA Saturn comes with racing controller and the copy of SEGA Rally Championship and SEGA Manx TT Superbike which had got me excited when heading back to my home.

It brings me a brand new experience on 3D gaming that I'm looking forward to play a newer system that pushed the gaming technologies forward.
After setting up the Saturn hardware system connected on my brother's old fashioned TV, I give a go with the SEGA Rally Championship as one of my very first 3D racing game that I ever played on SEGA's hardware console. It is a 3D rally racing game that features 2 playable rally cars, 3 rally courses, time attack mode, and of course 2-player versus mode via local split screen.
Then I finally played SEGA Manx TT Superbike is a bike racing game featuring various of playable bikes, 2-player split screen, and of course the exclusive saturn mode which includes additional features such as practice races and a challenge course.
My first impression on the Saturn after playing two of the games is quite positive as I enjoyed playing these two of the racing titles with the steering wheel controller which brings me a huge experience of racing genres.
I also discovered the demo CD that was bundled inside the Saturn's console box under SEGA Flash Vol 2 which includes prototype titles such as SEGA Worldwide Soccer 97, Athlete Kings, Panzer Dragoon 2 and some demo trailer coming soon to Saturn such as Exhumed and Virtua Fighter Kids.

A day after owning the Saturn, as my cousin came to my house I've showed him my brand new console, the steering wheel, and the 2 racing games which he loves to give a try out with my new Saturn console and we been playing over a hours of fun in both single player championship and split screen versus mode. He is very impressed to see how groundbreaking the Saturn console are which is lot different from the previous console generation like my SNES and his SEGA Genesis/MD are the 16-bit masterpiece in early 90's, but the console like the Saturn are taking straight into the next level of gaming industries.
My brother began to collect several of SEGA Saturn magazines which included demo CD that I've mention before, but adding more upcoming games for Saturn such as Tomb Raider, Swagman, Nights Into Dreams, Die Hard Arcade and there's more to play on the Saturn as the prototype which really helps my brother to try out the demo before considering to buy a full copy of the game.

I remember the day when he took me to the rental stores such as Blockbuster Videos where he rented the game for Saturn such as Gex, which is a 2D platformer game by Crystal Dynamics where you take control of gecko-lizard named Gex, who been dragged into the television media dimension as a network mascot, has his quest to find the way of exiting back to his outside world.
It is a interesting 2D platformer with humorous protagonist, unique level design, and has impressive use of sprite animation that made the game a recommended play for the fans of the platforming genres.
He also rented the other Saturn game that caught my attention was Tomb Raider, a 3D action-adventure title where you get to play as Lara Croft, an English archaeologist in search of ancient treasures.
The game was mixed between 3D platforming and puzzle-action play which is kinda similar to the original 1989's Prince of Persia in 3D perspective. It involves exploration, collecting objects and solving puzzles which I think it is very difficult for me to get used with the tank controls and the awkward camera system.
Despite the frustration of gameplay mechanics, I also being appreciate with the graphics design in the game are considered to be quite revolutionary at the times featuring bigger level environments and character's design that is mind blowing for 3D gaming.
I got to say Lara Croft is highly regarded as being a most recognisable female protagonist in gaming had gained popularly among with fanbases and gaming communities. She was appeared on gaming magazines, comics, films, and of course TV commercials such as Lucozade's ads.
Several of video game critics labelled Tomb Raider as the most influential title that inspired many of later 3D action-adventure games from early to late 2000's.     

At the mid-1996, me and my brother were heading to the electronic shop to explore a selection of the Saturn games as my brother had bought the copy of the Virtua Cop 2 bundled with the light gun peripheral which I was thought that the lightgun controller does look like a kids toy guns regarding with the design of the lightgun controller with simple blue colour.
When heading back home, we set up the game and the lightgun controller ready for the lightgun action which is Virtua Cop 2 for Saturn where you take control of police officers taking down the thugs and saving the hostages featuring 3 playable levels, 2-player co-op, an option to select route, and has selectable weapons during the action play.
This is one of my very first lightgun game where you have ability to use gun peripheral for its shooting and reloading mechanics which is very new at the time where I haven't played any of light gun shooter before he introduce this game to me as a kid.
I really enjoyed shooting down lot of bad guys at the bank store, car chasing sequences, the factory, and the tall building which is the reason why I liked the game so much especially with my sister did had a massive fun playing the game with her cousin.

My brother went into the video game shop at the market hall where he bought two of the sports games to play such as SEGA Worldwide Soccer which is a 3D soccer game by SEGA Sports which is being one of my all-time favourite football game featuring numerous of teams, several of game modes, hard rocking soundtrack by Jun Senoue, and of course easy to learn gameplay.
Athlete Kings is the 3D arcade-styled track and field title which featuring 9 playable athletes, 2-player versus, and all the events such as 100 to 1500 metres, long jump, high jump, javelin throw, discus, pole vault and shot put which I also enjoyed this game the most with my siblings and cousins.
There's one of the 3D fighting games that had becoming the system's best seller is Virtua Fighter 2 that people had talked about how revolutionary the 3D fighting game played on Saturn's hardware.
The game has 11 fighting rosters, 3D fighting stages, and several of game modes such as time attack, practice, and 2-player versus mode.
It is one of the highly acclaimed fighting game at the release for its faithfulness to arcade counterpart running on whomping 60 fps, the visuals, the sounds, and of course the smoother fighting mechanics with easier to perform techniques are the reason why Virtua Fighter 2 is the landmark of Saturn's arcade perfection by SEGA themselves.

One of the game that caught my attention is the Nights Into Dreams created by Sonic Team. You take control of jester-like named Nights flying through Elliot and Claris's dreams as your journey is to stop the evil ruler Wizeman from destroying the homeland of Nightopia featuring 7 different levels.
The game is much easier to get into regarding with gameplay controls and unique stages are played perfectly for the platforming genres. The graphics are very colourful and more vibrant looking, and the original soundtrack in the game had done absolutely well that fits the feeling of the game's personally making the Nights into Dreams a cheerful action-platformer game for Saturn owners to enjoy the magical experience of Nights universe.

I had a such amazing experience on SEGA's 3D system which brings me a full joy of classic titles that defines my gaming nostalgia until the Nintendo 64 got released at UK in 1997, so this is where my brother had decided to swap my Saturn that I had it for 2 years and bought the N64 to my home as a Christmas gift.
I got so upset when he had taken away the console that I've enjoyed the most and it also disappoint my sister too when she hears the news from my brother before he went to the video game shop to get the next Nintendo system, so don't get me wrong because I still loved the N64 for years after the Saturn's replacement.
Going forward to year 2011 as a young adult, I've found out the surprising news from my cousin on my Facebook messages as he said that he bought the SEGA Saturn and several of games from Ebay and I am happy that I can able to revisit back to Saturn's memories again. So I headed to my cousin's house to see his Saturn's collection piled up on his attic room and I had a chance to play classics such as Alien Trilogy, Virtua Fighter 2, Panzer Dragoon, Daytona USA, and others he had it on his collection.
He also asked me the question is that will I ever gonna bring back my Saturn in the future? The answer is maybe I might able to get it back depending how much income I had saved in my pocket.
In 5 years later, I had a conversation with my siblings discussing our childhood memories as I began to share my nostalgia on SEGA Saturn that I've been missing a lot for very long time, so they had finally given me a second chance to help me bringing back SEGA Saturn to my home as we began to place the order from Ebay comes with the consoles, 2 controllers, the lightgun, the racing wheels, and of course 9 games to play.
I am very glad that I had finally got my Saturn back on my video game collection, so I can finally able to play these classics titles that I haven't been played for over the years.
While being able to play some of the previous Saturn games from my childhood days, I was able to collect more of the Saturn games that I really wanted to add it to my Saturn's collection such as Die Hard Trilogy, Exhumed, Loaded, Marvel Superheroes, Street Fighter Alpha 2, X-Men Children of the Atom, and of course Panzer Dragoon 2: Zwei.   

To conclude my story, I really loved SEGA Saturn with my full passion that brings me a joyful times that I will never forget how amazing the SEGA's 32-bit system had to offer.
With the great selection of games titles including several of arcade classics and some killer apps that really helped defining the Saturn's libraries, but unfortunately as I've started to learn all the history of video gaming industries from the gaming articles sites and Youtube's gaming channels, it is really sad to see SEGA as a beloved companies had getting a bad reputation on their gaming hardware itself and the marketing strategy which was the reason why SEGA of America Bernie Stolar had quoted on the Saturn is not the future of gaming which is shame that the system had been discontinued in 1998 due to poor sales of US launch in 1995 and the success of Nintendo and SONY system had gained more attention than just the SEGA's next console.
What really drags the Saturn back is that it lacked one of the biggest signature title based on the popular franchise is Sonic Xtreme which was in the development for Saturn, but due to staff developers were horribly ill and didn't had the time to finish the development leading to its cancellation missing out their important factor of SEGA's 32-bit system.
Most of the third-parties developers had quoted the SEGA Saturn is much difficult to develop games in comparison with the rivalry SONY Playstation has less complicated system architecture which is opposed to SEGA Saturn's confusing hardware design.
It is strange that during the discontinuation of Saturn in US and EU had missing out some of the best games titles that we didn't get the release outside of Japan such as Radiant Slivergun which is a 2D vertical shooter masterpiece that bought you by same team behind Gunstar Heroes, A highly acclaimed titles such as Grandia and Sakura Wars that could have been the Saturn's biggest RPGs, and of course the most impressive 3D fighting game that caught the attention was Dead or Alive which is one of the better fighting game in Saturn's library, so these are the games that should have made the console successful if they are able to bring those to the western releases.     

Despite the struggles of SEGA's 32-bit console, I got to say that the SEGA Saturn is clearly being the most underrated video game console that didn't get the credit what they deserve, as long as the system had fair shared with the game libraries that everyone can able to play and enjoy their full Saturn experience. 


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Valfaris PS4 Review

Valfaris is a 2D Side-Scrolling shooter for PS4, XBONE, Switch, and PC which was developed by Steel Mantis and published by Merge Games and Big Sugar.

The developer team was known for their previous title such as Slain: Back From Hell which is a one of the finalist of Unity Awards.
I had discovered this game when the actual trailer came out on YouTube around last year summer and then my reaction to the trailer is how f***ing amazing the game looks.
It is heavy metal style 2D shooter which combines Iron Maiden meets Contra filled with mind-blowing gorefest, shredding metal soundtrack, upgradable weapons, brutally challenged bosses and more ultra-violence action is the reason why I wanted to pick this game up for my PS4.
The game is gruesomely fun because I've really enjoyed the Valfaris experience for its classic-style gameplay, unique graphic visuals, dark and gritty presentation, and has replay values are the main highlight point in the game, but with the minor drawback for its short length of the single-play and the lacking few features in the game which I will explain further on this review.

So without go further do, lets start the review.



Presentation


The game takes place in a far corner of space. It starts off with the metalhead warrior named Therion travelling in the voidship to his homeland in Valfaris as he set his quest to uncovering the truth behind his father's crime and set free from the enemy that invades home planet.

The story in the game is quite simple to understand which doesn't need to have much of the in-depth plot as the story goes on in each boss battles that really adds the interesting story between the hero and villain starts confronting each other for their treason which is the reason why they kept the game quite straightforward without adding so much extra details.
You have the long-haired metal dude named Therion, who is son of Valfaris, which is also named after the symphonic metal band from Sweden.
I really liked his looks on the title screen comes with badass armory mixed with his red-metallic outfit while holding his huge ass rifle and you can also see the demonic look on his face is like he wants to slaughter the shit out of you in pieces making it a fearless protagonist that you don't want to mess with.
There are most insanely enemies in the game such as bog worm that can hit you everywhere, toxic flower that shoot out acids, hive solder will blast you with plasma balls, sentry bot will fly around you, the sword master will throw his sword at you in far distance, and more enemies with different variety of attacks will instantly kill you in deadliest way, but their looks are so awesome.
I also liked the boss in the game like junk gargoyle, bloodstalker queen, exterminator, and Lord Jylskel are amazing, but I got to say furrok and kyvok are sure both tough m***er f***er that really kicks lot of your asses in whole time, wow holy shit these guys are sure hard as a nails.

Aside with the simple story and badass protagonist, the whole presentation in the game is remarkably well crafted with dark-gritty Sci-Fi universe filled with metallic environments, machinery objects, alien-like scenery, and atmospheric tones for most levels are actually pretty damn good for 2D shooter title.
It almost reminds of the classics from the 80's/90's like the Turrican series regarding on the settings of the game is the reason why the game is looking so incredible for most part.
You will have the locations such as the underground landing pad filled with nest and webs, the eco-dome has wiggly looking forrest with bugs and plants, the hive that has neon-bright places with flying insects, the power chambers has facility rooms, the tombs filled with sands and misty places and theres plenty more levels to discover.
The weapons are looking so badass for its design, so you have standard plasma pistol that shoots 3-ways projectiles, Vroll's sidearm that shoots rapidly, the bishop's reach that shoots several arms out, the hellhammer is basically shotgun for short range, the envoy of destruction that fires many missiles, the man o' war bursting flamethrower, the blood axe is the fastest melee attack, and of course the bastard sword is one of the world's most powerful melee weapon that easily slain all the bastards clean off.

Overall, it has straightforward story, the badass protagonist, and the wicked presentation.



Gameplay


You take control of Therion in 2D side-scrolling perspective as your goal is to beat all the bosses as possible.
Your character has ability to jump and climb on ladders and objects which are used for platforming segments.
There are a checkpoints in the level where you can activate them by using the resurrection idol which the item can be found on most level, so after your death this will help taking you back to the last location you activated where you left off.
You have three different variants of weapons such as primary, melee, and destroyer. The primary weapons are weak ranged attack with unlimited ammunition, the melee uses the close range attacks that will increase your energy with every successful strike, and the destroyer weapons are powerful ranged attack that uses energy. You can also shoot in any direction by holding the trigger button to stand still while pressing the fire button. You can use shield to block enemy's projectiles, but also you can parry their attack and grab their projectiles to shoot back at them are also effective for some enemies.
The blood metal item is a upgradable item which can be found on piles of bones throughout the game including secret locations and being dropped by certain enemies after you kill them, while the final upgrade of every weapon will require a Blood of Valfaris in some level.
Upgrading the weapons will improve the range of attacks and the damages which is making your weapon quite powerful to kill not just the hard-hitting enemies, but also makes easier to kill tough bosses.

Most of the levels in the game are filled with the hazards objects that can instantly kill you in such ways such as bloody spikes, falling pit, electricity zapper, toxic acids and more hazardous stuff that requires player to avoid these deadly objects in order to keep alive.
The enemies in the game is actually well made for its attacking patterns and their A.I system are the reason to keep the game quite satisfy depending how implemented and brutally these guys are because you have sword master that blocks your primary attack, the guards can shoot you in any direction, the turret that shoots you with laser beam, the big jellies can simply roll around, and tentacle can swing wildly which I think it worked really well for its overall challenge especially with the boss battles are definitely the biggest highlight of all Valfaris experience will satisfy your gaming action.
My favourite part in the game is that you can ride on exterminator in some level as the big huge machinery are sure slow but has the ability to use flamethrower as primary, 3 pointy blade for melee, and the firing turrets for heavy damage which is the reason why I've enjoyed many impact of carnage. 

I really liked the overall gameplay for its weapon system, unique platforming level, and impressive boss battles which really helps me to memorising the attack patterns and being able to keep up with the ongoing single play which makes the game very entertaining, but it's a shame that the single-player mode can only last about between 2 to 3 hours of play which is ridiculously short unless if its more than the 3 hours of play depending how many deaths did you count in the game.

Overall, it has great weapon system, unique platforming level, and impressive boss battles.



Graphics


The graphics are surprisingly look amazing for 2D metal-action. It kinda almost like very close to 16-bit era filled with cool 2D sprites on protagonist and enemies, the gore animation is gruesomely brutal with so many particles and effects showered with blood everywhere, and the use of the visuals effects in some levels are also pretty good filled with great use of lighting shades, misty smoke, the water animation, and it has gooey and slimy environments everywhere in the game which really fits perfectly well on Sci-Fi universe.
The game ran absolutely well with 60 fps which you won't notice any of major slowdowns in the game which means that it won't have any of sluggish frame-rate especially if you're playing on the system like Switch will able to work best on both dock and handheld mode.

Overall, it has cool 2D sprites, gruesomely gore animation, and has the use of visuals effects and environments design.       


Music and Sounds


Valfaris definitely has the awesome soundtrack that keeps you heart pumping for more gorefest action. It was composed by Curt Victor Bryant, a former extreme metal guitarist from Swiss band Celtic Frost, did a excellent job of making his most epic metal soundtrack in video game history giving a intense 2D action experience.
The sound effects in most part is pretty well done for its the use of background noises and atmospheric effects in most levels giving a intense feeling to the game's personality and I got to like a grunting voice of the enemies and bosses during the battles.

Overall, it has epic metal soundtrack and intense sounds design.



Special Features

The game did offer the new mode called full metal difficulty which is the new game plus where you still retain the weapons from the previous new game mode, but it is by far the hardest game mode that most enemies are doubles their power to give you a huge ass kicked all the way making it a most challenged game so far.
Aside with the new game mode which adds the nicer replay values, it's kinda shame they didn't include the features like for example: they should have been include gallery mode, boss rush mode, and other interesting stuff that could have been a greater addition to the game.

Overall, it only has one new mode, but it really needs adding more new features in the game.




Advantages


Wicked presentation

Great weapon system

Impressive boss battles

Gruesomely gore animation

Epic metal soundtrack

Nice replay values

   

Disadvantages


Short length single play

Lacking few features




Final Verdict


Presentation 8.5/10 - straightforward story, the badass protagonist, and the wicked presentation.

Gameplay 8/10 - great weapon system, unique platforming level, and impressive boss battles.

Graphics 8.5/10 - cool 2D sprites, gruesomely gore animation, and has the use of visuals effects and environments design.

Music and Sounds 9/10 - epic metal soundtrack and intense sounds design.

Special Features 5/10 - it only has one new mode, but it really needs adding more new features in the game.


Overall 8/10 - Valfaris is a strong title which offers a experienced classic days side-scrolling action filled with fun packed gameplay, hardcore visuals, exciting original soundtrack, and more instant badass are making it the satisfied 2D shooter game on the genre.
The actual price of the game is cost between £20 to £30 from Amazon and Ebay, so if you're the huge fan of classic side-scrolling shooter games or have listened to hardcore metal music then you should able to pick up a copy for PS4 and Switch physically or get it from digital storefront for various PC and Consoles version.

So it is Valfaris everyone, just raise your metal horn, grab your controller, power up your system and get ready to kick some ass. YEAHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
 


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