This blog begins what may become a
series of retro (8-bit, 16-bit, etc) games...if it's received well
enough and I like writing it. :D
Games such as Scott Pilgrim vs. the
World, Mortal Kombat, and the Megaman series may seem to have nothing
in common when one merely glances at them. They emerged at different
times, on different systems, and entirely different eras. However,
they're tied together by a few key points in their core: they all
float about (and generally improve upon) the generic
'beat-the-baddie' formula, their graphics and their music at least
started in the realm of 8- or 16- bit, and how well they were
received. I absolutely love all three of these games, and I'll be
reviewing them today.
The Megaman game series had the first
release of these three games, with the first of its many (now above
50) installments simply dubbed Megaman (or ロックマン
- Rockman). Debuting in December 1987, this game's
story revolves around the character Megaman, an adaptable robot set
in a crumbling futuristic society that has mastered the art of
building those similar to him. He was created by Dr. Light originally
as a simple robot, but was refurbished with the famed Mega Buster to
combat the evil Dr. Wily, whose 8 robot menaces conquered the world.
Though the storyline may seem cookie-cutter, the intense run-and-gun
on-rails shooter had many different possible playthroughs. The first
installment had 6 Robot Masters that one could fight in any order.
After defeating one singular boss, Megaman would gain their weapon,
which he could then use in any other stage (though it had limited
ammo, unlike the Mega Buster). After besting all 6 Robot Masters, the
Dr Wily Stage opened, where one would proceed through 4 linked stages
and a battle with all 6 Robot Masters, and then finally Dr. Wily.
My favorite installment in the series
is Megaman 2 (available on iTouch as an app) because of its longer
gameplay (8 bosses, 3 difficulties), catchy music, and generally fun
nature.
The Mortal Kombat series came second,
releasing first in arcades, and then on consoles as its popularity
rose. It was a 2D fighting game known for the complexity of its
movesets as well as the goriness of its 'Fatalities', which allowed
players to absolutely decimate their enemies, reducing them to fleshy
mush and blood. Because of these factors, it became a cult hit, and
eventually spread over into the realm of consoles. Even today, it
lives on, and though it is not as strong as it once was, it preserves
its roots of goriness and complicated moves.
I personally love how Guile's theme
goes with EVERYTHING. (Really. Look it up on youTube whilst doing
anything and it will sync up perfectly. Especially exercise.)
Scott Pilgrim vs. the World is the
third of these three great games, and is the only one that is not
(and most likely won't be) a full-fledged series. The plot is based
upon the movie: Scott Pilgrim really wants to date Ramona, and thusly
must fight the League of Evil Exes to be able to do so. Its gameplay
is relatively simple compared to the other two games: you sidescroll
through 8 worlds, fighting any number of goons, and eventually arrive
at the stage's boss, who is any one of Ramona's evil exes. Though it
may be considered dumbed-down to some, I find its simplicity
endearing, and a wonderful introduction to the combo-based system
that many fighters use today. Its music is upbeat and fun, and its
stat and leveling systems are the epitome of what a casual game's
systems should be.
Have fun, good gaming, and remember:
don't feed the trolls.
-Toast
(Blogging Week 1)
(Blogging Week 1)
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