Jack Red reviews Gunfright (1985)

 Hello everyone I'm Jack Red, I realized I forgot to include Gunfright in a recent blog entry. I figured why not do it right now. Gunfright is about a sheriff that hunts down twenty criminals. Surprisingly, this isn't that bad of a game. Clearly stuff like Gunsmoke & Bonanza inspired this game. Honestly, this is likely one of the most over looked games within Rare Replay.

Gunfright requires you to search around the town. The closest way to know if you are on the right track is this kid. I'm not kidding, a kid constantly jumping while pointing at a direction. Sometimes, he'll quickly change directions as a hint where your target might be. Once you do find em, you shoot em. Then finally you go right into a duel.

There's a few weird things about this game I need to talk about. Like among the last criminals, the last couple of levels repeats infinitely. Which obviously means there's no ending to this game. I do like the money bag mini game actually used in a few Snapshot playlists. You simply shoot up bags of money but you kinda wish you could simply take it instead.

Realistically, you are destroying bags dropping whatever inside on the ground. Just imagine going to a bank then a robber instead of stealing the jewels & money. They shoot up whatever holds em, it's stupid logic that kinda works for games like this. Not to mention, riding your horse acts as an invincibility power up.

Yet the actual horse looks more like a costume someone might wear rather than an actual horse. This is even stranger than what I said about the horse in Kameo. You can get penalty for harming/killing civilians. Sadly, the civilians themselves are the worst hazards of this time. Sometimes, you can't tell which way to go to avoid.

Other times, they surprisingly move at a angle that technically counts as a hit killing you. Yes, it is one of those games folks. Gunfright also used some rather questionable names for these criminals. Warning, some of what I'm about to discuss here could be seen as offensive. I will list the names in question below so you can fully see em for yourselves...

1. Buffalo Bill

2. Billy the Kid

3. Jesse James

4. Milkie Bar Kid

5. Bronco Colarado

6. Lone Ranger

7. Gunslingers

8. Bandits

9. Hillbillys

10. Butch Cassidy

11. Mexicans

Some of these names do reference real life people. Stuff like Gunslinghers, Bandits, Hillbillys and Mexicans usually applies to more than one. But you only face one person with those names kinda weird. Also, how did the name Mexicans or Hillbillys make it pass the final cut? The weirdest name that easily could be taken out of contents is Milkie Bar Kid.

Also, Lone Ranger name is usually a title for those that help fight criminals & protect their town. I do need to mention the name Bronco Colarado. It's more of a reference to an actual location than person. The audio is mostly fine at times. It can be confusing to explore the town at times. Honestly, it might get boring for some but it's not a bad game by any means.

I think another strangely thing is the character you play as looks somewhat similar to Sabreman from Sabreman series. You mostly use a revolver like people did back in those days. It will take time getting use to how the game plays. Once, you do figure it out that's when you realize exploring is important. You can run out of ammo temporary unless you got penalty too much likely getting a game over.

Jack Red reviews Digger T. Rock and Cobra Triangle

 Hello everyone I'm Jack Red, it might be a while before more Rare games reviews could appear on here. So I will review two more NES games. I beaten both of these games, gotten every stamp & every achievement. Also, they're vastly different from each other. They're not even in the same game genre either.

1. Digger T. Rock (1990)

You play as Digger T. Rock whose exploring eight caverns. Of course, NES had a few similar games like Super Pitfall but most agree this was better. I do recommend using some of the emulator codes since it's easy to die. It's not that different of a game. Like notable falling distance can take away a lot of health or you die.

You have to find a particular pillar then get on top of it in order to open the exit. But you have a time limit once it does to escape. There's small but a notable variety of enemies. You will get some stuff to help you out like ladder to get down the caverns a long distance without harm. The ghosts are the worst enemies because you have to stay in a location long enough for them to spawn.

Parts of this could work in your favor. You will have some trouble attempting to avoid getting caught by them. If caught, the ghosts will likely take you in between a gap at a height that likely take most of your health or kill you. There's some information stuff you do need to know if you want to beat the game. The eighth & final cavern requires a lot of explosives.

If you don't have enough explosives on that caverns you can't finish the game. Some parts of the path can only be open up by blowing it up. They still put a dragon in the direct path of the final exit. Thankfully, the game doesn't actually have bosses. I would say it's one of the shorter games within Rare Replay. The music is alright with the sound effects it's nothing special.

I should mention the bonus stages where you quickly collect the gems. At least, you have parts you can take it easy. Some of these games included no you can't. Digger T. Rock is a different color from the cover of this game which is kinda weird. It is possible to waste time as well as lifes to get more extra lifes.

2. Cobra Triangle (1989)

One of the first Rare video games ever made. Cobra Triangle has a great variety of stages you play. Like the racing portions, you don't even need to worry about coming in first place. You also get protecting swimmers, moving explosives to a particular location, making jumps and fighting bosses. There's a few bosses in this game.

For some odd reason, you technically fight an altered, red sea serpent later in the game. This also has the shortest time limit of any level. But you don't even to do much to make it through as if it's a bonus boss fight. The difficulty curve does depend if you got enough upgrades or not. Three categories of what you can upgrade does have a max level.

Both fire & force however do not. Fire is mostly changing which firing style you want. Force instantly repairs your ship, effects the missiles & temporary invulnerability. I don't even think getting to the max level effects the ending. There's some great stages in this game. I do need to talk about the final boss likely inspired by Jaws.

Funny enough, that console actually does have an Jaws game. Most bosses have a few possible spots you can hit em. But you have no choice to be in the direction path. The problem is parts of this final boss actually broken. He can instantly kill you even if you are technically out of his range. Sometimes even in the correct spot, your attacks doesn't work.

Also, like an actual shark the final boss will move around. You can't hit him until he appears to eat you whole. There's no question in durability wise, this boss takes the most firepower to take down. The soundtrack despite as little it may be was great with excellent sound effects. They reused the engine of R. C. Pro-Am 1 for this game.

Cobra Triangle also ends on a partly weird note. The final stage is fought on stage 24. Yet the game technically has stage 25. But all that stage 25 actually is more or less a cut scene where you rescue those loss at sea that's it. It's strange the final boss isn't on the actual final stage. The ending is fine by itself.

This is a surprisingly well put together game. I love playing games that originally came out on the year I was born in. There's just that extra added appeal because of it. Cobra Triangle does have a few notable location changes. Honestly, I really came to enjoy this game so much. It might actually be my favorite NES game in Rare Replay I'm not kidding, it really is worthy of the title.

Jack Red reviews Vectorman 1 and 2

 Hello everyone I'm Jack Red, BlueSky Software made some great Genesis games like two Jurassic Park games. Some of their finest work was in Vectorman series. Sadly, there's only two entries to this day. Although, there was a few attempts to bring it back. Maybe it's for the best it stays where it's at. I do recommend both of these games.

Now considering both of them are so similar. I'll review them together but I will clarify stuff for which one I'm talking about to help prevent confusion. Both games are essentially run & gun style platformer. The team wanted to recreate what Rare done with Donkey Kong Country. Where parts of the game had 3D models within a mostly 2D game.

I think most Sega fans would agree Vectorman 1 has a better soundtrack. I kinda felt Vectorman 2 has more codes ends up helping it out. Despite actually having more levels not counting extra ones like a contest level. It is weird there's technically more bosses in Vectorman 1. Both has levels where you play in a particular form that spices up the game play.

In both games, Vectorman can find power ups that changes how he fires literately. In Vectorman 1, you destroy TVs while it's more insect pods in Vectorman 2. Vectorman 1 has more actual story in comparison as well. Most robots were working together to clean up Earth after the humans left it with so much trash. Why does that remind me of the show Futurama lol.

An error caused by a nuclear explosion transformed the leader robot into a tyrant. Vectorman was doing something away from the reach of their network. So when he came back to Earth, he had to take on a robot army. Vectorman 2 is more his ship ended up crashing on a strange alien planet. He has to survive mostly against insects.

I will give Vectorman 2 credit for actually having an animated cut scene. Vectorman 1 does have some great levels. Vectorman 2 has a few destroy parts of the ground theme levels. If you destroy the wrong spots, you won't be able to continue on likely die from being timed out. There's some great graphic special effects in both games.

Vectorman 2 is more of an underrated classic than anything else. Vectorman 1 is a must play game known to everyone who owns or collects Sega Genesis stuff. There was a time you could get Vectorman 1 through a snack package I'm not kidding. For the most part, it's easy to tell where to go. Of course, I do need to mention the secret mini games of Vectorman 1.

The first one believe it or not is right on the Sega logo screen. You can destroy a TV to cause a power outage. There's also a trick if you know it to allow you to skip a couple of stages. When you trigger it collect as many letters as you can. The other mini game is hidden in a satellite dish. There's more interesting variety of levels in Vectorman 1.

I also felt that's a better balanced game in comparison. Vectorman 2 does have a more interesting looking Vectorman character model. I do love both games' covers but I really liked Vectorman 2's more. Some levels in Vectorman 2 aren't as big as you thought that might disappoint you. Vectorman series is an interesting take on the run & gun concept.

It's almost like Sega's answer to Capcom's Mega Man series. Mostly that applies to Vectorman 1 but both characters have all kind of abilities. I will say some boss models in Vectorman 2 are just freaky. Vectorman 1 ends with a final boss fight on the top of a tornado. Vectorman 2 does a level with a tornado that will effect parts of your movements.

Some boss fights in Vectorman 1, you are fighting a few bosses close by each other. It's more spaced out in Vectorman 2, they are tricky to hit. The final boss will constantly fire at you. You have to deal with an annoying pain sound often. This boss doesn't change attack patterns like Warhead does in Vectorman 1.

I do prefer some forms you'll get in Vectorman 2 more. Honestly, both of them have some depth to them. You don't have to rush through the levels. Even with a time limit, you likely have enough time to finish. Unless, you are struggling a lot more likely to happen in Vectorman 2. It's no secret, Vectorman 1 is the game to play but don't forget to give Vectorman 2 a try.

Rare Replay vs. Sega Genesis Classics

 On August 29, 2020, I finally got the final achievement in Sega Genesis Classics.

On September 5, 2020, I completed every challenge in every Snapshot set. Including the other six that are mixed games line ups.

Hello everyone I'm Jack Red, I figured to do another compilation comparison blog. This time, I put Rare Replay up against Sega Genesis Classics. Both do have advantages over each other making this interesting. End of the day, this is strictly my opinion which game compilation wins. I will say this will not be an easy decision to make.

1. Selection of games

Of course, we need to talk about the games. There's a couple possible ways to view this. Quantity vs. quality or one compilation represents one platform against another compilation that represents many platforms. Rare Replay has thirty games while it could differ on the number of games for Sega Genesis Classics.

Console versions don't have Ecco series, Eternal Champions and Sonic 3 & Knuckles. I felt the line up is more solid in Sega Genesis Classics because even the ones not as great. You are still likely going to be playing it for awhile. I can't say the same for the worst among Rare Replay. Also, we need to talk about game genres.

Both of them have beat em ups, shooters not the same types though and platformers. I think this is where the decision becomes difficult. You are either more into 3D games than 2D ones. You could be more into RPGs, there's virtually none in Rare Replay. Sega Genesis Classics is filled with many RPG classics. Even just comparing they're shooter games is difficult.

Obviously, you could be heavily around one or both consoles especially during your child hood. Personally, Sega Genesis was a major inspiration on me growing up. In fact, a large amount of games within Sega Genesis Classics are games from my past. Sega Genesis Classics has more platformers as well as beat em up games in comparison too.

Both do bring in some of their essential franchises. Even if we limit ourselves to those games. I honestly have to say Sega is very strong here. You already know about Sonic series. There's also Golden Axe, Streets of Rage, Shinobi, Phantasy Star and Shining series. Especially in PC version since it has Sonic 3 & Knuckles included.

Oh wait, I'm not done yet you get to see the covers of games in Rare Replay. But in Sega Genesis Classics' second emulator in my case has a reaction of a 90's kid's room. All the games or what you do own appears on a shelf. Now you actually can look at it like an actual collection. Those things alone were enough reason for Sega to win here.

Not only that, you can play the games through a retro television as well. Which likely will bring back nostalgia for those who grew up with the console. To be fair, Rare does have a similar enough option to make your screen look like one as well. There's just something about watching a game start up on a digital TV you just can't compete with.

I should mention Rare Replay is exclusive to Xbox One. You still need to play nine games separately from the compilation. This isn't a problem for Sega Genesis Classics. Also, Sega got their compilation on many platforms. Which means you have more ways of owning it in comparison. Right now it isn't an issue but later on in life you'll see how frustrating to get Rare Replay.

Winner: Sega Genesis Classics

2. Challenges

Both compilations have challenges for these games. Not every game has them though. Rare Replay has Snapshot Challenges from ZX Spectrum games up to Battletoads Arcade. Five challenges per a game is quite nice. Sega Genesis Classics has twenty challenges. In comparison, Rare Replay has more challenges with some actually being challenging to complete.

Yes, both compilations have a screen to see each challenge within the games. Rare also has six extra Snapshot Challenges that mixed up these challenges for an unique experience. Which is something Sega doesn't do. Keep in mind, codes will not work during challenges. Also completing these challenges in Rare Replay gives you a stamp unless you done one of the extra six Snapshot challenges.

In that case, you'll win five stamps instead. All of them have the Rare logo as well, nice touch guys. I just felt no disrespect towards Sega that Rare put more effort into making challenges. Also, more games have challenges in comparison as well. Which made this decision much easier than expected. I will say this both have some great challenges.

I should mention, there isn't many achievements in Sega Genesis Classics that involves the challenges. A huge amount of achievements in Rare Replay does involve the challenges. In that regard, Rare Play is giving you more reason to do the challenges. You also go up the ranks by collecting these stamps too. All thirty games has up to ten stamps you can get from.

Update: I completed every challenge in both compilations officially.

Winner: Rare Replay

3. Extra contents

Rare Replay has videos you can unlock to learn about the making of a few games or listen to particular songs or learn about canceled games like Kameo 2. Sadly, Sega Genesis Classics doesn't have stuff like that. What it does have is still huge enough to talk about. In PC version, you have VR support just imaging playing Genesis games in VR is mind blowing especially in mirror mode.

Although both compilations have save states/load states feature as well as rewind. Sega Genesis Classics also has the forward feature. In some of those games in particular areas that's going to help grinding for extra lifes. Honestly, this may seem like a small thing. There are times when things gets out of control you need some help to survive, forward feature could help out

Sega Genesis Classics also has quick save/quick load options too. Which means you can save your process or load up your save even faster than usual. Now that's very helpful during difficult boss fights. You know the ones that can take a while for many reasons, you can't seem to rush. This alone is a huge reason to buy Sega Genesis Classics over Rare Replay.

You also get two emulators to choose from. Not only that, more options for the controls. You can use a keyboard or a controller. Both games do have the rewind feature which was a little late to the party in PC version. You can't change some Rare Replay games' controls. Not only all of that, Sega Genesis Classics also has easier access to rom hacks. You can make easier versions of games, faster leveling in RPG games or different characters in SOR series.

I noticed Rare Replay has a limit of rewinding about 11 seconds while there's no limit both directions in Sega Genesis Classics. Also, you probably knew about the other lock-on games for Sonic 3 right? Knuckles in Sonic 2 and Blue Sphere can be added free of charge as mods. You also can play Knuckles in Sonic 1 as well as both halves of Sonic 3 separately.

Also, Sega Genesis Classics on Steam doesn't require money to play online in comparison to Rare Replay requiring gold. Which you do need real money to buy. They recently discontinued a year so the newest highest is three months being around twenty five bucks. Honestly, that in itself plus Sega Genesis Classics has remote play that's even easier to have friends off my friend's list to play with me.

This feature alone is difficult to beat. You can use rom hacks for absolutely free too. This also makes beating every game a stronger possibility. Sorry Rare fans, a few games like Battletoads NES needs more to help. I felt Rare Replay using games from six platforms is a tough sell to beat. But you just can't compete with Sega's exclusives here.

Winner: Sega Genesis Classics

4. Opening cut scene

I figured since both games have an opening cut scene that represents their game companies well. Why not talk about them here. Sega Genesis Classics originally didn't have an opening until the console versions came out. I still prefer Sonic's Ultimate Genesis Collection's opening way more. Now look at Rare Replay's wow.

They went out of their way to represent all those franchise a few times here. We see a lot of Rare characters singing with references included. Both have a great song playing. I felt this also comes down to personal taste. Either you're more of a Nintendo, Rare or Mircosoft person or Sega person. Honestly, if it weren't for Sega I likely wouldn't become a gamer in the first place.

Rare showcases every game very well while Sega used some of the franchises we Sega fans still love to this day. Basically, both companies were playing to their strengths well here. I would say Rare Replay has a more impressive animation style. But I prefer some of the usage of graphics in Sega Genesis Classics just a little bit more.

Winner: Sega Genesis Classics

5. Unlockables vs. Cheat codes

Not every game within Rare Replay has cheat codes. More of them do have unlockables. In comparison, Sega doesn't have as much unlockables but a ridiculous amount of cheat codes. Again this likely come down to personal taste. Either you loving unlocking new stuff or using codes to do some crazy stuff.

Rare will make you work for some of those unlockables. Not many games within Sega Genesis Classics doesn't have anything extra. I will say in Jet Force Gemini, unlocking rainbow blood was surprisingly awesome effect on the game itself. A couple Sega games do have a level select code to allow you to play other levels.

Basically, you are either a gamer that prefers the hard work paying off or being a slacker by cheating the games themselves. Ultimately the decision is yours. Personally, using cheat codes was a huge thing for me growing up. I would say not many games today use em much. In Sega's case, you are more likely to play through more games.

Winner: Sega Genesis Classics

6. Music

It's no secret both these compilations have some of the greatest soundtracks ever. Even the worst games have some great songs for the most part. Obviously, this will likely come down to personal taste. Probably the third time in this I said that. But majority of their soundtracks are vastly different. Rare was more kid friendly focus, you get a lot of light heart songs.

On the flip side, Sega has a more edgy Rock side. There's more mature games included as well. Ultimate Play the Games made all the ZX Spectrum games. Rare following during it's closing then got backed up by Nintendo. Around early 2000's, Microsoft bought Rare. Sega used to make game consoles many years ago.

They made a lot of these Genesis games while a couple of them got made by other companies. Rare Replay is more a look back on it's past to move forward into the future while Sega representing their strongest game console. In a way, both are recreating eras for newer players to get introduce to their work.

Despite, Sega Genesis console had an alright sound chip. You can't deny there's a lot of great songs from it. Which makes it more impressive especially when it's tricky to port Genesis games without screwing it up. Obviously, N64 to higher have higher audio quality in comparison. I would say more variety of music was being played in Sega Genesis Classics.

Winner: Sega Genesis Classics

5-1 Sega Genesis Classics to me is the better game compilation. Although having more games doesn't usual translate to a better game compilation. Majority of them are truly amazing games for their games. Not to say, Rare themselves didn't make great games especially during SNES & N64 eras. The exclusives on PC version of Sega Genesis with more versions on different platforms making getting a copy much easier.

Sure, Rare Replay went the distance with the challenges. But music variety wise, Sega really brought it here. There's virtually songs everyone can enjoy here. Plenty of cheat codes to go around with the use of rom hacks to spice things up. It also increases beating the games in comparison. Honestly, I highly recommend owning both compilations but Sega Genesis Classics hands down the better overall package here.

Winner: Sega Genesis Classics

A couple Rare game reviews by Jack Red (Rare Replay)

 To clarify something, slowly but surely I do plan to review every game within Sega Genesis Classics as well. Possibly more likely going to happen since I can use rom hacks for games I'm not great at. Otherwise, this is mostly from my point of view. Not everyone will agree or even respect me after confessing I do cheat in games at times.

I figured to review a couple games from Rare Replay. Now there's still games I need to play more before even I can get start planning how I'll write their reviews. Same with games within Sega Genesis Classics that are among those I need more time with. I just hope you enjoy a marathon of reviews going right at ya fast.

1. Jetpac (1983)

Jetpac was among the first games Ultimate Play the Game made during their run. Donkey Kong 64 with Diddy Kong had similar gear with mechanics to that game. In fact, you could play the actual game as a mini game as well as the classic Donkey Kong arcade game. Honestly, this is easily one of the best among the ZX Spectrum games hands down.

This comes off like a solid arcade style game play. Yes, it will get repetitive at times what games doesn't? Some stages you need to quickly put your ship back together. In majority of them, you need to fill up your ship then escape. There's a small variety of enemies. The controls are simple enough with some great sound effects.

2. Lunar Jetman (1983)

Not long after Jetpac, the same company quickly made a sequel. Sadly, this goes to show why you don't rush out sequels. They attempted to make it more of an actual outer space experience. You have a moon rover that will travel unless parts of the ground are destroyed or your vehicle does. There's also teleporters that usually leads more directly to an alien base.

The enemies are a huge step down from the previous game. The best part is if you somehow get your hands on a turret for your moon rover. You can put it in place then you're basically invincible. There's no question this has a very different vibe. You are no longer limited being in a small screen. Yet somehow in many ways they maintain to screw that up.

3. Atic Atac (1983)

Easily, one of the finest ZX Spectrum games within Rare Replay. You play as three characters that don't have much direct differences. One major difference is depending who you play as. There's things you move into that will lead to other rooms as if they're doors. You have to eat to survive since enemies do spawn a lot.

The main goal is putting a particular key back together than escape. I do like the visuals when you fall down holes. After awhile you'll quickly memorize the basic layout as well as what to do. I felt this has a great balance of everything. Honestly, there's little depth to it that I like. I also liked some extra stuff you can do like getting Igor to move away from a door or using the cross to kill a vampire.

4. Sabrewulf (1984)

I got a lot of mixed feelings for this game. Sabrewulf is about a man called Sabreman whose wanted to enter Underwurlde. You need to collect pieces of an amulet. But every time you start a new game, at random decides where each piece will be. Now this wouldn't be so bad but unfortunately it is kinda bad. Oh ok you got a lot of potential locations to check.

Even using an actual map of this game, it still often got confusing to keep track where I was or where to go next. The enemies spawning is out of control. It is possible to get stuck within animations for the hippo. Some enemies like members of a tribe or Sabrewulf itself can't be killed. You can only avoid them, thankfully the game has a few power ups you can use.

5. Underwurlde (1984)

Easily, one of my least favorite games within Rare Replay. I will get the positives out before ripping it a new one. The actual map is much easier to follow. Thank god, the team added a code that removes the enemies. You have no idea how frustrating the enemies can be in this game. Now add in some of the absolute worst jumping mechanics ever in a video game there you go.

Believe it or not, the actual goal of the game is escape this place that's deep in the ground. You can go as low as fifty two feet in the ground. Trust me, it will take you a long time to get to the bottom of this place. Although, there's the guardians blocking your path. They act more like barriers or a door, you just need to defeat em with the correct weapon to pass.

6. Knight Lore (1984)

The third entry in Sabreman series is quite a weird one. Sabreman has a curse that transforms him to a werewolf at night. Now this game likely inspired the character Sabrewulf in Killer Instinct series. You need to collect stuff to make a cure to end the curse. Some enemies will attack you while in your were wolf form.

The map has some complexity to it but easier in some ways to memorize from the previous game. You have to go to the room with the wizard to figure out what you'll need. Do not enter this room as a werewolf. The order of key items is randomized but their locations is mostly set. You have possibly four spawn points at the start that's close by a corner of the map itself.

7. Snake Rattle 'n' Roll (1990)

I will be honest, I really tried beating the boss but it's just ridiculous. I ended up doing the glitch trick to getting that achievement. Yes, I felt bad because I put a lot of effort in those attempts. But also due to the fact, I actually like this game. Obviously, this is a weird game among the collection. Some platforming can be tricky to pull off.

I got to say most of it was actually fun to play. I personally don't like the final level. I found out recently, the Genesis version doesn't have that boss fight. I am starting to wonder why we didn't get that version or at least the turbo buttons just for this game. It's mostly a fair game with some tricks that could throw you off.

8. Solar Jetman (1990)

The third entry in Jetman series, sorry to say this one has some problems. I have to give them some credit where it's due. Such as a password system or some parts of the game play being better than Lunar Jetman. Sadly, the game itself is very difficult to play even with codes. Obviously, they went further with the outer space concept.

Solar Jetman originally wasn't going to be a Jetman game. During development Rare went to the other team to force em into turning it into a Jetman game. Maybe not the best decision, it does have a bonus stage where you collect gems. You are mostly collecting stuff for yourself. There's only one boss in the entire game where surprisingly the game plays like a shoot em up game stuck in location.

I could recommend Jetpac, Atic Atac and Snake Rattle 'n' Roll. I can't recommend the rest of these games. Some of them even their own fans would struggle wanting to replay em. Not all of them are technically bad games. Of course, Rare had to start somewhere. Both Ultimate Play the Game & Rare was founded by the same brothers true story.

Jack Red reviews Kameo: Elements of Power (Rare Replay)

 Hello everyone I'm Jack Red, I recently gave another Rare classic I try. Kameo: Elements of Power was Rare's first Xbox 360 game yet one of the original titles for the console as well. Even for them, parts of this game won't seem much like their usual work. I will say this is a surprisingly solid beat em game with some variety.

Believe it or not, this game got moved between a few consoles originally was going to be an N64 game to it's successor GameCube. At one point, it was going to be an original Xbox game. Then finally on Xbox 360 with each version having different concepts to a degree. It was going to be a Pokemon style game. Now it's more of what many considers to be a Zelda clone.

They only got two Xbox original games as well as one GameCube game released. Prior to Microsoft flat out buying Rare. At the time, they were partnered with Nintendo. However back the screens, Nintendo wasn't exactly happy with some of Rare's decisions based on what we do know. The creator of Mario dislikes Donkey Kong Country is very mind blowing to me.

Kameo is one of those you must transform with each form having their own pros and cons. At the same time, this can help bring out creativity. It also will test how well you know how to use em especially a few key points. You play as Kameo whose going to stop Thorn, the troll king. Your sister helped in his plans, you will need to regain forms loss while gaining new ones.

Now I know Rare publicly talked about a particular issue in one of their Rare Replay videos. I am just felt like I need to talk about it. Usually, they end games more difficult than you could expect. Personally that's fine because you want to work for it at that point otherwise it kinda feels like you wasted your time. Yet the issue is more or less about the beginning.

Yeah, this problem even harmed it's potential sales. They throw you to the wolves expecting to know what to do. Trust me, beyond this portion of the game takes time to explain stuff better. Thankfully, this doesn't have a boss fight. I kinda felt some difficult parts in Battletoads NES was more satisfying than that. You can get this fruit to upgrade each form's abilities.

You likely will need a guide to get them all or you want the biggest achievement there is in the game. There's a great variety of controls among each forms. Sometimes, it suddenly feels like you're playing a different game. For the most, you can use the maps to see where your destination is. But sometimes, you need to put some effort getting there or in sections of areas you can't see the map.

In order to get each form, you must locate a sorta hatch like hole. Inside is within a realm where you must defeat a shadow troll. But to defeat em you need to attack these bright somewhat similar looking creatures. Temporary you can fire them at the shadow troll a few times. Parts of this will get tricky just a fair warning.

You also need to help your family's army dealing with major obstacles mostly destroying potential weaponry that can win a battle maybe even a war. You can ride a horse, oh well this is rather a strange thing I kept noticing. The actual face of this horse looks like he'll do anything even sacrificing itself to save lifes.

Sadly, this horse won't enter castles or possibly dangerous areas. Which means you must dismount from the horse to continue on foot. The game will tell you, one of the trolls could steal your horse too. I will say the artwork is very impressive even with it's frustrating development history. You have to keep in mind, some parts of the controls can get in the way of doing things.

Like you have some enemies that must be defeated a certain way. But you could press one of the other form buttons by mistake to suddenly get in trouble. This is one of the more frustrating problems you have to deal with. Some areas just with a gap between can be tricky to match it across. There's not many actual bosses in the game itself.

I am happy to say none of them actually sucks. My favorite boss as surprising this might be is Lord Drok. Before I even talk about his boss fight, let's dress the minotaur in the room. Doesn't this robot oddly look similar to Minatek from Bio F. R. E. A. K. S.? To clarify, I'm not saying Rare rip off parts of their design or anything like that.

Lord Drok will open a section of his chest. You got a limited time to attack it as Chilla using his spear move. The big damage comes from these insects. You will need Snare whose a plant snake creature I love it lol. You need to do a particular move after putting em in his mouth no not like that sick bastards lol.

You need to do his weird throwing attack. These insects won't explode but rather sorta cover parts of his body. You quickly switch to Chilla or Thermite then aim to attack those spots. This giant robot is surprisingly fast for his size. There's a great variety of places you go that do mix element themes very well.

Kameo is a surprisingly straight forward game that should take you a few hours to beat. You also need to get use to particular doors you need to certain actions to open. Like breathing fire on these dragon statues or causing an ogre bumping in the right spots among the trees to drop something to cover holes. Honestly, the story is well written yes some predictable moments I know.

I do like some of the characters on both sides. Oddly, parts of this maybe it's just me saying this. Doesn't this sorta remind you of another game from Rare Replay, Jet Force Gemini? Both games involves a tyrant attacking a particular race while our heroes get ridiculous stuff to stop em. Speaking of that, some portions has massive amount of enemies on screen.

Funny enough, this actually predates Dead Rising 1 a year before. A more famous game with a lot of enemies on screen. Personally, that's a better experience than this. Kameo is the most fun when you get most of the forms. There's one particular form that surprisingly was well worth the wait. He doesn't look like much compared to the other forms.

OMG, after I upgraded some of his abilities Thermite was owning some tough things with ease. This ant quickly blew my mind guys. I would even say he's among the very best forms. You also a rolling move that's technically faster than a horse. He also can use shield to move through stuff like lava. He also has two different explosive attacks.

I highly recommend you use the fruit on this guy. Some areas you need to pay a little more attention to. The voice acting is mostly decent I will say. You get to explore while at times defending shrines from the trolls. I swear the trolls do seriously remind me of The Lord of the Rings' Orcs I'm not kidding. They even have some stuff similar to em.

You may have to get issue to seeing game over screen since some areas can be tricky to get through. Like helping these giants for your father's army to get across a section. There's some clever concepts hidden in this game. I can't say it has as much depth as some of the other Rare games though. Another problem I had is strangely every dlc achievement has absolutely, I really wish I was kidding.

Absolutely zero gamer score at all added to the base game, I never seen that before. Now that's more weird than anything else really. There's more zero gamer score achievements in Kameo than those games within Rare Replay that have zero gamer score achievements. Also, most achievements is playing the game in different ways.

You can score as much as possible or test how quickly you can speed run it. The choice is ultimately yours folks. Kameo is a nice change from a lot of beat em up games. I felt they could've done more to have help make up for that. You also get more outfits since Rare Replay automatically adds dlcs to those that have it.

Overall, Kameo is hands down an underrated gem as well as a very over looked early Xbox 360 game. Honestly, they did an amazing job with most aspects to keep entertaining for awhile. There's also coop which I haven't tested. I got to be honest, I actually had more fun playing Grabbed by the Ghoulies. Parts of the story can be seen as dark like Banjo-Tooie but there's plenty light stuff to help with that.

Jack Red reviews Grabbed by the Ghoulies

 Hello everyone I'm Jack Red, I recently finished Grabbed by the Ghoulies from Rare Replay. You also can buy it digitally from the store section online. Even among some of the strangest Rare moments I got to see. This game does stand out in a way you just wouldn't think. I would even say this is one of the best within that compilation.

Grabbed by the Ghoulies is actually a pun while replacing the original final word to make it more kid to family friendly. Oh well it originally was grabbed by the balls are you happy lol. Thankfully that doesn't actually happen in the game. You play as a teenager named Cooper no not Dr. Sheldon Cooper. Now that would be ridiculous yet hilarious lol.

His girl friend gets kidnapped by monsters working for the baron. Later on, you get an additional goal where you need to rescue all the prisoners. I will talk more about that later. The actual cut scenes plays like a horror comic book which I love so much. Almost a Goosebumps vibe, not the feeling. I meant the franchise Goosebumps.

Seriously, if you read the books or seen the show as well as the movies. You already know Goosebumps, not a lot of people know there was video games based on them. I temporary had Attack of the Masked Mutant game many years ago. Strangely, parts of this game's art design is somewhat similar to that. The dialogue is similar to Banjo-Kazooie series.

There's five chapters you must play through. A huge amount of it is done as a 3D beat em style. Although, there are sections you get firing weapons until the following section. You got to hate when that happens right? Especially when you have enemies that can only be defeated in particular ways. Most of them, you can easily beat em up that's it.

Enemies like vampires and mummies requires a different method. You can do whatever you want, their health isn't going down. I haven't even mention the single worst enemy you likely could run into. Can you believe the grim reaper himself is in this game? He appears as a nearly invincible enemy that can one shot you in one touch.

Thankfully, sometimes you can use that to your advantage to quickly kill an enemy with high health. Personally, I kinda wish Gregg the Grim Reaper was here instead lol. At least, there isn't any bloody cats in this game lol. You often get challenges that can be tricky to finish. Sometimes, I say the hell with it to cause the grim reaper to show up.

Sometimes, you need to break stuff to find keys or warlocks. Yeah I should mention, warlocks are pricks in this game. Most locations they are automatically hiding. You have to search everything you can break until he shows up. Unless, you already know which thing to break. Sometimes, it does seem to random switch his spawning location in some areas making that more frustrating.

He could quickly firing projectiles at you without warning when you're within range at a angle he can fire at. Most areas you will be revisiting a lot with clear changes. Chapter 4 is just one boss fight against the baron himself. This might surprise people I actually prefer Grunty over this prick. For a few great reasons that I will quickly go through.

1. She has more memorable lines

2. She forces you to learn stuff about those games

3. Her actual boss fights for the most part more fun in comparison

4. Grunty has more interesting tricks up her sleeves

5. She doesn't need much to fly around

6. Her voice sounds more villainous

7. Her tyranny goes beyond just a mansion (Yes I low that's a low blow sue me)

His boss fight goes from a weird attack pattern. You need to carefully avoid his attacks while attacking him. In order, to force him to drop his weird melee weapon. Not long, he wears this mini plane suit. What is this Banjo-Kazooie lol.

As the boss fight goes on, he will summon skeletons to zombies to exploding worms to zombie pirates. This boss fight ends up being one of the easiest in the entire game. I mostly had trouble with mutant Amber boss fight in comparison. Now, we can talk about Chapter 5. You will be timed to rescue the prisoners you seen through out the game.

What the game doesn't tell you is beyond rescuing the ninth prisoner. There's no more time limit, not much of the game left from this point. Your girl friend is the final prisoner no surprise there. Up to this point, the final chapter felt more like a mini game than an actual ending section. I should mention, this skeleton will tell you early on this chapter, there's no saving prior to a point.

Thankfully, most of this is easily to memorize with a few parts being tricky to do. The big surprise is the chef herself suddenly becomes playable for one little section. This is because Cooper gets knocked out by the imps. She used a mixture on her spoon to making it huge. You got to take out a lot of imps on yourself with no time limit.

Guess what beyond that the game is over I'm not kidding. One section early on, you move automatically in first person while getting ready to press buttons. You will get jump scared a lot here. I should also mention, if you look closely cameo heads of both Banjo & Kazooie are there too. Some of Rare's other franchises gets reference as well.

There's also a challenge mode 1-20 by default. To unlock more of them, you need to find these bonus books with the Rare logo. You also can unlock challenge 21 as well. Completing the first twenty challenges unlocks your girl friend Amber as a playable character.I love not only you can replay chapters but also sections within chapters too.

This is helpful for collecting the bonus books you missed during a play through. There's some great animations in this game. The audio is strangely strong here too. Now I am aware Rare has a repetition of great video game sound tracks. This is hands down one of they're strangest yet. The sound effects work well enough to keeping it fun for a while.

There's a great variety of weapons as well as enemies. I do need to talk about the power ups & power downs you will come across. There is a handful of power downs that will make it a bit more difficult. Like one of them temporary makes your health to 1 making anything can kill you in one hit. I felt the power ups is a nice variety that have their own strengths as well as weaknesses.

Grabbed by the Ghoulies is a game you probably heard about but never got to play. Maybe until you play it through Rare Replay like I did. Often, the baron will change the amount of health. For a while I thought this was randomized. However it turned out regardless which section you are playing. The baron will give you a preset amount of health per a section.

You will have to deal with times you are given low health while other times he gives you a lot of health. The story may seem like you already know how it's going to end. Trust me, you don't know how it would end until you played it or watch it online. You will meet up with a couple of characters as well. You get melee weapons with some throwing ones too at times.

I felt the firing weapons does help to keep the grim reaper away as long you don't push too far into it's limit. Speaking of him, even you don't attack him for a while. He will move faster which will increase over time. The only way I was even able to beat this guy is force him out of a particular huge window. This is a short game lasting a few hours.

Despite it's flaws, I still say it's a surprisingly solid beat em/run & gun style game. I strongly felt this game is way better than it's currently repetition which is sad. This is a sleeper hit that even got over looked by Rare fans. Clearly, Rare had a lot of fun making it. I would even go as far to say this is a strong recommendation to play it.

It's more satisfying than Banjo-Kazooie's Mad Monster Mansion or Spooky Chapter from Conker's Bad Fur Day. By the way, there actually isn't a butler there a major spoiler. I loved how each room was designed well enough to enjoy em. Especially you are replaying them through selecting which section you want.

There's two kinds of jump scares in this game. I already talked somewhat about pressing the buttons as shown. The other type involves stuff like ghosts or telephones. Cooper gets scared then you got a short period of time to move away or you will be scared. This is a temporary state but you can take double the damage if you aren't careful.

This also removes weapons you're wielding that usually destroys em. Some sections has a few spots that do just that. Honestly, I went from not being a fan of this game to absolutely loving every minute of it. This is absolutely a game you must play on Halloween. Personally, no offense to Rare but I do prefer MediEvil more.

Overall, Grabbed by the Ghoulies does pull you in. Yes, the difficulty will often spike but not enough to rage quit. Like a couple games included in Rare Replay. You get a beautifully made horror inspired game that's surprisingly refreshing to play. Even the humor stands out in a huge way. This is a game you shouldn't take lightly at all because it is a very unusual Rare game that nails most aspects.

Jack Red reviews Banjo-Kazooie and Banjo-Tooie (Rare Replay)

Update: as of August 20th, 2020, I gotten the final Banjo-Kazooie achievement. Now I got every achievement in the first two Banjo-Kazooie games. I can't guarantee when Banjo-Kazooie: Nuts & Bolts could show up on here. 

Hello everyone I'm Jack Red, don't expect many reviews coming from Rare Replay. But a few are likely in consideration right now. I figured on top of beating Banjo-Tooie a little while ago on my end. Why not give you a review of the first two Banjo-Kazooie games. I still haven't finish Banjo-Kazooie: Nuts & Bolts so don't expect that here.

Now considering these games are so similar with some of their differences still being similar in some way. I will do what I do, I'll review them together while making clear which game I'm talking about at times. So you don't confuse while you read this. I will say this both of them are easily among my favorites in Rare Replay without question.

Both games brought some mechanics from another famous N64 platformer, Super Mario 64. Personally, I felt there's more going for these games in comparison sorry Nintendo. You need to gain access to the worlds. Unlike a lot of video games, these stages doesn't end when you beat a boss or getting it 100%. No to leave it you literately need to use the same way you came in.

I do need to mention, the worlds in Banjo-Kazooie are nice sized. Damn, Banjo-Tooie made the worlds a lot bigger. You get teleport spots to help getting to areas within a world faster. Chuffy, a train also connects to most of them. A hatch can take you to the other hub world sections. Originally, Mumbo would transform Banjo into many things.

This was later given to Wumba, an Indian character that wasn't on good terms with Mumbo. I also liked in Banjo-Tooie, you get to play as Mumbo do some ridiculous stuff like bringing aliens back to life or making it rain. The first game most moves are used together. However, a large amount of moves are meant for Banjo or Kazooie separately.

It is easy to memorize how to get to the worlds. The deeper you get, the more possibilities. Especially true with Banjo-Tooie late into it. There's absolutely no question that Banjo-Tooie is the longer game. I will say I highly recommend both of these N64 classics. Banjo-Tooie also has multiplayer with a couple characters.

The humor alone is one reason why more people need to play these. Even if you only play Conker's Bad Fur Day prior. Although in this case, Banjo-Kazooie games kept things interesting with game play mechanics with more reason to use em. Thankfully, both games does keep track of your overall process even for a particular world you're working on.

The bosses are mostly easy to figure out. But trust me some of the later ones are surprisingly difficult. Like Mingy Jongo has this unique camera focus during his boss fight. Each hit he takes, more of his disguise breaks off revealing a robot doppelganger. It is possible this likely help inspired the Haybot from Conker's Bad Fur Day.

Both final bosses will truly test you with one of those being shared is manual aiming. There are questions you need to answer. Each section with it has a different punishment for failing. They highly suggest even to the little things pay attention to everything. You will be quiz about it even during Banjo-Tooie's final boss fight.

There's a great variety of worlds in both games. I also liked the surprises they hid. Obviously some are more hidden than others. I briefly brought up in my Rare Replay review about a feature completed on Xbox 360. There's new cheat codes that will help you finding the new stuff. Honestly, there's so much to cover it would take hours.

Bottles was originally the one teaching you moves but later that role was given to Jamjars. By pure coincidence also a mole character. Banjo-Tooie was nice enough to automatically give you every move from the previous game. I should mention, notes were originally used to open areas are now used for moves in the following game.

Originally, there was a life system with Banjo statues representing extra lifes. But they removed it altogether in Banjo-Tooie. Personally, I loved they done it that way because these games can be challenging in other ways too. Keep in mind, I'm actually reviewing Xbox 360 versions from the XBLA label.

One particular text got changed in Banjo-Tooie during the true ending about the third game. Originally it was Banjo-Threeie but later became Banjo-Kazooie: Nuts & Bolts. I am so happy both of them made it into Rare Replay. Plenty of great audio especially the songs you could listen to for many hours. Even my criticisms aren't that much of an issue to discuss.

Jack Red reviews Contra Anniversary Collection

 Hello everyone I'm Jack Red, Not long ago I reviewed Castlevania Anniversary Collection. On and off I wasn't sure if I wanted to try my hand at Contra Anniversary Collection. Thankfully, great deals on Xbox One are going on. I bought some stuff including Duke 3D along with it. I know a lot of action within twenty bucks lol.

I will straight with my biggest problem right out of the gate. From the trailer to the actual compilation itself claims to have ten Contra games. Unlike Castlevania Anniversary Collection, they sorta included some region versions in the main line up as well as Bonus JP versions section. Technically speaking seven Contra games from my point of view.

1. Contra (Arcade)

2. Contra (NES)

3. Super Contra

4. Super C (NES port)

5. Contra III

6. Operation C

7. Contra Hard Corps

Also in Europe, this franchise is actually called Probotector series. Where most living beings except aliens are replace by robots. Which likely would cause confusion among those new to Contra franchise. Not to mention, the achievements are virtually the same as Castlevania Anniversary Collection. You play all line up games once with majority of them being beat the game.

In Contra Hard Corps' case including the European version called Probector you got to beat it six times. They want you to fully experience the game by going for every ending. Thankfully, the conditions for doing so are easy to understand. Sometime, it takes a little bit before doing something on emulator menu. This is a solid action packed compilation.

The bonus book itself was beautifully done I was very impressed. I still prefer Metal Slug series over it. Honestly, I kinda wish they had Contra 4 despite being an DS game. But Mega Man Zero/ZX Legacy Collection has two DS games included. So I don't see why we couldn't get that as well. I do recommend using save states/load states because it is very easy to die in these games.

All of them are one hit deaths regardless what hits you. There's a handful of exceptions that won't kill you. I felt the overall emulation was great. The audio is absolutely great stuff indeed especially the explosions. This may not come as a surprise that Contra Hard Corps quickly became my favorite. Personally save up money to get yourself an Sega Genesis Mini instead.

You will get a lot more great games with Contra Hard Corps & Castlevania: Bloodlines included. I will say this, I do prefer Famicom version of Contra over NES version due to extra parts of it's presentation. You do need to get use to replaying most of these games again for achievement hunting. Which could quickly wear on me.

I could recommend this to a lot of people. I just felt out of respect, Castlevania Anniversary Collection had a better line up of games. It's tough to beat games like Castlevania III, Super Castlevania IV and Castlevania: Bloodlines. Also, you will get more help completing those in comparison. Maybe because I'm a huge horror fan over action.

Contra did earn my respect, I knew this was going to be a challenge. I am not trying to say we got rip off. Well in a sense they sorta did because Contra 4 or Hard Corps: Uprising should've been included. It is still a better compilation than their Arcade exclusive compilation. Which oddly has a bad Castlevania game included.

I do need to say the controls parts of them do take a little time learning. Mostly it is very easy to memorize how to use em. Some of the finest run & gun controls I ever seen. I still strongly prefer games like Gunstar Heroes. Come on, that one Genesis game was even better than Hard Corps. Most of them are very straight forward experience.

Yet Hard Corps brought in multiple paths concept. There's five endings you can go for with the joke ending being the fastest. Also, you actually can select your characters. I also liked you can keep power ups as long you don't get hit as well as switch em out at any given time. This prevents a recurring problem in the other Contra games when you pick up the wrong power up by accident.

Of course, in these style games that one little mistake will get you quickly killed. I got to say for the most part, I loved the artwork in most of these games. I don't actually feel any of them suck, something I didn't expected. From the start you will be gun blazing until you take out the final boss. These are the kind of games that brings out our gaming spirits.

This is a great compilation despite some major issues I had. Sadly, there isn't as many great Contra games as Castlevania or Metal Gear for that matter. Contra does change things to a degree at times so it doesn't get boring. Even the craziest it gets, doesn't even come close to Metal Slug series lol. Honestly, this compilation is meant for anyone use prefer save states or hardcore gamers that doesn't.

Now I do prefer a couple other compilations over this without question. My favorite from Konami has to be Metal Gear Solid HD Collection. Yes even more than Castlevania Anniversary Collection. Contra is like Rambo on steroids taking on humans, aliens and robots. There's a lot of boss fights as well, you better bring your A game if you want to survive.

The default price being twenty bucks is not bad whatever version you may buy. I felt in most categories, these games are solid possibly legendary action games. Especially Hard Corps that really goes the distance with pure epic proportions. Honestly, I would stick more to Castlevania Anniversary Collection since that has more interesting differences in it's own right.

Jack Red reviews Ristar

 Hello everyone I'm Jack Red, everyone knows about Sonic the Hedgehog. One of the biggest gaming mascots in the entire world. But not a lot of people know the team made another gem platformer on Sega Genesis. It's time to brighten up this once forgotten classic, Ristar. Honestly, I enjoyed this game a lot a must play for those into the console.

Ristar is about Ristar taking on an evil tyrant named Ristar to save the universe. Between translations does differ parts of the story. In the United States version, Greedy kidnapped your father the Legendary Hero. Just have All Might as your dad lol. But in the Japanese version a prayer got the attention of the Star Goddess, Oruto.

Which led to her awaking up one of her children, Ristar to help. This character is completely absent from the US version. This even effects the ending you get between versions too. Funny enough, just like a part of Sonic's creation. At one point, Ristar was going to be a rabbit ultimately becoming a shooting star. Ristar doesn't have time limit to force you into finishing stages faster like Sonic games back then.

Believe it or not, Ristar is a slower pace platformer with some interesting stage designs. The boss fights goes by changing colors through out to help tell the player when they're close they are at winning. Some bosses are trickier than others though especially how to hit em correctly. There's no question this is a beautifully looking game that stands the test of time.

The soundtrack with the sound effects are all great. There are hidden bonus areas that do differ somewhat from each other. There's a password system that also works with codes. One of them is Museum that gives you the boss rush mode instead of simply playing the game. Yes every boss in the entire game is present here.

I would say this has more impressive visuals than the actual Sonic games I'm not kidding. Ristar you simply grab enemies then head butt em. You might surprised how parts of the later stages plays out. It will challenge how fast you can adept. At the same time, you can take your time doing it. You can find extra lifes or earn enough points.

Ristar is a game that makes every planet you go to it's own unique experience. You play it enough you instantly memorizes what's the theme of any planet. I would say it isn't that difficult of a game. One particular area can be confusing since you move through the background. It wouldn't surprise me this game had an impact on Sonic Mania itself.

Jack Red reviews Nights into Dreams

 Hello everyone I'm Jack Red, I remember wanting this game as a kid. Despite not owning & still have never officially having an Sega Saturn console. A few years ago, I bought it on Xbox 360, more recently on Steam. Nights into Dreams is unlike many games I played. I do need to point something very cool I just found out.

I knew for awhile Steam had it's version of Dreamcast Collection deal. Recently, they added Sonic Adventure 2 to that deal. The weird part is Nights into Dreams being the only Saturn game within a mostly Dreamcast bundle. Although, it still does technically play on both dream concept as well as being something unique like Dreamcast console itself.

Nights into Dreams centers on two kids that can become Nights to face many threats. Eventually taking on Wizeman his own creator. Wait why does part of that seen familiar oh I know Shadow the Hedgehog game ripped it off. Even Black Doom kinda looks like Wizeman. Anyway, you need to collect a certain amount of orbs.

You quickly go through each section before an actual boss encounter occurs. They all play differently so you can't use the same strategies to win. Thankfully, there's some depth to each level presented. Very few of them both kids can play. Oh wait, it gets better they also included the rare Christmas Nights game in the newer versions.

There's two ways to unlock it, the easy way is by entering an cheat while you have to be a completionist thus the hard way. There isn't really much about that Christmas game though. I felt the achievements are well selected. The audio is very strong in this forgotten Saturn classic. The controls are strangely interesting since it does alter from being the kids to playing as Nights.

You don't have many enemies to worry much about. The bosses are going to be frustrating though. There are some surprises if you pay attention at several points within the stages. Nights into Dreams is rather refreshing even from Sega's current state. This game isn't too difficult but tricky to master at times. I swear one particular boss looks like a creature from the game Pandemonium!.

Jack Red reviews Battletoads and Battletoads Arcade

On September 9th, 2020 I finally beat Battletoads NES game!!!

 Hello everyone I'm Jack Red, recently I revisited Rare Replay. I been hearing after a few years since the announcement that a new Battletoads game is on the way. I was worried it got canceled, likely to happen for retro licenses. By now everyone knows Battletoads is the biggest TMNT rip off there ever was. Yet this was the perfect time to hit em when the newer TMNT games aren't great.

I only got to play two Battletoads games through Rare Replay. I still haven't fully finish the NES game, I been trying folks. I'm far enough to give a proper review with everything considered. I quickly became a fan of this franchise. Battletoads is like TMNT that's more space theme on crack. If that's not a good idea what it's like then what is lol.

1. Battletoads (1991) NES version

Battletoads is widely known for being one of the most difficult video games ever made. Of course, Rare had to include that in Rare Replay. You can play as either Zitz or Rash since Pimple got kidnapped. Surprisingly, there's some game play variety not common among beat em up games. Some sections can be fast moving but very critical hit detection.

For the most part jumping is fine until you get to the famous Turbo Tunnel level. OMG, it can be confusing how exactly to go about making jumps. Sometimes you think you'll land on the next platform to only fall off screen instead. There's a snapshot challenge in Rare Replay of that section. There's also carefully moving from giant snakes level.

This isn't a game that starts out too easy then slower gets harder. No this is a game that starts out on normal difficulty. Then suddenly becomes very hard for remainder of it I'm not kidding. The difficulty spikes is alone to push people away. If it wasn't for the appeal that is. Battletoads has great songs with pause theme being one of my favorites.

Technically this game is even harder with a second player. I never attempted this by myself so I can only imagine it. There's twelve stages in total, I'm currently in stage 11. Which so happens to be the very strict moving stage. Stage 10 has parts of you or the rat getting to the bomb first. But the rat moves in a way that can only be describe as cheating.

I highly recommend using infinite lives as well as rewinding. This game will not hold your hand at all. I still felt a lot of respect for being a different take on the beat em up genre. I actually enjoy playing it despite how damn hard it is. Battletoads is among my favorites on their NES games presented in Rare Replay.

2. Battletoads Arcade (1994)

This was essentially the last entry in the classic Battletoads series. Hard to believe it is an arcade release despite how quickly it's popularity died out. Which it took longer than most cartoons ripping off TMNT at the time. The cartoon for this is horrible avoid it at all costs. Anyway, Battletoads Arcade is a new entry that allows you to be any of the three Battletoads themselves.

What's even better with online play through Rare Replay. You with two other people can play as all three of them at once. Now that's common among classic beat em up arcade games. I will say I loved the graphics as well as artwork very much. I enjoyed the audio very well, although some songs from the NES classic was better.

There's some game play variety here with infinite continues. I love it when you get arcade games with infinite continues. Some of them can be unforgiving more ways than one with limited continues. The bosses stands out more than the NES game. The final stage is this awesome shoot em up stage. Sometimes, during this stage through Rare Replay the game will freeze.

Honestly, I played through this one several times. It isn't nearly as difficult with easier level designs to understand. Battletoads Arcade is a mix between being overlooked because so many great arcade beat em up games. It also can be seen somewhat of a gem among them, there's better examples like Battle Circuit in Capcom Beat 'Em Up Bundle.

This isn't a long beat em up game either. I do like some of the visual changes the game attempts. I love replaying this forgotten classic. Easily, one of my favorite games within Rare Replay among those majority didn't even know about. I still say the original TMNT arcade was better. I will say some of the animations including toilet jokes I haven't seen much in games lol.

Out of these two Battletoads games I would say I praise creativity more in the NES game. The arcade game is notably easier overall being more likely to come back to playing more of it. The soundtrack in the NES game is better but I prefer the sound effects in the arcade game more. Both of them have some impressive animations.

I would have to say despite how some would felt, I'm a bigger fan of the arcade game. The NES game yeah parts of it can be fun at times. Yet, I kinda felt a little change like having a cheat option to remove damage would greatly help. Also, the NES game doesn't do much to explain the changes coming your way.

I also like it you can play as any of the three Battletoads. I do prefer the boss fights more in the arcade game. The final stage itself quickly won me over. One of my personal favorites among beat em up games in general. Not only that, the arcade game has slightly easier yet more forgiving level designs. This alone was a huge deal breaker for me on the NES game.

Jack Red reviews a few spin off Serious Sam games

 Hello everyone I'm Jack Red, I think it's time to review more Serious Sam goodness. As many of you know Serious Sam 4 is nearly here. So why not talk about a couple spin off games of his. Keep in mind, they do have a few things in common despite all having different developers. It's about to get crazy in here or should I say ridiculousness lol.

1. Serious Sam's Bogus Detour (2017)

Developed by Crackshell & Croteam

This is essentially what a retro style of a Serious Sam would look like. It is surprisingly done incredibly well with everything considered. You can upgrade your weapons or abilities to better your chances at survival. Don't forget this is a Serious Sam game, there's a lot of enemies. I didn't play the multiplayer but based on what I came across sounds amazing.

This game also has full mod support. Even to the point completely changing the game itself what really lol. You can roll or jump to help avoid enemies. Using em can up a dash charge so be careful. This is mostly kill the enemies then find the exit kinda like Postal 1 just way crazier lol. The story is told through texts that never over stay their welcome.

I really loved the artwork as well as graphics of this game. Even with a lot of blood from enemies, you aren't missing some of it's beauty. You need to use your head at times to avoid some ambushes or use a stronger weapon to rip right them em instead Serious Sam style baby lol. I loved even if this game wasn't great, I can alter it to how I would like it instead.

The controls are easy to memorize. You got some ideas where to go. Yes you still need frickin' key cards lol. I also how they angle the game itself so you can see mostly around you. Now in a Serious Sam game where enemies could keep coming in large numbers that's a great thing to have. I also loved how they done the explosions too, never leave home with it.

2. I Hate Running Backwards (2018)

Developed by Bink Interactive and Croteam

The title itself plays on a particular thing Serious Sam dislikes. Running backwards the entire game must've been hell for him lol. You also get a few characters including several guest characters like Lo Wang from Shadow Warrior series. For some reason, this game looks strangely like Minecraft. There's a random factor to stuff in this game too.

A huge amount of the environment is destructive yes I love that lol. You have to try harder than usual since it is critical when you fail too much. The artwork is interesting as well as colorful, still more impressed by Bogus Detour. Some aspects of the franchise is present here but you're mostly going in one direction.

I kinda wish to have slightly more freedom at times. Other than that, you do get upgrades that will help out. Yes, you will likely face a lot of enemies forcing you to change your strategies often. Don't go in thinking "I got this." No son you don't got this lol. If the game wasn't a bit strict, I probably would be killing it here lol.

I Hate Running Backwards is an interesting concept. There's some depth to it if you are willing to die a lot in the process. You also can play this coop which I haven't done yet, I imagine that's a lot of fun. Destroying stuff can also help with ammo or health especially when you are low. I loved this move they gave you to quickly break stuff by spinning.

Who doesn't Sam think he is the Tazmanian Devil from Looney Tunes lol. This still feels like the franchise in it's own way. I also liked you can alter set up depending how far you gotten. You also can change your ammo type at the start to help out. Running out the great stuff at the worst times can be a critical mistake especially a lot of enemies onscreen.

3. Serious Sam: Tormental (2019)

Developed by Gungrounds and Croteam

This also looks strangely like Minecraft, I swear I didn't plan on saying that. Serious Sam: Tormental is a rather weird concept even for a Serious Sam game. Basically most of the game takes place inside The Mental's mind. Yes you fight enemies inside a mind of an god is ridiculous. You also get some hidden characters to play as.

It isn't as many playable characters as I Hate Running Backwards. Trust me, even for Serious Sam' standards these characters are out there lol. Netricsa originally was Sam's computer system linked to his brain. During the process of entering The Mental causes it to be it's own separate being. Bomb is well a bomb theme character whose strangely similar to Mario's Bob-ombs.

This is as close Serious Sam gets to being a Bomberman game. You knew by this point that was coming move on. Bulb is essentially a huge light bulb with a face that's representing his forgotten people. WOW oh okay now we know gods think of light bulbs lol. Beings of infinite possibilities thinks about a being of light bulbs is ridiculous.

Now I know I got carried away explaining hidden characters. Every character has a process of getting level up. You can alter parts of this which I liked a lot. Some of the weirdest bosses in any Serious Sam game too. You have to find a merchant for stuff like getting stuff or upgrades. I do like you get to explore which is essentially to have in this franchise.

Keep in mind, this is an Early Access game meaning it's not completely finished yet as well as likely to change. Which also means those who bought it can contact the developers on what can be improve on. Honestly, I do enjoy what I played of the game itself. You have to search as many places as possible. They put a lot of thought into this game.

I still wouldn't say it was my favorite spin off Serious Sam game. It is technically better than I Hate Running Backwards as well as Serious Sam: The Random Encounter. I also felt this was the most forgiving out of the three Serious Sam games I reviewed here. I do see potential of this game getting better over time.

Serious Sam: Tormental also has more stuff relating to The Mental to discover. Who really knows how helpful this hidden information could actually be against a god. This does feel like a true Serious Sam game. The maps are well designed with some room to improve thankfully not by bit. I meant that in the nicest way possible.

What all three Serious Sam games has in common?

All three of them are similar angle style games starring Serious Sam himself. You can upgrade to a degree to increase chances at survival. Another indie team worked with the original team for each spin off game present here. All three of them are currently on Steam as of my blog entry. In their own right are ambitious attempts at spicing the classic Serious Sam format up a bit.

Now just for fun I'm going to rank all spin off Serious Sam games including Serious Sam: The Random Encounter & Serious Sam Double D XXL. I am ranking em from worst to best, this is strictly my opinion alone, let's go!!!

5. Serious Sam: The Random Encounter

4. I Hate Running Backwards

3. Serious Sam: Tormental

2. Serious Sam's Bogus Detour

1. Serious Sam: Double D: XXL

Serious Sam: The Random Encounter just has problems that prevents me from fully enjoying it. As for the top 2 picks, both of them must be in your collections. I just felt the level of creativity as well as ridiculousness of Double D: XXLis too high to top lol. It essentially was a very unusual take of the concept while making their own jokes that's very funny.

Blogs to expect within the next few months

 Hello everyone I'm Jack Red, I don't have many planned blog entries I would like to do from this point on. I will be naming a few important ones I plan on doing within the next few months. There is no confirmed time or month when these could show up. If something comes up major enough I'll delay it until further notice as a fair warning.

1. Spyro Reignited Trilogy review

I will give you a quick update to help give you an idea how long you could be waiting. I already beaten all three Spyro games with a fair amount of trophies left. I want to be sure I know em well enough to give a more proper review. I know this company has completionists in their blood with content to prove it. I will play all of them a little more.

2. Angry Video Game Nerd I & II Deluxe

I already reviewed both games but this version changed some stuff possibly adding a little more. Hints the joke at remastering. There's also suppose to be a new bonus game starring Mike. I am really looking forward to playing this myself. I always been such a huge fan of that web show since 2007. Personally I expect more from the second game since it's my favorite.

3. A quick look back at Dead by Daylight vs. Friday the 13th comparison

I figured why not add a little more thoughts. Mostly yes it will be for DbD but I still felt like sharing that information. I really won't change my decision which game I like more. To be honest, I'm even more sold on DbD now than ever before. I just wanted to compare some stuff that came to DbD since I done the comparison blog.

4. Postal 4 review (A chance of coming next year instead)

The good news is it's within my usual budget. The bad news is I don't have a good enough computer to play it. Now I know it's still work in process. Yet I felt based on what I have seen, I'm going to enjoy it. Yes it will be similar to Postal 2, a game that doesn't suck unlike a particular one I haven't played. Postal 4 is going to be a sick game when it does eventually get finish with helps from the fans.

Did I mention, The Dude's new voice so happens to be the same guy who voices Duke Nukem lol. Yeah just when you thought it couldn't get any crazier. Funny enough, that guy followed me on twitter no joke. I will say one more thing, the team kept having to ask for people. To please stopping asking about the previous voice actor from Postal 2.

5. Resident Evil 3 & Resident Evil: Resistance reviews

Sadly I got to wait later this year to even attempt going for em. But thankfully the few small stuff you can buy is dirt cheap. Based on what I seen of RE3 remake I am not sure if I would enjoy it or not. To be honest, I'm more interested in Resistance despite Capcom's attempt to cash in on DbD's success. I just felt that has more going for it.

Now there's a few possible candidates I might also make reviews out of it. If the price is right lol just kidding. It does technically depend on prices but other stuff going on my end as well. I could have what I need yet I can't play it right now due to a few small events with family. Don't worry most of these are likely coming this year without a doubt.

One more thing, unless somehow I can pull it off either Doom: Eternal or Serious Sam 4: Planet Badass might be happening. Right now, I'm considering doing a few more smaller Serious Sam reviews. A hint of what's coming soon. Other than that, this is a quick run through of possible blog entries coming within the next few months.

My thoughts on Crash Bandicoot 4: It's About Time

 Hello everyone I'm Jack Red, I think I waited long enough to give my current impressions on Crash Bandicoot 4: It's About Time. This is by the same team who remastered the first three Spyro games. A review for that compilation will be coming still, I haven't resume them yet. There also was technically a fourth Crash game I actually played called Crash Bandicoot: The Wrath of Cortex.

The announcement of a new fourth Crash game means they aren't remastering that game. There doesn't appear to be many dlcs, I still think they'll be dirt cheap. Crash 4 has a new look for classic characters I do like. Way better than some of the later games that nearly got me to throw up especially Tiny Tiger. I also liked they are using some platforming mechanics while adding new stuff.

After playing Crash trilogy compilation & Crash Team Racing Ntro-Fueled, my expectations are high. Keep in mind, we still don't know how we could be selecting the stages. I just hope it isn't done like in Crash 1. How both Crash 2 and 3 went about the stages is very easy to memorize. Also, it's annoying to struggle on a stage you can't skip.

Based on the trailers I have seen of the game. I can say so far I'm interested in giving the game a try. Now considering this is a Crash game you know it's going to have some difficult spots. I hated the bridge stages from Crash 1 with an passion. It sorta reminds me of Sonic Mania that's virtually doing the same thing. The so called fourth game got replaced by a newer, better one.

Crash 4 has a lot of potential being one of the best Crash games or one of the worst. I do think it was clever having a portion where you play as Dingodile. I do think like this team nailing Spyro trilogy so well could pull off a great new Crash game. Obviously, they are reusing parts of The Wrath of Cortex's concept here.

This game is likely going to sell well. I don't think it would out sell either Crash remastered games though. I still think it will be one of the best selling in the entire franchise without question. Even if the game surprisingly isn't great. Crash 4 is made possible because they allowed time travel with Coco in the compilation true story.

Overall, where it stands I'm likely going to get this game soon. I am hoping to be mind blown how great it might be. I'm still very happy how MediEvil got remade on PS4 despite that not selling well. Anyway, Crash 4 should be a home run for this franchise. Even if Crash or Spyro no longer Sony's mascots, they're futures is bright.

Jack Red reviews Strider (classic & reboot games)

 Hello everyone I'm Jack Red, I figured it's time to review a few Strider games. I played two of them last year with the classic being the very last game I beaten prior to 2020 hit. Strider is a futuristic ninja series that is very straight forward action. More recently people know the character from his appearance in Marvel vs. Capcom series.

1. Strider (1990)

Strider is a port of a classic arcade game that has five stages. You mostly quickly go through enemies in each stage. There's a couple of bosses with a couple rematches later on. Keep in mind, parts of it's mechanics aren't as nicely done as some games that followed like Run Saber on SNES. There is a few spots you can easily die.

The music itself is one of the high lights of this game. Some of the audio isn't that bad either. Some parts are virtually up to luck if you survive like taking on a machine that constantly spinning you around. If you are too low in health by the time you get sent flying, you'll die. The boss fights for the most part are easy to figure out.

There's a notable variety of enemies you'll run into. Yes there's parts of a story being told where Strider goes after the Grandmaster to stopping his tyranny. I do like moving up walls mechanics very much. The forced reverse gravity can be a bit frustrating due to parts of the jumping mechanics was done. You have to land a little sooner not later or you'll fall off screen upwards.

Overall, it is a good game I just can't call it a great one. Sega Genesis has a couple better games of theirs. Like Saturday Night Slam Masters or Ghouls 'n Ghosts. I just felt with it's flaws for me it's debatable how often I would come back. Let's be honest it isn't aging very well either. I will say using his weapon especially powered up is awesome.

2. Strider (2014)

Believe it or not, I'm a huge fan of this game. I originally won it from a contest on Twitch for Steam. I later bought it on Xbox One during the Christmas season a few years ago. Strider is vastly different from the classic game. It plays more like Metroidvania style game. Basically, there's a couple of maps that works like mazes.

Within them are bosses as well as some great stuff that could help you later if you take the time to search. Saving took me some time to understand how it worked. Yes, you get a nice variety of enemies at times. Some bosses you will face more than once with clear differences. Each location will test you in different ways.

This makes you feels like you're actually Strider exploring. You get some great moves to help you out. Some boss fights can be frustrating at times. One annoying problem is you do have to rewatch cut scenes after you die. Sometimes trying to figure out where to go can be confusing. I would say the audio is way better than the classic game without question.

There is also voice acting that mostly gets the job done. It is far from being terrible so that's technically a good thing. Strider put a lot of work into the overall map designs. This game rewards you for being creative at times to get through some sections. This is much longer than the classic game, in this case ends up being a great thing.

I felt trying to locate most stuff wasn't a problem. Yeah, sometimes it can be frustrating to figure a few things out. Once you do not much is slowing you down man. Strider is packed with a lot of hidden areas too. You will feel very much like a master shinobi from the future here. Despite some difficulty spikes, it is a solid game.

I liked they did more to help you out in comparison. The overall design of this game is just more interesting. Some of the bosses are among my favorites in this franchise. They really made Strider himself stand out in such a great way. You have to think like a ninja to get far in this game. Plenty of chances to improve your skills while you play I love that.

Jack Red reviews Garry's Mod

 Hello everyone I'm Jack Red, it's finally time to talk about one of my absolute favorite games ever. Originally started as sorta a follow up mod of someone else's mod. Quickly became something unique that everyone had to play. Of course, I'm talking about Garry's Mod. One of the greatest sandbox games I ever played period.

Garry's Mod is simply lets you do what you want kind of game. There is no real goal or any possible way to beat it. Essentially, it is meant to allow some of your craziest fantasies come to life. No not that way perverts lol. Users can upload free custom content to spice up the game. There's so many possible maps it's ridiculous.

Virtually any possibility is likely going to happen here. You could play as any character or go against anything imaginable. You also could use any weapon or have a ridiculous amount of em I'm not kidding. It's a bit tricky, you also can record stuff during the game play. There are some sick mods you can get. Like a video player mod that actually lets you stream YouTube videos.

Of course, you have to be on particular maps. A little confusing process yet I loved someone attempted the concept. You also can enable flight mode just in case you'll need it. Garry's Mod eventually got it's own engine or should I say it's own variation of the Source engine. At one point, it had an achievement system no longer the case.

I put a few hundred hours on Steam just on this game alone. I am not kidding when I say it is a very addicting game. I don't think I could play anything like it. For me, that's something truly special even for a game worth ten bucks. Garry's Mod is getting updates that will help improve some stuff you could do. You could spawn a ridiculous amount of enemies on screen.

Yes even to the point it barely moves or even causes the game to crash lol. A particular YouTuber would love this game very much. Keep in mind, this was originally a mod for Half-Life 2. Not long just having a supported Source engine game could allow you to play it. All of that before getting it's own engine to prevent having to buy other games to just play that one.

Already this game is saving you money. I should warn you it is very easy to get too carried away with getting mods. Removing them can be done a few ways. Garry's Mod is senseless fun with little to no real limits. You will be very surprised a lot of stuff you can use. You also could do poses with rag dolls that can be a little frustrating at times to do.

People also created their own modes for this game. Most of them are multiplayer theme with their own rules. It is possible to simply play coop but everyone involved has to limit what they have. Otherwise, you would be lucky to go far. Basically, it has to be around the same amount of mods or it starts limiting things.

Coop itself seems smaller scale to playing by yourself. Now in most games with coop, you got plenty of room to work with. Not exactly true in Garry's Mod sadly. I do recommend playing by yourself since it takes much longer without spawning too much on the screen to start going slow or to crash. You have no real limit where you can go either.

This game really doesn't hold back getting ridiculous. It just keeps getting more ridiculous at a fast pace. I could even say it is the most ridiculous video game I ever played. A scientist teacher once used this game in an experiment for his class. It isn't often you hear video games getting used in schools or colleges.

It most plays like a FPS game, although through modding you can get creative. You actually can show off some of your favorite franchises ever in one place. This game continues to blow my mind which is also rare for me. Garry's Mod is something so unique that I highly recommend everyone to go check it out.

Jack Red reviews Sega Genesis Classics (PC)

 Hello everyone I'm Jack Red, I realized I haven't actually reviewed Sega Genesis Classics. It technically has a few titles but that's the one I'm going with. Originally sold in store in four parts but later got an additional digital fifth part. Also, a few extra Genesis games got added. This is essentially the successor to Sonic's Ultimate Genesis Collection.

Special thanks to groundzeroace for the picture, I love it man!!!

The line up of games included...

1. Alex Kidd in the Enchanted Castle

2. Alien Soldier

3. Comix Zone

4. Crack Down

5. Altered Beast

6. Bonanza Bros.

7. Columns

8. Dr. Robotnik's Mean Bean Machine

9. Alien Storm

10. Bio-Hazard Battle

11. Columns III

12. Decap Attack

13. Beyond Oasis

14. Dynamite Headdy

15. Ecco the Dolphin

16. Ecco Jr.

17. Ecco: The Tides of Time

18. Gain Ground

19. Golden Axe

20. Eternal Champions

21. Fatal Labyrinth

22. Galaxy Force II

23. Kid Chameleon

24. ESWAT: City Under Siege

25. Flicky

26. Golden Axe II

27. Gunstar Heroes

28. Landstalker: The Treasure of King Nole

29. Light Crusader

30. Golden Axe III

31. Shinobi III: Return of the Ninja Master

32. Sonic 3D Blast

33. Shadow Dancer

34. Ristar

35. Shining Force

36. Shining Force II

37. Shining in the Darkness

38. Sonic 3 & Knuckles

39. Phantasy Star II

40. Phantasy Star III: Generations of Doom

41. Phantasy Star IV: The End of the Millennium

42. The Revenge of Shinobi

43. Space Harrier II

44. Vectorman

45. Sonic Spinball

46. Super Thunder Blade

47. Sonic the Hedgehog

48. Sword of Vermilion

49. Virtua Fighter 2

50. Sonic the Hedgehog 2

51. Streets of Rage

52. Streets of Rage 2

53. Toejam & Earl

54. Toejam & Earl in Panic on Funkotron

55. Wonder Boy III: Monster Lair

56. Streets of Rage 3

57. Vectorman 2

58. Wonder Boy in Monster World

Sega Genesis Classics originally didn't have an intro. It later got a nice intro but I still prefer Sonic's Ultimate Genesis Collection or Sonic Mega Collection's intros more. A lot of major changes came to this compilation more so on Steam version, the one I owned. Like you can choose between two emulators to play every Genesis game included.

Both has their ups & downs, you still getting a great time. The new emulator labeled options around a digital recreation of a 90's Sega kid's room. You also can play with rom hacks much easier with this emulator. However it's somewhat notably a bit off some of the audio within these games. I rather have a little off than AtGames' audio lol.

If you haven't played one of their Sega devices, you possibly couldn't understand how amazing terrible it sounds. The old emulator works better for full screen as well as the audio. I usually have more fun playing them through that emulator in comparison. They also added in VR feature sadly I don't own an actual VR headset to test it out.

Every Genesis game presented in Sonic's Ultimate Genesis Collection as well as those in Sega Genesis Collection are here. There is nearly sixty Genesis games in this one compilation. I also loved I have more options for the controls beyond customizing them. Like I could play em with a keyboard or a controller. The achievements were later added in.

I will say despite being a smaller amount from those of Sonic's Ultimate Genesis Collection. Some of these are actually a challenge to get. I can confirm Sega themselves is amazed how many people are enjoying their classics. They even allowed a particular user's rom hacks that made games easier to play while sharing his story.

I actually know that guy, he had a condition he can't use his hands very well. It is amazing work he does making even some of the most difficult games a cake walk with his hacks. There's a huge variety of games with online play, something the previous Genesis compilation was lacking. I do need to point something out that might be a deal breaker for those looking to buy it on consoles.

A handful of games such as Ecco series, Eternal Champions and Sonic 3 & Knuckles are removed. I can understand some of these since they're difficult games. Ecco Jr. is one of the easiest games in the compilation. But that version of Sonic 3 is the most popular. It also one of the most technically impressive Genesis games ever created.

Not to mention, a lot of Sonic fans' favorite entry in that franchise. I am very sure some of them finding out didn't even want the console versions because of it. I know it sounds like a childish thing. At the same time, leaving such an important Genesis title isn't right. They covered a lot of genres with some getting a lot of games like RPGs.

Yeah, a lot of people who are heavily into SNES are either ignorant to the point they blindly believe SNES is better regardless or simply isn't aware of em. To be fair, some of these games not a lot of people would know about prior of owning this. They removed their former big deal which was most Genesis games except for Toejam & Earl and Sonic series.

The current deal is every Genesis games plus Sonic CD yes the newer version with Tails. Keep in mind, Rare Repaly is 30 games for 30 dollars. We got nearly double that for the same price plus a bonus Sonic game. The overall emulation differs between the newer emulation at times can lack. I never had that problem with the original emulator.

Update: they removed Sonic CD from the deal. Now it's costs $40.42 slightly more than Rare Replay. Still a very great deal since a lot of these games can be crazy expansive to get online. I figured to let you know I did some research during all this writing.

Yeah, in the original emulator I could only search for games by going left or right until I find it. Not a problem in the new emulator since all of them are labeled like actual cases with cartridges placed on a shelf unit. Yes, every cheat code as well as glitches still works to a degree. A handful of games doesn't have anything sadly like Crack Down.

Just on Steam alone, one of my most played games in my entire Steam collection. You are getting so much within an amazing deal. I highly recommend sticking with the Steam version. You get more games plus rom hacks that do spice up the game play entirely free. One warning though, this community doesn't like people using this feature to pirate other Genesis games please stop doing it.

Sega Genesis Classics is one of the finest just one platform game compilations I ever played. It is also one of the biggest for the amount of games included as well. This doesn't just scream Sega, it lives & breaths like a legend. This compilation may not have videos like in Sonic's Ultimate Genesis Collection or bonus games from other platforms.

I still felt in terms of what they wanted to do was done very well. You get to experience a lot of classic Sega games that likely get people going out to buying an actual console or clone ones like Sega Genesis Mini. Which also has a strong recommendation from yours truly. Some of my absolute favorite Sega games are present here alone is enough reason to buy it.

Yes you do have save states/load states feature. I highly recommend using it on a couple of games since they're difficult or confusing to play. Yes I'm looking at you Dynamite Headdy. You got plenty of replay value in just the games alone. Sadly, the main focus of rom hacks is on mostly Sonic & Streets of Rage series.

Which I have no problem with that but I kinda wish Golden Axe or Shinobi series would get more attention. Seriously, Shinobi 3 is a truly amazing Genesis game I highly recommend. Sega Genesis Classics is a solid package of retro goodness. You also get rewind & fast forward functions with the later Rare Replay doesn't even have.

Yes there's games not in other Sega compilations prior to this like Eternal Champions & Bio-Hazard Battle. Don't expect any Capcom, Konami or Disney Genesis games here. If you want those go buy yourself an Sega Genesis Mini instead. This is strictly all Sega period. More than anyone could possibly handle lol.