Jack Red reviews Pandemonium!

Hi everyone I'm Jack Red, I recently got a few games from Black Friday deals at GOG. I gotten Return to Castle Wolfenstein, Hitman: Blood Money, Blood: Fresh Supply, Gex 1 and both Pandemonium games. Today I will be talking about the original Pandemonium game. I remember playing this on PlayStation 1 many years ago.



Pandemonium! follows Nikki & Fargus who released a creature that's destroying their village. This was the closest thing for the longest of time I ever got to play that's similar to Nights into Dreams. Seriously, you will see some similarities just watching some of their game play. Vastly different games I know but it's just something you simply can't shake off.

There is eighteen levels with three boss levels in total. This game has a weird method of continuing/saving your game. Instead of several methods you would expect especially in PC version's case. You have to use passwords given to you every time you finish a level except the final boss. Depending on things, you could have twenty lives with one of the power ups included or not so much.

Pandemonium! does have some confusing but frustrating level designs. There are several great levels if you have the patience or you can play with cheats. I am happy I can use my controller. There is some difficult platforming in this game. I also liked the ending credits allows you to play right up to the end part.

I haven't played many platformers that done it. The more recent has to be Sonic Colors on Wii. There are notable difference between the two playable characters. I didn't get far in this as a kid. It took a while for me to beat the final boss. This game's difficulty does spike a lot especially when you don't want it to.

I will say this is a good platformer with some great songs. You kinda have to excuse PC version's cut scenes since they had to render it from the PlayStation 1 version. I have one other game with that, D as in the interactive horror movie style game. Pandemonium! does have some good power ups. Only a handful of levels late into the game, the path can be confusing.

This game does have some good art design for it's time. Keep in mind, the same company that published this also made Gex series. But the developers so happens to be the very team to do Spryo Reignited Trilogy & one port of Crash Bandicoot N. Sane Trilogy. It is nice to see they are still around.

Pandemonium! is a weird platformer since it moves sorta like Nights into Dreams at times. You will be moving in directions you won't expect at times. It is like they were attempting to giving us an 4D game but still stuck in 3D. It has some annoying enemies but you can work around them. I can only recommend such a weird game to those I know who would enjoy it.

By the way, I am not sure when I'll get around playing Pandemonium 2. I do hope to get to it soon.

A short period Midway attempted to restarting Mortal Kombat's success but failed

Special Thanks to Matt McMuscles for his video that ultimately inspired this blog entry.

Hi everyone I'm Jack Red, I recently came across a rather interesting video. Remember when Midway tried to copy Mortal Kombat?, honestly I had all three of those games on Nintendo 64. I actually have beaten them with one character respectively. Basically during a rough period for Mortal Kombat series, they were desperate enough to start over with a few attempts at a new franchise.

1. War Gods (1996 & most ports in 1997)


Recently, I did a comparison with War Gods against Primal Rage. I actually have something else to say. Thanks to McMuscles for showing Ed Boon's statement on the matter. The Mortal Kombat team had no real involvement with War Gods after all. Although, it still technically true since both War Gods & MK4 are from the same company.

Both of them are among precursors to early 3D fighting games. There is no question Mortal Kombat 4 was the better game. War Gods is centered on gods fighting each other. Over the years, gods have been playable characters in Mortal Kombat series. This is full on god brawl where only one can become the most powerful being in existence.

Sadly, it plays like a poor man's Mortal Kombat game. Well oh okay, I seen some terrible MK rip offs including many I personally didn't get to play. This would be more or less in the middle of the barrel. Which still isn't a good spot to be in. War Gods does have ridiculous heights in some levels. I usually upper cut some of my opponents in a few levels where you can punch them high up in the air.

The concepts behind each character exclude the bosses are kinda interesting. Like most fighting games, each characters exclude the bosses does have a ending where they get the title. Of course, what they will do with that power following their victory. War Gods has terrible controls with horribly done mechanics.

This game attempted to be like Mortal Kombat but even Killer Instinct, Eternal Champions & Primal Rage was a lot closer than this. Also those games does not suck either. I highly recommend them over this piece of filth any day of the week. War Gods is a game they desperately tries to be the next MK game but simply never was.

2. Mace: The Dark Age (1997)


I also did a comparison a while comparison with Mace: The Dark Age against Soul Blade/Soul Edge. Honestly, it did come close to being ported to PlayStation 1 at one point. Simply because it didn't, it actually is the closest to playing Soul Blade on N64. Yes I know there's a lot of major differences. My point is both of them are weapon based fighting games that were originally arcade games.

In my personal opinion, this was the best of the three games. Mace: The Dark Age came the closest to being almost like Mortal Kombat. The characters were a good variety just like Mortal Kombat series. The stories do come off a bit similar in some way. Yes you can kill your opponent, done better than War Gods thankfully.

There is a few hidden characters including those only present on the Nintendo 64 version. Also around this time, MK4 introduced weapon combat to the series. So at the time, this was close to being like the then current state of Mortal Kombat series. It also had some interesting easter eggs, something MK series known for doing.

I actually did get to play the arcade version briefly. I would say this port is good enough to keep me playing. But I felt some fighting games were better. I also loved the art work of this game. Just like most fighting games, each character endings continues following the final boss fight. I felt parts of this world does come off like an MK game.

Mace: The Dark Age was a surprisingly close effort by Midway Games. Although this had the best controls out of the three, it still isn't perfect. I felt Killer Instinct Gold through Rare Replay had better controls than this. I also liked some of the characters including War Mech & Lord Deimos. To me, this might not feel like an MK game, but it does have some strong similarities to it.

3. Bio F.R.E.A.K.S. (1998)


OMG, I never thought I get to talk about one of the strangest fighting games I ever got to play. Bio F.R.E.A.K.S. is a rather ambitious take on the fighting game concept.You get shields as in your character becomes covered by a metallic color for a short period of time. I am used to seeing that in 989 Studios Twisted Metal games I'm not kidding.

Every playable character has a firing weapon, still not known in the genre. Usually it is a handful of characters that uses guns. You also can fly around with some levels having a little depth to them. But beware those same levels have some nasty death traps too. Yes there are other hazards like the final boss level has something like piranhas in the water.

Each character has been modified either to some degree or almost entirely through technology. I felt this moves the furthest away from what an MK game. You can also knock or cut off character limbs predating Mortal Kombat doing that as a feature rather than a finishing move. To clarify, I was actually talking about create a fatality from Mortal Kombat Armageddon.

In other words, you can behead your opponent very quickly to ending the round or match. I hate to say it, this game forces you to play cheap. The AIs at times can be cheap sure. But there isn't much real strategy to do during a match. You could fire away to probably winning the match if you really wanted to.

This game never made it to the arcades. But like War Gods did make it to PlayStation 1. Funny enough, the only platform to play all three of them is Nintendo 64. The sub boss is a mimic character that will represent whoever you're playing as. This thing is mostly a bloody texture version of them called I kid you not Clonus lol.

Did Professor Farnsworth create these things? Some levels are oddly small while others can be a little too big. Yes I'm looking at you the final boss level. Unlike most fighting games, each character endings is more of a quick origin story to explain why they're there. To be honest, this doesn't even feel like a fighting game.

Mortal Kombat is known for it's mythology. Something present in the other two games. This game has some terrible voice acting actually worse than War Gods I'm really not kidding. Bio F.R.E.A.K.S. has some not exciting level designs too. There is no question, this is a game that simply does not work.

I think it is time to determine why they didn't exactly work as possible replacements for Mortal Kombat series.

Now this implies to all three games. There's several reasons they could never truly be a Mortal Kombat game. Mortal Kombat involves characters from several realms or what would be other universes in most fictional universes within their own multiverse. Bio F.R.E.A.K.S. is clearly more of a strange science theme combat.

I felt Mace: The Dark Age came the closest among all three games. It mostly falls short from keeping it in one world. The mechanics wasn't as good as MK4 or Soul Blade. Some levels wouldn't come off what you might expect from an MK game. War Gods focus too much on ridiculous concepts for it's characters.

Well oh okay it isn't the canceled Tattoo Assassins. But it is still pretty ridiculous. I also felt War Gods moves are very similar to each other. It is a challenge to find something one character can do that most can't do. I felt all of them lack the same level of depth as Mortal Kombat series. Clearly, they were on the verge of going out of business that eventually ends a few years later.

Both War Gods and Bio F.R.E.A.K.S. are heavily unbalanced games. None of them has a boss character that stands out in a good way. In fact, quite the opposite that can ruin the experience. Mace: The Dark Age did do interesting but weird easter eggs similar to some degree to MK series. War Gods' cheat menu is similar to some of the older MK games doing that concept.

Mace: The Dark Age also came off as the darkest game. Bio F.R.E.A.K.S. sorta comes more off as a Killer Instinct rip off since both involve corrupt organizations. Obviously, both had a focus on advance technology to a degree. So for me, Bio F.R.E.A.K.S. just doesn't come near to feeling like a true MK game.

War Gods has some of my least favorite levels in all three games. Prove Yourself well close enough to Finish Him/Her. Truthfully, Mace: The Dark Age just fell a bit short of it while the other two fell very hard. War Gods comes more off like a bad joke while Bio F.R.E.A.K.S. was one of those games. You know you must've been high to come up with this crap kind of thing.

Stuff I found out sometime after doing my Halloween comparison blog

Hi everyone I'm Jack Red, I know I been talking a lot about MediEvil recently. I apologize to those getting sick of it. This is likely going to be the last MediEvil blog for awhile. I been looking more into both these games. I think I could for fun bring up stuff they do have in common that isn't exactly within them.

What I mean is I already seen a run on Ghoul Patrol, MediEvil 2 and watched the digital MediEvil comic book. I figured this should be a fun blog to make. This will not change my decision in any possible way. I just wanted more stuff they got in common to be known is the very purpose here. Yes I know they're very different horror theme games.

1. Werewolves


Zombies Ate My Neighbors does have werewolves as enemies. I didn't know until reading the digital MediEvil comic that's sorta a sequel/prequel concept. Sir Daniel had a dog that turned out to being a werewolf. Yes you heard correctly, werewolves do exist within the MediEvil universe. Lupo is the only known one so far.

I should mention there are wolf enemies in MediEvil. Mostly found in Return to the Graveyard level. In fact, Guardians of the Graveyard are two powerful wolves. This level is the closest the franchise ever came to werewolves until this digital comic. I felt I should've said something about it in that blog.

Just in case, someone was going to say it. Yes I do know about Dogman whose a servant of Lord Palethorn. Among Lord Palethorn getting his hands on Zarok's spell book transformed him into a humanoid dog creature. I guess in a weird way this was a precursor before Lupo. He technically would be what many consider to being a werewolf.

2. Both had enemies that can move in & out of water


In Zombies Ate My Neighbors, only Merman can swim as well as jump out of water. They're the only monsters capable of reaching the swimming survivors. Surprisingly, MediEvil has a few enemies that can come out of water & survive going back in it. I will be listing them down below to making it easier.

1. Guardians of Mellowmede
2. Fish monsters
3. Ghouls
4. Undead Warriors

MediEvil has more of a variety of enemies capable of doing that. Although, Merman can be more difficult to run around from. Technically speaking Guardians of Mellowmede is the closest they ever gotten to using Merpeople. I thought this was interesting to share. Honestly, you got some terrifying stuff in both games.

3. Pirates


At the end of MediEvil, in just one level you deal with a ghost pirate crew including their captain. Not a lot of people know Ghoul Patrol had a few levels set in the great pirate era. Which also led to a pirate captain boss. It is kinda interesting, Ghoul Patrol came out four years prior to MediEvil. Personally, I do prefer how that concept was done in MediEvil way more.

You get to explore the entire ghost pirate ship that's flying in the air. There's a few sections you have to avoid or block cannon balls. Honestly, I liked the idea there's a particular member that summons a few members of their crew. Of course, the captain can also do that. His boss fight was a different experience in all versions of MediEvil.

4. Time Travel


Believe it or not, both franchises does use time travel concept in different ways. Originally late in MediEvil 2, Sir Daniel had to finish a time machine to go back in time to prevent Princess Kyra's death. This also led to having getting his golden armor in the process. The digital comic explores more what happened during the conclusion of MediEvil.

Where Sir Daniel goes back to a time right back the very war he died in. In Ghoul Patrol, Zeke & Julie goes through a few time periods to put all the evil back where it belongs. Sorta oddly like The Thirteen Ghosts of Scooby-Doo. Personally, how it got used in MediEvil franchise to me is way more interesting.

5. Martians


I literately just found out about this following similarities. In Zombies Ate My Neighbors, Martians could blast their bubble guns. They also used mind control on football players. Sometimes, one of their UFOs shows up. But it turns out in a particular level in MediEvil 2, there actually is Martians. Yeah who knew right lol.

They will fire their guns at Sir Daniel in the level. Well oh okay the thing is in MediEvil 2, they aren't real Martians. But the fact, they chose to do that is rather unexpected. I still need to mention this similarities. These things are a part of a mini game that's required to complete the level. Honestly, I do prefer the actual Martians from ZAMN more.

6. A strange take on mad scientist theme


In Zombies Ate My Neighbors, Dr. Tongue was responsible for the events of the game. There are Frankenstein's Monsters in a few levels. I know I already mention that stuff. But in MediEvil 2, there's a particular level you need to get limbs from creatures. There's a couple of possible movie inspirations behind this I could think of.

This led to an awesome boxing theme boss fight with Iron Slugger. Where Sir Daniel's head is on a new body meant for boxing. You also can during breaks in rounds get chances to getting back limbs. Honestly, I loved how MediEvil 2 goes with it. Due to how little story was actually in ZAMN, we don't fully know which of those creatures Dr. Tongue himself actually created.

7. Vampires


Everyone knows Vampires are in Zombies Ate My Neighbors. Not a lot of people got to play MediEvil 2. Believe it or not, a few levels actually has vampires. In fact, there's a boss level you take on The Count whose the oldest vampire in existence. Essentially MediEvil's answer to Count Dracula to clarify.

Vampires aren't that difficult to deal with in MediEvil 2. OMG, the same can not be said for ZAMN. These vampires are ridiculously tough & will not leave you alone. Unless, you were able to getting them to back off. I always been a huge fan of vampires. I really wanted people to know both franchises does in fact have vampires.

MediEvil Comparison by Jack Red

Hi everyone I'm Jack Red, I recently got to 100% completions in both PS1 & PS4 versions of MediEvil. I never worked this hard for a comparison before. This will be different from my previous comparison blog with MediEvil because I'm comparing these two versions against each other. I done similar blogs in the past including Resident Evil 1 & 2 respectively.



Considering these versions are similar in most categories. I will likely have to strip them a part more than I regularly would for this. So with that in mind, I want MediEvil in general to be on most gamer's list of games to play. After all, it is amazing underrated series. It truly deserves more respect than it currently gets.

Round 1: Audio


Right off the bat, I'm picking hairs to decide which has the better overall audio. In terms of songs, both versions are great. I felt the better sound effects are in PS4 versions. I know some people would be funny about talking audio with a notable amount of time passed. But I do think both of them can stand the test of time.

Truthfully, I want to give the sound effects to PS4 version but I actually prefer PS1 version's soundtrack more. Not by much though, it is a surprisingly close category. It very easily could've become a draw. But I felt I will do what I believe is the right thing to do. I will be awarding particular aspects to both versions.

For better sound effects


For better overall soundtrack


Round 2: Graphics


I will say right out of the gate for their respective consoles. These games look absolutely amazing in their own right. Obviously, there are some limitations sure. But I strongly felt both versions do deliver a strong impression on those who play it. The original version uses more black with fewer colors.

The newer version does use more overall colors with impressive visuals. Speaking of visuals, those in the cut scenes in PS1 version blew me away. This is a category some people are flat out bias in. I however will be taking my time to discuss which version looks more amazing to me. Both of them do share almost everything present making this very difficult.

What this comes down to is simply which one appeals more directly to you? If you are more of an retro gamer then you are likely to choose the PS1 version. But if you are more of a modern gamer then you are likely to choose the PS4 version. I will be honest, this will come down to personal taste. If it weren't for the level pictures in PS1 version, I would've went with a draw here.

I just can't argue even some of the finest in PS4 version. Isn't as interesting or as fun to look at then some of those in PS1 version. I felt these pictures alone just barely gave this round to the PS1 version. To be fair, I do respect the effort put into the PS4 version. I am very impressed with every piece of it.

Winner: MediEvil (PS1)


Round 3: Controls


I will say in both versions, yes the controls are great enough to get the job done. But I felt slightly the controls with the improved mechanics are better in PS4 version. Just trying to kill something in the air with some weapons can be frustrating in PS1 version. But not as much in the PS4 version. I actually felt the running works perfectly in PS4 version too.

Although to me in PS1 version Sir Daniel seems to be running faster. This is not the charge move in case you were wondering. Otherwise even with the changes, the controls are great. There really isn't much separating them other than the annoying aim system on PS1 version. It felt perfectly done on PS4 while the classic version needed just a little work on it.

I am not kidding, it was close of being perfect in the original version. Selecting your weapons, shields or items is very similar. I felt the platforming is more forgiving in PS4 version respectively. PS1 version doesn't allow you to fully skip the dialogues. I could easily do that in PS4 version to save time.

Winner: MediEvil (PS4)


Round 4: Boss changes


There's a reason I had to make this a round. A few boss fights in PS4 version got altered to a degree. But still stays truthfully to the original game. I will go directly to The Ant Queen. There's a few notable changes like in PS4 version, the red spot on her is much easier to see. You also have an easier time striking him due to some of the changes.

Another notable difference was the ghost ship captain. Not directly about his appearances. In the original PS1 version, you had to use a club then set it on fire to quickly get cannons to fire. But the hit radius of his crew is more unforgiving. In vice versa, they added two buttons that will fire the cannons among stepping or jumping on them.

This alone makes a difficult boss fight much easier. The final two bosses have notable changes as well. Lord Kardok originally fights you alone that's much easier to take down. But in PS4 version, he does a better job with defense while having enemies fighting against you. To me, this felt more like a real boss fight.

I know a change that actually made a boss tougher than easier. Zarok himself is more on top of whatever you're doing. He does become easier late in the boss fight. Originally, he doesn't hold up his defense long enough making some of your strongest weapons op in comparison. A minor change I personally noticed was with the Pumpkin King.



No not him lol.



If you use some of your strongest weapons, you can quickly kill him before he gets time to start regenerating. But you can't avoid the regeneration process a few times in PS4 version. Otherwise, most boss fights are very similar with minor to no real changes. Honestly, I felt more at home with PS4 version here.

Out of respect, when I play a difficult game, I want the final bosses to be difficult. Not push overs, so in that regard PS4 version won my vote here. I had to work very hard on PS4 version to beat it the first time. I didn't work as hard in comparison very late in the run. So honestly, as much I respect how those bosses were done in PS1 version it wasn't as good in comparison.

Winner: MediEvil (PS4)


I felt I don't need to go any further. I truthfully prefer the PS4 version over PS1 version. This was by no means an easy decision. I absolutely love both versions of this game. MediEvil Resurrection should be sent through a black hole for all I care. I don't think the Lost Souls challenges changes much.

Sure it does add a little more story but it isn't really important stuff. Although, doing them all does unlock the classic PS1 version. I can safely say both versions works perfectly for the most part. Honestly, MediEvil is a great game for either PlayStation console I highly recommend. Most changes I greatly welcomed in PS4 version.

This comes very close in every category. This was by no means a blow out that was expected because it really wasn't neither ever was meant to be. MediEvil on PS4 is already one of my favorite remakes. Yes I know I called the game a remastered which there's some truth to that. I do like how it remained true while making some changes that ultimately made the game more fun to play.

The Hall of Heroes receive a few changes in PS4 version. Like there is a merchant gargoyle on the right to the entrance now. You also will see a number of them you collected in a few ways. Look above the big chalice to see the current amount you have or all those cups on the table. Otherwise in the PS1 version, you have to look for that number on the map screen.

Winner: MediEvil (PS4)


To clarify, I got a lot of strong nostalgia for the PS1 version. It always meant so much to me especially more so right now. I really want Sony to deliver MediEvil 2 just like this. I strongly felt that game gets over looked more than those who actually played it. MediEvil is a true classic that took an unexpected direction that works incredibly well.

Jack Red reviews MediEvil (PS1)

Hi everyone I'm Jack Red, thanks to MediEvil on PS4. I finally got to finish what I started with the original PS1 version. Honestly, this brought back a lot of memories just looking at it. I always wanted to review this game for a long time now. Yes I do plan on doing a follow up comparison blog. For now, here is my thoughts on this amazing PS1 classic.



MediEvil is an action adventure game where you solve puzzles, kill enemies & find your way out of levels. On the way, you can get chalices in most levels to getting rewards from the heroes. Some of these are a must have in order to get far in this game. I very recently beaten this game for the first time 100% completion.

I felt some levels I had to work harder than in PS4 version like a few areas in The Lake. Mostly due to a particular tough enemies. It was also due to this hit & miss aim system the game has. In fact, there's a boss fight with two flying demons you have to use throwing or long distance weapons. This is way easier in PS4 version.

To me, this game is aging very well. So what a lot of people talk crap about PS1 graphics. This game was always beautiful to me. I absolutely love this sound track with some of the sound effects. It is easy to memorize what to do in most levels. The Time Device will come off as a surprise to throw you off.

Trust me, once you figure out what to do. This level becomes much easy than it appears to be. The final two bosses are well easier than in PS4 version. I do like the voice acting for the most part. You get a great variety of weapons. Some enemies can very quickly rip through your health. By the time, you get the master sword.

You should be great at this game. I felt the complete map screen is a true piece of art. It is so beautifully drawn in every detail. Yes I know, it is surrounded by mostly black sure. But what's on the map is so well done I simply didn't care. The controls do take a little time getting use to. I felt due to how easy it is to run can lead to a lot of cheap deaths.

Some particular spots are strict on how to land of them. No it isn't you fall through crap either. You do need to be ready to take jumps that could go horribly wrong. I loved how the cut scenes themselves look. For it's time, seeing cut scenes like this blew a lot of people away. There wasn't a lot of games that stand out early in PS1's run like this.

MediEvil is a true classic for both PlayStation 1 as well as a Halloween game. You must play on Halloween, I highly recommend it. I felt adding this to PS4 version as an unlockable was genius. I was very happy about this in a way I could never fully explain. MediEvil is much higher on games I played on PS1.

Jack Red reviews The Shining series (two movies & a mini series)

Hi everyone I'm Jack Red, as many of you know I'm a huge fan of Stephen King's work. Of course, it's finally time to review The Shining movie series as well as The Shining mini series. A few years ago, I did a comparison blog on The Shining. Yes I will be linking it to help speed things up. Honestly, The Shining is easily one of the most well known among his works.

https://jackred1989.blogspot.com/2017/04/old-vs-new-horror-movie-remakes-stephen.html

1. The Shining (1980)


Stanley Kubrick was widely known for adapting stories from books to movies in a way that upset the respective authors. The Shining was no exception to that. He deeply ignored some of the most critical story stuff that ultimately made the movie it's own story. All actors present in this movie gives a great performance.

The Shining is one of the most remembered King movie adaptations to date. Sadly, it does take awhile before it starts getting entertaining. It is one of those movie slowly begin kind of movies. I felt in terms of scaring people, Kubrick nailed it. This might actually be the best unfaithful King adaptation there is.

This movie actually angered King enough to making him his own mini series based on the same book. Honestly, I do like this movie for what it is. Yet it's difficult to ignore it's major problems not including pissing off the man himself. The Shining got a great Simpsons parody that I ended up liking more.

By leading out a lot of those critical stuff, it virtually made Jack crazy before even got there. Rather than it would happen over time like it did in the book & mini series. I felt, this movie did give Jack an fire axe instead of a mallet. I can't exactly argue that change but some of his personal changes sorta hurts the movie in the long run.

2. The Shining (1997)


Keep in mind, King had to not say anything bad about Kubrick's movie or they would cancel this mini series. I really can't blame him for wanting to deliver a more faithful adaptation to his own book. This mini series does have some problems. Like cheesy special effects & a long length overall. But damn it does work for those who are fans of his work to a degree.

This kept stuff Kubrick cut completely out of his version. Most actors are mostly good at doing their characters. Just the kid playing Danny was alright, I prefer the kid from the movie more. This gives you more idea what was in the book. This mini series has a mostly not great reputation. Yes even with King directly involved.

I honestly don't think it is a bad adaptation of that book. If anything, King finally delivered what he originally wanted but ultimately didn't get from Kubrick's movie. This mini series in sorta in the middle from those I seen. This was actually filmed at the real hotel that inspired this story. I also liked we learn more about the ghosts inside the hotel.

The best way to look at this is you will get things the Kubrick movie left out. But it just might not have be as entertaining to watch in the long run. To clarify, I'm really not saying it sucks because it doesn't. I could name a couple of bad King movie adaptations that left a worse taste in my mouth. This mini series does deliver in it's vision.

3. Doctor Sleep (2019)


I actually seen this on my birthday, I had a busy day truthfully. I just turned thirty years ago, a mile stone in my life. Honestly, I have listened to all of audio book version of Doctor Sleep. The director had to sell King on his concept that ultimately made the author proud. Yes this movie finally fixed a major problem King had with Kubrick's movie.

Now I won't spoil much of the differences that I do know about. I will say this is a sequel in different ways. One is more what you would expect like the movie while the book ends up continuing in a different way. In other words, you are essentially getting two stories with some similarities. It likely will come down to which ultimately satisfy you more.

So I would recommend reading the book or listen to the audio book before watching the movie. Now if you want to that process with The Shining sure go for it. Doctor Sleep does stand enough on it's own. Do not expect this to be exactly like The Shining because it's not. I would describe this as a movie very well put together.

Regardless, I absolutely love this movie with an passion. It sucks because so many people are viewing it the wrong way or other movies being out hurts it's overall box office performance. The special effects are very well done in my opinion. I do respect how they chose to tie this in to The Shining.

Honestly, Doctor Sleep quickly won more over. I was surprised my wife who watched this with me likes the movie too. Truthfully, this felt like an adaptation more worthy of it's legacy than I hate to say the Kubrick movie. I don't have any major criticism of this movie at all. Sure I could throw in a Star Wars joke since Ewan McGregor who played a younger Obi-Wan Kenobi was Dan Torrance.

Oh hell I'll do it anyway for a friend. The Shining is strong with this one lol. Doctor Sleep is an excellent movie I already want to watch again. So what it is a little over two and an half hours long. I felt more satisfied watching it than some of his movie adaptations. Truthfully, this movie does deserve more respect than it currently gets.

Jack Red reviews MediEvil (PS4)

Hi everyone I'm Jack Red, I grew up with both MediEvil 1 & 2 on PlayStation 1. Honestly, I was excited when I found out about the PS4 version. Technically speaking, this is the third version of the same game. But this is following a new thread of remastered PS1 classics. Unlike Spyro & Crash, we just get one great game.

MediEvil does deliver some nice changes that do make a notable difference. Like putting the merchant gargoyle at the Hall of Heroes. Most of it is very faithful to the original PS1 game. We only get one lightning instead of two variations of it like in the original game. They did change up the final two boss fights.

I actually liked the controls more in this version. I am not saying I didn't like the PS1 controls. You will notice a few changes like some animations in a few things has been changed like swinging your sword. The artwork is absolutely amazing, it is so beautiful. Yes I do like the map screen but I still prefer it more in the original game.

This does have a great soundtrack with good sound effects. Maybe this is just me but it seems a few sounds I was exciting to hear could be absent in this version. Like when you die, Sir Daniel makes a loud sound before getting revived or game over. There is little to nothing new added unfortunately. Near the end of the game, you open a particular chest letting lost souls out.

In most levels, there will be one lost soul with a different task. Among completing these tasks, these souls will be put to rest. The best part is after finishing the last lost soul. Now present on your main menu screen is an option called Old Game. Guess what, this is actually the original PS1 game. If you pay attention to some of the copy right information.

This is actually not the US version of the game since it doesn't have codes. Yes the big cheat codes do work here. The trophies were a lot of fun to go for. I got to confession, I very recently as of today gotten my first ever platinum trophy. If that doesn't tell you how much I love this game what the hell will lol.

I also liked when the game in some levels throws something new into the mix to fresh things up. Most of this works incredibly well. I bought MediEvil Digital Deluxe Edition late on my birthday, a few days ago. This also comes with nice stuff I want to talk about. Like the golden armor late in MediEvil 2 is present.

Speaking of MediEvil 2, there's a digital comic prequel that does reference MediEvil 2 to some degree. You also get the complete soundtrack that involves a few interview videos. I loved the artwork, but more so after looking at the digital art book. There is a few songs that plays while you are taking your time to look.

You also get this awesome background with animations & audio from the game on your PS4's background. Yes you can look at the game after you login in. It is easy to memorize the levels but you still can lose with the best arsenal. Some enemies do an alerting amount of damage in a short period of time.

I absolutely loved all the boss fights for the most part. To clarify something, according to the digital art book. The final level actually has three final bosses not two of them. This is one of the most challenging levels I have ever done. You must sacrifice most of your lives to constantly keep your army's health long enough for them to win.

Thankfully, you will get some energy vitals. From this point on, two difficult final bosses right after each other. You do not get to change your difficulty at all. There will be times, the difficulty will spike. There's a great variety of enemies that makes this feel perfect to play on Halloween. Not long ago, I did comparison on the original version of this & Zombies Ate My Neighbors.

I will say I strongly stand by my final decision in that blog. MediEvil is one of my favorite PlayStation exclusive games I ever played. This game really speaks to me, in a way not many of them could. It feels like I was always meant to play this game. Honestly, there isn't much I could criticize. The closest thing would be a very few mechanics like stuff you need to press triangle on.

I don't know why, a lot of times it doesn't seem to work properly. Especially when there's plenty of room around a book. Other than that, this is a home run guys. I highly recommend you collect all the chalices as well as their rewards. Trust me, late in your run the game will get more fun to play. I should mention, you can use the chalice directly in the final level instead of using good lightning.

Some items you have to carefully plan to get since some levels have additional stuff you might not be able to get the first time. Stuff like the shadow artifact or a witch's talisman. I felt most levels are very well designed. I have a love/hate relationship with The Asylum level. No not Inside the Asylum level. The level right before that for many reasons.

You have to solve a few riddles for Jack of the Green. But his riddles are very simple yet plays them off like Sheldon Cooper trying to taunt to quickly chicken out of something. I could say The Riddler would be deeply disappointed in his riddles lol. There are some puzzles that are all different in their own right.

There is so much to explore especially when you get exactly what you need. They also added a few breakable walls like the trophy wall in Dan's Crypt. Most item placements & where to use them are the same as the original game. Mostly in the very early levels, some of those were changed. The inventory is done differently too.

Originally you have all your weapons on the top with everything else below it. But here it goes from weapon types to armors to key items to lost souls. Basically your arm on the left to whatever you got last on the right. I also liked you can move directly to another category of your inventory. Now this makes going through your equipment much easier.

Regular lightning is no longer just a ball of it in your hands. They must've loved Avengers: Infinity Wars & End Game since Sir Daniel wears a glove similar to Thanos' Infinity Gauntlet. Seriously, just look at it or the animation he does while shocking enemies lol. Obviously, there's different pictures to represent each level on their loading screen.

I do like some of them more from the original game while a few of them I can't really decide which I like more. MediEvil also added some humor in the loading screens. Way better than how MediEvil Resurrection does it. Yes, I watched most of the cut scenes of that game recently. Truthfully, it really got me upset they did this to MediEvil!!!

Honestly, this is a solid remastered of a PS1 classic. So what this isn't three games in one compilation. This game can still stand the test of time. There are some interesting mechanics. MediEvil giving you so much for MediEvil Digital Deluxe Edition priceless. Even if PS1 version wasn't included, I still would deeply love this game.

Jack Red reviews Joker movie

Hi everyone I'm Jack Red, today I will be reviewing a movie I originally had a mixed views on. But as soon as I started watching it completely changed my view on it. I got to be honest, this is a different kind of comic book movies. Yeah I made sure Deadpool couldn't get in again. Joker is a true master piece.



Although this is a comic book movie, the team really didn't focus on the comics or any adaptations prior. They wanted to give us an original but realistic take on the character. Honestly, I felt they really nailed their point of view. Joaquin Phoenix gives an amazing performance as Arthur Fleck who becomes The Joker.

I didn't mine the color change or the fact this movie was actually willing to display true ugliness. You know the kind of stuff both Marvel & DC doesn't like to do often. There are some great twists I won't spoil. Keep in mind, unlike most newer comic book movies. They didn't plan on making this into a franchise.

As of right now, they are discussing the possibility of doing a sequel to this movie. This was meant to jump start another movie company making DC licensed movies. This is more of an anti hero movie since Arthur tries his best. Things just kept getting worse for him to the point he decided to make a change.

Surprisingly, Robert De Niro is in this movie. Believe it or not, this is one of the best gross comic book movies in history. It just broke the record for the most gross made for an R rated movie. I got to say this guy is hands down one of the finest Joker actors I have ever seen. Just like Heath Ledger, I thought the opposite but damn he really nailed the character perfectly.

This movie sticks more closely to realism. I am more fine with movies doing that than video games. Sorry Grand Theft Auto series going too realistic just takes me right the hell off. Yes this movie shows how some people can be like in real life. I believe this is what greatly angering people or the level of violence this movie has.

Joker isn't a kid or family movie no it's more of a select people could enjoy kind of movie. This movie doesn't shy away from when things gets unpleasant. Phoenix does have a great Joker laugh. Sometimes, he does it a bit much in some scenes. But hey it could be Jared Leto's Joker laugh that was to me pathetic.

I see heart & soul they worked very hard to create here. We don't get a version of The Joker who already exist with little to no known past or origin stories previously done. Like The Killing Joke movie or Batman 1989 movie respectively. No we get a man who essentially becomes the character by stuff cause by other people.

Arthur is an entertainer at his heart. I felt the movie gets at it's best when he becomes The Joker. I also liked we get to see trying a few jobs. Honestly, that by itself helps paints a picture of what to expect from the character. I would say he is more Joker than Jerome on Gotham was. Although, I really like Jerome myself.

I am even surprised President Trump allowed this movie to be screened in the White House. Yeah I know at fist you are probably thinking that's going to be a joke right? But no this recently happened in the White House guys. This movie is one of the highest grossing DC movies ever made. Joker is a great stand alone movie.

Honestly, this movie does deserve more respect than it actually gets. Look I'll be brutally honest with you. This isn't a movie for everyone, it will be as close to realism as humanly possible. At the same time, this is a movie that was meant for the director to display his or her vision to the audience. It is a movie that won't hold back from the moment it starts rolling.

Joker is a kind of movie you need balls to watch. This movie does a beautiful job getting us to care about Arthur. I do highly respect their take on the character. He is a great realistic take that can possibly stand the test of time. Joker is a movie I highly recommend to those who want to watch it. I do need to say, this movie really surprised me as I was watching it.

Even Cameron from Gotham said how beautifully done this movie was made. I am sure Jack Nicholson, the late Cesar Romero, the late Heath Ledger & Mark Hamill would respect this. Now I think about some of the greatest actors in existence has portrayed The Joker in some form. I wonder how amazing the future of the character will be.

Jack Red reviews some Simpsons games

Hi everyone I'm Jack Red, I figured since I covered The Simpsons show. I should finally reveal my thoughts on the video games based on the show I played. Now I hope this helps giving you an idea how much I love this show. The Simpsons always left a huge impression on me ever since my child hood.

1. Bart's Nightmare


I remembered as a kid with my brother, we rented a few games from a few game stores. I always remembered playing Bart's Nightmare on Sega Genesis. This might actually be the best among Acclaim's Simpsons games. Essentially the game does have a hub world that requires you to complete every mini game.

Each mini game makes it feel like a very different game from each other or several games in one. I will say yes this is a flawed game. But the voice acting was alright with some great artwork. Yes the difficulty isn't balanced at all. It is incredibly easy to lose in this game. I will say this is one of my favorite Simpsons games I ever played.

2. Virtual Bart


Despite not actually being called a sequel to Bart's Nightmare. Come on, both had the same team with a similar concept. How the hell isn't this an actual sequel is beyond me. You play as Bart trapped in a virtual reality machine. You are forced to complete every mini game in order to complete the game. I will give praise in a few key areas.

What I liked so much from Bart's Nightmare is still here. I would say the difficulty is a little more balanced at times. Thank god there is a practice mode, something Bart's Nightmare needed badly. There is some crazy visuals in this game too. Honestly, Virtual Bart is a mixed bag but I do like the creativity it brings to the table.

3. Krusty's Fun House aka Krusty's Super Fun House


Krusty's Lemming clone game is the shortest description of this game. You play as Krusty to take care of rats. Trust me, he puts more effort here than he has done his entire career lol. Yes I know a bad joke I apologize. Technically speaking, it may look like an Simpsons game but originally wasn't. Unfortunately, this was common around the late 80s to early 90s.

I will say yes it can get boring at times. But at least this game was properly programmed unlike most of their Simpsons games. Oh ok those I played I meant I haven't got to play them all. I had this on Sega Genesis just missing Bart vs. the Space Mutants. Oddly, Genesis had a thing for Bart Simpson. This game doesn't help with that either lol.

4. The Simpsons Arcade


I already said so much in the past about how much I truly love this game. The original Simpsons game is still one of the absolute best. Konami back when they made some truly amazing games created such a fun beat em up game. Yes several Simpsons characters are colored wrong. But I did own this on Xbox 360.

Funny enough, just like X-Men arcade also by Konami had the Japanese version included. Just on the day this port came out I played the entire game seven straight times in a row. There's a lot of love for a show at the beginning of it's prime. Honestly, I highly recommend this game especially to Simpsons fans.

5. The Simpsons: Hit & Run


The Simpsons: Hit & Run is sometimes called Grand Theft Auto: Springfield. There's some truth to that fan label as you get to explore several locations through out Springfield. You also get to play mini games. There is vehicles driving around you could borrow a ride from or vehicles you have stored.

I am not going to lie, they do really show the love they had for this show. They reference so many episodes, it's not funny. I also liked you get a several characters to play as. This put the cast to great use as well. I loved some of the costumes you could wear during game play. They really put a lot of thought into this game.

6. The Simpsons Game


The Simpsons Game ends up happening at the cost of a sequel to Hit & Run. But in it's defense, this is a great game. You play as The Simpsons with each having their own powers. I also liked you could play this with a family member or friend. This is a great original story that makes front of everything. The Simpsons Game also has some surprises among the different versions.

I only got to play two versions of this game. Xbox 360 & PSP versions with some clear differences. I also believe DS version has an exclusive mini game that's a parody of Nintendogs. The Simpsons Game really loves a particular song they kept replaying from the final boss to the ending credits. Overall this is one of the absolute best Simpsons games I ever played.

7. Virtual Springfield


This is sorta a bonus, a friend of mine introduced me to this forgotten classic. I thought Virtual Bart was going to be the VR experience but nope. This actually is the virtual reality experience you never knew you wanted. Virtual Springfield is a game you get to explore Springfield, interactive with characters.

This game doesn't have an ending but it does have some nice surprises. Like Hit & Run, this does reference a lot of episodes. I love the Apoom mini game that's clearly a parody of Doom. You can't technically lose in this game either. The artwork with the sound design alone is enough reason to play this.

How Similar is Gearbox Software's Duke Nukem Forever to Valve's Half-Life 2?

Hi everyone I'm Jack Red, this blog entry will reveal my biggest problem I had for Duke Nukem Forever. In fact, this entire topic is heavily centered on it. I just can't stop noticing how it tried being Half-Life 2 rather than it's own game at times. So you know what I better get it all out. Yes all expansions will be considered for this blog entry too.



When you really look at their stories. Half-Life 2 brought Gordon Freeman back from another plain of existence several years later. At first, they don't appear to have much in common. But that quickly changes as it goes on. Half-Life 2 Episode 2 revealed a portal could open with enough of them to doom Earth.

The same concept got parodied in a rather awtiful taste way. Alien Empress among giving birth could guarantee Earth's defeat in seconds. Humanity's leader was involve with the enemy. Both didn't want our heroes to get involve at all. Yes there are vehicle sections but those mostly stands out on their own.

Similar weapon set for the most part. Yes I know locations are vastly different. I just can't ignore DNF acts like a parody of Half-Life 2 than anything else. To some degree, The Combine had some alien DNA. Obviously DNF has the pig cop enemies but I do prefer their Duke 3D appearance more. Half-Life 2 does have better designed boss fights.

Clearly, by now you probably notice the long absence of our heroes. Duke was busy being a celebrity while Gordon spent that time in a plan of existence that didn't have time. DNF does reference the famous crowbar function of Half-Life series. I really don't want to call DNF as a poor man's Half-Life 2 but it sorta is.

Yes I know there's some interactive that Half-Life 2 doesn't have. Although, some enemies within both these games are striking similar too. I should point out Duke does reference other game characters. In fact, one such reference originally meant for Doomguy got reused for Isaac of Dead Space series.

There is major story differences involving levels that doesn't exist in the other game at all. Oh okay I get that if you are one of those people. But honestly I strongly felt Half-Life 2 got shame on by Gearbox Software. Funny enough, Gearbox Software themselves made all the expansions for Half-Life 1.

From my point of view, there's absolutely no excuse for this. Duke Nukem Forever was a let down, I still end up enjoying it. Half-Life 2 was originally going to be very different from the final game. Until a hacker stole it's coding. He was later arrested then transferred back to his country to do trial. Can I be honest with you guys?

Duke Nukem 3D actually was a surprisingly an original, interesting take on FPS genre. I don't even come close to that with DNF truthfully. In both games, you can replay any level you want to make getting achievements easier. I can actually play them both on Xbox One right now if I really wanted to.

Why Silent Hill characters/monsters won't work on Death Battle?

Hi everyone I'm Jack Red, only because I still have respect for the first three Silent Hill games. I decided to write this blog entry. Otherwise, this easily could've been something else. Death Battle has been going on for a long time now. They used all kind of characters but I highly doubt they could properly use anything from Silent Hill series.



I am aware most human characters are attempting to be more like actual people in real life. By default, most Resident Evil characters simply works better in versus debates since they don't. Also, there isn't enough information on some of these characters. I meant in terms of how to determine their limits properly.

Keep in mind, Silent Hill series is a psychology experiment. It attempts to blend two different realities together for different reasons that differs on people themselves. In other words, you could be in our world but suddenly end up in a hellish version out of the clear blue. Most creatures you come across was created by people themselves since they represent their inner demons.

Silent Hill 2 did expand on this with several characters. Each main character not counting the little girl & Maria was affected by this town's mysterious power. Silent Hill loves to bring out your darkest truth no matter how unpleasant it is. Also, even removing most hidden weapons. Most weapons are stuff you could find in most horror things.



Most creatures are from several different concepts from people's minds. Which actually exists in the hellish world as actual creatures. This includes a handful of people's concept of God. To clarify before people mistaken this, a cult held strong beliefs that filled with everyone dying. This alone would prevent so much from Silent Hill coming to Death Battle.

Now we get to Pyramid Head, originally they were the executioners of this abandoned town. It does confirm people can't directly kill an Pyramid Head. You would be lucky to harm one but that's about it. This things comes from another plain of existence from where most of these creatures comes from. In Silent Hill 2's case, they appeared because James killed two people.

This is exactly why another one appeared late in the game. I will be honest, even those inspired by their God beliefs aren't that powerful. Also some of these monsters might be too disturbing to even show a cameo of on their show. But of course they had characters like Carnage that further bags the question.

Honestly, they could work with a swifting plain of existence concept. But the mental part is exactly what ruins the fun of even using them in a versus debate. Also most of these creatures has little to no real feats either. Yes I know it's a horror game franchise where such things aren't critical to it's vision. I am just stating it would be too tough of a sell to use anything from Silent Hill on their show.

Doom/Half-Life similarities

Hi everyone I'm Jack Red, I recently been revisiting Doom 1-3. I also very recently finished the Master Levels too. Now it is time for what could be somewhat of a controversial topic. Before I start talking about today's topic. I am not calling either of them a flat out rip off of each other. I am actually a huge fan of both these franchises.

I felt I will start at the beginning. I will be directly comparing classic Doom series to Half-Life 1 with it's expansions. Now I will not be talking about Half-Life 2 with it's episodes since their stories is vastly different. Besides, I already got plenty to talk about prior to that. Alright I will be covering one of my biggest similar game topics ever.



Now I am aware there isn't much story within classic Doom games. What we do know is a group of scientists attempted to open a gateway to Hell. Which led to most humans among Mars & it's moons to die. Only one space marine is left to take on the carnage unleashed. Now in Half-Life 1, they had a similar concept.

A group of scientists including the main character himself Gordon Freeman to open a portal into a parallel universe. Which also led to a mysterious race of aliens to quickly kill most people in this facility. Gordon has to take arms to stopping this threat before it gotten any worse. Keep in mind, Doom predates Half-Life 1 by five years.

There is a few select similarities among their enemies. Like those that has guns quickly fire at you sometimes before you even notice them. Doom II does bring these demons & evil spirits to Earth. Of course, most of humanity got wipe out while Gordon was able to prevent such a thing happening. In both cases, someone unlikely ends up becoming the hero.

Yes sure it is more believable that a space marine could do that but a scientist taking on several sides during one particular event. Now give that guy a drink lol. Obviously, in Half-Life's case we get to see more of the science side of things. I should mention in Final Doom, Jupiter with it's moons also had demons too.

I know what a lot of you are probably thinking. Why would you do a comparison like this? I fail to see how they are similar Jack or my personal favorite their stories alone are too vastly different, Half-Life is not a rip off. I honestly wasn't going to call Half-Life a Doom rip off. I felt to those who actually are Doom rip offs that Half-Life does plenty to differ itself.

Of course, late in their campaigns our heroes goes to another plain of existence. Obviously we got a different universe to well Hell. A different universe could have up to infinite possibilities alone. But Hell is for the damned. Both heroes also get to use experimental weaponry during their games. Yes very different weapons I know but it is something they have in common.

Just the basic FPS differences between these two, I can't say Half-Life stands as a rip off game. Although it likely was inspired by Doom series. I haven't got to play Doom 64 personally. But I played everything else. Now I do need to mention the expansions that do matter here. All three expansions for Half-Life 1 all happened during the main game through several points of view.

Half-Life: Opposing Force shows us the military's side. Half-Life: Blue Shift s reveals a security guard's view. Keep in mind, Valve still haven't confirm or deny if these expansions are canon to the story. Otherwise, Barney from Half-Life 2 was that security guard from Blue Shift. Anyway, Half-Life: Decay has two female scientists working together.

There actually is a secret level where you play as two enemy characters. This was originally from PS2 port of Half-Life 1. No Rest of the Living episode for Doom II further confirms you are the only human left alive. More proof is in Doom 64's ending. Yes I know Midway made that not those under contract by id Software or the team themselves.

Doom allows a much bigger off screen kill count while the situation in Half-Life 1 was eventually gotten under control by Freeman. Yes, G-Man is a mysterious character whose goal still one of Valve's biggest mysterious. Classic Doom didn't have anything like G-Man at all. But it sure had Cyberdemon.

My point is Half-Life 1 does enough to stand on it's own. It doesn't' deserve to be called a Doom clone for any reason whatsoever. I just couldn't help both involve opening to another plain of existence that led to so many deaths. Yes I know Doom series is more into the future. I will say this would still a fun topic to talk about.

Jack Red reviews Quake: The Offering (all expansions included)

Hi everyone I'm Jack Red, I will be honest I still not use to playing the original Quake. I knew about it for many years. But I grew up with Quake II on PlayStation 1 thus my entry into a surprisingly weird game franchise. Well oh okay not D series weird but you get the idea. I felt bad I couldn't exactly play this the way I wanted to.

To be honest, I mostly enjoy this using codes but I did try playing as far as I could without them. I didn't get very far, I could've said Quake II was much more my thing in comparison. I still do respect this game since it helped getting the genre more notice by people. Sadly it was leading during a period I personally was losing interest in them until more recently.

1. Quake (1996)


Quake has a few things in common with classic Shadow Warrior. Both of them are repetitive FPS games that does uses traps. You have to adapt fast to solutions or you'll die. Quake not might look that great but it did inspired an convention that's still going today. In fact, Team Fortress originated as a Quake mod that was recreating it on Half-Life 1.

Which led to Team Fortress becoming one of the first Valve franchises. Quake also has songs from Nine Inch Nails that works very well. Sometimes, it is more easy to die then getting loss in this game. Some enemies are surprisingly tough that can easily limit your options fast if you aren't careful. There's a few episodes you must play through.

Thankfully you can do them most of them in any order. It is kinda interesting how you activate Nightmare difficulty. Yes there's a couple boss fights as it goes on. The final boss is a rather strange one. You need to teleport as soon as this orb goes inside the final boss to kill him. In other words, there isn't another way of killing him.

But how the hell are you suppose to figure something like this out on your own? There is a good variety of enemies. Clearly this game took some inspiration from H. P. Lovecraft stories. I do love the overall locations in this game. It sorta comes off like Medieval more like during the dark ages period. You can clearly fill Doom & classic Wolfenstein at it's core.

The maps themselves aren't as big as you would think. But there's a lot of complexity within them. Quake does have a great selection of weapons. I am not going to lie, Quake can be difficult to see at times due to how dark in some areas can be. You have to pay close attention to everything within the levels.

For me personally, I do prefer many shooters over this one. I'm not saying I don't like it because I do. It simply isn't Quake II or to some degree Quake III to me. I should mention, Quake only got it's story continued in expansions since Quake II & Quake 3 made it clear that they were their own franchises. Also id Software personally didn't want to continue Quake 1's story.

2. Quake Mission Pack No. 1: Scrouge of Armagon (1997)


Like many expansion packs around this time, a different team made this expansion. Ritual Entertainment who went on to making SiN. This adds three more episodes to play. A new multiplayer as well as a new soundtrack. This also had some features not present in the original game. Unlike the original game, you have to play these episodes in order.

There is three new enemies you will encounter during this. There also three new weapons you get to kill things with. They also introduced three new power ups, now I'm starting to see a pattern. Everything comes in threes lol. There is a slight chance this could've led to Quake II in some way. Yes Quake 1 codes do work in this as well.

This directly follows the conclusion of Quake. It comes off like a sequel like most expansion packs at the time does. Keep in mind, this was nearly the end of so many unofficial expansion packs. You would be surprised how many some of your favorite shooters actually had. This is a great expansion in every sense of the word.

3. Quake Mission Pack No. 2: Dissolution of Eternity (1997)


This expansion pack was made by Rogue Entertainment. For those who doesn't know their work oh man. They later made Quake II Mission Pack: Ground Zero & the N64 port of Quake II. For them, this was the beginning of their involvement in Quake series. This adds two new episodes with a new multiplayer level as well as a new soundtrack.

Obviously this also adds new enemies including bosses. Around eight of them in fact which isn't common among many expansion packs. Either it doesn't add new enemies or variations or it does in place of something else. There is two new power ups you can use during this. Instead of adding new weapons, it adds an alternative functions to several weapons.

I don't know where the fan base stands on the expansions other than the free one. I do know Dissolution of Eternity is very difficult to beat. Yet I felt it was more worth my time than the previous mission pack. Honestly, I do like an challenge. I felt this is one of the better expansion packs I played. Truthfully, the cover art alone is odd enough to get me wanting to try this.

4. Quake: Dimension of the Past (2016)


This short free expansion episode was created by MachineGames. Yes the team that's currently making Doom & Wolfenstein games. This is a very short line up of levels that doesn't add much to the experience. There is no question, this is the weakest among the expansions. Yes I know, they made it for Quake's anniversary that year.

But considering what both mission packs brought to the table. This is absolutely no way in hell I could view this being better than both of them sorry. The levels themselves are alright at best. There isn't a home run here. Honestly, this is simply giving you an excuse to play more Quake 1. I rather have a different enough experience from an expansion pack than something like this.

This isn't just disappointing but at least it isn't as nearly terrible as a select few expansion packs that are garbage. This is essentially the end of Quake 1 time line. I thought for a game that's still inspiring people that it should've gotten something way better than this. Quake 1's worst episode is way better than this too.

Honestly, I do feel bad I simply didn't have the skills or the correct instincts to properly play these. I know this may upset true Quake 1 fans. I will say this, at least I had the balls to come out with this review saying it right in your faces. I am done hiding when I can't exactly play a game I want to review.

To clarify, it isn't about me having trouble getting them to run or hacking which I have no said skill set. Some games are done in ways that I simply can't understand correctly enough to get the job down. Let's put it in another way this isn't Doom at all. In Doom, you will be running around killing anything that moves while you have to slow down often to prevent ambushes or getting trapped.

Jack Red reviews Master Levels for Doom II

Hi everyone I'm Jack Red, for Doom fans waiting for me to finally review Master Levels for Doom II. Today is your lucky day because thanks to Xbox One port of Doom II, I can properly play some levels. Keep in mind, this was the first expansion for Doom II that might actually be the only one of it's kind.



I played several levels on PC but all twenty levels on Xbox One port. I haven't got to try Bad Dream secret level yet though. As stated in my recent Doom blog prior to this, Master Levels for Doom II lets you select the levels you want to play. But how they went about the order can be a bit weird. In PC version, they are lined up alphabetically while they are numbered.

You will obviously notice the order of the levels is vastly different between them. Icon of Sins does appear in one level as a way to ending a level. No this isn't the final level among these. I got to be honest compared to both halves of Final Doom, I felt this had better maps overall. One of the last levels takes place on a huge elevator with many rooms on several floors connected.

There is a fan favorite called Black Tower that may or may not be a reference to Stephen King's Dark Tower series. This is how you should make an expansion pack. Essentially this adds a folder containing several level wads with one containing two levels since Bad Dream was on that one. You have to carefully check which maps each level replaces.

This does include when you use mods like Brutal Doom in particular. To clarify what might be a myth to some, yes these levels do work with Brutal Doom. Also stated from my previous Doom blog, each level on PC version does have their own story. The closest thing I seen to this also had id Software involved.

There was Quake II Netpack 1: Extremities. This too was set up as a folder that mostly focuses on multiplayer mods. Steam does not include this among their Quake II purchases. But GOG does an all in one deal including that which I bought a while back. Master Levels are challenging but more fair than Final Doom can be at times.

Between this & No Rest for the Living episode, both of them are absolutely amazing in their own right. I still do prefer maps in No Rest of the Living episode overall. But some of my absolute favorite official Doom maps are from Master Levels expansion. This is exactly what was promised, you will be challenged by some of the finest Doom fans around that time.

This comes off like a fan game before Sonic Mania many years before. Keep in mind, id Software was more focus on finishing the original Quake. I promise I'm slowly trying to get a review done. The truth is I might have to give the cheating side of it rather than overall view. At least I'm coming forward to saying it.

I will say this, Master Levels was a nice surprise in Xbox One port. I still wish I had that and No Rest for the Living episode together. PS3 got Doom Classic Complete that had almost all of classic Doom series just missing Doom 64. I also liked how they label them on the saves so you can't confuse them for maps from the main game.

Doom II is one of my absolute favorite FPS games of all time. This felt like a must have among Doom fans. I know some newer fans might not understand this or have the patience to push themselves through it like I did. This expansion felt like extra maps that's worth replaying nearly as often as the actual maps are.

I am not going to lie, some of these maps can be frustrating in where to go or what to do at times. At the same time, there is plenty of surprises. I should mention in PC version when you compete any of these levels, you will continue on to the map from Doom II next to the one you replaced. In other words, if you played any that replace the first level.

The second map from Doom II will be up next. But this doesn't happen in Xbox One port. Instead what happens is you go right back to the level selection screen. Honestly, I do prefer that since what if I want to play some of the other levels? These maps are notably bigger than some of the biggest Doom II itself has.

Master Levels for Doom II is hands down a great surprise as well as a love letter to the fans. I also liked you can use built in codes within Xbox One port on these maps too. Yeah I should mention, Xbox 360 port doesn't have any codes. But using them will disable getting achievements & being able to save.

My thoughts on Xbox One Doom ports

Hi everyone I'm Jack Red, more recently I been funny to even discuss anything relating to the game company Bethesda. I kinda felt like a prisoner because I'm going to likely buy Doom and Wolfenstein games. Fallout series I do like to a degree but hell no on Fallout 76 mess. I remember hearing the out rage on the first two Doom ports that came out a few months ago.

I will be discussing them along with Doom 3 to completing the line up of Doom ports. Yes I know Doom 64 is getting ported soon. I do plan on buying them & eventually Doom Eternal soon. For right now I want to talk about how I feel about these ports. I felt I been mostly quiet about Bethesda until now.



Just like Xbox 360 & PS3 ports, they simply called the original Doom well Doom. It is suppose to be called The Ultimate Doom since it does fixes some problems as well as adding a fourth episode. I know this seems like a minor thing. The next complaint from my point of view is not. Doom II is mostly solid yet I just can not ignore this particular problem.

I can understand why no Final Doom there's a slight chance it might make it to Xbox One, PS4 & Switch. But why is there No Rest for the Living episode? Oh ok I am happy to see the master levels are present in full. But why couldn't we have both of those in this Doom II port? Honestly, I was deeply disappointed such a nice addition to the game isn't present.

Not only that, the same company that made the episode are also involved with this version. Now if Bethesda would've say Final Doom will include No Rest for the Living episode. Maybe upcoming update adding it to Doom II would be very nice guys. Also both Doom 1 & 2 does not have online multiplayer?

I am happy to see local multiplayer stayed but come on Xbox 360 ports had that. I do think the achievements are a bit more satisfying this time around. Also why no level select for both Doom 1 &2? Some versions of Duke 3D like Xbox 360 port allowed you to pick most levels. Just not hidden levels even if you beat em for some odd reason.

Doom 3 is mostly the same as Doom 3 BFG Edition. But there is a weird thing I noticed when I looked at the achievements. Originally on Xbox 360, PS3 & PC versions, Doom 3 by itself had fifty achievements. It got lowered down to just forty four. It is mostly fun achievements but I just wonder why?

Other than that I do wish all three Doom 3 games had level select feature. Honestly, that would've made the unskippable cut scenes easier to deal with. So I felt the controls in all three ports is right on for the most part. Doom 1 & 3 doesn't add anything from their previous versions. Doom II to me was a bit of a letdown.

I will publicly state Doom II on Xbox 360 is a much more satisfying port in comparison. The master levels are virtually extra levels made by those under contract by id Software. Sure they did add story to those levels but they mostly exist as stand alone levels than anything else. No Rest for the Living episode came more off like a proper second episode.

Yes I know both halves of Final Doom also had more story in their own right being roughly the same length as the original game. But they were clearly more of stories you would expect for a sequel rather than a direct continually following Doom II. Also Final Doom is widely known for being very difficult.

This by itself would quickly turn off a lot of gamers. Final Doom doesn't really add much to Doom II either. Even maps included in No Rest for the Living episode are some of the absolute official Doom maps ever made. Honestly, Bethesda you need to do something about this. I am sure I'm not the only one feeling like this.

Death Battle Fight Prediction: The Darkness (Image Comics vs. Blackbeard (One Piece)

Hi everyone I'm Jack Red, today I will finally be doing a particular epic request I always wanted. A fight that's entirely theme in darkness. We got two of the most powerful darkness users in all of fiction facing each other. Don't even consider staying on Earth for a fight like this. Honestly, I felt with new information I gathered on one of the fighters that now is the time to do this.

Jackie Estacado aka The Darkness


Jackie was in the mafia, his family had a dark secret. They held one of the absolute most powerful artifacts in existence. Jackie was connected to this legacy of wielding it. Thus becoming a god like being that even words can't accurately describe the horror. He was a former hit-man for the Franchetii, he eventually got his own group.

Marshall D. Teach aka Blackbeard


Marshall has served over two decades under a former Emperor of the Sea, Whitebeard. Blackbeard openly betrayed the crew then left to start his own. The only confirmed devil fruit users to have more than one devil fruit & not die. Two of the most powerful devil fruits in existence. Blackbeard is playing a very dangerous game he carefully planned on cheating the entire process.

I should point out Blackbeard, Peachbeard, Whitebeard and Brownbeard are inspired by the real life pirate Blackbeard. The author has stated that Edward Teach was his favorite pirate.

Powers and Abilities

The Darkness


The Darkness is in the same category as several characters that can do anything as long he can imagine it. Therefore, we can't possibly know the full extent of what he's capable of. Also it saves you time reading a long list of confirmed abilities he has.

+Has two handguns

You thought Spawn was broken lol.

Blackbeard


+Superhuman Strength
+Superhuman Durability
+Superhuman Endurance
+Superhuman Stamina
+Superhuman Agility
+Haki
+Has a claw weapon
+A few pistols on him at most times
+Dark-Dark Fruit (a darkness person)
+Tremor-Tremor Fruit (a quake person)

Advantages

The Darkness


+Possibly has more powers including those we don't know
+Fewer weaknesses that Blackbeard can't use against him
+More confirmed combat experience with & without his powers
+Limitless power with no clear limit
+More unpredictable
+Could summon anything or as much as he wants
+He also can could demons from inside of people
+More driven
+Could figure out how to harm or kill Teach through his powers
+Much more powerful in comparison
+A better marksman

Blackbeard


+If their groups were in the fight, the Blackbeard pirates is simply too much
+By default has superior stats to a regular Jackie
+A better strategist
+His devil fruits could prevent The Darkness from doing particular stuff
+Stronger firearms since they were able to hurt a greatly wounded Whitebeard
+Due to his original devil fruit could be resistant to immune to most of his darkness attacks
+By default could potentially destroy a planet
+Due to being an Emperor of the Sea has a lot more people working under his belt

Disadvantages

The Darkness


-Could temporary lose his powers when expose to any form of light
-Teach could also temporary disable his powers directly
-Weaker handguns in comparison
-Must not use too much of his power or possibly destroy an universe
-It stats having a child with this artifact will kill you

Blackbeard


-Despite being an Emperor of the Sea, he doesn't fully control his massive crew
-Unlike most Logia type devil fruit users can't fully become darkness
-Most forms of water or anything made from sea stone can disable his powers
-His cockiness can get him into trouble especially against The Darkness
-Has no real defense against a demon or something wrong being summon inside of him
-The Darkness could work around his powers to figuring how to harm/kill him
-Not as driven
-Sadly most of his devil fruit abilities won't do much to The Darkness

Weaknesses

The Darkness


Jackie is mixed about using the artifact. Despite having the artifact, Jackie isn't that bad of a person. Most can't handle his potential but there is Angelus who rivals his power. It actually states if their fight doesn't stop that the universe can be destroyed. Obviously, this means he can use it on everyone else still never coming close to his true potential while Angelus actually pushes him.

Also the artifact could be removed. This is one of those using your imagination allows all kind of possibilities including those endangering himself. Without powers, Jackie relies on his handguns in combat. Those with powers while he doesn't won't end well for him. Sometimes getting his powers back can be difficult.

Blackbeard


Like most devil fruit users, Blackbeard can be weaken by most forms of water & sea stone. It also disabilities his powers depending on things. Unlike most Logia type devil fruit users, he can't fully become darkness. Also his cockiness usually gets him into trouble at times. He too has to limit his own potential during combat since he actually could destroy the world.

Verdict


To be honest, there is a lot of factors to consider for this particular fight. Like if this were to be Jackie's crew taking on the Blackbeard pirates. By default, Marshall has a lot more people under his belt. Even if I were to limit it to just his captains among his own fleet. They could easily destroy Jackie's crew with ease.

However, Jackie using the artifact is actually powerful enough to directly take on the entire fleet himself. Even just comparing a rough idea how powerful both of them are. Blackbeard using his old captain's devil fruit caused the whole world including the sky to shake. It was stated anyone using that devil fruit could destroy the world.

Obviously, Blackbeard is scaled to a planet buster level simply by having that devil fruit. But The Darkness scales to Angelus whose power is more on an universal level. Yes this is starting to sound like Ganon vs. Dracula episode. The Darkness does also come from Jackie himself. Which does allow Teach to temporary disable his powers.

Believe it or not, The Darkness has found ways even in areas filled with lights to use his powers. This is his biggest weakness that Teach could take advantage of. However, Blackbeard has a few options to keep his distance during this fight from both his devil fruits. Unfortunately for him, The Darkness can summon demons from inside of people.

Which Blackbeard doesn't have a defense against. The Darkness also can recreate stuff he wants using darkness manipulation. Such as water or sea stone that both weaken Blackbeard as well as disable his powers. Of course, that depends on additional factors. Like if sea stone cuffs or bullets. Also in most occasions, a weakened devil fruit users needed help from others.

The Darkness has no real limit on his powers at all. Sure there are times Jackie disables it. But I don't see that happening in this fight. Usually in One Piece for Logia type users, whatever devil fruit you ate can't harm or kill you. So Blackbeard having the Dark-Dark Fruit does greatly limit options for Jackie.

There is some similarities in their powers too. Like Blackbeard can use his own unique gravity to forcing his opponents closer. The Darkness also has a form of gravity manipulation. Blackbeard can suck in buildings, people or objects then split them back out flying all over the place. The Darkness could recreate a black hole if he really wants to.

Now going back to possibly destroy the world. Even if Blackbeard does that, he will die from lack of oxygen while The Darkness can alter his powers to allowing him to breath in space. By default, Blackbeard does have vastly superior stats to regular Jackie. This won't be a fight but we aren't here to compare regular Jackie to Blackbeard.

Hell no we are talking compared Jackie using the artifact against Blackbeard. I should mention this artifact does predate existence while there are clues to how far back devil fruits go. The author has stated in the near future, an scientist will explain their origin. It is difficult to know exactly when so we at least know it doesn't predate existence.

The Darkness can have any powers he wants including those very helpful against someone like Blackbeard. Such as time manipulation, soul manipulation and wears insanely durable armor. Sure Haki could determine how to fatal strike blows to your opponent but not possible against The Darkness.

In a sense, this is a fun stomp fight that actually has some interesting factors. Blackbeard does have a way to winning this fight but it is most likely The Darkness that quickly becomes too much. The Darkness becoming resistant to a degree against light makes it even more difficult for Blackbeard. For the record, I know I did a few predictions where One Piece characters loss.

I am actually a huge fan of One Piece but in my defense, The opponents I put Gladius & Blackbeard up against had ridiculous things going for them. Yes I do plan on doing a future one with Monkey D. Luffy. The Darkness is just mind blowing in what he can truly do. Keep in mind, I'm not using non canon stuff for this decision.

Even if I were to do such a thing, there isn't much non canon stuff with Blackbeard while The Darkness held his own against DC's Superman. Which would've been more proof that he's an universal character. Honestly, Blackbeard does have some great advantages but ultimately his best ones doesn't even matter in this fight.

Winner: Jackie Estacado (Image Comics)