More thoughts on Elbaph Arc in One Piece

Hello everyone I'm XboxClown89, earlier this year I revealed my thoughts on the current arc in One Piece manga. It really shouldn't be a surprise we're still in that arc right now. For an story arc I originally think was going to be this critical to the story. So many huge questions I had answered. I will try to limit on not revealing any major while discussing newer thoughts I had on this arc.

For a good while a rather long flashback. Which still isn't done I'm up to Chapter 1168 to clarify. I could never imagine such massive bombs were going to dropped!!! Let's put it this way my mind was really blown with Egghead Arc. Majority of this flashback we're currently in easily outdone that!!! You could even say after a lot of consideration.

The present events making perfect sense. This is lining every major thing together perfectly!!! Some of the biggest questions are finally getting answered. I never seen an manga author do this amazing of a job writing in my entire life!!! Some of which even further confirmed my own predictions actually going to happen.

The flashback itself reveals a legendary pirate crew before it's unexpected end. Which led to an handful of it's members becoming legendary pirates later most of the Four Emperors of the Sea. There's a couple characters I wasn't expecting to show up. A particular character's actions lining up years later with all this!!!

Of course, Elbaf is a major focus in all this madness. I gotta be honest I absolutely loved their old king. Now I see an redemption story for one of his sons. I been noticing a lot of stuff that happens. Even indirectly will happen later within the story. Such as the famous saying, "History repeats itself." Some of the future stuff will line up with some of the past events.

I think the entire point of that flashback is in some way everything repeats. The insane amount of surprises I still felt isn't done yet. I would even say this has to be one of the greatest story arcs the author ever written!!! I am quite serious a large amount of it is in the present within Elbaf. This long flashback lines up it's history with some critical events along the way.

Basically what's currently going in Elbaf already happened a few times before. The fate of the country currently not certain. There's so much on the line right now. Luffy expecting a particular person from Wano to join his crew in the near future. Which lines up with Oden being on two legendary pirate crews. Considering he was that person's idol.

What I'm about to say only covered in the manga. But they might animate parts of it in the show soon. This person already getting followers that used to be enemies. Which also mirrored their idol with some of his closest allies. There's a huge chance Luffy despite not being the one to form his Grand Fleet. Possibly could get more forces within that to terrify the World Government.

Now the fated showdown of Luffy vs Blackbeard even lines up with this flashback in a few surprising ways. I can't wait for this war to start myself. We already know one of the most essential wars currently going on. This flashback really speaking volumes to it's greatness!!! Don't worry Shanks is essential to this as well.

To avoid spoilers I won't reveal anything major about his involvements in things. Just confirming yes he's in the long flashback a few ways. None of it is cameos either. I'm becoming more convinced Luffy vs Blackbeard very likely going to be the next arc. Even Boa Hancock's country involved in a rather unexpected way.

There's a few major changes I noticed with this flashback. We finally gotten a great look at things before Roger's final words right before he's executed triggered the Great Pirate Era. We also get to see a country that's completely went 360 with it's ways to a point. I also will confirm the big expected thing with Dragon aka Luffy's father happened.

I just won't reveal exactly but it wasn't what I expected. This also revealed more of Luffy's grandfather Garp's past as well. I'm just surprised after this one incident he stayed as a vice admiral within the marines. The old king had a similar dream to Oden funny enough. Both wanted their countries to join the alliance with the World Government.

Unfortunately tragedies caused both of those to not happen. Although it still left the door for their successors to eventually complete their dreams. Now this is exactly how in depth with the writing Oda widely known for. We already figured Luffy is in the foot stops of the late Pirate King. Some of the more recent stuff with Luffy mirrors Roger in several ways.

This arc is going to be a lot longer than anyone ever expected. Especially bridging all of that to the present. Directly tie things together with the next arc afterwards to come full circle. You also gotta keep in mind he does use a lot of characters. It's safe to say there's a few thousands getting closer to millions in the near future.

I honestly can't think of any other Shonen manga series with this many characters!!! I can't wait to eventually go back to what's going in the present soon. What I do know for certain is the next chapter about to further blow our minds!!! It's really impressive how much this author thinks of everything. Even the little things suddenly become rather important later on within the story.

One Piece really packs in the details unlike any other authors of his field. This arc is more or less the climax portion of the Final Saga. Of course, there's still plenty more story telling. From this point on regardless what's going to happen. The following arc going to be one of the hardest final arcs to top within Shonen manga history.

Especially if Oda maintains control over his franchise. Some of the authors ended up getting rushed to finish up their series. Even with the company attempting to make newer series not last as long. I still felt Oda going to make sure even if something happens to him. His master piece going to end exactly how he planned it.

I will give the author of Yu Yu Hakusho & Hunter X Hunter respect. He already thought ahead just in case he passed away. Before finishing Hunter X Hunter despite serious back pains. Last I checked he had a huge stack of chapters about to get added to that story. Now that's two authors of the genre I highly respect!!!

Oda also working with teams on other One Piece shows. I don't know how involve he is with One Piece: Heroines show. I do know he's heavily involved with the live action show. I'm dying to watch Season 2 of that!!! I believe he's also working with the team making The One Piece show. It's meant to be a faster pace anime show based on the famous manga series.

I mentioned all of this because we know Oda truly cares for his works as well as his fans. As long as he's still in control. I do think One Piece manga has a very bright future ahead. I also think the moment that final chapter drops. Every One Piece fan in the entire world will drop everything to read it. I strongly believe that chapter going to be well worth the long wait to read.

As for the current arc in the story. There's plenty of interesting surprises I didn't even see coming. So far the most critical long flashback the author ever written to date. Now I am thinking a rough estimation of three maybe four years. For this arc to end the way the author intended. I am not even sure if it'll be like Egghead Arc or end up like majority of them.

The later being the Strawhats saved another country from a tyrant. He previously saved a few kingdoms in this journey. Majority of royalty in those kingdoms were actual decent people. Not all nobles are bad in One Piece. Personally it would be nice if eventually the one person designated to rule an country. But majority of it's civilians heavily against.

Eventually comes together for a brighter future for the country. Thus mirroring his father's change from his old ways. This long flashback set so many things into motion it's ridiculous!!! The absolute best part is the pacing perfect in the manga version. I should point out the original anime show about to take a few months break.

I believe they're still animating Egghead Arc last I checked. Which means more time being spending on episodes based on Elbaph Arc. We just don't know if any filler episodes on the way. We do know a new One Piece movie been confirmed. Which will be the sixteen One Piece movie. Honestly I'm rather curious to see how this current arc going to end?

My thoughts on Full Moon's new movie poll

Hello everyone I'm XboxClown89, before I get to today's topic. Recently been notably more busier than I expected. On top of that I might have to delay my upcoming Games of 2025. Which could end up coming out early next year depending on things. Now I got that off my shoulders here's a surprise I didn't expect from Full Moon Features.

A few days, Charles Band himself started a new movie poll. Ideally there's fourteen movie concepts. But only ten of them getting made next year. He also stated you don't have to pick ten to take part in this poll. I always wanted to get involve with this movie company for a long time. For those not familiar with their movies.

They are low budget horror or porn movies. I mostly watch a lot of their horror movies over the years. These films aren't for everyone either. Essentially movies the bigger movie companies refuses to make. They have a notable track record with such weird movies. I am prepared to go over my ten picks for that poll.

At one point, they were partnered with Paramount. Some of the finest movies came out in that era. They became notably smaller budget movies after that ended. Even right now a lot of their fans are supporting to keep em in business making more movies. Which is similar to Troma another famous indie movie company that doesn't appeal to everyone.

1. The Grim Rapper

2. Models Vs Werewolves

3. Svengali 2026

4. Subhuman

5. Sirens of Seduction

6. The Cyber Bride

7. Lost Girl's Private Diary

8. The Haunting of Eleanor

9. Dungeon Dolls

10. Robotica

11. Buried Secrets

12. Catacombs of Horror

13. Terror Express

14. The Haunted Heads of Doctor Decapto

Hopefully by the end of this you have a good idea what to expect from their films. I do wanna say Buried Secrets was very close getting picked. I do think it had a great picture with it's description. To me kept coming off like Leprechaun series. In particular, a group of people find treasures. Suddenly they're being stalked by an supernatural being.

Svengali 2026 was obvious going to be a porn film. The picture of that was alright with it's description not selling me on wanting to see the movie. I don't wanna say it sucks not in that sense lol. It just didn't peak my interest even by a little bit. The Cyber Bride was kinda meh at best. Going by it's description, an woman created a ridiculous robot she ends up loving in fall with.

The same robot ends up doing the same with her. Personally the other robot concept was more interesting than this. I don't wanna throw salt it just wasn't my thing. The Haunting of Eleanor is a weird love triangle involving an alive woman and two ghosts that's a couple. This one could be either horror or porn considering that concept.

It sorta had the same reaction I had with The Cyber Bride. I don't think there's going to be much to work with. Especially with a lot of the movies I picked. I'm respectfully revealing how I felt about the movies I didn't pick. Before I start revealing my thoughts on my ten choices. I should point out Band been using AI to help make movies faster.

It's very likely AI going to get a lot of these movies done. Although, he previously tried an ten movie concept that didn't fully happen before. I'm actually curious if these ten movies going to happen next year or not. In all honestly, I always respected what he's done over the years. Same with Lloyd Kaufman from Troma.

1. The Grim Rapper

This movie was previously in the ten movie planned I briefly mentioned. As soon as I fully saw the picture for the movie sign me up!!! The concept was the most unexpected among all of them I felt. A greedy record executive uses an AI to revive a murdered Hip Hop legend. This dead guy has a cursed boom box.

Also going by it's description, the characters gets trapped inside the music studio. Suddenly the dead going after the living. Honestly, I do welcome such out there concepts for a horror movie. You see a lot of similar horror movies. You just want something different this could be it!!! The Grim Rapper absolutely sounds like something only Full Moon would make at it's core.

2. Models Vs Werewolves

I will be honest I originally wasn't going to pick this concept of a movie. It involves five ladies that goes out to have fun on a rare full moon night. But there's werewolves close by. To me it's sorta like Zombies Vs Strippers. I guess we could assume if this gets picked. This would be a spiritual successor to that. It's an concept only Full Moon would attempt.

What's next Soccer Moms vs Vampires? I'm just curious enough to vote for it. My actual hype isn't going to be high. Especially with some of the movies I'll be talking about. I'm not used to see werewolves in their movies either. I actually expect this be a rather trashy movie. Only the right people could enjoy it thing.

3. Subhuman

I actually liked this picture a lot. This guy named Kyle enters the mind of a woman whose not an human. He ends up becoming a prisoner in his own apartment. His only hope is one of his neighbors, Heather to come save him. This reminded me of Silent Hill 4: The Room with some similarities. The description doesn't even give us clues what this evil woman actually is either.

I do liked the title since it's surprisingly fitting for the concept. I would say this is mid among all my choices. At the same time, this could even up being better than I expected. What I do know is they could do a lot with that concept. I just wished it would've happened before Band started using AI. To be fair though Subhuman could stand out from some of his similar films.

Indirectly Full Moon also has Subspecies series. Band also involved with Dreamaniac possibly making this it's spiritual successor. This goes to show don't attempt reading a different being's mind. Bad things are doomed to happened. I do think this fits Full Moon's history of movies well. Not sure how well the final film going to turn out though.

4. Sirens of Seduction

The picture alone sold me on the concept. We have this guy whose obviously an vampire similar to Count Orlok from Nosferatu. The movie is about a man that uses severed heads. He has a collection of female heads. Suddenly this is like Shrunken Heads in a few ways. These heads were carved from alabaster, ruby and crystal and draped in silk.

Both involves an man commanding shrunken heads. I expect this to be a darker, twisted take on that. Professor Grantham forces these heads to do horrible things. I wouldn't be surprised somehow they turned on him. I actually hope we get to see the process of making these heads. You can tell I actually wanna see this movie if it happens.

5. Lost Girl's Private Diary

I know the title doesn't sound like much. Everything else quickly sold me on the concept. The picture works wonders I loved it!!! The story about a struggling writer that finds an old diary. Which so happened to be written in blood. She attempts to steals stories from that book. Ends up completing an ancient ritual.

The world now has to deal with skeletal demons. Right off the bat it's remind me of Evil Dead series. You know when anyone reads a particular section from the Necronomicon. The deadnites starts talking the life it's virtually the same here. What really sold me on this was skeletal demons. I love anything skulls as well as skeletons it's right up my alley!!!

6. Dungeon Dolls

Three women are trapped inside a basement dungeon. They so happened to be dressed up like life-sized dolls. The gamekeeper whose wearing a mask confirmed in the description. They have to go through a series of tasks. I think you can see which direction we're going in. This is essentially Saw was more of a sex movie.

To me, this all sounded interesting. I liked the picture for the concept to a degree. I do wanna see how truly mess up things could get. Ultimately they are trying to escape to survive. The fact they're forced to dress up like dolls is pretty mess up stuff. The title is perfect for the concept. I'm already going in with ideas what could happen is a good sign for this!!!

7. Robotica

This had one of the shortest descriptions across fourteen movie concepts for the poll. Yet this was one of the very few I wanted right on the spot. The story follows two security guards during a night shift. While patrolling an adult toy company a particular female sex doll prototype. Named Robotica malfunctions I liked where we're going with this.

Sure I did quickly think of M3gan. This is more like the first two Demonic Toys movies. Both those movies took place in the same toy warehouse. In a weird way this could be considered a spiritual successor to those movies. The picture itself was not what I expected at all. This could even be similar to Child's Play remake to a degree.

8. Catacombs of Horror

I will be honest I took a little extra time deciding to pick this movie. The description actually reveals a large amount of stuff. A young woman traveling to a village in Italy. She ends up feeling in love with a local guy. We still haven't gotten to parts of the description that gotten my attention. She falls into the catacombs that's under his family estate.

Hidden inside the catacombs is a creature. She ends up being marked as a sacrifice by her boyfriend. Who gets revealed to be the creature's devoted high priest. I know that's a lot to take in right? They actually could do a lot with this concept. Her boyfriend pretends to be on her side. When in truth, he wants to give her to the creature is pretty mess up!!!

9. Terror Express

The story is about a murder-mystery bachelorette party on a luxury train. When the bridesmaids open an antique puzzle box. This caused three seductive incubi.. It's hard to tell if this going to be an horror movie with some sex scenes or more of their weirder porn films honestly. The fact this already sounds like a weird Hellraiser style movie.

This is happening on an train no less. Just like that Black Sabbath song, rest in peace Ozzy Osbourne. The picture is among the weirdest I'm not kidding. We have five people freaking out over a severed arm. Honestly, regardless which type of movie it turns out to be. I still quite curious to see what actually happens.

10. The Haunted Heads of Doctor Decapto

I absolutely loved this picture representing the concept. We have a cloaked man holding three severed heads. He's also surrounded by more floating severed heads. We also see a red moon just behind a house with some creepy trees. The story involves a disgraced medical research that's been hired to assist a mysterious doctor.

He lives in a remote forgotten mansion in the wilderness. This doctor shows his new assistant his collection of human heads. Which are somehow alive, aware and surprisingly young. DeCapto discovered a method for immortality. However it only works on disembodied heads. The real reason his assistant there is to improve it's effectiveness or his head gets added to his head collection.

For me, this was among the most interesting of the concepts. Some could criticize it revealing a little too much. Then again just having half this description would've cost it a lot of votes. Honestly whoever wrote all of this thank you so much. I'm very interested in seeing this movie if it's among the ten selected movies to be made next year.

In a way, it's sorta like Puppet Master series. We know another method of immortality was used on the puppets. Going back to Decapto in a cloaked was like servants of Sutekh. Once again I gotta mention Shuriken Heads. Even Band himself confessed he had a thing for heads. I do think in the right hands AI or not this could be a rather interesting movie.

Conclusion

Assuming ten out of fourteen movies from this poll happens. I would be interested in seeing every single one I voted for out of the lineup confirmed. Hopefully they end up on Tubi I'll would like to watch them all. I'll even review all of them together in one long movie review blog. I'm just glad I can finally do something with Full Moon Features.

If I had to confirm which three movies I selected I wanna see the most? The Grim Rapper, Robotica and The Haunted Heads of Doctor Decapto respectively. The Grim Rapper was an idea previously going to happen. Everything about it screams Full Moon in a nut shell. Robotica despite how limited it's description was to the other movie concepts in the poll.

What was presented ended up being more than enough to sell me on the concept. The Haunted Heads of Doctor Decapto really gotten my attention. I felt this one has a huge potential to be something amazing. I would be very happy all three of those movies happens next year. I guess we have to wait for the results of that poll soon.

Megabonk (2025) review

Hello everyone I'm XboxClown89, I previously wishlist today's game. But a surprise nominee removal from The Game Awards lead to me buying the game in question. I actually was really close voting for the game for Best Debut Indie Game award. Which ultimately went to Clair Obscur: Expedition 33. I'm here to review Megabonk for my own personal amusement.

Megabonk (2025)

The most recurring description for the game is Vampire Survivors but in 3D. I am not going to lie it's tricky to rank it for an upcoming blog for that reason. At the same time, there's a few notable changes to differ it barely enough from that. I'll be very direct with a video from Megabonk's creator confirming he was heavily inspired by Vampire Survivors.

Yes it's essentially Vampire Survivors at it's core. But you actually can jump especially making tricky jumps to platforms. Considering it's in full 3D you really felt like you're in that world. You actually have to turn the mouse to see around you often. Which you don't need to do for Vampire Survivors or similar style games.

Obviously the maps are quite big that isn't infinite. Sometimes I felt a little too big but mostly decent. Majority of stuff you use in Vampire Survivors also presented in this. Let's put it this way if you do well at Vampire Survivors. Then you should do amazingly well at Megabonk. Don't expect nearly as much content as some of those games.

It's not what I call being light on content either. Achievement hunting wise it's a lot of fun. The audio as a whole truly amazing work. The controls is exactly where it needs to be. You constantly level up in the levels with randomized aspects. Which means every playthrough going to be different by default. They also done three tiers for two locations.

You start with Tier 1 Forest just one level. I am not going to lie there's some major problems. Like the difficulty can easily become unbalanced difficult at times. Even after you defeat the stage boss, the exit doesn't appear at the boss portal. I don't know how to get around that issue. It turns out a portals only appears for Tier 2 and Tier 3 respectively.

This means regardless which Tier once the final boss is defeated. You inevitably going to lose what an painful way to end the experience right? It almost comes off being trolled by the developer. You try so hard to finish the other level sets. The odds are really against you in so many ways. Honestly, this could turn a lot of people off from the game.

At times a lot of enemies will gang up on you. It doesn't get as bad as some similar games. I personally find it amusing for a lot of enemies. The default attack is simply moving into you I'm not kidding. The projectiles some of them fires can be a little confusing how to properly counter. Some bosses' health bars are quite massive.

Just like Vampire Survivors, you got a time limit. Which also has something similar when the timer runs out. In Vampire Survivors, it starts with one reaper. It is possible more than one reaper can come after you. In Megabonk's case, a lot of ghosts with horns constantly after you. As soon as they start becoming darker you're about to get very overwhelmed.

There's also challenges to help spice up the game. You can use silver coins to unlock stuff. I nearly have all the characters at the time writing this review. Just like some of those games, everyone specialize in what they do including their debut weapons. Megabonk is incredibly simply with a surprising level of depth.

This was made within a year I'm quite impressed. I considered Megabonk being a parody of the genre. One of my favorite characters is Monke. Whose an monkey that fires out bananas. Essentially this monkey constantly throwing bananas at enemies. The real reason Monke stands out is being able to walk or jump up higher areas with ease.

It almost felt like a cheat code how that works. It's incredibly fun to use especially when you ran out of time. Megabonk does cost a little more than the base game of Vampire Survivors. To be honest, you really can't go wrong playing both of them. You also get a radar as well as a huge map to figure out where to go.

Easily among the most fun games I played this year. I wish there was more actual locations in the game. If you wanna be technical you currently have six levels right now. Which isn't a lot of levels for a game of this style. If it didn't have the challenges, this wouldn't been worth it's price for me. The challenges gets very creative that also helps you unlocking some stuff faster.

Some of them actually might be the prefer variation of the game to play. I won't sugar coat you will lose a lot. Don't get upset though because you may unlock stuff as well as earn silver coins. There's plenty of unlockables to take hours to get. Megabonk is among the craziest games in the genre I played. I will confess it's not my favorite though.

My thoughts on Megabonk removal from The Game Awards 2025

I originally didn't plan on discussing this. However I really enjoyed the game a lot. I figured since I'm reviewing Megabonk. I should share my thoughts on this situation. The Game Awards didn't properly research the solo developer for the game. In fact, the person in question requested Megabonk removal from their awards show.

They respectfully agreed to do that. There's some mixed opinions on this. Some people including myself felt their honestly was worth noting on the matter. It actually gotten me more interested in playing Megabonk. Others felt they might know who made the game. Very quickly toxicity came out following that.

Regardless who actually made Megabonk thank you so much!!! My big issue actually led to a huge disappointment. Originally Best Debut Indie Games award had five nominees. Reduced to four following Megabonk's removal. They didn't state anything on why they didn't replace the game? Even it's creator threw out an indie game they wish would've taken it's place.

As far as I'm aware The Game Awards isn't replacing Megabonk. Which I personally found to be very disrespectful. Now I know this occurred early into the voting. At the same time, they had enough time to simply replace it. Indie video games is really doing wonders right now. Obviously there's no shortage of worthy replacements.

They could've put Best Debut Indie Game award on hold following this. Then after they found an replacement restart the voting for that particular award. Hell they also could've waited to do it along with Players' Voice award. In a way I felt bad for not just the creator of Megabonk. But also for many indie developers that could've gotten nominated for this award.

I already know The Indie Game Awards 2025 coming soon. The point I'm trying to make it they need a few new rules regarding this situation. Maybe when it eventually happens again. They could do the right thing this time or keep doing questionable stuff coughs nominees for Best Fighting Game award. I personally hope indie developers keep going strong!!!

My thoughts on The Game Awards 2025 nomination

Hello everyone I'm XboxClown89, I know I previously covered Golden Joystick Awards 2025 in a few entries. However there's some rather interesting nominees I gotta talk about. I may reveal some of my votes as well. I will say this it's better than last year's nominations in a few awards. Yes I watched the short announcement live stream.

Now I don't plan to cover every award they're doing. I will directly discuss a few of them in more details. An handful I'll only mention because of well interesting choices. The voting begin a few hours ago. This will take place on December 11th. Golden Joystick Awards 2025 is this Thursday. A day before my birthday funny enough.

Last year it literately was my birthday. This won't be full rant but as soon as I say a few games. You may know what's about to show up lol. I do have a major issue with lag that made voting for every single award felt like an eternity!!! Especially when voting for Golden Joytstick Awards was much faster in comparison.

A brief mention Expedition 33 alone had three voice actors nominated for Best Performance. Which makes up half the total nominations for that award. Best Mobile Game award nominated Sonic Rumble!!! I still haven't tried the Steam version. Very quickly I heard bad stuff about this Sonic game. The one award that stands out from the rest in a huge way.

Best Fighting Game easily the biggest wtf happened? 2XKO is an Early Access fighting game not on Steam. It's not even fully out yet supposedly coming out this year. This bags a lot of questions why nominate an fighting game not even released? This isn't the case of Best Early Access Game award from Golden Joystick Awards either.

Two of the nominees are fighting compilation games. Capcom Fighting Collection 2 and Mortal Kombat: Legacy Kollection respectively. Last year, Marvel vs. Capcom Fighting Collection: Arcade Classics nominated for the same award. Which ultimately went to Tekken 8. I knew it would win yet I wanted to support the return of such an iconic crossover fighting game franchise.

Mortal Kombat: Legacy Kollection is in the process of getting fixed up by Digital Eclipse. I'm even amazed the collection gotten nominated at all. It kinda felt like they didn't know enough fighting games. They figured to allow that in to make things easier for em. In truth, I bet the fighting community isn't happy about this.

My actual vote if you haven't already guessed by now is Capcom Fighting Collection 2. Sure I may not been as hyped as the previous entries. I still really wanna play this collection soon. Even Capcom Fighting Evolution, most of the lineup is very solid. More than enough fan service thrown in with no paid DLCs at all.

Innovation In Accessibility award nominated Assassin's Creed Shadows. Up to a point, I mostly kept hearing not great stuff about the game. At one point I was excited to possibly considered giving it a try. Then all of that quickly went out the window fast. It's mind blowing they nominated an Assassin's Creed game this hated for such an award.

For me, among the easiest votes I casted. Doom: The Dark Ages I instantly knew that's getting my vote. Best Adaptation left out Sonic 3 movie. I am not sure if I heard of Splinter Cell: Deathwatch before. Same with Until Dawn but I heard of their video game franchises. I ended up going with A Minecraft Movie.

I haven't even seen the newer Devil May Cry show yet. I'm sure parts of it I'm going to enjoy. Of course, The Last of Us show gets nominated again. I know this rant is more towards Fangoria Chainsaw Awards. The same show two years in a row won Best Series award there. Thankfully it won't get nominated next year for the same award.

I predicted Stranger Things going to win that following Best Series award. I'm not crazy about Minecraft it's alright. I do like Jack Black to a degree. It's such an out there concept for a movie. A game that allows you to creative stuff on the fly turned into a comedy movie. Honestly, it's such a bizarre concept that people ended up loving a lot.

Game of the Year award I felt is mostly better than last year's. I confessed majority of my votes went for Hades II. Which already gotten added to my long list of games. Most Anticipated Game is virtually Golden Joystick Awards' Most Wanted Game award in a nut shell. Just like there, my top choice hands down was Resident Evil Requiem.

An handful of awards I just didn't care for. I actually felt majority of them were well selected. It's just one of those things you wish a game or two could've gotten in. I don't know it's because Stuttering Craig's The Real Game Awards lit a fire for them to do better this year or not. What I do know is I'm mostly interested in Best Fighting Game award.

I'm predicting Virtua Fighter 5 R.E.V.O. World Stage getting the second most votes. Just a little above MK: Legacy Kollection. I kinda felt bad for 2XKO in this weird situation. By default going to get the fewest votes going by logic alone. Let's be honest, Power Stone series and Capcom vs. SNK series within Capcom Fighting Collection 2 too much for em.

Not only that, unlike the previous entries offers 2D and 3D fighting games. This by itself helps the collection stand out in a huge way. You really get your money's worth with this fighting compilation series. Simply packs enough punch to make the rest of em run away. Like Chuck Norris about to do the Roundhouse Kick you run!!!

In fact, I do believe Capcom Fighting Collection 2 possibly going to win that award. The collection offers an insane amount of content without paid DLCs. It's virtually fan service at it's finest especially if you love fighting games. I may be going out on a limb but that's my prediction. Game of the Year award I strongly felt going to be between three games.

Hades II, Hollow Knight: Silksong and Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 respectively. Half of the nominations that's indie video games. A new record was broken following the announcement. I'm personally excited to see this happened. Beyond this point I have nothing else to say. The rest of the nominations I'm fine with.

Deep Rock Galactic: Survivor (2025) review

Hello everyone I'm XboxClown89, today I'll be reviewing another game I originally played off of Game Pass. I really gotten into playing the hell out of this game!!! Prior to getting released on Xbox as Day 1 game for Game Pass. It used to be an Early Access game. I will be reviewing Deep Rock Galactic: Survivor.

Deep Rock Galactic: Survivor (2025)

If you played games like Vampires Survivors, Brotato or Renfield: Bring Your Own Blood. Deep Rock Galactic: Survivor plays like those. However there's a major twist that helped it stand out from those. You play as dwarves breaking up rocks while fighting off alien insects. Not only that, it's actually done in fully 3D.

Majority of that style games is done in 2D that appears smaller. Basically this game looks absolutely massive even for any 1st map of a run you're doing. You get several objectives you could do. Like activating stations or kill off boss creatures in the final level of each set. Like most of those games you can randomly gain access to many weapons or abilities that could make or break runs.

Like Vampire Survivors, you also can get permanent upgrades. Although you can reset those upgrades for a different experience. You maintain every currencies in the process which is kinda awesome. Many types of rocks acts as currencies in this game. You also can get upgraded stuff your dwarves could use during the levels as well as upgrade em.

For example, you could have a low level item your dwarf wears. You could have what you need to upgrade it's level thus how helpful it'll actually be during the levels. I also liked there's outfits the dwarves can wear as well. The game is broken up into several sections. I got a few major tips to go over that's critical.

Expect to fail a lot while trying to complete the game. I even had times there's so many enemies on the screen. I couldn't even see a small path around any of them!!! It's actually quite overwhelming when it happens. In most levels, you get a few objectives you could do. Thankfully among completing those objectives they stay done.

This is also quite an achievement heavy game. Then again so was both Vampire Survivors and Brotato. Deep Rock Galactic: Survivor is really replayable at it's core. I absolutely love everything audio wise as a whole. The actual art work was absolutely mind blowing!!! The levels are randomly generated from what I can tell.

Which means none of the levels will ever be truly alike. This by itself really adds to it's replay value. I'm even surprised this also in Xbox Anywhere program. Yes the difficulty will spike a lot especially in the later levels of a set. In fact, expect from start to finish to put in a lot of hours. It may not seem like a long game on the surface.

Trust me, for a longer length game it somehow maintains being fun as well as unique. I even voted for it in Golden Joystick Awards 2025 for Best Indie Game award. Not to be confused with it's Best Indie Game - Self Published award. Where I actually voted for Hades II. You get a great variety of upgrades during the levels.

Which does include speeding up breaking up the rocks as well as collecting em from a further distance. You can get a few weapons that all notably differs. It's even possible that they can't even get close to you. Unlike they are tanked enough or a boss creature. You would be very surprised how much actual depth this game has.

Elimination involves level sets with a huge drilling machine. After you finished the important objectives. Directly following killing off the bosses. You get a short time limit to get back in the drilling machine. Thank god it's a few levels within a set. The levels takes a lot longer to get through because of objectives.

As previously stated, the levels are quite huge. You have to figure where everything else every single time. Which isn't that bad due to how they set it up. I also love how the variety of level designs. Which does affect hazards to a degree. Sometimes you can't argue if you can make contact or avoid it altogether.

Escort involves a huge cutting machine that requires oil. Mostly to move from point a to point b. You could speed through these much faster. But I recommend more of a slow fast. Some parts you can move faster while others it's more wise to finish things at a slower pace. You would quite surprised how much strategies plays into everything?

Deep Rock Galactic: Survivor is a spin off of Deep Rock Galactic. Which I never played prior to playing this game. I will be honest I wanna play it now!!! I know some quickly labeled this an Vampire Survivors clone. I strongly felt it does more than enough to stand out on it's own. In all honestly, I am really deeply impressed by this game.

I also gotta mention regarding the game broken up into sections. The first section has a couple level sets you must complete. This by itself will take a lot of hours to finish. Even if you aren't going for optional objectives. You really shouldn't rush playing this. In fact doing so means you'll die in record time. I highly recommend exploring around levels to gain as much level ups as possible.

The more leveled up you are by the final level of a set. The more likely you're going to succeed finishing em. I also liked every major rock you can collect differs more than colors. Some of them has notably differ textures to help you tell em apart from each other. My wife funny enough is more into rocks.

You also get three versions of every dwarf. By default, they also notably differ from each other. Virtually having some advantages over the other thing. The different variations starts out with different weapons. Which does make just enough of a difference to be notable. You also can get stuff to customize em that changes aspects as well.

Elimination has a couple mini bosses leading to the final bosses within a level set. The final bosses are notably a lot bigger. You even could face two of them at the same time. This is excluding a ridiculous amount of alien insects you could be dealing with. At the end of Escort level sets is getting the huge cutting machine to the heartstone.

There's a few sections of it's health bar. Where these lasers from the planet through crystals gets used. They prevent the machine from further damaging the heartstone. Also you being outside the radius has a similar effect. It's even crazier this isn't even a co-op game like Vampire Survivors more recently. They also have Weapon Mastery & Class Mastery levels to test your skills more.

In both variations of the levels you don't get to choose your character. You have to play whatever you get is a rather unique concept that's quite risky. If you finish Weapon Mastery levels you get those weapons leveled up as a whole. Which means the weapons will be even more helpful in future runs. Yes you could risk it with 5 tier levels for max weapon level upgrades.

They really went the distance literately with this indie game. A surprising great balancing on difficulty that could either get easier or harder depending on things. An insane amount of ways to keep the game truly refreshing as well as replayable. It's so satisfying nearly loss an run to complete the set. You really can figure out your ideal set up for future runs that works for you.

I really love seeing this level of creativity within the game play. Deep Rock Galactic: Survivor is possibly one of the greatest indie games I ever played!!! There's no question it really will keep you busy for hours. Among the very best games of this style. I don't really have much to criticize either. I actually felt it's the perfect game of this style since Brotato I played.

Deep Rock Galactic: Survivor is easily one of the finest games I played this year. You get just the right level of challenge. Depending on your upgrades could get a little easier or more difficult. Every upgrade you choose could heavily impact everything. I also gotta say this game plays perfectly on my Xbox and PC through Xbox Anywhere program.

This is easily one of the greatest games I played off of Game Pass in a long time. I was somewhat curious to check out when it gotten onto the service. I'm really glad I gave the game a try. At it's core, there's plenty of simpler mechanics with some complexity thrown in. I really love you can get creative with your set ups.

You never want too much of something upgrades wise. I prefer attempting to going as close to all around as possible. Virtually covering up all your bases truly goes a long way in this game. If you really want to max out all your permanent upgrades. You really gotta commit to that there's no true short cuts. Deep Rock Galactic: Survivor has to be one of the finest spin off games I ever played!!!

A very strong recommendation or more directly you gotta play this before you die. Trust me it's that great of an experience. One you'll remember for the rest of your time. Deep Rock Galactic: Survivor is a truly impressive indie video game. Honestly, I strongly felt my standards for the genre gotten insanely high following this!!!

Overpowered 1 - Mars Infestation (2025) review

Hello everyone I'm XboxClown89, I'm back with another Xbox Anywhere game. For being the cheapest in a crazy purchase it was a little better than I expected. Not many people heard of this game because it came out a few months ago. Maybe my review could convince a few people to give the game a try. Today I'm here to review Overpowered 1 - Mars Infestation.

Overpowered 1 - Mars Infestation (2025)

It's broken up in four levels with two survival maps. There isn't much story in the game itself. There isn't even an ending when you complete it. Unless you consider the texts following completing the level that. In the main levels you get to explore. You constantly have to fight your way through rooms. It sorta reminded me of Smash TV and it's spiritual successor Total Carnage.

For the most part you can choose where to go. You get a few upgrades that helps a bit. A small variety of enemies you quickly memorize. There isn't technically a boss monster. The closest thing is Centipedes being the longest, biggest creatures. You can get more health but you gotta earn it. I know parts of this will seem like an endurance.

The true endurance are the two survival maps. There is only this dark cave design for every map. The controls are decent enough I felt. I actually like the art work of the game itself. I didn't expect to enjoy it this much for a cheap Xbox game. It works perfectly across two platforms I played the game on. Achievement hunting is honestly one of the most straight forward I ever done.

As for the survival maps I wish they were more like Endless Mode in Vampire Survivors & similar games. Just like the main levels, you face enemies. Until the timer runs out or you run out of lives. For the main levels, there's a lot of rooms with their own timers. For these maps though killing particular enemies drops upgrades.

I felt these maps ended up being my favorites. Sure it lacks exploring around the level from the main levels. At the same time, you get a bigger room than you regularly get in the main levels. Depending how well you're doing could end up with more upgrades than in the main levels. Difficulty can spike but ultimately after a few decent upgrades you'll start owning em hard!!!

I am glad I decided to purchase this game. Overpowered 1 - Mars Infestation felt held back. A few major changes would truly bring this game to life!!! Everything needs more variety is the nicest, most direct criticism I have for the game. For being a cheap game it justifies just enough. Honestly, I kinda wish there was more overall content than what it currently has.

I'm not calling the game a disappointment by any means. It just felt come to being something amazing or somewhat decent. For where it stands it's a little above alright. I will give the developer credit I sure had a hell of a time playing it. The game does not suck just needs more in the long run. Overpowered 1 - Mars Infestation I quickly made a notable impact with me in a good way.

DUSK (2025) review

Hello everyone I'm XboxClown89, today I'll be reviewing a game that took it's sweet time getting onto Xbox Series X. Even the launch trailer made a joke about it. I'm talking about a game I knew about a couple years. DUSK a famous indie boomer shooter style FPS game. I swear Xbox getting all the greatest FPS games.

DUSK (2025)

The game broken up into three episodes. Campaigns for those not familiar with that game design. It's heavily similar to the original Quake. Actually in most aspects a lot better than that. Although I found Cultic to be more like this funny enough. I always welcome an decent FPS game of this style. Like Cultic, you are facing an cult.

Not to insult Quake 1 fans everything was done better in DUSK. Character model designs are similar to Quake 1. None of them were direct copies. DUSK actually had a huge variety of enemies including Wendigos. Also like Cultic, there was Resident Evil 4 influence. The audio as a whole absolutely amazing work!!!

The levels do differ in length but still similar to Quake 1 in that department. This works very well on Xbox and PC through Xbox Anywhere program. There's some clever curve balls you won't see coming. Thankfully you can quick save for most of the game. You get a lot of weapons that differs enough. At the same time are mostly fun to use.

You wouldn't believe the greatest weapon isn't even in your arsenal. There's a famous joke weapon you can pick up. I won't sugar coat it any longer you throw a bar of soap it instantly kills em. I guess the message here is the enemies stinks very bad they need a bath lol. There's a lot of creativity within the levels I was quite impressed.

You also get the main antagonist that taunts you often aspect. This game's Shao Kahn in a nut shell Jakob. Yes that's spelled with a k I checked. DUSK is rather ambitious in it's simple appearance. None of the levels are alike. There's more bosses than I was expecting. DUSK doesn't save the bosses at the end of an episode like many 90s FPS games.

My favorite boss hands down was Big John. He's a parody of Alan "Dutch" Schaffer from Predator. He sorta sounds like Schwarzenegger with some of his voice overs. You get to collect a few colored keys to access areas. A couple times your flashlight breaks which is scripted to happen. You do get new flashlights within those levels.

Like Cultic, there's several aspects of horror. Wendigos can come after you invisible until either you get attacked or you hit em once. I really enjoyed using the bouncing platforms they truly made it a rememberable experience. DUSK was rather inspiring for me to play. I haven't tried out Endless Mode. I already know I'm going to enjoy it when I do.

I know for people familiar with DUSK. It's crazy I'm just now finally playing it. I wasn't expecting the amount of levels within each episode to be slightly longer than Doom 1. There's a lot of surprising depth in this game. There's some crazy power ups like a particular one stops time. Only you move but during your movements the enemies can move to a degree.

My personal favorite ended up being capable of jumping up anything!!! This power up can easily allow you to quickly jump up high buildings. DUSK was a truly amazing FPS game. Easily one of most refreshing I played in a long time. Then again I said that about a few games this year. I will give DUSK some respect it's not what you're expecting.

This game does so many things you wouldn't believe happens in the game. Some of which I'm not used to like a level you touch this thing. The level alters gravity sending you flying at an angle. Surprisingly you don't fall to your death here. The level in question reminded me of the first level in Postal: Brain Damaged.

You had a few houses high up with some clever platforming to get across. I did like the gore from taking out the enemies. I think what I actually loved more was how everything fits together. It's a rather crazy FPS game that takes you to plenty of interesting locations. I also liked the bosses has health bars. You can bet a lot of secrets are well hidden.

Honestly, I do prefer this over the original Quake. I still prefer Cultic slightly more in some aspects. Let's be honest, it does come close to Blood just not quite. There's no shortage what this game's potential. DUSK is a very strong recommendation. Especially if you love boomer shooters in general. I don't have much to criticize.

Some levels has a notable learning curve than others. There's some huge difficulty spikes especially with some of the bosses. Some enemies are just tricky to deal with. Despite those issues you're really going to have one hell of a time with this!!! DUSK is a great one that quickly stands out. Trust me you gotta give this a try to see what I mean.

Beat 'Em Up Collection (2025) review

Warning this is going to be quite an lengthy blog entry. Well oh okay not that one Sword of Sodan blog long. But you get the idea it's going to take a long while to read all of this.

Hello everyone I'm XboxClown89, here's another compilation game I been eyeing up for months. I always been a huge fan of beat 'em up games for a long time. In fact, it's among my favorite genres for Arcade games. None of these were pulled from the arcades. We get seven games from Sega Genesis and Super Nintendo respectively with slightly more SNES games into the collection.

Beat 'Em Up Collection (2025)

1. First Samurai

2. Second Samurai

3. Gourmet Warriors

4. Water Margin

5. Iron Commando

6. Legend

7. Sword of Sodan

I previously mentioned in my newer I Have No Mouth and I Must Scream blog. The same engine that used also presented here. Let's start with the bonus stuff. Mostly stuff you expect to see in several compilation games. Pictures of the cases as well as their manuals. You get a lot of information about the games.

You also get rewind along with cheat options. Some of these can be quite rough at times. It's actually possible to get every achievements/trophies cheating. I do like how they set up the achievements/trophies for the most part. I personally glad every game gets em to a degree. I don't like when some of them doesn't do it for every game included to a degree.

I'm not trying to throw salt either. It just makes more sense you do stuff that unlocks achievements/trophies. You would want em for every game included right? On an average, it's four achievements/trophies a game. Not counting the famous unlock all achievements/trophies. Which automatically unlocks following getting the second to last achievement/trophy.

I also wanna say don't confuse the title of the compilation for Capcom Beat 'Em Up Bundle. Which also so happens to have seven games representing the same genre. There's a few major differences like this one lacks online multiplayer altogether. Also some of the features I mentioned aren't in Capcom Beat' Em Up Bundle either.

I also gotta mention both of these are the same price!!! Honestly I do prefer Capcom Beat 'Em Up Bundle a lot more. As for Beat 'Em Up Collection, the achievements/trophies hunting is a little better. There's a few curve balls but mostly straight forward. It's possible to get all their respective achievements/trophies in a single run each.

Right now I'm directly talking about the compilation itself. Before I review any of the games. I also wanna exclude some information for a surprise. Don't worry, what you wanna know for the most part still be there. For what it's worth it's not a bad beat 'em up collection. It's not quite perfect but it's just alright enough to work.

I always welcome more Sega Genesis games. I'm fine with playing more SNES games. I had a much bigger connection with Sega Genesis growing up. I do like this is heavily 16-bit era theme compilation game. None of these following games are alike. In fact, they differ so much it's quite refreshing. There's not much I'll directly change with the compilation itself.

What's even better is surprisingly this included within Xbox Anywhere program. I own it on two platforms at the same time. This already out doing Mortal Kombat: Legacy Kollection. Another compilation emulating both Sega Genesis and SNES games respectively. Beat 'Em Up Collection has many surprises you won't expect.

Finally reviewing the actual games you're welcome!!! section

The lineup has a serious difficulty problem. I ended up cheating to get all the achievements. Some are a little cheaper damage wise than others. I will give some credit though. None of the games are alike making it rather refreshing to play. In terms of beating capable of finishing every game within a compilation.

Cheating wise it's very possible. I do wish two of the SNES games had infinite lives. I did notice in some of the games emulation struggled a little bit. At the same time, I never had any input lags. I felt most of the games were alright at best. My two favorites being Gourmet Warriors and Water Margin respectively.

I really enjoyed both those games a lot. Gourmet Warriors is possibly the single weirdest beat 'em up game I ever played. Previously Battle Circuit from a few Capcom compilation games had the record. Let's just say this game quickly stands out from the rest. Water Margin is guilty of stealing from both Sega and Capcom.

Funny enough even the compilation itself stated such a fact I'm not kidding. The two beat 'em up games it's ripping off the most were Golden Axe and Warriors of Fate. Yes it does also rip off Knights of the Round as well. But I actually could argue how it rips those two off a bit more. Like Golden Axe, you can use magic attacks that has special effects damaging every enemy onscreen.

Some of the enemy designs kept reminding me of Golden Axe series. Everything else including the story directly stealing from Warriors of Fate. You play as one of the characters to take down an dynasty. Personally Warriors of Fate is a bit slower. But it also ended up being the overall better experience. To be fair, Water Margin blew my mind how great it was.

In fact, it quickly became one of my favorite Genesis beat 'em up games I ever played!!! In nearly aspect this game was truly amazing!!! I strongly recommend checking out that one. It's no question the absolute worst everyone knew this was coming. Sword of Sodan is mind blowing terrible!!! It's the worst in every possible way with little to no music at all.

It also was among the shortest games in the collection. Easily the most unbalanced among em. Not only that, I actually finished that before I fully played the other games knowing it's reputation. I actually wanna see AVGN rip this game apart I'm not kidding. Let's put it in a way that truly speaks volumes about how truly terrible of an experience it was.

I rather play the original Street Fighter over this. Let's be honest that really sucks too!!! At least, SF1 had music with more interesting characters. Even the stages looked better in comparison. You know a game is really bad when another just terrible game somehow slightly more bearable to play. I highly recommend don't even bother playing Sword of Sodan!!!

Gourmet Warriors you defeat enemies to get ingredients. During bonus sections, the robot chef will make a dish out of two ingredients. Yes it does allow you to use two of the same ingredient. Assuming you are playing without codes. You could get a little or a lot of health from these sections. Some of the enemies you have to see to believe.

We are talking tiny purple men that could dance on you. Giant grill people with legs. To clarify an actual grill machine with legs!!! We even had robot bunny ladies no really they're actually in the game!!! This isn't sponsored by Play Boy. Even the playable character's names are food references. Just not in the same sense of Saiyans' names being puns of vegetables in Dragon Ball franchise.

There's also a weird power up. You defeat a particular enemy. You pick up the item in question. Suddenly there's a darker clone of your character. Your helper is as random as it gets. Sometimes they help while doing nothing or by accident attacks you. They are more of a pain than actual help. I recommend to avoid picking up that item.

The final boss is somewhat similar to the true final boss of Battle Circuit. You will be quite surprised to learn this came out before Battle Circuit. Gourmet Warriors has some truly weird animations. Even for a beat 'em up game. Not only that, I simply love everything about it. I would even say easily among my favorite SNES beat 'em up games I ever played!!!

Samurai series is vastly different from each other. I do prefer Second Samurai more. No it's not because that's on Sega Genesis either. I simply like more aspects of the game more. First Samurai had some frustrating level designs. I was more surprised what Second Samurai offered. I even felt it's soundtrack easily among my favorites in the collection.

I do felt Iron Commando was better than Legend. Both developed by the same two man team. It wasn't common for games to be made by that small of a group back then. Iron Commando offers more of a variety. Legend ends up being like Golden Axe series just not as great. I did like it's art design though. Iron Commando also allows you to pick between two characters.

Iron Commando also has shooting portions I liked. All of them differ in some way to keep things interesting. Despite mostly cheating I did find joy playing the collection. It's a rather obscure lineup of games with the most famous one being a very bad game. Which heavily impacted the collection game in the long run.

If Sword of Sodan wasn't included. I actually felt this collection would be a little higher for me. If you never played Sword of Sodan. Good don't you'll instantly regret playing it!!! I will say this though it's a good discount collection. The fact I still found ways to enjoy most these games is a good sign. I would say this is better than Sega Vintage Collection: Alex Kidd & Co. honestly.

I know many people aren't aware there's two types of beat 'em up games. Which this collection showcases to a degree. I do felt just focusing on one of them would've been a bit better. Beat 'Em Up Collection was honestly better than what I expected. This is surprisingly somewhat decent quality compilation game despite it's flaws.

WTF section

Usually that would've been the end of my review. You might've noticed I didn't say some of the weirder stuff much. I knew there had to be an entire wtf section about it. I am quite serious all of them has plenty of rather unusual stuff. I felt I wanna try getting as much of that weirdness represented here. This is a very rare case for an compilation game I had to do this.

Let's start with their US release dates. Second Samurai, Gourmet Warriors, Iron Commando, and Water Margin respectively. All originally didn't released in the United States. A couple years, Piko Interactive LLC finally rereleased all of them there. Which also goes into most of the lineup had other rereleases on most platforms.

This includes two compilation games. If you wanna count Antstream Arcade that's more of a gaming service. A lot of games including Sword of Sodan presented there. This is only the beginning to the weirdness. Three games in the compilation were released on Amiga. Which was one of many older computers with it's own library of games.

First Samurai was the closest to it's original version. However the other two games had notable changes. Sword of Sodan cut the level amount down a little. Removed a few stuff including an creature you could mount. They also had more enemies during the levels. It's not even as colorful as the original Amiga version that's pathetic!!!

You would expect an 16-bit game consoles could've easily blown it away. Second Samurai was a vastly different game altogether. Like Killing Time from 3DO to PC situation. Some aspects did remained but everything else changed. A good example of this is the secondary playable character. Originally a similar bald looking samurai.

Update: according to the compilation. Second Samurai on Sega Genesis is considered a spiritual sequel to First Samurai on SNES.

He's replaced by a female samurai character. What's even weirder is the same company developed both samurai games. Yet they're incredibly different from each other. Not to mention, a different company published the games originally. Kemco published First Samurai on SNES. Psygnosis published Second Samurai on Sega Genesis.

Speaking of Psygnosis, they were originally going to publish an Sega CD version of Second Samurai. Unfortunately, Sony with buying several companies before launching PlayStation 1. Vivid Image worked out a deal to get the Genesis version released in Europe. Effectively canceling the Sega CD version altogether.

What's even weirder is they had a statement not directly mentioning First Samurai on SNES. It was more questionable why they decided to do Second Samurai on Sega Genesis. They actually thought it was the more successful game console. Sadly it was second best among it's console generation. Which made swapping consoles a bit strange with no direct answers.

Most of the video game covers are fine. But Samurai series stands out like a sore thumb. I'll start with Second Samurai the male samurai wearing red on the cover. But in the game itself he's actually wearing blue. It gets weirder with the cover of First Samurai. He doesn't even look like who you're playing as. Wrong hair style along with a notably different clothes.

In the actual game he isn't wearing a shirt at all. Keep in mind, I was talking about the SNES version cover. The Amiga cover is a better representation of the game itself. Now this actually looks like the samurai you're playing as. I still got to point out for Second Samurai's Amiga cover. Despite his outfit being red again, this was a sick cover for it's time.

You have both samurais with this awesome dragon behind em. Water Margin was originally an unlicensed Genesis game released in Asia. Sega Genesis had a couple unlicensed video games during it's run. What made this stranger is it came out in 1996. Around this point, Sega being more focus on Sega Saturn. Arcade Zone gotten Legend released in the United States.

Once again Sony discontinued it's third-party publishing business on SNES. In order to focus more on their then upcoming console the PlayStation 1. Now that's two of these didn't originally come out to the United States because of Sony. Gourmet Warriors was originally Japanese exclusive for Super Famicom.

Virgin Interactive Entertainment now going by Avalon Interactive Group, Ltd. originally published the game. Around the year Gourment Warriors came out. Blockbuster already acquired 20% of the company a year prior. Which increased to now being 75% of it's stock. Hasbro had the remaining shares.

Which led to Hasbro Interactive started in 1995. They now go by Atari Interactive, Inc. respectively. Not long Blockbuster ended it's partner to give up it's stake to Spelling Entertainment. Which was a subsidiary of Viacom. The collapse in the games market made things worst for Virgin. At one point, Virgin was one of the biggest US based video game companies.

Virgin signed a deal with Capcom to publish it's titles in Europe. Keep in mind, majority of this occurred in 1995. It's no wonder, Virgin had quite a confusing, busy year. Clearly they couldn't do anything with Gourmet Warriors at the time. Another weird thing is every game in the compilation has their original release year presented.

Some companies involved became more invested in CD based game consoles. This was around the PlayStation 1 after all. A lot of people were starting to lose interest in cartridge based video games of that era. They simply went straight for new ground of the market. Not fully understanding how it would work. Simply leaving what they previously knew behind without a second thought.

Honestly, it would've made more sense to use the newer US release years for more than half the collection. Let's say someone playing this in another country. It may differ if those years might be fine or not. Another weird thing is there's technically two variations of the beat 'em up genre. Most of the world knows the more common version.

You get a few characters to play as. You fight your way through levels to take on the bosses at the end of them. A little of depth with the moves. The other beat 'em up variation is more of a platformer. You get melee attacks while attempting to nail jumps to a degree. There's some aspects you could compare between the two variations of the same genre.

This is just like comparing all the variations of a shooter game. This variation of the genre is more about trying to find your way around the levels. In comparison, it's way more straight forward where to go. I know all of this must be quite confusing for ya!!! There's no real connection between the games other than Piko Interactive currently owns them all.

Sword of Sodan is among the absolute worst Sega Genesis games. We don't even know why it's in the compilation at all!!! Let's be honest, majority of them are alright with some being a bit better than others. Sword of Sodan is a massive step down especially being the oldest game included. I guess grandpa couldn't keep it up lol.

I also gotta mention on the cover of every version as well as in the game play for Sword of Sodan. The twin sister Shardan wore barely anything like classic female warriors. They censored her outfit in the Genesis version. Now she wears actual clothes instead of that outfit. You also need to realize back then mostly kids were playing Sega Genesis during that era.

The last thing Sega needed was not censoring her outfit upsetting parents in the process. This was also during the famous Nintendo censorship era as well. In the original Amiga version, Shardan has the outfit. Her brother Brodan how creative right? Anyway his outfit remains the same in every version of the game.

Ranking

7. Sword of Sodan

6. First Samurai

5. Legend

4. Iron Commando

3. Second Samurai

2. Gourmet Warriors

1. Water Margin

I do wanna point out Sword of Sodan the only bad game. From First Samurai they start to get a little better. Then when you get to the top two games they actually quite fun to play. I haven't seen an compilation game's lineup differ so much in quality in a long time. Again avoid Sword of Sodan at all costs!!!

My thoughts on Kill Bill: The Whole Bloody Affair

Hello everyone I'm XboxClown89, for years Quentin Tarantino wanted to do more with the Kill Bill franchise. Until this recent trailer, there were a few ideas thrown around. I'm just thankful to have something. Here's a case, what we ultimately gotten was the most unexpected. I'm here to share my thoughts on Kill Bill: The Whole Bloody Affair.

For starters, one idea considered was a possible sequel. Although the main plot concluded with Volume 2. There also was possibly doing a prequel leading up to those movies. Which would've been quite interesting to watch. I'm not about to say I'm disappointed here. In fact, I been secretly appreciating these newer, definitive cuts.

This is a rather ambitious one at that. Combining two of Taratino's greatest movies together is quite an challenge. At the same time, I always felt it would've worked better as a longer movie myself. You virtually had two halves of the same movie originally. They also added in a new animated scene. Removing Volume 1's cliffhanger ending.

This is going to be an four hour long movie. I actually felt Tarantino made the movies so good. You aren't going to care it's that long. It would put movies like The Dark Knight to shame!!! Kill Bill is a revenge story where the main protagonist gotten betrayed by her own group assassin group. Led by Bill hence the name of course.

Volume 1 heavily played more into the Eastern direction. Volume 2 was more Western in comparison. Now Tarantino combining two vastly different movies. I gotta give him respect for doing that. We're finally getting the true definitive Kill Bill experience. This version hitting theaters early December. Quite ballsy if you ask me.

I also gotta mention, Sir Michael Madsen rest in peace. Previously was in another Tarantino movie, Reservoir Dogs. He plays Bill's brother whose in the group. Kill Bill always had this rather unique style. Parts of it is over the top but at the same time everything done with such style. Beatrix literately goes through hell to get her revenge.

This newer version going to be one of the greatest revenge movies ever made!!! Easily my favorite role Uma Thurman I ever seen!!! Kill Bill is Tarantino at his finest. Personally Pulp Fiction was my favorite among his works. But considering what's all going into this newer version. I say that's going to quickly become my second favorite.

Kill Bill has surprisingly a lot going for it. A great cast with truly amazing editing. A great story possibly made even better in this newer version. I finally can stop waiting for something to happen. I actually felt this was the best outcome we could've gotten. This is going to be like Zack Snyder's Justice League experience!!!

Tarantino is going the distance to deliver such a master piece. Let's be honest, Kill Bill series already was one. I'm very sure many people are getting heavily inspired by em including myself. I always loved Beatrix's sword a lot. Kill Bill has a great ratio to everything. It's difficult to predict at times. There's plenty of rememberable moments.

One guy actually plays two different characters true story. Gordon Liu originally plays Johnny Mo. He later plays Pai Mei aka Beatrix's sensei. Expect a lot of flash backs. All of them are critical to the overall plot. Considering both previous Kill Bill movies are early 2000s movies. I would say easily among the best of them in that era.

Kill Bill always meant a lot to me. I wasn't crazy about Death Proof myself. In fact, I prefer Planet Terror from Grindhouse series more. Which was done by Robert Rodriguez, another director I respect. Kill Bill was essentially an American revenge Samurai story. In several ways it kept reminding me of a show called Samurai Jack.

Just imagine Beatrix and Samurai Jack I'll pay to see that!!! If you surprisingly never seen either Kill Bill movies. Either go watch the old versions or wait to watch the newer version? I felt doing either is a great time. Kill Bill is something truly special at it's core. I can't compare it to a lot of movies. In a weird it's like how several genres came together in Star Wars series.

Minus Sci-Fi for more of a deep dive into the Eastern culture. Then everything goes back to the United States for the Western side of it. You see how much of a experience watching these truly like soon enough. Easily, movies you never forget no matter how old you get. They're so iconic for so many reasons.

Kill Bill is something that shouldn't had worked but amazingly works too damn well instead. The fact it's becoming a huge movie where's my popcorn at? This should be one of the greatest four hour movies in history!!! It's difficult for a movie to remain entertaining beyond two hours. I am expecting great reviews myself.

Even the little things the movies does sticks with ya. Like some of the jokes are surprisingly a lot funnier than expected. There's the famous Beatrix facing against a lot of people scenes. Which are quite bloody with a lot of body parts getting cut off. The soundtrack works too well nailing exactly the vibe of every scene that plays.

I really could talk a great deal about Kill Bill for hours. Especially with someone that feels the same as I do. I personally thank Quentin Tarantino for making this newer cut of the movies. This is going to be his finest work in a long time. Honestly, I can't wait to see this newer version soon. I already know it's a huge slash people just gotta watch it!!!

My thoughts on Golden Joysticks Awards 2025 (Ultimate Game of the Year award)

Hello I'm XboxClown89, don't worry I got a few future entries getting lined up. Right now it's a waiting game. For the present I will give my thoughts once again on Golden Joysticks Awards 2025. They just started their biggest award, Ultimate Game of the Year award voting. Like an handful of awards you are allowed to select up to three games.

I figured the best way to go about this since there's twelve games altogether. I should only directly talk about my three votes. Which would save a lot of time in the long run. I would say by far the best lineup for an Game of the Year award they're doing this year. You really couldn't go wrong with any of these games.

Other nominees presented down below...

Peak

Kingdom Come: Deliverance II

Clair Obscur: Expedition 33

Blue Prince

Hollow Knight: Silksong

Death Stranding 2: On The Beach

Indiana Jones and the Great Circle

Ghost of Yotei

Donke Kong Bananza

My number 3 choice was Silent Hill f. Two people I moderated streamed a lot of this Silent Hill game. I already knew it was going to be it's own thing. Which upset a lot of Silent Hill fans I felt they lack vision. This takes place in Japan during the 60s. You play as a high school student with some notable trauma. I will try not to give too much away.

This is heavily combat focus that actually worked for what they were going for. They brought the famous composer for the franchise. Audio as a whole absolutely amazing work!!! The game looks incredible with a decent story. Sure some parts of it could've been told a little better honestly. Not to come off racist by any means.

I just felt it has a lot of great story telling. Some of that gets either a little lackluster, confusing or suddenly felt like it's not going anywhere. Silent Hill f is worthy enough to be called SH 7. This is perfect to play close to & on Halloween kind of game. Honestly, I was very surprised how much I liked from what was shown.

My number 2 choice was Hades II. I have another friend that's a huge fan of the original Hades. Not long ago he was going wild about Hades II. There's a lot of people feeling it's better than the original game. I haven't gotten to play either of them. Although I do have them written in my long list of games I wanna play.

Hades II is a follow up to the original Hades. It's a game that constantly changes. But in a way it never truly gets boring. The challenge always going to be a bit high. You end up being more satisfy among completing sections of the game. I absolutely love Greek mythology easily one of my favorites. From what I seen of the game it's mind blowing stuff.

This game felt like how a sequel should be. Hades II improves over so much from the original game. From what I heard it's a long game with plenty of replay value. What's even crazier one company developed and published this game yeah!!! Hades II already sounds like a must play game. I was more impressed by it than Hollow Knight: Silksong honestly.

My number 1 choice aka my main vote for Ultimate Game of the Year award is Split Fiction. One of my friends I moderated for on Twitch played the hell out of this game. It's a rather unique co-op game with a truly ambitious concept for a video game. Two ladies gets trapped mentally together. They must get through many stories especially their own.

Imagine The Matrix or Saints Row IV with the simulations. Your simulations based on stories you written could be quite scary or a surprisingly beautiful experience. This looked like so many game play styles it was mind blowing!!! It's a concept that really shouldn't had worked at all. They somehow pulled off the impossible with Split Fiction.

I know many people felt the same way with Clair Obscur: Expedition 33. Another nominated game in the same award. The same friend also streamed the hell out of that. I'm very sure among his choices he's choosing both of those games. I just checked Split Fiction on many platforms sorry. It's quite amazing they got it to work with online as well as it does.

It's nothing personal why I didn't choose Expedition 33. My interest is rather funny among RPG games. Split Fiction having two people playing it. Which by itself helps make it a more rememberable experience. This by itself was a major reason why I voted for it. The story from what I gathered outside the simulations was well written.

The main antagonist used the simulations of great writers like a deity. In other words, he cheated by stealing their works through simulations. I won't spoil much of the ending it's a rather interesting conclusion. This almost seem like Mario Party series or Banjo-Kazooie series on N64 respectively. Banjo-Kazooie series involves two playable characters that differ in many ways.

The two ladies goes through all kind of crazy situations. We are talking many interesting transforms. Some of which you really wouldn't see coming at all. One of the developers' concept of the game was deeply inspired by their daughter. Split Fiction is a game that truly delivers at it's core. Despite a few major issues outside the game itself.

Split Fiction going to be as close to a rather exclusive experience as possible. It's no secret, games differs on co-op feature. This is both players must work together to get through levels. You simply won't believe a small fraction what happens within the simulations. In all honestly, for everything it pulls off I strongly felt it's one of an handful nominated games that truly deserves to win the award.

This game is never boring at all. The constant changing what happens keeps it refreshing as well as inspiring. Split Fiction possibly renewed interest within co-op theme video games. This is among one of the greatest co-op games I watched in a long time. Yes even compared to a few Resident Evil games as well as Sven Co-op respectively.

I know I'm really hyping up such an video game. Split Fiction is really true to it's name. I was absolutely mind blown how truly creative the game ended up being. I don't even have many games to directly compare to it. The closest one I kept getting reminded of in a weirder way was McPixel 3. A game heavily centered on mini games that often changed pacing.

The fact I quickly was hearing people absolutely loving it was mind blowing in itself. Split Fiction is a game that's among the most ridiculous I ever seen!!! There's just something everyone could love about the game. Exactly why I knew if it shown up in the voting I'm going right for the game. Split Fiction is easily worthy enough to win it all honestly.

My thoughts on Cinemassacre's Monster Madness: Screams Not On Screen (2025)

Hello everyone I'm XboxClown89, of course I had to talk about this year theme for Cinemassacre's Monster Madness marathon. Usually since 2007, Rolfe talks about movies and a few shows over the years. I had a feeling eventually he would do this theme.

Let it stand out like a sore thumb. He chosen to be more about the actual holiday this year. I know some going to dislike that. Some even feeling how uninspired of a theme. I actually deeply respect Rolfe going for it. A large thing lacking in some of his newer Monster Madness marathons.

Some of them lacked the true connection Rolfe had with his fans. At times, we could tell someone else wrote his scripts. In all honestly just wasn't the same as a lot of older Monster Madness marathons. Then he's done this huge tribute to Roger Corman last year.

Now that really felt like Rolfe being personal to us. We could tell these were his true thoughts on all those movies Corman done. It's no secret, Rolfe deeply loves Halloween. He decided to share a lot of his stories on several Halloween themes. Stuff people could do around that time of the year.

Cinemassacre's Monster Madness: Screams Not On Screen (2025)

This was a great way to connect directly to the fans. Especially close to Halloween I loved the concept behind it. We get to learn a lot more about Rolfe as a person. He kicked things off with haunted houses. In particular these awesome locations you pay to get in with a small group of people.

The people working there trying to scare ya. I been to a couple of these locations over the year myself. Really brought back some great Halloween memories. It's perfect when you had nothing to do. You get to spend time with people for a few hours. If you love horror as a whole you're absolutely going to love it!!!

I felt the best ones I experienced were mostly outside. I'm more used to similar locations indoors to a degree. But there's just something about a large amount of them being outside. Just puts chills right down your spines. You truly get your money's worth with these places.

His next entry was Halloween costumes. Majority of his viewers celebrates the holiday. I had some interesting costumes including Ghostface. I once dress up in a weird unexpected Pennywise outfit with an Pennywise mask. I think Rolfe said it best that dressing up.

Such a great excuse to be someone else for the night. I personally seen some rather creative Halloween costumes. I felt some of the finest is carefully homemade costumes. Which could be a lot cheaper than some costume stores. Sometimes being inside one of those places ends up being quite an experience.

Even if you don't often wear costumes. Just going to a place look away is a lot of fun. Especially closer to Halloween with some truly sick costumes in the stores. The one mask I remembered the most was a rather huge scary clown mask. I know some outfits requires face paint I never done that truthfully.

It's likely I just felt better wearing a mask. Then having my face painted or my standards for those being a bit high. This also brought back so many memories. Sometimes just waiting to give out candy. You see some amazing costumes the kids wore.

The next entry was Halloween Decorations. Once again this brought back a lot of great memories. Decorations can differ so many ways regarding Halloween. I virtually seen nearly every possible variation of the concept. Some are just a bit cooler than others.

There's craving pumpkins that could be fun. I'm one of those particular cravers. I just wanna make something that's decent. If I'm off a bit too much I don't care much for my work. Stickers can be nice as well as incredibly cheap. You also get these smaller animatronics that requires batteries.

Although seeing some of the bigger animatronics in stores is wild!!! Some people get really into decorating their homes for Halloween. To be honest, sometimes it stands out more than people doing the same for Christmas. It's a perfect stand in if you couldn't go to any of those haunted house locations.

Honestly, I love several aspects of decorations. Some of it seems to get a little better but an handful of them seems to differ in quality over the years. Not only that, you don't need to go all in these either. Even doing something smaller goes a long way. Jack-o-lanterns among the best examples.

You also can get these amazing lights that represents stuff to a degree. People gotten rather creative to make their homes spooky for the holiday. I especially love seeing horror movie theme stuff. Of course, I also have a thing for skeletons as well as grim reapers.

A rather unique way of viewing this. Decorating your homes essentially being your own haunted house locations. I truly have seen some rather sick decorated homes myself. In some way you truly could be passionate towards many things at once. I absolutely would love to do that with my wife one day.

The next entry was Halloween Conventions. This might come as a huge surprise. Despite being a huge horror fan myself. I never once attended any horror conventions at all. It doesn't mean I haven't been to any of them. I attended an anime convention called Otaku a couple times.

The more recent having my wife and her sister. This also was the last time the convention was in the city. Now Otakon occurs around Washington D.C. respectively. Just seeing all that footage Rolfe was shown. I may had to add that to my bucket list before I die.

Horror conventions is a massive fan letter to the genre itself. One of many universal languages the right people understands. This is also why I refused to leave an comment on that YouTube video. What's the point if I never been to one before right?

Now take a guess what the final entry on Halloween is? If you guessed Halloween Candy then you are right. I previously thought either Halloween parties or memories. Then again all of it is essentially Halloween memories to begin with.

Who doesn't remember going around an neighborhood to get candy from neighbors? It's one of those traditions I always enjoyed from both angles. Probably more recently actually giving it out. For me, seeing how much kids light up for em brings me a lot of joy.

I do love seeing Halloween exclusive variations of several candies. Part of this topic I actually been avoiding for such a long time. Honestly, this would be a good one to finally reveal. What some of my absolute favorite candies?

Although I do like some gum brands. My personal favorite always been Winterfresh. You get this awesome flavor while getting this cool chill effect. I also loved the actual appearance of the gum itself. After all these years it never changed.

Another one that some might be familiar with. Candy Buttons aka Candy Dots usually packed on a long sheet of paper. You get a few colors of these per a sheet. I haven't had anything like it since. I simply loved everything about it that stands out from other popular candies.

This might be a rather selective preference. I do occasionally enjoy white chocolate candies. Some are better than others truthfully. My family knows a few I really enjoyed. You simply want that classic satisfying white chocolate flavor.

Just in case anyone was wondering Crush and M&M's had great takes on it. White chocolate is one of my favorite flavors among chocolates. Now I'm aware it's technically not actually chocolate. All of us has our personal favorites.

Starburst in particular the classic square version. Yes I have tried a few variations. I simply prefer the square version more. Such great fruit flavors in this candy. Usually get a rather decent amount of them. Starburst is perfect for Halloween if you like fruit flavors.

Reese more recently became one of my absolute favorites. There's just something about how well chocolate and peanut butter comes together. Yes I love white chocolate version a lot. I can't say I never had one I wasn't crazy about.

Another one I love is M&M's Minis. They get a few packing variations. My personal favorite is the longer tube version. So filled with a lot of smaller M&M's. Even the bag versions has a lot of them. It's almost like what you possibly get with the regular size but double possibly triple the amount inside.

I also personally love the actual look of the packing as well. Especially the longer tube versions always stood out in my mind. I know some are wondering why do I prefer the smaller versions? My response to that is if you love M&M's.

You simply get more out of your money with this version. Like Starburst, a good variety of colors. I really wish they had an white chocolate version. Partially I remembered some of the commercials growing up.

Kit Kat also became a recent favorite of mine. Especially with a good variety of flavors. I just felt finding flavors I love. One of my personal favorites was Blueberry Muffins yeah!!! Actually tasted like them being my favorite muffins funny enough.

Twizzlers Pull 'n' Pull licorice strawberry flavor. I believe it was my mom that gotten me into this candy. Yes I had the regular licorice as well. I really do prefer this variation more. I simply love you can peel em or eat it.

Not to mention, you get great strawberry flavor. I also loved the red coloring it pops a lot. You usually get a rather decent amount in a bag. I simply can't get enough of these when I have em. These are great for Halloween that any kid going to enjoy.

Honestly, I am quite thankful to James Rolfe. I had quite a year with little to nothing going on Halloween myself. This entire Monster Madness marathon brought back such nostalgia. A lot of great Halloween memories.

This really felt like Rolfe was sharing these stories. I'm quite excited for the holiday despite things. This is already among my personal favorite Cinemassacre's Monster Madness marathons to date. He directly focus on the holiday with a lot of memories.

In other words, he gave us plenty of heart. How much everything meant to him. I'm sure other viewers including myself felt quite a strong connection with him. For a theme I didn't expect for this year, it truly made me quite happy.

I really couldn't ask for more honestly. This is exactly how Halloween should feel to people. Regardless you're still growing up or being an adult for years. There's always something special about the holiday that sticks with ya a long time.

Exactly why this Monster Madness marathon suddenly meant so much to me. I would say one of the best Octobers I had in a long time. In particular, I'm living with my wife away from my parents. A large amount of this month kept me very hyped for the holiday honestly.

I can't wait to see what Rolfe going to do for next year. This particular theme was executed amazingly well. It ended up being quite true to the name regarding the theme. Honestly, I already know I'm having a decent Halloween thanks to you Rolfe.

Happy Halloween everyone and let's hope it's a great night for ya!!!

What makes a great compilation game?

Hello everyone I'm XboxClown89, here's another idea I been considering for a good while. I highly doubt they could convince people to buy more compilation games. I been around plenty of them to know what makes them great to red flags you don't wanna see at all. This is going to be quite an interesting topic to discuss for sure.

At it's core, originally compilation games were getting more games for cheaper. It was perfect among jump starting your video game collection. Just going by 2020-2025 I played some truly fantastic games. Some of these even became among my absolute favorite games ever!!! There's a very clear difference between bundles and compilation games.

Bundles is simply every game included you must install separately. Now there do exist some compilation games you gotta buy games for. But those can actually play all the games. I know a bit confusing I apologize. I can assure you a few truly decent compilation games can go a rather long way. Personally I prefer a solid connection for them.

Either made by the same company/indie developers. They don't have to be the same genre. I do like to have some variety within the game play myself. A lot of them either sticks to one platform or attempts a few of them. Both sides of this has their advantages. Compilations that sticks to one platform. The developers has a much easier time fully emulating all the games included.

Compilations emulating games from multiple platforms are tricker. Depending on which platforms they're emulating from. This is more difficult to carefully pull off in comparison. When I gave praise to compilations doing that I do truly mean it. On one side you directly appeal to a particular fan base. Either of a particular franchise or an gaming platform.

A great example of this was Sega Genesis Classics. Which has over fifty Genesis games or slightly more in Steam version. In vice versa, it's a higher demand. You get an handful of platforms to a lot of them like Mortal Kombat: Legacy Kollection coming out this Friday. There's extra pressure to nail the emulation of every game included.

Obviously every gaming platform differs in many ways especially through emulation. It's like they work at different frequencies maybe that's a bit too deep. The amount of games sometimes doesn't matter much. The lowest amount to be considered an compilation game is two games. Which is pretty compare even by today's standards.

I considered these the easy compilation games to make. Not meant to directly disrespect companies doing it either. For a smaller, decent amount of games collections. It's not the amount but rather the overall ratio that truly matters. You want enough of them to feel satisfied. A good example being Swords & Souls Legacy Collection.

You get five flash games that felt complete together. Now missing a game or two could heavily impact this. Dragon Ball Z Budokai HD Collection lacked Budokai 2. Suddenly it's not an complete collection. Having that ratio is critical for finding great compilation games. Personally want the bonus content especially never seen before stuff.

This has little impact on them. At the same time, a lot of it ends up being pretty sweet stuff. Achievement/trophy hunting notably differs. Some of them doesn't include something for every game included. Just like the extra content has little impact on the overall experience. What truly does matter is emulation done right.

Also if they offer any changes to the game play. Which could be a double edge sword. Depending on the games within the compilation. Some changes could make it a bit more enjoyable or a bit easier. For some compilations, this actually could take away a lot from the experience. It really depends which games are included honestly.

Sometimes they add in some cool alternative modes. Even if some of them aren't well executed. Let's take X Challenge mode from either Mega Man X Legacy Collection game for an example. On paper, you take on two bosses at once was a great idea. Unfortunately, a lot of bosses aren't presented. Also the only real major different between the two similar compilation games.

Every third boss fight of a set was different that's it. In other words, this mode ended up as a huge disappointment. The first Mega Man Legacy Collection game had challenges that goes between the Mega Man classic games. Now majority of the challenges I played doing that was well executed. Sometimes they can't include everything for several reasons.

Either the team couldn't emulate particular platforms or legal issues or the company said no. The last being companies ultimately approves to teams making these compilation games. Which available games gets in as well as what doesn't make the cut at all. Again Mortal Kombat: Legacy Kollection is a good example of that.

Some retro compilations mostly Digital Eclipse does additional games through paid DLCs. Honestly, I'm okay paying for a few games especially SNES Aladdin game. If there wasn't all additional games deal I wouldn't be happy about it. Majority of compilation games are finalized lineup games. A large number of them are reasonably prices.

A lot of them are notably smaller in size from bigger sized video games. Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: The Cowabunga Collection & Marvel vs. Capcom Fighting Collection: Arcade Classics respectively. Quite luckily, every company involved wanted to deliver everything!!! This is quite rare for licensed compilation games.

Both of those are among the golden standard compilation games. Right now TMNT: The Cowabunga Collection is the best higher game count compilation game I ever played!!! It's possible to make crazier amount compilation games to work. Just don't expect it to be like that you won't be disappointed. This might be a me thing you gotta be able to play through all the games included.

Some compilation games gives you more than enough to achieve doing that!!! I absolutely loved a new game debuts through these as well. A great example being Haunted Castle Revisited through Castlevania Dominus Collection. The same Castlevania compilation has the original Arcade version among the worst Castlevania games I ever played!!!

Then you play the new version wow it's truly great stuff!!! Suddenly I'm thankful that's in the same compilation game as well. I wouldn't had that wow factor without it. Some of these made games that bad playable is quite an statement. Just imagine how much better some of the finest video games within compilation games became.

Either you have a mostly short length compilation meaning all the included games aren't long at all. Some of them can be quite lengthy in comparison. I even felt some of those could justify not having additional stuff to still do well on their own. I know some expects some huge bugs to get fix. Honestly, if any bug that could freeze your game or cause it to crash.

Those bug fixes I deeply welcomed. Compilation games kept getting more amazingly overtime. Digital Eclipse broke new ground with it's revolutionary documentary style. Which also in the upcoming MK game as well. This also became a better method to properly bring back classic video games. I do appreciate the same teams making several compilation games.

Compared to kept swapping em out for Mega Man Legacy Collection games. Seriously what's the deal with that Capcom? I think another notable factor is this heavily represents. Retro gaming simply had games holding up better or at least ended up being more interesting than a lot of newer games. Aspects of both heavily represented within compilation games.

I wanna be clear I didn't get into compilation games because of budgets. No a lot of them instantly gotten my interest. Majority of them were quite amazing video games. Once in a while I'll run into Zombies Ate My Neighbors + Ghoul Patrol situation. I don't wanna say cash grab just everything was notably off overall.

An small handful of games collections can be truly amazing stuff. Now finding actual decent higher games amount compilations is difficult. Some of those simply has too many games for you to properly focus. Which also deeply impacts the ratio you'll need to enjoy em. I felt both Capcom Arcade Stadium games were amazing despite some issues.

There's also compilation games with many similar games included. Like half the first Capcom Fighting Collection was Darkstalkers series. Mostly two of them with every Arcade alternative versions. Stuff like this heavily depends if you're that into the franchise or not. Personally I absolutely love Darkstalkers a lot I'm fine with it.

Some also could criticize TMNT: The Cowabunga Collection that also plays into that. Same with Marvel vs. Capcom Fighting Collection: Arcade Classics to a degree as well. Yet I felt those compilation games justified themselves for that not really being an issue. Of course, depending what's included could bring back a lot of nostalgia.

You would be quite surprised how content filled games within many compilation games truly are? We're talking virtually mind blowing stuff. Even considering bigger RPG games that's packed with content. I could argue a lot of compilation games I played beats those by a ridiculous amount of content. I know some view compilation games as budget games nothing more.

More recently, compilation games became a great way to properly bring back many franchises. Even compilation games that isn't from the same franchise. But so happened to be developed and published by the same companies is also quite often. A good example being Sega Vintage Collection games. Sadly you can't buy any of these compilation games anymore.

Yes four out of five represented particular franchises. There was one that had three random Sega classics packaged together. It had Alex Kidd in Miracle World on Sega Master System. It also included Hang-On on Arcade and The Revenge of Shinobi on Sega Genesis respectively. Three vastly different Sega games from three platforms in one collection was rather unexpected for it's time.

This is why a company connection ends up being critical as well. Without that connection don't expect your compilation games to do well. People often forget so many games included in these compilation games. Realistically cost a ridiculous amount of money for just the actual cartridges/disc. Not to mention, Arcade cabinets can be pretty expensive.

Compilation games actually saves you a mind blowing amount of money you may not even realize. I do also appreciate being able to pause Arcade games. An easier save/load system could go a long way. Two remastered compilations from Nightdive truly brought those classics back. They even added newer levels to spice things up.

Another thing is compilation games for the most part comes out on most platforms. You have no excuse not owning any of them. You might prefer one game at a time. You technically could do that with compilation games to a degree. Plus you can switch to another game when you're ready. A lot of them also includes soundtracks to all games included.

Which is rather nice you just wanna listen to music. Some of them goes out their way to make amazing intros. It's not often I see them have fun with the ending credits. The more recent of that I seen was Castlevania Dominus Collection. Compilation games became a great way to attempt getting into other platforms you may never played before.

For me trying to remember every platform across every compilation game I played. We're talking a rather long list of platforms no joke. It's perfect you want a more clear idea what to like from some platforms. You also need to realize some newer versions of video games aren't great. Which could cause people to not buy anymore compilation games.

Honestly most of the games I played through em been very decent quality. Sega Classics Collection mostly had two versions of Columns while everything else wasn't great. Sega also had issues with Sonic Origins Plus as well. Which was rather disappointing being it's main flagship franchise. In some cases, you gotta pick and choose which versions you like the most?

For me, a great example indirectly involves an compilation game. I wasn't happy with the newer version of Duke Nukem 3D for many reasons. I actually greatly prefer Duke Nukem 3D: Megaton Edition way more. Sometimes it's the little things that ends up making the biggest differences. Especially if you're going by nostalgia alone.

Compilation games quickly became one of my most demanded genres. It easily could represent so many genres depending on which games included. A true gamer would welcome such an unique experience. Load times is virtually non existent even before they focus on cutting it down in newer video games. It's so easy to marathon a great compilation game for hours nonstop.

The insane amount of work that goes into a lot of these is really impressive stuff!!! It's hard to make over ten games compilations enjoyable. Let's be honest, it's possible to like bigger amounts compilation games. In all honestly, it's up to you. If you truly wanna attempt getting into all those video games. Rare Replay may had a couple games needed to be installed outside the compilation.

Not to mention, those same games had to exclusively be played outside it altogether. You still have two ways to playing em. Either by default if they're installed just select the one you wanna play. You also could select to play em through Rare Replay as well. Rare Replay may actually have too much content for an compilation game honestly.

To be fair, Rare Replay is such a great compilation game despite it's flaws. Some of the later Xbox 360 games lags from emulation to a degree. Battletoads Arcade has getting freeze during the final boss fight issue. I still felt it's easily among the best thirty games compilations I ever played!!! I also love they put some effort into the games selection screen.

Some of them are quite amazing stuff as well. Like TMNT: The Cowabunga Collection does this cool comic book style. Compilation games are already holding up better than actual newer video games. Which is both sad and brutal honestly really disappointing!!! I also love upon looking at the games you see game play or other cool stuff from the games.

They don't need to label years of release. Although I do welcome it on some occasions. I also liked when they specify which platform that game being emulated from. A lot of compilations I played does that. Some of them don't which is fine by now. I strongly felt eventually you'll find the right compilation game you can not stop playing!!!

I especially love you see how much some companies cares for their own franchises. When you see such a lackluster overall presentation in an compilation game. You're in for a rather terrible time. You want the compilation games given proper care. I played enough compilation games to fill up some of my digital gaming collections.

In some cases, unavoidably you'll get some that has a few famous bad games. A lot of them also has games that's rather not known by a lot of people. My best advice is if you try em. Try to find a game or two you like within the compilation games you're playing. This is always a great way to know. If you may actually end up loving it or being roughly 50/50 or not liking it at all.

There's no fourth option here. The main reason I often go for compilation games. I simply wanna play a lot of games I missed out on. Especially a few series thanks to compilation games I'm now into. Castlevania and Mega Man X to name a few. Just when you thought you never play em. A compilation game with em comes out instantly getting your attention.

It's almost like an kid at an candy store. I hope their parents doesn't buy em too much candy lol. Compilation games is a great way to better understand. Yourself as well as which game genres you enjoy more? I especially love compilation games with so many genres it's insanity!!! I do see parts of the gaming future being more great compilation games coming out.

Atari 50 already changed the world. If the gaps kept getting shorter overtime. This obviously means more gamers gotten into compilation games as I predicted. I rather spend an hundred dollars on a few compilation games than one huge newer video game not sorry GTA VI. Honestly, I'm deeply thankful for compilation games in general.