A few great Mortal Kombat rip off games

Hi everyone I'm Jack Red, There's so many bad Mortal Kombat rip offs. I felt why not share some good MK rip offs instead. Sadly, that is in short supply but trust me even the worst among these is way better than majority of them. Also I played most of these with a review one on them recently. Anyway, I hope you enjoy my treat especially if you are fellow MK fans for the holidays.

I should mention, I also reviewed the final two games in this blog entry.

1. WWF Wrestlemania: The Arcade Game (1995)


Developed by Midway

Believe it or not, there used to be a time during the 90s to early 2000s. Where there was a couple of decent WWF now WWE games. Also keep in mind, WCW & ECW were bought by WWE back in the day. All of their games counts as WWE games too. Anyway, I had several versions of this amazing game.

You get eight characters that are vastly different from each other. Obviously, getting counted out or pinned are the only ways to win or lose. I also liked the announcers say some rememberable lines. Everything done in this game is done perfectly for something so over the top. You can't kill your opponents or have a few species.

What you do have is some of the finest wrestling game play you will ever experience. This doesn't even feel like a normal wrestling game. I felt, by having two different fight ladders was a smart idea. You can take on one to two or three wrestlers at the same time. Just imagine, doing the biggest match this game has to offer.

Like Primal Rage, you have to fight every playable characters in one match. This is more classified as a wrestling game than an actual fighting game. Despite the fact, it is clearly based more of a fighting game than anything else. This game is a absolute must play if you are a fan of wrestling. I highly recommend finding a version of it then play the hell out of it.

2. Eternal Champions (1994)


Developed by Sega

I won't say too much since I reviewed it recently. This was a decent attempt by Sega that truly stands out from the rest. I could go even as far to say some of Overkill animations are more violent than actual fatalities in MK games at the time. Everything about this game works incredibly well, another strong recommendation.

3. Eternal Champions: Challenge of the Dark Side (1996)

Developed by Sega

I didn't get to play the rest of this series. Especially this follow up that ends up being the finest entry. In fact, just watching a video showing off it's finishers. I can actually say this is a game technically more difficult to watch than an actual MK game. Now that's quite a statement I know. There's a stage finisher where you or your opponent gets keep getting sawed up several times.

I should mention there are a few playable animals among the hidden characters. Believe it or not, hidden characters is mostly not existence in most MK rip off games. Also, I can strongly say this might actually be the finest great MK rip off game I ever heard. It truly goes up & beyond in a way that's very difficult to top.

4. Killer Instinct (1994)


Developed by Rare

I already reviewed it not long ago. But I'm always been a huge fan of this game. Killer Instinct was created more terms rivaling Street Fighter than Mortal Kombat. It also has several finisher types you can do. I can be honest, the music alone is actually better than most of Mortal Kombat series. Not only that, some of my favorite fighting game characters are present here.

Including the very character I used in my answer that won me Killer Instinct Definitive Edition from Rare. Yes I am talking about Fulgore, I always been a huge fan of him. I won't be including the newest entry since it technically moves away from being an MK rip off game. Killer Instinct is a game that can hold it's own very well to a real MK game.

5. Killer Instinct 2 (1996)


Developed by Rare

There does exists two versions of this game that are surprisingly playable on Xbox One. Of course, you need to own Rare Replay to play it's N64 port now called Killer Instinct Gold. I am also a huge fan of this game. In fact, I actually gotten every achievements for both versions of KI2 on Xbox One. If that doesn't tell you how much I personally love this game then what will?

Killer Instinct 2 does take a curve ball in it's plot. Yes the tournament occurs after the original but actually takes place in the distant past. They actually done time travel before MK series officially done it themselves. I do like most of the new characters including Gargos. This game is not just one of the best fighting game sequels ever made.

This game may not get the respect it deserves. But god damn this is a truly amazing game. Yes, there are finisher types just not as much as the original game. Also Killer Instinct 2 does have some amazing animations for it's time. I can safely say a strong recommendation especially for fellow KI fans myself.

Even more Mortal Kombat rip off games!!!

Hi everyone I'm Jack Red, OMG I just found a couple more MK rip off games. Most of these were released during the 90s. But I unfortunately have a surprise near the end. So you know what let's just hope I don't have to make one more entry about this. As much as I love Mortal Kombat series, they really didn't deserve this!!!

1. Rise of the Robots (1994)


Developed by Mirage

This is one of the more likely MK rip off games you could find. Due to it being one several platforms including a director's cut. Are you kidding me? a director's cut for a fighting game. It sounds just as cheesy as most Street Fighter game titles for updated versions. Guess what this is another robot theme fighting game too.

At least, the robots for the most part looks somewhat interesting. I still prefer Zero Divide was way better, yes I grew up with that game. Honestly, it is just amazing this doesn't have as bad of audio I was expecting. I can even say the artwork doesn't look too bad. But I still prefer MK games over this without question.

2. Rise 2: Resurrection (1996)


Developed by Mirage

Yes Rise of the Robots got a sequel that isn't on as many platforms. This could mean one of two things. Either it is surprisingly the best game of that franchise or hands down the worst. In a few ways this is a step up from the original. But in other ways not as well down as the previous game too. I also think this has a huge roster of characters that wasn't common among MK rip off games.

You also get finishing moves that does destroy your opponents. Seriously, I don't fully get why there had to be a robot theme MK rip off game. It isn't clear why they stopped making these. But damn, it also has a hit & miss audio. There's parts of it being good while others not so much. It sorta comes off as more of a Killer Instinct rip off than an actual Mortal Kombat rip off.

3. One Must Fall 2097 (1994)


Developed by Diversions Entertainment

Another PC MK rip off that's a robot theme fighting game. What is it about robot theme MK rip off too. Technically Bio F.R.EA.K.S. counts in that. This looks like a shitty Transformers fighting game I'm not kidding. One Must Fall part of the title is a popular quote Optimus Prime himself would say. I almost expected to see the robot itself in this lol.

Surprisingly, there is a sequel but it is vastly different. It is still a fighting game with more characters. But at least it doesn't seem to come off as a MK rip off game. Also, the artwork is amazingly terrible too. I can't find a single positive thing to say except for it's only on PC. Good PC can have that garbage for all I care.

4. Savage Warriors (1995)


Developed by Atreid Concept

Another fricking PC MK rip off game. Savage Warriors looks amazingly terrible with it's characters. The audio is very irritating to maybe cause insanity if listening to it for too long. Let's be more brutally honest, this game is just all bad. The artwork is just like two of three CD-i Zelda games I'm not kidding.

Honestly, what does it look like to you? There's virtually nothing good about this game. Savage Warriors oh it's savage alright. The poor man's Mortal Kombat game that can't even play itself right. Seriously, I can't believe PC gotten so many MK rip off games. Yes this also used digitized actors but not a single one looks good.

5. Expect No Mercy (1995)


Developed by Microforum

This is one of those mix live action with what's a video game type. It is strange that a PC rip off is well done like this!!! In every aspect, this game falls very low. The audio is very irritating, I would recommend turn off your computer speakers. If you own something else that plays music, get some music you actually like going.

Oh yes, this game does rip off fatalities too. There's a strange mini game with eyes? Yeah you click on eyes that reveals character's faces. What's the point of this? None of the characters stands out in a good way. Also after learning about this game, how could not do this joke? Archer from Small Soldiers did say a few times.

"Expect No Mercy" I wish this didn't predate that movie. No I take that back I'm glad it does, I really wouldn't like Archer to be in any of those games. Honestly, this is one of those it's so bad it might be good or just flat out bad. Personally, I would blow this game up in person if given the chance. Expect No Mercy, you can expect no mercy when I destroy it during a live stream.

6. Capital Punishment (1996)


Developed by ClickBOOM

Amiga used to be a popular PC system that gotten some truly impressive ports including those of MK series. Of course, Amiga isn't even sparred from this either. Capital Punishment doesn't sound like a fighting game title. But OMG just look up some of these characters man. You have a female character revealing most of her breasts in a fighting game during the 90s.

Strangely, there isn't that many playable characters. This game is sorta like if Thrill Kill were to get release. Obviously, it doesn't go too far with it's offensive, sexual content. But you get the idea but why the title or the name of the developers? ClickBOOM? what is this a fricking bomb guys. Capital Punishment should be serve onto those who are desperate enough to play this abomination.

7. Overkill (1996)


Developed by Dynasty Software

This is another PC MK rip off game. Also I strangely find a character named Nukem. No it's not Duke Nukem but that would've been awesome. This game has horrible audio overall that can somewhat hurt your ears!!! Overkill is an overkill alright it isn't even hiding what it is. The roster looks like cheap action figures I'm not kidding.

Just imagine playing this on an actual computer. I am a hard pass on this without question. Overkill does have a variety of characters yet most of them comes off as simply not necessary or misplaced. Honestly, this game doesn't have much going for it. I wish I could find at least one worth while PC MK rip off, it clearly isn't this one.

8. Theatre of Pain (1997)


Developed by Mirage Technologies

Another DOS MK rip off game, clearly people on PC wanted the action too. The same developers made Rise series. I got to be honest, this looks better than what I expected. But it still isn't a master piece. Theatre of Pain is a rather weird title. Especially considering it's a name of a Motley Crue album.

Honestly, it does play on the same stuff you would expect. This is a weapon based fighting game, not uncommon for games ripping off Mortal Kombat series. At least the audio isn't that bad compared to so many terrible fighting games. I am not even sure if I would give this game a try or not. I will say some of the characters looks awesome.

9. WWF In Your House (1996)


Developed by Sculptured Software

It is a follow up to a great MK rip off wrestling game. Oh yeah brother it is truly one of the best champions you could ever get to play!!! WWF Wrestlemania: The Arcade Game is way better than this piece of filth. This is based on a pay per view event. Sadly there's little to nothing notable to stand out from the previous WWF game.

It's sales were bad enough to kill a planned third entry. Also it didn't get release on as close as many platforms either. I sadly did own this on PlayStation 1 growing up. The roster is fine but they could've make this much more exciting. This game came off like just do a little to nothing new, it will sell. LOL do they think we're they stupid or what.

10. Battle Wrath (1997)


Developed by Cerebral Gaming Systems

Well just look at it, this looks so amazingly terrible. I barely had the words to describe it's sheer awfulness. Battle Wrath was a DOS game but I still haven't seen one that stands out in a good way here. This has some hilariously horrible audio I ever heard for a fighting game. It is so bad, I don't really wanna keep talking about it.

Battle Wrath yeah the wrath of us tired of this garbage. This has a weird roster for a fighting game too. Also I wish Professor Xavier could erase my memories of this game. I actually seen better rip offs than this. This looks heavily dated even by it's release. Also this is the only game the company released too.

11. Bikini Karate Babes (2002)


Developed by Creative Edge Studios

OMG, not even early 2000s got sparred from this madness. Creative Edge Studios decided to make a parody fighting game that does take several key things from MK series. Like Catfight, the entire playable roster is all female. But once again I dare to ask, how the hell did all these women agreed to be in this?

This is hilariously terrible to the point, it goes beyond a stupid joke. This is like turning MK into a porno, I wouldn't be surprise if MK porno movies exists after this game!!! Bikini Karate Babes doesn't even come close to describing it. This is like hey Playboy we need to have chicks fighting each other.

Funny enough, Playboy did do an official game. Well oh okay the early 2000s, some developers went too far with sexual content in video games. It is just mind blowing they chose to make this. Bikini Karate Babes was so bad to me, I had to include it. Honestly, I am amazed Ed Boon did not sue these developers.

12. Bikini Karate 2: Elysia no Josenshi aka Warriors of Elysia (2011)


Developed by Creative Edge Studios

Hard to believe, the same developers came back with a sequel. No longer using digitized actors in game play. The title of this game is up for question. I put two titles I found while researching. I don't think it looks as bad as the original. But the background sure seen better days. Also this includes a couple male characters.

I rather play any of Dead or Alive Xtreme spin off games than this. Yeah don't tell my wife by the way lol. Should I be surprised this exists or the fact it doesn't exactly come off like the original. Who really knows & who really cares. This game was a sequel to a joke game that's very stupid. I seen horror comedy movies with better jokes than this.

Jack Red reviews Eternal Champions

Hi everyone I'm Jack Red, today I get to talk about Sega's answer to Mortal Kombat series. Yes, one of the biggest names in gaming during the 90s ripped off Mortal Kombat. A short lived franchise called Eternal Champions. There is four games with two being spin offs. Eternal Champions in many ways is similar to MK series.



Keep in mind, growing up I did own all four Mortal Kombat games on Sega Genesis. At one point I did own Killer Instinct on SNES. But I owned Eternal Champions for several years. A couple years ago through Sega Genesis Classics on Steam, I got to own it again. I always remembered when starting the game up on the console.

At random, each character does something different to the Sega label. I still haven't seen many games that does this truthfully. I am not trying to piss off MK fans. Eternal Champions has a better written stories for the characters. The actual plot is the world has become dead.

The Eternal Champion uses most of his power to revive a group of people through out time. In order to maintain the balance that was broken a long time ago. Essentially, each character would've done some truly great things if they didn't get killed. He hosted a contest between them to determine who gets to fix their mistake.

Honestly, for a MK rip off game the roster is actually pretty solid. Just like Killer Instinct series in it's own right. Slash is the oldest with R.A.X.  ends up being the youngest. Yeah that's a major time line to follow. The animations in this game are fantastic. The audio overall is some of the finest for an fighting game on the console.

Eternal Champions does have some interesting level designs. There is stage finishers called Overkills that can be confusing to pull off right. This game also works with Sega Activator. Personally I never owned one of those but just going by The Angry Video Game Nerd episode I'll pass. This game does often get compared to Killer Instinct on SNES.

I will be honest to say as surprising this might be to people. I actually do prefer Killer Instinct over this. There are a few problems that make playing this game difficult. For starters, the AI of your opponents is a little too high. Also it is critical when you lose. Like losing to the next opponent, you go right back to your previous opponent instead.

Sometimes, it sends you back two opponents. Oh wait I haven't got to the worst difficulty spike in single player yet. Every character has an intro & an ending all written in long texts. To be fair, if you actually take the time to read it. You will be amazed how beautifully written it all actually is. Also there is a bad ending if you lose twice to The Eternal Champion himself.

You only get two chances at defeating the final boss. He goes through five different phrases. Yes you have to win a long, repetitive match that comes more intense than an endurance match in UMK3/MKT. I felt most of the characters do come off like actual MK characters in different ways. Eternal Champions is a true fighting game classic.

It is an epic in a time line that involves time travel with their lives on the line. At the end taking on a very old being whose likely got centuries worth of experience under his belt. Why does that sound so familiar lol. This is the closest Sega ever came to Mortal Kombat series. Unlike most rip offs, this one is a great game.

I should point out, there is a mode you can set up hazards. The limit is low but some of the options sorta blends together. It's difficult to explain unless you took the time to fully explore all of it's options. I do like the level of gore in this game. I will be honest, most of it's fans prefers the sequel on Sega CD.

Sadly, Sega attempted to making a trilogy of fighting games. Due to financial problems, Sega had to decide between this & Virtua Fighter since keeping both franchises was costing too much money. Ultimately they chosen Virtua Fighter. Respectively, I felt they made the right choice. Virtua Fighter was a bigger franchise with a bigger fan base.

The games were easier to make despite being done in 3D. I felt Sega could cover all grounds better in the long run then if they were to chosen Eternal Champions instead. Honestly, I wonder what Mr. Boon would say about Eternal Champions. I do know he has stated to like Killer Instinct in the past. So I do think it is a shot.

Eternal Champions plays on all aspects but at the same time turns it into it's own thing. Sega did go the distance with this game. Sure it may lack finishing moves but most of them are done just right. I am aware time travel was done differently in MK series. But I can't ignore in both franchises, most playable characters were chosen.

If you think about it, The Eternal Champion would be it's answer to Raiden aka God of Thunder. They sorta look a bit similar. Clearly, their actions were for the better good. They knew some bad things had to happen because of it. I should mention, some of the characters do have weapons. Can you believe this was one of the first MK rip off games in existence?

I felt Sega had something truly amazing here. The story alone is enough reason to check this game out. Yes I know most fighting games of that era had bio screens with a few story screens. There is an option to directly reading the stories for each character. Personally due to it's difficulty, I do prefer on emulators or PC version of Sega Genesis Classics.

At least there you can use the Chilled Edition hack to making the game much easier. Yes I know it breaks the challenge. But honestly, I wanted to beat this game for a long time. I originally beaten it with save states. Most later runs I done was with that hack. Eternal Champions is a great substitute if you can't find any of the Mortal Kombat games on the console.

The controls do take time getting use to even using a six button controller. This game truly stands out from most MK rip offs. Sure, there isn't a multiverse concept. But everything else within the label of an MK rip off is heavily presented here. This was Sega's way of showing it's respects to the Mortal Kombat team.

I can't judge the rest of this series since I don't own them neither have I got to play em. I do know two of them are terrible games. X-Perts is also on Sega Genesis. I will say some of my favorite Sega fight songs are from this game. In all honesty, Eternal Champions should get the right to possibly return. It clearly isn't finished, it would be very nice of Sega to properly end the franchise.

Eternal Champions is included within a few Sega compilations. Like my portable Genesis player has Eternal Champions. The same one also has by pure coincidence Mortal Kombat 1-3. I know pretty mind blowing right lol. Eternal Champions is an attempt at the concept the MK team started I can respect.

They didn't just make a shitty fighting game with a few similarities. Hell no, we actually got something decent. Something truly unique among all the rip off MK impostors out there. We got a game that truly deserves more respect than it actually gets. Eternal Champions is among the finest MK rip off games you will find, this comes with a high recommendation from yours truly.

Nintendo 64 vs. PlayStation Face Off #18 GoldenEye vs. Syphon Filter

Hi everyone I'm Jack Red, it's been a while since I wrote an entry in this blog series. Also I recently realized a great stealth game from my past that deserves more attention. Not only that GoldenEye needs a great challenge. I strongly felt this game would be perfect for that. No it is not Metal Gear Solid!!!, it is Syphon Filter.

I kinda felt bad because I spend a lot of time playing the original Syphon Filter. But I forgotten about such a PS1 classic. To be fair, I did own a lot of games as well as Syphon Filter 2. Which I didn't play as much as the original game. Anyway, I think this comparison needed to happen. Especially after I found out Syphon Filter was actually inspired by GoldenEye.

GoldenEye


Syphon Filter


Obviously this is a licensed game against an original one. Usually licensed games do terrible in comparison. Unless they're actually better than the games they're compared to. I got to be honest, I got a lot of respect for both these games. In a way with Metal Gear Solid, helped made the stealth genre what it is today.

Keep in mind, this was before both Hitman & Tom Clancy's Splinter Cell existed. I should mention I won't be focusing on GoldenEye's multiplayer for this comparison for fairness reasons. Before I continue on, I can already see a lot of people saying "How dare you leave out such an experience." If Syphon Filter had a multiplayer mode, I would've compared it.

Sadly, both Syphon Filter 2 & 3 had multiplayer. In terms of using codes also isn't a fair topic. It depends on which region version of Syphon Filter you own. If you owned the PAL version, you got codes while the US version doesn't. Obviously, that would've had to go to GoldenEye. So why make one look bad when it doesn't exactly matter in a real comparison?

GoldenEye is based on the movie of the same name that came out two years after it's release. Most movie games came out before their movies hit theaters. It was unusual Rare got allowed to keep working on this N64 classic for that long. In a sense, Syphon Filter got delayed several times almost getting canceled prior to it's release.

Which in it's own right would've meant trouble for a video game. They too were lucky that wasn't the case. I should point out, a member of Syphon Filter previously worked on Bubsy 3D. Yes, one of the absolute worst PS1 games in existence. GoldenEye does technically have two extra levels that borrow from other Bond movies.

If cheating was allowed in this comparison, I would've given both games their level selection. By default, GoldenEye does allow you to pick any level you want among those you have unlocked. You also can change your difficulty to decrease or increase the amount of objectives for a level. It is interesting that concept was actually inspired by Super Mario 64.

Syphon Filter has a similar story concept that Metal Gear Solid with some clear differences. You play as Gabe Logan, you take on terrorists to prevent a virus known as Syphon Filter. Yes there's a reason for the title, unlike a few later Syphon Filter games. GoldenEye by a different company gotten two actual follow ups.

Well technically if you think about it, two different teams working on The World Is Not Enough games. I guess it sorta had two versions of a movie game with very clear differences. It probably could count as three follow up games. GoldenEye did inspired Perfect Dark and Timesplitters series. Sadly, it also inspired GoldenEye: Rogue Agent, a game I strongly don't like.

Syphon Filter is more tactical in how you do things. GoldenEye comes off as a solid FPS experience. Not much is going to slow you down but you do have a few levels with strict objectives. Syphon Filter had the balls to doing a level within a destroyed train station. Obviously, there's great story in both of these games.

I felt both do have major advantages over each other. GoldenEye does technically have more weapons overall. Syphon Filter has smarter default AI in comparison. Both these games don't have many actual boss fights. Syphon Filter does allow you to easily see the important again at any given time.

Stuff like the debriefing in GoldenEye, you will only see prior to entering a level that's it. Also Syphon Filter does include a map to help you from not getting lost. It is possible to get lost sometimes in GoldenEye. I should point out GoldenEye uses texts while there is voice acting in Syphon Filter.

This is a rare case when the text dialogues & the voice acting is very close. This alone will come down to personal taste. Both of them are beautifully written for their respective games. The audio is absolutely amazing in both of these games too. I felt Syphon Filter is more forgiving in level procession.

In GoldenEye, if you die at any point. You have to start over the entire mission. But in Syphon Filter, when you die depending if you reached a check point or not. You could reload a check point to speed things up. Most levels has a few check points making it easier to continue playing. Obviously I'm comparing a FPS to a stealth TPS game.

Stealth isn't as much of an element in GoldenEye though. Yes, a few strict objectives would count as stealth theme. But stealth is strongly presented in Syphon Filter. Also, you have to get use to objectives getting added during game play in Syphon Filter as well. GoldenEye will set you in with all known objectives making it easier to memorize what to do.

Although, it is still possible to do that with Syphon Filter. This is the game's way of trying to throw you off. There is several times Gabe will call Lian Xing about important information. Personally, this aspect is completely left out of GoldenEye. Sure, it does work in a way it doesn't slow the game down.

You can technically skip those dialogue a few ways to speed things along. In fact, you don't even need to press triangle in those set locations. Especially those that will add more objectives to your current level. Let's be honest for their game, both of these games looks amazing. Syphon Filter got the honored of being included in PlayStation Classic Edition recently.

Funny enough, Metal Gear Solid is also included. GoldenEye does make James Bond seem like a bad ass. But the same can also be said for Gabe Logan. If you think about it, both these men are working for an organization to preventing something terrible from happening to saving the world. Gabe gets to kill more confirmed targets during game play.

Syphon Filter does have more interesting usage of a sniper rifle. Both these games have the perfect controls. GoldenEye does have higher standards due to being a licensed game. In a sense, Syphon Filter was a game not even the developers were sure was going to be a success. It actually confirmed, they all thought it was going to fail.

Sometimes, amazing things happened during developments. GoldenEye does change outfits depending on the levels. Keep in mind, Pierce Brosnan was playing James Bond at the time. Sadly, Daniel Craig had to replace him in GoldenEye remake. Which comes more off like a Call of Duty rip off.

I will be honest, that version personally turns me off. Some of it's changes just doesn't set well with me. Syphon Filter is a surprisingly complex game. GoldenEye comes more off like a simple easy to pick up FPS game. There are some strict objectives in Syphon Filter. Thankfully, it's trial & error can be easy to work around.

GoldenEye is still the best James Bond game. Often considered to be one of the greatest FPS games of the 90s. But Syphon Filter is considered to be one of the greatest stealth games of the 90s. The Syphon Filter team didn't know how to go about their own game. Until they gotten inspired by GoldenEye.

They knew they had to make direct differences. I felt the armor was more common to find in GoldenEye. Syphon Filter comes off more realistic in how you die. Like an explosion or getting caught on fire. Those things take time to kill you in GoldenEye. Although, it is possible to killing someone in one shot with an explosive weapon.

It is possible to survive explosions in GoldenEye. Syphon Filter doesn't let you drive any vehicles. In GoldenEye in a handful of levels, you do have the option of riding around in a tank. Yes, I am not kidding lol. Personally, that's also a small thing. What truly matters is which of these games ends up being a more satisfying experience just from the single player campaign.

GoldenEye does strongly follow the game it's based on. Syphon Filter is likely a precursor of some sorts to well Splinter Cell series. Interesting enough, not a lot of people even realize this. Syphon Filter predates Metal Gear Solid by eight months. I was surprised when I recently found out myself. GoldenEye does still allow you to fully the details that goes into the levels.

Obviously this is one of Syphon Filter's strongest strength since it is a third person shooter. You can see entirely around him as well as a good distance from his location. Included in both their arsenal by pure coincidence a tazer lol. Both of these games has rememeberable death animations for the enemies.

I felt GoldenEye has slightly better death animations like when you killed them from the waist down lol. Keep in mind, enemies' faces are randomized with those of the actual developers. Syphon Filter doesn't do that, most terrorists doesn't reveal their faces at all. Most key members aren't hiding behind a mask though.

Syphon Filter does also have a vehicle boss fight. Where you must survive against an attack helicopter. Although this game predates Metal Gear Solid, both MSX2 Metal Gear games had a helicopter boss fight. Both of these games do change the environment to a degree. I felt GoldenEye does that a bit more though.

I also liked both games has a few ways of selecting your weapons. But Bond also comes with gadgets too. But only in particular levels with gadgets meant for them. In a way, that bounces things out. Syphon Filter does have an amazing sound track. So does GoldenEye since Rare around that time was directly making their games.

I should mention, GoldenEye does technically have infinite enemy spawning. I won't be comparing 007 Mode since Syphon Filter doesn't have such a feature. This comparison is strongly on which game ends up being more of your thing end of the day. Just comparing the single player experience with no codes at all.

In all honestly, GoldenEye does have a level selection right off the bat. In Syphon Filter, you have to play all the levels in order. Being able to replay levels at any given time is a huge advantage. Although, Syphon Filter isn't going down that easy here. It may lack a level select without codes. What it does have is more actual cut scenes.

There is cut scenes that you only see during them while some in game cut scenes being like the game itself. The closest moments GoldenEye gets to that is mostly at the beginning being the same exact shot reused. I should mention the actual ending to GoldenEye portion levels. Depending on things, the good ending is when 006 dies.

Of course, there's two hidden levels that aren't from GoldenEye movie. Syphon Filter does not have extra levels. One of these levels is based on the Bond movie Moonraker. The other bonus level pulls from several Bond movies for a surprisingly well thought out level. Syphon Filter does have better contols.

Depending if your PS console controller having dualshock or not. You have an alternate method of moving Gabe around. Also this is much easier on your hands too. Not only that, the levels do have more direct complexity to them. You can't simply run in hoping to get all the objectives done then get out.

Especially in levels that has snipers in them. Syphon Filter does have a save feature. GoldenEye is more likely to save in the actual cartridge. The problem however is N64 cartridges have a technical issue. Which can cause the saves to become lost or suddenly come back. Honestly, thank god Syphon Filter uses a memory card.

Gabe ends up having a stronger impression on you due to learning more about him during the levels. By now, everyone knows about James Bond. The fictional spy with more movies than anybody else. He isn't exactly doing things you haven't seen before. Also a few levels in GoldenEye are altered variations of previous levels set in night.

Last I checked, Syphon Filter does not do that. I will say all the characters in both games looks great. Syphon Filter does have more interesting game play mechanics. It has some platforming elements but you don't really jump. You simply pull yourself up as well as moving on the rail or whatever above you in a few locations.

Also while hanging up there you can still fire at enemies. You can't do this at all in GoldenEye. Syphon Filter is simply more forgiving in comparison. Sure it doesn't have 007 Mode that allows you to alter things about your enemies. Where you can guarantee completing the levels or the absolute opposite.

Honestly, it is strong enough to not need such a feature. Both games do have hostages you need to save. But in Syphon Filter, you just need to carefully take out particular terrorists. In GoldenEye, you still need to watch after them sometimes. Because sometimes they could get killed by an enemy. In fact, it is possible to suddenly go from completing an objective to failing one within record time.

Yet this isn't even an issue in Syphon Filter. As stated before, there's more actual targets Gabe takes out during the game. In a way, that does spice things up. Syphon Filter's check point system isn't perfect though. Sometimes, you could respawn with an enemy right in front of you. There's a chance you are low on or out of ammo.

Thus you gotta hope to quickly change your weapons to kill him. Thank god, there is an alternate, safer option to changing out your weapons. Ammo isn't as common in Syphon Filter. Let's be honest that's a double edge sword. On one hand, yes some parts of the levels will be more difficult. But at the same time, it forces you to quickly rethink your strategies.

Also GoldenEye sometimes has the habit of getting you too much ammo. Rather finding ammo caches or killing a lot of enemies. Oh well, you also get ammo from killing enemies in Syphon Filter but GoldenEye does keep respawning enemies. Which in a sense does sorta break the challenge they were going for.

Syphon Filter comes off sorta a government conspiracy type game. MI6 was loyal to James Bond in GoldenEye. Not always in the movies though, Yes I seen every Bond movie there is. Syphon Filter in all honestly has a more solid single player campaign experience. It fixes some of the problems GoldenEye had.

Syphon Filter also was creative enough to being more of it's own experience too. It easily could've became a full blown rip off game. Instead we ended up with a surprisingly solid stealth game that also stands the test of time. Syphon Filter does have some great songs. I do still think GoldenEye has better sound effects.

As you can probably tell, I'm having a difficult time trying to decide a winner here. But after much needed consideration. There is no shame in which games loses here, both of them are legends. I highly recommend both of these must be in your collections as well as possible. But if I had to pick one game just for the single player out of these two, it has to be Syphon Filter.

Syphon Filter has a better usage of enemy AI. There are some puzzle elements making getting through some levels more satisfying. There's more actually boss fights that matter. I felt for an original game, the story is very well written. Gabe quickly grows on up as you keep on playing. Just exploring in the levels alone ends up being more interesting than some of the finest in GoldenEye.

Also you can't snipe kill an enemy in one shot in GoldenEye. But you can in Syphon Filter saving a lot of time & ammo. Not only that, Syphon Filter has more direct mission varieties too. There are times you have to protect people whose disarming a bomb that has a virus. The actual plot ends up being more important due to preventing any viral outbreaks than a satellite that simply wears you money.

Yes the big deal with 006 is using this satellite would wiring money from anyone's bank accounts. Over night, his Janus would have exactly have what they need to rule the world. Ultimately his goal was to take down MI6 since they are responsible for his parent's murder. Honestly, I just have slightly more reason to care about Syphon Filter's story.

Winner: Syphon Filter

My thoughts on Resident Evil 3 remake announcement

Hi everyone I'm Jack Red, earlier today Capcom finally confirmed Resident Evil 3 remake is in fact coming early next year. But the weird part is Project Resistance now known as Resident Evil: Resistance is included with it. Capcom openly asked their fans if they wanted a RE3 remake. You bet we raise up screaming hell yes we wanted it!!!



Resident Evil 3 was originally a spin off game that quickly turned into a main series entry due to a deal Capcom had with Sony. I felt this would give them plenty of room to work with. Resident Evil 3 was easily the toughest of the three PS1 main RE games. Most pre order deals had a dlc costume set. I wish the digital soundtracks were included in digital deals.

I felt paying more for RE2 remake was already more worth it in comparison. Also throwing in Resident Evil: Resistance doesn't help much either. Especially to those who really wants Outbreak series to return. Resident Evil 3 did make some of the characters look great. I kinda felt in Jill's case, parts of her look could've been a little better.

I don't have much thoughts about her new voice but I am hoping it works. Resident Evil 3 had a great announcement trailer. It didn't wow me like RE2's announcement trailer but still good enough to get me excited. Honestly, Resident Evil 3 will likely be more directly connected to Resident Evil 2 than the original games themselves.

I actually don't have any real major complaints other than Resistance being added in. In a sense, it would act as it's multiplayer section. Both of these games should be connected to residentevil.net soon. Resident Evil 3 could bring a lot of stuff to making it a better game for some or not the same way for those who loved it.

I am more likely going to be the new stuff with the changes will likely make me a fan of this entry. Usually I pick Resident Evil over Silent Hill. Resident Evil 3 was the only exception, I had to go with Silent Hill 3 truthfully. But to be fair, Resident Evil 3 is still a solid survival horror game with some action elements.

My thoughts on most Mortal Kombat rip off games

Hi everyone I'm Jack Red, Mortal Kombat series broke some new ground through out the 90s. Like the concept of killing your opponent in a fighting game or the amazing level of violence in general. It also popularize interest in using digitized actors in video game once again. Of course, you could not possibly imagine how many MK rip off games.

I haven't played most of the games I will be talking about. But some of them are so amazingly horrible. I really wanted to give my two cents on them. Also, I came across a few surprises not a lot of people would know. Honestly, I don't think Ed Boon himself realized how popular his franchise was.

I already talked a great deal about War Gods, Mace: The Dark Age & Bio F.R.E.A.K.S. recently. Also I talked a little about Primal Rage a while back. I will say Primal Rage was easily the most successful of the four Midway now Warner Brothers owned rip off of MK series. For me, it felt like Mortal Kombat for those into giant monsters.

I should warn you some of these are so amazingly terrible. I don't even have words to perfectly describe how minding blow they actually are. Yes I also will be talking about a handful that got canceled. Yet some of their respective developers leaked a rom for those interested to play on emulators.

1. Blood Storm (1994)


Developed by Incredible Technologies

Daniel Pesina who played Johnny Cage in the first two MK games is involved with Blood Storm. He was still technically under contract by Midway. So when they found out about this, he got fired. This is exactly why a different actor had to portray him in Mortal Kombat Trilogy. Alright, this game looks like a weird cartoon violence fighting game.

Except it isn't playing on classic or then modern cartoon rules. You can just tell by looking at that picture above, you're in for a bad game. Even the name for the developers doesn't sound good. Incredible Technologies? more like a cheap animated MK knock off that a six year old could draw better.

2. Way of the Warrior (1995)


Developed by Naughty Dog

Yeah Naughty Dog, the developers behind Crash Bandicoot & Jak series made this. Funny enough, Universal also had their name on this game too. Naughty Dog used money earned from sells of a previous game to making this abomination. Yes, even great developers can make terrible games. I do however like the cover for this game.

Way of the Warrior is exclusively on 3DO. You know the same commercial calling Sega Genesis & SNES bad toys lol. I felt in reverse, the company behind the console was a huge baby himself. Due to being low on money, people close to the developers chose to step in to portray the characters. I kinda feel sorry for everyone involved in a shameless rip off.

3. Tattoo Assassins (Canceled but can be played on emulators)


Developed by Data East Pinball

The same company behind many classics came close of releasing a very bad fighting game. One of it's developers leaked the rom online. Tattoo Assassins has a weird usage of tattoos that work as special powers. This game claimed to have over two thousand finishers. A couple of them includes stripping your opponent nude, yes this is a thing.

If it were to come out, it would've predated MK3's Animalities. This game often gets called the worst MK rip off for many great reasons. This is also one of those I really can't put a great way to describe it's sheer awtifulness. Tattoo Assassins has nothing virtually good in it at all. To me this felt like we're going bankrupt. but someone had the idea to put some of the money they had left for this.

Oh wait it gets even worse than that, a writer of Back from the Future series wrote this. Yes, an interesting time travel movie series with some of the best actors of our time fell incredibly low here. This game is is so bad that not even leaving a picture would actually be helping you. A game they attempted to be incredibly more ambitious than Ultimate Mortal Kombat 3 & Mortal Kombat Trilogy.

4. Time Killers (1992)


Developed by Incredible Technologies

The original MK rip off game itself. Time Killers also comes up like a cartoony fighting game. It isn't even hiding the level of violence either. This game is known for having decapitations of body parts during game play. I do think some parts of the art work is alright. Time Killers got ported to Sega Genesis a few years later.

This also predates most weapon based fighting games. All the playable characters must fight whoever comes their way. In order to challenge Death himself for immortality. Why does this remind me of Chakan the Forever Man lol. Like Eternal Champions coughs a better game, most the fighters are from different time periods.

5. Kasumi Ninja (1994)


Developed by Hand Made Software

One of the most well known Mortal Kombat rip offs ever. Kasumi Ninja is exclusive to Atari Jaguar, probably a good thing too. We have a Scotsman who fires projectiles after lifting his kit I'm not making that up. Also the name for the developer doesn't help either. I mean come on Hand Made Software?

To me, just having their name on it makes Kasumi Ninja come off as a poor man's Mortal Komabt game. You also can decrease the level of violence but why the hell would you do that lol. This game has a strange character selection overall. You get a handful of characters, the more of them you defeat you can select later on.

But it isn't set up like a proper character selection screen. Also in Kasumi Ninja, the level of violence is not impressive. Some of the strangest moves I ever seen in a fighting games are present here. Kasumi Ninja doesn't even sound like a fighting game title. It sounds more like a Shinobi/Ninja Gaiden rip off than an actual MK one.

6. Survival Arts (1993)


Developed by Scarab

OMG, Survival Arts is very bad. First off, none of the characters stands out in a good way. Also why are all of them so big on the screen? This would limit what you can do in a match. Obviously, it is using digitized actors like a lot of them do. But I felt the finishers are horribly done. Even the audio doesn't hide how terrible it is either.

Survival Arts is critical for survival to not play this frickin game!!! In all seriousness, for one of the first MK rip off games. I got to give them a little respect for trying it so early on. Also I don't have anything positive to say about this game. This actually would come off as a bigger, sluggish, boring MK clone no body wants to play.

7. Pray for Death (1996)


Developed by LightShock Software

This game is available on Steam & GOG.  Like a few Mortal Kombat games, Pong is a mini game. Like Time Killers, the final boss so happens to be Death. Now that's two MK rip offs where the final boss is the Grim Reaper!!! I should mention Anubi is virtually like Anibus in War Gods. The most surprising playable character in this game is Cthulhu.

Yes, a wrathful beast god from H. P. Lovecraft mythlogy appears as a fighting game character. Why would you bring such a creature into this lol. To be fair, I would say this is one of the better MK rip off games. Honestly, I do see why some people don't like it but it does have a cult following. I would say due to being available on most PC digital services makes it very cheap to get too.

8. Ultra Vortek (1995)


Developed by Beyond Games

Exclusive for Atari Jaguar, Ultra Vortek is another famous MK rip off game. I would say this is one of the worst by far. The finishers don't make a lot of sense. I will be honest, I really don't have anything positive to say here. The name of the developers further bags well anything. If this game were to not suck, I would've been like.

Hell yes I want more of this instead it is almost like vomit with some other unpleasant stuff you can think of. This is like a strange cartoony MK rip off. Considering the controller for Atari Jaguar. Just imagine doing a small combo could be take hours to fully pull off. For some reason, this is one of the more common platforms to have MK rip off games.

9. Xenophage: Alien Bloodsport (1996)


Developed by Argo Games

I just found out before I started writing here that this game is on Steam. I am not going to hide the biggest surprise. Barney the Dinosaur as in the long standing children show that has specials & movies. Yes, such a figure is well a hidden character in a rather unusual fighting game. It is mostly different creatures with not many humans you play as.

This was a DOS game being one of the few MK rip offs to be on PC during the 90s. Also, I would say despite the questionably stuff. It does sound a bit better than most of these rip offs. The finishers aren't going to make you happy either. I can respect they went with such a weird concept for a fighting game.

10. Thrill Kill (Canceled but can be played through emulators)


Developed by Paradox Development

The company responsible for this eventually became a part of Midway Games. Now Warner Brothers owns them but I still can't count this game among those that got released they do owned. Also, this game got hype like no tomorrow. Thrill Kill is a canceled PS1 game with some of the weirdest characters ever.

I should mention, this game can very likely be seen as being offense. There is some sexual content no full on sex scenes. There are little people among the roster. But the strangest thing is how this game became available to play on emulators. No one really knows how parts of it got released on the internet.

For me, this game doesn't even come off as an MK rip off. Yes I do see it in the finishers. But other than that with a bizarre roster of characters. It is less a rip off than Bio F.R.E.A.K.S. in comparison. This game was also one of the first to ever receive an AO rating. For those that haven't heard of it, that means only an adult is allowed to play it.

11. ClayFighter 63 1/3 & ClayFighter: Sculptor's Cut (1997 & 1998)

Developed by Interplay

This is one of the strangest changes in a fighting franchise I ever seen. The first two ClayFighter games are mostly a parody in some way to Street Fighter 2. But for both Nintendo 64 games, they also made it more of a Mortal Kombat/Killer Instinct rip off too. Well oh okay, the later version did remove the combo system that's similar to Killer Instinct series.

Also the later version has a few more characters but the present isn't that great. For those that doesn't know ClayFighter: Sculptor's Cut is the rarest N64 game in existence. Claytalities are virtually it's answer to Fatalities. I don't recommend playing either version of this game. I do need to point out, two of the hidden characters are Interplay characters from other franchises.

Boogerman & Earthworm Jim are among the hidden characters. It does get weirder with Sculptor's Cut version like High Five whose a giant talking hand. There is a lot of voice overs as well. The later version did change how it ended with each character having different final opponents. Rather than everyone including the final boss facing himself.

12. Blood Warrior (1994)


Developed by Atop

I recently learned about this game not long ago. Blood Warrior is mostly figures you would expect in Japanese culture. Honestly, this is just strange overall for a lot of reasons. It's no secret that's ninjas in Mortal Kombat games. But somehow they made the concept a bit more awkward than anyone would expect.

Blood Warrior can be a  fighting game that quickly turn people off. Like this ninja in the picture above has a lot of weapons. There isn't any real positives I can actually say here. Truthfully I am already having trouble trying to find the words to help describe it. Also the developer is called Atop, a top of what exactly it sure isn't the world lol.

13. Cosmic Carnage (1994)


Developed by Givro

Considered this was published by Sega, you know I have to compare it to Eternal Champions series. Let's be honest, I don't even need to tell you which one is more worth your time. Cosmic Carnage was an exclusive on Sega 32X. It is weird that Sega allowed such a game when they had a similar short series.

Also on one of the absolute worst selling game consoles of all time. Well it probably did better than a fair amount of them. But there's no hiding it, 32X just wasn't a console for that. Cosmic Carnage itself is mostly bad. The actual plot doesn't even remotely come off as a MK rip off either. Can you believe this was a launch title too?

14. Time Slaughter (1996)


Developed by Bloodlust Software

Time Slaughter was inspired by a few fighting games including Mortal Kombat & Time Killers. I have to be brutally honest, this is one of the absolute worst looking MK rip offs I have ever seen. Honestly, just look at that picture if your skin doesn't crawl. Something is awtifully wrong with you. Time Slaughter is another of those amazingly terrible fighting games.

This is also a DOS game thus being one of the select few MK PC rip off games in existence. For all I know this might actually be the worst of those games. I have virtually nothing good to say about this game. Hell, if you want to you could get an emulator or go to a website with one to play this. I highly recommend you do not play this game!!!

Also Bloodlust Software more like Pathetic Toys Animating Softare. I mean this isn't bloody enough to be called Bloodlust. I could say a 13 years giving me more original drawings way more worth my time than this. I wouldn't be surprised they chose PC knowing consoles would cancel it in a heart beat.

15. Cardinal Syn (1998)


Developed by Kronos Digital Entertainment

This is a clear rip off of Soul Blade & Mortal Kombat. I actually played a better game that's basically those two combined called Mace: The Dark Age. The finishers are mostly getting beheaded. The level of violence isn't that high either. I will give them credit, this is a 3D fighting game. Not perfect obviously but I have to at least respect that.

Cardinal Syn is a game that could rub some people the wrong way. Parts of it do sorta come off as a MK game. But it also falls short there too. As for the developer name, it is one of the better names among these rip offs. Honestly, this is a PS1 game I would consider giving a try. To me, it is alright more around the middle of the pack if anything else.

16. Thea Realm Fighters (Canceled but can be played through emulators)


Developed by High Voltage Software

This is another canceled MK rip off that's meant for two related platforms. Atari Jaguar & it's CD based add on. You know the add on that usually doesn't work anymore if you seen the AVGN episode. You already know what I am talking about. Thea Realm Fighters is such a terrible title too. I just found out the developers behind this by pure coincidence.

I kid you not done Mortal Kombat X PC version. Yeah, indirectly they became a part of Mortal Kombat's history. In some games' case, some of the digital actors worked in them. But here somehow MK decided to let these guys a try with a version of their game. This game isn't bad either but it could be worse.

17. Street Fighter: The Movie (1995)


Developed by Incredible Technologies

Alright, one developer made three different MK rip off games in the 90s. But this game is ridiculous in just it's very concept. We got a game based on an movie that's based on an game. In this case being Street Fighter 2, this is another famous knock out. This is one of the most sluggish game in it's franchise.

Also, most actors from the movie with their stunt actors reprises their roles. Sadly the late Raul Julia was too ill to do so & passed away shortly afterwards. This is playing more on using digitized actors than anything else from those called MK rip offs. I can say it does a few things better than most of them.

18. Catfight (1996)


Developed by Phantom Card

This is another PC MK rip off game that's surprisingly famine. There's absolutely no male characters in this game. I am surprised this got release with no male characters. But in it's defense, most fighting games of that era was heavily male theme than female ones. There was a handful of female fighting game characters.

Although stuff like Dead or Alive series is more female characters than male ones that's still going on today. I can't help but to feel somewhat insulted by this. I would criticize a fighting game with no female characters in a heart beat. There should be characters of both genders present in a fighting game.

Also, the animation with choppy so bad. It makes some of the choppiest games you could name look like they're running perfectly. The actual character designs are very weird. But how did the developers convince eleven women to take part in something like this is beyond me. Catfight is obviously a play of two women fighting each other maybe women should feel insulted by this too.

19. Battle Monsters


Developed by Scarab

Surprise the developers of Survival Arts made this. It plays on a lot of the same problems with a more ridiculous cast. I grew up with a fighting game called Killing Zone that turned out to be this game's sequel. I guess I wouldn't have known that if I didn't just looked it up lol. Battle Monsters is strangely interesting simply because of it's roster.

I should mention in it's sequel greatly changed from being a MK rip off to being a Virtua Fighter rip off instead. I guess after two attempts if ripping something off doesn't work go rip something else off instead. In all seriousness, I would slightly find this game more interesting than Survival Arts but I don't recommend it either.

20. Twin Goddesses (1994)


Developed by PolyGram K.K.

OMG, this has to be one of the weirdest & stupidest MK rip offs ever made. The title itself doesn't even come off as a MK rip off. There's a weird anime/live action vibe. I seen slightly better in a Saturn exclusive Shinobi game. Also, some characters are hand drawn while others are digitized actors.

Seriously, this alone would cause so many people to lose interest. When they play an older MK game, they want it to come off being more realistic than it actually was. Obviously, this same effect isn't possible here. Also funny enough this is actually an PS1 game too. Most playable characters aren't playing in the single player portion, are you kidding me?

21. Gokuu Densetsu: Magic Beast Warriors (1995)



Developed by Allumer

I can't say too much about it's release since only Japan got this game. In the same boat as Twin Goddesses but aren't made by the same team. This has more of Journey to the West inspiration with Mortal Kombat somewhat mixed in. The characters are just weird for a fighting game. This is also a PS1 game too.

There isn't much known about it since not many people outside of Japan knows about it. There is digitized actors with some wearing weird costumes fitting on their culture. Honestly, this game's very existence bags way more questions I can't fully answer. I would have to say this is slightly more MK rip off than Twin Goddesses.

22. Shadow: War of Succession (1994)


Developed by Tribeca Interactive

Are you ready for something amazingly bad? You aren't too bad here comes Shadow: War of Succession. It has one of the absolute worst openings to a fighting game I ever seen. First off, for an emperor to die that easily. Where was his guards? Also the emperor would've likely fought back instead of getting surprise attacked like that.

Oh wait, it gets much worse than this. Shadow: War of Succession is exclusive to 3DO!!! Another console exclusive MK rip off that's really bad. There really isn't anything good I can say unless it only being playable on 3DO counts as one. Trust me, this game flat out sucks. It has cheap victories that can quickly end rounds or matches faster than you realize what just happened.

This actually predated Mortal Kombat: Deception with easier to pull off stage fatalities. But it is even easier to do since you or your opponent could simply walk off the platform to your death. OMG, the death animations are like a stupid art project with limited options. I could see a kid with paints that isn't good with shapes gives me something much easier on my eyes than this.

Update: I didn't know at the time writing this that Shadow lacked any fatalities. Honestly, most MK rip offs do have them so this is a very unusual case among them.

23. Jackie Chan in Fists of Fire (1995)


Developed by Kaneko

Yes, Jackie Chan who currently holds the world record for doing more stunts in a movie than anything in the world. Not even he is safe from the carnage of MK rip offs. To be honest, the game had a different title but later changed it to this. This is another of those digitized actors style fighting games.

There isn't a finisher that kills your opponents. But it is just mind blowing you got Jackie Chan. Well Barney in Xenophage was more surprising to me. I felt this too was alright for most of the games I talked quickly about. I will say, it does a few key things better than most of them. So if given the chance I would give this game a try.

Farewell TOM (Toonami)

Hi everyone I'm Jack Red, today I get to talk about a leading factor why I love anime. I grew up with Toonami that would be on Cartoon Network channels for a few hours. Personally, I remember the good old days just like yesterday. Why am I even talking about Toonami you ask? Believe it or not, they recently killed off TOM 5 in their recent story arc.

I figured to pay my respects by making this blog entry. I will be talking about Toonami from almost the beginning to recent since Moltar from Space Ghost was the original host. I do apologize I didn't do anything for Moltar following his voice actor passed away. Maybe one day, I might do something to help make up for that.

Rest in Peace TOM 1999-2019 (Seventh years as the host of Toonami)


TOM 1


Of course I remember the original TOM model. This little guy was the only model to be voiced by a different voice actor. TOM knew he had a lot of shoes to fill in for Moltar. It isn't exactly clear why Moltar left in the first place. But TOM sure had a way to grow on you. Believe it or not, fans got to vote if he were to die or survive in a particular story arc.

Majority of votes led to his first death by an entity only known as The Intruder. TOM 1 was a host for a little over a year. Personally, I thought this model looked a bit small for something as big as Toonami. I do like parts of his designs despite that. TOM 1 had a weird appeal to people early on. Very quickly made him more popular than Moltar I'm not kidding.

TOM 2


During the same story arc TOM 1 died, his AI was transferred to a superior, bigger model. I will be honest I always had a thing for TOM 2. Just look at him, he looks awesome. TOM 2 was hosting for a little over two years. This model got to be in two story arcs. Lockdown that displayed most of his strategist side.

Trapped in Hyperspace happened due to a virus attacking SARA while going through the hyperspace. We get a more mysterious story arc with another TOM had to keep the virus' attention on him. In doing so, he was able to out smart the virus to saving SARA. This is when the voice actor Steve Blum started his long standing performance as TOM.

TOM 3


TOM 3 was recreated with parts of TOM 2. This model also gotten a new spaceship. He hosted almost five years of Toonami. He temporary came back through an April Fools joke. Which eventually brought back Toonami in the process. To me, TOM 3 doesn't stand out as much as TOM 2 did.

Sure he looks more buffed up in comparison as well as being taller. Other than that, TOM 3 didn't have the same impact on me. I will say TOM 3 does look better than TOM 1. Unlike the previous two models, TOM 3 didn't get story arcs on TV. TOM 3 mostly ended up taking it easy. Honestly, just one epic story arc would've helped here.

TOM 4


Yeah eventually I had to break my silence on this. TOM 4 looks amazingly horrible. What's a great way of describing it? Imagine a cheap rip off of a Pixar movie with one amazing voice actor. But don't make anything exciting in the process. Thus you ended up with a surprisingly bad version of not just TOM but also Toonami.

Let's be honest, he doesn't look like the previous models. Just trying to point the dots in how this model fits in like more on the lines of getting stabbed rapidly in the eye. At the same time, it is covered with old sea salt & old bay I'm not kidding. I actually wasn't watching Toonami during this period.

TOM 4 was the host for a little over a year. Even the final scene when Toonami ended didn't set things well. I really personally do not like this model. If I were giving out awards, then he would guarantee winning the worse overall TOM model ever. Also in the comics, The Intruder destroyed this model thank god for that.

TOM 3.5


This is more of less a slightly upgraded variation of TOM 3. I would actually say this is the model I originally wanted to see. Personally, I'm stuck between TOM 2 or this for my favorite TOM model I'm not kidding. Just look how bad ass TOM looks. TOM 3.5 was the host for a little over a year, there seems to be a pattern.

TOM 3.5 was the model for when Toonami came back. Honestly, I wish they would've done a story arc or two with this model. They never explained how TOM 3.5 became TOM 5. Yes I am willing to exclude TOM 4, it does not exist!!! Now TOM 3.5 did make up for that model. I kinda wish this model had a little more going for him.

TOM 5


TOM 5 is the finale model that also the longest standing host of Toonami. He hosted for seven years, an achievement worth having. From his basic design he is better than some models. TOM 5 also got to be in a few story arcs. I felt he did justice to greatly made up for a particular model that will no longer be named.

TOM 5 does change ships that eventually led to his demise. Although, he did give similar robots to him a fighting chance as well as an opportunity to escape. By this point, TOM's story came full circle. He got to experience death a few times in his existence. Yet none a single one slowed him down much.



For the longest time, TOM meant a lot to me. Even when I wasn't Toonami. Obviously, Moltar was quickly outclassed by this robot. We got an inspiring hero that's willing to sacrifice his life to save others. TOM has been through a few types of transferring frequencies for the people of Earth to watch cartoons as well as anime.

TOM was an original character exclusive to the Toonami brand. Moltar was a guest character to help jump start something huge. I felt the actor didn't want to keep doing that or the character was becoming too expensive to use. Regardless of the reason, we ended up with a surprisingly likable host.

He got to star in some crazy story arcs. Some of the earlier ones aired through out the week. The more recent ones aired right at the beginning not taking long. Sometimes, doing things like that could leave a major impact on people. TOM is still one of the greatest fictional hosts on televisions I ever seen.

I am deeply upset to see him go. He has entertaining thousands possibly millions of people over the years. For so many people, Toonami will never be the same without TOM. Now I get a part of why they're doing that. How long can we have TOM be the host for Toonami? He has been the host for seventh years.

Keep in mind, there was a few years Toonami didn't air at all. There was one brief Toonami airing as a joke in 2012. Despite that, Toonami got so many people into anime like myself. TOM was essentially the greatest gift Toonami has ever given us. Yes even more than a lot of great anime shows.

After all, just airing them on TV can quickly get boring. TOM does help some stay up late at night. Almost like a great pal you can't seem to get away from. You feel like TOM is a relative of yours for many years. Losing him will deeply upset a lot of people. He will always been remembered for everything he has done.

Moltar deep down despite his arrogance probably knew TOM had greatness. TOM had to quickly step up to taking Moltar's place. I felt in all honestly, He was a better host than Moltar no offense. TOM has a legacy that will likely continue in some way for the future of Toonami. In the end, TOM you finally got the big break you been wanting.