I recently upgraded to the latest version of WordPress and now some of the postings in the “news n’ stuff” archives have odd characters randomly added. I’m working on fixing the problem, but for now, if anyone reads my previous posts, know that I’m not that bad of a typist.
I’ve added a new login form to the sidebar. You can sign up and login so whenever you feel like posting a comment, your info should be auto entered. This also helps me to know who’s online instead of just seeing “x# of guests online”.
Another cool thing is that on your profile dashboard, you can see the listing of upcoming comics and posts (and no, you cannot read ahead unless there happens to be a site glitch one day, you can just see that they’re on their way.)
I purchased Metroid Prime at Fye the other day; actually, I got it free when I bought three other used GameCube games (including Metroid Prime 2, lol.) I must say, I’m disappointed… disappointed that I didn’t play the Metroid series sooner! I absolutely love this game. It’s got adventure, sci-fi and a first-person perspective all in one game. It’s challenging without being tear-your-hair-out difficult like some games. And it looks and sounds great: it runs in 480p on my Wii, and the sound is superb despite “only” being Dolby Pro Logic II (it may not be digital surround sound, but it’s still surround sound.)
And apparently my timing couldn’t be better: There have been rumblings of excitement on the various gaming sites I visit over Metroid Prime 3 coming out in August, which, until now I had mostly ignored. Now I need to finish Prime 1 and 2 so I can jump into 3 with both feet. Playing with an analog controller is fun enough as it is, but being able aim with the Wii-mote? Don’t even get me started on how cool that is.
I also snagged Metroid Fusion for the Game Boy Advance (GBA) and it’s a lot of fun too. Plus, once I beat it, I can unlock the original Metroid by connecting the GBA to the Wii! So, I’ve gone from having no idea what Metroid was, to being a big fan. I now rank Prime among my top 10 favorite games ever, and I haven’t even finished it yet.
If you have a GameCube or a Wii and you haven’t checked it out, you need to right away.
After talking about Metroid yesterday, I thought it would be cool to officially list my top ten favorite video games ever. As of July 2007 at least; with Super Mario Galaxy and Metroid Prime 3 coming out this year, this list may change soon. Counting down from 10, I’ll list one every day or so and talk about the game itself and why I like it.
#10 - Stunt Island (PC) - Released: 1992 - Publisher: Disney - Rating: N/A (the ESRB didn’t exist then, but it’s probably E or E10+ by modern standards)
What it is
A flight simulator and mini-movie maker.
Why I like it
As a pre-teen, I was looking for a fun PC flight simulator and couldn’t afford Microsoft Flight Simulator. This game had recently come out, and was only $20, so I decided to check it out. What I found was an incredibly packed simulation of flight and movie making. It may not have the prettiest graphics, but not even The Movies has as many props and potential for imagination as Stunt Island.
Is it still available?
You might find it on eBay, but it’s on diskettes and is DOS based. I’ve managed to get it installed on my newest computer in Windows XP, but not after a lot of trouble and the audio is finicky. If you’re using Vista, it’s likely you won’t be able to play it at all without some major emulation software. If Disney were to either update this game or sell the rights for another company to update it, I would be a very happy camper. It’s also available on the Internet via “abandonware” sites, but due to the dubious legality of that, I’ll leave you to Google to find it yourself.
Today continues my countdown of my top ten favorite video games ever.
#9 - Star Trek 25th Anniversary (PC) - Released: 1991 - Publisher: Interplay - Rating: N/A (again, no ESRB then, but probably E or E10+ by modern standards)
What it is
Hands down the best Star Trek game ever.
Why I like it
Being able to basically take part in an episode of Star Trek was, and still is, a real thrill. The challenges themselves aren’t difficult, they just take some time to figure out. The only problem I have with it is that to this day I cannot beat the last level. The game shifted from a glorified text-based adventure, to an action shooter, and frankly, I think the programmers screwed up. I’ve found I’m not the only one with this problem too, so just play through the other levels and if you can’t beat the last one after a few tries, quit. Be satisfied in your accomplishments in the other “episodes”.
If you do beat it, please tell me how!
Is it still available?
Perhaps on eBay. I recommend getting the CD version as it has the real original cast voices. Do not get the NES ported version, it’s a completely different game with the same name and it’s really dumb. Due to its age, I’ve had trouble getting it to run on modern computers, but with a little trial and error it will play. There’s also a just as good sequel titled Judgment Rites that has the same formula with a few technical improvements.
The continuing saga of my top ten favorite video games ever.
#8 - LEGO Star Wars - Released: 2005-2007 - Publisher: LucasArts - Rating: E10+
Note: I wasn’t going to include games series in this rundown, just individual games. However, they are making an all-in-one version of the two separate games, so I’m making an exception. Besides, they play as one big game anyway.
What it is
LEGO. Star Wars. That pretty much says it all. Between the two games it covers Episodes I-VI of all you favorite Star Wars moments, but humorously rendered in LEGO elements and figures.
Why I like it
LEGO. Star Wars. Again, that pretty much says it all. My only gripe is that I wish there was a sandbox mode ala LEGO Creator instead of everything being pre-determined. The closest there is is the custom mini-figure mode in the second trilogy. The Complete Saga will include better integration between trilogies (i.e. play as Luke in Episode I, etc.) and at least one new level has been announced (the “car chase” in Episode II!), so I’m very excited.
Is it still available?
The originals are available in nearly every possible format at major retailers. The Complete Saga re-release should be out later this year on Wii, PS3, 360 and DS. For you non-console gamers, so far they haven’t announced a PC version for the re-release. If they don’t release one, then just get the two separate games. I personally will be getting it for Wii to supplement my original PC versions.
The continuing fun of my top ten favorite video games ever.
#7 - RollerCoaster Tycoon 3 - Released: 2004 - Publisher: Atari - Rating: E
RollerCoaster Tycoon 3
What it is
The third installment in the popular RollerCoaster Tycoon series, this time rendered in 3D so you can actually ride the rides.
Why I like it
I love playing the first two RollerCoaster Tycoons to this day, but I like 3 the best because it’s all in 3D. Being able to hop on to all my favorite coasters, and even most of the kiddie rides, is so much fun it’s hard to describe. The game is very taxing on computer systems, so if you don’t have a gaming rig quality computer (at least 1GB RAM and 2Ghz CPU), get ready to turn all the fancy graphics settings off (and still have it run slow if your computer is more than 5 years old.)
The game is made even more fun by two expansion packs: “Soaked” which adds a ton of water park rides and elements and “Wild” which allows you to create your own safari. From the get go you have access to a number of rides and attractions in the sandbox mode to build your own park with unlimited money. But, you can play through several challenges in the main game and the expansion packs to earn new coasters and rides (even a number of things from the old games.)
You can also build your own coasters, and if you custom-build a coaster in RollerCoaster Tycoon 2, you can actually import it into #3 and ride it in 3D! I’m not sure if this feature works with the very first game or not.
Is it still available?
In a few different versions at most major retailers: the main game sells by itself and you can get the expansions at your leisure, there’s the Gold pack which combines the main game and “Soaked” onto one disc (if you want “Wild” you’ll have to buy it separately), or, the best pack of all, the Platinum edition, which combines the main game and both expansions into one box.
RollerCoaster Tycoon 2 (for comparison)
Full speed ahead on of my top ten favorite video games ever.
#6 - Sonic the Hedgehog 2 (Genesis)- Released: 1992-2007 - Publisher: Sega - Rating: E
What it is
The second installment of the adventures of Sonic the Hedgehog. With improved graphics, an added character and an improved Spin dash feature, Sonic 2 I think is still the best Sonic game to this day.
Why I like it
In the days of Genesis vs. Super Nintendo the deciding factor for which console I should get came down to a blue hedgehog. After playing the first Sonic in Sears one day, I decided I was going to be a Sega fanboy. When I went to get a console I was fortunate enough to hit a promotion where, not only did the first game come as a pack-in, there was a coupon to get Sonic 2 for free! The first game is fun in its own right, but the improvements in this second version make it more fun and faster.
Is it still available?
It’s available in a number of configurations, the main ones are: On eBay if you still have a Genesis. On Wii you can get it on the Virtual Console or on Xbox 360’s Xbox Live Arcade. It’s also available in the Sonic Mega Collection which plays on GameCube (which makes it backward-compatible with Wii), or the Sonic Mega Collection Plus version which plays on PC, PS2 and Xbox (and in turn is backward compatible with Xbox 360 and (some) PS3’s.) I recommend getting the Mega Collection in some form as it has the most content for the money (vs. only getting two Virtual console games for the same price.)
