Games The Need to Be Remastered Now

When Grim Fandango Remastered was announced last year I was excited beyond belief for two reasons. First, I would be able to play an updated version of one of my favourite games of all time. Second, I took it as a sign that the industry was willing to take a chance on titles that while critical darlings didn't have to be commercially successful to be given a second chance.

As I played through Grim Fandango again; now with graphical updates, I couldn't help but think to myself of other title that are definitely worth an HD remaster/remake. This would also be keeping with the trend as more and more classics like Homeworld are being given new life for a new generation.

Jet Set Radio Future

While it might just be my opinion, below are the games I'd like to see remastered. Some of the these games are true cult classics, others were popular back in the day and I think could use a fresh coat of paint.

The original Jet Set Radio had an HD release back in 2012 for the PS3 and Xbox 360, so really it should be a no brainer for the sequel to get a similar HD facelift. In addition, the added power of the Ps4 and Xbox One could mean a truly beautiful world for not only fans of the series to explore, but new players who probably over looked this title at the time.

Final Fantasy IX

If you mention the words "Final Fantasy" and "HD remake" in the same breath, chances are the roman numerals for seven are in there as well. Since the "technical demo" back in 2006, fans have begging Square to make an HD remake of the most beloved of all Final Fantasy titles. And now I'm going to be the black chocobo and say that if we were to pick a title to make HD it shouldn't be VII, but IX.

Technically FFIX did get a PSN port back in 2010, but with the updates made to X and X-2 it shows that remasters can be profitable for even the most popular of the Final Fantasy franchise. To me, IX is one the more underated titles in the series. Getting a HD Remaster or Remake would be great.

Psychonauts

Continuing the trend of "Tim Schaffer making games that while critically acclaimed don't sell that well" is Psychonauts. I'm not going to into too much details as anyone who's a fan of the game probably shares my opinion on this. Aesthetically the game has aged very well, and with HD polish it could look amazing on the PS4 or Xbox One. If Grim Fandango was worthy of an HD remaster, then so is Psychonauts.

These are title I'd like to see remastered, what games do you think deserve an update for the next generation?

A Challenger Approaches: A Review of Super Smash Brothers 3DS

When they announced that the next Smash Brothers game was going to be on both the Wii U and the 3DS, I was skeptical to say the least. While I love my 3DS, the idea of playing a game of smash on it seemed like a not very enjoyable experience. It would be underpowered, a stripped down version of what a real SSB game would be. Combined with the small screen size (even on by the XL's standards) and a control scheme that is really meant for a dedicated controller, everything just screamed to me like this was a bad idea. And yet, the fact that it would be "a smash brothers game" peaked my interest enough that I shelled out for the game in lieu of being "smashless" until the Wii U version comes out towards the end of the year. So, does this new territory work for the franchise? Or is this an experiment that isn't worth repeating. Well, in a nut shell it is a great entry into the beloved franchise, but you can't help but wonder if tying it with it's inevitably more powerful console brother is doing it a diservice to its potential.

Free For All!

If you've never played a Super Smash Brothers game before, shame on you because they're all fantastic titles. All you need to know is that each entry is a crossover fighting game staring an all star line up of Nintendo's biggest characters. Each match is either timed to see who can knockout of the arena the most players, or each fighter has limited number of lives and one must be the last man (or woman, turtle, robot, Pikachu, blob, etc) standing. The beauty comes in the different stages and characters you can play. While the controls are always much simpler than the other fighting games of the genre, it's simplicity and nostalgia are what make it so wonderful to play. The 3DS version is no different.

In addition to the smash matches, classic mode, and all-star mode that have become series staples, there are new unique modes to the 3DS version such as a mode very reminiscent of City Trial in Kirby's Air Ride for the gamecube. In fact, the game is definitely a Sakurai (the game's director) game as both Kirby's Air Ride and Kid Icarus: Uprising have strong influences on the game's style and gameplay modes. While that isn't a bad thing, it makes me miss the original and melee for their distinct "Smash Brothers" flair.

However the game is still a ton of fun to play and what you expect of a Smash title.

Choose Your Character

Possibly the most exciting prospect of a new smash brothers title is the roster of playable characters. In fact they capitalized on this excitement in the build up to the game's release, making each "newcomer" as new fighters are referred to in the franchise a star of an epic announcement trailer, showing off the characters unique talents. Compared the the last instalment Brawl, the lineup is not only massive, the number of interesting and unique ways to play is the best part of the whole game. In addition, a mechanic of certain characters being able to transform has been removed with these characters being themselves split into separate characters. This was, in my opinion; a great decision and allows for great expansion of characters which relied certain conditions or mechanics. While there are still too many "clones" or characters that are basically palette swaps (much better than brawl), it's still a great and diverse line up.

No Contest

Now based on the title for this section the review, you think that they've omitted something crucial thing in order to get the game onto the 3DS. That isn't entirely true. It's true that an Adventure or Story mode which has been around since Melee is missing from the game, however that doesn't irk me as it is both both a disappointment and a feature that I don't miss terribly. The issue comes from the fact that there's something in the feel of this game that seems off in comparison to the previous instalments. As I mentioned before the game feels like Kirby's Air Ride meets Kid Icarus meets Smash Brothers, which means in many ways it doesn't 100% feel like smash. I also think that because the two versions of the game are meant to be "interchangeable" to an extent, the Wii U version is going to feel not as robust as a major console version should have.

Now before you all go complaining about how I'm saying the game isn't as good simply because of my "feelings", the issues that you may or not have heard about regarding the control scheme are definitely true. There are times when a dinky control "circle" just don't work. Also while no one may admit it, in an attempt to keep both versions the same, there's definitely cuts that will annoy some hardcore fans.

This Game's Winner Is...

While this a great foray into the world of portable smash brothers, it's definitely not perfect. It's still a great game an a tone of fun, but I know that really all I'm doing is tiding myself over with a roster preview of what the Wii U version will have. Hopefully the Wii U will have some great distinct features that will make it the true successor the franchise needs. Otherwise it will be a great yet slightly unsatisfying free for all.

Score: 8/10

A Weird Week in Tomodachi Life: A Review

Back in April when Tomodachi Life was announced to world back in April, I reacted the same way most people did, what the hell is this game. What feels like Animal Crossing thrown in a blender with Warioware and Mii Maker, Tomodachi Life is simulation and social game tinged with the surreal. In fact, it's so random and strange that how I just described is the only way to condense it in a sentence. In fact while I managed to go through most of the games features, I'm still finding surprises that make roll on the floor with laughter. That reason along with several other factor make Tomodachi an essential in anyone's 3DS library.

I'm hungry

At face value it's pretty easy to understand Tomodachi Life. You can either create Mii's from scratch or Import Mii's from your own 3DS. But beyond the traditional mii Maker features, you give these mii's a vocaloid voice and personality based on 5 criteria. These small touches allow your multiple miis to run amok on your own island. Unlike the Sims and more like it's furry cousin animal crossing, the game plays in real time and miss are self-sufficient, they'll ask you solve they're problems (mostly boils down to you buying them stuff). It's a stress-free game and unlike Animal Crossing where time is a factor for certain tasks, the goals of this game are self-defined. This makes for a nice relaxing experience. Now the voices aren't perfect, in fact they're absolutely terrible. But that terrible quality actually makes the charms and oddities of Tomodachi Life that much more fun to play, like enjoying a hilariously bad movie.

By the power of Tiramisu

No, this review doesn't have a food theme. This is a reference to a 'dream', yes your miis dream now; that one of my Mii's had, where he turned into a superhero using tiramisu (in a transformation sequence as well :P). Tomodachi's quirky and random sense of humour vaguely reminds me of Invader Zim and the Gaia days. Being random for the sake of being random if you will. We're all mad here, and trying to find all the jokes is part of the fun. And I'm still being surprised, that's just how much there is.

Same old, Same old

But despite that random moments that keep things interesting, everything else can get routine very quickly. You get the same problems to solve every day, almost always easy to solve. It's not a game-killer, but it certainly takes away from the fun. The again, it can be compared to a certain similarly named simulation from the 90s that really didn't have much to do... and that one was significantly more stressful.

Conclusion

I'll definitely playing this game for another month, perhaps even on and off again all year. Is it 3DS game of the year? Not by any stretch of the imagination, but it's definitely a must buy for any 3DS owner.

Verdict 8.5/10

We All Become One: Transistor Review

It's been three years since Bastion was released. It not only changed the way we look at indie games, it made Supergiant Games a household name in an industry dominated by multimillion dollar publishers and studios. Everything about Bastion was so meticulously well-done, from the gameplay and enigmatic story, to the wondrous art and music; not to mention the dulcet tones of Logan Cunningham. A testament to games as art and the ability of independent developers, Bastion serves a standard that all of Supergiant's future games will be judged by.

Which as it stands is Transistor's greatest problem, It's the follow up act of a fantastic opening number. But like it's big brother, Red's adventure in Cloudbank is an equally stellar performance.

Hello World

When you first load up Transistor, you aren't given a prologue, you aren't even given a start screen, you're thrown right into the world Cloudbank in it's final moments as the Process, the enemies of the game; start to turn the thriving metropolis from alive and colourful to sterile and monochrome. You play as the singer Red, who after being attacked by the Process and the Camarata, the administrators of Cloudbank; has had her voice taken from her. You wield the transistor, a digital great sword that not only gives Red the ability to fight the Process, but also serves as the games narrator (again by Logan Cunningham) as it contains the Trace (essentially the soul) of someone close to Red, but isn't initially apparent who.

In fact, apart from the exposition from your speaking sword and some lines spoken by other characters towards the end, Almost all of the big pieces of the story aren't given to the player, but only told as the player explores and experiments. While some might find this as a confusing and poor narrative, I personally enjoy figuring out what's going on from virtually nothing. It's dark, mysterious, and you know that nothing is as it seems. Transistor doesn't want to tell you a story, it wants you make sense of all the data and build the big picture yourself. There will always be some pieces missing though, no matter how much you explore. This is slightly disappointing, but hardly enough to spoil the atmosphere.

Wait your Turn()

Similar to Bastion's gameplay, controlling Red is viewed from an angled fixed camera as she travels through Cloudbank's various alleys and streets fighting the various monsters who oppose her. The very first battle introduces the game as a action RPG a la Diablo, but immediately you're introduced to the game's twist, the Turn() system. This allows Red to execute a sequence of moves and actions planned in advance and then executed as time is stopped for your enemies. It's a refreshing take on turn based RPGs and allows for varied and creative gameplay. As you collect more abilities through additional traces, the ability to customize your skill set is simple, yet incredibly robust and satisfying. Using abilities as either offensive, upgrades, or passive abilities allows for a lot of flexibility, even if some abilities really only have a specific use. You also get access to a practice area and bonus levels called tests to truly become versed in the different powers you have and what best suits your play style.

But just because you're given a lot of power at your disposal, doesn't mean that your enemies are chumps. They evolve as you progress and the battles become more like puzzles than combat, with the player relying on careful strategy that can make or break a battle, especially towards the end. Even the game's unique way of punishing a player or the ability to make your enemies harder on purpose for more experience allows the player to truly tailor the game to their liking, making Transistor one of the best RPGs in a long time, and we've had some crazy good RPGs this year.

Artificial Art

It goes without saying that Transistor is beautiful to look at, but what makes the world truly come alive is the seamless integration of cyberpunk with a modern urban atmosphere. The world and characters are beautifully detailed, as is to be expected of Supergiant Games' Jen Zee. But because of its blend of the organic and inorganic, Transistor's world is that much more beautiful and real, which in turn makes it even more sad to watch as it is processed by... well, the Process. Words really can't do the art of this game justice.

Hum Along

As Red is a singer, you'd think that music would play an important role in Transistor. It certainly does, but not in an obvious way (as is expected). There isn't any specific gameplay mechanic involving singing or music, but the beautifully composed score and the subtle nuances of both the game's soundtrack and sound effects make Transistor a truly complete experience. An amazing detail that I can never get enough of is that when you switch from realtime combat to the planning mode of Turn(), the music switches to a hummed version of whatever is playing... hummed by Red herself. We understand this is her planning, the thoughts in her head if you will. That little touch is such a nice feature I just want to take an extra turn just to hear that lovely hummed melody.

Sign Out

There are going to be a lot of you who aren't going to like Transistor as much as I did, especially when in many ways it isn't as good as it's older sibling. The game is rushed in places and feels over all too soon, even for only 20 bucks. But I think that's what makes this experience such a wonderful one. It's short and sweet, better to be over too soon than drag on too long. But more importantly, it's game that once again pushes the limits of what games can be. I can't wait to see what Supergiant comes out with next, and I'm hoping it's a hat trick and just as amazing as the last two games have been.

Rating 9.5/10

Bravely Default and Final Fantasy's Future

While the demo has been out for a few weeks, Bravely Default's upcoming release has generated a lot of positive buzz for the game. But more than anything, what most people are talking about is what a wonderful bit of nostalgia the game is providing to fans; specifically Final Fantasy fans. Besides the wonderfully awful name and a unique battle system, the Bravely Default is basically a Final Fantasy title. Like the 4 Warriors of Light, Bravely Default is another title inspired by Final Fantasy III & V's stellar job system with a unique twist. But since this game is practically another final fantasy title, why isn't it named such. The answer is simple, the name Final Fantasy has a stigma attached to it. As many have pointed out in other blogs, Final Fantasy's recent outings haven't lived up to the reputation that the series tries to associate itself with. But then I thought about the future of the series in general and thought that maybe it isn't as bleak as everyone says it is. With A Realm Reborn doing pretty well considering its terrible start, Bravely Default and Lightning Returns shaping up to be solid games in their own right and Final Fantasy XV looking amazing, Final Fantasy's shine may not be gone yet.

A rose by any other name would smell as sweet

Red rose... I mean mage in action

As I mentioned before, Bravely Default is basically a wolf in sheep's clothing (but in a good way). The classes, monsters, themes, and even the spells are of the Final Fantasy universe. And based on the demo that I've become a little obsessed with, I'm looking forward to the finished product. The Brave & Default battle system is an interesting high risk high reward form of combat that adds a lot of strategy to even basic battles. It's vaguely reminiscent of the battle systems implemented in the first two episodes of the Xenosaga games with their stock features. but not just the core gameplay, but the music is fantastic and the art style is amazing, especially if you're like me and loved the art and design of the remade Final Fantasy III. So I'll definitely be picking it up when it comes out on February 7th.

But is the name change necessary even with the clear ties to its parent franchise? Well I think even if it is a simple name change that it's a welcome one. It's wonderfully weird and I think the beginning of what could be a killer franchise in itself. After all, look at how popular Persona has become in comparison to it's main Shin Megami Tensei brothers. Bring on Bravely Default, and if it does well enough in North America its planned sequel Bravely Second (like I said, wonderfully weird)

P.S. I'm unfortunately obsessed with the main battle theme


Lightning strikes thrice

Another demo that was released recently was Lightning Returns: Final Fantasy XIII. Now the main question is why on earth do we need another Final Fantasy XIII game, especially when for so many people this is the game that they like the least. As someone who thought XIII was ok (only ok, but the music was amazing) and XIII-2 was a big improvement, I'm looking forward to this 'final' (pardon the pun) instalment in the Lightning saga. Playing the demo has definitely strengthened that feeling, although I wish I got more time to play around with the battle system more, as it's definitely shaping up to be the best combat of the three games. But only when the full game comes whether or not this is going to be redemption enough for Lightning's troubled series. Maybe third time's a charm?


Lucky number XV

If there's anything that has me more hopefully in the future of the franchise it's Tetsuya Nomura's opus, or rather what I hope Final Fantasy XV will be. The game was announced 8 years ago, and I believe has been in on and off development for the last 10, though in the last few years it has been worked on heavily.  But even with full action combat, incredibly amazing graphics and what appears to be an incredibly epic and interesting story, who knows if it will actually translate to what the Final Fantasy franchise needs more than anything, an absolutely stellar title to go up their with the other staples in the main numbered series. After all, that's what I thought Final Fantasy XIII was going to do with that amazing, but sadly pre-rendered E3 2006 trailer.

One can dream...

There's only so much rebranding and remaking this franchise can handle, and while it won't be gone for a while, any more problems could be... well, problematic for the franchise's and the studio's continued existence. But here's hoping that with what appears to be a clear and appealing new direction for Square Enix to go, there won't be a "final" Final Fantasy just yet.

Dwarves, Fungus Zombies, and Chiptune Music: A Review of 2013

In 2012 we had Gangham style, The Avengers, and threats of the apocalypse because some Mayans said so. So as 2013 comes to a close, it's hard to say what made this year so special, for better or worse. As every publication, podcast, blog, critic, and self-proclaimed expert in something is giving their review of the year in a "best of" or "most disappointing" format that would make cracked.com and buzzfeed smile with pride, I feel that I should do the same. As this blog is written by someone who judges everything and is a self-proclaimed expert in nothing, I couldn't pick one particular area to focus on. I could narrow it down to popular culture, but the only thing I've made easier to avoid is politics, which doesn’t exactly streamline my subject. So taking another page from the internet (with apologies again to Cracked), my review of 2013 is going to be a best of the year in a variety of categories, some you may not have considered before. Some may call this unorganized and lazy. I would agree with you and add sporadic, chaotic, and overall a borderline clusterfuck of topics.

Best movie trend:

Winner: Sequels that didn’t totally suck

If there’s one thing that I really enjoyed about movies this year is that despite the abundance of sequels that could have been absolute garbage they turned out to be great films. Now that’s not to say that they were all amazing or significantly better than their predecessors, but when its become typical for a sequel not to live up to the hype or success of its big brother(s), it was definitely a nice trend to have Iron Man 3 be better than Iron Man 2, Star Trek: Into Darkness not be a train wreck and Thor: Dark World be far more entertaining than the first chapter. Hell, Hobbit: Desolation of Smaug was even able to throw in characters that don’t exist in the book and was still better than Part One. (fact: I’m someone who likes the first movie more than I should).

While sequels aren’t always bad, there is often a stigma with them that sometimes is hard to shake. But it’s pleasant to see that studios aren’t simply coasting on what for the most part are guaranteed cash cows, they’re actually bringing them back

Honorable Mention: The Revival of the Kaiju Genre

Pacific Rim was sweet and Godzilla in 2014 is looking like a reboot in the right direction

Game of the Year

Winner: Read to find out (that’s right, I’m making you read)

To say I had a tough time picking the winner of this particular category is an understatement. I liken it to asking me to pick between my non-existent children (ok so not a good simile, but you get the idea). 2013 proved to be a great year in the gaming industry for both AAA titles and indie games alike. Bioshock Infinite was stellar, Borderlands 2 DLC was a riot, and countless other games made 2013 a great year to be a gamer. But there was one game that not only has shown that games can always push the boundaries between gameplay and ground-breaking storytelling, but truly redefined what we can get out of games. If you haven’t figured out that I’m talking about The Last of Us, then you probably don’t play games.

If you’ve played it, you know what I’m talking about. If you haven’t played it… what are you doing reading this? Seriously, stop right now and go get it. No I don’t care that you don’t want to spend the money, just go watch a commentary free Let’s Play (if it hasn’t already been pulled by Youtube).

P.S. it’s made me fear all forms of fungus, as if I didn’t hate mushrooms enough as it is.

Honourable Mention: Papers, Please

Glory to Arstotzka!

Game console of the Year (can't go to the PC, because it would always win)

Winner: Nintendo 3DS

Sony and Microsoft have continued to make great home console experiences, the PC continuing to be simply the best, and Nintendo’s Wii U finally having some games worth playing on it. So while some of you may think that my singing of Last of Us praises in the last topic may put toward me being somewhat of a Sony fanboy… you’d be right. But the best console hands down was surprisingly the 3DS. The sheer number of fantastic games on the system made it a great platform this year. Animal Crossing, Fire Emblem, Luigi’s Mansion, Pokemon X & Y and the new street pass games made this a fantastic gaming device and time sink. The amount of hours that I have put in on this console this year alone was well worth the price of admission.

I have friends who scoff at the idea of getting a 3DS for a variety of reasons, and all I do is nod while silently judging them and feeling sorry for them.

Honourable Mention: PC

I personally blame Steam and their sales

Best Indie Album

Winner: Absolute Zero by Little Green Cars

So I’m a fan of indie music, specifically of the folk rock variety. And while I lament the popularity of Mumford and Sons (still one of my favourite bands, but it’s not as fun when everyone else likes them too), I have found a band that I had the privilege hearing live last year and found an absolute pleasure to listen to. Little Green Cars (since there’s a good chance you haven’t heard of them) are a great Irish folk rock band and their entire album is wonderful to listen to. If you’re a fan of Indie folk rock, you have to give these guys a listen, they’re fantastic. Especially the songs Angel Owl and The John Wayne

Honourable Mention: Trouble Will Find Me by The National

One of my favourite bands and their latest album is another great release from them. The song Pink Rabbits is probably my favourite.

Best Indie Electronic Album

Winner: Endless Fantasy by Anamanguchi

I’m going to saying this is the best with a disclaimer in that you really have to like chiptune music. Also, I’m not even really sure if Anamanaguchi even counts as indie despite the lack of mainstream recognition and wikipedia saying that one of their genres is indie rock (because we can totally trust wikipedia right?). But never mind that, what matters is the entire album is amazing and I can not stop listening to it. In fact my only regret is that I didn’t know there was a Kickstarter for the album until it was released because I would have been all over it. Seriously give this one a listen, it’s amazing.

Honourable Mention: Couldn’t think of one… but it’s probably because I’ve forgotten it

With 2014 shaping up to be an interesting year with Captain America continuing Phase 2's success and Sherlock finally back on television in the first month, who knows what other amazing surprises or purely terrifying horrors await us. In fact if I were to list all the things that we have to look forward to in the upcoming year, then I’d just be saying what other people already have, and that’s no fun for anyone (especially you). All we can do is listen to those ancient words of wisdom given by an incredibly useful guide book: DON'T PANIC (I probably still won’t follow this advice anyway)

Here’s looking at you 2013, full of Dwarves, Fungus Zombies and my bankruptcy due to Steam sales. Thanks for all the fish.