The Ageing of Retro Sports Games

There is a common thought process among retro gamers that sports games don't age well. You may find that the old football/golf/tennis games you once loved are on eBay or other sites for a pittance and you can claim back some of your sporting youth at a bargain of a price. But is it truly worth it.

Short answer for me... no...ish.


On Friday, we had a sit down at RCR headquarters and tried to get through a couple of games, we maybe didn't get through as much as we hoped due to a multitude of reasons but I certainly took enough away to know that going forward, sports games are going to be very tricky to review for a few reasons.

We know retro games may not always support the best graphics, many would argue that it is part of the charm. There is sometimes no distraction from the actual gameplay and a game can be appreciated on a completely different level. Sports games however don't get that luxury, it is a lot harder to look back with a nostalgic head due to the yearly update of many sport games in a franchise series, the game I will be using as an example will be FIFA '97 on SEGA Mega Drive. Keep in mind just a year later, FIFA '98 was released on the PlayStation and the difference is unreal. Granted the Mega Drive didn't have anywhere near the capabilities of the PS1 but for 1997, I just can't take what was put out as acceptable.

Look at the examples below, FIFA '95 to '97 are practically the same game, the level of progression is unforgivable here.

FIFA '95

FIFA '97

FIFA '98

Now it isn't just the graphics here, I genuinely have no clue how on earth we played these games and enjoyed them at the time, yes hindsight and all and there will have been no basis of comparison but playing this again made me fully appreciate how far we have come.

The gameplay for me was practically non-existent, the controls were apalling, blocky with no real feeling like you were controlling what was going on. You could be one-on-one with the goalkeeper for example and you could only hope this "this time it is going to be different" shoot and once again get the shot saved. Repeat. No matter which direction you shoot in, the keep does the 'save' animation at the last possible split second and the ball ends up somehow in the middle of the goal. Frustrating isn't even the word.

Contrastly, we played WWE RAW, also on the Mega Drive and I actually enjoyed it. It was simple and basic with few commands to pull of moves but the Royal Rumble match we had catered to the 'laugh' we were looking for. Some of our Twitter followers and people over at the Greydog Software Forum may already know we are long time wrestling fans to begin with so this may have been the reason why, but we are big football fans too so it can't be purely on personal interest.

I think I know why now there is a general rule of thumb that sports games don't age well, of course there still will be one or two that people have a personal preference over but it is much harder to look back without evaluating how far they have come in terms of controls, gameplay and graphics to that of any much loved side-scroller. There will always be a comparison to something more modern and in this genre, retro games will most likely lose.

Updates

First Co-op Review
Something a little bit different for Recollect Game Review (RCR) as we will be doing our first co-op review this weekend. Myself and our other resident reviewer, Mark, will be battling it out on the previously mentioned Retron 5 (you can read my dilemma on it here). The game has yet to be determined but expect it to be a multi-player side scroller. I have suggested Golden Axe 2, Mark has suggested Alien Storm and there are several others in the mix... ultimately undecided until tomorrow!

What will make this different to our other reviews is that we will be writing on the same game. Throughout the years, we have had very contrasting opinions on gaming and if I recall, I don't think we have ever been able to physically complete a game together without something being launched across the room e.g. a controller or my younger self. So it will be an interesting turn up and we will let you all know how it goes!


Direction of Recollect Game Review
While we have our co-op tomorrow night, we will be looking at what direction we want to take RCR. We love what we have done so far and have enjoyed every minute. I may have mentioned though, this whole thing is pretty brand spanking new to us so new ideas may come at various times. 

The twitter account has really taken off and the comments/feedback back from you lot have been amazing through various medium (truly, we can't thank you enough). It is because of this, we want to try and offer more than just our own take on games that we remember when we were young (that will continue to be the main core though). With that said, we are looking at a few different ways of adding new bits and pieces throughout to try and keep content going as frequent as we can to a high standard.

With that said...


New Section - User Reviews
...We have introduced a new 'User Reviews' section on the blog to allow readers to contribute their own reviews to RCR. If you have a game that gives you that nostalgic feel and you want to write about it, send us an e-mail and we will be happy to discuss it! It goes without saying that you will be credited for everything you write, so if you fancy jotting down your memories and experiences about a game, give us a shout.


Link Tidy Up
Just a little bit of housekeeping, you may have noticed there are no longer the 'Nintendo (NES)', 'Super Nintendo (SNES)' and 'SEGA Mega Drive (Genesis)' links across the top menu any longer. In an attempt to simplify things, NES and SNES have gone into their own 'Nintendo' link and the SEGA link has been re-named.


What's Next
As well as what has already been mentioned, we will also be travelling to a couple of retro game shops over the weekend. The aim is to be able to spotlight them on here so we will be taking several images and giving it a write-up. I have already spoken to a really nice representative from the two shops and she has even answered a couple of questions for us. This sort of interaction is something we have enjoyed doing and we are looking forward to popping through over the weekend. It is something we would like to continue doing, if all goes well, and perhaps look at other places throughout the country.



I think that about covers it for now. We may well have more updates in the next few days after our co-op. But for now, thanks again to everyone who has looked at RCR so far, it is a pleasure for us to do and I hope you are all enjoying it as much as we are.


All the best.

The Retron Dilemma

RICHARD FOX (Admin)

Retro gamers have had this debate since the console was first released last year, to Retron or not to Retron? It has created a divide and many feel passionate about their stance on the matter.


While some feel the console is a convenient new way of playing their old favourite games, others believe it removes the authenticity, character and charm of the classics and understandably prefer to play their carts on the real thing.


The latest version of the console is the Retron 5 and it sounds like an impressive bit of tech, supporting 9 retro cartridges with the option of an additional 10th (you need an adapter to play SEGA Master System games). At any time, you could pick up your controller and play game for the following: 

• NES
• SNES
• Game Boy Advance
• Game Boy Colour
• Game Boy
• SEGA Mega Drive/Genesis
• Famicom
• Super Famicom

The console is region free, which allow gamers to also play imports of carts should they desire. Not only this but the newest version also up-scales to 720p, provides save/load state functionality, it even allows for original controllers to be used when playing games.

It also comes in two swanky colours; 

the more retro looking grey or a sleek black.

So why was it met with murmurs and mumbles? Well the release could have gone smoother. When the first shipment was batched, there was an evident issue with the Super Famicom connector pins. Release dates were knocked back several times and many people who were anticipating the console started to feel disheartened. On top of this, Hyperkin (manufacturer) stated that the demand was simply too high, much higher than expected and they couldn't cater to the masses. Keep in mind that many people had this console pre-ordered and this left a sour taste in people's mouths to say the least!

Chances are, if you have met somebody who has bad things to say about the console, it is likely due to the the release date issues above much else. Our own resident reviewer, Mark, owns one and he absolutely swears by it. He still has his retro consoles but to have everything all in one is a huge space and time saver, especially as it up-scales to HD. Here is what he had to say with his own personal experience with it:

"The console itself is very light weight and while this is great for transporting, it does feel somewhat cheap and you wouldn't want to drop it. The controllers are... well, not great in my opinion, lightweight, a bit awkward and too bulky in size and shape. It's nice that a universal controller was created, especially as it's wireless, but if you have original NES/SNES/MD controllers, the Hyperkin controller is bound to stay in the box. The box it comes in is annoying. Although it looks visually smart, one side of the box is angled, meaning that the cardboard insert needs to be jammed back in when you want to transport the system around. However, these are minor inconveniences. It's very simple to set up and play, it has a very quick start up response and out of the 40+ games I've tested, there hasn't been any connection issues as of yet. The up-scaling works for me and it's convenient to use HDMI rather than a SCART. For the original 'die hard's', these are great machines if you want to limit the amount you play on your original consoles, especially if you're concerned of your consoles life expectancy, it won't however replace the feeling of nostalgia. For the new generation of retro lovers, get one, just, get one."

My dilemma (as mentioned in the title) has been whether to buy one or not. What side of the fence do I sit on? When it all boils down to it, would the Retron 5 serve it's purpose? Put simply, I think it would. The teething problems seem to have gone, Funstock (linked below) regularly update their stock, most importantly it is a great tool to give your old games a new lease of life on a modern bit of kit.

Retron 5 consoles are available at http://www.funstock.co.uk/retron-5 and other retailers.

Super Mario Land 2: 6 Golden Coins - Game Boy (1992)

Super Mario Land 2: 6 Golden Coins
Platform: Game Boy
Published: 1992


REVIEW BY RICHARD FOX (Admin)

Back in my youth, Super Mario Land 2 and Donkey Kong Country 2 were my 'go to' games of choice. They were both great games and while DKC 2 was amazing, for some reason I hold more nostalgia for SML 2. I managed to pick it up this past weekend at Ripon to bring those fond memories back.

The Game
SML 2 is a sequel to Super Mario Land which was a release title on the Game Boy in 1989. The original was the standard side-scroller we all know Mario games to be and while SML 2 had the fundamentals of that style, it followed suit of Super Mario Bros. 3 and Super Mario World in that it had a map the player could move around and offer replayability on levels.

It also is the first time Wario came on the scene. The story is that Mario's castle was taken over by Wario and a spell was put on the door. Mario has to collect 6 golden coins to unlock the door and defeat Wario to get his castle back. Each coin is claimed by going through a themed zone (Tree Zone, Mario Zone, Macro Zone, Pumpkin Zone, Space Zone and Turtle Zone), they can be completed in any order.

The Zone map is very reminiscent 

of Super Mario World.

The design is reminiscent of the Mario games we all know but there is something a little different about it. While some of the enemies are the same (i.e. the Goomba's and the Koopa Troopa's), there are several new enemies that I had never seen before and I don't think they were brought into a Mario game again after. The enemy variation is fine and makes sense as they went in with the theme's of each world, but there is something odd about jumping on a walking hockey mask with a knife sticking out the top in a Mario game (after a little revision this particular enemy is named "J Son" in tribute to Friday The 13th villain Jason Voorhees... let that sink in, Mario references a serial killer).

I still can't get over 

a serial killer representation 

in a Mario game.

The Experience
The charm was still there, no question about it. I am pleased to have bought it again and gave it another run through. I still love the soundtrack and the graphics are (considering it was for the original Game Boy) are fantastic. The game is as responsive, detailed and well-designed as you would expect from a better Mario game but something seems different.

It is Mario, no question about it, but maybe I am now used to playing Super Mario Bro's 3 and see that as "The Mario" or even Super Mario World. The soundtrack of SML 2 is great but is perhaps a little too different, the enemies are great and well thought but maybe aren't classic Mario enemies. It is a really though one to explain because it feels just like a Mario game but it doesn't feel 100% like the Mario games I remember. It might be just because it was for the Game Boy and it went in a slightly different direction.

It is Mario, it's just got a bit of a twist.

The main gripe I have is that it is just too easy. The game was done in about just over an hour and I think even that was when I made silly mistakes in a couple of levels. My younger self would have loved it as it was a game I did actually complete but now it is just really simple. This could well be nostalgia kicking in and me subliminal remembering certain parts, I must admit after I jumped a certain distance or fell down a certain hole, there would have been no way I would have just 'known' to do it.

The bosses were just too easy too beat.

The bosses in particular are pretty shocking in terms of ease, 3 hits and they're gone. Yes, this is the case on a lot of Mario games but these boys are too easy to hit, they have a simple, repetitive animation and they are way too vulnerable.


Overall
I still have fond memories and, even now, I know why I had them. The game is charming and definitely lovable. The graphics and sound are fantastic, the levels are well designed and, most importantly, it is fun to play. That, I suppose, is the whole point of playing a game and it meets the criteria. For the child version of myself had every right to treasure this game.

My memories are probably fonder back then but my appreciation of the game is a lot higher now. It is still probably my favourite Game Boy game.

Regardless of ease, still a great feeling to see this again!

7.5/10

Skitchin' - SEGA Mega Drive (1994)

Skitchen'
Platform: SEGA Mega Drive
Published: 1994

REVIEW BY MARK FOX (Admin)


Notes: 
- Skitching - The act of grabbing the back of a moving vehicle whist wearing roller blades. 
- Jeff van Dyke is a composer, known for his soundtrack development for hits such as Total War, Need for Speed and various EA Sports titles.

1994 was an interesting year for me; it mainly consisted of the Americanisation of my hobbies, sports, music and the dream of having one of those basement bedrooms with neon lighting. Although I couldn’t convince my parents to build a basement, I did however get the guitar and the grunge. I also got Skitchin’. For a 10 year old, north east lad going through an international identity crisis in 1994, this game epitomised that moment in time.


The Game
As mentioned above, it hit the stores in 1994 and coincided with the fact that aggressive inline skating competitions had risen to notoriety, due to newly acquired TV deals. The game consists of your character contesting in rollerblading races and fighting his way through each course with the hope of progression. Along with its basic plot, it also shares a view and track design similar to that of Road Rash. You can fight the other contestants with punches, kicks and weapons (like Road Rash); perform tricks via skating over fallen signs and ramps, along with the act of skitching itself. In reality, Skitchin’ is an evolution of Road Rash with added angst, which isn’t a bad thing as I also loved Road Rash as a child, almost as much as crisps, and still do. However, Skitchin’ brought a new twist to the tale, a fresh vibe to the scene and a tasty new flavour to the... crisp. 

The game starts by gripping your attention with a flashing red warning, informing you that the tricks performed are highly dangerous and that attempting such stunts may cause SERIOUS INJURY. I was hooked by this point. This is followed by an amazing graphic (as shown above), with a beastly grunge riff. Before we explore the game play, we must acknowledge the Seattle & Vancouver inspired sound design. It’s quite simply, a Discman of Jeff van Dyke grunge. You can listen to 16bit classics such as Cheese Grater, Bellybutton Lint, Jerky Curtains and Eat My Junk which would sit happily alongside your Alice in Chains & Dandelion collections. Considering the development limitations, it still sounds great today.

Much like the music, the location is inspired by its grunge roots. It features 12 course/cities including Denver, Seattle, and Vancouver, before finishing in New York. You must progress through each
course by finishing in the top 5. Each race also has an entry fee which needs to be taken in to consideration and funds can be acquired in numerous different ways. 
You can receive different cash prizes for your race finishing position, for the tricks you perform and for the knock downs you deliver to battling opponents. 
Depending on where you position in a race and the speed at which you complete, bonus rounds are made available. These consist of tricks and speed rounds, each offering cash prizes if you meet the objective set. 

You also earn small cash bonuses for every vehicle that you skitch in main races, however, some drivers slow down to a halt on purpose if they catch you, whilst other pop their boots, knocking you to the ground. You can earn $1 for each second that you skitch a cop car, but be warned, if you skitch a cop car for too long, they drag you to jail and impose a fine, which depletes your cash funds. 
If you take too much of a kicking from your opponents, you will be carted off to hospital, again costing you your valuable earnings. 
You must also visit the man with a van in between races to buy some new gear. You can buy gloves, wrist guards, elbow and knee pads, boots and wheels. You have 5 ranges for each item, from economy, up to professional quality. Each item and range differs in price and offer different life expectancies.

Before entering a race you are warned via visuals about the wear and tear of each of your items, so you know when it’s time to shop. Other than the general level difficulty, this is one of the harder aspects of the game because if you can’t afford new equipment prior to racing, it hinders your chances of race completion, sometimes resulting in your wheels breaking mid race.

Skitchin’ is a brilliant pick up and play game, much like Road Rash is, but this has more depth, style and charisma. The cut scene graphics are great; the general graphics don’t blow you away, but are
more than suitable for a 16 bit racer. The way your character must build up momentum before gaining speed is a neat touch, along with the additional speed garnered when you slingshot from the back of the car. A lot of what you do is based on timing, such as when to skitch by looking behind you at oncoming traffic, when to attack an opponent, when to move between vehicles and when you perform a trick. 
What it lacks in its originality, it by far makes up for in its playability, attention to detail and vibe regarding level, character and sound track design. It does stand the test of time, 21 years to be exact and it is overall, quite possibly, the best SEGA game in its field when you take everything in to consideration.

Now excuse me, I’m off to listen to ‘Smells like tuna’, whilst slapping a Vancouverite around on the back of a VW Polo Mk3.

8/10

Donkey Kong Country - SNES (1994)

Donkey Kong Country
Platform: SNES
Published: 1994


REVIEW BY RICHARD FOX (Admin)

Note: Likely to contain spoilers... but it is from 1994.

Donkey Kong Country is my first review of a game I started 20 years ago but never finished. I can now finally say, that is no longer the case. The fact that I left it so long is frankly appalling as it is, without question, one of the finest games in the SNES library.


The Game
I think most, if not all, already know the story of Donkey Kong. The name dates back to the early 80's, having first appeared as the arch nemesis of Mario (who was then, I believe, called simply 'Jump Man'). The Donkey Kong we know today is apparently a descendant of his villainous namesake (later believed to be Cranky Kong, DK's grandfather) and has gone on to be one of the most successful Nintendo characters of all time.

The original Donkey Kong 

(now believed to be Cranky Kong) 

in all his evil glory.

Donkey Kong Country is the first in the series where DK takes a heroic role and it is done with tremendous success. Alongside him is Diddy Kong, a much smaller and quicker character which the user can control which adds a second dynamic to the game.

Each stage is designed to perfection, the animation and graphics are second to none and the soundtrack is one of the absolute best. Each stage also contains several levels on DK's quest to 'Gang Plank Galleon', the pirate ship of King K. Rool. The first stage see's you travel through DK's jungle, followed by the Monkey Mines (which introduces you to the first minecart level!), then Vine Valley, Gorilla Glacier, Kremco Industries, Chimp Caverns and finally the Galleon itself.

The long road ahead.

Part of the charm of the game is the simple fact that each level can last only a couple of minutes and it is everything an old school platformer should be.


The Experience
Without trying to repeat myself, I had loads of fun playing DKC and it served the whole purpose that I got back into retro gaming, to get the flood of nostalgia.

Sure enough there were some frustrating moments as most games have, part of the fun is in the challenge and surprisingly enough this game provides them. I completely forgot how tricky the minecart levels could be, not to mention some of the water levels. 

There is s level called 'Tanked Up Trouble' that I completely forgot about (maybe it was my sub-conscious keeping it blocked out), there were times where it felt almost impossible. You have to stay on a moving platform dodging obstacles as it was moving towards the end of the level, all the while having to jump all over the place trying to collect fuel to keep the platform going. It was insane.

The MPG on these are terrible!

Even that didn't come close to the last (non-boss) level of the game. 'Platform Perils' is a ridiculously hard level, getting to the halfway point feels like an achievement. You need to try and keep Donkey Kong for pretty much the whole thing to take out the bigger enemies but for nearly the entire time you have to jump across a series of temporary moving platforms that completely knock you out of sync with the flow of a normal level. It's ridiculous and you will lose a lot of lives on it.

The boss battles were a little too easy, with the exception of K Rool, which wasn't really challenging but you had to get the rhythm down, and that bloody false ending! That is probably the only real negative with the exception of a slight gameplay issue.

When you pres the 'Y' button to increase pace and jump higher etc. Donkey and Diddy do a little animation/attack first, this can be really annoying as they sometimes spin off a platform. You also need to be pretty precise when jumping on an enemy or if landing on the edge of a platform. Finally, when you are controlling one character the other can sometimes get in the way.


Overall
The above issues are more than bearable to what is an exceptional game. The replay value of DKC is definitely there as each level is fun, and I can't really recall any that were a chore. I am sat typing this up now and could easily hop back on and go through it again to 100% it.

I think it is universal that DKC is a great game and everyone has their own sentimental feeling towards it, I certainly do. It was and still is one of the best games I have ever played. If it wasn't for the slight blemishes. It would get a perfect 10 from me. 

You celebrate my friend for

you did your job tremendously.

9/10

New Features

New E-Mail Address:

A new e-mail address has been added to the First Look Retro Game Review blog. For those interested, please visit recollectgamereview@outlook.com to discuss review suggestions, guest reviews etc. Anything retro game related!


New Top 5 Page:

A new page has been added at the top of the blog to show a personal 'Top 5' based on the reviews made. It is a little shallow for now but as reviews progress, this should get populated. As I mention on the page, as with everything else in this blog, it is my own personal preference so you may not see your favourite game on there if a) I haven't reviewed it or b) I thought a few games were a little better.



New Venue/Event Page:

A new page has been added at the top of the blog to show venues and events I am going to or have been to. At the moment this will be heavily North East (England) based. Although if you do have any suggestions, let me know. When I find a moment, I will probably review them too.



New Subscription Feature:

For those who are wanting to subscribe, first off, thank you for taking an interest. Secondly, there are links to the right of the blog to allow RSS or e-mail subscription if that is your thing. Again, I am not very experienced with blogging but I believe you will get a notification/e-mail when a new post is made on the blog.


Thanks again to everyone who has already shown an interest. It is greatly appreciated.

Updates

Updated Layout:

I have completed a little re-work on the blog and have added links to the top on the initial platforms that games will be reviewed. This should make the reviews easier to access and I think it makes it look a whole lot more organised and helps with the aesthetics.


Updated Format:

From time to time there will be guest reviewers on the site, I have decided on this for a couple of reasons but mainly to allow a more frequent stream of content so the blog is updated on a more regular basis. I already have one reviewer lined up so hopefully expect things to happen shortly in terms of a slightly more regular stream. If you would like to also become a guest reviewer, please feel free to get in touch in the comments (I may set up a new e-mail address also in the future).


Updated Reviews:

Along with the guest reviewer updates, the next game from me will most likely be Donkey Kong Country on SNES. A very popular game that I never got round to ever completing but hope to do so over the weekend. At some point, I am hoping to also do some negative (maybe, dare I say... humorous) reviews but as this blogging stuff is all brand new to me, I want to be able to get into the swing of things first.


And Finally...:

I want to thank everyone for reading so far, whether you saw the blog through Twitter, Reddit, or the Soccer Manager website or whatever medium. I want to thank you wholeheartedly, the blog got a great number of views over the last few days form here in the UK but also in the U.S., Germany and France. I hope you have enjoyed what you have read so far.

As I said a little further up, all this blogging stuff is VERY new to me so if there are any features you would like to see, let me know and I will do my best to integrate any added functionality e.g. subscribe buttons (which I don't know how to add just yet... EDIT: ADDED!), and as I mentioned above, I will create a new e-mail address and post it at the top of the blog soon enough should anyone want an alternative channel to get in touch.


Thanks again to everyone, and I hope for at least the DK review to be up this weekend. Cheers!

Castlevania - NES (1986)

Castlevania
Platform: NES
Published: 1986

REVIEW BY RICHARD FOX (Admin)

Castlevania was released before I was even born so I probably do get a little bit of slack for not playing it at the time. There is a real tragedy that I waited so long though as it truly is a masterpiece, I love it.


The Game
The game basically is you playing as Simon Belmont, you begin the game entering Dracula's castle gate and you jump straight into the action. You walk through the gates and through the courtyard and as the drawbridge hits shut, you know that shit is about to go down!

You are greeted immediately by ghouls running towards you but you luckily have Simon's trademark whip to fend them off, the initial part of the game is a nice introduction to get used to a couple of easy enemies but I did take a few hits by some crazy, big, black cats when they started charging at me.

You collect power ups to increase the power and length of your whip and also can obtain a secondary weapon as the game progresses.

Now I don't want to go through scene by scene as it would take forever but each level is easily identifiable from the last but at the same time remains consistent with the overall design of it being Dracula's castle.


The Experience
The initial boss is a great, huge bat that you think is the initial incarnation of Dracula but the game wouldn't let you have it that easy, it is simply just that, a great, big, massive bat. Other bosses include Medusa, a couple of Mummies, Frankenstein's Monster, The Grim Reaper and finally, Dracula.

There were a couple of parts that really were insanely hard, for example when you are on your way to fight The Reaper, there is just so much shit you have to deal with, things are flying at you from all over the place and you need to get yourself a good rhythm going or you are well and truly done for. When you do finally get to The Reaper himself, he will definitely take a few of your lives off you. The other bosses before him were fairly beatable but to me, this is the first proper challenge, the build up and the boss here almost make you want to give up, but perseverance and that rhythm are key.


Dracula himself is an absolute menace. He caned me countless times but I finally knocked that bastard's head clean off... game over... nope! He came back as a giant white hairy beast and absolutely destroyed me. This one boss must have taken me at least an hour to beat, luckily I stocked up on plenty of hearts (ammunition) for my holy water (secondary weapon) and was able to put him away.

You know the story,

Dracula turns into a mental

beast when beheaded!

The last scene see's you watching on as the castle crumbles into rubble. Leaving you with a great feeling of accomplishment.


Overall
As I said above, loved it. It is somewhat bittersweet because the game was great but I think it will be the benchmark going forward and I will need to try and refrain from making it my basis of comparison on future looks.

The graphics for the time would have been superb, I still enjoy them now, you really get that gloomy feel of the castle and the controls are pretty good. Stairs are a bit of a bugger to master however and the knockback when you get hit makes the game much harder. In closing, if you haven't already, play it.

8.5/10

Plan of Action: Let the Games Begin!

Retro gaming is far and away one of my favourite past times. Being 27 years old and having very little free time due to work/home life, I find little time to sit down and play anything let alone a modern day blockbuster.


In my humble opinion, playing a game should be a quick and painless "pick up and play" situation and with the exception of a few indie games out the at the moment, there really isn't much opportunity to sit down with a controller and enjoy something light-hearted and fun without having to get emotionally invested for £50.


To me, gaming is a look back at my childhood and remembering why I fell in love with it in the first place. I grew up on SNES and SEGA, Mario All-Stars and Sonic were the main culprits of my "wasted" youth and to me, there will be very few finer games than Mario 3 on SNES (though I have a huge soft spot for Mario Land 2 on the Game Boy).


Of course, there will be hundreds of games I never got a chance to play when I was younger for a multitude of reasons and I think it only fair that I give some of these games my attention.


There isn't really a set time frame of religiously updating this blog with my thoughts on each game I play but I suppose that is the beauty of gaming, it is there as and when you need it...


...I did just complete Castlevania I on NES in the last couple of months though.. that will most likely be my first port of call :).