129 public written reviews
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Originally written 11-20-12 The Dragon Ninja, Ryu Hayabusa is approached by two agents working for an organization by the name of JSDF (Japan's Self-Defense Force). Ryu believes they are there for his help, yet it turns out they're there to help him. An unknown organization displays footage of Ryu battling the Black Spider Clan, and they demand he shows his presence at a hostage situation in London. Who are these…
The Mushroom Kingdom are celebrating Princess Peach's birthday in the castle. They bring her a giant cake, but the surprise inside is less than appealing when Bowser Jr. and the Koopalings spring their trap and abduct her. Mario, Luigi, and two Toad servants pursue them. -summary After probably more than a decade, old school Nintendo fans were dying for the chance to see Super Mario make it to modern consoles in the…
Originally written 4-10-12 Sonic is thrown a surprise birthday party by Tails. They're having a good time until some monster appears ripping apart time and space, which leads to present Sonic and Tails meeting up with their past selves. The blue blurs takes off after this creature with no idea what it is or what's going on. -summary When 2011 came around, the little blue blur had been around for 20 years, and to…
NYC begins to witness power surges and blackouts due to a temporal disturbance in cyber space. The Turtles are convinced Shredder is behind this. However, due to the blackouts local thugs are taking advantage by looting banks. The Turtles must see to the madness drowning the city before they address their nemesis. -summary Man, there's no other way to put this, Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Arcade Attack straight up…
Read the full review Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Arcade Attack
Originally written 1-11-11 Rick passes out in a pool of his own blood from what appears to be a life-ending injury. Before losing consciousness, he hears what sounds like a demonic voice coming from a mask lying down a few inches from him. The mask promises to help him, in exchange for him helping it. Rick dons the mask and he takes a new muscular form bursting with strength and power. -summary I still don't know…
Originally written 11-20-11 Sonic is thrown a surprise birthday party by his friends. The group are having a good time until some monster appears and kidnaps everyone except for Sonic. The blue blur takes off after this creature with no idea what it is or what's going on. -summary Intro: Sonic the Hedgehog has been a legend in the gaming world after bursting on to the scene back in the early 90's on the Sega…
Sonic is thrown a surprise birthday party by his friends. The group are having a good time until some monster appears and kidnaps everyone except for Sonic. The blue blur takes off after this creature with no idea what it is or what's going on. -summary Intro: Sonic the Hedgehog has been a legend in the gaming world after bursting on to the scene back in the early 90's on the Sega Genesis. His first four games were…
The Lin Kuei ninja named Sub-Zero breaks into the Shaolin Temple to steal The Map of Elements for a sorcerer named Quan Chi, in which he succeeds. Next, the Grandmaster of the Lin Kuei rents out Sub-Zero's services a second time for Quan Chi; his new mission is to steal the amulet of Shinnok from the four elemental guardians appointed by God of Thunder Raiden. Why all of this trouble for the amulet? Sub-Zero's clan…
16 fighters enter a martial arts tournament with their own goals. Some seek to prove they're the best, while others are seeking vengeance or even world domination. They will all fight for their dream yet only one will become champion. -summary If you broke open the time capsule to the time period of 1991 - 1993, and asked many hardcore gamers who spent a good chunk of their life in the arcades this question: "Which…
Originally written 2-2-13 19 fighters enter a martial arts tournament for different reasons. Ryu and Ken hope to settle their rivalry, the demonic warrior Akuma, whom completely mastered their style wants nothing more then a death match with anyone worthy enough to face him; and Interpol agent Chun-Li who helped bring down M. Bison's Shadowloo organization finds herself up against a new one; each of the fighters…
Originally written 1-9-13 Nuclear War has turned Earth into a barren wasteland where food and water is scarce. Law and order is now a thing of the past, and the new rule is survival of the fittest. Kenshiro, the master of a martial art called Hokuto Shinken stands up for the weak. At some point his woman was taken from him by a man named Shin whom mastered the Nanto art. Kenshiro embarks on a personal mission to…
Originally written 5-10-12 The Dragon Ninja, Ryu Hayabusa is approached by two agents working for an organization by the name of JSDF (Japan's Self-Defense Force). Ryu believes they are there for his help, yet it turns out they're there to help him. An unknown organization displays footage of Ryu battling the Black Spider Clan, and they demand he shows his presence at a hostage situation in London. Who are these…
Ryu Hayabasa receives a message from a woman by the name of Sonia, that the Black Spider Clan are attempting to awaken the four Greater Fiends of legend in an attempt to destroy his clan. He encounters a woman by the name of Elizabet, and this later leads him back to his village which is soon under attack; Ryu pursues Elizabet and learns exactly what she's planning. -summary While I was re-playing Ninja Gaiden 3, I…
Ryu Hayabusa is a highly trained ninja whom seeks revenge for the attack on his clan. His village was decimated by an organization called the Vigoor Empire, and an evil sword which was being guarded by his clan called the Dark Dragon Blade was stolen. Ryu soon journeys to their city with his mission being to reclaim the blade, and kill the samurai named Doku who was responsible for the attack. -summary There was…
Samus Aran encounters a hostile creature during one of her missions for the Federation. After killing it, a second threat emerges from the creature in the form of a gelatinous blob and bonds with her. She learns that the thing is a parasite dubbed Parasite-X; it bonds with its host replicating their abilities and memories killing them in the process. Her armor becomes infected and several pieces are removed. Aboard…
Controlled by the Mother Brain, a band dubbed the Space Pirates attacked the Galactic Federation stealing creatures called Metroids, which are very dangerous organisms that latch onto their victims sucking away their life energy, killing them in the process. They seek to mass produce them for the purpose of using them as weapons. The Federation turns to the inter-galactic bounty hunter Samus Aran, to infiltrate…
Zeus's daughter has been kidnapped by a demon from hades named Neff. To see to it that she's rescued, Zeus resurrects two fallen warriors to venture into Neff's realm. They leave on a mission fighting off the undead and various monsters. -summary Altered Beast is one of those games that really made me question on what exactly determined a classic. I mean, even after all these years, I'm still unsure on how it was…
Originally written 9-26-12 Juliet Starling wakes up on her 18th birthday and the day is already starting out a disaster. She's late for school, her boyfriend Nick is more then likely waiting, and her school is being overran by a zombie outbreak. Juliet whom happens to be a cheerleader, is also a zombie hunter together with her family; she equips her chainsaw and begins going to work on the living dead. -summary Long…
Ryu Hayabasa receives a message from a woman by the name of Sonia, that the Black Spider Clan are attempting to awaken the four Greater Fiends of legend in an attempt to destroy his clan. He encounters a woman by the name of Elizabet, and this later leads him back to his village which is soon under attack; Ryu pursues Elizabet and learns exactly what she's planning. -summary Ninja Gaiden has proven to be a success…
The ORN Empire have been defeated by the Galaxy Federation. However, the battle carries on as the allies of the ORN Empire, whom are collectively known as Vios continues the battle. Their forces are strong enough to defeat and drive back the Federations forces. Once again, the Federation organizes a plan to send in one of their powerful ships, this time code named Rynex to eliminate the enemy. -summary The Thunder…
Read the full review Lightening Force: Quest for the Darkstar
Following the events of Thunder Force II, the Galaxy Federation are no closer to defeating the ORN Empire. The ORN Empire have installed cloaking devices on five major planets in order to keep the Federation from locating their base. The Federation dispatches the small, heavily armed ship Styx to destroy these cloaking devices and the ORN's main base. -summary I still remember the excitement when this sequel made…
The kingdom of Hyrule is in danger of being taken over; a young boy named Link follows his uncle who receives a telepathic call from Princess Zelda begging for help. Link comes across his uncle wounded in the castle where she's held; he takes his shield and sword, and continues the mission to find Zelda in the castle. -summary Up to this day, I know many fans of the Zelda franchise who pretty much hail Ocarina of…
Read the full review The Legend of Zelda: A Link to the Past
The inter-galactic bounty hunter Samus Aran discovers an egg that immediately hatches revealing a small Metroid larva. The creature becomes attached to Samus thinking her as its mother. Samus takes the creature to a group of scientist on an asteroid known as Ceres Space Colony for testing, and learns that the creature has incredible energy levels that can be harnessed for good. After leaving the colony, Samus…
A highly equipped terrorist organization has invaded a city. Their arsenal is made up of various armored and futuristic vehicles such as tanks, mechas, and aircraft. The Air Force Special Operation Troop dispatches Super Thunder Blade, a heavily armed helicopter to defeat the enemies. -summary Super Thunder Blade is the successor to the original Thunder Blade for the Sega Master System. I barely remember the…
Seeking revenge for their earlier defeat, the ORN Empire attacks the Galaxy Federation using their newest battleship called Plealos and causes them serious damage. The ORN even captures one of their planets called Nebula during the onslaught. The Galaxy Federation fight back by sending in their well equipped, small ship called the Excelizer to find and destroy Plealos. - summary If someone was to ask an old school…
Read the full review One of the best shooters for the Genesis.
Little Mac is an up and coming boxer who has winning on his mind. He seeks to end the unbeaten streak of the heavy weight champion Nick Bruiser. However, before he can meet him, he has to fight his way through 4 divisions of fighters with many different styles of boxing. To include, these guys are not afraid to completely break the rules. -summary Super Punch Out! for the SNES was a game I had no knowledge of during…
A highly trained martial artist named Billy Lee declares war on a gang called the Black Warriors. Lead by the Shadow Boss, the gang has assaulted and kidnapped his girlfriend Marian. Now Billy ventures into the city with intentions on infiltrating their lair and laying a savage beat down on the whole crew. -summary It's said that the classic brawler, Double Dragon, is the godfather of the side scrolling beat 'em…
Demon Lord Etna of the Netherworld learns that someone has stolen her dessert. The blame naturally falls on her followers called Prinnies, which are bad human souls trapped in the bodies of talking penguins with pegs for legs. As punishment for her food being swiped, she orders 1000 Prinnies on a suicide mission to locate the Ultra Dessert, and they have only one day to complete the mission or face her wrath, which…
Originally written 12-10-11 To think that what began as a side series to hold fans over for the next Mario game. The Mario Kart series would go on to carve out its own legacy in the world of gaming. One would think the reason this series has enjoyed such a successful run is solely because the name Mario is attached somewhere in the title. They would be so wrong it wouldn't be funny. Making it's 7th appearance on the…
Liu Kang and Earth's fighters survived the second Mortal Kombat tournament which took place in the realm of Outworld hosted by their emperor Shao Khan. Liu Kang emerged the victor once again, and it appeared that the Earthrealm would be safe. Shao Khan makes another attempt to conquer the Earthrealm, by resurrecting his dead queen Sindel, and through this he's able to use her to merge the two realms. Khan invades…
In the final match of the tournament, Liu Kang faced off against Shang Tsung and defeated him in Mortal Kombat. By accomplishing this feet, Liu Kang saved the world from being over-ran by another dimension called Outworld. Tsung's soul journey's back to Outworld were he faces final execution by the Emperor Shao Khan. Tsung convinces Khan to spare him, and they bait Liu Kang as well as the surviving competitors into…
A sorcerer by the name of Shang Tsung along with a four-armed half-man, half-dragon beast named Goro, seized and conquered a tournament called Mortal Kombat by defeating the champion Kung Lao. Tsung hosts another tournament and 7 fighters with their own goals enter. -summary The 90's are indeed memorable to me entertainment-wise for several reasons. One reason I can look back fondly on them would be the evolution of…
In New York City, The Shredder is planning something big. His lead scientist Baxter Stockman has dispatched some metallic creatures called the Mousers that have gotten the attention of the Ninja Turtles. The four brothers spring into action to put a stop to whatever it is they're planning. -summary I have to come out the gate and say that my past with the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles franchise in regards to gaming…
While on a news story, reporter April O'Neil witnesses the city of New York disappearing. The Shredder uses an artifact from Dimension-X called the Hyper Stone to shrink the city down and add it to his collection, and on national TV, he directly challenges the Turtles to come and face him. The four brothers prepare for battle and set out to find the Technodrome. -summary Here goes the major joy of owning two systems…
Read the full review Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: The HyperStone Heist
While on a news story, reporter April O'Neil witnesses the Statue of Liberty being stolen by Dimension-X ruler Krang. The Shredder wastes no time claiming the theft on TV. The Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles also witness the event and immediately spring to action with intentions on breaking into the Technodrome. The Shredder is obviously ready; but what exactly is his plan? -summary There was a time when I thought that…
Read the full review Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Turtles in Time
Originally written 4-4-12 When it comes down to the constant releases of one sequel after the other to a successful franchise, the only way one should go is up, in theory at least. As some of us know this isn't always the case, since some sequels fail to live up to the standard set by their predecessor. Mario Kart, which was originally released in 1992 for the Super Nintendo is one of those rare exceptions. The…
The Shinobi, Joe Musashi, embarks on a rescue and destroy mission against the terrorist network Zeed. The organization kidnapped his students and now Joe must traverse through deadly obstacles and fierce enemies to save his pupils and confront the mastermind behind it all. -summary When people look back at the 80's, many remember the surge of horror's sub-genre the slasher flick, those amazingly cool robots that…
Originally written 2-5-09 It's really not hard to believe that the Mario Kart series has lasted as long as it did. When I first played the original Super Mario Kart for the SNES back in 1992, I knew the game was going to be a smash for two reasons; 1) It had Super Mario in it, that's almost a guarantee for success, and 2) the game was fun as all hell. Mario Kart in some form has made it to almost every single…
Originally written 12-1-11 A young man wakes up in a cave. He soon begins to examine the area and is quickly under attack. After arming himself, he finds his way to a small village called the Mimiga Village. From here, he witnesses a kidnapping of a girl he just met and soon sets out to save her with only a laser pistol. Who exactly is he? What is he? And who is the sinister Doctor he keeps hearing about? -summary…
In the future 20XX, humanity are living with the services of industrial humanoid robots. One mad scientist by the name of Dr. Wily steals 8 robots from Dr. Light with his plan to rule the world. One of Light's robots, Mega, volunteers to be changed into a fighting robot to stop Wily. Now named Mega Man and given abilities to take the powers away from defeated robots. He sets out on his mission to stop Wily. -summary…
King Koopa's servant brings to his notice the Vibe Scepter. It's a magical ornament that effects the feelings of ones target. King Koopa sends his minions to Princess Peach's castle and uses the scepter to kidnap Mario, Luigi, and many of her Toad servants. Peach takes it upon herself to rescue Mario and company with a magical umbrella named Perry. -summary Talk about being late to the party. Nintendo pretty much…
Originally written 11-17-11 A village is attacked by what appears to be the Neo Zeed organization, a long time enemy of the Shinobi. Jiro responds to the attack but is unable to save his village. Armed with his kunai's, sword, amazing agility and magic; the ninja ventures on a mission of vengeance. -summary The best way to describe this game is old school. This incarnation of Shinobi has a likening to the games from…
Originally written 11-15-11 King Koopa (Bowser) is at it again. The villain kidnaps Princess Peach and it's up to the super plumber to save her. - summary The Super Mario franchise might be the only series of games to re-use the exact same story over and over and get away with it. There would be some small details tossed out there, but it's still the same old story. So why people seem to never get bored of it? Well,…
While sitting back watching a flick on his favorite superhero Captain Blue. Joe watches as a hand makes its way out of the TV screen and snatches his girlfriend Silvia. Joe is soon drawn in and learns that Captain Blue has been defeated and someone must carry on the battle with his enemies the Jadow. Given superhero abilities and transformed into an action hero, Joe ventures into Movie-land to save Silvia. Little…
Axel, Blaze, and Skate return to action and their get together ends with them defusing a bomb. Mr. X has returned with a plan in the works, but Axel and crew are in the dark on what's going on. They seek out Mr. X to put an end to his plans again accompanied by a cyborg named Dr. Zan. -summary Streets of Rage 2 was definitely among my favorite Sega Genesis games back in the day. Whenever I wanted to get my fix on…
A year has passed since Adam, Axel, and Blaze defeated Mr.X and saved the city. The three heroes part ways and Adam returns to being a cop. He lives together with his younger brother Skate, whom one day comes home to find the place in ruins. He picks up a picture left behind of Adam in chains; Mr. X has returned and the city is once again plunged into chaos. Axel and Blaze join together with Skate and a professional…
In a once peaceful city, an organized crime syndicate lead by a mysterious man named Mr.X plunges the city into chaos. He has managed to subdue the city government and is able to pull the police department's strings. Three ex-cops decide to battle him anyway and they take the fight into the streets and on to Mr.X's high-rise deep into the city. -summary Back in the late 80's to early 90's, the side scrolling beat'em…
Originally written 11-23-11 While going on a walk with Princess Peach, Mario notices the castle on fire. He dashes off without a second thought, and as a result, the Princess is immediately snatched. Mario leaves in hot pursuit to save her. -summary Super Mario Bros. has been a household name for over two decades. Besides the fact that the games can be incredibly fun, they built a reputation for being difficult…
