Fiv... Sh*t TEN Fun Games!

After having a discussion with a housemate about how games seem to have veered away from actually being fun and turned into a graphics contest and how close to reality they can get. I've decided to make a list of recent (ish) games which I think are fun and enjoyable to play! It was initially five but then after FURTHER discussions with my other housemate (@larky1990), it's the biiig TEN! 

10. Lego Star Wars.

What better than Star Wars? Oh that's right.. Playing them as Lego. I had so much fun revisiting all the major set pieces as a Lego character and discovering new areas with each one ( buuuuuy it. Gooble gobble).

9. Fez. 

A 2D man in a 3D world. Yes it was challenging but still a whole lotta fun at the same time. It was unique with such a large depth and scale. And when you first turn the world and see a whole new world (started singing Aladdin there), and a different perspective opens before you, it was simply breathtaking. Come on Phil Fish. Make no. 2 without blowing yourself up. 

8. Skate.

OPM - heaven is a half pipe. Yes! OPM. Skate made that mechanic that appeared in Tony Hawks next gen ( project 8) and turned it into a spectacular game. I spent hours on both 1 and 2 perfecting lines with my buddy. Yeah... I have friends (statement may not actually be true). 

7. Saints Row 3.

GTA on roids and snorting cocaine whilst pooping out of a plane. I know. It's the perfect analogy for how insane this game was. They took all the crazy ideas that people had thought up and put them in one giant game. Nothing beats sucking up pedestrians in a cannon and launching them to the moon. 

6. Burnout: Paradise.

Launching a car over a jump at 160 mph on a bridge would sound dangerous. But not in Burnout Paradise. Fuck yeah! This game ruled. One of the few driving games with co-op and done well. It was always fun cruising round with Friends... and ramming them into a wall. Lol. Rofl. 

5. Broforce. 

This game. I fucking love it! I've already written about this in a previous blog saying how much fun it is to tackle a horde of enemies with your buddies and destroy the world in the process. And it's still not even finished! Which means there's more BRO's to be released and more levels! Win. Win. Win. 

4. Crackdown.

One of the first games I got with my Xbox 360. Crackdown lets you pick up cars and hurtle them towards unsuspecting enemies. You could jump up skyscrapers in seconds, kill the enemy atop then raise him above your head to show your kill. Theeeeen throw him off and watch his body bounce! (Mini chortle). Even collecting the orbs seemed satisfying to me and when they released the harpoon gun, I loved killing my mate then pinning him to walls. I know...I'm a bastard. 

3. Portal 1 and 2.

Portal always gets high praise and why shouldn't it. It's funny, challenging, addictive and different. Walking into a test chamber you would stare at the obstacle before you and assess how to take it on. Then in Two you could play co-op (I LOVE CO-OP). And it was always fun to make the infinity loop and fall forever! 

2. Super Mario 3D World.

I love my WiiU. Even more so with each purchase. And this purchase was no exception. Join Mario and the gang in an adventure through 8+ worlds. Each level is fun and vibrant and immerses the player in each world. The fact you can dress as a cat is just a happy positive. The music is nothing to be ignored either. It brings that happy feeling and is incredibly memorable. But my favourite part was Bowser's World. Travelling up the pipe and seeing this colourful land stand before you is something definitely worth seeing. 

1. Rayman: Legends.

Granted, you may not rate this as your number one BUT holy shit it should at least be in the top three. I'd never played a Rayman and it was my Brother who showed me this and I'm glad he did. It plays as a platformer and is definitely one of the best. The backgrounds to each stage are beauties to look at. Tight controls. The levels themselves challenging and with Ubisoft constantly releasing daily challenges, it keeps the game fresh. The best. THE BEST part though? At the end of each world is a music level where you have to run and jump in time to the music through various obstacles and enemies. It. Is. Awesome!!!! I've showed everyone who has passed by my house and each person has commented on how much fun the game is. If this game was a barrel.. It would be full of laughs (Idiom of the day). 

Cheers for reading. More soon...keep a look out for a YouTube channel! 

O.E.G

@TheOEGamer. 

Oh Luigi!

Since I'm still loving my GameCube at the moment, I have thought of a new game to ramble on about.

Luigi's Mansion! Let me level with you here reader. I actually played this for the first time last week when I acquired said GameCube. I had only seen this briefly on adverts so everything I say about this is fresh and not from memory, unlike the former twelve posts. The game follows (if you hadn't realised) Luigi for a change instead of Mario. It turns out this lucky chap has won a mansion in the arse-end of nowhere! Scam you say? Probably. But an excited Luigi can't tell the difference and goes to rub it in his brother's small face, and asks him at the same time to come celebrate...Oh Luigi...that's low. Anyways, Luigi arrives at the mansion only to find its haunted by ghosts! And they've taken Mario! Enter the player to capture ghosts and solve the mystery of where the hell Mario actually is.

So the first thing I noticed and probably fell in love with is the music. Nintendo I don't know how you do it but keep pumping these tunes out! O.K. So Luigi's Mansion's main theme isn't exactly raising the roof but it manages to be quirky and creepy. This is done by just having Luigi - and only Luigi - whistle the tune when there's nothing going on or you are exploring the mansion.
Until you meet a spoooky ghost and the bass kicks in followed by the violins. This gives the sense that the player truly is alone in this gigantic house. Even the noise of the creaking floorboards, Luigi's footsteps and the occasional lightning strike manage to keep the game dark...for a Nintendo/ Mario game. Oh and another little cool thing is if you press A Luigi will call out for his brother. I think its cool!

 Who ya gunna call????

Next is the presentation. Let me tell you. It looks great. All the different coloured ghosts are neatly drawn. The backgrounds to each room are well filled. Obviously Luigi looks amazing. Seriously; Nintendo know how to make a game stand out. The best part of the presentation though seems to be the shadows. When you go into one of the rooms with the mini-bosses and see its shadow slowly floating on the wall, its creepy. BUT its the good kind of creepy where you can appreciate what the developers have done. The worst (not worst as in bad mind you!) is the baby though. With the combination of the quiet jingle of a creche, a calm wind blowing against the drapes AND a floating baby shadow...Yeah, freaked me out.

Trick Doors are uuuuuurvvvywhere!

 

Also for an old school game its has some good mechanics for gameplay. To my knowledge, this is one of the very few games (of 2002) that uses a vacuum/ hoover, where you can suck up sheets or balls. They integrate well into the game making the player use it at certain points to complete an objective. Or to use it to uncover a BOO! Now combine this awesome hoover sucking/blowing (phrasing) ability with a torch system...baby you got yourself a game! The player uses the torch to shine onto a ghost which will stun them, then uses the vacuum to suck the blighters up! Sounds simple yes. But trying running round a room sucking up ghosts when more appear...yeah. Like herding cats...with a hoover. When a room is cleared, the lights come on and give the player the sense of security, because lets be honest, when you were a kid and you couldn't sleep you either; a) had a night light or b) but the landing light on...just me?

Lastly there's a few things a missed which I think deserve some mention:
1. The trick doors are a clever way to make sure the player is using the map to navigate. Smart Nintendo.
2. The Way Luigi moves in the game is priceless. He walks on his tiptoes, he's constantly bricking it! And when you find a key/object his little spin is awesome (accompanied by some awesome music once again).
3. Using the Gameboy "Horror" as a Boo finder, coin counter, map and a plethora of others, is an extremely nice touch. 


Now I haven't played this all the way through but its definitely deserves a mention. This is one of the few games I've picked up and instantly enjoyed. From the music, to the gameplay and even the quirky comments made throughout. Nintendo surely know how to make an interesting yet addictive game. Its even fun to watch someone play this game as I find out when my buddy just sat and watched me play the first hour or so without moving. Or maybe he was watching me and planning to kill me??!!?


O.E.G.
@theOEGamer


P.S.
Comments would be appreciated and I'll get back to you all...you might even get a kiss.

Return of the King

I know what you're thinking and this ain't a LOTR review. For those of you who follow me on twitter, you'll be aware I've recently got a GameCube! Literally, all my new consoles - 360, 3DS and my PC - have all be shoved to one side to make way for this hero. The rest of this month and probably next will contain reviews from the GameCube and what's going to start us off?

Super Smash Bros. Melee! Now I know that pretty much everyone in existence has played this game. But I've never owned a GameCube so this is all new to me and obviously I've played it but I've never had one to call mine. The game is a beat em up and a sequel to super smash bros. on the N64. 

Mostly a multiplayer game but it does have an arcade mode and adventure mode. It has a wide variety of playable character from throughout the nintendo world. This ranges from Donkey Kong, Link, Pikachu, and Captain Falcon to just name a few. 

Each character has their own special moves and attacks. This can make the game extremely tactical if you know how to use the character up close and at range. The aim is too damage the opponent enough to send him flying off the screen and to his speedy demise. The games can be done either on a timed basis or how many lives you have. But I'm sure EVERYONE knew that. Hahaha! 

So first thing. The music and sounds. Since this game uses characters from all over the nintendo world, you hear a variety of music, each fitting to it's stage. All seem as if they have a fully orchestrated band playing on each arena. My personal favourites are Hyrule (for the intro music being played on one or two instrument, slowly building into a masterpiece) and the Pokemon stadium (cause it's Pokemon). There is also a crowd that cheers for their favourite combatant, and gasps at close calls and near falls (unintentional rhyme!). It makes you feel as if you are on the main stage of this spectator sport. Even the small ping as someone is flung into space makes the entire game come together. I also think I could listen to the character select music for a prolonged period and not get bored. Even though this game is essentially about killing and beating up people, Nintendo still manage to make you feel happy!!

Oh Luigi...What are you DOING?!?!

Next up is the graphics. 2002 this beaut came out and it still looks good. All the models of characters look well finished, even the ones intended to look 8-bit. I personally enjoy when you collect another trophy and you can view them all in your collection, a proud moment for any gamer! Another personal favourite is just playing as Kirby solely so I can make him look like a cute Samus or D.K. Each stage, is vibrant and although beautiful and eye drawing, doesn't take the players attention too much. 

I am trying to think of something I don't like about this game but I honestly can't. This is one of those games that manages to do everything right from the get go. It's fun and enjoyable. The music is well orchestrated. I could go on and on but I fear no one would actually read it to the end! Nintendo have managed to have everything going on all at once but not clutter the screen. I know I haven't mentioned much on gameplay so I'm just going to list my three favourite things: 

Kirby...Just eating bros.

1. Having a Pokemon battle where you just put on Poke ball drops. 

2. Managing to slowly make my way back on the platform only to roll and smash the opponent into oblivion and win! 

3. Making Game vs Game matches. E.g. Mario and Bowser vs Link and Ganondorf. 

If anyone has any comments please leave some! Let me know your favourite Super Smash Bros. Moments! 

O.E.G 

@theOEGamer

Memorable memories.

Oh boy! Do you like nostalgia? No? Well too bad! In this months post I will mostly be reminiscing about old school games I've had the most fun on and that I can easily remember. It's gunna be a top five maybe ten, depends how well my memory serves me!.....Turns out its ten!

10. Black and White- PC. 

This game I remember playing on our family PC in 2000/2001 (if - ironically -my memory serves me right). I remember thinking at the time the game was huge and how crisp the graphics were! I loved playing it and been given the ultimate dilemma... Monkey, tiger or cow? Naturally the obvious choice was the cow, I mean what's weirder than a giant cow throwing a villager into the sea? That's right, nothing. For its time, the games morality choices genuinely made me think about what I'd do. Trying to get that perfect balance of power and the love of the people is something I just couldn't master.   


 

9. Secret of Monkey Island - PC. 

 I remember unwrapping this game and getting a wheel where you had to match the face on the screen when you loaded the game to get the code/ password for making it start, which as a kid I thought was ingenious! I think this was one of the very first games I'd played on the PC and remembering it just brings back good memories and the trial and error of matching everything with anything since I had no idea what to do at that young age. Then when they re-released it as the special edition and you could select the original graphics was just awesome! And finally the best part was the witty dialog which all these point and click games seemed to have at the time.







 8. Dynasty Warriors 2 - PS2.

 I didn't actually own this game. When the PS2 came out this was one of the games my neighbour got and I spent many a night round his till stupid o'clock in the morning attempting to kill everyone on the map. It's more about the memory of playing this with my buddy or my brother and feeling like an ultimate force, wiping out everyone who stood in our way. But there was one thing that put the fear in me...Lu Bu. If anyone has played this version of Dynasty Warriors, you will remember that Lu Bu was fucking nails! At the battle for He Lao gate (once again, memory is probably wrong) is where you encounter him first. All I remember is trying to kill him, Lu Bu not even flinching by my feeble hits, and him chasing me round the map until I died. But let me tell you, a mass of fist pumps were thrown when I did kill him! Ya Done Son!

7. Tetris - Gameboy. 

  

Surely everyone remembers the first time turning this on and hearing that classic tune and watching the blocks slowly tumble down? I sure as hell do! It was like a family game, you could pass it round and see who could get the highest score on one of the fast levels. I can still image my dad screaming at the screen when his triangle piece ruined his entire game, ending his "perfect run". Here's a link to that amazing music that just fits perfectly into this gem. 





http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TFlN1NMua5o

 

6. Super Mario Bros - NES. 
Once again, those first seven notes that every child of this generation and more have implanted into their mind. This is one of the games that started it all. Its learning curve was just right and if you died you knew it was your fault. I liked accidentally finding one of the secret pipes and being happy with myself for my lucky stumble! I honestly don't know what else to say about this absolutely classic game. It is one of my favourites but the next five are the ones that I've spent the most time on.












  5. Fable: The Lost Chapters - PC.

 Whilst this was only released in 2004, and it is the most recent from all in the list, it still deserves to be in this spot. From the dialog that the N.P.C's say as you pass or during quests, to the combat system, to watching your hero grow and become either an angel or a demon of the world. It truly was, and still is an epic game (possibly still my favourite out of all the fables. Sooo happy the anniversary is this year!). Once again the choices in this made me think about what to do! And if my brother's reading this (which he should cause he's a fan!) it has one of the most memorable and annoying quotes in any game.
"Your health is low. Do you have any food? Or potions??" FFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFUUUUUUUUUUU...






 4. Pokemon - Gameboy.

 Pokemon is quite possibly the game I've spent the most time on as a kid. I remember my brother and I using the gameboy link to get all the starter pokemon and just fucking, shit, up! I think I even remember my team (Obviously first three, then Gyarados, Raticate, Pidgeot). Pokemon is one of those games where you can get lost in the world, trying to (pardon the cliche) "catch em all!" Then when you caught one that you thought was different you could test it. That sense of freedom in the game where the player makes the choices is a big thing for me. And when you own the gym badges, a sense of pride in yourself and your Charmander for clawing the shit into an Onix. Even after beating the Elite Four, the game still managed to surprise you with your Rival (Buttucks) turning up for one final battle. Honestly this game was, and still is, an epic quest, and definitely deserves this spot. The next are possibly my all time favourite games though and hopefully you'll agree. 

3. Final Fantasy 7 - Playstation.

 Final Fantasy 7 was the first game I'd had on my own Playstation waaay back in '97. The way the game opened up its world slowly but still managing to keep it story driven and is one of my favourite things in video games today. Once again, like Pokemon, the choice of who was on your team, was given to the player and each time I spoke to someone about FF7 the team always changed. The summons were something else as well. Admit it. The first time you used Odin or Knights of the Round, it blew your small mind didn't it!? OH or when you got the Golden Chocobo and wondered across the ocean to GET Knights of the Round and Mime. It felt amazing! Or when you eventually take down Ruby and Emerald, the sense of accomplishment is overwhelming. The list goes on. The story, granted, is long winded, but it manages to keep drawing the player in more and more as it goes on. Even the music, be it battle music or the boss fight music, is imprinted in my mind. Final Fantasy 7 definitely left a mark on my childhood and I still play it even to this day. For those that haven't played it...DOOOOO ITTTTTT!

2. Donkey Kong Contry - SNES.

  

For those who know of JonTron (which should be uuuurvybody!!) you know how much he loves this game. Well, he isn't alone...I fucking love this game! The SNES may be one of my favourite consoles I have owned. The colours were vibrant. The games were fun and original, and this is just one of those games. The introduction just brings a smile to my face. I loved the animals you could use to help with the levels. I loved and hated the barrels levels. Riding in a mine cart was a mass amounts of fun. The backgrounds for each of the different types of worlds were unique as well as the music, especially the eerie music when you were in the mines or tunnels. Then there was the boss battles, where the background was surrounded by banana's, were done as a steady learning curve. Finally there's King K. Rool, the final boss. It was a pattern boss but I didn't mind, I was young and it's aimed at kids so it makes sense to. The music that accompanied it was classic. Starting as a jaunty sea tune, then slowly turning into a serious battle theme. And you have to remember, this was made using very little space on the SNES cartridge. Donkey Kong Country is definitely one of my favourite childhood games, only to be topped by this....




....
Wait for it!



 
1. Super Mario World - SNES.

 That's right ladies and gentlemen! Super Mario World, once again on the SNES. The music. Perfect. The colours. Perfect. The introduction to Yoshi. Perfect! I spent a helluva long time on this epic. When you first get the cape and fly around the levels it is an awesome feeling. Fighting the bosses and watching the animation of how Mario destroyed the castle is witty and funny. When you finally found star road all by yourself, especially at a young age, you felt smart. The game is just full of memorable parts and seeing Bowser in a flying clown was unreal! Maybe I love this because I managed to complete it without any help from anyone at that age. Or maybe it's because it was one of the first games I actually completed fully. Whatever it is, Super Mario World is my favourite game from my childhood and has given me the most memories which make me feel young again. 


If anyone has any comments, maybe your team on FF7 or Pokemon, let me know! Or tell me what your favourite old school games are. Cheers!


O.E.G.