Thursday 26 July 2012

Classic Game Room reviews Daytona USA:CCE

Whether you like his unique approach to game reviews or not, you got to give it to this guy to always show Sega some love, specially the Dreamcast and Saturn. I mean, nowadays what other game show will do a review for a game from 1996? This time it's Daytona USA, not the original release but the improved Championship Circuit Edition. I don't I have this one, only the regular Daytona. Seems like I'll have to track it down, cause it looks really good.

Thursday 5 July 2012

NiGHTS into Dreams coming to XBLA/PSN/Steam!


Well how is this for a lovely surprise? NiGHTS Into Dreams, the original game on the Saturn was released on this day 16 years ago and to celebrate Sega has revealed a re-release of the game for Xbox live Arcade, Playstation Network and Steam! The announcement trailer is below!



For those not in the know, back in 2008 there was a remake of NiGHTS for the Playstation 2. It included the game with updated graphics as well as the option to play the game with the original Saturn graphics, and even included the Christmas NiGHTS special content! Sadly this remake, which was released in a lovely box set with an art book, was only released in Japan so we never got to play it without importing.

Until now that is! This appears to be more or less that in HD with added trophies/achievements and online leaderboards. There is no sign of Christmas NiGHTS being included or if it will be additional DLC afterwards yet. The game is one of the most unique from the Sega Saturn and one of Sonic Teams true masterpieces, including an atmosphere, characters and music quite unlike anything else and addictive score attack arcade style gameplay.


There was also a sequel on the Wii, but while it was ok it didn't really hold a candle to the first one due to pointless gameplay changes, unintentionally creepy/funny cut scenes and filler levels that were not all that much fun.

Can we except more Saturn ports from Sega in the future? While this one had a PS2 remake to work from, games like Panzer Dragoon Saga would be a lot more difficult due to Sega over the years somehow losing the source code, but never say never! If a bunch of fans of NiGHTS can campain for a re-release and eventually get it, I don't see why not, though I reckon Shenmue and Skies of Arcadia will be next on their list of much requested ports. Sega are in financial trouble as of late and have even shut all but one of their European headquarters, so download ports like this should hopefully gets their profits back up.

This month on Together Retro - Guardian Heroes


Haven't heard of Together Retro? It's a great initiative on the part of Racketboy, whose great website has already been featured here on the 'yard. To put it simple, think of it as a sort of book club, only with games instead. Every month there's a new retro game, and we discuss it on the forums as we play it, telling our experiences, sharing tricks and tips, basically just motivating each other to experience some of the best games that, otherwise, may be forgotten.

This month is actually an exception to the rule, as we get not one but two games, although they're somewhat related, having been made by the same company (the inimitable Treasure) and...you know, featuring titles with "G-something Heroes". What do you mean, that's not a good enough reason???


Anyway, yeah, Guardian Heroes! What Saturn fan has never heard of this game? It's pretty damn famous, both because of its quality and rarity, warranting a pretty hefty price on the second-hand market. Which is a shame, really, because such a classic should be more accessible, and maybe that's why they released and HD port on Xbox Live (no PSN, though) so there's really no excuse for not playing this gem. Unless, of course, you don't own an Xbox. But I digress...


(quick look at the gameplay, if you just wan to see what it looks like)

I'm speaking like I've actually played it a lot, but to be honest this was the first time I tried it out. And I'm glad I did, because it really is an amazing game. The graphics have really stood the test of time in my opinion, the backgrounds are just gorgeous and the characters' sprites look great too. The gameplay is accessible, enjoyable and overall just feels great, I really had a blast playing this one. It's basically a brawler, like Streets of Rage, but it has a lot more depth. Our characters have a whole array of different moves, more akin to a 1 on 1 fighter, and there's a level up system, just like in an RPG. There's also lost of different paths to take in story mode, again just like in a modern RPG, and while a single playthrough is not that long, the game almost demands that you play through it multiple times, with different characters and choosing different paths.


(full-featured review by the HappyConsole Gamer - I just like this guy)

And then there's also multiplayer. Haven't tried that out, but it looks like a lot of fun if you have the friends and hardware.

So, yeah, go play it! You won't regret it.

UPDATE: In a weird twist of fate, both the first and last posts on the mainpage right now are about GH :D