Format- Arcade
Genre- Racing
What would a package holiday hotel be without a banged up arcade cabinet lurking somewhere in a hidden away room?
I’ll tell you - a very unusual one indeed. And the one I visited in Cyprus this week was no exception to this rule.
The game’s name was Rave Racer, and it immediately intrigued me. Mainly as it strangely had ‘Ridge Racer’ emblazoned on its side.
[Above- The game’s hypocritical casing.]
I had no idea the Ridge Racer series had a different named spin-off, and so I thought I’d give this one a go.
It goes without saying the cab itself had seen better days though. The sound only seemed to come out from the chair’s speakers, which were sadly smashed in.
[Above- Someone clearly had a strong hatred of chair speakers…]
The machine was clearly not bringing in the cash these days - I didn’t see a single person even looking at it during my time at the hotel - so part of my reason for playing it was also based on sympathy.
It seemingly couldn’t be bothered to shout out its name anymore either, like arcade machines are akin to do.
So imagine my surprise when Rave Racer ends up shafting me. Hard.
There was no coin loss, unseen sharp edges, or unexpected screen explosions showering me with glass.
Instead the game decided to take my euro and discard me as quickly as humanly possible.
[Above- I prepare myself for the shortest drive of my life.]
I had chosen the standard automatic gear-change option, and the standard opening city track. Everything seemed fine.
The graphics were basic - perhaps better than the Playstation One Ridge Racer titles at a stretch - but they moved with an admirable speed and crispness.
But after a bad start where I spluttered off the line I simply couldn’t recover.
My foot was firmly cemented down on the pedal but it was no use. I didn’t see a single other car after they zoomed off from the beginning of the race.
My speed didn’t seem to increase after the opening few seconds as I (through an effective in-car perspective) slumped around every corner.
The standard Ridge Racer drift was satisfying, but the lack of speed was not.
The standard RR helicopters buzzed overhead as I slithered over the first checkpoint, and then got no further.
I’ll admit I’m not the best at racing games - struggling through the easiest route on Outrun is probably my greatest racing game achievement - but Rave Racer seemed a little too harsh.
Getting money in the slot is always the aim of arcade machines, but this one left me feeling short changed (no pun intended - actually, perhaps it is intended).
So Rave Racer is a machine not for racing game beginners. It doesn’t care if you get your money’s worth, or if you leave its seat happy. All it wants is your sweet, sweet tender.
Looking for the latest retro news? Then you’ve come to the right place, as The Retro Game Review summarises all of the last month’s retro gaming happenings.
This month I take a look at Sonic getting cleaned up on iOS and Android, a couple of Famicom fan translations, some NES accessories from Krikkz, and much more.
As always, thanks for watching!
Links for this episode:
Krikkz EverDrive-N8 for the NES:
http://shop.retrogate.com/EverDrive-N…
Krikkz Famicom to NES adapter (60 to 72 pin):
http://shop.retrogate.com/Famicom-To-…
Super Connard for the Game Boy:
http://furrtek.free.fr/superconnard/
Treasure of Babylon for the MSX Turbo-R:
http://treasureofbabylon.ebsoft.fr/
Cattivik for the ZX Spectrum:
http://www.worldofspectrum.org/infose…
Oh Mummy for the Mega Drive:
http://www.fasebonus.net/2013/05/oh-m…
Request in Peace for the ZX Spectrum:
http://www.bytemaniacos.com/?page_id=…
Princess Rescue for the Atari 2600:
http://atariage.com/store/index.php?l…
Translation patch for Wai Wai World got the Famicom:
http://www.romhacking.net/translation…
Translation patch for Deep Dungeon three: Yuushi heno Tabi on the Famicom:
http://www.romhacking.net/translation…
Voyeur for the Phillips CD-I:
http://www.gametronik.com/site/news-2…
Mega Man 5 Soundtrack:
http://shop.capcom.com/store/capcomus…
Play Novel: Silent Hill for the Mega Drive:
https://dl.dropboxusercontent.com/u/5…
Protoype version of Prince of Persia 2 for the SNES:
http://www.legrospixel.com/pop2_proto…
Past episodes can also be found on my YouTube channel here.
This month I take a look at three respected 2D platformers getting remakes, some fan translations, more Nintendo announcements than you can shake a large stick at, and much more.
This episode marks a whole year since I started the show, so thanks for everyone who’s watched and supported it - I really do appreciate it!
Thanks for watching.
The relevant links for this episode:
Mashin Hero Wataru Gaiden translation patch:
http://spookytornado.wordpress.com/pr…
Juvei Quest translation patch:
http://www.romhacking.net/translation…
JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure translation patch:
http://agtp.romhack.net/project.php?i…
ET ‘improvement’ ROM:
http://www.neocomputer.org/projects/et/
Retro Achievements website:
http://www.retroachievements.org/
Link where to buy Commodore 64 compilation cartridge with Nanako in Classic Japanese Monster Castle and Sir Ababol:
http://rgcd.bigcartel.com/product/sir…
More information on Project Unity:
http://www.made-by-bacteria.com/
Link to where you can download The Incredible Adventures of Moebius Goatlizard for the Commodore Amiga:
http://blackjet.co.uk/amiga.php?redir…
Updated ROM for Brett Hull Hockey on the Atari Jaguar:
http://reboot.atari.org/new-reboot/bh…
Solomon’s Key for the Commodore Amiga:
http://eab.abime.net/showthread.php?t…
Where you can buy Sturmwind for the Dreamcast:
http://www.redspotgames.com/shop/inde…
Link to where you can buy Blox on the Virtual Boy:
http://www.uncletusk.com/node/189
Banjo Kazooie and Tooie soundtracks (buy them!):
http://grantkirkhope.bandcamp.com/alb…
Past episodes can also be found on my YouTube channel here.
This month The Retro Game Review takes a look at a trio of retro themed pieces of hardware, some ROMs being released of sought after or forgotten games, a return of a NES favourite, and much more.
Please do like this video and subscribe to my channel if you can by the way - it helps me more than you can imagine!
Thanks for watching!
The relevant links for this episode:
Where to order a Black Label Neo Geo MVS:
http://analogueinteractive.com/black-…
Tyrannosaurus Tex (GBC) ROM:
http://www.nintendoplayer.com/unrelea…
Stalker (Amiga) ROM:
http://eab.abime.net/showthread.php?t…
Nemesis 2 (Master System) ROM:
http://www.smspower.org/forums/viewto…
Gensō Suikogaiden Volume 1 translation:
http://www.romhacking.net/translation…
Download the Super Metroid Symphony:
http://www.metroidorchestra.com/
Where to order Pyramid Plunder On The PC Engine Super CD-Rom2:
http://www.aetherbyte.com/pce_pyramid…
More information on F-Zero AX:
http://www.retrocollect.com/News/hack…
International Karate on the Amiga:
http://meynaf.free.fr/pr/index_en.html
Past episodes can also be found on my YouTube channel here.
This month The Retro Game Review looks at the progress of the Resident Evil 1.5 project, a remake of a beloved Amiga platformer, some ROM cartridge news, a fan translation, and a host of re-releases and ports.
Please do like this video and subscribe to my channel if you can by the way - it helps me more than you can imagine!
Thanks for watching!
The relevant links for this episode:
Resident Evil 1.5 demo:
Buy the EverDrive N8:
http://krikzz.com/index.php?route=product/product&product_id=59
Buy the MegaFlash ROM SCC+ SD flash card:
http://www.msxcartridgeshop.com/
Makaimura Gaiden fan translation:
http://www.romhacking.net/translations/1794/
Buy Tempest for the Atari 5200:
http://www.atariage.com/store/index.php?l=product_detail&p=1014
Past episodes can also be found on my YouTube channel here.
This month the Retro Game Review looks at Nintendo’s Virtual Console plans for the Wii U, Wind Waker in HD, the revival of the Satellaview, Tyrannosaurus Tex, a host of re-releases and ports, and much more.
Please do LIKE this video and SUBSCRIBE to my channel if you can by the way - it helps me more than you can imagine!
Thanks for watching!
The relevant links for this episode:
More information on the BS-X Project:
http://bsxproj.superfamicom.org/
BS-X Project - translated patch for the project:
http://superfamicom.org/blog/2013/01/and-its-here-already/
Commodore Amiga Music Collection Strix Memoria:
http://www.tantrumedia.com/strixmemoria/
Tales of Phantasia translation patch:
http://www.tales-cless.org/?page=tales
Fishbone on Virtual Boy:
Faceball 2000/Midi-Maze on Virtual Boy:
Bug Blasters on the Sega Mega CD:
http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=261150135434&clk_rvr_id=446454581382
Star Strike on the Sega Mega CD:
http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=261150135473&clk_rvr_id=446468833562
Past episodes can also be found on my YouTube channel here.
This month the Retro Game Review looks at the sad closure of Eurocom, the launch of the Epic Arcade Projects, a trio of fan translations, all of December’s notable re-releases and ports, some new homebrew titles, and the 25th birthday of a blue robot man…I forget his name.
Please do LIKE this video and SUBSCRIBE to my channel if you can by the way - it helps me more than you can imagine!
Thanks for watching!
The relevant links for this episode:
More information on the Epic Arcade Project:
Where you can but the Neo Geo X handheld:
http://www.funstock.co.uk/retro-gaming/neo-geo-x
Where you can buy the Neo SNK Arcade MVS Magic Key:
http://www.ic2005.com/shop/product.php?productid=135&cat=0&featured=Y
Streets of Rage 4 footage:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=JtOIdgP7U44
Donkey Kong Country 3 OverClocked ReMix Album:
http://dkc3.ocremix.org/index.php
Fan translation of Momotarou Densetsu (Aka The Legend of Peach Boy):
http://www.romhacking.net/translations/1779/
Fan translation of Arabian Nights: Desert Spirit King:
http://www.au-ro-ra.net/index.php?page=antrans&lang=en
Fan translation of Choro Q 2:
http://www.romhacking.net/translations/1783/
Where you can buy Bound high for Virtual Boy:
Ridiculous Reality for Atari XL and XE:
http://matosimi.websupport.sk/atari/2012/12/ridiculous-reality-final-version/
Cheril the Goddess for the ZX Spectrum:
http://www.mojontwins.com/juegos_mojonos/cheril-the-goddess/
Link to download Megaman’s 25th Anniversary Crossover title Street Fighter X Mega Man:
Demo for fan made Mega Man 25th Anniversary title
http://jasoncanam.com/mm25.htm
Past episodes can also be found on my YouTube channel here.
Format- GBC
Genre- Action/Puzzle
A stealth title based on the Grinch - from the same development studio that made Metal Gear Solid? It almost seems too good a concept to mess up.
Good news - it is (or was). The Grinch works, and is the best game based on the titular green, hairy, Christmas hating villain. There’s admittedly not much competition, but this is still far above your average licensed fodder.
Some real thought has gone into it, and - although it’s far from perfect - it’s a surprisingly varied and tough title.
The core gameplay revolves around you playing as the Grinch (or occasionally his dog Max) and stealing a set number of presents in each stage.
Every level is made up of a few screens, and the only thing stopping you from snatching all the gifts are the Whos - and in Max’s stages, the Who’s guard dogs (I don’t remember THOSE from the cartoon/film/book).
As this is a game that’s aimed at younger children things are kept simple when it comes to getting round them though. Footsteps in the snow won’t arouse suspicion like in Metal Gear for example (just as well, considering the consistently wintry setting).
The Whos move fairly slowly, and as long as you aren’t standing in front of them you’ll sneak by undetected.
There’s a surprising level of depth for a GBC title though. As the Grinch you have a weapon you can use to stun your foes (considering what you’re doing ‘foes’ may be the wrong thing to call them though), and as Max you have a supersonic bark and can jump over the hounds. Crawling is also needed to get past certain obstacles.
You can even make the Whos and Hounds bump into each other when they’re chasing you too.
Being detected will happen, but avoiding being touched (meaning insta-death) is easier than you might think. Simply exiting the screen will reset everything, and outrunning your pursuers is something you can - and likely will - do constantly.
Even with these advantages, The Grinch is a tough game. The stages are fairly short, but die three times and you’re thrown back to the start of each one, with all the presents back in their rightful places.
This is enough leeway if you take your time, but the colourful visuals initially trick you into thinking you’re playing nothing but a kids game - and you may find yourself rushing into sections without thinking.
Although this works at first, you’ll eventually have to give some thought to your movements after the opening scenes (which have around 6 levels each).
This would be impressive enough for a licensed GBC title, but there are plenty of variables introduced through the game to keep you on your toes as well. Slippery ice floors, toy cars you have to drive, and multiple platforms just being a few of these.
The Grinch may have its flaws (there is a fair bit of repetition, and the controls do sometimes feel a little clunky) but it’s a genuinely admirable effort at making the cartoon/film/book into a game, and one of the best Christmas themed titles money can buy. Do you hear that, Santa Claus Junior?
Format- NES
Genre- 2D Action
With the Mayan predicted end of the Earth being avoided, it seems apt to take a look at a game with an apocalyptic setting.
This isn’t just a no-name title though, but a side-scroller developed by Capcom (yes, Capcom) - yet it’s a game probably few have actually heard of. So why is that?
On first glance this seems like a game that should be considered a must play on the NES. A pared down port of a fairly popular arcade cabinet, some clear 2D visuals, and an interesting set-up.
The post-apocalyptic world isn’t too detailed - this is the NES after all - but there’s enough to give the game a grimy, downbeat tone.
Even the hand drawn artwork and bold font on the cart all suggest Trojan offers a unique experience. One thing that does ruin things in terms of the atmosphere is the repetitive and irritating music, but you can’t have everything.
So it’s disappointing to discover that the game won’t be enjoyed by many nowadays due to the difficulty level.
To say Trojan is an unforgiving experience would be an understatement, and it demands more patience and effort that many (including myself) may be willing to give.
It’s one of those games that throws enemies at you from both sides of the screen constantly, so you’re having to attack and move all the time. There’s no let up.
[Above- Mmm, that’s some interesting artwork right there.]
For ways to defend yourself, you have a sword and shield - controlled by the A and B buttons respectively.
Sadly jumping is done by pressing up on the D-pad, which is always a unsatisfactory control solution in almost any game.
Despite this, defeating a lot of the enemies isn’t too hard. The standard foes (that look like knights) take one hit to kill, and pretty much just run straight into your blade.
It’s when projectile throwing enemies show up that things start to take a turn for the tedious, as simultaneously ducking, jumping, using your shield, and attacking the foes streaming towards you becomes a real pain.
Stages are very short, but each is ended with a small boss. These range from the easy to the seemingly impossible, but they do have attack patterns that you can learn.
That’s the only way to beat the game really - memorising enemies attacks and remaining incredibly patient. It’s very easy to get hit and lose your rhythm, and watch as your health bar dwindles away in the process.
The annoyance factor is increased by the fact you have just three continues - then it’s back to the start. Trojan is a merciless game, and i’ll be honest - I was unable or unwilling to cope with it for very long.
I still don’t despise it as much as I should though, perhaps as Christmas is getting ever closer.
It’s something about the concept and old school feel that still mean it’s not a complete failure, and for those looking for a rock hard action side scroller for your NES you could do a lot worse. For everyone else…it’s probably best avoided.
Format- Game Boy
Genre- Golf Sim
It’s bad and it hasn’t aged well. That’s all you really need to know about Jack Nicklaus Golf.
For those with a morbid curiosity i’ll try to explain why though. It definitely isn’t through the lack of options - there’s a surprising number of ways to play the game for solo and multiple players. A save feature is even present.
Even the presentation isn’t terrible. The title screen with the titular Nicklaus is a bit terrifying - he looks as if he’s had his eyes scooped out, and bears a resemblance to Halloween’s Michael Meyers as a result (“the blackest eyes, the Devil’s eyes”).
Add in the strangely jolly music and it’s all a bit unsettling.
You might never really recover from this strange start, as the game throws plenty of options at you - but never really explains how to play them.
This might not be an issue if it laid out the information you need on screen, but instead it jams it full of numbers that aren’t really relevant.
The game gives you the overhead view of the course first, and then - as you’d expect - a behind the golfer perspective.
So far, so standard. But what breaks the experience is the power bar. It’s a simple thing to get right, but the developer struggled to nail the basic rules here.
What you’re given is a power bar that looks vaguely as it should, but is not intuitive or easy to use.
It has several lines marked on it, but no indications as to how far the ball will go when you stop at each one.
What you seem to have to do it make sure you hit the bold black lines when the bar fills up or goes down - but there’s no indication that this is what you have to do, or (to repeat myself) how far the ball will go.
This becomes a real problem when you’re close to the hole. It just makes the whole game feel a tedious chore, and you subsequently find more things that annoy.
The way the game slowly loads the behind the golfer image is quite cute at first for example - but slowly starts to irritate.
What you’re left with then is a game that tries hard, but just isn’t worth any of your time nowadays. Unless you’re absolutely obsessed about Jack Nicklaus.
