[Game Review] Mega Man X (SNES)

If you haven't figured this out already, I've been doing a lot of retro gaming as of late, reliving some of my old favorite childhood games. And man, do I have some great memories playing this game(and probably a few busted SNES controllers.)

Storyline

I honestly have no clue what the story is. For all I know, this is just a hobby for Megaman. And can you blame him? Just look at all the cool weapons he gets every time he's in one of these games! But really, if you want to know the full story you have to have the instruction booklet that came with the game. And that's a real letdown.

Score: Average 6/10

Gameplay

Megaman X is very similar to its predecessors, only being the start of a new series in itself you can expect it to introduce new features, such as the dash boots. But other than that, you're still that little blue man going around killing robots with your buster in order to gain new abilities. The only other thing I need to say is that THIS GAME IS HARD. Really fucking hard. Unless you're some sort of Megaman expert, which I know there are a lot of you out there, you're probably going to spend a lot of time repeating the same levels. Especially if you want to get all the upgrades. Then you have to repeat some of the levels. And good luck beating the final boss without save states. You're going to need it.

Score: Above Average 8/10

Sound & Graphics

The sound and graphics for this game are pretty good for the most part. Each level has its own theme with its own song and graphics style, and for the most part the artistic quality of this game is pretty good. In fact, much better than its predecessors. Though, I still have problems enjoying music on the SNES. It just always sounds artificial. A little too artificial. Even for a Megaman game.

Score: Above Average 8/10

Final Thoughts

If you do decide to play this game, don't come into it with very high expectations. A lot of people overhype this game(and Megaman games in general), and I have to admit I am one of those people at times, but it's still a great game nonetheless. Especially if you just want a few hours of platforming goodness and you're getting sick of Mario.

My overall score is: 7.8/10.0

[Game Review] Super Mario RPG - Legend of the Seven Stars (SNES)

For my first review, I'd like to start with an old game that was very ahead of its time. This game is one of my favorite games from my early childhood, and still remains one today. It's just unfortunate the game never got the true sequel it deserved.

Storyline

The game starts you off as Mario is put into a situation where the princess has been kidnapped by Bowser. Once again, you will have to go Bowser's castle and save the princess. Although Bowser's plot is short lived, you now have to worry about Smithy and his giant sword that has taken over Bowser's castle, as they begin to wreak havoc in the Mushroom Kingdom. Personally, I think this game has one of the most unique storylines among any in the Mario series, whilst retaining the charming light-hearted characteristics you would expect in any Mario game.

Score: Almost Perfect 9/10

Gameplay

We all know that when it comes to Mario games, great gameplay is key. Fortunately, Super Mario RPG doesn't fall in this area. The best way to describe the way the game plays to anyone who hasn't played, is that it combines Mario-like platforming elements with a traditional turn-based combat system. With the exception of finicky controls in platforming sections of the game - which are very apparent in later areas of the game like Bean Valley and Barrel Volcano - the gameplay overall is excellent.

Score: Almost Perfect 9/10

Sound & Graphics

There really isn't much to say here, but I'll do my best anyway. I think given the fact that this game was released in 1996 on the SNES, it's not fair to have high expectations in this department, nor is it fair to compare this game to more modernized games. With that said though, the majority of the music in the game is very enjoyable and the graphics were pretty good for its time. Perhaps the most impressive thing this game has to offer in the graphics department is its revolutionary isometric "3D" point of view. Technically, you could argue this game was really the first 3D Mario platformer(and there aren't even any camera problems to worry about! :]).

Score: Above Average 8/10

Final Thoughts

Like I said, this game was very ahead of its time. It was the first Mario game to offer some sort of three dimensional platforming, and it was also the first Mario game to have an original storyline that didn't suck - and possibly the last. This game is just packed with secrets, cameos, mini-games and lots of fun, and if you haven't played it yet then do so. It's even available on the Wii virtual console. So go. Do yourself a favor!

My overall score is: 9.2/10.0