Retrospective Gaming Review

As a retro game collector and a writer/novelist, I have decided to dedicate a blog to reviewing video games and determine whether or not the going rate for games are worth the price or not.

[sirstarbird]

Top 20 Video Game tracks to Workout to

Any gamer/nerd who's out there knows that it can be a real chore sometimes to actually get some exercise in. Sometimes, all it needs is some good music to listen to. However, being that we're nerds, a lot of the music we listen to exists in the gaming world. So, what's a geek to do? Well, I've composed a list of the 20 best pieces of music from video games that I believe are great additions to any workout and will make all of us nerds want to get up and do something physically strenuous. Keep in mind, this list is simply my opinion, and these are all tracks that make me want to exercise and push myself. So here we go...

20. Slash Man’s Stage – Mega Man VII https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7F6oBVSPULA&list=PL4019AEE8478B354E&index=17

The game is regarded with mixed reviews and the soundtrack is considered ‘meh’ by many, but Slash Man’s stage is one stage to me that sticks out with a good rhythm and tempo. A good piece of music to start any workout.

19. Boss Theme – Lufia & the Fortress of Doom https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wBUVdh4mVDc

I loved this game and its soundtrack as a child, and this was by far one of my favorite tracks in the game. The trumpets and beat get the blood pumping while the melody starting at 0:43 gives you me a feeling of urgency, something needed to finish those last few reps.

18. ‘IDOLA’ The Strange Fruits – Phantasy Star Online Ep. 3: CARD Revolution https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=27mQ9m9T518&list=PL5FDD85EF3B4F6DC9

The game was considered by many to be the black sheep of the PSO franchise, and with good reason. The soundtrack was hit or miss, by the final boss theme here, while not the fastest or most up-tempo pieces for the most part, it starts to pick up around 1:30 and allows me to carry on with my routine.

17. Sigma’s Fortress 2 – Mega Man X https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sA_G-dwnG2U&index=11&list=PLB571ACABC3369010

An absolute gem of a game and the soundtrack had a lot to do with it. This piece Is a decent warmup or cooldown piece with a nice, steady tempo and rhythm suited for some light cardio.

16. Bloody Tears – Castlevania 2: Simon’s Quest https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6vEXeExg0u0&list=PL72F0B9D459412101

The track I have listed is actually a redone version from the Symphony of the Night OST (an unused track if I’m not mistaken), which was better suited for a heart-pumping routine.

15. The Sacrifice: Part III – Seiken Densetsu III https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7xo9CgaTUi0&index=56&list=PL4649F0DBF0FC09E3

It should be a crime punishable by a booting that this game never made it to the states. The sequel to Secret of Mana was, in my opinion, superior and the soundtrack was beautiful. This final boss theme has just the right tempo and beat to get in a good cardio, and considering that the track is over eight minutes long, you will be getting a good cardio out of it.

14. Corneria – StarFox https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oBD3FO6ozXc&list=PLBB0872E167D5DB20&index=9

The game broke ground on what a system was graphically capable of, but the soundtrack really sticks out and fits the game well. Many people who have played the game probably know this track by heart, and with its active beat, it’s a nice piece of music that can give you that motivation to pump out another set… or at least attempt to save that damned frog.

13. Bloodlines – Castlevania: Rondo of Blood https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KR0UjAQIX6E&index=3&list=PL60B3A83F3AAC6E44

Castlevania has always been known for its awesome music, and this game is no exception. First stage music always set the tone for what the game would be like, and putting this at the front of your routine music should also set the tone for your workout.

12. Fighting of the Spirit – Tales of Symphonia https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VmaJnHJ7UvI&index=89&list=PL8C4A0B6360BB2B3C

Technically, this is a re-used track from Tales of Phantasia, but when the music is that good, why not remake it for a newer game? This boss theme fits a good mid-routine with a steady beat that keeps me pushing through the grind.

11. The Decisive Battle – Final Fantasy VI https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lxKb48wvt60&index=24&list=PL834FCA340E5D20DB

It’s no secret that Nobuo Uematsu is a genius when it comes to composing music. Some of his best work came in this game, and this track, though short, makes for a good heart-pumping theme that fits anywhere after your initial warmup.

10. Fight! – Punch-Out!!! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ndaP9iieaok

Doesn’t this theme make you want to go to the gym and hit the punching bag a few times? Doesn’t this track make you want to then go from the gym and punch Mike Tyson right in the face? No? Probably a good idea not to try to hit Iron Mike, but this classic piece of music fits the gym style perfectly.

9. Dracula’s Castle – Castlevania: Symphony of the Night https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XnuqGIKXPyc&index=6&list=PL55DF16132A28F682

I promise you, this is the last Castlevania track on the list. However, given the longevity of the series and the greatness of its music as a whole, there had to be a few tracks in here somewhere. I consider this an ideal warmup piece with a nice, even tempo and beat.

8. Jungle – Contra https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5UqXbEwqwF8

Though the NES had many really great tracks, it is hard with the way the music is output to get hyped up to do anything except play that game. This theme, however, manages, for me at least, to cut through the chiptune-ness and makes me want to put on that bandanna, carry a spreadgun, and jump into a jungle every time I hear it. Probably not a good idea, but it at least makes me want to pick up my tempo in the middle of a workout and look to get as buff as the men in the game… I just hope if I accidently drop my weight on my foot that it won’t kill me.

7. Battle Theme – Final Fantasy X https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ptCQwKv4FTM&index=8&list=PLfseE3JLZwXzC7n7sJWxyClo90wk0_Sf_

Uematsu makes the list again with this awesome track (the listed on is the HD version from its latest re-release). I love this as a cardio piece, especially when mixing it up with some kickboxing or other martial art.

6. Chrono Trigger – Chrono Trigger https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eDZ2W0GpP_E&index=2&list=PL21BAA7C6EDEB63A3

The opening theme to one of the greatest RPGs ever made is a nice tone-setter for a good workout. The adrenaline starts pumping and the feeling of heroism shines bright in you once you start working out to this.

5. Knight’s Errant – Langrisser 2 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DdBRSd4TLKQ&list=PL9ABD03DFEE744A1B&index=3

There aren’t a lot of tracks that do a better job of keeping the level of rhythm and adrenaline steady within me. This game isn’t very well known outside of Japan, but the soundtrack is simply amazing and well fitting for any physical activity.

4. Ryu’s Theme – Hyper Street Fighter II https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Fu_B83lBYV4&index=58&list=PL60138D0ECA664BF7

There’s something about a fighting game that seems to make the heart race and the blood pump. Street Fighter was no exception to that rule, and the music shines brighter than any other fighting game. This piece is a perfect piece to keep up the tempo on your routine.

3. A Searing Struggle – Ys3: Wanderers from Ys https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kJflxDcva74

The game was so under-rated, so the track here will be unfamiliar to many. However, this piece has such an excellent rhythm to it that it deserves to be high up on the list. The song is so hot that I feel sweaty just listening to it.

2. Spark Mandrill’s Stage – Mega Man X https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eO1y0gGiO5k&index=3&list=PLB571ACABC3369010

A song that is simply electrifying. Out of all the songs I’ve listed, this one probably has the fastest beat, but the melody is what gets me going every time. It gives me that shot of electricity and that surge of adrenaline that I need to finish strong.

1. Guile’s Theme – Street Fighter II https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J2cekvXZVRA&index=68&list=PL60138D0ECA664BF7

There’s a saying that this song goes with everything, and exercising is no different. The rhythm matches anywhere in your routine, the trumpets sound the heroic feeling in my heart, and the octane is revved up for me to do anything I want. With Guile’s Theme, anything is possible, because it goes with EVERYTHING!

[sirstarbird]

Super Bowl, Peyton Manning, other game thoughts.

I might as well comment on my thoughts on the big game. Going into the game, for the first time in my life I actually had no real desire to watch the game. I thought that the weather conditions set up for Denver to win the game so that Manning could get #2. I even missed the high snap that gave Seattle 2 points early in the game. That is when it got interesting and I started to watch it. 

Even though I am a gamer and an author, I am also a big sports fan. After watching the trouncing that Seattle gave to Denver, I can honestly say that the better team clearly won. Denver now stands as the most "losingest" franchise in Super Bowl history, recording their 5th loss in the big game.

There was a lot of talk surrounding Peyton Manning being the greatest QB of all time if he could win this game. I guess we can put that question to rest for now (I still believe it is Montana). However, given the two Manning brothers, I'd rather take Peyton on my team any day. The guy is still a class act even in defeat, and though he still has one less ring than little brother Eli, I still consider the elder Manning the better of the two. After all, Peyton still signed autographs even after his defeat last night: http://sports.yahoo.com/news/peyton-manning-leaves-crushing-super-bowl-loss-with-reputation-intact-065205260.html

Being a New Englander, I can honestly say though that the biggest factor in the game has to be known as "The Wes Welker Factor". Think about it, the Patriots were a Super Bowl-winning team under Brady and Belichick, but what other common denominator was present in their losses against the GIants? Any Patriot fan knows it was Wes Welker. The year that the Jets beat them in the playoffs, why was that? Wes Welker was talking subtle smack earlier in the week about Rex Ryan's foot fetish. Wes Welker missed a pass in the 2nd Super Bowl that would have given New England their 4th Trophy. And now that he is in Denver, the "curse" has carried over. Yes, this is superstitious, but Pats fans still like to believe that. After all, New Englanders carried the curse of the Bambino for 86 years.

A lot of credit really needs to be given to Seattle's defense. They shut down the record-breaking Broncos offense with ease. In this match of the irresistible force meeting the immovable object, the immovable object proved to be the victor this time around. It was a great game for Seattle and if they can keep all these pieces together, they look heavily favored for next year to repeat. Russell Wilson is only going to get better with time, and this being only his 2nd year of NFL play, I'd say he's very impressive. And the fact that he is actually a smaller QB makes it even better. I've listened to interviews he has done on the radio (I believe the Dan Patrick show, but it could have been Jim Rome) and he is one smart cat and a class act all the way. I look forward to him having a long career.

Overall, the game itself was okay from what I watched... probably because I was cheering for the Seahawks anyway. Denver played poorly, Seattle played greatly, and the Chili Peppers sang a song that fit Denver's turnover problem perfectly. "Give it away, give it away, give it away now!"

[sirstarbird]

Legend of Zelda: Oracle of Ages

So recently I dug out my GBC and popped in a game I used to play when I was a teenager. I'm a huge Zelda fan (though not as huge a fan as my wife) so I've decided to review this game and see if it has passed the test of time and if it is really worth the price it costs to pick it up.

Link: http://www.gamefaqs.com/gbc/472313-the-legend-of-zelda-oracle-of-ages Rarity: 80% Approximate value as of this post: $15 loose, $48 CIB Available on: Game Boy Color, 3DS $5.99

Anybody who has played Zelda and has lived during this time knows about the connecting between this game and Oracle of Seasons. Combining the two make for a much longer gameplay and unlock the true final bosses. And if you play the game on a GBA, you even can unlock a hidden shop not available on the GBC.

Graphics-wise, the game makes good use of the limited power of the Gameboy Color even if the graphics are for the most part taken from straight from Link's Awakening. Even today, the game looks good and the graphics flow very smoothly. The sound is also directly from Link's Awakening as is a few of the music tracks. The soundtrack in general is decent and there are some themes that I still hum to this day, definitely not one of my favorite Koji Kondo tracks.

As far as gameplay itself goes, I couldn't ask for better whether on this system or on something more advanced. It follows the traditional hack-and-slash/exploration/puzzle-solving plan that has made Zelda what it is today. Compared with Seasons, which is a bit more action/exploration-based, this one is very heavy on the puzzles and will rack your brain in order advance. The trade-off is that the overworld and dungeons are slightly smaller to compensate. 

Time-travel plays a huge role in the game. You play the Harp of Ages to travel between two times and things you do in the past can directly affect what happens in the present. This is actually a very fun feature and adds to the uniqueness in a nice way. Thankfully, the concept of time travel in this game really isn't that complicated either, especially for any Back to the Future fans out there.

So anyway, has the game stood the test of time after 13 years? I'd have to say that yes it has. The game still looks and sounds good and has that nostalgic feeling to it. Even if somebody were to pick it up for the first time today, I believe they would have an enjoyable experience on their hand.

That brings me to the value of the game. Considering the game was re-released for the 3DS as a download, the availability of the game is there for anybody to get. However, if you want the cart itself, you're going to have to do some searching, as the game is pretty hard to find. The going rate for it now is about $15 or so. Considering the age of the game, the system it's for, and the fact that in order to get the full experience you have to buy the other game, I still have to give this game a rating of...

Rightly Valued

[sirstarbird]

Though I have recently started a game collecting blog, some people out there also know me as an aspiring novelist. In the link is my first ebook entitled "Survivors of Vullah", a fantasy novel about a tribe of people coping with the loss of their isolated village and discovering the truth about the world they live in. This is the entry novel into the Vullah Saga, which will consist of at least 3 or 4 books.

The book is suitable for anyone pre-teen and above and is only $2.99! Check it out today!

[sirstarbird]

Nintendo World Championships

Okay, so there was recently an auction on ebay that was selling a rather beat up copy of a NWC gray cart that sold for nearly $100,000. 

http://www.ebay.com/itm/221357006206?ssPageName=STRK:MEWAX:IT&_trksid=p3984.m1438.l2649

By now, anybody who collects video games knows about the supposed holy grail of the NES, so it should come as no surprise that this cartridge has sold for a lot... a HUGE lot to be precise.

By why in the blue blazes would anybody pay such an absurd amount of money to get this one game that just plays time-limited games of Super Mario Bros, Rad Racer, and Tetris? The cart was originally used for competition purposes, so it kept score at the end of each round to calculate at the end.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fs2wczJXETM&list=SP2B009153AC977F90&index=14

For those who haven't seen the game in action, the Angry Video Game Nerd had a really good episode on it. Check it out.

Now I know this is one game that I will NEVER own an original copy of unless one just happens to fall into my lap. retrousb.com has reproduction carts of this game for a LOT less on their website so if anybody wishes to play it on a cart, that is the way to go. Though I typically do not like the idea of reproduction carts, in the case of this game that was never mass-released to the public, I'd make an exception.

So this brings me back to my original topic: who would spend that much money on a cart that plays time-limited versions of Super Mario Bros., Rad Racer, and Tetris? The answer may surprise you (/sarcasm), but the only person who would do so are those who are seeking bragging rights within the collecting community and feel this as a sure-fire way to win a self-induced penis-measuring contest. Congratulations, you spent more money than most people make in 3 years on something that will only go down in price and now can place this game on your shelf to never be played or seen again.

As for a review, there isn't much I can say on it as I've never played it, only have seen it being played on a youtube video. But since the game consists only of the 3 games mentioned (which each could be bought for a lot less individually) and a creative person could probably find a way to make a competition of those 3 games with their friends, I have to give this game a...

MASSIVELY OVERVALUED

credits: ebay, AVGN

[sirstarbird]

The Guardian Legend

The first game I've chosen to review for value is a little known game for the NES called The Guardian Legend,

Link: http://www.gamefaqs.com/nes/587320-the-guardian-legend Rarity: 26% Approximate value as of this post: $9.25 Loose, $17 Complete

Everybody who has ever played an NES know about games like Metroid, the Legend of Zelda, Gradius, etc. Think of those games and roll them into one and you have The Guardian Legend. I will be honest that when I first powered on this game when I acquired it in my collection, I saw a space-shooter type game that frustrated me early. I honestly am horrible at said genre and didn't last so long at the game. It was then that I was advised by a friend to try it again. Once I got past the first part, I was sucked into a game similar to Zelda, a series of games that I absolutely love. 

So you play as a female lead simply known as the Guardian; a gun-wielding, jet-transforming, alien-busting beauty who has to save the world from destruction, yada, yada, yada. Simple story, but back in 1989, that's all you really needed. The graphics were good for the time and the soundtrack is really amazing. To make matters even better, the controls are excellent and very fluid. Firing her weapon rapidly is as easy as holding down the button, so no busted thumbs from having to constantly push the button, and trust me this game will have you firing often.

The game also offers a great challenge. The flying stages are fast and dangerous enemies and the dungeon stages have sub-bosses that can make your mistakes very costly. Though the game can be tough at times, The Guardian Legend also rewards your persistence. Should you die, you will respawn at the last save-spot that you visited with all of the points you had, which is important because the points in this game act like Experience Points in an RPG, meaning that the more you play and kill, the stronger you become.

The only problem I see with the game is the ridiculously long password system. Saving with a battery wasn't exactly a new feature in 1989 as The Legend of Zelda had done so before-hand for the NES. I can only assume at the time, however, using a battery to save data was more expensive than just making the players write down a line (or four) of random letters and numbers. Regardless, with all the modern conveniences of gaming, we've all been spoiled a bit when it comes to saving data.

Overall though, the game is very good and often overlooked mainly because of the crummy cover-art (at least the US version). This game is a classic example of not judging a book by its cover.

So, is the game worth the price that it is going for? The game is fairly common and not hard to find, which could explain the lower price-point. That being said, the only way to even play this game (legally) is to have the NES cartridge. It has never been re-released or remade in any way, shape, or form. There has never even been a sequel or spinoff made for it to peak interest in this game. As far as value, however, I have to give this game a rating of... UNDERVALUED

sources: videogames.pricecharting.com, rarityguide.com, gamefaqs.com

[sirstarbird]

Game Collecting: Not For the Weak

I am lucky to have been born at a time when video games started to make their first serious surge into the entertainment industry. The video game crash of 1983 left Atari in shambles and the whole industry of gaming was left hanging in the balance. I was born shortly after this crash in 85, but my parents tell me all the time that I held a Nintendo controller before I could even walk. Needless to say, my earliest memories involve me playing video games, and I even learned how to read from them.

As the years grew on, so did the technology and as these consoles grew ever more powerful, they started to leave the older consoles behind in the dust. Nobody ever thought of playing the older games once the newer ones came out and anybody stuck owning a "Regular Nintendo" was seen as uncool and old-fashioned.

Then, something strange happened within the previous generation of consoles: the children of my generation had become adults and were making money. Most had long sold their old systems and games and now sought to bring them back into their hands. Yes, there were emulators and yes there were downloadable games via PSN, XBL, or WSC, but there was always something different about playing it on those consoles compared to playing them on their original hardware and controllers, and the people of my generation know that very well.

So, about a year and a half ago, my wife gave me the green light to pursue the hobby of collecting games. I originally started with the NES and SNES, but then it grew to just about every console imaginable. I had to keep a lid on my budget, and though that wasn't always easy, I managed to amass a collection of over 500 games during that time and spend under $4000 for everything (consoles, games, controllers, cases, etc).

The obsession started kicking in and I started to keep track of all of my spending and how much the value of the game was worth (according to a few web pages). I compared it to my spending and had to decide if the game was worth more or less than what I spent. In other words, if I tried to sell the game for what it is "worth", would I be in the red or the black?

The more I dug into the pricings, the more I had to ask myself "why?" Why are some games worth so much and other so little? Why are certain versions much harder to find? Why in the blue blazes would anybody want to pay that much money for an NWC cart?

Hopefully I can research this a bit more and provide details as to why the prices are the way they are these days? And in the end, I will wonder if and why a game is worth the price tag or not?