10 more games you might like

So you didn't really like 2008? Well, tough shit. I can't blame you though, since I don't think too many of us liked it either. So I've come out of retirement for one small last hurrah for the end of this year and the start of the next.

Here's my last recommendation of 10 games that you may or may not have played, but might be interested in. No reason not to have an enjoyable end or start of the year, right?

As always, I am not linking to ROMs as they aren't hard to find. I will however, link to translations.

Let's start to wrap this year up (in my next post).

1. Crusader of Centy [Genesis]
Crusader of Centy is compared to Zelda, but other than using a sword, exploring dungeons, and fighting bosses, that's pretty much where the similarity ends. In the game, you get animal helpers who alter your abilities. Using certain pairs leads to combination effects. Since the game lacks "gadgets", a number of your trials revolve around your abilities, combinations, aiming, and timing. Bosses are strange to say the least. They certainly aren't the usual kinds seen in most games. In fact, most of the game involves many unseen and unconventional aspects, especially considering the genre. Building off that, the game is surprisingly gorgeous. displaying a level of color that one would not expect from the Genesis. While the level of detail may not be to SNES levels, the environments are still lush and vibrant. Music is commonly upbeat and fast paced, although a number of tracks are synth rock, as opposed to conventional orchestral music. As for difficulty, it varies throughout the game. While you start out weak and with limited abilities, you gain more early on. However, the game is made to test you at your current state. As a result, difficulty is inconsistent. However, anyone, regardless of previous
action-adventure experience, should have a fair time (at least, starting off). Again, this game is definitely more than meets the eye. It starts fairly simple but soon drops the act and becomes quite a unique experience. Although its components are seen elsewhere in other games, there really isn't another one that mixes them as well.

Gameplay Video- http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EG7HQr0RspY (LP)

2. Knightmare II: The Maze of Galious [MSX/PC]
MoG is a pioneer of the platforming-exploration genre and also one of the greatest entries. It has been likened to being something of a metroidvania, but it is not quite one. To get to the worlds and beat some bosses you will need certain items, but you are likely to find them simply by exploring. This is your only true restriction in the game. Other than that, you're pretty much free to go wherever you want to. That very freedom that is the most enjoyable and challenging aspect of Galious. While you have no limitations, this allows for unrestrained danger. It is extremely easy to walk into a room full of hazards or powerful enemies. Sometimes, the only way to get to items and keys is to brave these dangers. This game is a test more of the player's wit and skill than the character's power and vitality. There are only 2 characters at your disposal, each with their own strengths and weaknesses (though most of the latter are nullified through items), and EXP only recovers life, so stay sharp. Graphics and music are a mixed bag. While you can opt for the original MSX versions, you can also choose from "arranged" graphics and music from different sets (although some are better than others). The main melodies are few, but memorable and charming. Above all else though, MoG is not a game for the weak of will. You are likely to: get lost, be killed, not have enough gold, fall into traps, and generally get your ass handed to you. That said, it is a great challenge for anyone willing to take it. Even those experienced with platformer-exploration will likely have trouble with this, so newcomers have just as much of an edge as a pro. (Though, there are many sites dedicated to this game if you actually do need help.)

Link- http://www.braingames.getput.com/mog/
Gameplay Vids (DCLP):
Castle- http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_xkiWgLmITU
World 1- http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0DeBbP8L4Pg

3. Shining Force Gaiden: Final Conflict [Game Gear]
Where as Shining Force CD served as a sequel to the original Genesis entry, Shining Force Gaiden: Final Conflict is more of a prequel to the second, linking it with the first. Like CD, this game is more streamlined, concentrating more on battles and limiting town exploration to battles with them. Though you can go to shops, you only find treasure and secret members in battle, often meaning you need to search suspicious areas while fighting. The story is told through cutscenes between battles and several areas will seem familiar to SF2 players (and so will some of your members). Some classes act a bit differently as well, as the thief/ninja now has a 1-2 range attack and the bird battler is significantly stronger. Other than that, the game plays just like any other SF entry with streamlined tactical RPG action. Graphics are fairly impressive for the Game Gear, almost getting to Genesis levels. Familiar areas have been recreated quite well for the medium. The music has been converted well from SF2, playing the familiar tunes, and sounding quite well, even if it is not to Genesis levels. Like all Shining Force games, difficulty is never a real issue. You only lose money when your leader is defeated and
you can escape and regroup whenever you want. Buffs and debuffs work well and are a handy source of easy experience. Although any tactics fan can pick this up, regardless of their experience, I would recommend playing at least the original SF to at least know what's going on. After that, finishing this and moving onto 2 would be your best bet. If you have already played the original entries, then this is nice for filling in all the gaps between the two.

Translation Patch- http://www.romhacking.net/trans/876/
Gameplay Video- http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hp62DJi8Jhg

4. Tales of the World: Narikiri Dungeon 2 [Game Boy Advance]

First off, this game plays significantly better than the GBA version of Phantasia. While your party is condensed and you only have 2 "main" playable characters (outside a situational AI helper), you can get over 100 classes to choose from. While some are elemental versions of a "main" class like fighter or wizard, each class has its own skill set and stats. However, you can also obtain costumes of characters from some previous Tales games. The game revolves around completing missions for people, which range from finding items or people or defeating a certain boss. While there is no definitive "time" in game, sleeping too much during a mission leads to failure, as does "dying"; so use cooking and skills to make battles and navigation easier. The graphics are fairly impressive for an early title, with the battle sprites being large, colorful, and animated fairly well. Music is relatively soothing, however some of the tracks are fast-paced, usually battle songs. There's even songs from other Tales games. This game is mostly easy, as long as you actually tailor your costumes to boost stats and change classes. "Dying" only sends you back home and forward a day, so there's not too much fear of death other than lost missions. Although the translation patch is mostly complete, there's a handful of instances where the translation is skipped, mostly for missions. However, town gossip, along with checking the quest menu will let you know what you need to do and where, so you'll never get lost. Action RPG and Tales fans alike can both enjoy this one; and, as long as they think before rushing ahead, even newcomers to either can have some fun with it.

Translation Patch-http://www.geocities.com/blade_2187/nd2/
Gameplay Video- http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HFNLWXWflPA (outdated patch version, linked patch is newer)

5. Ganbare Goemon - Hoshizorashi Dynamites Arawaru!! [Game Boy Color]
If you've never played a Goemon/Mystical Ninja game before, don't worry. Regardless of the lack of a translation, the story of these platformers never really makes any sense, which means a great deal of this game won't any sense. So don't bother trying to make sense out of space aliens invading ancient Japan. This, like other games in the series is a fairly fun platformer. You can start off as Goemon or Ebisumaru. It doesn't really matter who you choose, since you eventually play the stages of both paths until they reach a crossroads and you can switch on the fly between either. Stages on Ebisumaru's path go from right to left, instead of the usual left to right. And he attacks a bit differently than Goemon which gives him a bit of an edge in certain situations. Other than that, the gameplay is identical between the two. Finish the stages and fight the bosses. After the two meet, the stages become more difficult. There are also a few "Impact" sessions (which, for those not in the know, are first person giant robot fights) that play surprisngly well for the medium. Graphics are superb for the Gameboy color. while they are not to Shantae's level, they are rather impressive, with large multicolor sprites that are just large enough to be unhindered by the screen size. The music is a collection of Goemon songs from the SNES/SFC games, which still sound great, despite the lower sound capabilities. Although the Goemon games are not incredibly innovative, they still manage to be smooth streamlined fun, and offer a fair challenge for platformer fans new and old. Despite being on the small screen, this game is no exception and manages to be just as fun as the others.

Gameplay Video- http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fdjby82eaMQ (video is poor quality, sorry)

6. Genji Tsushin Agedama [Turbografx-16]
Like Monster Lair, this game is an autoscrolling platforming shmup, but without the Adventure Island hunger bar and it has stationary screen boss battles still on foot instead of in the air. You also have multiple hits per life, and can recharge at certain spots marked by a reoccuring helper. You can use a high jump by holding up and jumping or do a dodge roll by holding down and jumping. Both of these moves are invaluable, and are put to the test in later levels. The main draw to this game is that you have multiple attack types, with different power levels gauged by holding down your fire button before release. These range from fireballs, whirlwinds, plasma blades, lightning,and elbow-slamming genies. Don't let the cute and colorful graphics fool you though, this game can get pretty tough. Some of the jumps can be tough to make when fighting enemies off at the same time, and the bosses aren't always as easy as they seem. Although you can continue from death, you lose all extra weapons when you do, so master the high jump and dodge roll early. The music is fairly upbeat but not too special outside the first level song, although the boss song is quite catchy. This game is quite fast paced, and it is different from most games in either genre. If you like either, or both, it's worth checking out for something new.

Gameplay video- http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XtaZ3ELG1zY

7. SNK Vs Capcom - Card Fighters Clash - Capcom/SNK Version [Neo Geo Pocket Color]
This entry in the Card Fighters series is heralded as one of the greatest card games of all time. The system is easy to learn, but tough to master. The game explains just about everything you need to know in the tutorial, and the video shows more so I'll pass on gameplay explanations. The goal is to visit 5 SNK or Capcom styled locations, take down the "bosses", make it to the semi-finals, conquer those, and finally make your way to Las Vegas for the "final" duel. The game continues past the end of the game, encouraging you to test your skills against some of the more difficult challenges and also lets you access a few areas you could not before. While you can just take on the main bosses and be done with it, it's best to also check out the different people and certain locations and machines. While most are for fun, checking around could net you some cards, especially from the crane game. There's also trading stands to trade some of your old cards for new ones, along with random card machines, which are risky, but can pay off really well. Graphics look pretty good in battle displaying lush colors, although a bit less so outside of fights. Music really stands out in this game, each place has its own theme fitting to the location, and the battle songs are quite fast paced and catchy. The game is never too difficult as long as you have a well balanced deck for offense, defense, and SP. As for enjoyment, if you're a fan of SNK or Capcom games (not just their fighting games, either), you're likely to enjoy this much more for all the references, although those not in the know can still have fun, too. If by some chance you are able to have 2-player match with someone, I highly recommend doing so.

Gameplay Video- http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TM_6ifhAPe8 (vid is slower than the actual game, sorry)

8. Snatcher [Sega CD]

Snatcher puts you in the shoes of a detective and sets you off to unravel the mystery behind the body-stealing "Snatcher" menace. With your companion Metal Gear, you search high and low throughout the city for any leads. Sometimes, areas will only offer more clues after certain events and/or discoveries, so make use of as much exploration, interrogation, and investigation as possible, especially since you may have to do any of the 3 multiple times to get what you need. While you may get lost at times, the game is pretty decent about reminding you on where to go, either through Metal Gear or talking with others. The Snatcher case is a risky one, and you will find yourself getting into arcade style shoot-outs with them and other threats at certain points in the game. As for graphics, everything is mostly still pictures with some animated effects and conversation faces, but all in all, they are still nicely detailed and give you just enough to immerse yourself in the world, while leaving just enough to imagination. Music is well done and fits the mood quite well. From the heavy bass for shady locations to fast paced tracks of tense situations, Snatcher's soundtrack makes the game sound like a living crime drama. It's hard to put a difficulty to Snatcher other than finding certain leads may be harder than others. It's fairly easy to grasp quickly. Overall, the game is a great time for fans of suspense and cyberpunk, although those who prefer fast paced games may get bored easily. (In addition to the main story, there's a bunch of humorous side-dialogue that may be triggered, so always look for opportunities.)

Gameplay Vids-
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Bpav6lrVT1E
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LJnbw-G2gGo

9. Startropics [NES]

Startropics has often been compared to Zelda, but the similarities pretty much end at the select screen. Unlike Zelda, Startropics is a linear adventure, but there is some exploration involved. The mandatory exploration has you doing short missions in order to progress, none of which are too tough, but they are a nice break from the dungeons. Optional exploration nets you hearts and healing. In your Sub-C, you are limited to the general area to keep from straying off. The action stages are different. They only look like Zelda's dungeons. Most of your challenges involve timing your jumps or hunting down a particular dungeon-only item to progress or to beat a boss. The items aren't always needed, but are always handy. The dungeons are not as predictable as Zelda's either. Some have false exits and others even have rooms that kill you as soon as you jump in them. The bosses are some of the best parts of this game though. It's uncommon for the same strategy to work on multiple bosses, especially considering that you have different fighting fields for each boss, thus adding more strategy to your moves. The graphics are not particularly astonding, but the bosses are pretty wicked looking at times and nicely detailed. Music is a bit limited, but has a nice island flair that fits each area well. The game can be cheap at times with some enemies and dungeons, but it is generally a fair challenge for anyone with some trial and error at times. As a whole though, the game has an offbeat, but light-hearted atmosphere, somewhat similar to the Earthbound/Mother games, but more tropical. Highly recommended to anyone who is interested in action-adventure games, regardless of their experience with them.

Gameplay Video- http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tWoN8Rh6_YQ

10. Phantasy Star (J translated or U) [Master System]
Before any of the sequels or spin-offs, there was the original Phantasy Star on the Sega Master System. While the game lacks all the bells and whistles found in later games, it still manages to be a solid title on its own. What starts as a quest for revenge soon takes a twist into a much deeper story. There's no class changes, but your 4 characters are balanced quite well, each with their own abilities. You even get some vehicles to ride around in, and the journey spans 3 planets. While it is not as long as later games, it still manages to be quite lengthy. One of the biggest draws to the game was the "3D" dungeons, similar to titles such as Wizardry, but with more detail and dungeons actually scroll, as opposed to being "screens". These effects still manage to look quite well, although one can get lost easily. Outside of dungeons, the game is quite colorful, being very bright and detailed. It is also one of the earliest games to have animated enemy battle sprites, which are also detailed well. The game is fairly difficult though, and there are a number of cheap deaths early in the game due to your lack of power and allies. However, you get money and experience fairly quickly, so don't worry too much. Music depends on which version you play. While the PSG melodies sound decent, the FM version is on another level entirely. It sounds just great, and not at all what one might expect from the Master System. The original non-japanese version left out a few details and altered others, such as names and menus. But the linked patch translates it all, so you get the true Phantasy Star experience. Highly recommended for any Phantasy Star or general RPG fan, regardless of experience.

Translation patch (J)- http://www.smspower.org/translations/phantasystar-en/
Gameplay Video- http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_dC_syo82kA (U version)

Well, that's the end.

Happy new year.