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Post by Sarge on Aug 26, 2022 15:29:04 GMT -5
Yeah, but the new-ish stuff is actually good. I don't think All-Stars Racing Transformed is as good as Mario Kart 8, but it definitely is within spitting distance, and does some unique things MK8 doesn't. It's more Diddy Kong Racing, I suppose. And man, that Panzer Dragoon track just hit all the nostalgia.
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Post by Ex on Aug 26, 2022 15:48:31 GMT -5
I will concur that Sonic & All-Stars Racing Transformed is excellent.
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Post by Ex on Aug 28, 2022 0:56:55 GMT -5
Title: G DariusPlatform: PlayStation Region release played: USA Year of release: 1997 (arcade) 1998 (PS1) Developer: Taito Corporation Publisher: THQ Graphics: 4/5 Audio: 3/5 Challenge: 4/5 Fun factor: 4/5 Quick Thoughts: G Darius is a traditional styled shmup rendered in 3D polygonal graphics. This shooter was originally released for arcade in Japan in 1997, but later ported to PlayStation in 1998 (and other platforms since). G Darius has a fair amount of complexity to its offense system, including enslaving enemies as co-fighters and beam-dueling (needed for bosses). There are 15 stages in all, but not played in sequence due to a branching mission system. G Darius is an excellent shmup and highly recommended to genre fans. +Excellent 3D graphics and wicked special effects. +Interesting and diverse combat system. +Branching mission structure for high replayability. +Fun boss fights. +Supports two player simultaneously co-op. -The OST is too eccentric for its own good. -Occasional unexpected bullet hell can be rage inducing. -Difficulty overall is balanced for two players not one. -Beam-dueling bosses requires intense button mashing. -The ending FMV compression artifacts are yuck. Ex's time to beat: 40 minutes (final successful runtime) Ex's rating: 8/10
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Post by Xeogred on Aug 28, 2022 11:11:16 GMT -5
I have yet to really "get" the Darius series. I've played a ton of them, only beaten one or two. I guess people love the robotic fish monsters, the OST's are admittedly insanely out there and cool, and all the branching paths lends itself to high replay value. But yeah... I don't love them.
That seems like one I should hit up though. Well maybe... early polygonal shmups are kind of hard on the eyes.
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Post by Ex on Aug 28, 2022 12:19:58 GMT -5
early polygonal shmups are kind of hard on the eyes Eh, I disagree. G Darius and Einhander are both gorgeous to me. I realize though, many people are not fans of 5th gen polygons.
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Post by Sarge on Aug 28, 2022 21:17:48 GMT -5
I think it depends. I like the look of some 3D shooters, dislike others... but Radiant Silvergun is one that immediately comes to mind as being gorgeous despite the limitations. I also dig the look of RayCrisis.
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Post by toei on Aug 28, 2022 21:53:24 GMT -5
I really dig those G Darius screenshots, myself. I like early polygons and I'd rather live in a '97 3D PSX game than the real world
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Post by Xeogred on Aug 28, 2022 22:30:19 GMT -5
I really dig those G Darius screenshots, myself. I like early polygons and I'd rather live in a '97 3D PSX game than the real world
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Post by Ex on Aug 30, 2022 22:37:29 GMT -5
Title: Gradius GaidenPlatform: PlayStation Region release played: Japan Year of release: 1997 Developer: KCET Publisher: Konami Graphics: 3/5 Audio: 4/5 Challenge: 4/5 Fun factor: 3/5 Quick Thoughts: Gradius Gaiden is a Japan-only PlayStation exclusive shmup, being the 11th entry in the franchise. It was later ported to PSP via the Gradius Collection (2006), and the Japanese PlayStation Classic mini console (2019). Gradius Gaiden builds on previous entries' by a selection of four playable ships, new weapon types, and the ability to swap items in the player's "Power Meter". Although the graphics are 2D, many of the PlayStation's graphical effects are applied to the sprites and bitmaps. Gradius Gaiden is mandatory for Gradius fans, and well recommended for vintage shmup diehards. +Personifies everything good about Gradius. +Nice transparency, rotation, scaling, and other special PS1 graphical effects. +Many boss fights. +The techno OST can be invigorating. +The challenge builds up to a crushing crescendo. -No real innovation on the Gradius base design. -Kinda bland player weapons.
-Most enemies are small and uninspired.
-Only a few stages are conceptually interesting.
-The final boss wasn't impressive.
Ex's time to beat: 45 minutes (finished as Lord British ship on normal difficulty) Ex's rating: 7/10
- That's gonna wrap this theme up for me.
Here's what I beat for 1997:
Dynasty Warriors (PS1) (7/10) G Darius (PS1) (8/10) Gradius Gaiden (PS1) (7/10)
Sonic R (Saturn) (3/10)
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Post by Xeogred on Aug 30, 2022 23:40:19 GMT -5
Apparently I played and beat that one last December (before all the King Field's)... when I SWEAR I thought I just played it like two months ago? I mean I know I played some PCE Gradius/Salamander, but I thought I played Gaiden this year too.
This is a weird year.
I liked Gaiden a fair bit myself, but I guess the series does blend in a bit when you're away from them. Gradius V is the one that really stands out and feels different. Hard as balls too. I need to revisit IV though, that's the one I can't remember much. The music doesn't seem great so that might be why...
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