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GAME ON!
By Ian Bonds
February 17th, 2006
I’ll be the first to admit that I’m a fan of video game nostalgia. I still own all my old game systems (well, that old Texas Instruments computer has gone away, and I’ll be damned if I can find my Commodore 64, but I digress), so I’m able to revisit my favorite games of old. Recently, there’s been a decent sized outpouring of classic game compilations, and even some re-releases or re-imagining of classic games. This week in Game On!, we’re taking a look at three examples of gaming nostalgia, all conveniently ported to handheld systems (and all, coincidentally, from the same company) with various and sundry updates and upgrades to keep the games fresh for newer audiences. Are they successful? Read on, dear friends…
EVIL TO GO
When I heard that Capcom would be releasing a RESIDENT EVIL game for the Nintendo DS, I was elated. When I discovered that it would be a port of the original PSOne game, I must admit I was slightly disappointed, as I was hoping for some new zombie killing fun to tide me over until the next big Next-Gen RE game. After playing RESIDENT EVIL: DEADLY SILENCE, however, all that disappointment faded, and I was transported back to a time where a game structured like a b-grade horror film captivated me and slung me headlong into fighting for my own survival.
It’s no secret that I’m a huge RESIDENT EVIL fan. Despite it’s cornier than corny voice work and oh-so-static camera, tank-like controls and b-grade movie feel, those features are actually what endear the series to me. Thankfully, all of that remains virtually the same here, and that’s both a good and bad thing. Folks new to the series since the world embraced RE4 will hate the drastic step backwards in both control and graphics (which look exactly the same as they did almost ten years ago) but fans of the series will find this old ground familiar again.
That’s not to say the game is not without its fresh coats of paint. Designed with the DS’ touch screen in mind is the new “Rebirth” mode. Here, it the same gameplay as before (seeming to be ported from the ‘Director’s Cut” of the game found on PSOne) but with all new puzzles utilizing the DS’ functionality. Moving different colored gems to scales to unlock chests, organizing your inventory with a touch…there’s even a section where you can perform mouth to mouth resuscitation on a fallen ally using the microphone on the DS.
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The most notable change is the new randomized first person sections of the game. At random moments, when you enter rooms, the view will switch to your character’s perspective, and you’ll have to fight off a series of creatures (zombies, dogs, what-have-you) using only your knife, which you can slice or stab with by sliding or tapping your stylus on the touch screen. It’s a nice new interactive feature, and it adds a new sort of tension to an otherwise familiar gameplay motif. There also appears to be several new (or rather, old but never used) bits of voice work peppered through the adventure. I’ve played through the game several thousand times, and some of what I’m hearing is brand new to me…a nice touch to be sure.
Beyond the new “Rebirth” game, there’s also a way to play to original game in ‘Classic” mode as it was originally presented. For those seeking a different kind of fun, the game also offers wireless multiplayer for friends that each have a copy of the game. Two to four players can choose to go into the mansion in co-op mode, where they share items and a life bar, or go head to head in verses challenges.
While most of the game remains unchanged, it is still freshened up a bit. The door and stair animations are still there from before, but since they’re not there to disguise load times, it’s purely for nostalgia’s sake, and they can be skipped with the press of a button. Likewise, the 180 degree turn and always ready knife are added features as one button press gives them each easy access, but they don’t change the overall game. If you were ever a fan of the original, this is a welcome addition to your on-the-go catalog and if you ever missed what all the hubbub was about (and didn’t pick up the remake on Gamecube) this is as good a place as any to start. The touch screen puzzles and mini games are a fun new treat, and the multiplayer just sweetens the deal.
One Gamer’s Opinion:
STILL MEGA
Another old game that seems to get a bit more than a new paint job is MEGA MAN: MAVERICK HUNTER X, out now for PSP. Essentially a re-imagining of the original 1993 SNES title MEGA MAN X, this game features a completely retooled graphics design, as well as a couple of new extras to keep fans who’ve mastered the eight maverick robots before entertained and trying it all over again.
If you’ve picked up the recent MEGA MAN X COLLECTION, or just remember the SNES game, the plot here is nothing new. Reploids have gone rogue and led by Sigma, have turned into Maverick and started to wage war on the human society. As Mega Man X, it’s up to you to hunt down these Mavericks and stop Sigma. This new version of the game features the same traditional MEGA MAN style gameplay and control, but has a new shine with some 3D style graphics and an overall touched-up look, befitting the PSP’s fantastic screen display.
While the levels remain essentially unchanged, loyal fans will take note that several of the armor upgrades have been moved to new locations. While this may dishearten purists, it does offer up new strategies in which to tackle the robots, and offers up a whole new take on the game. However, beyond that minor level design feature, everything else remains the same, including the enemy attack patterns, as well as the game’s crazy die-until-you-get-it-right difficulty and minimal checkpoint level structure.
The game now features animated (and mostly well acted) cut scenes, as well as voice work throughout the stages, moving the plot along. Once you defeat the final stage, the player is also treated to a brand new MEGA MAN X animated feature. Most fans, however, will revel in the new mode of playing as X’s nemesis, Vile. Players can now take control of the Purple Boba Fett wannabe once they beat the main game and see how his side of the story takes shape.
There’re lots to enjoy here, but mostly it’s enjoyable if you’ve played it before. The simplistic control remains unchanged (X still can’t duck or shoot in multiple directions) but it’s the core gameplay that brings in the players. Diehard MEGA MAN fans will have already conquered this title, but will want to stick around just to play as Vile, while the cool graphics and challenging levels will bring in a good amount of new fans seeking a fun (if dated) excursion for their handheld.
One Gamer’s Opinion:
ALPHA OMEGA MAXIMUM HYPER PORTABLE HANDHELD EDITION
As far as fighting fans know, 2D is the way to go. And what better series than the STREET FIGHTER to go with for your 2D fighting needs? Well, for those that may have missed its home versions on PSOne and Dreamcast, STREET FIGHTER ALPHA 3 MAX now comes “to go” for the PSP, full of enough game modes to choke an elephant, and even adds 4 new fighters to the fray.
While this isn’t the best in the SF series, it is ONE of the best, but often forgotten of the ALPHA subtitles. Here, the MAX in the name just differentiates it from its console brethren, and shows that there’re some added goodies within its portable shell. There’s the typical WORLD TOUR, where your chosen fighter faces off against 10 other warriors. There’s 2-on-1 variable battles, and now, 1-on-2…there’s customizing options, to establish your fighter with your own combos for his fighting style (known as “ISMs” for this series…”V-ISM” is your own custom combos). There’s wireless multiplayer, arcade, training…the list goes on. Easily the deepest fighter on any handheld system yet.
Then there’re the new fighters. Four additional combatants are included for this version, such as Ingrid from CAPCOM FIGHTING EVLOUTION, as well as Yun, Maki, and Eagle (from the GBA port of SFA3) make the roster, expanding it to a total of 36 fighters. Each featuring their own styles and moves, they control well on the PSP’s d-pad and analog nub, but the later seems to offer a bit more precision. For the gamer that truly can’t get a hold of doing quarter circles on either, there’s even the option to map moves, so specials can be completed with just a press of the assigned button. Capcom even offers a d-pad “decal” of sorts with the order of the game from their website that offers better control, but that is a bit of a permanent attachment to the system.
All in all for those that crave the 2D spirit as well as just about any fight combination you could dream up, SFA3M holds all the cards. Expect your thumbs to be rubbed raw once again whether you’ve fought through this one before or not. It’s certainly well worth it.
One Gamer’s Opinion:
With that said, friends, I’ve got one more semi-nostalgic look ahead for you. Below, you’ll find some of the first screens for the upcoming PSP title, TEKKEN: DARK RESURRECTION, including a look at one of its two brand new combatants, Lili.
Look for it this summer. Until next week, keep those thumbs limber…
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