Developer: Nintendo EAD
Publisher: Nintendo
Platforms and Release Dates (US): Nintendo Gamecube (August 30, 2004)
Genre: Real-Time Strategy
Pikmin 2 is the sequel to the first game released 3 years earlier, does it improve over the first game?
The plot of the Adventure mode continues from the first game. After Olimar escapes, he returns to Hocotate, only to find that Hocotate Fright is in debt after a shipment of Pik-Pik Carrots were stolen. When the President finds out that the trinket Olimar brought back for his kids is worth Pokos, he sends Olimar back to the mysterious planet with Louie in tow, where they must collect treasures to pay off the debt. The second part of the game begins when the Debt is paid. The rocket launches from the planet, once on the way to Hocotate, Olimar realises that he left Louie behind. When Olimar arrives, he explains how Louie is still down there as well as more treasure. The President decides to accompany Olimar back to the strange planet to find Louie and to salvage all of the treasure.
The gameplay is basically the same as the first game, with improvements. Other than the 1st day (which is the tutorial), you have the whole day (roughly 13 minutes) to spend in an area to collect as much as the Treasure as you can and grow more Pikmin. At the end of the day, you have to make sure to have all your Pikmin under your control or at the landing site or they get left behind to get eaten. You use the Pikmin to fight enemies and carry treasures and defeated enemies and pellets back to the landing sites to register the Treasures and grow more Pikmin. There are 4 overworld areas to explore, each with its own hazards, treasures, goodies, and caves. Unlike the previous game, there is no Day limit, you can take as many days as needed to retrieve all the Treasures. You also have 2 Pilots to control, so you can split up the work force and get more done. There are also 2 Sprays you can make by collecting 10 of one type of Berry, one spray will Power-Up your Pikmin for a short time and the other will Freeze enemies for a time. If a frozen enemy is defeated, they leave behind no body and spit out nectar instead. Along with the topside world, there are also Caves to explore, each of varying depths. In caves, time does not advance, so you can spend as much time as you can. When you enter a cave, only the Pikmin you have with you can go, no back-ups. You exit a cave by finding a geyser on the bottom of the cave or on a sub-level higher up on larger caves.
You have the 3 colored Pikmin from the first game returning. Red Pikmin are Fire-proof. Blue Pikmin can swim in Water. Yellow Pikmin have been altered slightly, they still can be thrown high, but this time the are Electric-proof and no longer able to pick up Bomb Rocks. There are also 2 new Pikmin colors in this game, both can only be found in Cave areas by throwing other Pikmin into the respective Candypop Bud. Purple Pikmin are the strongest in combat, and when carrying things, are equal to 10 of any other color of Pikmin. White Pikmin are the lightest and fastest, Poison-proof, and can find hidden Treasures and Objects buried in the ground. Purple and White Pikmin don't have Onions, they are stored in your Rocket and can only be produced from Candypop Buds. There is also a 6th type found only in caves called a Bulbmin. If you have less than 100 Pikmin with you on certain caves, a Parent Bulbmin can be seen leading Bulbmin. Defeat the Parent to recruit the Bulbmin with you. Bulbmin are resistant to all elements (water, fire, electricity, poison), but they cannot leave caves. Figuring out the right team of Pikmin to take with you on a cave venture or for overworld exploring requires strategy.
Along with the Adventure mode, there is 2 Player Battle and a Challenge Mode. 2 Player Battle is available from the start, it puts 2 players against each other. Player 1 is Olimar with Red Pikmin, and Player 2 is Louie with Blue Pikmin. There are 2 normal win conditions. You can win by collecting 4 Yellow Marbles or by collecting your Opponent's Marble. You can also win if the opposing player runs out of Health or Pikmin. Each player can have up to 50 Pikmin on the field, making 100 total. You can select a handicap before each match to give each player a set amount of Pikmin to start with. You can also collect Cherries on the field to spin a roulette wheel to help you or hinder your opponent, you can store up to 4 spins in your stock box. The Freeze spray works slightly different, it buries your opponent's Pikmin when you hit them with it instead of Freezing them. Pikmin can attack each other and the opposing players, but they never do any damage. When a Pikmin falls by an opposing Pikmin, they respawn as a seed in your opponent's onion, so they can be used by your opponent. There are 10 different arenas to choose from with varying hazards and layouts. This mode can be fun, trying to outwit your opponent and picking the right tactic for the easiest win. Challenge Mode is unlocked when The Key treasure is collected in Adventure Mode. This mode gives you a selection of Caves to explore, each with varying hazards, depths, Pikmin, and Sprays available. The objective here is to collect as much treasure as you can and exit via the geyser on the lowest level before time expires. You start each Cave with a set time limit, and earn bonus time every floor you go down to. You earn points for Treasure collected (enemy bodies count as treasure), Time Left, and Pikmin left. If you clear the cave with no Pikmin loss, it counts as a Perfect, and gives you a Purple flower instead of a White Flower, and by getting all Perfects, can unlock a special movie sequence. Challenge Mode can be played with 1 Player or 2 Players. Challenge more is fun with a 2nd player, trying to coordinate strategies for maximum points, and is just as fun solo. I only wish the Adventure mode could be played in 2 Players.
Bottom Line: Pikmin 2 takes everything from Pikmin, makes it better, and fixes all of the problems. Pikmin 2 is especially fun when playing the 2 Player Challenge Mode. This is definitely worth a Play or Buy.
Thursday, April 19, 2012
Wednesday, April 18, 2012
Retro Lookback: Dr. Mario 64
Developer: Nintendo
Publisher: Nintendo
Platforms and Release Dates (US): Nintendo 64 (April 8, 2001)
Genre: Puzzle
Dr. Mario 64 is an enhanced update of the classic game for NES and Gameboy, does it hold up since then?
The gameplay is still classic Dr. Mario. You line up 4 of the same color horizontally or vertically to clear all the viruses before your opponent or before you fill up. There are various modes of play in 64 compared to the NES/Gameboy version. Classic more is the classic NES Dr. Mario more, you pick a level from 0-20, one of 3 speeds, and clear all the viruses to move on the the next level, and keep going until you fail. Story mode is a 1 Player Mode where you play as Dr. Mario or Wario in a quest to get back the Megavitamins via 8-9 matches against the CPU, with 4 difficulties available. Vs Computer puts you against the CPU in a standard Vs Match. Flash puts you against the CPU to clear 3 flashing viruses first. Marathon is an endless mode, where the viruses will keep regenerating from the bottom, you keep clearing viruses until you fill up. Score Attack is a mode where you get the highest score you can in 3 minutes, if you clear all the viruses, you get a Time Bonus for time left. There is also some 2 Player Modes. 2 Player Vs is a standard Vs Match between 2 human players. Flash is a 2 Player Match to clear the 3 flashing viruses first. Score Attack is a 2 Player variant of the 1 Player Mode, you cannot attack each other in this mode, it plays like the 1 Player variant, higher score wins. The best edition is 4 Player Mode. 4 Players can play simultaneously to clear viruses, for 1-4 Players, with CPU filling in for Non-Human players. 4 Player Vs is an expanded version of 2 Player Vs, the goal is still the same, clear your viruses first or knock out all 3 of your opponents. 4 Player Flash is the same as 2 Player Flash for 4 People, first of clear the 3 flashing viruses wins. There is also a Team Battle 2 vs 2 mode, Players 1 & 2 vs Players 3 & 4, it works like 4 Player Vs except only one person on the team needs to clear their viruses first or to knock out the 2 opposing players to win. If a human player gets knocked out in a 4 player mode, they can Practice by pressing start. Their board gets reset and they can play while waiting for the other players. You cannot attack or be attacked while in Practice mode. The 4 Player Mode is great fun with 4 humans, just make sure you have a sizeable screen.
I shall explain attacking and winning in this section. In 2 Player modes you attack the other player by doing combos, as in the capsules collapse and keep clearing without more capsules. A 2 combo will send 2 pieces, a 3 combo will send 3 pieces, and a 4+ combo will send 4 pieces to your opponent. 4 Player modes work slightly different. The strength of the attack still depends on the combo, but who you attack is dependent on which color you start the combo with (the first color cleared in the combo). If the first color is Blue you will attack the player 1 to the right of you, if the color is Yellow you will attack the player 2 to the right of you, and if the color is Red you will attack the player 3 to the right of you. If you are players 2-4, your attack will warp back around once you get to the far right, as in a Red attack from Player 2, a Yellow attack form Player 3, or a Blue attack from Player 4 will attack Player 1. You can also attack more than one player at once, if your first clear in a combo is 2 different colors at the same time, you will send attacks to both players, as in if Player 1 starts a combo with Blue & Red, Players 2 & 4 will be attacked. Team Mode works slightly different. If you attack your Teammate or a knocked out player on the other team, your attacks will instead go to a Stock pool, you can build up to 4 colors in the pool depending on the combos. Once a player on the other team is attacked that isn't knocked out, your Stock pool will be added in to your combo for up to 4 pieces. In all Vs modes except 2 Player Score Attack, you can win in 2 ways. You can win by clearing all your viruses/flashing viruses first or by knocking out all opponents by filling them up to the top. This can make for some strategy, as you can shift from one win condition to the other to get the easier win.
You also got the classic Fever and Chill music remixed, and also 2 new tracks called Cube and Que Que, they are fun to listen to while virus busting, and go into an Alegro or Frenzy mix when a player has almost cleared their screen of viruses. The graphics are bright and colorful, and the animations and voice clips are a nice touch.
Bottom Line: Dr. Mario 64 is a good update of the classic game, with extra modes to test you for higher scores. The 4 player mode is a lot of fun with 4 humans. This is worth a play.
Publisher: Nintendo
Platforms and Release Dates (US): Nintendo 64 (April 8, 2001)
Genre: Puzzle
Dr. Mario 64 is an enhanced update of the classic game for NES and Gameboy, does it hold up since then?
The gameplay is still classic Dr. Mario. You line up 4 of the same color horizontally or vertically to clear all the viruses before your opponent or before you fill up. There are various modes of play in 64 compared to the NES/Gameboy version. Classic more is the classic NES Dr. Mario more, you pick a level from 0-20, one of 3 speeds, and clear all the viruses to move on the the next level, and keep going until you fail. Story mode is a 1 Player Mode where you play as Dr. Mario or Wario in a quest to get back the Megavitamins via 8-9 matches against the CPU, with 4 difficulties available. Vs Computer puts you against the CPU in a standard Vs Match. Flash puts you against the CPU to clear 3 flashing viruses first. Marathon is an endless mode, where the viruses will keep regenerating from the bottom, you keep clearing viruses until you fill up. Score Attack is a mode where you get the highest score you can in 3 minutes, if you clear all the viruses, you get a Time Bonus for time left. There is also some 2 Player Modes. 2 Player Vs is a standard Vs Match between 2 human players. Flash is a 2 Player Match to clear the 3 flashing viruses first. Score Attack is a 2 Player variant of the 1 Player Mode, you cannot attack each other in this mode, it plays like the 1 Player variant, higher score wins. The best edition is 4 Player Mode. 4 Players can play simultaneously to clear viruses, for 1-4 Players, with CPU filling in for Non-Human players. 4 Player Vs is an expanded version of 2 Player Vs, the goal is still the same, clear your viruses first or knock out all 3 of your opponents. 4 Player Flash is the same as 2 Player Flash for 4 People, first of clear the 3 flashing viruses wins. There is also a Team Battle 2 vs 2 mode, Players 1 & 2 vs Players 3 & 4, it works like 4 Player Vs except only one person on the team needs to clear their viruses first or to knock out the 2 opposing players to win. If a human player gets knocked out in a 4 player mode, they can Practice by pressing start. Their board gets reset and they can play while waiting for the other players. You cannot attack or be attacked while in Practice mode. The 4 Player Mode is great fun with 4 humans, just make sure you have a sizeable screen.
I shall explain attacking and winning in this section. In 2 Player modes you attack the other player by doing combos, as in the capsules collapse and keep clearing without more capsules. A 2 combo will send 2 pieces, a 3 combo will send 3 pieces, and a 4+ combo will send 4 pieces to your opponent. 4 Player modes work slightly different. The strength of the attack still depends on the combo, but who you attack is dependent on which color you start the combo with (the first color cleared in the combo). If the first color is Blue you will attack the player 1 to the right of you, if the color is Yellow you will attack the player 2 to the right of you, and if the color is Red you will attack the player 3 to the right of you. If you are players 2-4, your attack will warp back around once you get to the far right, as in a Red attack from Player 2, a Yellow attack form Player 3, or a Blue attack from Player 4 will attack Player 1. You can also attack more than one player at once, if your first clear in a combo is 2 different colors at the same time, you will send attacks to both players, as in if Player 1 starts a combo with Blue & Red, Players 2 & 4 will be attacked. Team Mode works slightly different. If you attack your Teammate or a knocked out player on the other team, your attacks will instead go to a Stock pool, you can build up to 4 colors in the pool depending on the combos. Once a player on the other team is attacked that isn't knocked out, your Stock pool will be added in to your combo for up to 4 pieces. In all Vs modes except 2 Player Score Attack, you can win in 2 ways. You can win by clearing all your viruses/flashing viruses first or by knocking out all opponents by filling them up to the top. This can make for some strategy, as you can shift from one win condition to the other to get the easier win.
You also got the classic Fever and Chill music remixed, and also 2 new tracks called Cube and Que Que, they are fun to listen to while virus busting, and go into an Alegro or Frenzy mix when a player has almost cleared their screen of viruses. The graphics are bright and colorful, and the animations and voice clips are a nice touch.
Bottom Line: Dr. Mario 64 is a good update of the classic game, with extra modes to test you for higher scores. The 4 player mode is a lot of fun with 4 humans. This is worth a play.
Tuesday, April 17, 2012
Retro Lookback: Rush 2: Extreme Racing USA
Developer: Atari Games
Publisher: Midway Games
Platforms and Release Dates (US): Nintendo 64 (November 10, 1998)
Genre: Racing
Rush 2 is the sequel to San Francisco Rush: Extreme Racing, released exclusively for the N64, does it hold up to the previous game's extremeness?
The gameplay continues in the line of the first game, arcade like physics and fast, checkpoint to checkpoint racing. No realism here. The objective is to race from checkpoint to checkpoint without running out of time and completing the number of laps in 1st place. That's all, simple. Instead of taking place in San Francisco like in the games before and after, the racing takes place in cities and locations across the USA, like New York, Seattle, and Hawaii. This is also the first Rush game to have a proper stunt track, where you have 5 minutes to land as many flips, rolls, and other stunts for points. All the cars from the first game are included, as well as all new cars, both default and unlockable. You can also customize your cars to affect performance, like the tires. You can also collect Keys and Mountain Dew cans throughout the tracks to unlock more cars and tracks. One such bonus track includes racing through the offices of Midway Games. You can also play 2 players via splitscreen, both on the race tracks and the stunt track. You can also toggle a special mode as the countdown starts in 2 player mode, Tag mode. In this mode, one player is designated "IT", and he/she has to tag the other player. Each player has a timer, which counts while they are "IT", the player who is "IT" for the least amount of time wins. There is also a circuit mode, which takes all the tracks and the variants (Mirrored, Reverse, Mirrored-Reverse) and race them all one after another, gaining points for placement on each race. The one with the highest point total at the end wins. There is also a free Practice mode where you can drive around on any track, look for secrets or collectibles, and get familiar with the track. There is also the "Death Race" option, where if you blow up once, you are out of the race, which can make for more careful driving. The physics can be a bit wonky at times, as you may find yourself spinning and flipping just by not going off a jump flat out or hitting a small bump, but it is part of what makes the games fun, and you will get used to it. The Rush series is always better with a friend (or friends in 2049's case), and this is no exception, you can play this for hours with a friend.
The graphics are fairly good, as they fairly accurately depict the various cities and locales the races take place in.
Bottom Line: Rush 2 is just as good as the other San Francisco Rush games, and is a blast to play with a 2nd player. This is a definite Play.
Publisher: Midway Games
Platforms and Release Dates (US): Nintendo 64 (November 10, 1998)
Genre: Racing
Rush 2 is the sequel to San Francisco Rush: Extreme Racing, released exclusively for the N64, does it hold up to the previous game's extremeness?
The gameplay continues in the line of the first game, arcade like physics and fast, checkpoint to checkpoint racing. No realism here. The objective is to race from checkpoint to checkpoint without running out of time and completing the number of laps in 1st place. That's all, simple. Instead of taking place in San Francisco like in the games before and after, the racing takes place in cities and locations across the USA, like New York, Seattle, and Hawaii. This is also the first Rush game to have a proper stunt track, where you have 5 minutes to land as many flips, rolls, and other stunts for points. All the cars from the first game are included, as well as all new cars, both default and unlockable. You can also customize your cars to affect performance, like the tires. You can also collect Keys and Mountain Dew cans throughout the tracks to unlock more cars and tracks. One such bonus track includes racing through the offices of Midway Games. You can also play 2 players via splitscreen, both on the race tracks and the stunt track. You can also toggle a special mode as the countdown starts in 2 player mode, Tag mode. In this mode, one player is designated "IT", and he/she has to tag the other player. Each player has a timer, which counts while they are "IT", the player who is "IT" for the least amount of time wins. There is also a circuit mode, which takes all the tracks and the variants (Mirrored, Reverse, Mirrored-Reverse) and race them all one after another, gaining points for placement on each race. The one with the highest point total at the end wins. There is also a free Practice mode where you can drive around on any track, look for secrets or collectibles, and get familiar with the track. There is also the "Death Race" option, where if you blow up once, you are out of the race, which can make for more careful driving. The physics can be a bit wonky at times, as you may find yourself spinning and flipping just by not going off a jump flat out or hitting a small bump, but it is part of what makes the games fun, and you will get used to it. The Rush series is always better with a friend (or friends in 2049's case), and this is no exception, you can play this for hours with a friend.
The graphics are fairly good, as they fairly accurately depict the various cities and locales the races take place in.
Bottom Line: Rush 2 is just as good as the other San Francisco Rush games, and is a blast to play with a 2nd player. This is a definite Play.
Monday, April 16, 2012
Game Rant: Dark Souls
Developer: From Software
Publisher (US): Namco Bandai Games
Platforms and Release Dates (US): Playstation 3 (October 4, 2011), Xbox 360 (October 4, 2011), Microsoft Windows (August 24, 2012)
Genre: Action RPG
Dark Souls is the spiritual successor to Demon's Souls, and retains the notable difficulty.
The story is kinda thin, but it is enough to guide you along through dialogue and occasional cut-scenes. You start as an Undead locked in a cell, destined to die. A fellow Undead aids you in escaping. You travel to the land of Lordran, where you are told to ring the Bells of Awakening. After you do so, you are told you are the chosen Undead, and you must find and place the Lordvessel at the Kiln of the First Flame, defeat the Four Lords and get their Souls, and defeat Gwyn. When you defeat Gwyn, you are given a vague choice of 2 options which determines the end.
The Gameplay takes place in a constantly hostile Open World environment. Throughout the areas, you find Bonfires which serve as checkpoints when you die, and constitute the only "safe areas" in the game. When you rest at a Bonfire, all non-boss enemies respawn and you have to kill them again, but your Health, Flask, Miracles, Spells, and Pyromancies are all replenished. You start the game in Undead form, but you can also spend a Humanity to become Human. Being Human allows you to kindle at Bonfires to hold more uses in your flask, and engage in interactions with other players, by being invaded or summoning them as allies. Being Undead prevents invasion, but you can't kindle or summon allies. Dying reverts you to Undead form if you are Human, and you also drop all you Souls and Humanity as a Bloodstain. You are given one chance to retrieve your stuff, if you die again, they are lost forever. Souls and Humanity are the main currency. You gain Souls from defeating enemies, with tougher enemies generally yielding more Souls. Souls can be used at shops to buy things, to Level Up, to fix and smith weapons and armor, and other things. Humanity is a bit more rare. They are used to revert you back to Human, kindle at Bonfires, and they also oversee your Item Discovery rate, and improve certain stats and improve damage of certain weapons. The online interactions I mentioned earlier can happen at any time without warning. When you are Human, you can be Invaded by another player(s) at any time. This results in a duel to the death with the invaders. In Human form, you can also find special signs on the ground to summon other player(s) as allies to fight along side you against invaders or to make it through an area or boss. You can also Invade or leave a sign to be summoned at any time as well, and will be transported to the host's world when a matchup is found. These online interactions add an element of unpredictablity, as you never know when another player will be there to help or hinder you. The difficulty can be brutal, but a steady hand, patience, and strategy can lead you to success. The gameplay and the online interactions are entertaining and interesting and satisfying to overcome great tasks.
Bottom Line: Dark Souls provides healthy challenge and is never unfair, and the online interactions can provide hours if engagement. I say this is a Buy.
Publisher (US): Namco Bandai Games
Platforms and Release Dates (US): Playstation 3 (October 4, 2011), Xbox 360 (October 4, 2011), Microsoft Windows (August 24, 2012)
Genre: Action RPG
Dark Souls is the spiritual successor to Demon's Souls, and retains the notable difficulty.
The story is kinda thin, but it is enough to guide you along through dialogue and occasional cut-scenes. You start as an Undead locked in a cell, destined to die. A fellow Undead aids you in escaping. You travel to the land of Lordran, where you are told to ring the Bells of Awakening. After you do so, you are told you are the chosen Undead, and you must find and place the Lordvessel at the Kiln of the First Flame, defeat the Four Lords and get their Souls, and defeat Gwyn. When you defeat Gwyn, you are given a vague choice of 2 options which determines the end.
The Gameplay takes place in a constantly hostile Open World environment. Throughout the areas, you find Bonfires which serve as checkpoints when you die, and constitute the only "safe areas" in the game. When you rest at a Bonfire, all non-boss enemies respawn and you have to kill them again, but your Health, Flask, Miracles, Spells, and Pyromancies are all replenished. You start the game in Undead form, but you can also spend a Humanity to become Human. Being Human allows you to kindle at Bonfires to hold more uses in your flask, and engage in interactions with other players, by being invaded or summoning them as allies. Being Undead prevents invasion, but you can't kindle or summon allies. Dying reverts you to Undead form if you are Human, and you also drop all you Souls and Humanity as a Bloodstain. You are given one chance to retrieve your stuff, if you die again, they are lost forever. Souls and Humanity are the main currency. You gain Souls from defeating enemies, with tougher enemies generally yielding more Souls. Souls can be used at shops to buy things, to Level Up, to fix and smith weapons and armor, and other things. Humanity is a bit more rare. They are used to revert you back to Human, kindle at Bonfires, and they also oversee your Item Discovery rate, and improve certain stats and improve damage of certain weapons. The online interactions I mentioned earlier can happen at any time without warning. When you are Human, you can be Invaded by another player(s) at any time. This results in a duel to the death with the invaders. In Human form, you can also find special signs on the ground to summon other player(s) as allies to fight along side you against invaders or to make it through an area or boss. You can also Invade or leave a sign to be summoned at any time as well, and will be transported to the host's world when a matchup is found. These online interactions add an element of unpredictablity, as you never know when another player will be there to help or hinder you. The difficulty can be brutal, but a steady hand, patience, and strategy can lead you to success. The gameplay and the online interactions are entertaining and interesting and satisfying to overcome great tasks.
Bottom Line: Dark Souls provides healthy challenge and is never unfair, and the online interactions can provide hours if engagement. I say this is a Buy.
Wednesday, April 11, 2012
Game Rant: Ribbit King
Developer: Bandai
Publisher: Bandai
Platforms and release dates (US): Nintendo Gamecube (June 8, 2004), Playstation 2 (June 15, 2004)
Genre: Sports
Ribbit King is a strange game with a strange story, does strange work here?
The Story Mode centers around a carpenter named Scooter. The king calls Scooter in to explain the crisis. The fuel source of the planet is about to run out, and if they don't get more, the planet not survive. The King enters Scooter in the Frolf tournament (Frolf = Frog + Golf), where the grand prize is the Super Ribbonite that powers the planet. The King also gives Scooter a sidekick named Pikwick, a walking and talking picnic basket, to assist Scooter. Scooter and Pikwick go off to the F.U.V. (Frolf Utility Vehicle) and enter the tournament.
The gameplay is like Golf, but with frogs (hence the term "Frolf"). The objective is to get the most points you can on each hole in 4 hole matches. You have 8 strokes to get as many points as you can and get your frog in the hole on each hole. To get more points, various gimmicks are spread throughout the courses, from Bubbles and Spider Webs to Mines and Giant Beasts. On some events, you will be prompted to waggle the Right Stick back and forth rapidly or press a button at the right time, with better performances earning more points. If you string events together on one stroke, you can get a multiplyer up to an x4. Each hole starts at a value of 1500 points for a Frog-In-One. One the 2nd stroke and after, it is 1000 Points for a hole out. If another player gets their frog in the hole, the bonus will start to deplete each stroke by 100 points, so on the next stroke, the hole-out bonus will only be 900 points, then 800 points, then so on. In Stroke Play, whoever has the highest score at the end of the 4 holes wins. In Match Play, whoever wins the most holes wins. In Stroke Play, there is also a surprise bonus worth 100-300 points awarded at the end, which can help decide 1st. Stroke Play can be played with up to 4 players, all on 1 controller or separate controllers, with CPU filling in for empty spaces if you choose. The Story mode is where you unlock everything for the Vs Mode. There are 5 different planets to play on, with different themes, and they have their own gimmicks. You can also use items that help you to get more points or to help your frog with upgraded abilities for that stroke. Also, some frogs have different stats, like some can swim in Lava while others can't. The CPU is simple, they will take the same shots every time, but that doesn't mean that they will go down without a fight! The gameplay is pretty fun, trying to milk out as many points as you can in each shot is strategic.
There is also a bonus disc called Ribbit King Plus included. As you earn bottle caps and achieve various milestones in Story Mode, you unlock short movies to watch.
Bottom Line: Ribbit King is an enjoyable game for a time, but it can get tired after a bit. I still recommend a Play or Rent.
Publisher: Bandai
Platforms and release dates (US): Nintendo Gamecube (June 8, 2004), Playstation 2 (June 15, 2004)
Genre: Sports
Ribbit King is a strange game with a strange story, does strange work here?
The Story Mode centers around a carpenter named Scooter. The king calls Scooter in to explain the crisis. The fuel source of the planet is about to run out, and if they don't get more, the planet not survive. The King enters Scooter in the Frolf tournament (Frolf = Frog + Golf), where the grand prize is the Super Ribbonite that powers the planet. The King also gives Scooter a sidekick named Pikwick, a walking and talking picnic basket, to assist Scooter. Scooter and Pikwick go off to the F.U.V. (Frolf Utility Vehicle) and enter the tournament.
The gameplay is like Golf, but with frogs (hence the term "Frolf"). The objective is to get the most points you can on each hole in 4 hole matches. You have 8 strokes to get as many points as you can and get your frog in the hole on each hole. To get more points, various gimmicks are spread throughout the courses, from Bubbles and Spider Webs to Mines and Giant Beasts. On some events, you will be prompted to waggle the Right Stick back and forth rapidly or press a button at the right time, with better performances earning more points. If you string events together on one stroke, you can get a multiplyer up to an x4. Each hole starts at a value of 1500 points for a Frog-In-One. One the 2nd stroke and after, it is 1000 Points for a hole out. If another player gets their frog in the hole, the bonus will start to deplete each stroke by 100 points, so on the next stroke, the hole-out bonus will only be 900 points, then 800 points, then so on. In Stroke Play, whoever has the highest score at the end of the 4 holes wins. In Match Play, whoever wins the most holes wins. In Stroke Play, there is also a surprise bonus worth 100-300 points awarded at the end, which can help decide 1st. Stroke Play can be played with up to 4 players, all on 1 controller or separate controllers, with CPU filling in for empty spaces if you choose. The Story mode is where you unlock everything for the Vs Mode. There are 5 different planets to play on, with different themes, and they have their own gimmicks. You can also use items that help you to get more points or to help your frog with upgraded abilities for that stroke. Also, some frogs have different stats, like some can swim in Lava while others can't. The CPU is simple, they will take the same shots every time, but that doesn't mean that they will go down without a fight! The gameplay is pretty fun, trying to milk out as many points as you can in each shot is strategic.
There is also a bonus disc called Ribbit King Plus included. As you earn bottle caps and achieve various milestones in Story Mode, you unlock short movies to watch.
Bottom Line: Ribbit King is an enjoyable game for a time, but it can get tired after a bit. I still recommend a Play or Rent.
Monday, April 9, 2012
Retro Lookback: Snowboard Kids
Developer: Racdym
Publisher: Atlus
Platforms and Release dates (US): Nintendo 64 (May 3, 1998)
Genre: Racing
Snowboard Kids is Atlus' take on Mario Kart, so to speak, and I find it to be entertaining.
The gameplay is straight racing, you start at the top and have to be the first to the bottom, but you have to take a lift back to the top again and complete the required number of laps first. First to complete all the laps first wins. To help, there are two different kinds of items to get on the track. Shot items are the Red Boxes, you get 3 shots of a random projectile to shoot at your opponents, from Bombs to Parachutes. Items come in Blue Boxes, you get a random item to use to aid you, hinder your opponents, or do both. You can carry both a Shot and an Item at the same time, firing shots with the Z button and Items with the B button. You have to pay 100G to get an Item or a Shot, you can earn G by collecting loose coins on the course worth 100G each or by successfully landing tricks. There are 9 tracks available, from the standard snowy mountain to more unorthodox locales such as an amusements park and a grass valley, 6 are from the start and 3 are unlockable. There is also a selection of 6 characters with different stats, with 1 being unlockable. You can also select different boards to use, Freestyle boards are low speed but high tricks and cornering, All-Around boards are even in every stat, and Alpine boards are high speed but low tricks and cornering. You can also get 3 special boards with unique stats. The standard race mode is a 4 person race, with CPU players filling in for Non-Entrants. Single Player has a few additional modes of play. Speed Cross is a 1 Lap Time Trial on the first 3 courses with Speed Fans scattered on the course, Shot Cross is a 1 Lap run on the first 3 courses where you have to shoot all the snowmen and finish as fast as you can. Trick Attack takes place on a special course where you have to earn the highest point total you can from tricks and finish within 3 minutes. You can also do a standard 1 Lap Time Trial on all 9 courses, you are given 1 Speed Fan item to use to help you achieve the fastest 1 Lap time. The gameplay is different from Mario Mart in ways, and I find it to be fun.
A little while later, an enhanced port was made for the Playstation, but only for Japan. It had enhanced graphics, more voice clips, more characters, and other things. A sequel was made also, which I may cover in a future post.
Bottom Line: Snowboard Kids is like Mario Kart on Snowboards, and a fun game at that. This game is worth a Play.
Publisher: Atlus
Platforms and Release dates (US): Nintendo 64 (May 3, 1998)
Genre: Racing
Snowboard Kids is Atlus' take on Mario Kart, so to speak, and I find it to be entertaining.
The gameplay is straight racing, you start at the top and have to be the first to the bottom, but you have to take a lift back to the top again and complete the required number of laps first. First to complete all the laps first wins. To help, there are two different kinds of items to get on the track. Shot items are the Red Boxes, you get 3 shots of a random projectile to shoot at your opponents, from Bombs to Parachutes. Items come in Blue Boxes, you get a random item to use to aid you, hinder your opponents, or do both. You can carry both a Shot and an Item at the same time, firing shots with the Z button and Items with the B button. You have to pay 100G to get an Item or a Shot, you can earn G by collecting loose coins on the course worth 100G each or by successfully landing tricks. There are 9 tracks available, from the standard snowy mountain to more unorthodox locales such as an amusements park and a grass valley, 6 are from the start and 3 are unlockable. There is also a selection of 6 characters with different stats, with 1 being unlockable. You can also select different boards to use, Freestyle boards are low speed but high tricks and cornering, All-Around boards are even in every stat, and Alpine boards are high speed but low tricks and cornering. You can also get 3 special boards with unique stats. The standard race mode is a 4 person race, with CPU players filling in for Non-Entrants. Single Player has a few additional modes of play. Speed Cross is a 1 Lap Time Trial on the first 3 courses with Speed Fans scattered on the course, Shot Cross is a 1 Lap run on the first 3 courses where you have to shoot all the snowmen and finish as fast as you can. Trick Attack takes place on a special course where you have to earn the highest point total you can from tricks and finish within 3 minutes. You can also do a standard 1 Lap Time Trial on all 9 courses, you are given 1 Speed Fan item to use to help you achieve the fastest 1 Lap time. The gameplay is different from Mario Mart in ways, and I find it to be fun.
A little while later, an enhanced port was made for the Playstation, but only for Japan. It had enhanced graphics, more voice clips, more characters, and other things. A sequel was made also, which I may cover in a future post.
Bottom Line: Snowboard Kids is like Mario Kart on Snowboards, and a fun game at that. This game is worth a Play.
Tuesday, April 3, 2012
Retro Lookback: F-Zero X
Developer: Nintendo EAD
Publisher: Nintendo
Platforms and Release Dates (US): Nintendo 64 (October 26, 1998), Wii Virtual Console (June 25, 2007)
Genre: Racing
F-Zero X is the sequel to the SNES game F-Zero, and it continues the high speed and intensity action.
The Gameplay remains basically the same, you race 3 laps (instead of 5) around each track in a cup of 6 tracks and attempt to get 1st place overall. You earn points depending on placement, with 1st place giving 100 points. You have an energy meter, which serves 2 purposes, it acts as how much damage you can take until you Retire and how much boost you can use. You can refill the energy bar by driving over pink pit areas. The boost will not be available on the 1st lap, but is available on the 2nd and 3rd laps. There are 4 difficulties, Beginner, Standard, Expert, and Master, with Master bring unlockable. You also start with a certain amount of Spare Ships (similar to Retries if you want to restart the race or if you Retire), with less available on higher difficulties. You can also use a Spin and Side attack to Retire the other 29 racers as well, and you can earn Spare Ships for doing so and earn a better placement. There are 5 cups, Jack, Queen, King, Joker, and X, with the first 3 being available from the start. The first 4 cups have 6 tracks each, and the X cup is a Random Track Generator, which makes a different track each race. Along with the Grand Prix mode, there is Time Trial, which tasks you with getting the fastest time with the option of racing the Staff Ghost or your best. The Death Race is a special straight course where you have to destroy all 29 opponents in the fastest time possible. The Practice mode lets you practice on any track on any difficulty against 29 opponents. The Vs Race allows 2-4 players to race on tracks, with CPU racers being able to fill vacant spots if you so choose. There is also a Vs Slots, where Players that Retire can spin slots, if they match 3 in a row, they affect the other racers in adverse ways.
The soundtrack is good, the graphics and textures are of lower quality so all the action can continue at 60 fps.
There was also an expansion called the F-Zero X Expansion Kit for the N64 DD, which added new tracks, a track editor, capacity to race up to 3 ghosts in Time Trials, and a Rock Remix of the Mario Kart 64 Rainbow Road theme for use on the Rainbow Road track.
Bottom Line: F-Zero X is fun and fast racing, it is exciting traveling at speeds over 1500 km/hr. This game is worth a Play.
Publisher: Nintendo
Platforms and Release Dates (US): Nintendo 64 (October 26, 1998), Wii Virtual Console (June 25, 2007)
Genre: Racing
F-Zero X is the sequel to the SNES game F-Zero, and it continues the high speed and intensity action.
The Gameplay remains basically the same, you race 3 laps (instead of 5) around each track in a cup of 6 tracks and attempt to get 1st place overall. You earn points depending on placement, with 1st place giving 100 points. You have an energy meter, which serves 2 purposes, it acts as how much damage you can take until you Retire and how much boost you can use. You can refill the energy bar by driving over pink pit areas. The boost will not be available on the 1st lap, but is available on the 2nd and 3rd laps. There are 4 difficulties, Beginner, Standard, Expert, and Master, with Master bring unlockable. You also start with a certain amount of Spare Ships (similar to Retries if you want to restart the race or if you Retire), with less available on higher difficulties. You can also use a Spin and Side attack to Retire the other 29 racers as well, and you can earn Spare Ships for doing so and earn a better placement. There are 5 cups, Jack, Queen, King, Joker, and X, with the first 3 being available from the start. The first 4 cups have 6 tracks each, and the X cup is a Random Track Generator, which makes a different track each race. Along with the Grand Prix mode, there is Time Trial, which tasks you with getting the fastest time with the option of racing the Staff Ghost or your best. The Death Race is a special straight course where you have to destroy all 29 opponents in the fastest time possible. The Practice mode lets you practice on any track on any difficulty against 29 opponents. The Vs Race allows 2-4 players to race on tracks, with CPU racers being able to fill vacant spots if you so choose. There is also a Vs Slots, where Players that Retire can spin slots, if they match 3 in a row, they affect the other racers in adverse ways.
The soundtrack is good, the graphics and textures are of lower quality so all the action can continue at 60 fps.
There was also an expansion called the F-Zero X Expansion Kit for the N64 DD, which added new tracks, a track editor, capacity to race up to 3 ghosts in Time Trials, and a Rock Remix of the Mario Kart 64 Rainbow Road theme for use on the Rainbow Road track.
Bottom Line: F-Zero X is fun and fast racing, it is exciting traveling at speeds over 1500 km/hr. This game is worth a Play.
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