Completed Games November 2013

Nothing unfortunately.

Just too busy to get through anything.

November 2013 Purchases

Three pick-ups this month in the form of a big spend and two cheap buys.

Despite still not owning a 3DS Zelda is the second game that I now own for the handheld (first being Super SFIV) and a game that there was no way on this Earth I was not going to own. I even splashed out on the Game pre-order edition which sadly was not as good as I was hoping it would be. More on that in a future post.


The Darkness was a game that I saw on the cheap and thought why not? Seems to be talked about in good ways so thought I would give it a shot.Resident Evil 6 is one that I was missing from the series (also need to pick up 5)and I saw it in the now defunct Blockbuster sale. I know it got massively slated but it was cheap and sometimes it can be fun to play bad games.

Completed Games October 2013

Sunset Riders - Arcade

No console games completed in October but when at Play I did complete an arcade that I've wanted to for years which was Sunset Riders.

It's still as fun as it was back in the day and it was nice to finally see the later levels and I'm pleased that alongside TMNT arcade I've finally finished two of my favourite arcade games.

October 2013 Purchases

Bit of a haul this month with the DS games and two Cube games (Pool Paradise and Wreckless) being bought from RG forum member shiftytigger and the other two Cube games being a present from another member Shinobi.

Hitman: Absolution was spotted on the cheap and is a game that I do want to play whilst Opoona was also spotted on the cheap and thought I would pick up on a whim to see what it was like.

Completed Games September 2013

From Russia With Love - GameCube

Not the best Bond game but certainly one worth playing.

FRWL was the last of the Bond games I completed on the Cube and a good game it is. A good variation of levels (driving and shooting) and weapons make this a Bond game worth owning.

September 2013 Purchases

Two purchases this month at different ends of the pay scale.

Kirby Adventure is a game that I've been after for a while now but is also a game that very rarely appears and if it does it's a little on the high side, or in some cases highly priced and damaged. Thanks to a seller on the Retro Gamer forum though I managed to pick it up for a reasonable price in good condition.

Cocoto Magic Circus on the other hand I spotted on the cheap and thought why not. The Wii has plenty of interesting games and I imagine that this probably isn't one of them.

Completed Games August 2013

Just like the games purchased August completed games was again nothing.

Was sadly just too busy to finish anything off.

August 2013 Purchases

Just the one game this month and cost me less than a shiny English one pound coin. Cannot really complain about that, even if I will only play about seven songs on the game.

Completed Games July 2013

Big Bang Mini - DS
Prey - 360

Two games completed this month, one great and one not so great.

I bought Big Bang Mini on the recommendation of a friend and I have to say that I'm glad I did as it's one of those simple but addictive games. All you do is slide fireworks up the screen using the stylus but it's one of those games with a simple premise but has lots going on.

Prey on the other hand I just found to be rather dull and predictable and a couple of times I nearly gave up on it. I found it to have some interesting ideas but overall it didn't offer anything new and for me was just a pretty boring first-person shooter and I wasn't sad to see the end of it.

July 2013 Purchases

Some nice little pick-ups this month, in my opinion. Super SF IV is my first buy for the 3DS (despite not owning a console) but for less than two pounds I couldn't refuse and I do plan on picking up a 3DS at some point in the future.

The other three were from a friend and fellow RG forumite Megamixer and include Sam and Max for the Wii which is a game that I wouldn't mind trying and SFIII: 3rd Strike which is a game that I've been after for a while now and which makes it two out of three SFIII games owned for the Dreamcast. The final item is a Red Steel 2 promo which looks nice and which will be shown off in an upcoming post.

A gift

Today I received this envelope from katiewhiteart.com containing some lovely goodies.

And what lovely goodies they are.

Fantastic are they not?

NERG 2014

As you can see NERG will be back for it's sophomore year in 2014 and GameOverYeah will again be attending, this time most likely for both days this time round.

Watch out for updates throughout the next year.

Completed Games June 2013

Phoenix Wright: Ace Attorney - DS
Tomb Raider - 360
Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles - Arcade

Three games complete on three different formats.

I previously completed the second Ace Attorney game (Justice for All) so knew that I would enjoy playing through the first game and I'm pleased to say that I was right. There are four cases that vary in length and each one is as enjoyable as the last with each case featuring a interesting set of characters who return through out later games. Definitely an enjoyable series.

I didn't know what to expect when it came to Tomb Raider as I had read mixed things about it. I have to admit that I nearly gave up within the first couple of hours due to the numerous cut scenes and QTE's but after being persuaded to stick with it I'm glad that I did. Once I became accustomed to how linear the game was I started to enjoy it and after defeating the final boss was a little disappointed that it was over, the main game that is as I didn't bother with all the little fiddly collectibles.

Finally, a long dream was finally made when, along with a friend, I at last completed the TMNT arcade machine. Thank god for free credits is all that I can say as I will admit that it took a few. After all these years it's still a fantastic game to play.

June 2013 Purchases

Another nice little haul this month with some there being some good looking stuff.

 The two Inazuma Eleven games and Pokemon Channel were from a friend of mine with Pokemon being a very nice and unexpected gift to help finish of my GameCube collection. Big Bang Mini was recommended by the same friend and looks to be a simple but addictive game. Finally, Alien Syndrome was another game picked up on a whim due to a recommendation by a person on the Retro Gamer forum.

katiewhiteart.com

For today's post I'm going to give a shout out to katiewhiteart who has been producing some excellent retro gaming goodies.

Katie certainly knows her mushrooms.

For the past couple of years Katie has been producing cards and necklaces but now, after hitting the event circuit, she has turned her hand to producing cards and jewellery in from the haven of classics old. Classics including the likes of Mario, Zelda and Mega Man.

Exclusive work for the NERG event

Currently the cards feature the likes of the NES pad, floppy discs, the mushrooms pictured above and life hearts (though luckily they don't beep when down to half a heart). Alongside these cards are others featuring Mana and HP potions which also feature on jewellery as well as a pixel sword brooch.

Katie will be at NERG (North East Retro Gaming event which you may have heard about) and will be producing exclusive content for the event including the rather cute Mega Man pictured as well as a picture of Link in the same style.

You can and should check out www.katiewhiteart.com (which is currently under construction) for examples and make sure to like the Facebook page (Pai-thagoras) for news and new offerings.







Interview wih Philip Murphy, the man behind NERG.

Yesterdays post was a write-up regarding the North East Retro Gaming Event, today's post is connected to the event as GameOverYeah presents an interview with the man behind the plan, Philip Murphy.

Hi Philip, can you start by telling us a little bit about NERG?

NERG is the first and biggest retro gaming event that will be held in the North East. As we don't have any exhibition centres, space is limited and I'm restricted to only allowing 900 people in per day. It's being held at Gateshead International Stadium. At the last count, I have amassed 44 pinball machines, 55 arcade machines and 55 home computers/consoles. Even though this is the first event I have ever done, I have managed to secure 5 exclusive(maybe 6) machines which have never been displayed before at a UK event. One thing people don't realise and find hard to believe is that all the machines are free play. You pay your admission price of £15 per day or £25 for the weekend and that's it! You can play as long as the venue is open for free.

What made/inspired you to create NERG?

I got back into retro gaming about 2 years ago when a friend introduced me to an arcade collecting forum. Since then, I've collected arcade/pinball machines and been to numerous events around the country. I was travelling back home from an event in October 2012 when I was thinking/wishing that the North East had an event like it. After a couple of weeks thinking, research and planning, I decided to do it myself. North East Retro Gaming was born on 24th October 2012

What would you say so far has been the biggest achievement of setting up the event?

Wow.....that's a tough one. Primarily, the 5 event exclusives I've managed to secure. The Matrix pinball machine is coming over from Holland. It's a one of a kind machine and has never been on display in the UK

The Angel of retro gaming of the North with the Angel of the North

before. There is the Tron Legacy Limited Edition pinball machine. Only 400 of these were produced. The Wizard of Oz pinball machine was released on May 1st and will be appearing for the first time ever and it's the first pinball machine to contain an LCD screen in the back box. We have a Mad Planets video arcade machine. Only a handful of these are left in Europe. There is a Sharp X68000 home computer which was only ever released in Japan. I may have a 6th exclusive but it's not finalised yet.

I'm really proud about doing the whole thing as I'm doing it on my own. And I've never done it before! I've had to plan, arrange and promote everything. I'm pulling a lot of favours from friends and family also, which range from logo, web, flyer and poster design to photo shoots and actual help and assistance on the day.

On the flip side, what has been the most difficult part of setting up the event?

Promotion and making people aware that this event is taking place. I don't have a track record like other events around the country have. This is brand new and the majority of my time has been spent promoting and convincing people that this event will be worth attending.

Did you have a plan when it came to which machines to have at the event or was it a case of let’s go out and see what we can get?

I needed the support of machine owners before I could even announce the event. Without their support, it just wouldn't be happening. Since the initial announcement and promise of machine loans, I've been approached by others offering machines and it's got to the stage where I've had to turn down offers as I've had that many. It's a great and fortunate position to be in. I've obviously targeted some key favourite machines like Star Wars, Tron, Defender and Space Harrier. Which are all appearing by the way :-)


What machines/consoles are you looking forward to playing?

It has the be The Matrix pinball. This machine doesn't officially exist! The movie has never had a pinball license. The Dutch guys have converted a Johnny Mnemonic pinball machine by changing the artwork, the playfield, the software. Everything! It's a one of a kind! From the videos I've seen, it looks great!

What would you recommend to someone who is attending NERG who is new to the retro gaming scene?

Enjoy the experience and join the many forums out there for retro gamers/collectors. It's a huge community and not restricted to just the 35 to 45 year olds. Many kids/teens love the old school games also. Gaming began in arcades, not the bedroom.


As for yourself, what were your favourite games back in the day?

Phoenix had to be one of my early favourites. Then there was Star Wars and Tron. My first console was an Atari 2600 and on that I played a lot of Space Invaders, Pac Man and Asteroids.

Finally, what does the future hold for NERG?

I believe I've done everything I can to make this one of the best retro gaming events held in the UK. A bold statement, I know. Afterall, I'm new to all this event organising but I'm determined to make it a success but I need people to attend and show their support. If it is a success, NERG will be back yearly :-)

Thanks for your time Philip, much appreciated.

Hope you enjoyed the interview. A huge thanks to Philip for taking the time to answer the questions and remember that you can purchase tickets for the event from www.northeastretrogaming.com

North East Retro Gaming

In two weeks time the first North East Retro Gaming event will be going live over two days at Gateshead Stadium and what an exciting two days it's looking to be.

Over the weekend of 29th/30th June there will be the chance to play on arcades, consoles and pinball machines as well as partake in a Cosplay event and visit several traders.

At time of writing there is currently over 40 arcade machines including the likes of Tron, Defender, Gauntlet/Gauntlet II, Star Wars, Ghost'n Goblins and one of my all time favourites, those 'Heroes in a half shell', Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles.

Console wise people will be in for a right treat with 40 machines currently on offer to play which includes both the Sega and Nintendo families (minus the Wii but does include the Panasonic Q), a Sharp X68ooo (an exclusive to the event), Panasonic 3DO and a Philips CD-I amongst other classic consoles.

Finally there will be over 30 Pinball machines based on games, film and TV including an exclusive Matrix machine. Alongside this will be machines based on Indiana Jones, Austin Powers, Street Fighter 2, Star Wars Trilogy, The Sopranos and Star Ship Troopers.

Alongside all of this there will also be the aforementioned Cosplay event (which includes a £100 prize for the best costume) and several traders of games, sweets, t-shirts and art. Traders include That Retro Game Shop, Pixel Generation, Village Sweet Shop, AnimeZ and Katie White Art (who will be the subject of a future post). So be sure to take plenty of cash for all of the retro goodies that will be available.

Talking of cash, the best thing about all of this is that to be able to play the games there is just a one-off upfront payment of £15 for one day or £25 for both days and then it's freeplay all the way. That's right, each and every arcade and pinball machine is on freeplay meaning that not a single penny has to be spent on the day (unless you buy a ticket on the day) which means that you can play until your heart's content or your fingers bleed.

One last thing is that your ticket also gets you into an after show party on the Saturday night at the Swallow Hotel which includes more free stuff in the way of a free buffet. Should be worth the ticket price alone.

So what are you waiting for? With just two weeks to go make sure that you have a ticket by heading along to www.northeastretrogaming.com and don't forget to the Facebook page while you are at it and join in all of the chat and announcements.

GameOverYeah will be attending and hopes to see you there.

Completed Games May 2013

The Hardy Boys Treasure on the Tracks - DS
Warioware Touched - DS

Two games completed in May and a mixed bag they were.

To be blunt I found the Hardy Boys to be a bit of a boring game. I don't mind point and click games (I'm enjoying playing through Zack and Wiki) but this one just left me feeling meh. The puzzles are not difficult at all and you don't really feel inspired to want to play through in one sitting. As for the end, possibly the worst ending ever committed to video gaming.

Warioware Touched on the other hand was fun while it lasted. Anyone who has played a Warioware game before will know what to expect as the formula hasn't changed at all but the game is still fun, especially the ones based on old Nintendo games.

May 2013 Purchases

 

A nice little haul this month, especially for the DS.

Couldn't say no to Monkey Ball at only 99p, especially with it being complete. 42 All Time Classics seems like something that I would enjoy, as well as Wario D.I.Y. I had never seen or heard about Flower Sun and Rain until the morning of the day that I then spotted in on the shelves in the afternoon. Looking forward to playing that one with it being developed by Suda51. Finally, Bully is one that I've been after for a while now but the price kept fluctuating and I picked up Dante's Inferno after reading about it on a fellow blog here.

Completed Games April 2013

Darksiders - 360

Again just the one game completed this month and apart from one frustrating section a rather enjoyable game.

Without spoiling anything the frustrating section is a puzzle near the end of the game which takes a good while and which sadly just isn't that fun. Overall though it was an enjoyable switch off your brain and go with the ride type of game and is worth a play. It's an action hack and slash and while the premise is simple there are a fair few puzzles to keep you busy and enough power-ups/weapons to collect to keep you busy.

April 2013 Purchases

A few cheapies this month that I wouldn't mind playing.

Most expensive game was Crackdown at £3 with all the others being £2 each. Despite the slating it can get I wouldn't mind playing Too Human so really couldn't resist at that price, same with NiGHTS which has a bad reputation but I might enjoy it. Crackdown was bought on a whim and Sight Training was sitting on the shop shelve looking lonely so I thought why not as I do like those kind of things for the DS.

March 2013 Purchases

I've been looking for A Shadow's Tale for a while now as it's a game that I really want to play but unfortunately it was released in low quantities making it rather hard to come by. Luckily for some reason Zavvi online suddenly had it in stock for under a tenner and with a discount voucher I was able to pick it up for a good and pleasing price.

Completed Games March 2013

Prince of Persia: The Sands of Time - GameCube

Only the one game completed but it was a hectic month.

It took me a while to get into Sands of Time and at first I really couldn't see why it deserved all the love that it gets but after a few hours I really got into it and after some time I was really loving the game and was quite disappointed when it was all over.

It's an interesting game as there isn't that much combat just lots and lots of running, jumping and solving puzzles which is why it's such a fun game.

I have the other two games in the trilogy so will give them a go at some point in the future.

DuckTales, woo-oo

Yes, the classic NES game from 1990 (for us Europeans) is being remastered for the current generation of gamers and it's looking fantastic.

DuckTales is an absolute favourite of mine so I was rather apprehensive of this announcement but after watching the video I can honestly say that I think it looks fabulous and with it being a remaster of the original game all of the fun of the game play should still be there.

I for one will definitely be looking at purchasing the game and will be singing along with it.

DuckTales, woo-oo

NES-Bit issues one and two for free...

...For about the next twelve hours anyway before being deleted from the site.

Regular readers may remember that back in 2011 (has it really been that long), I wrote some articles for the NES-Bit magazine of which there were two issues produced. Sadly tomorrow the site will be shutting down and with it the two issues.

Both of the issues however are currently free and will be until tomorrow so now you have no reason for not owning a copy of them.

Grab them here while you still can:

NES-Bit Volume 1 - http://dl.dropbox.com/u/41238723/Nes-Bit%20Magazine%20System%20Vol1.pdf
NES-Bit Volume 2 - http://dl.dropbox.com/u/41238723/NES%20Bit%20Magazine%20System%20Vol%202.pdf

Goodbye NES-Bit.

Completed Games February 2013

Marvel: Ultimate Alliance - 360
Mirror's Edge - 360
Stranglehold - 360
The Conduit 2 - Wii

A whopping four games completed in February and a good haul overall.

I think that the X-Men Legends games are great so had high hopes for Marvel: Ultimate Alliance, sadly I was a little disappointed with it. For some reason I just didn't find it to be as fun as the Legends games and there were little niggly things that were changed like in Legends you can store health and energy tablets where as in MUA you couldn't. It's still worth a play, just for me not as good as it could have been.

Mirror's Edge however I absolutely loved. Found it to be a fantastic game and one that I picked up on a whim as it was cheap in a sale. Really glad that I did as the game play is great, the graphics lovely and has a wonderful closing credits.

Stranglehold was another picked up on a whim for cheap and for me it's one of those games that is fun while it lasts but not one to rush back to again, if ever. The whole slow-mo bullet time was fun but overall it's quite a repetitive game, but a quite fun game.

Finally, The Conduit 2 was a game that I really wanted to play after enjoying the first one. The sequel is just as enjoyable and just as difficult in places and includes a nice nod to corridors in games looking the same, sadly the ending is terrible though it does set-up a third game which may never happen.

February 2013 Purchases

All three this month came from people on the Retro Gamer forum, from Black Ridge, Megamixer and c0nfu53d respectively.

Despite not generally liking Tingle in the Zelda games for some reason I do fancy playing the DS game and couldn't resist when it came up for sale on the forum. I enjoyed the GBA Wario game so when Touched was mentioned in conversation I really couldn't resist for just postage costs and Hardy Boys was a game that I had never heard off but a quick look online and it took my fancy, especially when it was free.

Mario video

A Youtube user called freddiew has lovingly created a first-person view of the last level of Super Mario Bros. 3 and super it is.

For me the ending against Bowser is fabulous and it's definitely worth 2+ minutes of your time to watch it.

Completed Games January 2013

Batman: Arkham City - 360

Just one game completed for the first month of the year and despite it being a great game it left me some what disappointed.

I absolutely love Arkham Asylum and it's easily one of my all-time favourite games but sadly City just left me feeling a bit meh once I'd finished it. The main problem that I had with it was that despite the game being 'bigger' it also felt less structured with the main storyline being rather weak and the game only being beefed out with optional side missions.

With Arkham you felt like every character was there for a reason and everything you did was to get from the beginning to the end of the game. With City you feel more like characters are put into the game because it's a bigger game and therefore they just feel like filler rather than someone you want and need to hunt down.

Like I say, overall it's still a fab game but just not on a par with Arkham Asylum for me.

January 2013 Purchases

Three games and a book this month.

The Hyrule Historia book I did a post on the other day and I have to say that I'm really pleased with it. Jet Set Willy is a game that many people on the Retro Gamer forum adore and is a game that I've yet to play so when it came up for free I couldn't say no.

Bit.Trip Complete was spotted in a sale in ASDA which I was very surprised at so I picked it up after hearing good things about it and Condemned was picked up on the cheap as well.

Hyrule Historia is here

Yes, the fantastic looking Hyrule Historia arrived today and here are some pictures for your pleasure.

Round up of 2012 completed games

The full list of games that I completed in 2012 is as follows:

Castlevania: Dawn of Sorrow - DS
Goldeneye - Wii
Mario Kart - DS
Metroid Prime Hunters - DS
Soul Bubbles - DS
Super Mario Galaxy - Wii
Hotel Dusk: Room 215 - DS
Disaster: Day of Crisis - Wii
Astro Boy: Omega Factor - GBA
Last Window: The Secret of Cape West - DS
WarioWare, Inc: Mega Microgames! - GBA
Gears of War 2 - 360
The Last Story - Wii
Super Princess Peach - DS
The Conduit - Wii
Ultimate Marvel Vs. Capcom 3 - 360
Guitar Hero: Warriors of Rock - Wii
Super Mario Galaxy 2 - Wii
Kirby: Power Paintbrush - DS
Kirby: Mass Attack - DS
Donkey Kong Country Returns - Wii
Lego Batman - 360
Another Code: Two Memories - DS
Gears of War 3 - 360
Another Code R: A Journey into Lost Memories - Wii
Kung-Fu Panda - 360
Red Faction: Guerrilla - 360
Lollipop Chainsaw - 360
Red Faction: Armageddon - 360

In 2011 I managed to complete 24 games, in 2012 I managed to complete a whopping 29 games with all of them being games that I had never played before.

2012 was still a Nintendo heavy year but a good eight 360 games did get finished so a light improvement on 2011 there.

Overall it was a very pleasing year as pretty much all of the games that I finished were absolutely magnificent and very enjoyable to play through.

Top ten games I completed in 2012 (Pt 2)

Welcome to part two of of my top ten games that I completed in 2012 and what a second part it is. I honestly found these next five games to be fantastic and fun in their own ways and absolutely struggled to put them in to any kind of order.

It's possible that by the time you've finished reading the list it could be completely different in my head but for the time being here's what my top five games that I completed in 2012 looks like.

Kirby: Mass Attack - (DS)

Another year and another Kirby game on the list which is funny as before Epic Yarn I had never played a Kirby game before. Though not number one this time round Mass Attack is still a fun and enjoyable game.

The basic premise of the plot is that Kirby has been split into ten individual Kirbies by an enemy and he must defeat the enemy utilising the strength and power of the other nine. It makes for an interesting concept as can affect the difficulty slightly (for example trying to kill an enemy with two Kirbys is harder than trying to kill it with ten Kirbys) and it also allows for replayability as areas cannot be accessed until you have enough Kirbys to move stones or pull things down from the ceiling.

Having enough Kirbys can also affect which level to play as each one can only be accessed via a certain amount which can mean having to go back and replay a level or playing the game in a non-linear fashion. As well as this there is added replay in the way of collecting medals which will open up mini-games and checklists. Add in fun levels and bosses and what you have here is a fantastic game that is definitely worth playing.


Lollipop Chainsaw - (360)

What to say about Lollipop Chainsaw... Well, It's from Suda 51 so if you have ever played any of his games before then you will know what you will be in for which is pure enjoyable mayhem. It's hard to really describe Lollipop Chainsaw due to how barmy it all is but I shall give it a good try.

You play as cheerleader Juliet who it turns out is a zombie hunter (which is also pretty much the entire basic plot) and who along with the head of her boyfriend must stop the zombie invasion. Expanding on the plot, there are three dimensions and a portal has been opened allowing for demons to enter our world in the guide of zombie lords. It does get a little more in depth than that which is surprising for what is essentially a standard hack and slash/action game and it does add that little bit extra to the game. The game play is fun and just when you think that it could get tiresome something comes along and makes it interesting like a level where you run over zombies in a combine harvester whilst You Spin Me Round (Like a Record) by Dead or Alive plays.

Moments like that as well as things like be able to add Nick's (the boyfriend) head to decapitated bodies to perform actions move it a level above a standard hack and slash game and into an enjoyable one. Like Kirby there is added replay in collecting medals for bonuses. The game has been criticised for it's level of sexuality (including an achievement for looking up Juliet's skirt) but if you can see past that then Lollipop Chainsaw is worth your time.

Donkey Kong Country Returns - (Wii)

I love the original Donkey Kong Country (and it's sequels) for the SNES so was rather excited when this Returns was announced for the Wii and thankfully I was not disappointed.

I'm going to start with the graphics as the Wii gets a kicking from people when it comes to this but DKCR really does look good. Retro Studios have really utilised the power of the Wii to make fantastic looking levels. This also links into the game play with levels featuring silhouettes for characters and environments as well as levels where you move between the fore and backgrounds. The game play blends itself with the original trilogy and with new ideas such as mine cart and barrel levels (and collecting the KONG letters) alongside the above mentioned silhouettes and using moves like the ground pound designed around the Wii remote. The boss fights are also really good with each one being different to the last. One major point is the difficulty which some people could have a problem with as some levels are not easy at all, though for me I like that.

If like me you grew up with the SNES trilogy or even played it later and enjoyed it then you will love DKCR as it contains just enough nostalgia to warrant playing but also contains a lot of new stuff to make it feel like a completely new game.


Super Mario Galaxy - (Wii)

Five years after release what could possibly be said about Super Mario Galaxy that has not been said before, especially for such an absolutely fantastic game. I suppose a lot really and a game like this certainly deserves the plaudits that it receives.

First of all the game looks stunning and really shows off what the Wii is capable off, this is also the same with the music which has wonderful tones that get inside your head. Most importantly for me though is the fact that it's a wonderfully fun and enjoyable game to play. Each galaxy gives you something different with different themes and objectives (though your overall objective is always to retrieve a star) that keep the game fresh for the duration that you play it.

This is a Mario game so it mixes the old with the new (like the ever present fire flower next to the new spring mushroom) and the storyline though slightly expanded on with Bowser wanting to create a new galaxy is still basically Bowser kidnapping Peach. Alongside that though is the introduction of Rosalina and the Lumas who help Mario thorough out the game. There is also a story book featuring the Lumas which is a nice touch to the game. Overall though adding all of this into the pot makes Super Mario Galaxy a fine game and one that is definitely worthy of the plaudits.

The Last Story - (Wii)

In a year where I completed the above mentioned games such as Donkey Kong and Mario Galaxy how does The Last Story make it to number one? It gets to number one by being a game where I didn't want to see the back of the characters.

Let me get some points out of the way first, graphically this game is pretty bad especially when coming so late into the life cycle of the Wii and story wise it's pretty much nothing new. though does offer some interesting elements when all mixed together. Saying that though the plot 'twist' could be seen coming halfway through the game which did lessen the impact that it should have had.

What really makes The Last Story my number one game for the year is the characters (even with slightly dodgy English accents) in that developers make you genuinely care for them and want them to succeed in their quest. Each character has their own unique personality and this makes you invested into the story and game. The game play is fairly simple on the surface but offers a lot once you take the time to master it with spells and weaponry that are set to each character. To be honest, there is so much that can be mastered I could probably write another paragraph. I'll sum it up with this though, despite not being the best game graphics wise and being fairly predictable in parts The Last Story is a game that made me want to play and play and play and that is why it is my number one game that I completed in 2012.

So there you have it, the top ten games that I completed in 2012. A bit Nintendo heavy again though I did up the amount of 360 games that I completed overall I just didn't find all of them as enjoyable as this top ten, maybe that will change for the 2013 list.

Like last year I hope that you have enjoyed reading the list and hope that you spot something that you may have been unsure of playing or may just enjoy.

Top ten games I completed in 2012 (Pt 1)

In January 2012 I created a list of the top ten games that I played and completed as, like explained then, I thought it would be interesting to do something slightly different to the normal top ten games of the year lists that are produced. I Also don't tend to buy that many new games so most likely wouldn't even be able to select ten games from 2012.

Like lasts years list (which can be found here and here) I've only gone for games that I played and completed for the first time.

10. Ultimate Marvel Vs. Capcom 3 - (360)

Marvel Vs. Capcom 2 easily rates as one of my all-time favourite games so excited was an understatement when the third one was announced after around a decade.

Was it worth the wait? Well... It's a good game but just not as good as number two. The roster for fans of Marvel and/or Capcom is fantastic, featuring the likes of Rocket Raccoon and Phoenix Wright next to series hitters like Ryu and Spider-Man. Just a shame that they lost one of my personal favourites from the second game Cable.

Overall if you don't compare UMVC3 to MVC2 then what you have is a really good game. It has a great roster, nice graphics, staple cheap final boss, is as manic as ever and is fun with friends (especially those who have no idea what is going on). UMVC3 is definitely worth a play at least.

9. Another Code: Two Memories - (DS)

 I've been wanting to play Another Code for a couple of years now but could never find a copy out in the wild. Well finally I did and I'm pleased to say that it was worth the wait.

First thing I will say is that it is a short game, I completed it in around four hours, and a little of the backtracking for items can be annoying as you know that you will need them but the game won't allow for you to collect them until you do. Apart from that though what you have here is a fun and interesting game with some interesting puzzles to solve.

The graphics are lovely with a hand drawn look and the story is interesting. Alongside the story you also have characters that you become to care about in the short time that you are with them and like another game in the list it's a little sad when you come to the end of the adventure.

8. Super Princess Peach (DS)

I initially bought SPP due to spotting it in a shop for a very low price compared to what it costs online figuring that if it wasn't any good I could sell or trade it. Fortunately I massively enjoyed playing it so definitely won't be getting rid of the game. It's very easy, so easy that I don't actually recall dying at all, but it's also very fun. The graphics are lovely to look at and whilst the game play is hardly innovative it's still a very enjoyable platform game with lots to do and unlock.

Saying that though, regarding innovation there is an interesting element to the game in the emotion gauge. The gauge works by tapping on an emotion (joy, gloom, rage and calm) and each one will do something different. for example, joy will cover Peach with a cyclone which allows to help her fly whilst calm will form a protective bubble to refill health.

All I will say is don't judge a book by it's cover as whilst the box looks all kiddie and cute (and again the game is ridiculously easy), behind it all is a thoroughly enjoyable and worthwhile game.

7. Last Window: The Secret of Cape West - (DS)

LW is the sequel to another game that I thoroughly enjoyed Hotel Dusk: Room 215 and features the same protagonist, the wonderfully grumpy Kyle Hyde (who sadly never made it to a third game).

The plot follows Hyde as he sets out to investigate a missing jewel in the apartment block that he lives in. The jewel has been missing for 25 years and the block is about to be demolished. Hyde must find the jewel and what happened to his father before the end date. It's an interesting plot and features twists and turns aplenty. This however results in rather a lot of text and reading (which is fine by me) as you question and strike up conversations with your peers and neighbours whilst working out the Secret of Cape West.

I can see why game like these can be an acquired taste but I thoroughly enjoyed them, LW more so due to the faster pace over HD. It was nice to see a sequel that brought back Kyle Hyde and a couple of other people from HD and like Another Code you end the game finding yourself caring for the characters and hoping that they would return again.

6. Astro Boy: Omega Factor - (GBA)



Before playing Omega Factor I was aware of the existence of Astro Boy but knew nothing else about the character and world that they inhabited beyond that. The only reason I was really aware of the game was due to a Retro Gamer article but when an opportunity arose shortly afterwards to purchase the game I took it based on what was said in the article.

I'm glad that I did purchase it though as it's a very enjoyable if confusing game. The game is split into two parts Birth and Rebirth and Rebirth is where the game really excels. The basic plot is that robots are too dangerous and should be destroyed which happens at the end of Birth. Rebirth sees the hero going back in time to stop the attack and keep the robots alive. It's here where you start traveling backwards and forwards through time and the game really picks up as you are trying to figure out which level you should complete to be able to travel through time.

Along the way you meet characters who provide points to be able to upgrade Astro Boy in various areas such as life, laser, shot and jets amongst others. It's a nice little touch which helps along the way. As I said at the beginning, I was aware of the character of Astro Boy and wasn't even aware of the game, well I'm glad that I am now.

Tune in tomorrow for numbers 5-1.

Completed Games December 2012

Red Faction: Guerrilla - 360
Lollipop Chainsaw - 360
Red Faction: Armageddon - 360

Final three games complete off 2012 and a bit of mixed bag I have to say.

Despite owning Red Faction II for the Cube Guerrilla is the first game in the series that I have played and it's a fairly enjoyable if not particularly remarkable game. The game is just basically mindless shooting and destruction intermixed with various missions, all of which can be quite fun but also rather forgettable.

The missions start off quite interesting but as more and more are added they can become quite repeititive though fortunately you can just pick and choose which ones you would like to complete and can at any time just continue on with the main game. Armageddon on the other hand seems to go the other way and instead of the open world of Guerrilla it becomes a linear shooter and not for the better. Keeping a few of the traits of Guerilla and adding new ones, like the ability to re-build structures, Armageddon is a game that once played pretty much gives no reason to go back to it.

As for Lollipop Chainsaw. Yes it's main character is a scantily clad cheerleader but beyond that is a manic and ridiculously fun game that is absolutely terrific to play. The game play is pretty basic but what it lacks in that it really makes up for in everything else. How many other games can you run over Zombies with a combined harvester whilst You Spin Me Round (Like a Record) is playing? I imagine none and that amongst other things is why Lollipop Chainsaw is definitely worth playing.

December Purchases

Well, when I say purchases...

All of them were gifts for Christmas with the top three games being from the O/H and the bottom three being from my Secret Santa on the Retro Gamer forum themightymartin.

Some new and some old made it a very good Christmas.