Smash Bros: A Retrospective
July 12, 2010 by Chris Pranger
Filed under Video Games
Ooh, I'm getting antsy just thinking about Smash Bros. I should go play instead of writing this.
The idea of all my favorite Nintendo stars fighting each other in one big game was a concept I never imagined would become a reality. Even now I’m a little skeptical that it really exists, and furthermore, that it’s straight-up awesome. But somehow Super Smash Bros is a real thing and for that I couldn’t be happier. So to start a Monday off right, how about a Super Smash Bros Retrospective? That’s what I thought.
Games You Should Have Played: Prince of Persia: The Sands of Time
June 28, 2010 by Gus Townson
Filed under Video Games
Thank the gods Leonidas and his 300 never ran into THIS Persian Prince.
“Most people think time is like a river that flows swift and sure in one direction. But I have seen the face of time, and I can tell you: they are wrong. Time is an ocean in a storm. You may wonder who I am or why I say this. Sit down and I will tell you a tale like none you have ever heard.”
Zelda: A Retrospective Part 2
June 23, 2010 by Chris Pranger
Filed under Video Games
Changes were in store for my beloved series. Would it mean the end for my love?
When last we left off, I was swooning over the storytelling prowess of Majora’s Mask and specifically, how dark the tone of the game placed the series. My hopes for a new Zelda game were high and I was eager to hear what would happen next. Before a real console sequel though, we’d be getting a little handheld detour first.
Mario: A Retrospective Part 7
May 27, 2010 by Chris Pranger
Filed under Video Games
Because when I think "army of bombs," I think "time for a party."
Ah! We’re finally getting down to the party! Mario’s career has gone in many, many directions, but still one of the most unexpected and influential had to be Mario Party. It spawned a whole new style of party games, beyond inventing a genre that would be copied over and over. So let’s get this party started right with the N64.
Mario: A Retrospective Part 6
May 26, 2010 by Chris Pranger
Filed under Video Games
Why don't all sports titles look this stupidly epic?
We’re coming close to the end of the Mario Retrospective in anticipation of Super Mario Galaxy 2, but which to cover today? Sports or parties? Parties or sports? I feel pretty sporty today, so let’s kick off this Mario sports edition of the retrospective. Play ball…Mario style!
Mario: A Retrospective Part 4
May 4, 2010 by Chris Pranger
Filed under Video Games
Inventing a new genre that'd get copied again and again.
Did you think I forgot about my Mario Retrospective? Absolutely not. Now that I’ve taken some time off, it seems only fitting I should jump back in with something a bit different. In the last three installments I covered 2D platformers, 3D platformers, and the spin-off series. Today? Pedal to the metal, let’s hit Mario Kart.
Mario: A Retrospective Part 3
April 23, 2010 by Chris Pranger
Filed under Video Games
Man, it is so on now.
We’re knee deep in my memories of Mario, and now that both the 2D platforming and 3D platforming aspects of Mario’s career are out of the way, I figured I’d give him a break and focus on some of the other stars Mario has made along the way. This part is all about the spin-offs. We’re talking Luigi, Yoshi, Wario, and Peach. So what did they do that was so great? Well, let’s take a look.
Mario: A Retrospective Part 2
April 22, 2010 by Chris Pranger
Filed under Video Games
Makotron's commemorative Mario poster, as seen from Deviant Art here, is just one of those images I can stare at for hours on end.
I started my Mario retrospective off yesterday by covering Mario’s 2D platforming career, taking him from the arcades through the more recent offering on the DS. I left off saying that I’d have to do a second part all about his 3D adventures, so that’s where we’re at for today. Here-a we go!
Games You Should Have Played: Resident Evil 4
March 3, 2010 by Chris Pranger
Filed under Video Games
Remember, Leon has proven that Kung Fu is an acceptable defence against zombie-ish villagers.
If you’ve been following me on Twitter (which you should), you may have noticed that I’ve been playing Resident Evil 5. I’ll have a full article on that tomorrow but for now I’m more concerned with its predecessor, Resident Evil 4. RE4 is without question one of the best games of all time and easily within my top 10, if not top 5. Why was that? Well hold on because I’m about to tell you since RE4 is today’s Game You Should Have Played. Read more
Let’s Think Deep: The Perfect Video Game
March 2, 2010 by Chris Pranger
Filed under Video Games
I still place this above most other games. Can anything change my mind?
I love video games. I play them frequently (and sometimes write about them, as you may have noticed). I always get excited with every new Mario and Zelda game, or anything that seems to interest me beyond a simple, “Oh, that looks like a fun game to rent.” But when I get down to it I always inevitably say to myself, “Yeah, this is good, but it’s no Mario Bros 3/Ocarina of Time/Final Fantasy 6.” Why is that? I know I’m not the only one to think this way. We’ve got to a point where we’re demanding games replicate our favorites from the past, but when they can’t we throw a fit. Can we ever make a new “Perfect Game?” Let’s Think Deep. Read more
