Revised ROTM - March 2009

[roots549]

We are thrilled to announce that, for this month, the NintendoPals.net Review Of The Month competition has a valued sponsor!

T-Shirts - Stylin Online

Stylinonline.com will be awarding the March ROTM 1st place winner with a coupon code good for one t shirt, shipped to your home, in the Continental US. This is a BIG ticket item boys and girls!

The owner of Stylinonline.com is stepping up to highlight YOUR hard work. You should all check out the site, they have some great stuff, gaming, marvel, movie, all kinds of shirts! Share them with your friends!!

There will also be 2nd and 3rd place prizes this month.

Some minor rules/notes.

*Normal ROTM format and rules apply

- must be at least 3 paragraphs in length
- must be all original work (No Plagiarism/Copying other reviews)
- must be a new review. Do not use an old one.
- must contain one or more images OR videos
- must be received before the deadline (March 23rd)

*Category - Underrated games for Wii or DS. This means games that haven't received the recognition that you feel it should have.

(This does not include games like Super Smash Bros. Brawl, Mario Kart Wii, Super Mario Galaxy, Zelda: Phantom Hoursglass, etc, etc.)

*Winners outside of the US will get prizes of like kind or value. Expense of shipping limits where regular prizes can be sent.

*Your completed review must be posted by March 23th, midnight EST.

*We will have several days of peer review and voting, then on April 1 the winners will be announced. Polls close at midnight EST on March 31st.

*Anyone campaigning for votes will be zapped, removed from the competition.

*Post questions to this forum

*Bring on the quality ORIGINAL stuff!!!!!

[hokieman]

awsome ill look for a game to review right now!

[Unfraggable1]

So just to clarify, it says to use "new" reviews. So you're saying we can't enter one we've already written?

[roots549]

Originally Posted by Unfraggable1 So just to clarify, it says to use "new" reviews. So you're saying we can't enter one we've already written?

correct, these are new reviews, original content.

eric

[Kyon]

Sounds fun. I'll see what I can do. First I need to find a game that fits the qualities xD. I'll take ideas guys D:

[TheBladeAli]

The games can only be for wii or ds?

[Ruone Delacroix]

Originally Posted by TheBladeAli The games can only be for wii or ds?

Correct. That is the theme for this month.

[Sweet J]

Does it count as plagarism if you cite your source?

For example, most of your review is your own content. A good review would include other information out there to present a full perspective about a game, the designers' intentions, or other information unknown to the author. Is it ok to paraphrase the information or some quotations and then cite where you found the information?

Just want to make sure I understand your rules.

[Unfraggable1]

Originally Posted by Sweet J Does it count as plagarism if you cite your source? For example, most of your review is your own content. A good review would include other information out there to present a full perspective about a game, the designers' intentions, or other information unknown to the author. Is it ok to paraphrase the information or some quotations and then cite where you found the information? Just want to make sure I understand your rules.

It's okay to read other people's reviews when writing your own, but the important thing is to only use them as a reference point, and not to base your own review on someone else's review. Everything has to be your opinion, and your words, not theirs.

And don't worry, you don't have to cite them.

[Frey]

Aww no other systems? That sucks. =(

[Unfraggable1]

I'd like to enter my review of Retro Game Challenge.

Retro Game Challenge

[IMG]http://i14.photobucket.com/albums/a328/John************************ason/939911_116652_front.jpg[/IMG]

Nintendo Channel Trailer

Gameplay Video

Overview

Does anyone remember the games of the 80's? The times when gaming was simple and fun? The times when you'd rush to get the latest issue of GamePro to find cheat codes, secrets and strategies? The rumors that would circulate because there was no GameFAQs to confirm or spoil them, so each game was your own experience? Retro Game Challenge encompasses all of these good old 80's moments in a unique and memorable game that was unfortunately not very well received.

Retro Game Challenge is based off of a popular Japanese TV show called GAME CENTER CX TV, where a comedian named Shinya Arino tries to play ludicrously hard classic games, and usually fails epically. Several of the titles he struggled with on that show are included in this game. His anger and frustrations created a digital entity of himself in his DS, which calls himself the Game Master Arino. Tired of always being the one doing the challenges, Arino sends you back in time to the 80's. Your mission is to prove yourself as the Game Master, by completing challenges and mastering the classic 80's games with the help of his younger self.

This task isn't an easy one, however. Games today are way too easy, but back in the 80's, most games were so difficult and unforgiving that you could spend several weeks figuring out what you were supposed to do. Retro Game Challenge accurately represents all the controller-smashing frustration from the 80's, but with a little break: You can still complete the game without completely mastering all the games, as there are cheat codes that will let you skip to the endings. But that's not really beating it .

The 80's Experience
This is where Retro Game Challenge really shines. Nostalgia is a large part of the game, and RGC really goes the distance to help you relive your childhood. Right from the moment you start up the game, you'll notice the garbage text that you'd get whenever you switched on that old NES. This is one of the many things that RGC does to enhance that 80's experience. A lot of the games also contain a heavy dose of poorly translated "Engrish" that was a staple of early games.

Throughout the game, 80's Arino will bring you issues of "GameFan Magazine", a fictional magazine that represents the culture of those times. GameFan features lots of tips, strategies, and cheat codes in every issue, along with previews and multiple references to other games, like Final Fantasy and Metal Gear.

And with all the cheat codes you'll be finding in GameFan, how are you going to remember all those complicated button sequences? Don't worry, RGC has you covered. The magazine can be displayed on the lower screen, and the game can be played on the top. There is also a Memo option, where you can jot down all the stuff you want to remember, or map out an area. (You'll definitely be needing that during Gaudia Quest)

And what's playing the NES without a friend at your side? When you're sent back in time by Game Master Arino, you'll meet his younger, 80's self. He'll serve as your companion throughout the game, saying stuff like "Good luck, man!", and "Let's do this!" when you start a new level, criticizing you if you miss a powerup, or telling you how much you suck when you die. He has about 150 lines of fully voiced dialogue that he'll say every now and then. He'll also periodically tell you about rumors he's heard and give his opinions on new games or strategies. He's fun to have around, and makes the game more enjoyable.

[IMG]http://i14.photobucket.com/albums/a328/John************************ason/939911_20081110_screen002.jpg[/IMG]
The player and Young Arino get ready to play!

Graphics
This is a collection of pseudo-80's games, the graphics aren't going to be top-notch. However, even for such early games, the in-game animations are quite smooth. It's all the fun of the 80's without the glitchiness. RGC does a great job of representing the feel of the times. However, as you can see from the lower screen animations of your chosen 80's self, and Young Arino, this game does have graphical power, it just doesn't flaunt it.

Sound
Once again, the retro music won't be as high-quality as modern games. But the tracks that do exist are actually quite catchy and well-composed, even if some of them are comprised of NES beeps and boops. The "real world" music is quite high-quality, though, like the casual "doing nothing" theme, and the insane fanfare you get when completing a challenge.

Haggleman Theme

Star Prince Theme

Rally King SP Theme

And now, for an overview of each game!
Due to the lack of RGC gameplay videos on Youtube, some vids are taken from CX2, the Japan-only sequel. The games are still pretty much the same.
Cosmic Gate
Cosmic Gate is basically a clone of Galaga. It's a top-down shooter, where you fly through space and blast the evil Insecktors with your spaceship. You're limited to moving left and right, though, just like in Galaga. For something that would seem simple, it can actually get quite hard. If you destroy enemies in a certain order, you can get "Technical Bonuses", and if you hit certain enemies at certain times, you can score powerups or open portals to skip levels. Every three levels there's a bonus round called the Asteroid Zone, which you can use to rack up massive points. At the end of the Asteroid Zone, you'll get some more old-school Engrish. "YOU SHOOTED 29 ASTEROIDS!" Overall, Cosmic Gate starts out fairly easy, but as you progress, it gets harder and harder, and by stage 30, it's pretty epic. There are 64 levels in the game, so good luck clearing them all!

[IMG]http://i14.photobucket.com/albums/a328/John************************ason/939911_20080716_screen003-1.jpg[/IMG]
If you get the Armor Piercer and line up enemies in lines like in this picture, you can get a Technical Bonus.
Cosmic Gate Gameplay Video (Taken from GAME CENTER CX2)

Star Prince
Star Prince is mostly reminiscent of Star Soldier. I'm going to say right out, this game is not for the faint of heart. Unlike Cosmic Gate, where you could only move left and right, you have full control of your ship. You'll fly over hostile territory, constantly dodging bullets, lasers, and kamikaze bombers. Luckily for you, you can hold the firing button to project a shield around your ship to absorb lasers. If your shield takes in three, you can counterattack. There are also several powerups to help you survive, like spread shot, rear-mounted guns, and lasers. After completing a few challenges, Arino will bring home an autofire controller, which makes your life a lot easier.
In true 80's fashion, the bosses in Star Prince are HARDCORE. You'll be needing to study up on strategies in GameFan before you take them on, and you'd better be prepared to hit more than a few Game Over screens.

[IMG]http://i14.photobucket.com/albums/a328/John************************ason/939911_20081110_screen018.jpg[/IMG]

Star Prince Time Attack Gameplay Video (CX2)

Robot Ninja Haggleman and RNH 2
This game reminds me a lot of Mario, if Mario could throw shurikens. I didn't really know exactly what game Haggleman was mimicking, but from what I've read, it seems to be a copy of Ninja Jajamaru-kun, a game only released in Japan. In Robot Ninja Haggleman, you run around platforming levels, trying to find the boss so you can advance to the next floor. There are lots of flipping doors around, which you can use to attack enemies and pull off combos by entering and exiting them at the right times. Your main way of fighting, however, will be by throwing shurikens and jumping. In the early stages of the game, a single shuriken willbe enough to stun most enemies, but as you progress, you'll need to employ some serious strategy to make it through the level, like setting door traps and utilizing the summoning scroll system.

Robot Ninja Haggleman 2 is essentially the first one, but with harder enemies, slightly improved graphics, and larger levels. The same style applies, except there are a few new powerups.

[IMG]http://i14.photobucket.com/albums/a328/John************************ason/939911_20081110_screen005.jpg[/IMG]
Haggleman reminds me of Brandon from Pokemon Ruby/Sapphire. Anyone else getting that vibe?
[IMG]http://i14.photobucket.com/albums/a328/John************************ason/gfs_27078_2_57.jpg[/IMG]
Gameplay Video (CX2)

Robot Ninja Haggleman 3
RNH3 is a completely different game alltogether, paying homage to Ninja Gaiden more than anything else. As Haggleman, you'll race around several gigantic levels, in search of the three seals. These levels are GIGANTIC, and you'll be very grateful that this game includes a save function. In true ninja fashion, you'll be dispatching enemies with your katana and shuriken. You can also unlock several ninjutsu attacks. As you progress, you'll acquire HaggleGears, which give you special abilities, like rapidfire, hovering, and higher jumps. Combining gears is the key to finding new areas.

Continued in 2nd post.

[Unfraggable1]

Continued from 1st post.

Rally King and Rally King SP
Rally King is a top-down racing game, where you speed along several tracks trying to get in first. There are lots of obstacles, like puddles and jumps to go off of. What's unique about Rally King is it's drifting system, which reminds me of Mario Kart. If you double-tap A, you can go into drift mode, and if you drift long enough, your car will ignite, and you'll rocket foward in a burst of speed. It's both fun and extremely dangerous to spam boosts, as you'll find yourself flying all over the track. This is exactly why I do it as often as possible.

Rally King SP is more of a joke game than anything else. Back in those times, several "Special Edition" games were released, that were usually just modded versions of popular games with different graphics. (Like that one version of Super Mario Bros. that had all the sprites replaced with the cast of a popular radio show) It does boast harder tracks, though, which is nice.

[IMG]http://i14.photobucket.com/albums/a328/John************************ason/939911_20081110_screen017.jpg[/IMG]

Getting ready to go off a jump. If you land on other cars, they might explode. That's one less racer on the track!

Rally King (CX2)

Gaudia Quest

Who wouldve thought they'd have included an RPG? When I first played Gaudia Quest, my expectations weren't very high, but it's proved itself to be quite the substantial game. Gaudia Quest plays a lot like Dragon Quest. In Gaudia Quest, you'll take control of a party of three adventurers, and set out to save the King's daughter from the Dungeon of Darkness. But the plot seems to be much larger than you had first thought, as the Dungeon of Darkness leads straight down to the bowels of Hell, and you unknowingly break the ancient treaty between Heaven and Hell.

Most of the enemies in Gaudia Quest are very strong, and for a while this game is basically a grind-fest. (The second challenge actually goes along with this, you have to level grind to level 7) It gets a lot better, as the dungeons are gigantic, and the Gaudia system is unique. Occasionally, throughout your quest, you'll encounter powerful entities called Gaudias. You can offer to form pacts with Gaudias, and if you can defeat them in battle, they will lend you their powers, and will attack every now and then in battle. The game itself is very challenging, and you'll be needing to go back to heal and save quite often. The game isn't without it's fun side, however, as there's plenty of funny dialogue, and a few easter eggs, like the Game Gaudia challenge and a Metal Gear reference. Overall, this game was quite good, and at the end, I clocked in at around 15 hours. Which isn't bad, considering this is one of eight games in a retro collection.

[IMG]http://i14.photobucket.com/albums/a328/John************************ason/gaudia.png[/IMG]

Dragon Quest-styled battle system. You've got some Engrish in there too.

The Final Word
Retro Game Challenge is a game for anyone who wants to give classic games a shot, whether they are an 80's gamer, or trying it for the first time. It has somthing for everyone, and the addictive games will have you coming back for more.

Buy or Rent?
RGC is a definite buy, if you can get your hands on it. It's one of those true hidden treasure games that nobody ever experiences, and it's a shame that it never really got its audience. I haven't seen it in stores anywhere. It was released in such small quantities that your best bet will be to look for it online.

Final Rating
8 out of 10

What's this? A sequel?

Hope this one finds it's way to America soon!