The "Currently Playing..." Topic

2019-06-26 10:25:59 am

Dood Trigger™

Day 24 - Donkey Kong Country 3 » Done!

I tend to say a lot of bad words about this game, especially in comparison with DKC2... but I do think it's great.

The way the world in DKC3 immerses you is very impressive IMO. The overworld and most stage archetypes have this comfy and tranquil atmosphere. The overworld is fun to traverse with the vehicles, and the 1-screen world maps are just adorable, haha.

DKC3's level gimmicks are my least favorite aspect of it, but for the most part they're actually fine. I like Ellie's water spitting and the more traditional platforming levels. Every now and then, however, you run into the 'Bee Movie But' school of design where the entire level is about one annoying, in-your-face modifier. Hey, here's a water level where a fish follows you 100% of the time and you need to carefully approach/avoid enemies so you won't die to the not so subtle time limit. It gets quite lazy sometimes (Poisonous Pipeline grumble), and I still feel that DKC2 handled its level design with more flair and elegance.

One thing I was curious about is how the game flows without going for 100%. I always collect everything in DKC3, but this time I just beeline'd straight to the exit. And it was really fun. I do like the big quest in this game, but it can be pretty taxing, and it's nice being able to just zap through the levels without worrying about collectables.

Clear time: 1:52

Day 24 - Donkey Kong Country 3 » [b]Done![/b]

I tend to say a lot of bad words about this game, especially in comparison with DKC2... but I do think it's great.

The way the world in DKC3 immerses you is very impressive IMO. The overworld and most stage archetypes have this comfy and tranquil atmosphere. The overworld is fun to traverse with the vehicles, and the 1-screen world maps are just adorable, haha.

DKC3's level gimmicks are my least favorite aspect of it, but for the most part they're actually fine. I like Ellie's water spitting and the more traditional platforming levels. Every now and then, however, you run into the 'Bee Movie But' school of design where the entire level is about one annoying, in-your-face modifier. Hey, here's a water level where a fish follows you 100% of the time and you need to carefully approach/avoid enemies so you won't die to the not so subtle time limit. It gets quite lazy sometimes (Poisonous Pipeline grumble), and I still feel that DKC2 handled its level design with more flair and elegance.

One thing I was curious about is how the game flows without going for 100%. I always collect everything in DKC3, but this time I just beeline'd straight to the exit. And it was really fun. I do like the big quest in this game, but it can be pretty taxing, and it's nice being able to just zap through the levels without worrying about collectables.

[img]https://i.imgtc.ws/1ep9CGC.png[/img]

Clear time: 1:52

2019-06-27 02:03:13 am

Is my memory fogged up or do you play DKC3 every year lol

2019-06-27 05:31:09 am

Dood Trigger™

I play 2 every year!

2019-06-27 10:15:02 am

Dood Trigger™

Day 25 - Wild Guns (blind) » Done!

Wow. I think I may have a new fav Natsume game.

This is awesome. The movement, the dodging, the shooting, it just feels so good to play. I love how you're actually working to reduce the time limit instead of being pressured to clear the screen in X seconds. Fantastic presentation too with the steampunk Wild West theme.

I wish you could store weapons for future use instead of being forced to use them immediately, but hey, can't win 'em all.

I got my butt kicked a bit, especially in the canyon stage. Dodging the tank's flame was tricky when it combined that with the missiles as well. Still, overall the difficulty is quite fair, which is a surprise to me because I was expecting a near bullet hell. Everything has a tell and there's always time to evade the bullets.

Great stuff. This was by far the best blind game of the 5 that I played on the marathon.

How's Wild Guns Reloaded, btw?

Clear time: 1:20

Day 25 - Wild Guns (blind) » [b]Done![/b]

Wow. I think I may have a new fav Natsume game.

This is awesome. The movement, the dodging, the shooting, it just feels so good to play. I love how you're actually working to reduce the time limit instead of being pressured to clear the screen in X seconds. Fantastic presentation too with the steampunk Wild West theme.

I wish you could store weapons for future use instead of being forced to use them immediately, but hey, can't win 'em all.

I got my butt kicked a bit, especially in the canyon stage. Dodging the tank's flame was tricky when it combined that with the missiles as well. Still, overall the difficulty is quite fair, which is a surprise to me because I was expecting a near bullet hell. Everything has a tell and there's always time to evade the bullets.

Great stuff. This was by far the best blind game of the 5 that I played on the marathon.

How's Wild Guns Reloaded, btw?

[img]https://i.imgtc.ws/qZGAjFS.png[/img]

Clear time: 1:20

tomatobob

2019-06-27 06:19:07 pm

One shall stand, one shall ball.

Oh, yeah, Wild Guns is a hoot.

Haven't tried Reloaded, but also haven't heard anything bad about it so if nothing else it's probably fine.

2019-06-28 08:57:11 am

here's my review for bloodstained

https://blog.tohya.net/blg/33

tl;dr feels very amateurish but it's mostly fun anyways

2019-06-28 03:58:55 pm

Dood Trigger™

Good review! I'm interested in the game but I might wait a few months. Too much stuff to play.

Day 26 - Zelda 2 » Done!

Sorry for the meme, but Zelda 2 really does feel like the Dark Souls of the retro era IMO. Stat management is similar, the world is laid out with brutal areas that are accessible early, and of course, the learning curve and unforgiving death penalties. I think this game is fantastic. There's so much to learn.

This was my first attempt at a level 1 challenge, which means never upgrading one of the three stats: Attack, Magic or Life. People go super hardcore with these, like the lowest possible level for each stat, but I'm still relatively new to Zelda 2, so I'm happy with just the one low stat.

I went with 8-1-8 which is max Attack, base Magic and max Life. Base attack sounds tedious, while base life is probably too scary for me currently. As for magic, Zelda 2 forces you to collect all extra magic containers for the final spell, but even so, having the lowest possible mana strength gets pretty hairy sometimes...

For example, not having enough magic to cast Reflect on the mage boss. You need to enter the dungeon, find the water walk thing, use it to enter the next dungeon, find the flute there, and destroy the octopus back on the overworld. This finally gives you access to the town with the last magic container. Phew. At least you get the Master Key there too!

My early dungeon route was equally weird, but this was my own choice: I solved the first palace, then traveled all the way to the white wall town for Fairy and downstab. I had to survive Death Mountain at a crappy level, and I game over'd once at the very end of it, about 100 exp short of my next upgrade. =\ It was worth it, though. Downstab and Fairy are OP.

Clear time: 4:30

Good review! I'm interested in the game but I might wait a few months. Too much stuff to play.

Day 26 - Zelda 2 » [b]Done![/b]

Sorry for the meme, but Zelda 2 really does feel like the Dark Souls of the retro era IMO. Stat management is similar, the world is laid out with brutal areas that are accessible early, and of course, the learning curve and unforgiving death penalties. I think this game is fantastic. There's so much to learn.

This was my first attempt at a level 1 challenge, which means never upgrading one of the three stats: Attack, Magic or Life. People go super hardcore with these, like the lowest possible level for each stat, but I'm still relatively new to Zelda 2, so I'm happy with just the one low stat.

I went with 8-1-8 which is max Attack, base Magic and max Life. Base attack sounds tedious, while base life is probably too scary for me currently. As for magic, Zelda 2 forces you to collect all extra magic containers for the final spell, but even so, having the lowest possible mana strength gets pretty hairy sometimes...

For example, not having enough magic to cast Reflect on the mage boss. You need to enter the dungeon, find the water walk thing, use it to enter the next dungeon, find the flute there, and destroy the octopus back on the overworld. This finally gives you access to the town with the last magic container. Phew. At least you get the Master Key there too!

My early dungeon route was equally weird, but this was my own choice: I solved the first palace, then traveled all the way to the white wall town for Fairy and downstab. I had to survive Death Mountain at a crappy level, and I game over'd once at the very end of it, about 100 exp short of my next upgrade. =\ It was worth it, though. Downstab and Fairy are OP.

[img]https://i.imgtc.ws/IEUfnfx.png[/img]

Clear time: 4:30

2019-06-29 06:44:47 am

Dood Trigger™

Day 27 - Batman: Return of the Joker » Done!

Story goes that Return of the Joker started out as a completely different IP and it got re-adapted for the Batman license. Kinda makes sense, I mean, Batman is using all sorts of deadly guns here.

But yeah, this is a run and gun-ish with some light platforming. The shooting feels good and you can slide, which deals damage too. Sadly, the level design is riddled with unpredictable spawns, but the game is still easily brute force-able thanks to infinite continues, passwords and generous checkpoints.

The most notable aspect of RotJ is definitely the presentation. This game is up there with Kirby's Adventure, Battletoads and a couple others on the NES. It looks and sounds absolutely gorgeous. Batman's sprite, backgrounds and animation, it's all beautifully done. Hell, RotJ NES looks way better than the 16-bit versions IMO.

This isn't nearly as good as Batman 89, but it's a cool game. I think I like it better than Batman Returns, maybe.

Btw, here's a tip: don't be an idiot like me! I died and lost my weapon in the 6-2 auto-scroller (which is free), which forces you to do the 6-3 boss with the pea shooter. Of course I used a password and did 6-1 and 6-2 again properly, haha.

Clear time: 40 minutes

Day 27 - Batman: Return of the Joker » [b]Done![/b]

Story goes that Return of the Joker started out as a completely different IP and it got re-adapted for the Batman license. Kinda makes sense, I mean, Batman is using all sorts of deadly guns here.

But yeah, this is a run and gun-ish with some light platforming. The shooting feels good and you can slide, which deals damage too. Sadly, the level design is riddled with unpredictable spawns, but the game is still easily brute force-able thanks to infinite continues, passwords and generous checkpoints.

The most notable aspect of RotJ is definitely the presentation. This game is up there with Kirby's Adventure, Battletoads and a couple others on the NES. It looks and sounds absolutely gorgeous. Batman's sprite, backgrounds and animation, it's all beautifully done. Hell, RotJ NES looks way better than the 16-bit versions IMO.

This isn't nearly as good as Batman 89, but it's a cool game. I think I like it better than Batman Returns, maybe.

Btw, here's a tip: don't be an idiot like me! I died and lost my weapon in the 6-2 auto-scroller (which is free), which forces you to do the 6-3 boss with the pea shooter. Of course I used a password and did 6-1 and 6-2 again properly, haha.

[img]https://i.imgtc.ws/sUiGt94.png[/img]

Clear time: 40 minutes

2019-06-29 05:26:00 pm

Quote:

Clear time: 40 minutes

Is the game genuinely that short or have you played it so often you can speedrun it?

anyone else playing mario maker 2?

2019-06-29 09:45:44 pm

Dood Trigger™

Nah, the game is pretty short. I've beaten it a couple of times before, though.

SMM2 looks fun, but I... think I need a Switch first... :\

2019-06-30 10:29:00 am

Dood Trigger™

Day 28 - Mega Man X4 » Done!

I played as Zero with a 'whatever I feel' route. Split Mushroom first for the double jump and spin slash. I don't think I ever fought that boss without his weakness in my life, LOL. He was tricky.

Still an amazing game. Maybe the level design is a little dull, yeah, and I'm partial to the SNES physics personally. But it's still a super polished game with a lot going for it. X4 is one of the very few examples that I can think of where it genuinely feels like two games at once because the characters are so different.

Clear time: 1:10

2019-07-01 06:36:45 am

Dood Trigger™

Day 29 - Mitsume ga Tooru » Done!

One last Natsume gem.

You play as... three-eyed kid? who fires bullets from his forehead eye. It feels somewhat like Mega Man, but with generally slower shooting and movement.

The most unique gameplay feature here is a sort of anchor boomerang that can be thrown at enemies and used as a platform. It takes a bit long to set up, and the timing to hit enemies is precise, but when you get it right, holy moly, this thing mows through bosses like they're not even there. The speedrun of this game is pretty insane.

The level design and enemies are so varied and clever. Most enemies have unique methods to approach them, like one guy who always fires when you fire, so it's best to wait until he's turned to attack. Both times I finished MgT the final bosses got me stumped, because they just seem so unfair at first... but it's one of those situations where you think about it and realize that there's more to the design.

Enemies also drop coins, which can be juggled with your shot to increase their value. Money is spent in shops that sell different weapons, extra lives and healing. The shops are usually placed on tricky platforms and such. If you see a room with two paths, one of them being obviously harder, you can bet there's a shop at the end of it.

The only kind of complaint I have about MgT is that the shot upgrades don't feel that powerful. They differ in size and range, but it's pretty minor.

Clear time: 1:25

Mega Man 3 aka final day tomorrow!

Day 29 - Mitsume ga Tooru » [b]Done![/b]

One last Natsume gem.

You play as... three-eyed kid? who fires bullets from his forehead eye. It feels somewhat like Mega Man, but with generally slower shooting and movement.

The most unique gameplay feature here is a sort of anchor boomerang that can be thrown at enemies and used as a platform. It takes a bit long to set up, and the timing to hit enemies is precise, but when you get it right, holy moly, this thing mows through bosses like they're not even there. The speedrun of this game is pretty insane.

The level design and enemies are so varied and clever. Most enemies have unique methods to approach them, like one guy who always fires when you fire, so it's best to wait until he's turned to attack. Both times I finished MgT the final bosses got me stumped, because they just seem so unfair at first... but it's one of those situations where you think about it and realize that there's more to the design.

Enemies also drop coins, which can be juggled with your shot to increase their value. Money is spent in shops that sell different weapons, extra lives and healing. The shops are usually placed on tricky platforms and such. If you see a room with two paths, one of them being obviously harder, you can bet there's a shop at the end of it.

The only kind of complaint I have about MgT is that the shot upgrades don't feel that powerful. They differ in size and range, but it's pretty minor.

[img]https://i.imgtc.ws/n1WJIDa.png[/img]

Clear time: 1:25

Mega Man 3 aka final day tomorrow!

2019-07-02 07:01:43 am

Dood Trigger™

Day 30 - Mega Man 3 » Done!

Pacifist challenge: don't kill anything that isn't mandatory. Hey, Mega Man is a peace robot, right? Armed with a freaking nuclear arsenal, but whatever...

I picked Needle Man first 'cause Rush Jet makes avoiding enemies much safer. In this kind of run there is a lot of damage boosting, so I also grabbed as many E-Tanks as possible.

That was cool. You get to slide and dodge a lot, which is always fun in this game. The only thing that's bleh about Pacifist is that MM3 is already a laggy game when the screen isn't littered with flickering enemy sprites, LOL. Some rooms get pretty ridiculous.

Glad I didn't fire too many shots by accident. Whenever I reached the boss/mini-boss, being allowed to shoot felt so great that it was a bummer having to go back to dodging right after, haha. I might do buster-only later just so I can mash everything that I couldn't on this run.

Clear time: 55 minutes

Yay, another marathon is complete! My next game is probably going to be Devil May Cry 5. Gotta take a week off at least though.

Day 30 - Mega Man 3 » [b]Done![/b]

Pacifist challenge: don't kill anything that isn't mandatory. Hey, Mega Man is a peace robot, right? Armed with a freaking nuclear arsenal, but whatever...

I picked Needle Man first 'cause Rush Jet makes avoiding enemies much safer. In this kind of run there is a lot of damage boosting, so I also grabbed as many E-Tanks as possible.

That was cool. You get to slide and dodge a lot, which is always fun in this game. The only thing that's bleh about Pacifist is that MM3 is already a laggy game when the screen isn't littered with flickering enemy sprites, LOL. Some rooms get pretty ridiculous.

Glad I didn't fire too many shots by accident. Whenever I reached the boss/mini-boss, being allowed to shoot felt so great that it was a bummer having to go back to dodging right after, haha. I might do buster-only later just so I can mash everything that I couldn't on this run.

[img]https://i.imgtc.ws/jlCf4MO.png[/img]

Clear time: 55 minutes

Yay, another marathon is complete! My next game is probably going to be Devil May Cry 5. Gotta take a week off at least though.

2019-07-03 02:20:46 am

It's already over? Felt like a week for me lol

Tell about DMC 5. Still haven't played that.

2019-07-03 04:33:34 am

Dood Trigger™

Yeah, that went by quickly, holy crap.

2019-07-05 04:31:11 pm

Quote from ryu:

Tell about DMC 5. Still haven't played that.

It pretty much has the best combat out of any DMC game. Everything else is a tad subjective, but it definitely lives up to the wait.

Anyway, I finally managed to beat Ocarina of Time 3D after putting this game off for close to seven years. It's really damn good! This is the first time I've ever beaten any version of this game, but I really had fun with it once all the introductory crap was out of the way and the normal gameplay loop was established. I also got the GameCube Zelda collection 4-pack, so I'll be moving on to Majora's Mask next. Heck, I might even bite the bullet and complete Zelda II while I'm at it.

tomatobob

2019-07-05 04:37:19 pm

One shall stand, one shall ball.

Be aware that that version of Majora's Mask has some crashing issues. People reported some success in minimizing it by disabling the rumble feature but that might have just been a placebo. It only crashed a couple times over my many playthroughs so it might just not be super common, but it happens and it's not a great feeling when the game freezes in the middle of Stone Tower.

2019-07-05 04:38:11 pm

Huh. Okay, then. I'll keep that in mind. Worst comes to worst, I'll just play it on Project64 or something.

2019-07-05 08:10:51 pm

Okay, yeah. This version is kind of iffy. I went ahead and downloaded a virtual console WAD file of the game instead. This seems to run much better and doesn't have any of the load times for saving. Whatever.

arkarian

2019-07-07 12:10:26 pm

red chamber dream

ahhh the witness drives me crazy. you can spend hours on a single puzzle, and it's weird because you always know how to solve it, but the difficulty is figuring out the steps involved in that "how"

if that makes any sense

2019-07-07 12:12:38 pm

Sounds like the complete opposite of Opus Magnum, which gives you all the tools, but makes the solution extremely open-ended and nebulous.

arkarian

2019-07-07 12:16:05 pm

red chamber dream

yeah i guess so

this is based on multiple tools too, but it takes time to execute a solution, so it's usually better to try and figure it out in your head

but god it can be tough to visualize what you need to visualize

arkarian

2019-07-07 12:16:30 pm

red chamber dream

i realize that doesn't make much sense, everyone should just play the witness

really special game