Nerdicus NES Review #162: Days of Thunder

Title : Days of Thunder

Publisher : Mindscape Group

Developer : Beam Software

Genre : Action

Players :  1 Player

Release Date : 1990

Estimated Value (as of today's date): $5-$7

You know me by now. I hate racing games. Even more than racing games, I typically hate games based on movies. So that's two strikes right there. Oh wait, want to make it a third strike? Okay, Tom Cruise annoys the hell out of me! Three Strikes! This game is already off to a good start, eh? Here we have Days of Thunder, based of course on that Cruise classic about racing in Daytona and sleeping with Nicole Kidman.

But really, this is just a plain 'ol racing game. But at least for a NES game, they've given it a new visual twist that I've never seen before.

Let's make this a quickie, shall we? You know I don't like lingering on racing games.

Read More

Nerdicus Genesis Review #48: Castle of Illusion Starring Mickey Mouse

Title : Castle of Illusion Starring Mickey Mouse

Publisher : Sega

Developer : Sega

Genre : Platformer

Players :  1 Player

Release Date : 1990

Estimated Value (as of today's date) : $20-$30

Ahhh, the memories I have of this game. I feel like EVERYONE knew about this game, regardless of the fact if they had a Sega console or not. When I was younger, my family and I would head over to a family friends house for dinner typically on a random weekend so we could just mingle, and basically just hang out with each other. I loved those days, typically because there was always a great Italian feast and dessert involved, and of course, a whole lot of video gaming. If we weren't playing board games that night (which we typically did), I would sneak away into my friend's room and play his Sega Genesis. Remember folks, I never had a sega genesis growing up when I was younger. I didn't get mine until much later. But boy, did I want one.

So the two sons each had a Genesis, with one of them only being obsessed with sport games (which he made me play him in Madden seemingly every time I was there), and the other kid having the good 'ol action games. One of which was the Castle of Illusion, and I played the bejeezus out of it.

I had a better appreciation for platformers back in the day, basically because I typically needed something I could play fast and not have to worry about beating it. If I could get in a few levels of action, I was usually entertained enough. The fact was, I never even beat this game until a year or so ago, because when I played this at their house I was only able to play it for around 30-45 mins at a time. Still, I enjoyed every minute of it.

Read More

Nerdicus NES Review #160 + #161: Home Alone 1 & 2

Title : Home Alone

Publisher : THQ

Developer : Bethesda Softworks

Genre : Action

Players :  1 Player

Release Date : 1991

Estimated Value (as of today's date): $5-$10

Title : Home Alone 2

Publisher : THQ

Developer : Imagineering

Genre : Action

Players :  1 Player

Release Date : 1992

Estimated Value (as of today's date): $3-$5

Tis the season folks! Christmas is upon us, and we're probably all sitting at home wrapping presents, or packing for a vacation, or slurping on some eggnog, or hell, maybe you're like me and you're stuck at work on Christmas Eve. But there is one thing we all have in common. We're all suckers for a good 'ol fashioned holiday movie. And what better way to celebrate the holiday season, than by reviewing some games BASED on our favorite holiday movies.

There's a few I have in mind for this year, and I hope you'll enjoy them, and some can even be debated upon if they are INDEED even holiday movies. But the first two I'm reviewing in this double-feature special, are no doubt one of the most famed holiday movies of our childhood generation.  I'm of course talking about the one kid who is capable of taking down the Wet Bandits, Kevin McCallister. 

Read More

Nerdicus NES Review #159: Day Dreamin' Davey

Title : Day Dreamin' Davey

Publisher : HAL Laboratory

Developer : Sculpted Software

Genre : Action

Players :  1 Player

Release Date : 1992

Estimated Value (as of today's date): $5-$10

If there was one video game character I could relate to when thinking back to my childhood, it would have to be Day Dreamin' Davey. I mean the kid spent his entire school day locked in his own mysterious worlds because he didn't give a rats arse about what his vile teacher was trying to pump into his brain.

He was obviously too bright for his own good, just like I was when I was a kid. Seriously, I'm all for the fact that if you're a bit ahead of the material that is being taught in the classroom, you are just going to end up being bored, and not paying attention. Hell, all I did in class was draw in my textbooks, or fill up the brown paper bag covers with artwork series. I remember, there was this one girl I really liked that I used to draw textbook cover murals for and would give them to her all the time. She even hung them up in her locker...oy..wonder where she is now....DOES SHE STILL HAVE MY PICTURES!?

Not like I care, I'm married now. Eh? Oh yeah, video games.

Read More

Nerdicus SNES Review #53: Clock Tower

Title : Clock Tower

Publisher : Human Entertainment

Developer : Human Entertainment

Genre : Survival Horror / Point N Click

Players : 1 Player

Release Date : 1995

Estimated Value (as of today's date) : $????? (import only - fan translation)

I received a pretty little package in the mail. A fan made translation cart of a relatively unknown SNES game called CLOCK TOWER. Most of you probably know this game for the Playstation and the PC, but I never had the luxury of playing that on either system. So when I received a custom cart with this game on it, fully translated from the original Super Famicom version, it was impossible for me to resist playing it.

Besides the fact that the girl on the "supposed" box above looks like Jennifer Connelly, you can pretty much guarantee you are in for a creepy story. In fact, it was even inspired by Dario Argento's film, Phenomena. I guess that explains the Jennifer Connelly look alike, eh? And let me tell you, that film was disturbing as anything. I can only cross my fingers that the game will prove to be just as much of a mind trip.

Don't jump into this game thinking you are in for a fast paced adventure, or a standard RPG like we had when we played Sweet Home. Nope, we're going old school to one of my favorite gaming formats that really doesn't get the respect it deserves nowadays. Thankfully, Telltale is bringing it back! I hope you know what I'm talking about..

THE GOOD 'OL POINT AND CLICK ADVENTURE!!!!

Read More

Nerdicus NES Review #158: Gyruss

Title : Gyruss

Publisher : Konami

Developer : Konami

Genre : Shoot 'em Up

Players :  1 / 2 Players

Release Date : 1989

Estimated Value (as of today's date): $4-$6

Question - do you like Galaga? If so, continue reading. If not, continue reading anyway because I DON'T DO THIS FOR MY HEALTH PEOPLE.

We're back at it with a classic NES shoot 'em up with this special request from my man, Oscar. First of all, what happened to Ultra? Are they still around? Anyone? Bueller? There was something about seeing that ULTRA logo on the screen that typically meant you were in for something special. And when you're talking about shooters, you really need something different to peek my interest.

Gyruss was out everywhere, and I am talking everywhere. It was in the arcades, it was on the commodore, it was on the nintendo, it was on the gameboy. Hell, it was even on the playstation and on mobile phones! Certainly this game must have done something right if there was this much calling for sequels and ports after the original release.

Read More

Nerdicus Genesis Review #47: Cannon Fodder

Title : Cannon Fodder

Publisher : Virgin Interactive

Developer : Sensible Software

Genre : Action / Strategy / Shoot 'em Up

Players :  1 Player

Release Date : 1993

Estimated Value (as of today's date) : $20-$30

Sensibile Software is a name that a lot of us US gamers aren't that familiar with, after all they were primarily a UK based developer. In fact, most of us won't know of them until they were bought over by Codemasters. The thing is, gaming in Europe wasn't as big as it was in the US and Japan, so having a developer with limited console access in Europe came off as a bit far-fetched. A lot of it had to do with the fact that developers from Europe focused more on their old fashioned systems such as Amiga. WHO REMEMBERS AMIGA!? I still have to get my hands on one. But the Amiga also gave birth to a few incredible games that we were lucky enough to get on other systems. And while you may not have heard of Sensible Software, they pumped out some of the most epic games of all time, including this little gem that I'm going to review today.

I haven't done a mega drive game yet, at least I don't think so, and since I have been going in a somewhat alphabetical order with all these systems, it was hard for me to pass up one of the most entertaining games of all time. Surprisingly enough, I don't even think that many people know what this game is even though it was ported to quite a few systems. The only opportunity I had to play it however was on the good 'ol mega drive.

It's also one of the oddest combinations of game play that I had seen during that time. It's a mish-mosh of shooter, action, and strategy elements all blended seamlessly together to form one epic masterpiece. And I'm not joking when I say this, but this game is bloody brilliant.

Read More

Nerdicus NES Review #157: Dash Galaxy in the Alien Asylum

Title : Dash Galaxy in the Alien Asylum

Publisher : Data East

Developer : Beam Software

Genre : Action / Puzzle

Players :  1 Player

Release Date : 1990

Estimated Value (as of today's date): $4-$6

Wow, check out this guy. DASH GALAXY.....can't get much campier than that. I have a real issue with that 1950's super hero look. They just don't look super-hero-ey. Instead they look like pompous asses. And why do their outfits always look like old-school fighter pilots mixed in with a few space ace decals. 

And tell me if I'm wrong, but this guy really just looks like a human version of Bucky O'Hare. But Bucky O'Hare was absolutely awesome. AGH! I just wanna rip those goggles off his smug face and mess up his perfectly wavey blonde hair! YOU SIR, ARE NOT A SUPER HERO! In fact, I think he's the villain in all this, and those poor aliens are actually SEEKING Asylum as the title of this game states. Bah!

The spaceship on the cover also reminds me of the one from Galaxy Quest. Oh yes, one of the greatest films ever made. Don't mock me, it's one of my guilty pleasure flicks. Although, after seeing this costume, and hearing the name Dash, I'm thinking of one thing right now....and who can think of what that is...I'll give you one hint.

DASH!!!!!!!!!! OHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! That's all you're getting. If you can't figure it out, that's your problem. 

Read More

Nerdicus SNES Review #52: Captain Commando

Title : Captain Commando

Publisher : Capcom

Developer : Capcom

Genre : Beat 'em Up

Players : 1 / 2 Players

Release Date : 1995

Estimated Value (as of today's date) : $85-$90

Sometimes I think companies get a bit lazy with coming up with titles for their games. And when this is coming from Capcom, I think they deserve a little bit of a slap on the wrist! Captain Commando? Really? Why not just call the game General Sergeant, or Ambassador Politician..I don't know. Captain Commando just sounds like a really bad name for a super hero.

Well, I guess that's what he is so I really can't complain much now can I? I must say however, I am quite disappointed with the box art that was given to the Super Nintendo. After all, the advertisements were designed much better and had more of a comic book feel. Not trying to insult the artist for the box art, but it just didn't sit right with me for some reason.

Surprisingly enough, Captan Commando was actually mean to be a spokesperson for Capcom in the late 80's and early 90's for their video games. That didn't really last though, but he did make an appearance in the Marvel vs Capcom games. But I have to say some of the other characters that starred in this game were pretty damn bad ass. More on them as we get into the game.

Read More

Nerdicus NES Review #156: P.O.W

Title : P.O.W. PRISONERS OF WAR

Publisher : SNK

Developer : SNK

Genre : Beat 'Em Up

Players :  1 Player

Release Date : 1988

Estimated Value (as of today's date): $5 - $7

Here we are with another request by my man, Oscar Tristan, taking me back to the good 'ol days of can't-go-wrong beat 'em up arcade-styled games. Of course, we're looking at another "jungle" themed atmosphere for this war based prison escape game. There really was some sort of obsession with the Cold War Cuban themed battles or the Vietnam War during the 80's wasn't there. Surprised there weren't as many Desert Storm games out there, although I do think of the Desert Strike games. Meh, whatever, let's get our jungle groove thing on.

P.O.W was one of those games that I was lucky enough to play in the Arcades over at Chuckee Cheeses...actually, it wasn't Chuckee Cheeses, it was Nathan's Hot Dog's Arcade Station. Oh yeah, remember those? I also remember being downright pathetic at this game. Then again, I arcade beat 'em ups were quarter eats and were meant to be impossible. Except that one kid I watch beat TMNT Arcade with one quarter..ONE QUARTER!!!!

And let me start off by voicing my one major complaint with this game. ONE PLAYER ONLY! Come on, SNK! You're missing out the true nature of Beat 'Em Up fun! The ability to play with your best friend! If Double Dragon can do it, you can do it with P.O.W, no excuses. So a warning, this game loses points already because of the lack of multiplayer features that is a MUST for beat 'em ups.

Read More

Nerdicus Genesis Review #46: Caliber .50

Title : Caliber .50

Publisher : Mentrix Software

Developer : Visco Corporation

Genre : Scrolling Shooter

Players :  1 Player

Release Date : 1989

Estimated Value (as of today's date) : $10-$15

Oy, it is way too early to play any games that require even an ounce of thought, so why not a typical scrolling shooter to appeal to my brain fog this morning? That'll work. What better game than CALIBER .50 for the Sega Genesis. I mean, damn...look at that box art. Is that a gigantic vietnam war hero blasting away at the enemy through a jungle explosion? Certainly looks like it.

Looks like a really horrible 1980's action flick movie poster. Must be fishing off the Rambo epidemic. That and the long haired rock. Someone play some Freebird! This was one of those games that my friends had the luxury of playing in the arcades, when I had never even see it before in my life before playing it for this review. Go figure.

If there is one game that Caliber .50 can be compared to, it's definitely good 'ol Ikari Warriors, probably the classic army-based scrolling shooter. Same concept, same war, and same shooting style, especially when it comes to commandeering vehicles (which is quite possibly my favorite part of these games)

Read More

Nerdicus NES Review #155: Sweet Home

Title : Sweet Home

Publisher : Capcom

Developer : Capcom

Genre : RPG Psychological Horror

Players : 1 Player

Release Date : 1989

Estimated Value (as of today's date) : $25-$50

Home...Sweet....Home.....yeah, not really. More like DEATH....PURE DEATH.

This review is probably coming out of nowhere for some of you. After all, I haven't done any games that were strictly only released overseas and never even saw the grace of entering American homes. Then again, I really can't see this particular game going over so well with the average American family trying to support their child's video game addiction.

Now you won't be able to find this game as an official copy, but rather as a translated version from a group of dedicated gamers who wanted to give everyone the opportunity to play this game. If you manage to get your hands on it somehow, make it happen.

SWEET HOME was actually a Japanese horror flick that came out in 1989, which was accompanied by the release of the video game of the same name for the Famicom system. Now, it's hard to imagine the Famicom (Japanese NES for your gaming rookies) effectively coming out with a game that can disturb the hell out of you, well, besides ZOMBIE NATION.

Have no fear...actually, do have fear. This game is guaranteed to creep you the hell out. And the thing that makes it even more surprising? SWEET HOME is a RPG! It's all about the in-depth story, that reels you in and forces you to become involved with characters that are sure to be killed off at some point and be possessed by demons of a haunted mansion.

Read More

Nerdicus SNES Review #51: Cacoma Knight in Bizyland

Title : Cacoma Knight in Bizyland

Publisher : SETA Corporation

Developer : Affect

Genre : Action / Puzzle

Players : 1 / 2 Players

Release Date : 1993

Estimated Value (as of today's date) : $15-$20

If there ever was a Super Nintendo game that confused the hell out of me the first time I played it, it would have to be Cacoma Knight in Bizyland. I'm not even talking about the bizarre name, nor the fact that the box art looks like a creepy Disney-esque styled video game, but the fact that I didn't even know what I was getting into when I started playing it.

Cacoma is an interesting genre that sort of faded into obscurity after the NES. It's one of those "action-puzzle" games like the Adventures of Lolo. But I'm not rightfully able to compare it to Lolo, because it's entirely different. Basically, the game just takes elements of action games where you need to manuever your characters and avoid enemies on a "puzzle-tile-themed" screen, and solve the actual damn puzzle. Puzzles which I had little to no clue how to solve most of the time.

If you've read my past reviews, you know I'm an absolute mess when it comes to puzzle games.

Read More

Nerdicus Gameboy Review #2: Robocop

Title : Robocop

Publisher : Data East

Developer : Ocean

Genre : Platformer

Players :  1 Player

Release Date : 1989

Estimated Value (as of today's date) : $8-$10

So, I had a special request to do this review, and you know what I am not going to turn down a special request. Especially since I don't get many of them. Which brings up the following point, if ANYONE has any specific reviews that you would like to see, I shall pick one a week to do out of the alphabetical order routine I've been doing for each console. It's more refreshing for me anyway, since I get kind of irritated when I have to review certain crappy games in a row just because of a self-enforced rule ha.

When you think about Cybernetic heroes, one of two famous sci-fi film heroes will probably come to mind. One being the Terminator of course, and the other is..well..take a look at the game we're reviewing. That's right, we're talking Robocop. 

DEAD OR ALIVE, YOU"RE COMING WITH ME! Man, he was a badass...

Read More

Nerdicus NES Review #154: Darkman

Title : Darkman

Publisher : Ocean

Developer : Ocean

Genre : Action

Players : 1 Player

Release Date : 1991

Estimated Value (as of today's date) : $12-$15

Now that the Thanksgiving long weekend is finally over, and I pretty much got all the Turkey goodness out of my system by now, it's time to get back into the swing of some video game reviews. We're starting off December with a game that was personally one of my last ever NES acquisitions before I moved over permanently to the Super Nintendo. I never saw the film as a kid, but there was something about that box art that drew me in.

Yes, that's right, I judged a lot of games by their cover, which ended up forcing me to make a huge amount of mistakes in terms of what games I actually bought. A lot of them we're pretty horrible. And, I have a feeling that if memories serves me correct, I may be falling into the same boat with this game. I'm shuddering at the thought right now.

Going back to the movie this was actually based on, has anyone seen it? I feel like I'm missing out on some cult classic or something. Do I take the time out of my busy work schedule and give this movie a whirl on netflix? What say you fellow retro gamers? I mean, it does have Liam Neeson in it...you can't go wrong with Liam Neeson.....Tak3n is coming out soon..ha..Tak3n..they had to throw that 3 in there didn't they. God dammit Hollywood. You piss me off.

Read More