James1
Reviews
Virtua Cop: Elite Edition (PlayStation 2)
Virtua Cop 1 and 2 on PS2? Cool!
The Good
This compilation is probably the most faithful to the arcade versions of Virtua Cop 1 and 2 ever made. Since I love the arcade versions so much, I loved this. It's basically the exact same thing with a few extras, such as the way you can control how many credits/continues you have etc. All in all, a great game with a few extras.
The Bad
The only thing that bugged me was the fact that my lightgun didn't reach to the far right or left of the screen, but I guess that's just to do with my TV/lightgun/PS2 console. It didn't detract enough to stop me playing it.
The Bottom Line
Virtua Cop Elite Edition is a great and cheap way to play these arcade classics. Props to Sega for doing this (They also did it for the Sonic series, very cool!), and I hope they bring out more classics like this for future generations to enjoy just as much as we do!
By James1 on December 18, 2009
Sonic Mega Collection Plus (Windows)
Pretty much all Sonic games ever released on 1 DVD
The Good
The Sonic Series is one of the best known game series in the world. To have all of the games on 1 DVD is awesome! Each game is presented exactly as it appeared on its respective console (included are the original Genesis versions, as well as the rarer Game Gear releases) which is fantastic if you're like me and never had a chance to own one of these magnificent consoles. There are also unlockable games and developer interviews.
The Bad
There's nothing that really comes to mind, although they could have upped the resolution to 1280x1024 full screen, as the game only plays at 800x600 tops. Although doing that would severely stretch the games since they were only designed for a TV in the first place.
The Bottom Line
If you never got a chance to play the original Sonics, this is as close as you are going to get. Don't download an emulator, buy this! They are all here for you in one complete package, with a little something extra to make this a very value priced package. All in all, a fantastic buy as well as a great feeling of nostalgia! I wish more companies would do this.
By James1 on December 18, 2009
King's Quest V: Absence Makes the Heart Go Yonder! (DOS)
One of the first adventure games I played
The Good
Kings Quest 5 was a major turning point for Sierra. The graphics were updated to include VGA, and real actors faces were used as a base for the drawings. The plot centres on King Graham, who is going for a walk and when he gets back, he discovers that a nasty wizard, Mordak, has kidnapped his family and stolen his castle. Luckily, Cedric, an owl, saw the whole thing happen. He agrees to take King Graham to his master who can help him save his family. Its a pretty fairy-tale-ish fare, but executed very well.
The Bad
The only thing that bugged me was the timing issues in certain parts of the game. For example, (not spoiling anything here) near the end of the game you must use a certain machine, but a graphical and scripting glitch prevents you from going any further in the game. So remember to save often! Other than that, it was a fantastic game that kept me immersed from beginning to end.
The Bottom Line
Kings Quest 5 is a fantastic game, possibly the best Kings Quest game in the series. You are able to get it fairly cheaply in the King's Quest Compilation, however if you live in Australia like me, you can order it from a US site, its well worth the money!
By James1 on April 20, 2007
Max Payne (Windows)
One of the most unique gaming experiences to date!
The Good
Max Payne was an innovative game in its own right, bringing the much hailed Bullet Time effect from The Matrix movies into games. I guess this was a gift as well as a curse, since then it has been in some way or another in a lot of games, so props to 3D Realms for being the first to implement it, and implement it well, as the Enter The Matrix game released some years later didn't do it so well. Having said that the Bullet Time effect has become somewhat of a gimmick, but in this game it had legitimate use.
The Bad
The only thing that irked me about the game was that at some parts of the game you had to virtually fluke your way past, as it was that hard. I found myself using the Bullet Time effect quite a lot in the hard parts, which it was designed for, although more often than not I found myself with the "focus meter" empty quite a few times. If your'e looking for a challenging game, here it is!
The Bottom Line
If you want a challenging game to keep you occupied for the weekend (in my case, a full week!), Max Payne will give you hours of fun, as well as hours of pulling your hair out at the sheer difficulty of some parts. Having said that, the game story is more than enough to keep the people with the shortest attention spans coming back for more.
By James1 on April 20, 2007
Blake Stone: Aliens of Gold (DOS)
The first FPS I ever played, and loved it!!
The Good
As I said, this was the first FPS I ever played. I borrowed the floppy off my friend, and thought it was the best game ever! I loved the graphics,sounds, and especially the MUSIC!
The Bad
Now its sorta out of date. But I still play it every once in a while. Also, I bought this game because I thought you actually kill the boss, Dr Goldfire, in the last mission.
The Bottom Line
If you see it for less than $10, buy it. It will give you a few hours play.
By James1 on January 6, 2006
Doom³ (Windows)
Lived up to my expectations
The Good
Ahh, where to start. I must say, when I saw the first screenshots of Doom 3 a few years ago, I was totally blown away! The quality of the graphics rivaled some of the Pixar films (at that time) and they looked just sensational. Whats more, thanks to Carmack's coding genius, the graphics ran smoothly on my mid-range system. Also, I really enjoyed using the weapons a lot. The gameplay is somewhat different to any other First Person Shooter out there, being somewhat slower paced, which was a welcome change. Also, it was nice to see a proper story in a shooting game. The 5.1 surround sound is the best Ive ever heard in a game.
The Bad
Despite all the positive attributes above, the game has a few downfalls. Sometimes, the game feels like just a big technology/graphics demo. Now dont get me wrong, its an awesome tech demo! But it just felt like a tech demo at parts. Also I would have liked to go outside of the base a bit, like actually see a huge expanse of Mars terrain to explore.
The Bottom Line
Doom 3 is a like it or hate it game. If you like the latest graphics/sound design, Doom 3 has the best graphics/sound to date. If you dont like trudging around dark corridors, I would wait till Return to Castle Wolfenstein 2 comes out (which is reportedly being made using the Doom 3 engine.) Although in its infancy, the Doom 3 engine has loads of potential!
By James1 on August 17, 2004
Hitman: Codename 47 (Windows)
Awesome game
The Good
Hitman: Codename 47 is one of the best games I've ever played. I loved everything about this game. The storyline was excellent, as was the level design. Also, there were many costumes you could steal, complete freedom!
The Bad
The graphics were a little too blocky for my liking. They could have improved them a bit, since this game was released in 2000. Also, the engine was not optimised enough, and sometimes, you couldnt talk to mission critical characters. Other than these little gripes, great game!
The Bottom Line
Buy and play this game. It's only $20. Then buy Hitman 2!
By James1 on December 21, 2002
Hitman 2: Silent Assassin (Windows)
Wow, it's the PERFECT game!
The Good
I loved everything about this game, but most of all, I loved the realism and the way that Hitman interacts with the world. For example, if you brush past a tree, the tree will play actually brush past hitman, not go through him. Also, I loved Hitman's head tilt while he's walking! It looks so real!
The Bad
It crashes every once in a while. Also, it's too expensive. Thats about it.
The Bottom Line
This game is a must buy!
By James1 on December 11, 2002
Spear of Destiny (DOS)
Better than the Original
The Good
I loved everything! The new levels, the new bosses, and the new textures. Pity that no one ever really knew about this worthy sequel to Wolfenstein 3d! There were some awesome new bosses!
The Bad
I didn't find anything that I was unhappy about in this game, except to say that it was too short! They should have included the rare mission packs for it on a CD! Or, even better, they could have put it with the original Wolfenstein 3D!
The Bottom Line
Buy it if you see it! It is really rare these days! You won't regret it! It would probably cost $5 US and no more!
By James1 on December 17, 2001
Indiana Jones and the Infernal Machine (Windows)
One of the best Lucasarts action games!
The Good
I liked the whole thing! The length of the game (took about 2 weeks to finish, keeps you hooked!), the 3D graphics, the Tomb raider style controls, the music was incredible, the plot was good.
The Bad
The 1 thing I didn't like in this game was that if you got stuck, you couldn't get out. (I know there is a cheat code to get you out sometimes, but it ruins the whole game experience). That's about all that was wrong with this awesome game!
The Bottom Line
EA classics released this as a platinum version for $24.95 AUST. Buy it if you see it. You will get your value for money! If you are not the action adventure type, try Grim Fandango, also in the EA budget range.
By James1 on October 12, 2001
The Secret of Monkey Island (DOS)
The BEST LucasArts game!
The Good
Everything! I loved the funny little sprites, the music, the dialogue, the sound effects - everything! I bought the CD version in a second hand shop for $3. Best $3 I ever spent!
The Bad
The one thing I didn't like about this game was that the puzzles were a bit tedious. Sometimes they didn't make sense. But that minor little problem doesn't let down the whole game.
The Bottom Line
If you get it, I'd get the CD version. It contains enhanced graphics and better music. It also includes sound effects. For $3, what a bargain! LucasArts really topped it off with this one!
By James1 on October 10, 2001
Descent (DOS)
A decent flight combat sim, but could've been better.
The Good
I personally liked the 3D engine. This game looked awesome!!! The look and feel of Descent was original, and the enemy AI was good. And you could ram into them! Descent was the title that brought Parallax Software to fame.
The Bad
My only gripe with Descent is that sometimes it's hard to orientate yourself in the tunnels. I mean, you go upside down (or downside up) and you go the opposite way a minute later! It was hard to control! Other than this minor little detail, the game was excellent.
The Bottom Line
I would buy it if you like space combat flight sims in tunnels. It may not shape up to Doom, but Descent is a winner on originality, but the controls need a little work. Highly recommended!
By James1 on September 29, 2001
Hi-Octane (DOS)
An alright game that plays WAY too fast!!!
The Good
I liked the concept of the game, consisting of a race track and numerous racing "cars", more like hovercraft. Your objective is to target all of these hovercraft and destroy them using a vast array of missiles, machine guns and bombs. Very good concept. Some nice 3D too.
The Bad
I personally thought this game ran way too fast, even on my Pentium 90 with 8 mb of RAM. You would need MoSlo or some other slowing down program for it to run on a newer PC. Other than this the game was fine.
The Bottom Line
I would get it if you like simulation and racing games, with a bit of shoot em up thrown in. A definite classic!!! The movies are good, the sound is good, the concept is awesome. Two thumbs up!!!
By James1 on September 29, 2001
Duke Nukem II (DOS)
A pretty good side scroller, better than the original!!!
The Good
I loved the updated graphics!!! The music was alright to an extent. But the coolest thing about this side scroller game was the fact that Duke could get into various vehicles (spaceship!!!)
The Bad
The 1 thing that I didn't like about this was the digital audio. THey screwed it up bad!!! In the opening cutscene, when Duke says I'm Back (obviously a take off of the Terminator) the guy blew into the microphone and screwed it up!!!
The Bottom Line
I would buy it if you liked Duke 1. If you didn't like Duke 1, don't bother with this. Still a good platformer though!!! Despite junky sound effects, this one was revolutionary for it's time! Highly recommended!
By James1 on September 29, 2001
Rome: Pathway to Power (DOS)
A very good game, but still had it's flaws.....
The Good
I liked a lot of different aspects about the game. One in particular, the cute little characters running around the screen!!! I also liked the structure of the levels, they were true to Roman times. The great thing about Rome was the graphics!!! Great graphics for 1992!!! I am sort of more an Adventure type, but this blew me away!!!
The Bad
First thing I didn't like was the isometric view. At times, you couldn't see where you were walking, but that's probably what the map was for. I didn't like the sound, which was basically a MIDI file in the background. And absolutely no wav files!!! For example, when you are in Rome on the second level, you buy a Gladiator to fight in the games. When the swords clashed, all it was was a MIDI sound. Despite these flaws, Rome was still a good game!
The Bottom Line
Buy it!!! You won't be disappointed!!! Even if you do not like adventure games, maybe you are more of the RPG person, this game has a bit of everything!!! Sure, the game has it's flaws, but they are really small, give it a go!!!
By James1 on September 27, 2001
Quake II (Windows)
An excellent addition to the Quake series!!!
The Good
I liked the graphics in particular. The enemy AI and models were excellent, just as you'd expect from ID Software. The updated engine had some new features too, like 3D Accelerator support, and switching hands, later to be seen in Counter Strike.
The Bad
The few things that let Quake 2 down a bit were the repetitive levels and the "hardness" of it, even on easy. I had to use cheats to get past it. These are minor things, I know, but the game could have been a lot better if these things were fixed. Other than that, the game was awesome!!!
The Bottom Line
Many people say that Quake 2 can't top the original Quake. I think (out of my own opinion) that this tops the original Quake. And since it's been released as a budget game in a DVD case for $9.95, you can't go past that!!!
By James1 on September 27, 2001
The Lost Vikings (DOS)
A very good platformer. Two thumbs up, way up!!!
The Good
The originality and uniqueness of it all was the thing that really lifted The Lost Vikings into stardom. This game could be classed as a Puzzle solving platformer. I liked the graphics, not up to Prince of Persia standard, but very good nonetheless.
The Bad
Some parts of the game were a bit lame. Like the sound. And sometimes the sprites moved a bit slow, and were jerky. Some parts of the game were a bit difficult. That's about all. Other than these things, The Lost Vikings is a great game!!!
The Bottom Line
I would buy it for it's replay value. You can play it over and over and never get tired of it!!! If you see the boxed version, get it because that's pretty hard to get nowadays.
By James1 on September 27, 2001
Daryl F. Gates Police Quest: Open Season (Windows 3.x)
A pretty realistic game. Two thumbs up!!!
The Good
Firstly, I liked the way that the real people were filmed and made into sprites. It adds a whole new depth to the game. Secondly, It flowed on from the previous games in the series. The interface was pretty innovative too.
The Bad
I didn't like the way some of the sprites moved. They were a bit jerky. And the game had a few bugs. Like when you go to the shooting academy (target practice), the game would go really slow (on my Pentium 3 667 Mhz). That's about all I can think of.
The Bottom Line
If you liked the other games in the series or adventure games in general, get it. I know Sierra can do better than this though. Although the real people looked good, they were jerky at times and spoilt the whole game. It looks like Sierra "chucked" this together at the last minute.
By James1 on September 27, 2001
Star Wars: Jedi Knight - Mysteries of the Sith (Windows)
A must have for any Jedi Knight fan out there!!!
The Good
I liked everything!!! The graphics, the sound, the 3D, everything!!! The storyline was really good in this one. It also introduced the only Star Wars character that made the conversion from a book into a video game, Mara Jade.
The Bad
The only thing that pulled Mysteries of the Sith down were the cutscenes. If the quality of the Jedi Knight cutscenes were in this, it would be the ultimate Star Wars 3D shooter!!!
The Bottom Line
Buy it!!! You need Jedi Knight though. If you don't have Jedi Knight, buy that too!!! Mysteries of the Sith would have been better with real actors in the cutscenes, though. I think I saw this for $20 somewhere....
By James1 on September 27, 2001
Alone in the Dark (DOS)
What can I say? A game genre in itself!
The Good
I personally liked everything the game had to offer. It had some good CD redbook audio (this is probably one of the first games with redbook audio!) and the backgrounds were superb.
The Bad
I didn't like 2 things: The sound effects were a bit hard to comprehend at times, because of the low res sounds used, and the 3D models became see through at times. But I guess that's what you had to expect back then.
The Bottom Line
I would get it. A true classic. I've seen this game at pawnbrokers for $5.
By James1 on September 27, 2001
Beneath a Steel Sky (DOS)
What can I say? Awesome!
The Good
I liked pretty much everything, and the voice acting was superb for its time. BASS was made by Revolution Software, and that was not a very well known company back then, and to say that BASS could be compared to Lucasarts adventures is to say that they are pretty damn good at what they do!!!
The Bad
My copy of the game had a bug in it (which was probably why I bought it for $10), every 5 mins or so the game would come up with a blue screen of death and quit, so I had to save every 2 mins or so. Other than that it was fine.
The Bottom Line
If you like Lucasarts, then get this!!! This is very much like Lucasarts games.
By James1 on September 27, 2001
The Simpsons Cartoon Studio (Windows)
A very good tool. Two thumbs up!!!
The Good
I liked the sounds, the sprites, how they were anti aliased, the music was typical of The Simpsons, pretty much everything.
The Bad
One gripe: you can't save as AVI!!! It would have been so much better if you could have saved as AVI, then they wouldn't had had to make that Simpsons Cartoon Viewer program!!!
The Bottom Line
I got this for $20. If you find it cheaper (which it probably is nowadays) I would get it.
By James1 on September 27, 2001
The Simpsons (DOS)
A pretty decent conversion......OK maybe not
The Good
The storyline was pretty innovative. And the characters you could pick. Thats about it.
The Bad
Oh boy, where to start.....The graphics, they were terrible, The sound was just a MIDI file in the background and no actual sound effects, The sprites, sometimes you could see through them. Overall this game, well, sucked.
The Bottom Line
Don't buy it. It's so much better in the arcades.
By James1 on September 27, 2001