Rensch

Spyro: Year of the Dragon (PlayStation)

Pretty much the same as part 2, but that was a great formula so why mess with it?

The Good
Graphically it hasn't improved much but it doesn't matter since Spyro 2 looked pretty amazing, too. There is a lot of detail and everything is colorful. I liked the little shiny gems scattered around. The gameplay is the same as in the first two episodes. This doesn't matter, too because this was, just like the graphics, an already very good aspect of Spyro 2. It's smooth and easy to pick up. You can charge, glide, jump and, off course, breathe fire. Sparx the dragonfly is once again your life-bar and most trusted pal, as long as you feed him butterflies. Thankfully there have been some improvements. During the game you can get to release some friends willing to help you. However you must pay the super greedy moneybags some gems. Moneybags is back from Spyro 2 and you need to give him some gems to pass certain areas in each level, just as in Spyro 2. Not only moneybags is here again, but also Hunter the Cheetah, the Mole Professor and Zoë the fairy make a return. Spyro meets new enemies including the evil Sorceress and her mysterious servant Bianca, who's not so scary and evil as she was meant to be. That brings us to the story. There has been found a way too get to the forgotten worlds, and the Rhynocs, the servants of the Sorceress have kidnapped the dragon eggs. Now Spyro and his pal Sparx start a new adventure to find all of the 150 eggs. This is once again done by a main quest in each world, plus mini-games. These include, riding a manta ray, skating and much, much more. But again counts, some of them were also in Part 2. Each time you get an egg a new dragon is born. Once you beat a few levels a cutscene may appear to build up the story. There are four worlds, and if you collect enough eggs you will open up more portals in each homeworld, some of which require you to fly. Spyro is not the only playable character, there's also a level for each of those new animal friends. There's Bentley a Yeti, Sgt. Byrd the penguin, Sheila the kangaroo (note that she sounds Australian) and Agent 9, a monkey. Some of the mini-games can only be played with a certain character so you need so save them first to play all mini-games. There are also Bonus Worlds with Sparx. This game has big worlds that just beg to be explored until you collect all eggs and find that very last gem. This game is highly replayable since there is a bonus world to unlock at the end with some very challenging areas in it. The music is excellent, since it's once again composed by the Police drummer Stewart Copeland. The voice acting is great and each of the many friends, enemies and people-in-trouble have an own voice recorded for them.

The Bad
It's much like a rehash of part two. There are also less cutscenes and no difficulty ratings for the mini-games. And, although longer, Year of the Dragon is a little bit less challenging than part 2.

The Bottom Line
Another long and incredibly fun platform game fun for both young and old.

By Rensch on December 5th, 2005

Spyro 2: Ripto's Rage! (PlayStation)

A sequel as a sequel should be! Improved in many ways.

The Good
I liked the free-roaming formula of part 1 and it remained intact in this sequel. The huge worlds have those same complex designs that trigger you to find a way to get to that very last platform to pick up that very last gem. This level formula that started with Super Mario 64 does a good job to on the playstation with Spyro 2.

Although the gameplay remained mostly intact, there's a lot of new things. Most of Spyro's old moves are back but also quite a few new ones where introduced here. These moves include such things as a ground pound and Spyro's good old fire breath. Another thing that has significantly improved is the story. There are much more characters involved now, and now and then there's a cut-scene showing what's happening. Spyro's homeworld is rainy so he wants to take a vacation to the dragon shores. So our purple hero and his trusted pal Sparx the dragonfly enter the portal. However, in the land of Avalar, a mole-like professor takes a Spyro over there and asks for his help to defeat the evil little dinosaur Ripto who's causing trouble. Besides these characters there's Elora the Faun and hunter the Cheetah who help you with the gameplay.

Ripto and his two Dinosaur servants Crusch and Gulp serve as bosses of the three worlds. That doesn't seem like much but each world has portals to lots of other levels. There are more that 30 worlds in all. In each homeworld or subworld there's a main quest, which is mostly very easy start-to-end-of-level gameplay, and some sidequests. These are presented to you by characters asking for help, some of which are very funny and original. Upon clearing one of these objects you'll receive an orb. As you collect more orbs, more portals will open up, leaving quite some replay if you want to collect all items even after you completed the main quest. Some sidequests are very easy but others are very challenging which makes this game fun for both younger and older players. They are also very original ranging from roller-coaster rides to shooting lizards, and are probably the best improvement in the entire game. If you've collected everything, you'll be able to go everywhere. This will take a while, I can assure you.

The graphics have improved too. The style remains the same but there's more detail in the textures making it a more atmospheric experience to play through the different worlds. It's easily one of the most beautiful platform games on the PSX. Finally, the sound is excellent. The music is once again composed by none other than the police drummer Stewart Copeland giving those same jazzy tunes that I liked a lot in part 1. Each character also has its own distinctive voice that fits with the character.

The Bad
The main quests of each level is usually a little bit too easy so you'll be more busy with the sidequests.

The Bottom Line
A brilliant platform game with great gameplay, great graphics, a good story and some of the most interesting levels in platform gaming history. They just shout to be explored thoroughly. This is the best Spyro there is. Though Spyro 3 had more to offer it was mostly the same as Spyro 2 making Spyro 2 the game that really improved the series. Buy this game and relive times when Spyro's game weren't such bad games as some of its recent sequels re considered to be. Brilliant game!

By Rensch on December 3rd, 2005

Spyro the Dragon (PlayStation)

A surprisingly addictive platform game in the style of Super Mario 64, but with more levels.

The Good
The graphics engine of this game was actually pretty unique. It makes sure you can see items glittering in the background and there's no buildings suddenly disappearing. Instead, faraway places just fade away, making it feel much more realistic. Overall the graphics are detailed and colorful, and make this game attractive. The levels just ask to be checked out carefully if you want to collect every item and save all dragons. The levels have a lot of secret area's making them extra rewarding if you collect everything. There are six rather unique worlds to explore each with one homeworld which has portals to the other levels in the world. The story tells the tale of Spyro, a little dragon with attitude. If the evil Gnasty Gnorc turns all the other dragons into stone, it's up to little purple Spyro and his pal Sparx the dragonfly (who is your health meter, really) to restore all of the dragon treasure, free all dragons and collect the dragon eggs. This will take you through all dragon realms. They include the Artisans, a world with lush hills, the Peacekeepers, a desert, the Magic Crafters, a mountain world, the Beastmakers, a jungle, the Dreamweavers, a dream world and finally Gnasty's World where Gnasty and his Gnorcs reside. Each world also has a challenging flying level, which will require you to hit everything in time with your fire breath. This collecting and exploring formula is very addictive. You'll be busy a while collect everything. Sound is great, too. The music is made by Steve Copeland, the drummer of the legendary band "The Police". It's very funky and enjoyable. The voice acting is excellent too.

The Bad
There are no much sidequests besides the normal game. This was solved in later games but in this very first Spyro there are none to be found except for the flying levels.

The Bottom Line
Very addictive platformer that seems to be made for kids but if you want to collect everything it will also please older players. If you just find it to be missing a few things, try both PSX sequels, those are brilliant and even more challenging.

By Rensch on November 29th, 2005

Jazz Jackrabbit 2 (Windows)

A totally wacky platform game, fun for everyone!

The Good
The graphics are great and detailed. There are few side scrollers in those hi-res graphics. At that time 3D was used for most platform games, but this game proves that 2D games are just as fun. Everything looks detailed and colorful and it's all drawn in a great cartoon style. The gameplay is OK too and gives you a lot too shoot at just like in the first game. There's a vast array of weapons such as dynamite, ice beam and flamethrower. (my favorite) You can play as either Jazz or his crazy brother Spaz. Spaz starts and different points and has different abilities making the game replayable at least once. The multiplayer is excellent here. You can just play with two players as both brothers in a mode wherein you work together or against each other. There are also modes such as capture the flag which are usually only found in 3D games which is great. The best part of the multiplayer, however, is that you can play online, which greatly increases the replayability of the game. There's some great music too with, you guessed right, some jazzy tunes in it. There are also three difficulty levels. The story does the job too: Devan Shell, a turtle and the nemesis of Jazz, has stolen the wedding jewel Jazz wanted to give to his girlfriend princess Eva Earlong. Devan uses it to power up his time machine to change history to has advantage. Jazz and Spaz have been thrown into the dungeon by Eva's mother, a mean queen. Now the brothers must escape the castle and retrieve the jewel. Finally there is a versatile tool to create your own levels, but this is difficult in use.

The Bad
The first game was very fast and difficult, much like Sonic. This game is not as quick and quite easy. Thankfully there are three difficulties, as I said, with more baddies on higher modes. Too easy at times. The creators took the complaint about the first game a bit too serious. In high resolutions it can be difficult to see what you are doing at times. The level editor is too difficult in use for most people, too.

The Bottom Line
Despite a few small flaws this game is great fun for the whole family. And is fun to play with friends, even if they live abroad.

By Rensch on November 13th, 2005

Yoshi's Island: Super Mario Advance 3 (Game Boy Advance)

Great port of the SNES classic that still stands out today.

The Good
This game still has those amazing graphics it had on the SNES. This game is easily one of the most beautiful games that are available on the GBA. In Yoshi's Island you get too see Mario as a baby. A stork flies with the baby Mario Bros. in his beak. Luigi gets been kidnapped by Kamek the Koopa who has foreseen the brothers' numerous successes in defeating the Koopa's. He fails to capture Mario however, who lands on the island of the Yoshi's. The Yoshi's decide to escort Mario on their back and free Luigi. This takes you trough various very colorful and hand-drawn levels that look like they have been drawn with crayons. The game may look like it's only fun for kids, but it has enough depth to satisfy older players as well. They game is very easy since Yoshi doesn't get hurt when hit but loses Mario and when he is not in time to pick him back up in his bubble Kamek's goons will appear and take him and you will lose a life. Though this gameplay system makes it much easier than other Mario games it's not hurting the game overall since this game has lots of secrets you will have to find to unlock more levels making the very replayable so you won't put it down after the easy main quest. Attack can be done by trowing enemies or eggs which can be pointed at anything an made by swallowing enemies. This system works surprisingly well and adds depth to the gameplay. The enemies are very fun too and every world has two bosses which are XXL versions of normal enemies. Though the enemies are usually easy to defeat they are original and varied and you will see old and new ones with their own weak and strong points. The sound is great too and is full of fitting tunes to the themes. Some classic sound effects are here too making sure you remain the Mario feel while playing a game that is totally different since Yoshi is the main character rather than Mario. The Mario Bros. game is included too and although it's the same as in previous Mario Advance titles, it's a nice extra.

The Bad
Some of the weird graphical effects are a bit choppier than they would on the SNES and it's a bit of a letdown that the Mario Bros. arcade game is still the same. May be a bit easy although there is enough replay in this game to keep you busy for hours.

The Bottom Line
A great package with very few flaws and a very memorable graphical style that still amazes after the ten years it's been since it was released. Highly recommended, simply one of the best platform games on the GBA.

By Rensch on September 23rd, 2005

Super Mario Advance 4: Super Mario Bros. 3 (Game Boy Advance)

MAMA MIA!!! What a game this is! Just the perfect Gameboy game.

The Good
The gameplay is probably the best thing about Super Mario Bros. 3. When it first came out on the NES this game was amazing. It combined the brilliant gameplay of part 1 with the graphical quality of part 2 into one massive adventure that became the best selling game of all time. So what makes it so special? Well, as I said, the gameplay is some of the best ever in video games. The levels are so cleverly constructed and challenging that you can't put it down easily. It is done so well that although some levels are very frustrating you never get the feeling that it's so difficult you can't finish the level. The levels are short but the way they are made makes up for that easily because, unlike most Mario games, there are no save points in the levels. It's got everything the original had including the different power suits, Koopa kids and all the levels the NES version had plus more. It feels just great to play all that NES greatness in bright GBA colors. It's by far not as stunning as Yoshi's Island but it still looks clear and just the way it should be since it doesn't ruin the old NES style. The sound is great too and you'll find yourself humming along with the tunes soon. The story takes place in Mushroom world where Bowser has send his kids to each of the seven kingdoms to steal the magic wand of the kings and transform them into animals. Princess Peach sends our two heroes Mario and Luigi to the rescue. In the eight worlds (one being Bowser's kingdom) you will find various power up suits such as the classic fire suit as well as new ones including raccoon, frog, tanooki and hammer suits, giving you powers that enhance your shooting, flying or swimming abilities. You can pick up these and various other items in Toad houses. There is now a save option but it will reset to the previous save game if you continue it once forcing you to save every time before you turn off the GBA. This is a bit weird but it's better than the password system on the NES since you can keep your items in your inventory. The classic arcade Mario Bros. is included too. It's a bit of a disappointment since it was in the other three Mario advance games and Mario and Luigi: Superstar Saga too. It's a fun extra though especially when you play via link cable with friends. Super Mario Bros. 3 has the same multiplayer as in the NES version which means you don't need any cables but pass on the GBA to your friend. One plays as Luigi and one as Mario. Mario has better accuracy since he is heavier but he can't jump as far as the tall and slim Luigi. This mode is even more fun than in single player. The best new thing in this game is the e-reader support giving you the ability to unlock all new levels.

The Bad
As said before the save option is a bit weird and the Mario Bros. game is the same as in previous Mario titles on the GBA.

The Bottom Line
A great port of one of the finest games ever made. This game is so addictive and fun you can't put it down for hours. Super Mario Bros. 3 is not only the best Mario game but this game could very well be the best game there is on the GBA. An essential buy and a great game to start with if you buy a GBA. MAMA MIA!!! This is brilliant!!!

By Rensch on September 16th, 2005

The Curse of Monkey Island (Windows)

Yet another gem in a lovable series.

The Good
The graphics are all hand-drawn and very colorful. It's amazing to see how beautiful Monkey Island looks in those high resolution graphics. On the graphics area this game is simply amazing. The characters are just as beautiful if not better. They are of cinematic quality and are animated very well. To put it short: This game simply excels at graphics. The sound is very good too. This game has more nice tunes you'll be humming along with soon, some of which are taken from previous Monkey Island games. But the most important improvement on this area and probably the entire game is the voice acting. It's done in a believable way and the voices fit the zany cartoon characters well. The gameplay remains the same point and click interface from the first two games but it's much easier to use now making it even better. You now can call up a special menu with the left mouse button that lets you manipulate, pick up, eat or talk to people or items with just three commands. With the right mouse button you can call up a box in which your items are all lined up conveniently, making it easier to combine items without too much scrolling. The story remains good and hilarious. Pirate wannabe Guybrush Threepwood has finally escaped from the theme park he was prisoned in by his arch-enemy the zombie pirate LeChuck in part two and is now lost at sea. Soon, however he strands on Plunder Island where he finds LeChuck and his girlfriend Elaine. LeChuck is always trying to steal Elaine from Guybush. LeChuck captures him and this is where it starts. After having found a diamond ring in LeChuck's treasure hoard to give to Elaine and having escaped the blast that kills LeChuck for the third time in history he lands on the beach. The ring is cursed however and turns Elaine into gold. You will have to find a way to lift the curse and finish of with LeChuck who returns from death this time as a demon. On this journey you'll meet old and new characters that will help you or hinder you and are all weird and hilarious. The humor is still here and yet another strong point.

The Bad
Some puzzles are really hard too solve. You can also try the easy mode but you will miss out on a lot of fun things that are in the hard mode only. This game isn't very replayable, too. It doesn't add too much new twist but fans may find this more of a blessing than a curse.

The Bottom Line
Another brilliant adventure game that lives up to the Monkey Island name. Fans and newbies alike will love it! Highly recommended!

By Rensch on August 6th, 2005

Rayman (DOS)

Everything about this game is good, it's only too hard.

The Good
On the graphics area, this game does a very good job. Everything is colorful and alive. There's a lot of attention to details. For example, there are butterflies flying around and big dancing flowers on the ground. Everything is animated beautiful and the backgrounds are simply excellent to look at. The gameplay is good too. Rayman moves smooth and as he gets further into the game, he gains more and more powers. The difficulty steadily grows and it will take a while before you get the hang of a certain level. The story is good enough too. The Evil Mr. Dark has stolen the Great Protoon, which provides and maintains harmony and balance in Rayman's world. He defeats Betilla the fairy, who is the Protoon's guardian, and flees too his hideout. Evil guys start capturing the friendly electoons. Rayman now must travel through the six worlds. Along the way you'll find cages with electoons. After you break all of the cages in th first five worlds you can go to the last world where Mr. Dark resides. The six worlds are: Dream Forest, Band Land, Blue Mountains, Caves of Skops, Picture City, and Candy Chateau. They are varied and have excellent level design. There are many fun twists such as flying on a bug, floating on a plum and sliding down cake cream. Rayman has weird and fun powers such as a power fist and helicopter hair, which he gains by reaching Betilla. Enemies are smart and not always so easily defeated. Finally, this game has amazing sound for it's time that really is atmospheric and you will soon find yourself humming along with the beautiful tunes.

The Bad
This game is far too hard, even just halfway the game, the levels are very challenging, making you feel you,ll never complete this game since the later worlds are even harder. This feeling becomes even stronger when you read the manual which says you need to break each cage in the first five worlds to reach Mr. Dark. I also found that the levels, although varied and well designed, didn't have very original themes. Themes like forests, caves, candy and music have been used in many games such as Zool, Jazz Jackrabbit, and off course Mario.

The Bottom Line
Although it looks and plays well, the levels are too hard and not very original. However Rayman's powers and characters and absolutely worth a look. If you are a platform gaming expert, and looking for a real challenge in this genre, you'll like this. If you are looking for a less big challenge but still a good challenge you'll be better off with one of it's sequels.

By Rensch on August 2nd, 2005

Rayman 2: The Great Escape (Windows)

By far the best 3d platform on the PC.

The Good
The first thing you notice is the graphics. They are detailed and were never seen in a platform game at that time. They are colorful and give the game it's dreamy atmosphere that makes you stick to this game for a while. The story is pretty good to: Robotic space pirates have invaded the world of Rayman, a character without arms legs or a neck, but with hands and feet and a cute big-nosed head. To save his world he has to set his friends free, collect the fragments of the destroyed Heart of the World called yellow lums, regain his powers and collect the four ancient masks that represent each of the four elements: Earth,water, fire and air. After he has collected them he can awaken the creator of his world, the god Polokus. After that he must infiltrate the pirate prison ship and defeat Razorbeard, the pirate admiral. This journey introduces the player to new friends such as Ly the fairy, Globox the frog, Murfy the flying encyclopedia to all kinds of gameplay elements and Polokus, the spirit of the world. These all look great and are fun and original characters. His rivals include, Razorbeard the pirate and his henchmen, titans and a one-eyed cave guard. The levels are challenging and have a lot of variation. You will travel from old forests to pirate hideouts and from ancient sanctuaries to caverns. You will find some weird and original gameplay sensations such as riding a walking rocket and racing over water with a snake. The levels are spread over 20 quite big worlds that grow steadily in difficulty. As I said before these levels look amazingly beautiful for a game of that age and have a dreamy atmosphere in them that makes you experience this game almost as if you were there. What also amazed me was the gameplay. It's surprisingly smooth and easy to pick up. Rayman has a lot of powers including a power fist and helicopter hair to hover. The further you get in the game the more you'll find. As I said before, the levels are challenging and you'll need all of your powers to finish them. Playing through this game will take you a sufficient amount of hours. Sound is dreamily beautiful and magically captures you to fulfill the experience.

The Bad
There really aren't many things not to like about this game. Usually I can find shortcomings about a game but I couldn't find any notable ones in this game, really.

The Bottom Line
This game stands out at almost every area, and is so well composed you'll instantly fall in love with it. Many people love this as one of their favorite platform games. It's rumored that Steven Spielberg himself ordered his own copy. If you didn't, what are you waiting for. HIGHLY recommended!

By Rensch on July 27th, 2005

Monkey Island 2: LeChuck's Revenge (DOS)

Even better than the first one! Everything a sequel should have.

The Good
It's the same point and click interface as part one but it's enhanced. You now have pictures for each item making it easier to understand what it exactly is. This makes the good gameplay of part one even better. The story is just as interesting as in part one: You are once again playing the role of Guybrush Threepwood, the would-be pirate. After having destroyed the evil ghost pirate LeChuck, he ends up on Scabb Island and there he hears about the legendary treasure Big Whoop. Desperate to find it he gets ready to set out. However, an evil pirate called Largo LaGrande has put up an embargo to stop ships from leaving the island. With help of the voodoo priestess, you eventually chase him away but also, by accident, help him revive LeChuck who was once his captain. You must then find Big Whoop before the enemy finds you. This quest takes you to new beautiful islands. On these islands you will meet totally new and weird characters such as the utterly irritating Largo LaGrande, Wally the cartographer and the extremely lazy governor Phatt. You'll also meet some returning old characters such as Stan, who helped you get a ship in part one and now deals in coffins, the low moral fiber pirates, your beloved governor Elaine Marley, the voodoo priestess and off course LeChuck now returned as a rotting zombie corpse. Guybrush himself looks more mature now having a beard and a stylish blue coat. You'll find new items some of which are useful, some not. They include things such as always useful money, a rope always used in such games and even some animals. Probably the strongest part of this game are the graphics. Everything is hand-painted and still looks amazing in those old 256 colors nowadays. Not many games had graphics like these in those days. The floppy disk version has an easy mode for newbie adventure gamers, which is strangely not on the CD version. Sound has also improved. It has great tunes and not just some tunes and sounds here and there as in part one.

The Bad
It's sometimes a bit difficult to see what you can use and what not. The point and click interface remains good but also has the old "can't find the right spot" problem. The puzzles are still a bit too hard at times which may be a problem for gamers who are unfamiliar with the genre and do not have the floppy disk version which, as I said, doesn't have an easy mode.

The Bottom Line
If Monkey Island 1 isn't the best adventure game of all time then it's probably this one. This is simply one of the best games ever and if you like adventure games this is essential. If you are new too the genre this is one of the best games to start with. Brilliant. brilliant, brilliant.

By Rensch on July 4th, 2005

The Secret of Monkey Island (DOS)

Why am I even writing this, everybody knows this is brilliant.

The Good
The humor. You are Guybrush Threepwood, who wants to be a pirate. There's only one problem: Guybrush isn't quite the pirate type. He's clumsy and skinny. During his journey he comes across many weird and funny characters such as the beautiful Elaine Marley who's the Governor of Melee Island, Stan the sneaky Boat Dealer and LeChuck a ghost pirate captain hopelessly in love with Elaine even though he died after going into her mansion. After Maniac Mansion this was one of the games that used the SCUMM point and click interface used in many adventure games. However, Monkey Island is probably the best of all adventure games (It also could be Monkey Island 2) . It's got a story that is pretty simple at first sight but it's told in a funny way making it still worth it. Graphics are also great. Especially the in VGA version. There's lots of items to be collected such as the rubber chicken with a pulley in the middle, the treasure of Melee Island which is nothing more than a t-shirt and much more. They may come in handy in surprising ways and you'll need to think logically to use them and solve the puzzles. Another nice fact is that this game is the first adventure game in which it is impossible to actually die or get stuck.

The Bad
The point and click interface can be a bit awkward at times and some puzzles can be really hard so that you really need to think in weird ways to find the solution.

The Bottom Line
This is simply the standard for adventure games. Brilliant, brilliant, brilliant! One of the finest games ever.

By Rensch on June 29th, 2005

Sam & Max: Hit the Road (DOS)

Another great adventure from the creators of Maniac Mansion and Monkey Island!

The Good
First of all, the graphics are surprisingly good and have a cool comic-book style that you will love. However, the best thing about this game is it's areas and characters. You'll find weird attractions in the USA such as world's largest ball of twine, a bungee jumping spot set in the nose of president Lincoln at Mt. Rushmore and a weird area ignoring gravity laws called the Mystery Vortex. You play as Sam a dog detective and his pal Max, a rabbit. Max can collect weird items which prove more useful than you think. You may even need to use Max at certain points. The game can be very hilarious at times and once you play for a while you'll be hooked. Sam and Max are trying to find a missing Bigfoot and thus stumble upon weird and funny characters such as Conroy Bumpus, a country singer whose only problem is is small height, an old B-movie actress and an Indian telekinetic tool bending guy. These totally weird and crazy things make it original, which is good because otherwise it would just be another basic point and click game.

The Bad
Sometimes it's difficult what you need to do next, which makes you want to use a walkthrough constantly.

The Bottom Line
A brilliant and totally crazy game that will get you hooked, especially if you liked Monkey Island and Maniac Mansion.

By Rensch on June 25th, 2005

Commander Keen: Aliens Ate My Babysitter! (DOS)

The final Commander Keen game, and it's great as always!

The Good
The story is OK again. Billy Blaze the kid genius a.k.a Commander Keen, defender of Earth must once again travel into space, because his babysitter who also happens to be the big sister of his former nemesis, has been abducted by an alien race called the Bloogs. They have taken her to their homeplanet called Fribilus Xax. This story takes the player on yet another series of cartoon style levels filled with new enemies such as the Bloogs, Bobba's and the Orbatrix. The enemies a crazier than ever and you'll have a good time figuring how they attack and how they should be attacked. The graphics are once more those, at that time, beautiful cartoon-like graphics that were used in parts 4 and 5. It's the same engine so expect basically the same as parts 4 and 5. You will find the same items such as chocolates and soda for points and Viva's which you need to collect 100 of to get an extra life, much like the drops in Keen 4, the vitalins in Keen 5 or the coins in Mario games. Certain items are even required to be reach new areas on the map. The gameplay, because it uses the same engine as Keen 4 and 5, remains the same which means smooth and easy to learn gameplay, so that's a positive thing. The game's levels are quite diverse you'll travel from waterfall's to factories and even a secret space station. However, they are still not as diverse as in Keen 4.

The Bad
As with all Keen games it may be a bit too hard for unexperienced players even in easy mode. The biggest flaw of this game is it's lack of innovation. Finding certain items to reach new areas is a nice new twist but it's just not enough. This is clearly a game that sticks to the old formula to ensure long-time fans won't stop buying it, which can actually also be considered a weak point.

The Bottom Line
Another perfectly styled platform game that unfortunately doesn't add any significant new twists. However it's too bad the sequel mentioned in the ending sequence has never been made because of Id's other projects, it would have been a great game for a grand finale to the series. Play through this great classic to learn why.

By Rensch on June 20th, 2005

Commander Keen 5: The Armageddon Machine (DOS)

Help Keen destroy the machine that will destroy the galaxy.

The Good
The story is pretty good: In Keen 4 "Secret of the Oracle" kid genius Billy Blaze a.k.a Commander Keen has learned that an alien race called the Shikadi want to destroy the galaxy from their space station, the Omegamatic. In there they keep the Quantum Explosion Dynamo (QED), a machine meant to destroy the galaxy. Now you must help Keen find the four machines protecting the main elevator shaft leading to the QED and destroy them as well as the QED itself. The graphics are brilliant and in cartoon style again. You really feel like being on a giant space station. In the challenging levels you'll find many new hazards such as small robot guards, computing robots, the giant and very dangerous Robo Red and eventually the Shikadi themselves. The levels have good level design that really test your skill making this series one of the most popular PC alternatives for Mario. There are cool new sounds and music via your sound card that make it complete. The controls are still the same as in Keen 4 and are simple and similar to many games similar to Keen. Control to Jump and Alt for the Pogo stick or you van choose a setting for using these buttons together to shoot (you'll hate that though). The Space Bar is used to shoot normally. Everything plays very smooth and just the same as part 4 since it's from the same release, which means a very good gameplay.

The Bad
It's not as diverse as Keen 4 which was set on a diverse planet with forests, deserts and so on which made it my favorite Keen. This one is the same space station style all the way making it a little bit less interesting. The game, as with most Commander Keen games, is a bit too challenging for beginners. Even in easy mode it will prove to be hard.

The Bottom Line
A brilliant conclusion to the "Goodbye Galaxy" series. Keen 5 is not as diverse as Keen 4 but it's still a worthy sequel to that game. Try it now if you haven't already done so!

By Rensch on June 20th, 2005

Commander Keen: Keen Dreams (DOS)

Sort of different from the other games in the series, this "lost episode"

The Good
This game was meant as a follow up to "invasion of the Vorticons" (parts 1-3) which was published by Apogee. This game was published by Softdisk. However former Softdisk employees founded the company Id software who also made the first trilogy. They were, however, still obligated to create some games for Softdisk. This is one of them. It fits between part 3 and 4 and is often called the "lost episode or episode 3.5. Probably because of this reason Keen Dreams doesn't fit well in the series because it's not space and alien related. Instead, Keen walks trough a dreamworld full of monstrous vegetables. He needs to save other kids from the dream machine and defeat the potato king called Boobus Tuber. The game's graphics are not yet as good as Keen 4's but still way better than the first trilogy. However some things are nice such as keen walking in pajama's making him fit well with the game's theme and there's those poles you can climb also seen in keen 4. I found that sound effects are working well which is at least better than the first trilogy. In those games you didn't have sound card support.

The Bad
The levels are fun but a lot of them are short and very easy and you usually can skip lots of rooms if you want to reach the end of a bigger level. There should be music only in the registered version but it didn't work on my PC. And as I said the story is not bad but it just doesn't make sense if all the other games are more space and alien related. What I missed most is the pogo-stick and the gun. You now only have some silly bombs that transform your enemies in flowers for just a short time which is a bit disappointing.

The Bottom Line
A fun game but if you want the ultimate Keen experience, play part 4,5 or 6.

By Rensch on June 20th, 2005

Commander Keen 4: Secret of the Oracle (DOS)

Often considered best part of the series. It's my favorite Keen game.

The Good
The graphics! The first trilogy "Invasion of the Vorticons" had simple graphics that just did the job. From part 4 however, an all new graphics engine is used. This new engine vastly increases the graphics. Instead of the simple graphics seen before, this game has beautiful comic-style graphics that are much better than most of Apogee's platform games of that age. The story continues as eight-year old genius Billy Blaze picks up a help sign from outer space. Once again he transforms into Commander Keen to go on another mission. His mission leads him to the Shadowlands, a diverse landscape on the planet of Gnosticus IV. This diversity makes it my favorite Keen. While most games in the series have more or less similar worlds this game has levels ranging from desert castles and Aztec-like pyramids to forests and caves. There is even a diving level where you meet the legendary Dopefish, one of gaming,s most beloved enemies. This brings me to another strong point of the game: enemies. You will meet many dangerous creatures such as the Poison Slugs, Skypests, Inchworms and many more. Also there are some friendly characters that could be useful such as Princess Lindsay, Bounder and the old and wise men you need to rescue at some levels. Another vastly improved point is gameplay. While the first trilogy had smooth gameplay for it's time, in this one it's even better. Jumping is much smoother now and thank goodness they fixed the annoying CONTROL+ALT shooting method (it's still optional, but what loser wants it anyway?). New gameplay twists include shooting in different directions, climbable poles and clinging to ceilings. Also included are some fun twists such as a secret level, a method to make Keen "moon" you and a pong-like mini-game which are nice. Another new feature that I missed in the first trilogy was sound card support. There's music now!

The Bad
It's a bit too hard at certain points, even when in easy-mode, mostly because you can take only one hit and you'll die. This isn't necessarily a bad thing for some people, though .

The Bottom Line
This has been improved so much from before that even those people who didn't like the first trilogy mat still love this (the same counts for part 4 and 5, since they use the same engine). Of all classic Apogee platform games this is probably the best one. You'll love it, it's brilliant! (This is not a surprise if you know that the same guys made such great 3D-shooters such as Wolfenstein 3D, Quake and, off course, Doom.)

By Rensch on June 19th, 2005

Commander Keen 3: Keen Must Die! (DOS)

Probably the toughest of all CK games.

The Good
Graphically it's the same as part 1 and 2 because it's from the same release (the try one free and get the others by buying them formula) but it there is much more to see in this one because you are on the home planet of the Vorticans. You will see buildings with houses and schools in them and lots of different Vortican enemies such as ninja's big mother's and kids. This is also the only Keen with an actual boss battle, which is nice. You must help eight-year old genius Billy Blaze A.K.A as Commander Keen defeat the Grand Intellect after having repaired his ship and destroyed the Vortican ship in the first two parts. The identity of the Grand Intellect is unknown but if you manage to reach him it will be kind of surprising. It's a pretty good story. There are some secret areas as well just as before which is a cool twist. The controls are still the same too, which is good because it was very smooth for such an old PC game.

The Bad
There's still the annoying ALT+CONTROL shooting method and the sound is just some simple bleeps just as before. The controls were good as I said but are dated now, especially when you are jumping. It may also be a bit too hard even for a CK game which are all pretty tough games.

The Bottom Line
Yet another fun classic that should be in your collection for DOS games. It's old but still brilliant and addictive.

By Rensch on June 17th, 2005

Commander Keen 2: The Earth Explodes (DOS)

Help Keen destroy the laser cannons that will destroy earth in the second part of the infamous and brilliant series.

The Good
Graphically it's OK and just about the same as part one, which means cute graphics and funny and totally crazy looking enemies. The game continues the story started in the first episode, but has a story of it's own too. Keen has infiltrated the Vortican Mother ship build to destroy earth. He now has to find all the laser cannon's and destroy them to save the famous cities where they are aimed at, such as Moscow, New York and London. You will find these in the different levels spread on the main map similar to part one. Just like the graphics the gameplay is the same because it's basically the second part of the same release. This means you will find smooth gameplay rarely seen on the PC in games of that age. This one is not shareware just as part 3 and unlike part 1 (This system is used in many of Apogee's games). You can still buy this game, however. If you loved the first part you will love this one too, for sure.

The Bad
The gameplay is a bit dated by today's standards. Another problem comes with shooting because you need to use the combination of ALT+CONTROL to shoot. This is especially frustrating if you need to shoot and do a hi-jump with keen's pogo stick since you use CONTROL to jump and ALT for the pogo and combining these two results in a hi-jump which is needed sometimes.

The Bottom Line
Another fun classic platform game that is just the second part of the same release as part one so don't expect anything new. This is not really a problem since part one is also a brilliant classic.

By Rensch on June 16th, 2005

Commander Keen 1: Marooned on Mars (DOS)

Who said side-scrolling platform games were not possible on PC's?!

The Good
Cute and colorful graphics. The gameplay was also great for it's time. Smooth scrolling gameplay was never (or at least not that I now of) seen before in platform games on the PC. Some cool innovations such as a pogo stick to jump higher made this game an instant classing. The gameplay was similar to that of Super Mario Bros. at some points, but it was not just another attempt to clone that game. The story was different from the classic "save the princess" formula. You are eight year old genius Billy Blaze and must stop the Vorticans from destroying earth. Billy travels to Mars in this first episode in a trilogy (this game was one of the first that were distributed following the infamous "get part one free as shareware and get the sequels too by buying them" idea that was used in a lot of Apogee games and many publishers have copied). On Mars his ship gets sabotaged by the Vorticans and now you need to collect the stolen parts to repair the ship and help keen continue his adventures. This story was quite original at that age.

The Bad
Some things are a bit dated now such as finding keys to put in the corresponding doors and the gameplay doesn't also quite do the job anymore after 15 years. When this game was released it didn't really have notable flaws, however.

The Bottom Line
Though this game is a bit too dated at certain points it's still a brilliant game that is still free available as shareware and you can still buy it's sequels. If you are looking for a good classic platformer on the PC, you may want to pick this one up.

By Rensch on June 16th, 2005

Myst III: Exile (Windows)

Another beautiful adventure.

The Good
Graphically it's brilliant again. There's a lot of detail. Gameplay is enhanced as you can now look around yourself in 360 degree views. The story is still very good. A man called Saavedro (brilliantly played by oscar winner Brad Dourif from One Flew Over the Cucoo's Nest and Lord of the Rings: the Two Towers) wants revenge on Atrus because his sons, Sirrus and Achenar (from Myst 1) have ruined his life. Now he wants to lure you into his hideout by stealing the book that can take the user to Releeshahn, a world that Atrus created for his people. As you travel through the worlds, you will find clues and puzzles and the story unfolds. The worlds (or Ages as they are called) are linked together by "linking books" in which they are described. You need to find all of them to get Releeshahn back. This story is sure a good one.

The Bad
Some puzzles are still a bit too hard, though this one is still easier as the second part of the Myst series: Riven. Finding paths is difficult sometimes because of pointing and clicking, especially in areas where things look a lot like each other such as the forest age Edanna. There's not really a lot of innovation but if you loved the earlier parts, you'll love this one too. If not, however, don't buy this. This is for players who like thinking, not for the action fans.

The Bottom Line
Another breathtakingly beautiful game that sadly doesn't offer much innovation. The fans won't probably mind that last problem, though.

By Rensch on June 15th, 2005

Riven: The Sequel to Myst (Windows)

Let's get sucked up by a world so beautiful, it's creepy.

The Good
The graphics! Everything is much more detailed and realistic that Myst. You just want to be there and that's exactly how you should play (or experience) this game. It's still the pointing, clicking, exploring and puzzle solving. You need to look very carefully and learn to think in a special way to enjoy this and solve the mysteries of Riven. If you like thinking and exploring this is a gem for you, if not stop reading this. The game starts were Myst left of. Your friend Atrus sends you to the Riven age to rescue his beloved wife Catherine who is held captive on one of Riven's islands by Gehn, Atrus' evil father. You also need to trap Gehn with a prison book. However, if you make a mistake you may have a wrong ending. There are ten (!) different endings to Riven. The story from Myst continues and gets even more complex which is great. The sound is also great and plays a good part in gameplay.

The Bad
Pointing and clicking can sometimes be confusing and the disc-swapping really works badly on your nerves. If you want to buy this look for the DVD version first that doesn't have this problem. Some puzzles are too hard. Myst had this but here it's even worse.

The Bottom Line
A brilliant game that is very beautiful. If you enjoyed Myst or similar games you simply love this. Everything has been vastly improved from Myst. If you are more the action type and don't like thinking leave this !

By Rensch on June 12th, 2005

Myst (Windows)

This game is so weird, it's simply brilliant.

The Good
When this was released, it was not like other point and click adventures such as Monkey Island and Maniac Mansion, but a first-person view game so that YOU become the protagonist. This makes it fresh and unlike anything else. Instead of fighting baddies you are totally alone on this island and you have to find clues to discover what happened and solve puzzles to progress. This way the (brilliant) story slowly unfolds. Therefore if you are an action gamer stop reading otherwise read on. You'll soon find out that there are two brothers called Sirrus and Achenar trapped in books and you need to free them but they but both blame each other for being a liar so who's right and what about Atrus and Catherine, their parents? That's for you to find out. You need to travel to all the different ages (worlds) of Myst by finding the linking books in which these worlds are described and retrieve the pages torn from the books to take them back to the library. In each age a blue (Sirrus) and red (Achenar) page is hidden and a linking book back to Myst. The puzzles are challenging and fun (you may find them too difficult at times, though) but if you concentrate on them and think logically and look for relations between things you'll find the solution eventually. You need to explore everything to gain all clues and solve all puzzles. The game can be completed in different ways but only one is the correct one (That's up to you). The graphics are also surprisingly beautiful and combined with the realistic sounds it really gives you the feel of being alone on a deserted and surrealistic island.

The Bad
The puzzles may be a bit too hard as mentioned before so you may need a walkthrough at times.

The Bottom Line
If you like puzzling and exploring, this is for you. If not leave this!

By Rensch on June 10th, 2005

Donkey Kong Country (Game Boy Advance)

Though DKC is still a great game this port doesn't offer enough new things to make it a good buy if you played the original SNES classic.

The Good
The level design. This has been one of the strongest points since this game was released on the SNES. You need to time your jumps carefully and also watch which character you are currently playing because each of them (Diddy and Donkey Kong) has certain weaker and stronger points compared to the other one. You can unlock some extra challenges if you search for all the items as well as new pictures in the new picture gallery. Two new mini games are added including a dancing and fishing game. They are nice but not a reason to buy this if you had the original. Furthermore the sound is also very good even on the GBA. It's still all those brilliant atmospheric tunes from the SNES.

The Bad
It just doesn't offer enough for the millions of SNES veterans. The new modes are worth a look but you won't find them worth the money to buy this GBA version. It's basically made to give younger players the ability to play this classic. Also the graphics don't look so well. The enemies and heroes are still looking great but the levels (especially backgrounds) are looking horribly blurred at times, and are just ported badly.

The Bottom Line
It's still a brilliant game and you'll love it if you haven't played the original. If you did and are already familiar with the SNES or GBC version it doesn't offer enough to make it a valuable purchase.

By Rensch on May 31st, 2005

Metroid: Zero Mission (Game Boy Advance)

Though not as good as Metroid Fusion this is still much more than just another remake.

The Good
This game is basically another remake of an old NES classic: Metroid. Though this is a remake it has got so many new things that you won't really mind even if you played the original. The story is therefore not as great as in recent Metroid titles but it does the job: Space pirates want to use the life sucking abilities of a newly discovered life-form called Metroids to create a very powerful weapon to control the galaxy. Interstellar bounty hunter Samus Aran must now destroy the Metroids and the Pirate leading Mother Brain. The gameplay, as in all Metroid games is smooth and easy. It's just plain brilliant. Lots of power-ups to Samus's power suit force you to look everywhere for new ones to proceed to new area's or reach new rooms in area's visited before. This makes Metroid such a good series. The graphics are also brilliant. Though the backgrounds of the caves in which this game is set do not allow as much detail as 2002's Metroid Fusion's space station, but they are beautiful in a different way and make use of a great comic-book style. All other sprites including Samus and her enemies are of the same style and quality as Fusion. The music is simply one off the best on the GBA if not the best. It's very atmospheric and beautiful and really gives you the feel that fits with being alone on a planet full of suspense and monsters.

The Bad
The game is much too short and easy. The difference in difficulty between easy and normal is difficult to notice. However if you complete the normal mode you will unlock a hard mode which is significantly harder. Also unlockable is the original NES game and the usual gallery of pictures. Each picture can be unlocked if you play through the game with certain criteria such as reaching the end with a certain amount of items. You can also link with Fusion to obtain the gallery of that game. These unlockables make up pretty good for the short length of the game, which is nice after all, but it's still not as good as Fusion. The longevity is the main reason for that. You wish there was just more to the game because it's such a great game.

The Bottom Line
Brilliant but because it's a remake and not a sequel you will be better of with Fusion which is longer and harder and gives you more for the same price. But this is definitely not a bad game, don't get me wrong but try Fusion first. If you like this game you'll simply love Fusion.

By Rensch on May 29th, 2005

Metroid Fusion (Game Boy Advance)

Brilliant for Metroid newbies as well as long-time fans

The Good
The gameplay was very smooth and easy to learn and just excellent. I don't think there are that many GBA games with such good gameplay. Furthermore the graphics are brilliant and when this was released back in 2002 this was one of the best looking GBA games to date and it still looks excellent. Everything is worked out pixel-perfect and the colors are beautiful and fit with the theme. The sound is simply very atmospheric and dark and just gives you the feeling of really being on the space station featured in the game but it's a bit repetitive, though. The story has always been a strong part of the Metroid series and with Metroid Fusion it's not different. Samus Aran is being infected with a deadly virus but a Metroid medicine saves her and makes her immune to them and able to feed on them to replenish energy. however the virus called X can mimic every creature. Now Samus must find her way through an X infected space station and destroy the X thread. The story builds up very well throughout the game. Simply a very dramatic and interesting storyline! there's also a nice link function when you complete the GameCube game Metroid Prime. You can import Samus' new Fusion Suit from Fusion into Prime.

The Bad
The music as mentioned before is good but repetitive. The replay is a bit disappointing because if you play trough it more quickly you only get awarded with a few more pictures. It gets worse if you know that the hard-mode was cut from the western release.

The Bottom Line
Another brilliant piece of shooting and jumping and most importantly exploring to get back your abilities. Fun for both fans or newbies (like me). Buy it!

By Rensch on March 26th, 2005