Retro Games – Blog of Games – A Friendly Gaming Community https://blogofgames.com Fri, 15 Nov 2024 07:54:27 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=6.8.2 https://blogofgames.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/cropped-BoG-black-1-180x180-3501448-150x150.png Retro Games – Blog of Games – A Friendly Gaming Community https://blogofgames.com 32 32 Jurassic Park SNES – Retro Review https://blogofgames.com/jurassic-park-snes-retro-review/ Fri, 04 Mar 2022 14:53:00 +0000 https://blogofgames.com/?p=399 When Jurassic Park hit movie theatres in 1993 it became an instant classic. The same can’t really be said when the Jurassic Park SNES game was released in the same year. 

It’s not all bad though, and the game has its moments. Read on for a retro review of this action-adventure SNES video game by Ocean of America. 

Jurassic Park Gameplay

In SNES Jurassic Park, you take on the role of Dr. Alan Grant – a paleontologist who gets trapped in the dinosaur theme park (as you do) and must fight his way to an escape.  

Like in the film Dr. Grant’s (Sam Neill’s character in the film) van is pushed into one of the park’s pits by T-Rex, and he then undergoes a mission to recover Tim and Lex to get them safely off the island. 

Although the plot of this Jurassic Park game is based on the original film. It should be noted that the sequel to this game, Jurassic Park 2: The Chaos Continues, is a non-canonical game that is not an adaptation to any of the franchise’s movies or books. 

As with most SNES games, the story plays very little role in the game, and it should instead be judged by its gameplay.   

Jurassic Park SNES Map

The gameplay is actually quite good and, in my opinion, better than many reviews give it credit for. The game is played from a top-down perspective, and the protagonist can be moved in eight different directions.

There are eight areas in total, with each region of the map being substantial for a SNES game. They all feel unique, too. There are 5 weapons to choose from in total, including the cattle prod that you start with. You can hold 2 weapons at once, with one button being dedicated to the primary weapon, and another to the secondary. 

Dotted around each area are buildings in which the player can enter. In these buildings is a representation of the ambition that Ocean of America had when developing the game. As soon as you enter a building, the perspective switches to first person and you are tasked with gunning down the rogue dinosaurs that have escaped confinement. Granted, the graphics in these sections isn’t great, nor is the gameplay. But one has to admire the ambitious effort of incorporating Wolfenstein-esque gameplay as a side game. 

Jurassic Park SNES is not without its drawbacks, though. If you are playing the original version of the game on cartridge, you will not be able to stop part way through as there are no passwords and no way of saving the game. This is slightly annoying as the game is quite a slog. As compensation for this, the game gives you 5 lives and 2 continues to get the job done. 

Additionally, despite the map being impressively big, there is no in-game minimap. Luckily for you, though, I’ve uploaded a picture of the SNES Jurassic Park Map above. 

Jurassic Park SNES – First-person action

One thing that really stands out in the game is the music. Although vastly different to John Williams’ famous score for the movie, the game’s soundtrack is uniquely chilling in a way that will keep you on edge as you roam and roam and roam the seemingly endless map.  

Visually, the game is bright and not at all bad looking for its era. It’s particularly noteworthy that the developers attempted to incorporate both first-person and top-down aspects into the game, albeit with varying success. Yet, the game is bright and colorful and stands up well against any other SNES game that was released in 1993. 

What did you think of Jurassic Park for the SNES? A timeless classic, or one to forget? Let us know in the comment section below!

For any enquiries, contact richard@blogofgames.com

For a great longplay walkthrough of the game, check out the YouTube video below by Media Pool. 

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Will there be a Final Fantasy X-3? Everything we know so far https://blogofgames.com/will-there-be-a-final-fantasy-x-3-everything-we-know-so-far/ Fri, 04 Feb 2022 10:24:00 +0000 https://blogofgames.com/?p=174 Fans of FFX will be used to the rumors of a Final Fantasy X-3 release, and there has been intermittent news related to the topic ever since the original was released in 2001. 

But what exactly do we know about a potential sequel? Will it be released any time soon, if at all? Here’s everything we know about it so far.  

Related: What is the best Final Fantasy game of all time?

Will there be a Final Fantasy X-3?

FFX Characters

The good news is that there is a very real possibility of a Final Fantasy X-3 being developed at some point in the future. The bad news is that it is unlikely to be anytime soon. 

In 2021, it was reported that FFX writer Kazushige Nojima had loosely written a draft story for Final Fantasy X-3, and it seems that there are conversations behind the scenes about a third sequel eventually taking place. 

There is obviously an awareness of the demand for a third game in the Final Fantasy X series, and many people were left unsatisfied with how things ended with FFX-2 and the subsequent novel. It is possible that this sentiment could push the developers to prioritize ending the series on a high note by rounding things up in another sequel.   

One member of the Final Fantasy development team, Motomu Toriyama, has said that the team “has to finish the remake of 7” before they can even think about progressing with any game. 

And with FF7 Remake rumoured to be a trilogy, it is perhaps too early to be thinking about a Final Fantasy X-3 release date. The remake series could take several years to complete, so it is not likely we will hear anything about another FFX sequel any time soon. 

What would the Final Fantasy X-3 story look like? 

Final Fantasy X-3 could focus on Braska, Jecht, and Auron

This is something that has been much debated in the FFX fandom over the years, and there are seemingly a number of directions that the writers could follow with the story. 

One of the most common theories is that a third installment to the series would be a prequel following Braska’s pilgrimage and journey to defeat Sin. This is an appealing prospect as we would get to see a deeper insight into the history of Spira, while also learning about the relationship that was formed between Braska, Jecht and Sir Auron. 

Another option could be to focus the game on the Machina War between the cities of Bevelle and Zanarkand. The War is alluded to in X, X-2, and X-2.5, and the details are sufficient enough to flesh out into a fully fledged game. There are many things to unpack from the Machina War (which took place 1,000 years before the events of FFX), and a game focussed on this period of Spira’s history could look at the destruction of Zanarkand, the creation of Sin by Yu Yevon, and the different ways of living in Zanarkand and Bevelle. 

In truth, the game’s lore has so much depth that a Final Fantasy X-3 could choose a number of things to follow up on, or even combine some of the aforementioned potential plot directions. 

Is there a FFX Remake?

Would Tidus and Wakka feature in a third game?

There has not been a FFX Remake in the same vein as the FInal Fantasy 7 Remake. However, an HD remaster of FFX and X-2 was released in 2013 and is now available on multiple platforms. 

This will have, undoubtedly, brought new audiences to the game and reinvigorated a desire to see a release of Final Fantasy X-3

Get in Touch

If Final Fantasy X-3 was released, what would you like to be included in the game?

For any enquiries, contact richard@blogofgames.com

To watch a beautiful video made for the 20th anniversary of FFX, check out the great YouTube video below by Toby Saunders. 

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Can you Customize The Brotherhood in FFX? https://blogofgames.com/can-you-customize-the-brotherhood-in-ffx/ Fri, 28 Jan 2022 14:33:00 +0000 https://blogofgames.com/?p=271 When Rikku joins the party as a permanent member, you get access to the very useful Customize ability which allows you to modify any weapon in the game which has an empty slot for a new ability. 

One of the first things you might try to do is customize Tidus’ weapon, The Brotherhood. This is an obvious step to take as there are 3 empty slots ready to be upgraded. Yet, you’ll soon discover that this isn’t possible. Fear not, though, The Brotherhood does get upgraded, read on to find out when. 

Can You Customize The Brotherhood in FFX?

the-brotherhood-was-once-chappus-sword-2566867 The Brotherhood was once Chappu’s sword

The Brotherhood is not customizable during the start of the game, and even for a short while after Rikku joins the party and makes the Customize option available. 

The Brotherhood is automatically upgraded after visiting the Farplane in Guadosalam. When you enter the Farplane, interacting with Wakka initiates a dialogue between him and his brother, Chappu. 

Wakka tells his brother that Tidus reminds him of Chappu, and that he had given him Chappu’s sword. Following this scene, Tidus’ Brotherhood is upgraded automatically, gaining Waterstrike, Strength +10%, and Sensor

FAQs

What is Tidus’ Sword Called?

Tidus’s main weapon in Final Fantasy X is The Brotherhood. The sword has a blue, watery appearance and eventually becomes imbued with the very useful Waterstrike upgrade. Tidus’ other main weapon is the Caladbolg, which can be acquired late on in the game. 

How Do You Upgrade Weapons in Final Fantasy X?

The ability to upgrade weapons in FFX becomes available when Rikku joins the party in Moonflow after defeating the Shoopuf. Rikku will give Tidus a brief tutorial on how the Customize feature works using the menu. Subsequently, any item with an empty slot may be upgraded. 

How do you get Tidus’ Celestial Weapon?

Tidus’ Celestial Weapon is the Caladbolg and it is one of the strongest swords in FFX. To acquire it, you must first get the Celestial Mirror by completing a side quest in Macalania Woods South. 

Then, you must head to the Calm Lands and beat the Chocobo Trainer to acquire the Lv. 3 Key Sphere. This will also open the path to Celestial Weapon in the northernmost part of the Calm Lands. 

Finally, take the Sun Sigil and the Sun Crest to the giant orb in Macalania Woods and upgrade the Caladbolg by interacting with it. 

Get in Touch

What’s your favorite weapon in FFX? Do you like to wield The Brotherhood, or do you prefer your own customized weapon for Tidus? Let us know in the comment section below!

For any enquiries, contact richard@blogofgames.com

To see the Farplane scenes in Final Fantasy X, check out the video below. 

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The Original Besaid Aurochs: How Good Can They Get? https://blogofgames.com/the-original-besaid-aurochs-how-good-can-they-get/ Thu, 27 Jan 2022 09:08:00 +0000 https://blogofgames.com/?p=155 One of the best things about Final Fantasy X is the side game, Blitzball. In fact, finding the best Blitzball players can be a rewarding experience in itself that will have you travelling all around Spira.

Yet, how good would your team be if you stuck to the original lineup of the Besaid Aurochs. Is it worth keeping Keepa around? Is Letty a worthy box-to-box midfielder? Read on to find out!

Besaid Aurochs Original Lineup

Tidus

tidus-besaid-aurochs-7876488 Tidus – Besaid Aurochs

Position: Forward

Level 1 Stats: HP 132. SP 60. EN 10. AT 3. PA 3. BL 2. SH 10. CA 1.

Level 50 Stats: HP 3,347. SP 64. EN 45. AT 13. PA 31. BL 11. SH 49. CA 11.

Level 99 Stats: HP 9,999. SP 67. EN 80. AT 23. PA 49. BL 19. SH 78. CA 20.

Tidus is probably the only original member of the Besaid Aurochs that you’re likely to keep around long term if you’re going for the best possible team. 

Starting off with strong Endurance and Shot stats, the best thing about Tidus’ Blitzball skills are his Sphere Shot and Jecht Shot, which should win you most games early on with the Aurochs. 

Datto

datto-aurochs-9310705 Datto – Aurochs

Position: Forward

Level 1 Stats: HP 90. SP 60. EN 12. AT 2. PA 4. BL 2. SH 8. CA 1.

Level 50 Stats: HP 2,852. SP 87. EN 41. AT 12. PA 19. BL 9. SH 35. CA 11.

Level 99 Stats: HP 8,567. SP 90. EN 65. AT 26. PA 34. BL 26. SH 62. CA 20.

Datto is a good Forward to have in the team, and is a player who remains relatively consistent throughout. 

He starts (and keeps) solid Endurance and Shooting stats, and if you stick with him until level 99, he’ll be the fastest player in the Besaid Aurochs lineup and the third fastest player in the entire game behind Nedus and Brother. 

Letty

letty-besaid-aurochs-5448988 Letty – Besaid Aurochs

Position: Midfielder

Level 1 Stats: HP 95. SP 60. EN 7. AT 5. PA 10. BL 5. SH 4. CA 1.

Level 50 Stats: HP 3,092. SP 60. EN 29. AT 18. PA 43. BL 22. SH 19. CA 11.

Level 99 Stats: HP 9,209. SP 60. EN 61. AT 37. PA 83. BL 39. SH 39. CA 20.

Letty is a well-rounded midfielder with exceptional Passing abilities and decent Endurance stats. 

If you start playing Blitzball early on in the game (not highly recommended if you’re building the strongest team), Letty will be a real asset to the team. In truth, though, as other players in the game level up around him, his abilities are quickly overshadowed. 

Jassu

jassu-besaid-aurochs-3362390 Jassu – Besaid Aurochs

Position: Defender

Level 1 Stats: HP 100. SP 63. EN 7. AT 10. PA 7. BL 5. SH 1. CA 1.

Level 50 Stats: HP 3,520. SP 65. EN 31. AT 25. PA 27. BL 21. SH 11. CA 11.

Level 99 Stats: HP 9,999. SP 67. EN 37. AT 50. PA 52. BL 40. SH 20. CA 20.

Jassu is a solid defender early on in the game, with strong AT and BL attributes. Additionally, Jassu’s passing ability is good enough that he can double up as a midfielder if you are so inclined to do so. 

Unfortunately, Jassu doesn’t progress as fast as some of the other members of the Besaid Aurochs, and it can feel like a chore to keep him in the team at times. 

Botta

botta-besaid-aurochs-9240716 Botta – Besaid Aurochs

Position: Defender

Level 1 Stats: HP 105. SP 60. EN 3. AT 10. PA 6. BL 2. SH 1. CA 1.

Level 50 Stats: HP 3,353. SP 60. EN 16. AT 24. PA 18. BL 17. SH 12. CA 11.

Level 99 Stats: HP 9,121. SP 60. EN 34. AT 46. PA 16. BL 61. SH 26. CA 21.

Similarly to Jassu, Botta starts off as a decent defender and will get you through the early Blitzball games at low levels. His AT attribute is his main attribute at the start of the game, but his EN is nothing to write home about. 

Botta’s BL stat starts off very low, but biomes very high if you stick with him to the later levels (61 at level 99). 

Keepa

keepa-besaid-aurochs-2509061 Keepa – Besaid Aurochs

Level 1 Stats: HP 90. SP 54. EN 4. AT 2. PA 2. BL 4. SH 1. CA 5.

Level 50 Stats: HP 3,075. SP 54. EN 22. AT 7. PA 13. BL 17. SH 4. CA 31.

Level 99 Stats: HP 8,028. SP 53. EN 45. AT 22. PA 23. BL 57. SH 99. CA 39.

Keepa starts off as probably the weakest link in the original Besaid Aurochs lineup. His Catching stat is a mere 5 at level 1, but increases steadily to 39 by the time he is level 99. 

One of the most surprising things about Keepa, though, is that if you persevere with him throughout all the levels, he ends up with the highest Shooting stat in the entire game at 99! It’s fun to do, if nothing else. 

Wakka

wakka-blitzball-1462551 Wakka – Besaid Aurochs

Position: Forward

Level 1 Stats: HP 150. SP 60. EN11. AT 3. PA 3. BL 2. SH 13. CA 1.

Level 50 Stats: HP 2,920. SP 60. EN 40. AT 10. PA 19. BL 7. SH 46. CA 11.

Level 99 Stats: HP 8,817. SP 60. EN 78. AT 16. PA 35. BL 11. SH 80. CA 20.

Wakka starts as an original member of the Besaid Aurochs, but becomes unavailable until you get the airship. Once you do get the ship, though, Wakka can be hired for 1 gil per match. 

One of the best things about Wakka is the Aurochs Spirit ability that appears randomly as a prize during the Blitzball tournaments. This ability adds +10 to Wakka’s shot, in addition to the SH stats of any Besaid Aurochs player in the pitch at the same time. This is one reason why keeping onto the original lineup can prove beneficial. 

FAQs

Where are the Besaid Aurochs based?

The Besaid Aurochs are, unsurprisingly, based on the island of Besaid. They were widely regarded as the worst team in the whole of Spira, but the emergence of Tidus has the ability to change their fortunes. 

How do you get an Aurochs Reel for Wakka’s Overdrive?

To get the Aurochs Reels, you must have competed in 450 battles with Wakka. Then, it will appear as a prize during one of the Blitzball Tournaments. Follow the link to learn more about Wakka’s Overdrives. 

Is Datto a good Blitzball player?

Datto is one of the best players for the Besaid Aurochs. He is also a player that you could keep in the team throughout all of the levels without sacrificing much quality. 

Datto has the potential to become the third fastest player in the game.  

Get in Touch

Did you keep the original Besaid Aurochs lineup? Or did you recruit other blitzball players? If so, who did you choose? Let us know in the comment section below! 

For any enquiries, contact richard@blogofgames.com

Check out the first time Tidus meets the Besaid Aurochs below!

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Golden Axe 3 – Is It Really As Bad As People Say? https://blogofgames.com/golden-axe-3-is-it-really-as-bad-as-people-say/ Fri, 14 Jan 2022 14:17:00 +0000 https://blogofgames.com/?p=254 Everyone of a certain age remembers the original hack-and-slash Golden Axe game of 1989. The story followed the characters of Gilius, Ax, and Tyris in their quest to exact revenge on the villainous Death Adder. Its sequel, Golden Axe 2 (1991), followed the same heroes as they dealt with fresh evil in the form of the Dark Guld. 

The third game in the main series, Golden Axe 3, was released in 1993 and follows completely new characters, while also attempting a stylistic shift from its predecessors. The game was not very well received by critics (which perhaps influenced Sega’s decision not to release it in the west) and has since largely been forgotten. But, in my opinion, the criticisms of the game were unreasonable and over the top. Read on for my Golden Axe 3 review. 

Golden Axe 3 Review

The Story

Golden Axe 3 – Kain Grinder

Golden Axe III follows four brand new characters in the form of Kain Grinder (a swordsman), Sarah Burn (a swordswoman), Chronos Lait (a beastman), and Cragger (a giant). 

As with the previous games, the main objective is to navigate a number of side-scrolling levels in order to eventually confront the game’s antagonist. In this instance, that villain is Damud Hellstrike, also known as the Prince of Darkness. 

Prince Hellstrike has stolen the Golden Axe, and the heroes are tasked with defeating him in order to return the axe and lift the curse that has blighted the world. One of the new aspects brought in to Golden Axe 3 was that players can choose the path they take to get to the Prince of Darkness. This was done at junction points in the game, and enabled players to select the direction and path they wanted to walk. 

RELATED: What are the hardest bosses in Streets of Rage?

The Good

Golden Axe 3 – Chronos

Golden Axe III does many things well, and introduces some new features to the game that its predecessors lack. For starters, it introduces new movesets with increased variety. Each character has unique abilities and is also able to perform a super move. There is also the addition to grapple moves a la Streets of Rage

Another plus for the game is the introduction of new characters. Granted, Kain Grinder and Sarah Burn are almost exact replicas of Ax Battler and Tyris Flare, but we get two completely different characters in the form of Cragger and Chronos. Cragger is a brutish giant who likes to get up close and personal with the enemy, whereas Chronos is a humanoid panther who, despite being quite weak, has a special move that can get you through the whole game. 

Further positives for the game are in its decision to add variety to the route you take to the finale. This adds replay value to the game and allows you for a different experience depending on the path you take. There are also multiple endings that are based on the decisions you make. 

Finally, and perhaps most importantly, Golden Axe III reintroduces the little thieves that were present in the original game. I missed kicking those little tyrants around in the second instalment. 

The Bad

Golden Axe 3 – Proud Cragger

Despite being a fan of Golden Axe 3, there are some not-so-great features of the game. To start with, the background scenery is seriously lacking in vibrancy and detail in what feels like a missed opportunity for the third instalment. 

Another drawback, and this is entirely objective, is the use of grappling. One of the things that set the original apart from other beat ‘em ups (such as Streets of Rage and Final Fight) is the focus on purely melee attacks. In fact, the characters were differentiated by their melee range (e.g. Gilius had better range). The introduction of grappling makes Golden Axe 3 just like any other beat ‘em up of its era, and perhaps that’s why it was largely forgotten and overlooked upon release. 

The final negative for Golden Axe 3, and it’s not a big one, is that there are no cameos from Ax and Tyris. Gilius makes an appearance at the beginning, and is the reason that the heroes are able to pursue the Prince of Darkness, but it would have been nice to see them all together again. 

All in all, though, Golden Axe 3 is one of the best beat ‘em up games for the Sega Genesis, and the good far outweighs the bad. 

FAQs

How many stages are there in Golden Axe 3?

There are 7 stages in Golden Axe III. Some of the stages also have different paths to choose within the level. 

How long does it take to beat Golden Axe 3?

A standard play through will take around 1½ to 2 hours to complete. However, some speedrunners (see below) have been able to finish the game in under 30 minutes!

Get in Touch

Have you played Golden Axe 3? What’s your favorite game in the Golden Axe series? Let us know in the comment section below!

For any enquiries, contact me at richard@blogofgames.com

If you’re into speedruns, check out this incredible playthrough on YouTube by FlowerSpeedrun. 

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The 5 Toughest Duke Nukem 3D Enemies https://blogofgames.com/the-5-toughest-duke-nukem-3d-enemies/ Tue, 04 Jan 2022 14:18:00 +0000 https://blogofgames.com/?p=256 There are certain enemies in all shooter games that just have that knack of being incredibly annoying and hard to kill. This game is no different. 

These are the top 5 hardest Duke Nukem 3D enemies. At least, in my opinion. Let me know if you agree in the comment section at the end of the article.

RELATED: Duke Nukem 3D Cheats

What are the hardest Duke Nukem 3D enemies?

5. Pig Cop

Pig Cop – Duke Nukem 3D

Purely for being one of the most annoying/difficult Duke Nukem 3D enemies you encounter early on, the Pig Cop is worthy of a mention. 

These tanky, muscular pigs are a mutation from L.A.P.D officers and can do some serious damage with the shotguns that they wield. 

Despite being slow, the Pig Cop has very high HP, and when you couple this with strong durability and the ability to deal relatively high hitscan damage, this boar-like police officer has the potential to be quite problematic in the opening stages.  

4. Protector Drone

Protector Drone – Duke Nukem 3D

Introduced in the Atomic Edition of Duke Nukem 3D, the Protector Drone is as dangerous as it is ugly. This three-eyed alien monstrosity has fins coming out of every orifice and spikes protruding from its alien shoulders and hands.

What makes the Protector Drone one of the most difficult enemies in Duke Nukem 3D is not its appearance, though, but its high level of durability and its proclivity for firing large Shrink Orbs projectiles at Duke. 

To kill the alien, two hits with an RPG will suffice. This is probably the best way to go about it, too, as the beast is immune to the Shrinker Ray.

RELATED: What are the best SNES shmups?  

3. Octabrain

Octabrain – Duke Nukem 3D

I can still vividly hear the shrieking sound that the Octabrain makes. Perhaps that influences the decision to place it so highly among the most difficult Duke Nukem 3D enemies, but boy did these creatures used to terrify me. 

This floating brain monster is usually found underwater, and oftentimes you’ll hear it before you see it, leading to some horrifying encounters. It attacks by shooting psychic miles at Duke, and has the ability to both swim and fly in order to catch the player. 

Fortunately, the Octabrain can be eliminated before it has the chance to become too dangerous. This is because the creature needs time to charge its attack. Whilst it is doing so, seize the opportunity to take it down quickly, preferably with explosive weapons for good measure.   

2. Assault Commander

Assault Commander – Duke Nukem 3D

This brown, fat monstrosity is one of the most unnerving creatures you can come across in the game. Not only is it grotesque in appearance, but it also has the potential to throw you off guard and cause some serious damage. 

Sitting on a large floating platform, the Assault Commander flies around the map and fires rocket launchers at Duke. If it gets close, the giant blob monster can even perform a melee attack by spinning around on the platform and attacking Duke with the blades at the side of the platform. 

No doubt about it, the Assault Commander is one of the hardest Duke Nukem 3D enemies, but there are a few ways to dispose of it. The easiest way to kill it is to use the Shrink Ray gun and then kick it into oblivion. Failing that, though, you’ll want to get the Shotgun and the Freezethrower out.  

1. Sentry Drone

Sentry Drone – Duke Nukem 3D

Without question, the Sentry Drone is the hardest of the Duke Nukem 3D enemies. This flying robot is annoyingly agile and evasive, and has a very strong armored exterior to make up for its lack of firepower. 

Although it doesn’t have any weapons to shoot at Duke, it can deal huge damage by exploding at point-blank range. Think of it as a very fast and robust suicidal robot. 

The only way to slow down the Sentry Drone’s advance is to shoot at it with prolonged and sustained fire. It will evade your attack from side to side, and while it does so it will not advance closer. This makes the Chaingun Cannon a good option if the drone is in mid-distance range. 

The best way to escape a Sentry Drone unscathed is to bait the enemy towards you and allow it to self-destruct with an obstacle between you and the drone. This is because the Sentry Drone will not recognize the obstacle and only goes by the distance between itself and the player. 

Get in Touch

Who do you think are the hardest enemies in Duke Nukem 3D? Agree with our list? Let us know in the comment section below!

For any enquiries, contact me at richard@blogofgames.com

If you want to see an impressive walkthrough of Duke Nukem 3D, check out the great YouTube video below by Jums. 

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The 10 Best Selling SNES Games https://blogofgames.com/the-10-best-selling-snes-games/ Sun, 21 Nov 2021 09:58:00 +0000 https://blogofgames.com/?p=168 The SNES was first released in 1990, with around 50 million consoles being sold around the world. Along the way, some tremendous games were introduced to the gaming world, and many long lasting franchises can trace their roots back to the SNES.

But what are the best selling SNES games of all time? Read on to find out. 

What are the 10 best selling SNES games of all time?

10. Star Fox

Star Fox SNES Gameplay

Developer: Nintendo EAD / Argonaut Software

Number of sales worldwide: 4 million

Year of release: 1993

At the time of its release, Star Fox was seen as a groundbreaking masterpiece with its 3D graphics and incredible soundtrack. Without a doubt, the game still holds up well today, too, even if the visuals are outdated. 

It’s no surprise that Star Fox is one of the best selling SNES games of all time, and it could easily go down as the best entry to the Star Fox franchise, too.  

9. Street Fighter II: Hyper Fighting

Street Fighter 2 – Hyper Fighting

Developer: Capcom

Number of sales worldwide: 4.1 million

Year of release: 1993

Hyper Fighting is a fast-paced fighting game that has a brilliant character balance. Before being ported to the SNES it was the third arcade version of SF2, and new special moves were introduced for the release.  

Although many prefer, The World Warrior, Hyper Fighting is still a great addition to the franchise. 

8. Super Mario World 2: Yoshi’s Island

Yoshi’s Island SNES Gameplay

Developer: Nintendo EAD

Number of sales worldwide: 4.12 million

Year of release: 1995

Yoshi’s Island is a gaming masterpiece that regularly makes it onto ‘favorite game of all time’ lists. It’s easy to see why, too. 

With it’s quirky aesthetic, cute animation, and killer soundtrack, there’s not much to dislike about Yoshi’s Island. You could easily pick this up today and have a blast with it. 

The only surprise for me is that this game isn’t higher in the best selling SNES games of all time.

RELATED: Who is the hardest boss in Yoshi’s Island?

7. The Legend of Zelda: A Link to the Past

The Legend of Zelda – A Link to the Past

Developer: Nintendo EAD

Number of sales worldwide: 4.61 million

Year of release: 1991

A Link to the Past is an iconic game in so many ways. From its instantly recognizable soundtrack, to the incredible sense of adventure and exploration, this was the first Zelda game that really gave a sense of how deep the lore of the franchise would become. 

You could explore Hyrule for hours on end in this game, and found something new each time. For its era, A Link to the Past was vast, and its scale and ambition undoubtedly drove many long time players to the franchise.    

6. Donkey Kong Country 2: Diddy’s Kong Quest

DKC2 – Diddy’s Kong Quest

Developer: Rare

Number of sales worldwide: 5.15 million

Year of release: 1995

As soundtracks go, you really don’t get better than Diddy’s Kong Quest. I mean, that alone could have made this one of the best selling SNES games of all time. 

When you add into the mix some great level design with vibrant settings, it’s no surprise that Diddy’s Kong Quest became one of the best selling games for the SNES. 

5. Street Fighter II: The World Warrior 

Street Fighter 2 – The World Warrior

Developer: Capcom

Number of sales worldwide: 6.3 million

Year of release: 1992

The World Warrior was the first version of Street Fighter II to be ported to the SNES. Yet, despite selling more copies than its successors, the general consensus is that this is the weakest of the bunch. 

That being said, there’s still a lot of fun to be had with The World Warrior, and anyone who played it in youth is in for an explosion of nostalgia upon revisiting it. 

4. Super Mario Kart

Super Mario Kart SNES Gameplay

Developer: Nintendo EAD

Number of sales worldwide: 8.76 million

Year of release: 1992

Of all the iterations of Mario Kart that have come to various consoles over the years, the SNES version is up there with the best. 

From slipping your way through Vanilla Lake, to the thick clouds of bats in Banshee Boardwalk, there’s a track for everyone in Super Mario Kart, and I’m sure anyone who owned the console would have expected to see this among the best selling SNES games. 

RELATED: What are the hardest Mario Kart tracks of all time? 

3. Donkey Kong Country

Donkey Kong Country SNES

Developer: Rare

Number of sales worldwide: 9.3 million

Year of release: 1994

Donkey Kong Country was a revolutionary platform game for the SNES, and it provides one of the most challenging and rewarding experiences on the entire console. 

With a soundtrack that rivals the best, combined with addictive gameplay, DKC follows Donkey Kong and Diddy Kong as they attempt to recover their stolen bananas. This was Rare’s attempt at reviving the Donkey Kong franchise, and they did so with flying colors.  

2. Super Mario All-Stars

Super Mario All-Stars SNES

Developer: Nintendo EAD

Number of sales worldwide: 10.55 million

Year of release: 1993

Super Mario All-Stars is a compilation of remakes of games that were released for the NES. The remakes include Super Mario Bros 1, 2, 3, and The Lost Levels.

So, that’s four games in one, all of which are incredibly fun. It’s no wonder this is one of the best selling SNES games of all time. 

1. Super Mario World 

Super Mario World SNES Gameplay

Developer: Nintendo EAD

Number of sales worldwide: 20.61 million 

Year of release: 1990

The best selling game of all time for the SNES is Super Mario World, and what a game it is.

As far as 2D Mario games go, SMW is among the best. It has a wonderful level design and, although frustratingly challenging at times, finds a good balance between power-ups, variety, and skill. 

As with all Mario games, the soundtrack is top level and catchy, and the graphics are vibrant and smooth. All in all, Super Mario World goes down as a timeless classic. 

Get in Touch

Which of these best selling SNES games did you own? Were you surprised by the absence of any game? Let us know in the comment section below!

For any enquiries, contact me at richard@blogofgames.com

To see Super Mario World in action, check out the full playthrough below by RetroGame.Steam. 

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Warcraft 2 Cheats – Get an edge over the AI https://blogofgames.com/warcraft-2-cheats-get-an-edge-over-the-ai/ Tue, 21 Sep 2021 13:45:00 +0000 https://blogofgames.com/?p=323 the-best-warcraft-2-cheats-8521799

Folk of a certain age will remember the early Warcraft games as for what they were – truly awesome and pioneering real-time strategy games. For many, the favorite of the bunch is Warcraft 2, and it’s easy to see why. This game had charm in abundance, and still stands up well today in the modern era of RTS games. 

Yet, for the impatient, a cheat can go a long way to augmenting the gameplay. I include myself in this group on occasion. So, here are all of the known Warcraft 2 cheats for your convenience. And please let us know which your favorite cheat to use is in the comment section!

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Warcraft 2 Cheats

If you’re in need of a boost to help grow your settlement, the following codes should help you out. Simply press [enter] to bring up the cheat command center, and then input any of the following codes. 

DECK ME OUT Unlocks and provides the player with all weapons and armor upgrades, regardless of which buildings have been built.
DISCO Changes the background music to a hidden track entitled “I’m a medieval man”. 
EVERY LITTLE THING Unlocks and provides the player with all spell upgrades, regardless of which buildings have been built. Also gives units unlimited mana. 
GLITTERING PRIZES Rewards ALL players (including AI) with 5,000 lumber, 5,000 oil, and 10,000 gold. 
SPYCOB ALL players receive 5,000 oil. 
HATCHET Peasants, peons, and all other worker units now cut down trees much faster. This applies to ALL players. (This is also my favorite of all of the Warcraft 2 cheats, as it can be very satisfying watching large swathes of forests disappear to an army of peons). 
IT IS A GOOD DAY TO DIE Player units deal more damage and become immune to MOST enemy attacks. This excludes Blizzard, Death and Decay, and Whirlwind. 
MAKE IT SO All units and buildings are produced faster. This applies to ALL players. 
NOGLUES Removes score screens and mission briefs. 
ON SCREEN Entire map becomes fully visible.
THERE CAN BE ONLY ONE Shows the campaign victory cutscene. 
TIGERLILY Allows players to jump to a specific level in the campaign mode. Once enabled, use Human # or Orc # to select certain level, with ‘#’ indicating the level number. (E.g. Orc 4 will take you to level 4 of the orc campaign. 
UNITE THE CLANS Instantly gain victory in the current scenario. 
YOU PITIFUL WORM Instantly lose the current scenario. 

Warcraft 1 Cheats

The original Warcraft game also has a fair few cheats that can help your armies grow. Open the cheat command center the same way, using the [enter] key. Then, type in any of the following codes for the Warcraft 1 cheats. .

CORWIN OF AMBER Enables cheats. Should be used before entering any of the following cheat codes. 
POT OF GOLD Players get 5,000 lumber and 10,000 gold.
EYE OF NEWT Players unlock, and are able to cast, all spells. 
IRON FORGE All upgrades are unlocked and fully researched. 
IDES OF MARCH Skips to final cutscene. 
THERE CAN ONLY BE ONE All units become invulnerable, and deal more damage. 
CRUSHING DEFEAT Lose the current level instantly. 
SALLY SHEARS Remove fog of war. 
HUMAN# Skip to specific levels in the human campaign. 
ORC# Skip to specific levels in the orc campaign.
HURRY UP GUYS All units and buildings are produced faster. 
YOURS TRULY Instantly gain victory in the current level. 

Have you used any of these Warcraft 2 cheats before? Which is your favorite game in the Warcraft franchise? 

For any enquiries, contact me at richard@blogofgames.com

To watch the full Orc campaign mode, check out the great YouTube video below by Stu. 

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What is the Best SNES Soccer Game? Top 5 https://blogofgames.com/what-is-the-best-snes-soccer-game-top-5/ Tue, 21 Sep 2021 10:39:00 +0000 https://blogofgames.com/?p=176 There aren’t too many options when it comes to soccer games for the SNES, but there are still plenty to be getting on with. Some aren’t really worth the time, though, so we’ve had a go at selecting the best SNES soccer game for you. 

Read on for the 5 best soccer games to play on the SNES.

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5. Tony Meola’s Sidekicks Soccer

Tony Meola’s Sidekicks Soccer – SNES gameplay

Developer: Sculptured Software

SNES release date: 1993

One of the lesser known soccer games, Tony Meola’s Sidekicks Soccer is a solid simulation game that is played from the player’s perspective. 

There are a number of different European and Japanese club teams available, but it is mainly focussed around US soccer teams, which makes sense given that Tony Meola is a 100-capped US international veteran. 

Among other things, the game allows you to change formations, pick your team, and set tactics for set pieces. Once your strategy is set, you can watch your team try to get the ball in the back of the net while some rather dramatic music plays in the background (you might want to turn the volume down actually…).

To many, the game can be disorientating, confusing, and not at all pleasant, especially in some modes where the pitch is constantly rotating. Yet, I like that Tony Meola’s Sidekicks Soccer tries to be something different than other games in the genre, and for that I think it can easily be considered as one of the best SNES soccer games around.   

4. Super Soccer

Super Soccer – SNES gameplay

Developer: Human Entertainment

SNES release date: 1991

A good portion of 16-bit enthusiasts will contend that Super Soccer is the best SNES soccer game around, and I’m not at all against that notion. It’s fun to play, and the sound and visuals are right on par for the era. 

There is an Exhibition Mode, in which you take on other teams in a match or a shootout, and a Tournament Mode, which requires the player to take on all other teams in the game (and becomes inexplicably difficult when you come to face off against Ireland!).

I like the simplicity of Super Soccer – you run, pass, shoot, and tackle. If you’re lucky, you may even score the occasional goal, but if you’re like me, this won’t come from the penalty spot (I never did master the spot kick in Super Soccer). 

3. Mega Man Soccer

Mega Man Soccer – SNES gameplay

Developer: Sun L

SNES release date: 1994

Mega Man Soccer is an insanely fun soccer game, and if it wasn’t for my absolute love of the following two games, I’d have no qualms about placing this as the best SNES soccer game of all time. 

In Mega Man Soccer, there are different game modes including exhibition games, leagues, and tournaments. This is a game that anyone can enjoy, regardless of whether or not you’re a soccer fan. It has a simple but effective gameplay, and the added use of special powers brings a fresh twist to the more traditional soccer games for the SNES. 

Add to that a very charming aesthetic and some easy listening music, and you’ve got yourself a grand old 16-bit sporting session.  

2. International Superstar Soccer Deluxe

International Superstar Soccer Deluxe SNES Gameplay

Developer: Konami

SNES release date: 1995

International Superstar Soccer Deluxe is a strong contender for the best SNES soccer game ever made. ISS emerged as the main contender to FIFA in early soccer games, and in the case of the 16-bit era, it completely outperformed it. 

ISS Deluxe has it all, a good selection of teams, multiple game modes, and a fun practice mode for you to practice your attacks. Granted, it didn’t have licensed players, but for me that added to the charm. You could completely fall in love with the made up players for your chosen team – Gomez, Paradilla, Santos, etc. – there was someone special on every team. 

The graphics outdid any other soccer game at the time, and the commentary added a level of vibrancy to an already lively gameplay that just made the game a delight to play. 

No question, ISS Deluxe was way ahead of its time, and I think few would argue that it is easily one of the best soccer games for the SNES, and potentially of all time.    

1. Sensible Soccer

Sensible Soccer – SNES gameplay

Developer: Sensible Software

SNES release date: 1992

In my book, Sensible Soccer is one of the best soccer games of all time. Originating on the Amiga platform, it made its way to the SNES in 1992 with a bang. 

First things first. If you value graphics, then you may not agree with Sensible Soccer being top of the list. If you value gameplay, though, there’s no question that we’re in agreement. 

The introduction of ball physics to soccer video games was a genius move by Sensible Software and it made the gameplay really stand out from the others. Whipping a long ball across the field to your teammate, or curling one into the box feels very satisfying when you get a player sliding to get it into the back of the net. The instant replay that follows augments that satisfaction.

You can choose from national teams, club teams, or custom teams, but really they’re all pretty much the same. Simple and fun, Sensible Soccer is absolutely the best SNES soccer game ever made.   

Get in Touch

Do you agree with our choice of the best SNES soccer game? If not, let us know what you’d choose in the comment section below!

For any enquiries, contact me at richard@blogofgames.com

To see some more SNES soccer games, check out the great YouTube video below by Virtual Gaming Library – VGL. 

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What is the Best Worms Game? The Top 5 https://blogofgames.com/what-is-the-best-worms-game-the-top-5/ Sat, 18 Sep 2021 14:14:00 +0000 https://blogofgames.com/?p=252 When the original Worms game first came onto the scene in 1995, it was quickly clear that developer Team17 were onto a winner with their unique artillery tactical video game. 

Aptly described as a cross between Cannon Fodder and Lemmings, the brilliance of the original Worms game led to the creation of a long lasting franchise that still releases games today. But what is the best Worms game? We’ve had a go at ranking our top 5. Check it out and let us know if you agree. 

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5. Worms 3 (Mobile)

worms-3-gameplay-8275910 Worms 3 Gameplay

It was only a matter of time before we got a decent Worms game for mobile platforms, and Worms 3 seems to be the one to fit the bill. At least for now. 

Overseeing your squad of tiny invertebrates is made even easier with a touch screen interface, and with both a solid online multiplayer and single-player mode, Worms 3 takes the essence of the original games and adds its own print to the mix. There’s no doubt that this is one of the best Worms games yet, if only for the ease and accessibility of it. 

4. Worms W.M.D.

worms-wmd-gameplay-5671721 Worms WMD Gameplay

For many, Worms WMD is the best Worms game ever made, and it was certainly the most ambitious entry to the series that Team17 had produced in a long while. 

Released in 2016, Worms WMD utilized 2D graphics and provided a significant redesign of the aesthetics and character drawings. In fact, it was the first major overhaul of character design since Worms 3D

That’s not all that was new, though, and a number of new features were added to the long running franchise, including the use of vehicles and protective shelters for the worms.

If you haven’t tried Worms WMD yet, then you really should, it’s definitely up there as one of the best Worms games in the franchise. 

3. Worms Ultimate Mayhem

Worms Ultimate Mayhem Gameplay

Not everyone’s favorite game in the franchise, but I love Ultimate Mayhem’s humor, and the amount of content that you get for one game is commendable, especially at the prices you can get nowadays. 

The 3D graphics, although not to everybody’s taste, works well in Ultimate Mayhem and makes some of the weapon animations cooler than ever before.  

One of the best features of Ultimate Mayhem is the single player campaign mode. It is huge, and engaging, too. In my opinion, it is the best story mode in the series, and for this alone makes Ultimate Mayhem one of the best Worms games around. There is also a multiplayer mode, but it is not so populated, and there are better options if this is your juice. 

2. Worms

worms-1995-gameplay-2487215 Worms 1995 Gameplay

As the game that started it all off, it’s hard not to include the original near the top of the pile of best Worms games. And in actuality, it thoroughly deserves to be there, too. 

Worms was revolutionary in the world of turn-based strategy games, and it brought a light-hearted touch to artillery tactics. 

Everyone searching for the best Worms game has probably played the original, so I don’t think there;s much to add. Hearing the worms shout “hadouken!”, “you’ll regret that”, and “oh dear”, will eternally live in the memories of many gamers.  

We have creator Andy Davidson to thank for this masterpiece, along with Team17 for having the foresight to know a gem when they saw one. 

1. Worms Armageddon 

worms-armageddon-gameplay-2936409 Worms Armageddon Gameplay

Hands down, the best Worms game in the entire series is Armageddon. Staying true to the original with 2D graphics, unrivalled humor, and charm in abundance, Worms Armageddon is everyone’s favorite for a reason. 

With over 50 unique weapons, a long single-player campaign, and an online multiplayer mode that is still vibrant today, WA gets everything right. The fact that the game is fully moddable adds endless life to the game, too, and I can’t see it going anywhere for a long time. 

If you’re trying to convince a friend to get into the Worms franchise, go with Armageddon. If they’re not into it, perhaps the series just isn’t for them. 

Get in Touch

What’s your favorite Worms game? Did you see it on our list? Let us know in the comment section below!

For any enquiries, contact me at richard@blogofgames.com

To learn about the evolution of the Worms games over time, watch the great YouTube video below by Louay Khemiri. 

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