Tag Archives: retro

[Game Review] Geometry Wars: Galaxies (Wii)

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geometrywarsgalaxieswiiSystem: Wii (Also on DS)
Developer: Kuju Entertainment/Bizarre Creations
Publisher: Sierra
Genre: Arcade Shooter

Judging a book (rather, a game) by its cover can sometimes be a big mistake. I’m sure I’ve missed out on some quality games in my life because I walked passed it on the shelf and thought it looked lame, pedestrian, or not worth my money. Just looking at the case for this game, I would’ve initially passed up on it because it just doesn’t look that interesting. I flip the case over, and it doesn’t really sound that interesting. But luckily, I’m not paying to rent this game (because my esteemed leader Zac just let me borrow it). Continue reading →

[Game Review] Doom (Xbox Live Arcade)

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Some people may know about the Doom franchise because of the dreadful 2005 movie that was based roughly on the game series. Others might be more familiar with Doom 3 for the original Xbox, which garnered critical acclaim for its impressive graphics and scary atmosphere. But if you’re like me, you love the original Doom from 1993. Doom has been on the Xbox Live Marketplace for quite a while now, since 2006, but with Halloween coming up I think it’s only appropriate to pay homage to one of the most downright brutal games of the 90’s. Continue reading →

[Candy Review] Black Jack Chewing Gum

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blackjackgumOverview:

Chewing gum is great for many things. It’s perfect for stepping in, it can be used as a decoration for the overly plain bottoms of desks and tables, it can provide the motivation for a much-needed haircut, and it does a great job of hiding an alcoholic’s liquor breath.

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Retro Review: Valomilk Candy Cups

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valomilkwrapperOverview:

Have you ever noticed some of the best things around start out as accidents? Potato chips, beer, Popsicles and myself are some of the more notable ones, but now we have another one to add to the list of accidents that resulted in something amazing. Valomilk Candy Cups, invented in 1931, were a total mistake. It took the genius and innovative mind of Henry Sifers to put a ruined batch of marshmallow to work and make a totally delicious candy treat that were enjoyed for half a century before, sadly, being shut down and yanked away from candy lovers throughout the country.

But thankfully the Sifers family reacquired the original equipment used to manufacture the delicious candies that left a trail on everyone’s face and began production again. Even in today’s high tech world Valomilk is made completely by hand which produces a delicious candy that focuses on quality over quantity. A real treat.

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Retro-Review: Bonk’s Adventure (TurboGrafx-16)

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bonksadventureOverview:

System: TurboGrafx-16 (Wii Virtual Console)
Publisher: Hudson Soft
Developer: Hudson Soft
Genre: Platformer

Remember the 16-bit wars? The Super Nintendo VS the Sega Genesis is what the majority of people think of, but there was one more contender that most have never even heard of. The TurboGrafx-16 from Hudson is that forgotten system of the 16-bit era. It failed for numerous reasons including the heavy price-tag, no Sonic or Mario, and all around lack of tons of triple-A titles. But while it is true that there weren’t very many standout games, the TurboGrafx-16 definitely had more than a couple of great titles worth your play time, and Bonk’s Adventure is easily the most notable. Let’s check it out, shall we?

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Retro-Review: Dexter Freebish “A Life of Saturdays”

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dexterfreebishlifeofsaturdays1Overview:

“Wait, Dexter Who? I’ve never heard of ’em, sorry.”

“A Life of Saturdays” was the 2000 debut album put out by the Austin, Texas band Dexter Freebish who won the 1999 John Lennon Songwriting Competition with their first hit single “Leaving Town” which was a top 40 hit on the radios and its video was played almost constantly on VH1 for a good while.

And if you’re wondering about the band’s name, they originally as The Twigs but was later changed to Dexter Freebish. The name itself was taken from a roller coaster ride at Astroworld theme park in Houston, Texas called Dexter Frebish’s Electric Roller Ride.

So is Dexter Freebish’ “A Life of Saturdays” an album you should pull from the dusty shelves at the back of your mind or is it a memory better off lost alongside the memories of your fourth grade bully making you throw up then force-feeding it back to you?

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Retro-Review: Frogger (Arcade)

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frogger arcade originalOverview:

Frogger was one of the biggest names in the gaming industry back in the day, and it still is to some extent. The simple concept of guiding a busy little froggy from point A to point B without being squished, getting eaten, or drowning in a river was one that proved to be rather addictive and claimed more than it’s fair share of quarters. That was when arcades were still the cool place to hang out, back before LAN parties, the internet, and socially inept fat kids with acne and gland disorders ruled the gaming landscape. Well, those fat kids existed, but not internet.

Anyway, I thought it might be fun to take a look way back at one of the biggest names in the arcade industry and one that held influence for years after the first quarter was dropped into it’s metallic guts. Enjoy!

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