2 years ago, Tecmo released what was not only one of the most anticipated games on Xbox, but an addition to one of thier most beloved franchises, Ninja Gaiden.  It had some of the finest graphics of the current console generation, a deep weapon upgrade and combat system, a large variety of enemies, and an insane difficulty level which makes even easy mode a challenge, it became an instant classic with many gamers.  Tecmo also released two ‘hurricane pack’ downloads over Xbox Live.  The first of these two downloads added new weapons, new bosses, and an adjustable camera while the second pack added a challenge mode.  Last fall, Tecmo released this update with both of the hurricane packs, a new mission mode, a new difficulty mode, new cinemas, and an unlockable version of the arcade ninja gaiden.  In short, it’s heaven for an action gamer.  You know a game is great when it’s hard as hell, but you still keep trying to play it just to get to the next part.  I have to warn you though, if you wimp out at a high difficulty, then THIS IS NOT THE GAME FOR YOU!

Last fall, we had no less than 5 classic gaming compilations from Capcom, Namco, Taito, Tecmo, and Midway. Now this is shaping up to be another good fall for fans of classic gaming. You already know about the Wii, and it’s ability to download Genesis and Turbographix 16 games, but what you may not know is that you don’t have to buy the new system in order to play some of Sega’s classics. Indeed, comming this November, the Sega Genesis Collection will be comming to PS2 and PSP with over 30 titles! Shniobi 3, Comix Zone, and Golden Axe 2? I think I’m gonna cry.

If that isn’t enough, Konami is giving Xbox 360 owners old school action via the Live Arcade. You already know that the arcade versions of Contra and Super C are comming, but early next year, Konami is also gonna hit us with the definitive Castlevania game, Symphony of the Night! This is shaping up to be a good time for those who enjoy the games of thier youth.

or “Excuse me, Sessler!”

Resident X-Play fan spooie alerted us that conservative crusader Jack Thompson was on G4 TV’s “Attack Of The Show” on a panel with G4 host Adam Sessler discussing the forthcoming game “Bully”
While they got heated and voices were raised, the 9 minute clip is ultimately disappointing as the debate is cut short for crude sex jokes and a feature on how “… some chicks have bad hygiene”
Next time G4 wants to host a serious discussing with one of the gamings most notorious figures, it would do well to give it air time during a less infantile show and not consistently set up to be bullied by one of their own. Of course, our position here is well known, as the oldest post in our archives is simple “G4 sucks“

Continuing with Powet.tv’s vigiliance to review as many crappy Nintendo candy products such as possible such as the Nintendo Power Mints and Gameboy Advance Gummies we take a look at this Donkey Kong “Klik” candy dispenser from the hard working folks at “au’some candies”.

This game was released the same year as Contra 3 for Super Nintendo.  This is not the Contra you’re used to.  In fact, I have no idea why they even decided to call it a Contra title, if for no other reason than simply to cash in the success of Contra 3.  The only similarity is that you can be killed in one shot.  You don’t fight evil aliens or renegade robots. Instead you take one of 4 playable characters (each with their own special abilities and can be switched at anytime during the game) on a mission to take on a terrorist organization and rescue your kidnapped superior.  You gain weapons just like in Graduis, grabbing a number of backpacks based on the weapon you want then hit select when you gain the acquired number.  Objects can be destroyed, and the music is pretty cool for an NES title.  When you check this game out, don’t expect the original Contra, or even Super C, but it’s still a solid experience on its own merits.  Hopefully this will resurface as a Wii download.  If only Konami had given NES owners a new Castlevania title before the NES ended.

Silent Hill is the only franchise worthy to stand alongside Resident Evil in the survival horror genre.  Some fans may say that is surprasses it in terms of storyline and scares.  In 2004, Konami decided to go in a different direction  for the series’ most recent entry.  You play as Harry Townsend, a resident of an apartment building who finds himself mysteriously trapped inside the room.  With no means to communicate to the outside, the situation is turning worse for him, until he discovers a mysterious portal in his bathroom, which leads directly into the bizzare alternate world of Silent Hill. 

The gameplay is different from pervious Silent Hill entries.  For starters, your room serves as a hub by which you use to explore the different worlds of Silent Hill.  This is the only place in the game you are able to save, and you reach here via special holes that are scattered throughout the various worlds.  You explore the room via a first-person interface, and for a while, it can be used as a safe haven to recover your energy.  Also, this game is more combat oriented than the other games in the series, as you have a power meter that you can use to inflict more damage on an opponent.  You have a limited inventory, so now item management is a must.  Items can be stored in your room, and this actually becomes a basis for some of the game’s puzzles.  Although it can get fustrating (especially in the second half of the game) with unkillable ghost enemies and a partner you are forced to protect, this is a refreshing change of pace for the series.  One can hope that Konami would explore the possibilities of a first person Silent Hill game in the future.

This past week Street Fighter II: Hyper Fighting became the fastest selling Xbox Live Arcade game so far, but Street Fighter fans need look no further than this enthusiastic cosplayer who invaded Otakon to celebrate their favorite franchise.

vid courtesy tentopet

I love Capcom. As much as they tend to milk thier successful franchises for every penny, (see Mega Man, Street Fighter, and Resident evil) they make solid games. When they do break from the norm, it’s always a welcome sight (I.e. Viewtful Joe, Rival Schools) even if it dosen’t always work out.

Tech Romancer is one of these games. Capcom took a risk here, and resulted in one of the most underrated fighting games ever. It’s a mech combat fighter. There is less of an emphasis on combos, and more focus on your mech’s special weapons and abilities. The fighters are sort of clunky, but that’s okay, becuase they are giant Mecha and not trained martial artists or mutant superheroes. Even the life bars are different, being placed vertically on the side of the screen and are used to measure damage. Each of the game’s mechs is based on a famous japanese anime, such as Gundamn or Voltron. Towards the end of the second round, you can preform a “final move”, which is akin to a Mortal Kombat fatality, excpet only for mechs. The Dreamcast VMU can be used to unlock minigames and earn points for the game’s hidden features. If you still have your Dreamcast, do yourself a favor and seek this game out.