Pakcik Gamer

Star Fox 64 3D (3DS)

Back in 1997, the Computer & Video Games magazine I bought featured a game called Star Fox 64. I admit I wasn’t completely familiar with the franchise but reading the article I felt compelled to try it out, alas I don’t have a Nintendo 64 and I’m sure my father wouldn’t buy me one as he wanted me to concentrate on my studies.

Fast forward 15 years, I bought a Nintendo 3DS to reward myself for securing a new job. Aside from the reason I need to be a mobile gamer nowadays is that the games library for 3DS has two titles I really wanted to play all these years; Legend Of Zelda: Ocarina of Time and you guessed it, Star Fox 64 3D.

The minute I popped in the R4 card it felt like I “quantum leaped” into my fifteen-year old self again, smiling as I finally step into the shoes of Fox McCloud….

Pros: easy to follow storyline; quirky characters; exciting on-rails shooting; branching paths for limited replayability; enhanced 3D graphics; optional gyroscope controls

Cons: too short for something I waited 15 years for

Karateka ($2.99, iOS)

If you’re a fan of the classic Prince of Persia series by Jordan Mechner, you’d sure remember his other hit Karateka. Now out as a remake on iOS (and other recent platforms), the game offers much satisfaction as its’ original counterpart albeit with a few gameplay and cosmetic changes. You still play as a valiant karate warrior determined to save lovely Mariko from evil warlord Akuma except this time you’re not in the fight alone. Instead of a generic three-life system, the new Karateka features a trio of protagonists going by the name of True Hero, Monk and Brute - each one taking the other’s place if the prior fails the mission.

Pros: more accessible compared to the original; creative life system which invites replayability; effective one touch controls; nicely animated reminisce of Saturday morning cartoons (thanks to the brilliant Jeff Matsuda)

Cons: pretty much a straightforward fare and surprisingly short; lack of unlockable contents; some lagging issues on iPad 2

The Room ($1.99, iOS)

Have you ever wondered what it’s like to tinker around with the devilish Lament Configuration from the Hellraiser movies? Enter The Room by Fireproof Games, where you play a silent protagonist tasked with unlocking an intricately-designed mechanical box with purportedly mystical properties, layer by layer. The game plays like a better-presented escape the room puzzler with an involving narrative attached. 

Pros: spine-tingling story line; top notch graphics; intuitive interface, makes full use of touch screen capabilities

Slender Rising ($0.99, iOS)

If you’re into the Slender Man mythos (and scaring yourself silly), there’s a quality game out on iOS called “Slender Rising” by Michael Hegemann. While clearly inspired by Parsec Productions’ nerve-wrecking PC game Slender, trust me it’s not one of those lame copies of the indie effort. A must buy if you’re into horror games which are quite a rarity on iOS.

Pros: very atmospheric with authentic scares; responsive touch controls (there’s also an optional joystick control)

True story. I have to thank video games for teaching me good English.

All your base are belong to us.