Second Opinion

Mega Games Collection: Part I

Upon inception in 1988, the Mega Drive (or Genesis in the US) had a somewhat muted response. While the graphical prowess was certainly a huge improvement over its predecessor, the Master System, Nintendo still attained a vice-like grip over the market with its third-party exclusivity (which bullied developers to make games specifically for Nintendo systems) and iconic gaming brands. In fact,…

Sonic?…I don’t remember any Sonic…

Okay, so this was originally intended to be presented in a Vlog format…but in order to do that I would need an actual camcorder. So in the meantime, here’s an off the cuff, stream-of-conscience rant on Sega’s blockbuster bomb, Sonic Boom: Rise of Lyric.

Let’s do a rundown on Sonic 2 for the Mega Drive, shall we? The pros: a refreshing lack of gimmicks,…

Yoshi's Story arrived when the industry was undergoing an epiphany moment, a transformation of what people expected from gaming if you will. Amidst the sudden barrage of what was deemed 'mature', Sony and Sega were always able to convince players that their hardware offered a sleek and trendy alternative to Nintendo's family-centric image - in fact, Nintendo's stubborn approach to the gaming demographic is something that has undoubtedly hindered them over the years, especially when considering the aesthetic nature of the critically under appreciated 'Gamecube'.

While the Nintendo 64 was home to some blood-ridden, blockbuster offerings such as Goldeneye, Turok 2: Seeds of Evil and, gob-smackingly, Conker's Bad Fur Day, Nintendo have always struggled to considered as a worthy competitor alongside Sony's breakthrough hit, the Playstation. It can be argued that their idiosyncratic game design is certainly a unique selling point, especially in today's over-saturated market, but this came at a time when Sony was not at all established in the industry - Nintendo were rapidly losing market share due to dated hardware, a tainted image with censorship and a somewhat questionable controller. Sony's 'cool-kid' image finally began to win over a legion of new fans, with Nintendo refusing to buckle under industry expectation by focusing solely on their established franchises.

So, they stuck to their guns. The outcome of this was Yoshi's Story, a game that many Sony and Sega fanboys would have outright torn to shreds upon release. The primitive colour palette, the obnoxious choir of squeals in the title sequence, the relentlessly joyous atmosphere - this was a game that was totally and utterly incomparable to Sony's first party efforts at the time. But you know what? That's the beauty of Nintendo, for better and for worse. And I really wouldn't have it any other way.

Considered as a spiritual successor to the much-beloved Super Mario World 2: Yoshi's Island on the Super Nintendo, Yoshi's Story is classic Nintendo design through and through - inventive level design, distinctive visuals and gameplay that would surely bring a smile to any stone-cold cynics' face. Even if they're desperately trying to hide it.

The story is your standard affair - the Super Happy Tree has been stolen and the Yoshi's must retrieve it from the clutches of the evil (or perhaps misunderstood) Baby Bowser otherwise their lives will be destined to eternal gloom and turmoil. Okay, so it's utterly incomprehensible but at least it sets up some form of motive - in fact, it's refreshing not to see a princess being kidnapped this time around. Thanks for that Nintendo. Anywho, what the game lacks in credible storytelling is rectified with its accessible gameplay concept and quirky design aesthetic - Yoshi's Story is nothing more than simple fun, for better and for worse.

The mechanics harken back to the Super Nintendo days albeit with a slight 2.5D twist. Certain obstacles, namely the roller wheels, require Yoshi to create momentum towards the screen, an ideal that many PSX and Saturn games were utilising at the time - just see Pandemonium and Klonoa and you'll know what I mean. It's a natural progression for the series as the patchwork-themed art direction truly works in the game's favour - without the use of fully fledged 3D, Yoshi's Story's true calling card is cemented in its simplistic, 16-bit roots. In fact, despite it lacking in truely inspired level design, the game more than makes up for it in sheer, unadulterated charm.

The concept of the game sees players eating thirty pieces of fruit in each level - each garishly coloured Yoshi has a favourite variety which either boosts 'happiness' value (effectively to gain a high score) and/or garners a much needed health kick. This, sadly, is where the game's heightened sense of consciousness for its younger audience becomes immediately apparent - instead of outright challenging the player by creating multi-textual levels that are featured in past Mario games, the gameplay comes to a grinding halt when thirty pieces of fruit are collected, allowing the player to access the next stage. While this may sound like an ideal way to experience each level, it also means that players can finish the game in well under an hour...and for its then-£49.99 price point, that is pretty unacceptable.

The game offers a wide array of hidden routes and sub-levels however, creating a different route with each playthrough - this was a design choice that Nintendo pushed with Lylat Wars (or Starfox 64 in the US). It certainly adds some much needed replayability, but the game lacks any real incentive to finish in its entirety due to some questionably pedestrian design choices - boss battles are embarrassingly redundant (with one that can be beaten in literally five seconds) and game itself struggles to emit any form of urgency. Admittedly, it's a completely different style of game to its predecessor, but upon closer inspection the whole experience ends up feeling a little...average.

While it's admirable that Yoshi's Story deters from the typified 2D formula, especially with its non-linear level progression and lack of time limit, Yoshi's Story is a game that lacks any real identity or punch - its ho-hum level design coupled with some truly woeful boss battles makes Yoshi's foray into his own IP a somewhat underwhelming one. Saying that, the game still maintains that irresistible charm that is usually peppered throughout Ninty's best work - just don't expect the game to be any more than unremarkable.

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And thanks for reading! This was initially meant to be a quick review but ended up becoming a dissection of the games industry in the 90's. My apologies. As a peace offering, please listen to this:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Q6eZl-EAQlI

Okay, so consider this a slightly less orthodox top five of sorts - obviously when comparing this independently written blog to the likes of a mainstream website, you may feel somewhat disgruntled with the overall quality of this list. But alas, rather than giving a definitive rundown of what 2014 had to offer, this slyly worded little article actually offers a host of recommendations instead; this might not successfully represent 2014 as a whole, but dang, the upcoming highlights are sure worth your time and hard earned cash. So, in other words, skim through the list, buy them...then come back and read the rest, of course.

5. Donkey Kong: Tropical Freeze - Wii U

After a somewhat disastrous 2013 for the Wii U in both hardware sales and software output, 2014 embarked a more promising proposition with the early release of the then-delayed Donkey Kong: Tropical Freeze. Showcasing sumptuous 3D visuals on a two dimensional plain, Tropical Freeze was not only a love letter to Rareware's once landmark series but a concoction of new ideas to help shape its own identity - the increasingly complex and twitch heavy gameplay is beautifully woven between some truly inspired level design, a feat that was accomplished with Donkey Kong Country Returns for the Wii. While it may seem like more of the same, and upon first glance it most certainly looks it, Retro Studio's idiosyncratic nature starts shining through after a while - levels effortlessly transition into various genres and sub-genres alike, with boss battles never failing to excite or enthrall. Throw in a brilliantly ethereal soundtrack from one of gaming's most critically underrated composers, David Wise, and you have a Wii U exclusive that plays on nostalgic, emotional resonance as well as presenting a new way to play.

It's also hard as nails too. You're welcome.

4. Shovel Knight - Wii U/3DS/PC

Another game that perfectly understands the marriage of both old-school gameplay mechanics and consistently riveting level design, Shovel Knight is a quite simply the finest indie title released in 2014. Exhuastingly inventive in almost every facet, each level has all the variety and complexity found in a classic Mega Man game. With a little sprinkling of DuckTales. Oh, and a cheeky smattering of Super Mario Bros. 3, too.

Yet it still feels new while looking, feeling and sounding so authentically 8-bit. The art design is timeless in its primitive form, while the soundtrack is comparable to the very games that influenced it; the overall package is spit-shined and polished to absolute perfection. There's also a hub world that pays homage to Zelda II with its hilariously weak script and puns that are brilliantly self aware - Shovel Knight is a game that lovingly utilises its source material, runs with it and makes something that could actually be considered superior in almost every way. Fluid gameplay, thrilling boss battles and a surprisingly emotive story line, fans of NES-era gaming should pick this up without question.

And for the new generation? This is a perfect representation of the golden age of gaming in the 80's. It's also hard as nails too...wait are we starting a trend here?

3. Bayonetta 2 - Wii U

Nintendo really need a little more credit when it comes to their software output and overall position in the industry. Admittedly it's been a difficult year for developers, with triple-A titles buckling under the weight of heavy expectation by critics and fans alike - many games have suffered from troubled launches due to tight scheduling and new hardware that requires more manpower than ever in order to match their initial vision. DriveClub, The Crew and Assassin's Creed: Unity are to name but a few, with each game riddled with glitches and game-breaking bugs - this questions the credibility of many high profile publishers such as Ubisoft and Electronic Arts, companies which green light blatantly unfinished games just in time for the holiday boom.

Enter Bayonetta 2, a game that is quite simply programming perfection. 60 FPS at all times, preposterously fluid combat, sumptuous art direction and consistently thrilling set pieces, Platinum Games have finally created their magnum opus. Oh, and all without the need of DLC, in game micro-transactions and performance enhancing patches. Bayonetta 2 is a game that exudes creativity, a notion that is somewhat devoid in many Western games today (not to mention natively, also) - each boss encounter is a technicolour explosion of sheer, unbridled chaos, with players being able to take control of both Cereza's arms and legs in combat. This is a wonderfully fresh take on the action genre as combos are constantly intertwined and connected, making the game both accessible to newcomers but seriously difficult to master.

It's an amazing feat that really showcases what the Wii U can do in terms of technical prowess. It also highlights the difference between Nintendo and its contemporaries - ensuring that a game is completely finished upon inception. In short, Bayonetta 2 truly is the real deal and treats it customers with the most utmost respect - for that, both Platinum Games and Nintendo need to be commended. Now do yourself a favour and support the damn game so we're guaranteed a sequel, eh?!

2. Phoenix Wright Trilogy - 3DS

A compilation that has been somewhat overlooked, especially considering its timing in the midst of the holiday rush, this incredible series of games gives you so much bang for your buck...it kind of hurts. Playing out much like an interactive graphic novel, Phoenix Wright is a game that sees the aforementioned character act out as a defense attorney, unveiling the truth behind corrupt cases and presenting evidence in a courtroom scenario. On paper, that might sound a little too Inspector Morse for some, but the actual outcome plays out more like the finale of Jim Carrey's Liar Liar more than anything. The dialogue is hysterical at times, with the chibi-style animation transcending the plot into the realms of utter ridiculousness - and much like a good book, it becomes nearly impossible to put down.

And yes, you may think placing a remastered collection in an 'end of' list is cheating a tad. But when it comes down to games that are in dire need of widespread recognition, you really cannot go wrong with this. In fact, especially at its current price, it comes under as one of the highest possible recommendations.

1. Mario Kart 8 - Wii U

You may think that Second Opinion is a Nintendo-themed blog that focuses solely on the Kyoto-based giant's successes. Heck, you may even think that my opinion on any other system is rendered moot when the entire duration of this article has been singing the company's praises and nothing more. 2014 however is the year of Nintendo and Mario Kart 8 is perfectly indicative of this notion - not since Sega Rally Championship for the Sega Saturn has a racing game compelled me to keep coming back for just 'one more go'. This is testament to the game's masterful track design, varied character roster and flawless online functionality - Mario Kart 8 is, for a lack of better word, perfection.

Nothing more can really be said - this is the kind of big budget, high profile release the Wii U desperately craved and Mario Kart 8 delivered on all fronts. The item selection is more balanced, the physics have been tweaked, the highly touted zero-gravity mechanic adds far more strategy to the gameplay, the vehicle customisation feels fully fleshed out, the online mode is hassle free and reliable - it's really just a little overwhelming at times. The DLC is also truly essential, offering more characters and tracks from other franchises - simply put, Mario Kart 8 is a vending machine filled with your favourite confectionery, and paradoxically you are never full from it.

So while 2013 was a pretty dismal year for Nintendo, the addition of an excellent E3 conference and consistently stellar games made 2014 a memorable year for the gaming giant. And thanks to the likes of Mario Kart 8, Super Smash Bros. for Wii U and Bayonetta 2, the Wii U is now a piece of hardware that can finally stand on its own.

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And there we have it! 2014 was a strange year for gaming in retrospect - games failing to deliver from a technical standpoint, indie gaming proving superior in the light of system selling 'killer apps', the overall quality of games not living up to increasingly high expectations - for some reason, the creative spark was missing in both western and Japanese markets. Of course, there were still plenty of quality releases, especially with the likes of The Vanish of Ethan Carter and Dark Souls II managing to impress in starkly contrasting ways.

When it comes to truly shock inducing gaming controversies, The Legend of Zelda: The Wind Waker certainly made quite a splash back in 2003. Coming straight out of what could be a 90's renaissance Disney film (but with less musical numbers), Link's new look created a cel-shaded wave of cynicism that failed to enlighten even the most hardened fan of Nintendo's flagship series. In hindsight, however, The Wind Waker's valiant shift in style and tone is as triumphant as Link delivering a mighty sword attack into Ganon's ghastly face, and seeing it again in glorious HD has never been more at home in 2013.

It was a risk worth taking - a mantra that rings true with Nintendo as a company - as The Wind Waker has since become a highly touted fan favourite, offering an unprecedented level of humour, personality and swashbuckling high-sea adventuring. In fact, the inclusion of pirates alone is incentive enough for any angst-ridden naysayer – this is a game that will throw you into the vast blue and mercilessly taunt the player with its gigantic array of sub quests, goodies and treats. Like a great big Nintendo themed piñata.

Upon inception, it becomes increasingly apparent that Link's technicolour world is a work of virtual art. Colours pop with intensity, character animations are inconceivably smooth, level design is cinematic in scope – at times it's difficult to believe that The Wind Waker is a ten year old Gamecube game. The same can also be said about the controls - Link's spectrum of moves and manoeuvres offer more in the way of precision and tactics compared to previous games in the series, with more combos and spin attacks than you can shake a master sword at. It's incredibly satisfying and makes combat all the more enjoyable when faced off with an enemy that requires strategy. A word of warning: button mashers need not apply.

Interestingly, The Wind Waker is also the only Legend of Zelda title that offers fully fledged camera controls – while the Wii lacked a second analogue stick, the Wii U's gamepad utilises this feature effortlessly, perfectly emulating the smooth overhead feel that made the Gamecube original so easy to manipulate. Couple this with a rousing musical score and you have a game that seems intent on making you weep with sheer unadulterated joy. All the while kicking some serious Ganon bottom, of course.

However, in typical Nintendo fashion, The Wind Waker offers far more than fancy technical prowess and flawlessly integrated controls. There are a detestably large number of innovations and tweaks that propel the game into legendary status, most notably the wind and sailing mechanic. As soon as Link commandeers his own boat, the entire game branches out into an overworld that is nothing short than epic. Wind is also a vital factor in both the world of Hyrule and puzzle solving in dungeons, forcing gamers to use physics and momentum to succeed – it's a gameplay twist that never grows tiresome and seeing Link float through thermal currents Pilotwings style while using a leaf as a parachute is always a joyous delight.

While some have complained that the Gamecube original is overwrought and cumbersome in its approach to these mechanics, others have vehemently argued that exploring the vast ocean is what makes The Wind Waker the epitome of an 'adventure' game. Nintendo have addressed these qualms for the Wii U re-release however, effectively streamlining the overall experience with the gamepad by making the maps and inventory easily accessible on the second screen. It's a noteworthy addition and requires no pause button but a mere flick of the finger. Miiverse is also brilliantly conceived throughout, allowing players to communicate by either sending messages in a bottle or, more importantly, the ability to send selfies in glorious new media fashion. It's downright hilarious, especially when players are daring enough to send a Facebook style snap in the midst of a heated boss battle. It's just a shame that Ganon and his minions aren't particularly photogenic.

The Wind Waker is an important landmark for a number of reasons. It fearlessly altered the Zelda formula despite consistent backlash and remarkably, ten years later, it still stands as a timeless piece of work that transcends the medium into the realms of art. It is a game that constantly inspires and excites – every corner features something new, something intriguing, something so uniquely Nintendo that it becomes a daily task to refrain yourself from leaping into the television screen. No matter what generation we enter over the coming years, it will become an inevitability that The Wind Waker will never age. And like a fine wine, it will only improve in time.

The existential years of a post graduate, eh? The constant barrage of expectation, the sleepless night of formidable unknown, the sheer terror of rejection - this comes with the territory. However, while I have yet to create a clear focal point in the vast world of multimedia, there too also becomes a fresh starting point. Enter Second Opinion, my official foray into retrospective gaming, movies and all things musical.

So the purpose of such a blog, you ask? The idea of nostalgia has forever been a concept of intrigue - we are drawn to certain things due to being a reminder of past memories, however are we truly more cynical when we become older or is the mind more logical in its overall deconstruction?

Hopefully the philosophical nature of my intention will change the depth of a typified retrospective review - have we been looking through rose-tinted glasses with a warm filed glee all these years? Does it still hold up well today? It's time to delve deep into our childhood psyche and see if your second opinion is still the same!

I sincerely hope you enjoy the upcoming content and, naturally, feedback would be greatly appreciated :)