#retroware

Iron Meat

Konami’s Contra series showed obvious influence from R-rated movies like Predator, Aliens, and Rambo, but the games were still fundamentally aimed at kids, so the end results were always a little sanitized. Now thirty-five years after the original Contra game, unshackled by such regulations, Iron Meat delivers run-and-gun action far more brutal and far more vicious than the original games were ever allowed to be.

It's that time of the year once again: the end of it. The holiday season is hitting us with its capitalistic drive, cold-ass weather (if applicable), and family love (if applicable)! I'm enjoying my little break from making videos and reflecting on the work I put out in 2024. My video count was much higher than in 2023. But even then, I had a lot more in mind, so much so that I made a cute little MV for patrons in the beginning of the year. Sadly, not everything I considered 'locked in' came to fruition.

But that's okay, because I still came out with some fun videos! The projects I couldn't focus on aren't entirely abandoned, but they'll have to simmer more as I have big plans for 2025. That doesn't necessarily include everything I had in mind for this ending year, but you'll see. With that, let's go over all the videos I managed to create for this channel throughout this year leaving us;

Sonic 3D Retrospective | Onto Adventure

I have begun a retrospective series on Sonic's post-2D era, as I've always had a passing interest in the franchise.

The point of the video:

I used to be a major poser regarding some Sonic games, most notably blindly hating Adventure 1. This gave me a chance to reevaluate and describe why I love it as an adult today. I also found it interesting how vastly different SA1 and 2 are from each other, so I wanted to explore that as well.

Deadly Individualism: Frog Minutes

This was my first ever April Fools video, and it was a lot of fun to make! Thanks to an anonymous individual that made Frog Minutes playable via Android emulator, I got to experience a Grasshopper "gem" of sorts myself! I had a great time goofing on it as well as various comments disparaging my work. They motivate me just as much as the rest!

The point of the video:

I wanted to surprise folks as it was a long-running joke about when I'd make a video analysis on Frog Minutes, so I thought it made for a great gag!

Suda51 interview | Talking about Shadows of the Damned

One of my dreams came true, I got to meet Suda51 and talk to him extensively about his games, mainly Shadows of the Damned! This video pretty much had the entire interview, with added visual context of what we're discussing.

The point of the video:

To live a dream. Suda himself was a very kind man. I also had him sign my copy of Moonlight Syndrome, which he absolutely freaked out about! I don't think anyone has had him sign a copy of that in years, if ever.

I Do NOT Want a Flower, Sun, and Rain Remaster | Prelude Analysis

Originally part of the full analysis where I would go on an early tangent regarding the nature of video game remakes, I figured it was good enough to warrant its own video, rather than be a somewhat random tangent about game remakes in general.

The point of the video:

I realized I'm not a fan of most game remakes, I think just about all are unnecessary and pretty much always provide a downgraded experience of the original. Even regarding Resident Evil 1 (the go-to "what about-" example), I still prefer playing the original above the remake.

3 videos about Dead Rising Deluxe Remastered

Initially, I was merely reacting to the news of the original Dead Rising getting a full-on remake, as I figured people would be curious about my thoughts. To my surprise, Capcom recognized my dedication and reached out to me with early access and a free copy! I had to take the opportunity and provide deeper thoughts of my experience.

The point of the videos:

To properly evaluate what I thought of the remake, things that changed, and things that stayed the same. And, of course, to appease Capcom as they did me a solid. I was more than happy to make these videos!

Flower, Sun, and Rain Analysis | Yes Paradise

Another gigantic analysis video in a game directed by Suda51? Who could have guessed? Unlike my analysis for The Silver Case, this felt less daunting as I found Flower, Sun, and Rain easier to understand. Therefore, I had a great time really dissecting what Suda and the gang were trying to say with it.

The point of the video:

I never gave this game a proper analysis until now. A lot of people think it's just senseless and quirky, but there's actually a lot of great nuance and intrigue. Also, I wanted to describe that its story and structure is eerily close to how No More Heroes 3 was designed and even narrated. Awesome game.

In Here Is a Tragedy | The Silent Hill 2 remake is terrible

Experiencing the Silent Hill 2 remake was both grueling and gratifying. I felt a near infinite amount of vindication, as nearly all of my suspicions were proven right. The Silent Hill 2 remake is anti-art and anti-thought. Just like with The Medium, the developers did not take this harrowing adventure's centerpiece of severe mental health and trauma seriously. They tried selling an arthouse film like a theme park ride, which is all sorts of disgusting.

The point of the video:

I jokingly sent a request for a review code on Silent Hill 2, and Konami was dense enough to send it to me. I felt obligated to make a review at that point.

Shadows of the Damned | Bygone Era of Third Person Shooters

Shadows of the Damned received a proper remaster in 2024, making the game available on all current platforms! I wanted to give my thoughts on the port itself, as well as reflecting on this 2011 classic TPS. Also, the fine folks at NetEase sent me a code to review it, which was kind of them.

The point of the video:

Shadows of the Damned represents this era of TPS games that were more arcadey, faster-paced, and fun. I wanted to reflect on how TPS games don't play like it anymore, and why that might be the case.

Iron Meat Review | Finally, a good Contra game

I was given the opportunity of reviewing Iron Meat, an indie run-n-gun game that's heavily inspired by the Contra series. And, in turn, excels the efforts of current Contra in every single way imaginable.

The point of the video:

Contra is truly dead. Anything official using the name is merely a husk piece of the old game's glory. It's either unrecognizable, or nostalgia-grabbing trite with uninspired design. Retroware has a much better understanding of run-n-gun design than Wayforward, or anyone at Konami. It's sad, but I'm glad the spirit of Contra lives in indie gems such as this!

That's it for now, thank you so much for supporting me! I hope to make more awesome videos in 2025, catch y'all next time, and happy holidays!