Tag Archives: Forever Classic

The Smartest Shows in Gaming

While it may seem common for us Giga Geeks to see gaming as a medium that deserves a gargantuan amount of praise, the rest of the world doesn’t necessarily see that. Like literature and film, video games deserve to be preserved for further study to prevent the same mistakes, making the video game a continued evolution, rather than a circle of repetition. I have gone so far as to write collegiate level essays about video games, either about the plot or the mechanics and how they convey emotions.

Thus, I am always on the lookout for Scholars of the Pixel, Patrons of the Graphics Card, and Warriors of Game Design. These shows expand the mind on the subject of video games in all sorts of interesting ways. Feel free to let me know in the comments below if I’ve missed any individuals or groups I should be watching.

created by James Portnow, Daniel Floyd, Allison Theus, Elisa "LeeLee" Scaldaferri, Scott DeWitt, and Dan Jones, among guests
created by James Portnow, Daniel Floyd, Allison Theus, Elisa “LeeLee” Scaldaferri, Scott DeWitt, and Dan Jones, among guests

Extra Credits is a simple show in production, but contains some of the most well-thought scripts of anything I’ve ever watched. Seeing one of its episodes usually inspires me to write something, putting me in a frothing madness until something has been created. Its content always hits precise, yet broad topics across the medium from The Uncanny in horror, what a Skinner Box is, and beyond. It’s really useful stuff for writers, designers, artists, and anyone else in the creative space.

The crew includes artists, designers, and writers who work in the industry. Extra Credits writes fantastic articles, recommends games that are exceptional, but usually obscure, and even shows off some musicians who use video games as an inspiration. It truly celebrates the cerebral side of gaming in an outstanding fashion.

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Where would gaming be without a firm understanding of what it has been?

This is the question that Norman Caruso addresses in each of his publications. Fighting to keep the obscure alive and well, Caruso gives the modern audience a broader respect for what was in the past. He also has a knack for uncovering excellent research on peripherals and consoles. Many of the gadgets he discusses I had never seen before, but still hold lessons in design that are valuable. For example, the Top-Loader NES had better pins to read games, but few know of it, due to the iconic, albeit flawed design of the original NES, sending the Top-Loader into rarity.

Caruso’s skills in research with his expertise in production makes The Gaming Historian an absolute must when studying video games. His videos expand the mind for the future, while keeping the past alive, which is truly commendable.
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Sequelitis_4335
aka Arin Hanson

Sequelitis has the fewest episodes when compared to the others, but the statements made in these few are substantial in a lot of ways. Hanson is one of those people who doesn’t care what other critics have said, often tearing down well beloved games in favor of tighter design. He also points out the brilliance of subtle elements in a way that is hilarious and immensely insightful. For example, he harps on the first level of Megaman X on the SNES for a large part of his Megaman episode, pointing out each detail so that it makes sense, even to those not versed in the game design tongue.

There are few shows that have made me laugh as hard as Sequelitis, but then turn around and make me think beyond my usual understandings of a game. The animations and humor make these complex thoughts easy to grasp. The use of examples from the games prove points. The precise nature of his production, only releasing when truly satisfied, shows great care for the subject. It’s brilliant in every way!

If it wasn't for seeing Sequelitis three years ago, there may not be a Forever Classic.
If it wasn’t for seeing Sequelitis three years ago, there may not be a Forever Classic.

In fact, Sequelitis is the main reason I write and produce videos on the subject of video games. I wouldn’t have pursued becoiming a writer at Giga. I may never have taught a Middle School English class with Minecraft. I owe a lot to Arin Hanson and his work.

There is true scholarship to be found in video games. Of this, I know no doubt. The people who are challenging themselves to discover and share this wealth of knowledge is comparable to the essay writers who critique Shakespeare or the journalists who pick apart Gone with the Wind. Video games are a medium worth studying, and hopefully there will be more and more publications on the matter as the folks behind these three shows have shown to be possible.

Thus I challenge our readers to sit down and study a game. Why is it fun or not fun? What elements have been used to craft the experience? How does the art direction or music fit in? It’s a fun exercise I wholeheartedly recommend.

Below are a few more shows you should check out. Stay smart, Giga Geeks.

Game Theory, Zero Punctuation, 8-Bit Philosophy, Did you Know Gaming, Satchbag Goods

Alex’s Top 5 Obscure Games

[youtube http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Uc0JYLO6m78&w=420&h=315]

5). Forgotten Worlds (Arcade, Multiple other consoles)

Capcom and arcade machines go together like bread and butter. However, Forgotten Worlds is a game that’s rarely mentioned except amongst die hard shooter fans. It has everything that makes shooters great: power-ups, tons of enemies, and massive bosses. What makes this game stand out is its controls. Players spin to shoot in eight directions while the level scrolls, all while being able to move around the stage. Not only that, but two players could play on the same screen! Couple this with cheesy voice acting and you’ve got a hidden gem.

The reason this game is so low on this list is due to the characters appearing in other Capcom projects. They try to toot their own horn as much as possible. For example, the Unknown Soldiers were helper characters in the first Marvel VS Capcom. These characters also appear in Namco X Capcom alongside a few soundtracks.

If you can find the Turbo Grafx version or the Capcom Classics Collection, pick it up. Hopefully Forgotten Worlds can be a little less forgotten.

 

Probably nothing PG my friend...
Probably nothing PG my friend…

4). Goemon’s Great Adventure (N64)

Sure, 2.5D platformers are fairly common, especially in the last three years with Nintendo releasing games like Donkey Kong Country Returns and the New Super Mario Bros. This style was rather rare on the N64, but a couple games did pull it off. One of the best was Goemon’s Great Adventure, a game that was a part of the Mystical Ninja series. It allowed two players to explore at the same time and had a rough difficulty. Players could choose one of four characters, each with their own strengths and weaknesses. The whole game is themed with classic Japanese mythology, giving the game tons of charm from the get go.

To add more variety and wackiness, each stage ended in a giant robot battle. These first-person battles are a blast to play and they remain challenging. Overall, the game is hard to beat, fun to play with friends, and odd enough to feel unique and new. I definitely recommend finding it.

Now if only there could be a revival of this series, we could all enjoy quirky Japanese ninjas.

[youtube http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YE_4Q5aBenM&w=560&h=315]

3). Little Nemo: The Dream Master (NES)

Little Nemo started out as a beloved comic series, which later became an animated film. Then, Capcom got a hold of it and used their super platforming powers to make a great game. This game is beyond hard, forcing players to search every nook and cranny of the level to find keys to open a door to the next level. Enemies are abundant and spawn constantly, but luckily Nemo has the power of candy, which he uses to coerce animals out of their skin. These gross suits become Nemo’s power as each animal provides different bonuses such as a high-jumping frog to a violent gorilla.

Even though the game is brutally difficult, I always find myself coming back to it. Dig out your gray boxes and slap in the cartridge, because this one is worth it.

 

For those afraid of spiders and Pete, I apologize.
For those afraid of spiders and Pete, I apologize.

2). Magical Quest Starring Mickey Mouse (SNES)

Alright, I’m guilty of loving the early years of Capcom and this list is loaded with Capcom love, but these games were buried in Megaman sequels and Resident Evil spin-offs. During the golden age of gaming, or the lifecycle of the NES, SNES, and such, Capcom turned almost everything they touched into gold. Nowadays, a Disney game is plagued with repetitiveness, lazy design, or marketing schemes involving toys. Capcom made several amazing Disney games, but Magical Quest was the one I actually played as a kid.

My cousin and I both owned a SNES. I lucked into borrowing his copy and after playing the hell out of it, we got together and played the game together for even more fun. Mickey has all the staples a video game hero should have. He can jump and throw things with the best of them, yet his greatest power is his ability to stop time to change clothes. Each costume has its own abilities which can sometimes lead to secrets and easier ways to beat enemies. Bosses are awesome, difficult, and all share a common theme. They all have Pete’s face, which sounds creepy, but actually works.

Even to this day, when I go to my cousin’s house, we sit and play Magical Quest. It’s just that awesome. Recently, I discovered the game had a few sequels and we’ve been hunting them down like crazy. We’re also planning to get the newest remake of Castle of Illusion, but have yet to buy it.

If you like Disney and video games, you deserve to play Magical Quest.

 

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Nothing says awesome like torn skin, sunglasses, and a broken title.
Nothing says awesome like torn skin, sunglasses, and a broken title.

Honorable Mentions

Before I declare my absolute favorite obscure game, let me mention a few games worth looking into that almost made the cut.

Little Samson (NES)

Shatterhand (NES)

Soul Reaver (PSONE, Dreamcast, PC)

Lost Vikings (SNES)

Super Mario RPG (SNES)

Now, each of these games are awesome in their own ways. Some of them are so rare that their almost not worth mentioning and others include characters that received other titles. However, there is one game that trumps them all. A game so good, I sobbed a bit when it froze and I’ve spent money on getting it professionally repaired.

[youtube http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FZ9Rn8GCJ5M&w=560&h=315]

1). Radiata Stories (PS2)

The RPG genre is my favorite. These games typically take a lot of hours to complete with complex characters, monsters, and stories. Some of the best games ever made were RPGs and it’s a shame Radiata Stories didn’t get the attention it deserved. The game did well in Japan, but was jaded in the states by Final Fantasy XII and Dragon Quest VIII. It came out at the end of the PS2’s life and I actually bought it on a complete whim. That day I discovered over a hundred characters, references to Star Ocean, and a combat system that let the player create their own combos. This combined with the beautiful art style set up one of my favorite games.

The plot is fairly simple (following common tropes), but what set it apart was the humor. There are some gut-busting scenes between the characters. Basically, there’s a war going on between the humans and the more monstrous races of the world, which eventually leads the player to choose a side. The plot then switches to that perspective, with its own special characters to unlock.

I also enjoyed all the different costumes and weapons Jack Russell (the main character) could equip. He can use four different styles: sword, great sword, spears, and axes. Each style has unlockable attacks and changes the gameplay enough to keep the combat interesting. However, the best thing about Radiata Stories is the amount of team members.

There are 176 characters to add to the friends list, including dwarves, knights, orcs, and even characters from other games including Valkyrie from Valkyrie Profile. After beating the game, players can also start over with all their skills and friends list members, allowing players to try other choices and play styles.

All in all, Radiata Stories is another RPG that deserves a sequel or re-release. There is a short manga series, but a new game is sorely needed. I loved the playfulness of the story and quirky characters. Find a PS2, spend the money to get a new copy, and enjoy Japanese Role-Playing at its finest.

Square-Enix games deserve a break every now and again.

 

You can watch me and my friends play a few of these games on Forever Classic. NOTE: I’m extremely silly in these videos and I have a fairly foul mouth, just be warned.

Goemon’s Great Adventure: 

Little Nemo: