powerstone05
Reviews
Stretch Panic (PlayStation 2)
Great Idea, Bad Implementation
The Good
As someone who likes the more toony elements in games, stories, and characters, I must admit the odd premise of having a demonically possessed scarf that can pinch and deform the environment caught my attention fast. Also in a unique departure from games I've played in the past, the game pretty much consists of just 12 bosses. For an early PS2 game, I also liked the graphics, vivid colors and a very interesting filter effect for the central museum hub.
The Bad
The big no-no here: Controls. Gameplay is difficult and awkward at first as you have to use both analog sticks to control Linda and her scarf respectively. Also you have hold several buttons to do some moves, including the essential 'Bomb' attack. Another thing is the point system. I felt it was not needed at all and would have been better without it. Last but not least, I felt the game was too short. For the gameplay involved, I felt there should have been more, like actual levels, or more of a storyline which doesn't really advance at all during the game besides saving your sisters one by one.
The Bottom Line
This is another one of those "weird" games to come out of Japan. Think 'Katamari'-weird and you're on your way.
By powerstone05 on August 14, 2013
Okage: Shadow King (PlayStation 2)
Recommended if you can get it.
The Good
This RPG has a few things about it that stand out. First I have to give props for the unique random encounter system that is implemented. In it, ghosts randomly appear on the battlefield and if they come into contact with Ari, a battle ensues. Second, the game world is expansive but also compact. What I mean is it's easy to remember where locations are if all the areas in the game were joined together into a giant map. This game's soundtrack is also beautifully memorable that reminds me of Dark Cloud. For a CD-ROM format game (most are DVD), a good amount of content is packed into it. And last but not least, the titular Stan and his dialogue drive the humor through most of the plot.
The Bad
While it's not as hard as other RPGs, enemies are surprisingly difficult at first. Any of your characters can be KO'ed within a couple hits if it's a new area or dungeon. Another huge problem I had was that the item system in the battles is flawed. An example of this is if a character uses an item to heal themself, but they are KO'ed before they can use it; the game still deducts the item from your inventory. Call it a bug, or call it a feature, I don't like that. Without revealing spoilers, I also thought the storyline wasn't the best and that the climax was...well not very climax-y.
The Bottom Line
Another poster mentioned it, but it's a semi-toony RPG with humor sprinkled throughout. Not as serious as your Final Fantasy installments, plus it's something different.
By powerstone05 on July 27, 2013
Brain Dead 13 (iPhone)
There's Nothing Else Quite Like It
The Good
Something that really stands out in this game is the surreal horror you will encounter. Not just the enemies but little things that will surprise you (the kitchen is a very good example). The animation is very well done for its time (1995) and comes off mostly as a very dark twist on the Brave Little Toaster (yes I know there's a 8 year difference between the 2). The characters also provide enough personality to keep you hooked playing, until the very end. Also for this port, a 'move guide' can be turned on which lights up directions you can press at the right times, effectively making it a 'easy' mode for unfamiliar players.
The Bad
There are a few things that could have been improved. For this iPhone port, the password system was removed and can only continue where you last were. Once you finish the game, you can't continue from the last spot and must start a new game. I felt like maybe a new save/password system may have been better. Second, the instructions (or 'Help' as its referred to in-game) is not as complete as the original console releases. Also, players may get thrown off course mentally because most of the 'sequence rooms' have 2 exits and the 'longer' exit must be reached (defeat the enemy) in order to activate the path to the final rooms. I personally had this problem doing the witches' towers which sneakily hides the correct path you need to take.
The Bottom Line
For those not familiar with Dragon's Lair, it is literally an interactive cartoon movie. All you have to control is the 4 directions and a action button. Everything you need to do involves pressing a correct order of these buttons at given times.
By powerstone05 on April 25, 2013
Jersey Devil (PlayStation)
One of the best for Playstation
The Good
The game's story, enviroment, & characters makes it good. The monsters are very mysterious and so are the characters. The bosses are something you probably won't see in any other game (ever see a mutant octopus in a toxic barrel that can jump?) The game is of course the same name of the legend in Pine Barrens of New Jersey. This game rocks.
The Bad
The music has a little flaw. Once the track ends it stops, pauses, then starts over. It doesn't continuously go on. Plus a few levels are a little long. Plus when you totally complete the game, you can't go back to it, you just watch the ending scene.
The Bottom Line
The game is truly unique. I knew I had to tell MobyGames about it because it's unique even the cover is unique! They should make a sequel even though it's been 7 years since this game was made.
By powerstone05 on July 2, 2007
Castlevania (Amiga)
This port could have been much better...
The Good
This game did have its positives, first and foremost, the graphics. They are very good (as you can see in the screenshots section). The bosses look more weird than normal ports (NES for example.).
The Bad
The big problem with this game is the controls. Your attack is delayed by a second which means you're easy bait for enemies. Also Simon looks a bit to macho looking in this port.
The Bottom Line
This game isn't that bad but could be better. It's fun to see the graphics though.
By powerstone05 on June 30, 2007
Double Dragon (Atari 2600)
A Very Bad Port
The Good
It was unique to the Atari 2600. Very few (if any) games were scrolling fighting games. and that's just about it.
The Bad
First, the gameplay is way too hard. You only land one kick on your enemy and then he counters with a 3-hit combo until you're dead. In fact, I've never got past the first screen it's so difficult. Plus watch the characters as they move.It looks a bit gay. And the colors are pretty screwed up as well. The purple skin looks eerie.
The Bottom Line
Don't buy this game if you're looking for something fun. Only collectors should hunt down Double Dragon for A26.
By powerstone05 on December 29, 2006
Smash T.V. (SNES)
One of the goriest games I've seen.
The Good
If you like'd Mortal Kombat games check this one out. The game is to get through each level not getting killed by the "thousands" of humans and animals and robots you're going to face. There is a boss on each level with some kind of gory effect. For example the first battle, you eventually shoot your enemy so much that his skeleton is showing. Plus their head goes flying off with lots of blood. I'm surprised this didn't get a M rating.
The Bad
This game is "very hard". If you've played Mortal Kombat 3 for SNES, you know hard but this is almost impossible to beat without losing. This is true in the last few rooms.
The Bottom Line
Gory. Very gory. Very hard. If you actually beated the final boss which is the game show host, then you're pretty amazing.
By powerstone05 on November 8, 2005
Monster Party (NES)
Truly a unique game for NES.
The Good
The game is truly nothing like any other game. The little bits of gore make this not too bad and gives you thrills similar to Freddy or Jason.
The Bad
This game is challenging! Plus the quotes said are pretty weird.
Imagine a venus fly trap saying "Hello Baby!" and then attacks you with bubbles, or imagine a pumpkin saying "Please don't pick on me" then comes flying at you. Plus a rotting corpse saying "Sorry, I'm Dead." Or one invisible guy saying "Empty."
The Bottom Line
Even though I haven't beaten the game yet, this game is addicting, but tough. This is a must for the NES fan.
By powerstone05 on April 19, 2005
Marble Madness (NES)
A Challenge To Gamers Everywhere.
The Good
The game is to guide a marble through 6 courses. Each harder then the last. The game is a challenge because of the time. You start with 60 seconds. On the next course, you have the remaining time from the last course plus 30 seconds. But starting at course 5, you'll get only 20 seconds powerup.
The Bad
The game is HARD at first but eventually you will beat it if you practice. My best time is 17 seconds left.
The Bottom Line
A true action/strategy classic for all.
By powerstone05 on September 28, 2004
Power Stone (Dreamcast)
Fun will last hours
The Good
The game is a 3-d world like fighter. [It isn't a one of those fighter games where you move left,right,jump,duck. The game is to beat your opponent up by using your body, weapons, and the power stones. Collect three and you'll transform to a stronger warrior. The game is truely one of the greatest games for Dreamcast. It's a must-play.
The Bad
A few unlock-ables require a dreamcast memory card [vmu]. For me, I had to buy one plus the batteries! That cost a lot! But you get some things for your troubles.
The Bottom Line
Better then Soul Calibur baby!
By powerstone05 on September 7, 2004
Power Stone 2 (Dreamcast)
A Great sequel to the original!
The Good
Includes a new story plus "6 NEW FIGHTERS! 2 ARE SECRET UNLOCK-ABLES!"
Plus invent almost a hundred more items such as the Gigantic Hammer, scooter [acts like a motorcycle!] the medusa which freezes players, the lance of lava which summons lava flows, and the rarest item thought to get: Light Stone, which randomizes your clothing. And much more! Plus, fight bosses and why not add some more reality like levels such as the temple, where a boulder chases all of the players! And the plane which eventually blows and you fall and fight for safety!
A amazingly great game. Much better then the first.
The Bad
Some items can be a pain to get.
The Bottom Line
To me, I say this. "THE GREATEST GAME IN DREAMCAST HISTORY!"
By powerstone05 on September 7, 2004
Mountain King (Atari 2600)
Mountain King Great Game For The Atari Age
The Good
This game, you are on a mountain and first need to get 1000 points in diamonds. Then find the flame spirit with it's soothing song. Then bypass the Skull spirit, grab the crown and make it to the top of the mountain within a time limit. What is actually so famous about the Atari 2600 version is the Hidden World Easter Egg. It is known to be be the biggest and greatest easter egg in a Atari 2600 game! For more information on this, go to www.gamechambers.com .
The Bad
The Time Limit When Going Back Up The Mountain Is Small And Can Be A Pain, ecspecially right at the top and you lose.
The Bottom Line
A excellent game ecspecially with the easter egg. Deserves a 9 of 10.
By powerstone05 on August 16, 2004
Friday the 13th (Commodore 64)
Can You Kill Jason Before He Kills?
The Good
In this game you are someone [It randomly changes from level to level] and must kill Jason before he kills you. Basically you have to find some weapon around the area and then when he appears [he is the guy all black] you have hit him till he dies. But note! He can become some one else's form making it harder! The only thing left to mention is that Jason goes out for people in the area too so you you need to know that. You get bonus points for how many people still alive after killing Jason.
The Bad
The two that was really disappointing was first after you've been all the people, you just start right back at the beginning, so basically you just keep going for the highest score. Second, is the SFX for screams. It can really use some improvement. The scream SFX has a girlish voice and Jason uses this voice when he dies, which is pretty dumb.
The Bottom Line
This game isn't scary or gory at all. Except for the screams and the message "Looks like your head got cut off". But This is a great game for C64.
By powerstone05 on August 16, 2004
Cosmic Ark (Atari 2600)
Playing As The Aliens
The Good
In This Game, You Play as a mothership and have to get as much points as possible by going through 2 sessions. One you have to shoot asteroids that are coming from four directions, after that you will need to take creatures on land to your spaceship. But you must hurry or your mothership will get hit by a asteroid.
The Bad
The Game gets hard after the first few levels.
The Bottom Line
Overall, I would give this game a 6 out of 10 for a Atari 2600 game.
By powerstone05 on August 11, 2004
Ratchet & Clank (PlayStation 2)
A Game For Anybody who wants a game with a storyline and the action adventure type....
The Good
Ratchet And Clank is a game where it is different then any other PS2 yet. You can blast many objects and a god storyline with humor, action, adventure, and betrayal..... The game has many weapons including a gun that turns your enemies into chickens. Missions include doing Star Wars type sky shooting to shoot down minions. And not to mention the game is futuristic so expect to see future like things like different planets, robots [duh] and other future like things you see in the Jetsons.
The Bad
Even though it's a good game there is still always downsides. Such as the "Skill Points" they can take a long time to solve.
The Bottom Line
It is unlike any other game I ever saw. And for less than $30, it would make a comforting gift for any being. My Overall Rating Is A 9 out of 10! Way To Go Insomiac! Keep It Up!
By powerstone05 on August 11, 2004