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I’ve started working on a series of digital zines about the original four Phantasy Star games. The first one is available now as a free PDF! Please check it out, share, and let me know what you think! https://drive.google.com/file/d/1Ufs3qyC0HT7F3uKrgEfEKCdoYKhLz9u7/view?usp=sharing

[defstan480]

I’ve started working on a series of digital zines about the original four Phantasy Star games. The first one is available now as a free PDF! Please check it out, share, and let me know what you think! https://drive.google.com/file/d/1Ufs3qyC0HT7F3uKrgEfEKCdoYKhLz9u7/view?usp=sharing

[defstan480]

Star Wars Arcade (32X / Sega / 1994)

Similar to fellow Model 1 arcade to 32X port Virtua Fighter, Star Wars loses some fidelity on the trip home, but retains its joy and replayability.

Fun Factor: 4/5

Vibe: 3/5

[defstan480]

I’ve started working on a series of digital zines about the original four Phantasy Star games. The first one is available now as a free PDF! Please check it out, share, and let me know what you think! https://drive.google.com/file/d/1Ufs3qyC0HT7F3uKrgEfEKCdoYKhLz9u7/view?usp=sharing

[defstan480]

I’ve started working on a series of digital zines about the original four Phantasy Star games. The first one is available now as a free PDF! Please check it out, share, and let me know what you think! https://drive.google.com/file/d/1Ufs3qyC0HT7F3uKrgEfEKCdoYKhLz9u7/view?usp=sharing

[defstan480]

Final Fantasy IX (PS1 / Square / 2000)

[defstan480]

Street Fighter Zero (Alpha) 2 (SAT / Capcom / 1996)

Zero/Alpha 2 builds on the foundation of the first, resulting in a fighter that plays great and looks absolutely gorgeous.

Fun Factor: 5/5

Vibe: 5/5

[defstan480]

Castlevania Judgment (Wii / Konami, Eighting / 2008)

The Castlevania game that no one asked for, Judgment’s mechanics are as bizarre as Takeshi Obata’s reimaginings of the characters. But beyond that is a fascinating attempt at a free movement fighter, with loads of modes and unlockables, and an incredible soundtrack.

Fun Factor: 2/5

Vibe: 4/5

[defstan480]

Futari no Fantavision (PS2 / Sony Computer Entertainment / 2002)

This Japan-only Fantavision sequel doubles down on the original’s killer retrofuture aesthetic, and adds an expanded multiplayer mode, vs. another player or the CPU. The competitive mode goes from chill to chaotic quickly, and makes for a unique multiplayer puzzle game well worth checking out.

Fun Factor: 4/5

Vibe: 5/5

[defstan480]

Ecco Jr. (GEN / Novotrade / 1995)

Completely bereft of the challenge found in its predecessors, Ecco Jr. is a gorgeous and chill aquatic adventure. In this way it almost feels like a 16-bit precursor to the Everblue / Endless Ocean games.

[defstan480]

Metal Gear Solid 3: Snake Eater (PS2 / Konami / 2004)

Much has been said about MGS 3’s brilliant boss fights, incredible visuals, and inspired stealth and survival mechanics. I’d like to add that in addition to all of that, you can also capture monkeys.

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Metal Gear Solid 3: Snake Eater (PS2 / Konami / 2004)

[defstan480]

Star Wars Episode I: Racer (GBC / Pax Softnica / 1999)

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Deep Fear (SAT / System Sacom, Sega / 1998)

A classic style survival horror game, what sets Deep Fear apart from its peers is its underwater setting. The English voice acting makes the original Resident Evil seem like Metal Gear Solid, making the story extra delightful.

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The Nintendo 64 can produce mind-boggling effects.

[defstan480]

Paper Mario: The Thousand-Year Door (GCN / Intelligent Systems / 2004)

Nostalgic yet clever and subversive, Thousand Year Door was a brilliant follow-up to Paper Mario. Unique mechanics, cool environmental puzzles, and a timeless visual style make this one of the best Mario RPGs.

[defstan480]

The Sims: Deluxe Edition (PC / Maxis / 2002)

Will Wright’s depiction of Americana banality ended up being a breath of fresh air for the industry in 2000. From Simlish to the random stories that unfold, the game had a unique, (somewhat) unpredictable vibe that was totally immersive.