sephfire
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Posts posted by sephfire
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This is just me tinkering with samples and trying to find a good sound. It's not even a WIP yet. Do not bother telling me how short and under-developed it is. I'm aware.
I've had a nice short break from remixing and now I'm starting back up again. I want to do a Psychonauts mix next and I'm looking for the right sound. This is what I've got after a couple hours of playing around. Not sure where to go with it.
http://www.sephfire.com/music/cirque.mp3
What do you guys think? Keep going with this or scrap it and try again?
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Sorry for another missed day. Here's another double-round to make up for it.
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***ROUND FIFTEEN***
Disgaea 2: Cursed Memories
Console: Playstation 2
Publisher: NIS America
Developer: Nippon Ichi Soft.
Meta Score: 8.4
Metal Slug Anthology
Console: Playstation 2
Publisher: SNK Playmore
Developer: SNK Playmore
Meta Score: 8.2
Beatmania IIDX 9th Style
Console: Playstation 2
Publisher: Konami
Developer: Konami
Meta Score: (not available)
Tekken 5
Console: Playstation 2
Publisher: Namco
Developer: Namco
Meta Score: 8.8
Border Down
Console: Dreamcast
Publisher: G.Rev
Developer: G.Rev
Meta Score: 6.5
Enclave
Console: Xbox
Publisher: Conspiracy Entertainment
Developer: Starbreeze
Meta Score: 6.6
Metal Gear Solid 2: Substance
Console: Xbox
Publisher: Konami
Developer: KCEJ
Meta Score: 8.7
Super Smash Bros. Melee
Console: Gamecube
Publisher: Nintendo
Developer: HAL Labs
Meta Score: 9.2
Puzzle Quest: Challenge of the Warlords
Console: Nintendo DS
Publisher: D3
Developer: 1st Playable Prod.
Meta Score: 8.1
Valkyrie Profile: Lenneth
Console: PSP
Publisher: Square Enix
Developer: Tri-Ace
Meta Score: 8.0
***ROUND SIXTEEN***
Marvel vs. Capcom
Console: Dreamcast
Publisher: Capcom
Developer: Capcom
Meta Score: 8.9
Shenmue
Console: Dreamcast
Publisher: Sega
Developer: Sega-AM2
Meta Score: 8.9
Castlevania: Lament of Innocence
Console: Playstation 2
Publisher: Konami
Developer: KCET
Meta Score: 7.8
Guitar Hero 2
Console: Playstation 2
Publisher: RedOctane
Developer: Harmonix Music
Meta Score: 9.2
Silent Hill 4: The Room
Console: Playstation 2
Publisher: Konami
Developer: KCET
Meta Score: 7.6
Beatmania IIDX 10th Style
Console: Playstation 2
Publisher: Konami
Developer: Konami
Meta Score: (not available)
Zone of Enders
Console: Playstation 2
Publisher: Konami
Developer: KCEJ
Meta Score: 7.7
Genma Onimusha
Console: Xbox
Publisher: Capcom
Developer: Capcom
Meta Score: 8.1
OutRun2
Console: Xbox
Publisher: Microsoft Game Studios
Developer: Sumo Digital
Meta Score: 8.1
Pac-Man vs.
Console: Gamecube
Publisher: Namco
Developer: Nintendo
Meta Score: 8.0
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Disgaea 2: Cursed Memories -- YES
Though not much different from the first game, they ironed out the kinks and added even more polish. The story is fun, the gameplay is addicting and the trademark "let's-not-take-ourselves-too-seriously" humor as great as ever. I've clocked way too many hours into this game.
Super Smash Bros. Melee -- YES
Retains everything great from the original and doubles the content. What's not to like?
Puzzle Quest -- YES
Well I'll be darned, they found a way to make Bejeweled interesting. It's amazing how much depth RPG elements add to the casual game. The artwork is intermediate at best and the DS version of the game take a big hit in the graphics department, but you don't really need visuals for this thing.
Guitar Hero 2 -- YES
It may not have the song lineup of the first game, but who really cares? It's still awesome, and now the Hammer-on/Pull-off system actually works. And it's a darn good thing, because the difficulty is definitely up. Great, great game.
Silent Hill 4: The Room -- NO
Poor voice acting and clumsy controls totally ruin this experience. I don't even know if it actually provided any decent scares. I couldn't stand playing it for longer than a couple hours.
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I assume you mean Skies of Arcadia?
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You got it.
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While I have an extra moment, I could also use some input on a related issue.
I've been considering the possibility of a sequel to this thread (once this one is finished, of course), this time covering a new collection of consoles and handhelds. Does this sound good to you guys? I'd love to just open it up to every console this thread didn't cover, but that's a pretty wide range. It could get overwhelming.
Here's the collection I'm considering for the next "season" of Must-Have Games:
SNES
Nintendo 64
Game Boy Advance
Playstation
Sega Genesis
Sega Saturn
PC
Thoughts?
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And with this, we hit the two week mark. An update to the progress report will be made in a moment. Excellent votingsmanship this week, team.
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***ROUND FOURTEEN***
Forza Motorsport
Console: Xbox
Publisher: Microsoft Game Studios
Developer: Microsoft Game Studios
Meta Score: 9.3 (99 reviews)
Splinter Cell: Chaos Theory
Console: Xbox
Publisher: Ubisoft
Developer: Ubisoft Montreal
Meta Score: 9.4 (88 reviews)
Legend of Zelda: Twilight Princess
Console: Gamecube
Publisher: Nintendo
Developer: Nintendo
Meta Score: 9.6 (15 reviews)
P.N.03
Console: Gamecube
Publisher: Capcom
Developer: Capcom
Meta Score: 6.4 (61 reviews)
Giga Wing 2
Console: Dreamcast
Publisher: Capcom
Developer: Takumi
Meta Score: 6.5 (15 reviews)
Virtual On: Oratorio
Console: Dreamcast
Publisher: Activision
Developer: Sega
Meta Score: 7.8 (35 reviews)
Shin Megami Tensei III
Console: Playstation 2
Publisher: Atlus Co.
Developer: Atlus Co.
Meta Score: (not available)
Daxter
Console: PSP
Publisher: SCEA
Developer: Ready at Dawn
Meta Score: 8.7 (76 reviews)
Capcom vs. SNK 2: Mark of the Millenium 2001
Console: Playstation 2
Publisher: Capcom
Developer: Capcom
Meta Score: 8.2 (47 reviews)
Gran Turismo 4
Console: Playstation 2
Publisher: SCEA
Developer: Polyphony Digital
Meta Score: 8.9 (103 reviews)
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I actually haven't played any of these, other than the Wii version of Twilight Princess. I'm sure it's not much different between versions, but I'm sure there are plenty of other people who can cover that game instead.
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Oh, and sephire, you just contradicted what you said above by saying this.
Not really. I haven't played it since it came out and all I really remember for certain is that I wasn't as impressed with it as the first game. However, since that's all I can recall with certainty, I left it with an UNDECIDED vote.
Reminder #2 (which you quoted above) is meant to keep people from saying things like "MP2 doesn't deserve a YES because MP was better." I know it sounds hair-splitting, but there's a difference between NO-ing a sequel because its must-have prequel was marginally better and NO-ing a sequel because you just don't believe it's a must-have.
edit:
Or to clarify further, if you think both games deserve must-have status, vote YES to both. You don't have to choose between them. However, if you believe one is a must-have, and the other just wasn't good enough to be a must-have, vote accordingly. Sometimes one game is just plain better. I was mostly reminding people of this so they knew they didn't HAVE to choose between sequels and remakes (like Skies of Arcadia and such).
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I think most of us are just admitting the fact that Psychonauts borrows a lot of it's gameplay elements from other platformers. The presentation and aesthetic of it all, however, are wholly unique and far more intricate than most. That's what makes it so brilliant.
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Round Thirteen!
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***ROUND THIRTEEN***
Street Fighter III: Third Strike
Console: Dreamcast
Publisher: Capcom
Developer: Capcom
Meta Score: 7.9 (26 reviews)
Last Blade 2
Console: Dreamcast
Publisher: Agetec Inc.
Developer: SNK
Meta Score: 7.5 (9 reviews)
Metropolis Street Racer
Console: Dreamcast
Publisher: Sega
Developer: Bizarre Creations
Meta Score: 8.8 (48 reviews)
Dragon Quest VIII Journey of the Cursed King
Console: Playstation 2
Publisher: Square Enix
Developer: Level 5
Meta Score: 9.0 (94 reviews)
Winning Eleven: Pro Evolution Soccer 2007
Console: Playstation 2
Publisher: Konami
Developer: Konami
Meta Score: 8.7 (26 reviews)
Beatmania IIDX 8th Style
Console: Playstation 2
Publisher: Konami
Developer: Konami
Meta Score: (not available)
Crimson Skies: High Road to Revenge
Console: Xbox
Publisher: Microsoft Game Studios
Developer: Microsoft Game Studios
Meta Score: 9.0 (116 reviews)
Psychonauts
Console: Xbox
Publisher: Majesco Games
Developer: Double Fine Prod.
Meta Score: 9.0 (70 reviews)
Metroid Prime 2: Echoes
Console: Gamecube
Publisher: Nintendo
Developer: Retro Studios
Meta Score: 9.2 (89 reviews)
Mario Kart DS
Console: Nintendo DS
Publisher: Nintendo
Developer: Nintendo
Meta Score: 9.2 (96 reviews)
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My votes:
Psychonauts -- YES
It doesn't add much to the genre of platforming, but the presentation is unmatched. Psychic Summer Camp? Awesome. Diving into the minds of mental patients to fight their demons, relive their nightmares and literally sort their emotional baggage? Double awesome. Seussian environment aesthetic with brilliant character design and top-notch voice acting? Triple awesome. Add Tim Schafer's trademark sense of humor and you have one of the greatest platformers of its generation.
Metroid Prime 2: Echoes -- UNDECIDED
On the one hand, it adds a few cool Metroid trademarks to the formula. Spin attacks and such. But I remember not feeling quite as impressed with this one as with the original. Admittedly, it's been a couple years, so I'm sitting on this decision a while longer while I try to remember.
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Just a couple reminders:
1. A game does not have to revolutionize its franchise or genre to count as a must-have. (example: Megaman 2 adds little to the Megaman formula, but is obviously a must-have NES game).
2. A game does not have to be superior to all of its sequels to belong on this list. (example: if you think both MGS2 and MGS3 are must-have games, vote YES for both. The two don't have to compete for the spot).
3. A game does not have to be superior to its remakes to belong on the list. (example: despite the existence of Ninja Gaiden Black, the original Ninja Gaiden is still worthy of must-have status).
New round coming soon. And we're up to about 24 or 25 rounds now with the new nominees.
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I'll count that as a nomination for the Gamecube version. And with that, we move to round twelve.
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***ROUND TWELVE***
Fatal Fury: Mark of the Wolves
Console: Dreamcast
Publisher: Agetec Inc.
Developer: SNK
Meta Score: 8.4 (6 reviews)
Skies of Arcadia
Console: Dreamcast
Publisher: Sega
Developer: Overworks
Meta Score: 9.0 (56 reviews)
Contra: Shattered Soldier
Console: Playstation 2
Publisher: Konami
Developer: KCET
Meta Score: 7.6 (79 reviews)
Grand Theft Auto: Vice City
Console: Playstation 2
Publisher: Rockstar Games
Developer: Rockstar North
Meta Score: 9.4 (123 reviews)
Shadow of the Colossus
Console: Playstation 2
Publisher: SCEA
Developer: SCEI
Meta Score: 9.2 (114 reviews)
Battle Engine Aquila
Console: Xbox
Publisher: Atari
Developer: Lost Toys
Meta Score: 7.5 (49 reviews)
Midway Arcade Treasures 1
Console: Xbox
Publisher: Midway
Developer: Midway
Meta Score: 7.5 (43 reviews)
Mario Party 5
Console: Gamecube
Publisher: Nintendo
Developer: Nintendo
Meta Score: 7.1 (50 reviews)
Resident Evil 4
Console: Gamecube
Publisher: Capcom
Developer: Capcom
Meta Score: 9.6 (124 reviews)
Phoenix Wright: Ace Attorney
Console: Nintendo DS
Publisher: Capcom
Developer: Capcom
Meta Score: 8.2 (67 reviews)
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My votes:
Grant Theft Auto: Vice City -- YES
Every bit as good as GTA3 and more. In addition to the great GTA gameplay, the 80s setting seals the deal. There is no reason not to own this.
Shadow of the Colossus -- YES
It's epic, beautiful, and unlike any other game you've played. Also, it's only $20 now. This is an experience that should not be missed.
Mario Party 5 -- NO
I would call this a must-have, but that's really a sentiment aimed at the franchise in general. I highly recommend Mario Party as a franchise, but I don't imagine this fifth installment is noticably better than the rest of the series. I think everyone should have a Mario Party game, but it doesn't have to be this one.
Resident Evil 4 -- YES
I'm not going to waste any time explaining why this game is a must-have. All you need to know is that it is one of the greatest games in the entire Gamecube library.
Carry on.
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I counted. It looks like our current list of nominations will give us 22 total rounds of voting (the last one being a few games longer). That means we're at the half-way mark.
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***ROUND ELEVEN***
Killer 7
Console: Gamecube
Publisher: Capcom
Developer: Grasshopper
Meta Score: 7.7 (77 reviews)
Jet Grind Radio
Console: Dreamcast
Publisher: Sega
Developer: Smilebit
Meta Score: 9.1 (64 reviews)
Devil May Cry 2
Console: Playstation 2
Publisher: Capcom
Developer: Capcom
Meta Score: 7.2 (87 reviews)
Herdy Gerdy
Console: Playstation 2
Publisher: Eidos Interactive
Developer: Core Design Ltd.
Meta Score: 7.1 (48 reviews)
Kingdom Hearts
Console: Playstation 2
Publisher: Squaresoft
Developer: Squaresoft
Meta Score: 8.6 (114 reviews)
Soul Calibur II
Console: Playstation 2, Xbox, Gamecube
Publisher: Namco
Developer: Namco
Meta Score: 9.2 (82 reviews)
Onimusha 3: Demon Siege
Console: Playstation 2
Publisher: Capcom
Developer: Capcom
Meta Score: 8.6 (72 reviews)
Beatmania IIDX 7th Style
Console: Playstation 2
Publisher: Konami
Developer: Konami
Meta Score: (not available)
Capcom Classics Collection
Console: Xbox
Publisher: Capcom
Developer: Digital Eclipse
Meta Score: 8.1 (33 reviews)
Ninja Gaiden Black
Console: Xbox
Publisher: Tecmo
Developer: Team Ninja
Meta Score: 9.4 (48 reviews)
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My votes:
Killer 7 -- NO
My main gripe is the controls. The uniqueness of the game is a strength, but also a weakness. It's so deep into the realm of what-the-hell that it becomes inaccessable to a large audience. Unique aesthetics should never be deal-breaker, but the controls seal it.
Kingdom Hearts -- YES
If you don't like Final Fantasy or Disney, this may not be for you. At all. Otherwise, it's memory lane, and quite fun. I never had major gripes with the camera controls, though I hear many people did. Between the graphics, simple-but-fun gameplay, awesome vocal cast and interesting original characters and plot, this is a must-have for anyone who isn't a Disney/Square hater to begin with.
Soul Calibur II --YES
I can suck at fighting games and still enjoy it. Between the character variety, weapon collecting and solid fighting, it's hard to not enjoy this game.
Onimusha 3: Demon Siege -- NO
The Japan/France time-travel angle is cheesy, but forgivable since Jean Reno is involved. Disappointing that he only voiced the few French lines his character had. Onimusha keeps getting better with every game, but I wouldn't recommend any of the games as a must-have until Dawn of Dreams.
Ninja Gaiden Black -- YES
Huge YES. The original was awesome and this darn-near perfected it. This has to be the closest as hack-and-slash adventure has come to having the polished battle gameplay of a fighting game. Ryu handles like a dream. And this game doesn't mess around with you when it comes to difficulty. If you don't step up, Ryu is dead. And unlike cheap fighting games, it will be all your fault.
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This batch makes 100 games we've covered so far. Pat yourselves on the back.
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***ROUND TEN***
Elite Beat Agents
Console: Nintendo DS
Publisher: Nintendo
Developer: Inis
Meta Score: 8.7 (48 reviews)
Metal Gear Solid: Portable Ops
Console: PSP
Publisher: Konami
Developer: Kojima Productions
Meta Score: 8.7 (52 reviews)
Super Mario Sunshine
Console: Gamecube
Publisher: Nintendo
Developer: Nintendo
Meta Score: 9.2 (102 reviews)
Phantom Dust
Console: Xbox
Publisher: Majesco Games
Developer: MS Studios Japan
Meta Score: 8.3 (49 reviews)
Gradius III & IV
Console: Playstation 2
Publisher: Konami
Developer: KCET
Meta Score: 5.7 (34 reviews)
Final Fantasy XII
Console: Playstation 2
Publisher: Square Enix
Developer: Square Enix
Meta Score: 9.2 (73 reviews)
Jak II
Console: Playstation 2
Publisher: SCEA
Developer: Naughty Dog
Meta Score: 8.8 (103 reviews)
Silent Hill 3
Console: Playstation 2
Publisher: Konami
Developer: KCET
Meta Score: 8.4 (90 reviews)
ChuChu Rocket!
Console: Dreamcast
Publisher: Sega
Developer: Sonic Team
Meta Score: 8.5 (45 reviews)
Test Drive Le Mans
Console: Dreamcast
Publisher: Atari
Developer: Atari
Meta Score: 8.8 (38 reviews)
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My votes:
Super Mario Sunshine -- YES
It may not be Mario 64, but it 's easily a must. The resort environment is relaxing, the water-pack adds a new twist and the Bowser-Peach relationship gets four times weirder. Oh, and it's fun.
Phantom Dust -- YES
Very cool aesthetic and very cool card-esque gameplay to match it. I wish I'd found out about this game in its hayday. I'd actually stand a chance online now. Didn't one of the key Panzer Dragoon Orta staff members design this game? Either way, big YES.
Final Fantasy XII -- YES
This is one of the finest Final Fantasy games there is, and that is saying something. Absolutely gorgeous and the battle system is fantastic. Also, Square finally got some decent workers in their localization department, because the script translation and VA direction is greatly improved over past FF titles. If you like RPGs at all, this game is absolutely a must.
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By the way, have you considered putting up how many yes/no votes were cast for a given game, sephfire? Might be an interesting bit of info for games... especially ones that were just barely in the yes or no majority.
Sure, why not. I'll try to add that info tonight.
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How the fuck did pikmin get a "NO?" THat's an awesome game.
Is it too late for me to vote YES on pikmin?
Never.
Vote added. -
Here are rounds eight and nine. Sorry I forgot to post eight yesterday.
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***ROUND EIGHT***
Alien Front Online
Console: Dreamcast
Publisher: Sega
Developer: Sega
Meta Score: (not available)
Mars Matrix
Console: Dreamcast
Publisher: Capcom
Developer: Takumi
Meta Score: 7.8 (25 reviews)
Tekken Tag Tournament
Console: Playstation 2
Publisher: Namco
Developer: Namco
Meta Score: 8.6 (71 reviews)
Burnout 3: Takedown
Console: Playstation 2, Xbox
Publisher: EA Games
Developer: Criterion Games
Meta Score: 9.3 (70 reviews)
God of War
Console: Playstation 2
Publisher: SCEA
Developer: SCEA
Meta Score: 9.3 (120 reviews)
R-Type Final
Console: Playstation 2
Publisher: Eidos Interactive
Developer: Irem
Meta Score: 8.0 (76 reviews)
Capcom vs SNK 2 EO
Console: Xbox
Publisher: Capcom
Developer: Capcom
Meta Score: 8.1 (52 reviews)
MechAssault 2: Lone Wolf
Console: Xbox
Publisher: Microsoft Game studios
Developer: Day 1 Studios
Meta Score: (not available)
Legend of Zelda: Wind Waker
Console: Gamecube
Publisher: Nintendo
Developer: Nintendo
Meta Score: 9.5 (134 reviews)
Wario Ware Inc.: Mega Party Game$
Console: Gamecube
Publisher: Nintendo
Developer: Nintendo
Meta Score: 7.7 (60 reviews)
***ROUND NINE***
Grandia II
Console: Dreamcast
Publisher: Ubisoft
Developer: Game Arts
Meta Score: 8.8 (46 reviews)
Red Dog
Console: Dreamcast
Publisher: Crave
Developer: Argonaut Games
Meta Score: 7.6 (17 reviews)
Soul Calibur
Console: Dreamcast
Publisher: Namco
Developer: Namco
Meta Score: 9.6 (38 reviews)
Amplitude
Console: Playstation 2
Publisher: SCEA
Developer: Harmonix Music
Meta Score: 8.5 (90 reviews)
Fatal Frame 2: Crimson Butterfly
Console: Playstation 2
Publisher: Tecmo
Developer: Tecmo
Meta Score: 8.2 (65 reviews)
Metal Gear Solid 2: Sons of Liberty
Console: Playstation 2
Publisher: Konami
Developer: KCEJ
Meta Score: 9.5 (98 reviews)
Silpheed: The Lost Planet
Console: Playstation 2
Publisher: Working Design
Developer: Treasure
Meta Score: 6.2 (39 reviews)
Oddworld: Stranger’s Wrath
Console: Xbox
Publisher: EA Games
Developer: Oddworld
Meta Score: 8.7 (84 reviews)
Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic
Console: Xbox
Publisher: LucasArts
Developer: BioWare
Meta Score: 9.4 (136 reviews)
Steel Batallion
Console: Xbox
Publisher: Capcom
Developer: Capcom
Meta Score: 8.4 (36 reviews)
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My votes:
Burnout 3: Takedown -- YES
You don't have to enjoy racing games to enjoy this. The thrill of crushing your opponent's car against a wall is awesome. And the Crash mode where you intentionally wreck to see who can cause the most damage is worth buying the game by itself. My entire family sat around playing that for hours. Definite must-buy.
God of War -- YES
Another no-brainer. Great combat, puzzles, graphics, story, and everything inbetween. It's almost a perfect game. It makes you wonder why more games don't tap into mythology.
Legend of Zelda: Wind Waker -- NO
It may be fun and easy on the eyes, but the irritating triforce shard hunt at the end just leaves a stain on the whole experience (some would say the same thing about the tedious ocean travel). Then again, it had one of the finest endings of any Zelda game to date. But there are better Zelda games you could be playing.
Wario Ware Inc.: Mega Party Game$ -- YES
The Wii sequel may outshine it with motion-detection and such, but the original was still a surprisingly fun game.
Fatal Frame 2: Crimson Butterfly -- YES
The finest installment in the series. Ghosts and horrific experiences are so much more intimidating when you aren't controlling an adult with a shotgun. This might just be the creepiest game I've played.
Metal Gear Solid 2: Sons of Liberty -- YES
The ending may unravel into excessive complexity, but this is still a great game. And if nothing else, Raiden makes Snake look that much cooler. If you like cinematic gaming experiences, it's hard to beat the Metal Gear Solid series.
Oddworld: Stranger's Wrath -- YES
Beautiful, challenging and very unique. Indeed, it is hard to go wrong with Oddworld.
Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic -- NO
I like a lot of things about this game. It explores a completely different era in the Star Wars universe. The characters are interesting and diverse. And someone FINALLY made a Star Wars game with an original soundtrack! Finally! Beyond that, however, the pacing is pretty rough. The game just feels very, very slow. It's a good game, to be sure, but the formula could still use a bit more polish. I have high hopes for the third installment (whenever they get around to making it).
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This week's voting results are tallied and listed in the title post. I'll update the tally weekly.
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This wraps up week one. I'll probably update the main post weekly with results. Check for that later today, I guess.
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***ROUND SEVEN***
AirForce Delta
Console: Dreamcast
Publisher: Konami
Developer: KCE Studios
Meta Score: 6.6 (16 reviews)
Release: Sep 8, 1999
Powerstone 2
Console: Dreamcast
Publisher: Capcom
Developer: Capcom
Meta Score: (not available)
Release: Aug 23, 2000
Ace Combat 4
Console: Playstation 2
Publisher: Namco
Developer: Namco
Meta Score: 8.5 (51 reviews)
Release: Nov 1, 2001
Ghost in a Shell: Stand Alone Complex
Console: Playstation 2
Publisher: Bandai
Developer: Cavia Inc.
Meta Score: 6.6 (33 reviews)
Release: Nov 8, 2004
Shadow of Destiny
Console: Playstation 2
Publisher: Konami
Developer: Konami
Meta Score: 7.9 (58 reviews)
Release: Mar 5, 2001
Doom 3
Console: Xbox
Publisher: Activision
Developer: Vicarious Visions
Meta Score: 8.8 (114 reviews)
Release: Apr 3, 2005
Panzer Dragoon Orta
Console: Xbox
Publisher: Sega
Developer: Smilebit
Meta Score: 9.0 (112 reviews)
Release: Jan 12, 2003
Eternal Darkness: Sanity’s Requiem
Console: Gamecube
Publisher: Nintendo
Developer: Silicon Knights
Meta Score: 9.0 (115 reviews)
Release: Jun 25, 2002
Viewtiful Joe
Console: Gamecube, Playstation 2
Publisher: Capcom
Developer: Clover Studio
Meta Score: 9.2 (91 reviews)
Release: Oct 7, 2003
Castlevania: Dawn of Sorrow
Console: Nintendo DS
Publisher: Konami
Developer: Konami
Meta Score: 9.0 (84 reviews)
Release: Oct 4, 2005
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My votes:
Doom 3 -- NO
There are far better shooters to be played. Despite the hype, I found nothing particularly special about this game. The lighting effects and graphics were a step in the Next-Gen direction, but now that they've been dated, Doom 3 doesn't have much left to it but dumb AI and "closet monsters."
Panzer Dragoon Orta -- YES
May not appeal to everyone, but it's a solid rail-shooter. The subtle beauty of the world and environments gives some great atmosphere. I was a bit torn deciding whether or not this qualified as a MUST. Perhaps some of you may disagree with this vote.
Eternal Darkness -- NO
Okay. I've heard people calling this game great for years. I've tried getting into it on two occasions, and both times I was left wondering if I was playing the same game as the fans. The atmosphere is interesting enough, but the controls just felt clumsy. And the character animations made me shudder. I haven't seen anything in this game that deserves as much praise as it gets. Did they hide all of the good stuff in the second half? Perhaps. I couldn't stand playing it long enough to find out.
Viewtiful Joe -- YES
Man, I miss Clover. Classic, side-scrolling beat-em-up with goofy style and tight controls. It's basic, but it's fun.
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So.. I've been following this for a while. And yes, that means I'm ridiculously bored. But I was wondering... are all games being compared against one another to determine if they are "must haves"? Or are they relative to their platforms. There are many games that may not be superb rated next to a game on another console.. but for its platform might just be a "must have". I've seen a few comments that sounded as though it deserved a NO because it wasn't revolutionary... but was still one of the better games of its kind for its respective platform. If this has already been adressed.. I apologize for wasting the time of whoever reads this.
If someone feels that a game that appeared on more than one console was a must-have on one console in particular, they can say so. I can't think of many cases where this would be an issue. Perhaps if a successful game were ported to another console and the port suffered numerous bugs or something.
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We're almost a week in and going strong. Many thanks to our regular contributers!
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***ROUND SIX***
Alien Hominid
Console: Playstation 2
Publisher: O3 Entertainment
Developer: The Behemoth
Meta Score: 8.1 (65 reviews)
Release: Nov 21, 2004
Grand Theft Auto III
Console: Playstation 2
Publisher: Rockstar Games
Developer: Rockstar North
Meta Score: (not available)
Release: Oct 22, 2001
Prince of Persia: Sands of Time
Console: Playstation 2, Xbox
Publisher: Ubisoft
Developer: Ubisoft
Meta Score: 9.2 (96 reviews)
Release: Nov 6, 2003
Castlevania: Curse of Darkness
Console: Xbox
Publisher: Konami
Developer: Konami
Meta Score: 7.2 (29 reviews)
Release: Nov 1, 2005
Halo
Console: Xbox
Publisher: Microsoft Game Studios
Developer: Bungie Software
Meta Score: 9.6 (115 reviews)
Release: Nov 14, 2001
Metal Slug 3
Console: Xbox
Publisher: SNK
Developer: SNK
Meta Score: 7.6 (85 reviews)
Release: May 26, 2004
XIII
Console: Xbox
Publisher: Ubisoft
Developer: Ubisoft
Meta Score: 7.6 (65 reviews)
Release: Nov 24, 2003
Animal Crossing
Console: Gamecube
Publisher: Nintendo
Developer: Nintendo
Meta Score: (not available)
Release: Sep 15, 2002
Star Fox Adventures
Console: Gamecube
Publisher: Nintendo
Developer: Rare Ltd.
Meta Score: (not available)
Release: Sep 22, 2002
Daytona USA
Console: Dreamcast
Publisher: Sega
Developer: Sega
Meta Score: 8.3 (47 reviews)
Release: Mar 12, 2001
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Remember, we're not pitting these games against each other in competition. These are just ten randomly selected games from our nomination list. We will now discuss the merits of each of these games to decide whether or not each game belongs on the final list. Try to stick with games you've personally played for at least 20 minutes (preferably, more). BE SURE TO INCLUDE SEVERAL SENTENCES OF DISCUSSION AND REASONS FOR YOUR VOTE OR YOUR VOTE WILL *NOT* BE COUNTED.
My votes:
Grand Theft Auto III -- YES
Fantastic game. If you haven't played it, don't be fooled by the game's anti-hype. The open world, the tongue-in-cheek humor ... there's tons to enjoy here. This is an absolute must-have for any gamer. Just make sure you have your parent's permission, 'k?
Prince of Persia: Sands of Time -- YES
The first and finest of the trilogy. Though the combat was a tad shallow in this first installment, the atmosphere is far superior to either of the sequels. Gorgeous music and beautiful environments from beginning to end. And the acrobatic puzzle-solving? Bliss.
Halo -- YES
Not my personal favorite, but well worthy of a place on this list. I really shouldn't have to explain why. There's a reason this game is the phenomenon it has become.
XIII -- NO
Cel-shading has been done and shooters have been done, and both have been done far better than this. It had potential, but fell far short, sadly.
Animal Crossing -- YES
Like ICO, this won't appeal to everyone, but it's amazing how fun this game is. You'd think working off virtual mortgage would repulse you, but my wife and I were both addicts of this game for months. I don't know why it's fun, but clearly Nintendo discovered something in it's audience that we never knew about and tapped it. There are many things that could be improved about it, but I think it's just worthy enough of a YES here.
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Um, sephfire? There is no Guilty Gear X2 #Reload for the PS2. It's just Guilty Gear X2, and it has a meta of 8.5 over twenty reviews.
Crap. I knew I was gonna screw up one of these games I hadn't played before.
edit:
LIAR. This one probably wasn't a US release though.
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aaaaaaand FIVE.
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***ROUND FIVE***
Sonic Adventure
Console: Dreamcast
Publisher: Sega
Developer: Sonic Team
Meta Score: 8.7 (36 reviews)
Release: Sep 9, 1999
Guilty Gear X2
Console: Playstation 2
Publisher: Sammy Studios
Developer: Sammy Studios
Meta Score: (not available)
Release: 2004
Jak and Daxter: The Precursor Legacy
Console: Playstation 2
Publisher: SCEA
Developer: Naughty Dog
Meta Score: 9.0 (85 reviews)
Release: Dec 3, 2001
ICO
Console: Playstation 2
Publisher: SCEA
Developer: SCEI
Meta Score: 9.0 (84 reviews)
Release: Sep 24, 2001
Baldur’s Gate: Dark Alliance
Console: Xbox
Publisher: VU Games
Developer: Snowblind Studios
Meta Score: 8.4 (75 reviews)
Release: Dec 2, 2001
MechAssault
Console: Xbox
Publisher: Microsoft Game Studios
Developer: Day 1 Studios
Meta Score: 8.7 (91 reviews)
Release: Nov 11, 2002
SSX 3
Console: Xbox
Publisher: EA Sports Big
Developer: EA Canada
Meta Score: 9.0 (54 reviews)
Release: Oct 20, 2003
Chibi Robo
Console: Gamecube
Publisher: Nintendo
Developer: Skip Ltd.
Meta Score: 7.8 (56 reviews)
Release: Feb 6, 2006
Resident Evil
Console: Gamecube
Publisher: Capcom
Developer: Capcom
Meta Score: 9.0 (91 reviews)
Release: Apr 30, 2002
New Super Mario Bros.
Console: Nintendo DS
Publisher: Nintendo
Developer: Nintendo
Meta Score: 8.9 (93 reviews)
Release: May 15, 2006
************************************************** ****************************
Remember, we're not pitting these games against each other in competition. These are just ten randomly selected games from our nomination list. We will now discuss the merits of each of these games to decide whether or not each game belongs on the final list. Try to stick with games you've personally played for at least 20 minutes (preferably, more). BE SURE TO INCLUDE SEVERAL SENTENCES OF DISCUSSION AND REASONS FOR YOUR VOTE OR YOUR VOTE WILL *NOT* BE COUNTED.
My votes:
Guilty Gear X2
I only played it half an hour and I'm not voting on it, but was this game hard as hell or did I just suck at it? I hear it's balanced well, I just got the crap beat out of me.
ICO -- YES
On one hand, I kow this sort of game won't appeal to everyone. On the other, that doesn't make it any less beautiful.
SSX 3 -- YES
I've poured so many hours into this game. I love sports games that don't limit themselves by being simulations. EA Big has a talent for making sports games fun in new, unrealistic ways. The controls are tight, the environments are gorgeous, the soundtrack fits ... this game is wonderful.
Chibi Robo -- NO
It's cute and pretty creative, I'll give it that. Beyond that, it has serious pacing issues. I would love a sequel that loosened things up a bit. The combined limitations of battery life and time limits for activity just distracted from the simplicity of this game's appeal. I have hopes for the DS sequel. I'm not saying the game isn't fun, just not a must.
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My votes:
Katamari Damacy -- YES
It's quirky, fun, and innovative. While the sheer strangeness of the game may put off some casual gamers, I've seen more than one sucked into the game once they saw how it was played. That's saying something.
Dead or Alive Ultimate -- UNDECIDED
The thing is, I suck at fighting games. I don't have the reflexes or the control to play without button-mashing. Just the same, I still like playing them now and then. This really seems like a great fighting game package. Classic DOA 1, plus DOA 2 with a graphics overhaul and tons of costumes and such to unlock. Plus online play. It's quite a combo. I don't know how DOA appeals to hardcore fighting gamers, but I enjoyed it thoroughly.
Pikmin -- NO
I don't want to compete the two Pikmin games against each other for a place here, but the sequel did offer a few key improvements that push it over the edge into must-have territory. I would definitely tell anyone who enjoyed Pikmin 2 to play the first one as well though. This was a very touch decision.
Tales of Symphonia -- NO
I enjoyed this game thoroughly, especially because the multiplayer battles allowed my wife to play too. Unfortunately, I'm quite sure this game is only a must-have for gamers with a taste for games like these. I wouldn't recommend it to someone unless they liked games like these to begin with.
Lumines
Love the Xbox Live Arcade version, but can't comment on PSP.
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Still got some games in the old lists that have no votes or just one vote. If we don't get more on them by the end, we're bringing them back up again. Coop, I blame this on your imports.
************************************************** ****************************
***ROUND FOUR***
Katamari Damacy
Console: Playstation 2
Publisher: Namco
Developer: Namco
Meta Score: 8.6 (73 reviews)
Release: Sep 21, 2004
Dead or Alive Ultimate
Console: Xbox
Publisher: Tecmo
Developer: Team Ninja
Meta Score: 8.4 (94 reviews)
Release: Oct 26, 2004
Otogi: Myth of Demons
Console: Xbox
Publisher: Sega
Developer: From Software
Meta Score: 8.2 (88 reviews)
Release: Aug 27, 2003
Pikmin
Console: Gamecube
Publisher: Nintendo
Developer: Nintendo
Meta Score: 8.7 (91 reviews)
Release: Dec 2, 2001
Tales of Symphonia
Console: Gamecube
Publisher: Namco
Developer: Namco
Meta Score: 8.6 (99 reviews)
Release: Jul 13, 2004
Brain Age
Console: Nintendo DS
Publisher: Nintendo
Developer: Nintendo
Meta Score: 7.8 (69 reviews)
Release: Apr 17, 2006
Lumines
Console: PSP
Publisher: Ubisoft
Developer: Q Entertainment
Meta Score: 9.0 (90 reviews)
Release: Mar 22, 2005
Ikaruga
Console: Dreamcast
Publisher: ESP Software
Developer: Treasure
Meta Score: (not available)
Release: Sep 5, 2002
Street Fighter III: Double Impact
Console: Dreamcast
Publisher: Capcom
Developer: Capcom
Meta Score: 7.9 (25 reviews)
Release: Jun 19, 2000
Zero Gunner II
Console: Dreamcast
Publisher: Sega
Developer: Psikyo
Meta Score: (not available)
Release: Mar 20, 2003
************************************************** ****************************
Remember, we're not pitting these games against each other in competition. These are just ten randomly selected games from our nomination list. We will now discuss the merits of each of these games to decide whether or not each game belongs on the final list. Try to stick with games you've personally played for at least 20 minutes (preferably, more). BE SURE TO INCLUDE SEVERAL SENTENCES OF DISCUSSION AND REASONS FOR YOUR VOTE OR YOUR VOTE WILL *NOT* BE COUNTED.
I'll vote later tonight or tomorrow before posting the next batch.
Psychonauts - Cirque du Psychosis (early)
in Post Your Game ReMixes!
Posted
I think you're right. I don't want to keep those grating sounds going the whole mix. They'll be used in moderation.