Gaming Hearts Collection 90s, Arcade, Classic Gaming, Enterntainement, Fun, Gaming, Gaming Hearts Collection, Retro Gaming, Uncategorized, Video Games, VideoGames

Classic Gaming- Gran Turismo: (1997)

3BDC6C33-7C26-477F-A6C5-015EC27A4466.jpeg

There were many memorable games that many people enjoyed from many different genres for the PlayStation 1.   But when it comes to the racing genre one of the most memorable games that would come to mind includes the original Gran Turismo.   In December 1997,  Grand Turismo was released in Japan for PlayStation while the game debuted in both Europe and North America around mid 1998.  This racing game had a lot to offer in terms of both gameplay and realism.  The original Gran Turismo had a wide selection of cars the players can choose from along with having to overcome many obstacles in order to make progress throughout the game.  An example would include the races where players are required to acquire specific licenses to compete in races that would allow them to earn money in order to upgrade their vehicles and earn trophies throughout the game.

1205C870-3FBA-4385-B521-3AEC022F1EDA.jpeg

Along with having great gameplay Gran Turismo also had a decent soundtrack that would make the experience more exciting for players.  The gameplay of Gran Turismo was great for a variety of reasons including the addition of a multiplayer mode which contributed to the replay value of the game.  As many of us know there was so much time and detail placed into this game since its production dates back until 1992.  It would be interesting to wonder what Gran Turismo would have been like if it was released on a 16-bit console such as the Sega Genesis or the Super Nintendo Entertainment System.   If Gran Turismo had been released as a 2D racing game would it have been as much of a success?  At this point that question would be considered irrelevant by many critics & gamers due to the reception Gran Turismo had received as a 3D game.  This game was not only considered to be one of the best racing games made for the PlayStation 1 but it had also received high praise from many different publications.

973881A0-733F-440E-A8EB-D994270739F7.jpeg

Gran Turismo had received five star ratings from AllGame, GamePro, and PlayStation Magazine for its innovative gameplay.  This game had  also received a perfect ten by Edge magazine and won an award for “Best Simulation” at the Spotlight awards in 1999.   On top of all these things Gran Turismo was one of the top selling games for the PlayStation 1 console and probably the best racing game in 1998.  Overall, Gran Turismo is an instant classic because not only was the game exclusive for the PS1 but it was also the beginning of an awesome racing series that many gamers still enjoy to this day.

Gaming Hearts Collection 90s, Arcade, Classic Gaming, Enterntainement, Fun, Gaming, Gaming Hearts Collection, Retro Gaming, Sega, Uncategorized, Video Games, VideoGames

Classic Gaming- Daytona USA: (1993)

If you were a kid who grew up in the early 90’s then you may be familiar with this racing title.  Daytona USA was originally released in arcades during 1993 and since its inception it has been regarded as one of the most exciting racing games ever made.  Daytona USA similar to OutRun had which included both groundbreaking graphics and gameplay.  Daytona USA was also significant because unlike most arcade racing games it included player cabinets that could include up to eight players for each race.  Another positive aspect about this game includes the soundtrack that provides players with excitement for each race.  Many people who have played this racing classic would probably agree that soundtrack was decent especially the song entitled “Let’s Go Away” which was composed by Takenobu Mitsuyoshi.  The arcade version of Daytona USA did a great job on capturing the aesthetic features of racing while making the game as realistic as possible.

While the racing experience for Daytona USA was outstanding for the arcade the game was also just as good for the Sega Saturn port which was released in Europe, Japan, and North America in 1995.  Daytona USA was also released for PC in 1996 and for the original Xbox system after its initial release.  After its  release for the Arcade and Sega Saturn Daytona USA had received high praise from gaming publications for being a great racing game similar to titles such as: Outrun and Grand Turismo.  Daytona USA is definitely a Sega classic that many gamers had enjoyed after its initial release and would probably still enjoy today.   The producer for the game Yu Suzuki had done an excellent job producing a great racing game that would heavily rival many titles produced by Nintendo.  While this game is a racing classic that many Sega fans are nostalgic about the good news is that this title is available on both the PlayStation Network and Xbox Live;  this makes reliving the past both convenient and enjoyable.

Gaming Hearts Collection 90s, Arcade, Classic Gaming, Enterntainement, Fun, Gaming, Gaming Hearts Collection, Genesis, Retro Gaming, Sega, Uncategorized, Video Games, VideoGames

Classic Gaming- Sega Outrun: (1986)

CD055F72-215A-4B0C-8532-25BC2EA6ADFE.jpeg

There have been many racing games that have been developed over the past couple of decades that really grabbed the attention of gamers including children and young adults.  But one of the many racing titles that gamers from the 80’s would probably remember includes Outrun which was originally released in arcades before its import to the Sega Genesis.  Racing games were so much more enjoyable than because during the time developers had to not only stretch their creativity to make an exciting game but include realism to make players feel like they were actually on the road.  The advanced pseudo 2D graphics that were utilized during the development of this game was mind blowing and ahead of its time especially for an 80’s game.  However, since Outrun was originally an arcade game it gave the creators more space to be innovative in both gameplay and graphics.

C7A7123B-AE80-47A4-B0E7-D1C7EA05A97C.png

Along with having great gameplay Outrun includes a great soundtrack that allows players to become more attached the game while they are mastering the controls along with the stages themselves.  The designer Yu Suzuki had done a terrific job in producing a creative simulation of driving; but the composer of this game Hiroshi Kawaguchi did a great job in capturing the feel of the stages with captivating music.   Many people would argue that 80’s tropical pop like music fits the vibe of many of the races and makes the game much more addictive.  Aside from being known as one of the most innovative driving/racing games in arcade history Outrun is considered to be legendary among many  people and gaming publications.  This game was won numerous awards over the past few decades including the  “Game of the Year” award from the Golden Joystick in 1987.   IGN had also described Outrun for being one of the most influential games of all time; this fact is especially true because in some ways it paved the way for many other racing games including:  Virtua Racing, Gran Turismo and many more.  Even though, game designers more advanced technology to produce better titles in the 2010’s many people would argue that Outro was a great racing game that will live in the hearts of many people who grew up in the 80’s and 90’s.

Gaming Hearts Collection Arcade, Classic Gaming, Enterntainement, Fun, Gaming, Gaming Hearts Collection, N64, Retro Gaming, SNES, Super Nintendo, Uncategorized, Video Games, VideoGames

Classic Gaming- Star Fox 64: (1997)

536C9B32-792A-476E-B84D-E93109804889.jpeg

Star Fox 64 was released for the Nintendo 64 game console in 1997 and was considered to be the sequel to the original Star Fox game for the Super Nintendo Entertainment System in 1993.  This game similar to its SNES predecessor has some of the same characters and utilizes realistic animation.  However, in Star Fox 64 the 3D animation is highly advanced and includes more features to make this title more enjoyable.  Star Fox 64 includes both a multiplayer and training mode which allows players to spend more time mastering game in comparison to the original Star Fox.   Speaking of the original Star Fox this game the plot in similar because the main goal for Fox McCloud and his friends includes stopping Andross only with a slight twist.  In Star Fox 64 James & Peppy are captured by Andross after being betrayed by Pigma Dengar which leads Fox McCloud on his journey throughout this game.

E0F5104E-06AA-4742-B61D-B9613E69CC78.jpeg

While Andross launches an attack on the Lylat system players have the opportunity to help Fox McCloud launch a counterattack against the main antagonist and his forces during each mission. Each mission in this game is great because they include different stages which have various levels based on difficulty; this feature is especially significant because it makes the game both challenging and exciting.  The replay value on this game would be high because not only is Star Fox 64 a fun adventurous title but people can beat the game multiple times to play on various stages along with varying difficulty levels.   Following its release Star Fox 64 was not only known as one of the best games to be released for Nintendo 64 but it also had received great reviews from many gaming publications.  GamePro had given Star Fox 64 a five star rating for being an excellent scroll shooter game probably one of the best for the Nintendo 64 game console.  The reception this game had received was  positive and makes people wonder if the game would have been as great if it was released for the Super Nintendo Entertainment System.  But due to the limitations of the SNES it would be safe to say that scrapping Star Fox 2 for the 16-bit Super Nintendo console had worked out for the best in the long run;  it had also allowed the creators to produce a classic that some people still enjoy today.

Gaming Hearts Collection Arcade, Classic Gaming, Enterntainement, Fun, Gaming, Gaming Hearts Collection, Nintendo, Retro Gaming, SNES, Super Nintendo, Uncategorized, Video Games, VideoGames

Classic Gaming- Star Fox SNES: (1993)

A03958C9-65F7-4C73-AC89-78734D2A7294

When you talk about games that includes epic Sci-fi like adventures the original Star Fox title would probably be the first thing to come to mind.  The original Star Fox was released for the Super Nintendo Entertainment System in 1993.   This game centers around Fox McCloud and his allies Falco Lombardi, Slippy Toad and Peppy Hare to stop a mad scientist known as Andross  and his army forces from destroying the Lylat system after being banished from Planet Andross.  This popular rail shooter title had included numerous features that made it stand out from other games within the same genre.  Some examples would include spectacular space like effects as players navigated throughout various stages of the game. Sometimes the effects made players feel like they were playing a 3D game on a 2D cartridge which was awesome.   This takes us to the Super FX chip which was utilized during the production of Star Fox which provided advanced graphics during gameplay.

96A4EEC7-013A-4685-81D5-6A6C6BE43FCF.jpeg

Star Fox had a total of sixteen different levels that would not only provide gamers with hours of excitement but also challenges if one has played it enough times to master each stage.  Even though, many gamers find Star Fox somewhat challenging it would be debate on what stage was the most difficult.  Some people may argue Sector Z & Aqua on Medal difficulty would be considered the most challenging while others would suggest that Macbeth or Titania is better suited for being the hardest stage in the game.  However, this usually depends on the player and how skilled they are on mastering the controls and navigating through each level.  Speaking of levels there many stages in the game that are exciting but the BGM for stage 1 entitled “Corneria” was a soundtrack that many gamers thought was great mainly for an SNES game.

DA6579C0-D4DB-4F6C-B822-BE64A895DDF6.jpeg

Star Fox had received positive reviews from both critics and gamers alike and had also earned a five star rating from GamePro following it release.  Star Fox had also received a positive reception from numerous other publications including AllGame, EGM and many more for being an iconic rail shooter game that many people like to this day.

Gaming Hearts Collection 16-bit, Arcade, Classic Gaming, Enterntainement, Fun, Gaming, Gaming Hearts Collection, Genesis, Retro Gaming, Sega, SNES, Uncategorized, Video Games, VideoGames

Retro Gaming- Top Gear 2: (1993)

Top Gear 2 was another racing titles that was developed by Gremlin Entertainment and was originally released for the Super Nintendo Entertainment System in late 1993.  Unlike it prequel Top Gear the second title was published for multiple game systems including the Sega Genesis and Amiga in 1994.  Many people who have played the original Top Gear for the SNES would probably agree that the second title is every bit as enjoyable as the first. The gameplay for Top Gear 2 has improved along with the music composition for each track which makes the game more exciting.  Some of the music including: Auckland, Ayers Rock, and Canterbury Plains for Australasia utilizes different genres that flow smoothly with each stage.  While some soundtracks have nice outrun feel others provide an 80s type vibe that contributes to  excitement & suspense of the game.

Some people would probably prefer the music from Top Gear 2 over the original or vice versa.   Along with the mechanical improvements Top Gear 2 was able to add new features to make the game more realistic.  In Top Gear 2 players can earn money during races and use it to upgrade their cars for better quality during races.  Also, players are allowed to upgrade their nitro boosts in order to make their cars accelerate much faster.   The inclusion of weather was another feature that not only made Top Gear 2 more realistic but also challenging.  Weather plays a significant role in this game as players compete many countries around the world such as Australasia, Egypt, and South America.  Many people who have played this game would argue that Top Gear 2 was among one of the most exciting racing games they have ever played.  Some people who were fans of the game probably had hoped for a remake or re-release of some of the old Top Gear titles; but sadly Gremlin Interactive had become defunct in 1999.  While the first two Top Gear games will never receive a remake in the future it would safe to say that both titles were enjoyable;  these two racing games may not have been considered among the best of all time but they still hold a special place in the memories of people who have played them.

 

Gaming Hearts Collection 16-bit, Arcade, Classic Gaming, Enterntainement, Fun, Gaming, Gaming Hearts Collection, Retro Gaming, SNES, Super Nintendo, Uncategorized, Video Games, VideoGames

Retro Gaming- Top Gear: (1992)

Top Gear is one of the many exciting racing games that was released for the Super Nintendo Entertainment System and published by Kemco Corporation  in 1992.  Top Gear was similar to many generic racing games that were released in the late 80’s & early 90’s which is often compared to other racing titles such as: Outrun and Rad Racer.   Top Gear is one of the few racing games that many people enjoy because of its decent gameplay & controls among many other titles which was released during the 16 bit era.   While some people may lock at the first installment in the Top Gear series as a generic racing game for the SNES one of the many features that people who have played the game remembers includes its musical composition.

The soundtrack for Top Gear provides players with a unique gaming experience as they race against nineteen other racers during grand prix mode.  The first stage in Las Vegas, USA is arguably the most popular soundtrack in the entire game along with Chichen Itza, Mexico.  Players have the options of choosing multiple levels in terms of difficulty including: amateur, professional, and championship.  Considering the fact that players are competing against nineteen other drivers during these races the championship level would appear to be impossible to complete.  However, if one has played through each stage enough times along with mastering the controls for Top Gear it would be absolutely no problem.  Some critics of Top Gear would argue that the first installment of the Top Gear was underrated while other would say that it just like any other generic racing game released during the 16-bit era.   Either way it was a fun game to play during the 16-bit era.  While Top Gear may not be one of the best racing games of all-time the developers  for this title  “Gremlin Graphics” did everything in their ability to make it just as exciting in comparison to Outrun or Rad Racer.

Gaming Hearts Collection Arcade, Classic Gaming, Enterntainement, Fun, Gaming, Gaming Hearts Collection, Uncategorized, Video Games, VideoGames

Retro Gaming-X-Men Children of the Atom: (1994)

Anyone who is a long time fan of the X-Men series know how popular this game was following it initial release.  X-Men Children of the Atom of originally released for the arcade system in late 1994.  It was a very popular 2D fighting game that caught the attention of gamers who where huge fans of fighting games during the early 90s.  X-Men Children of the Atom includes everyone’s favorite heroes from the series such as: Wolverine, Cyclops and Storm.  This game also includes some of the most sinister villains including Juggernaut, Silver Samurai and the main antagonist Magento.  This design & gameplay of this title was groundbreaking not only because it had improved on many of the mechanics used in many previous fighting games such as Super Street Fighter II: Turbo.

The gameplay for Children of the Atom was very innovative and served as a model that would be adopted by many other 2D Capcom fighting games such as: X-Men Vs. Street Fighter & Marvel Vs. Capcom.  Some people would argue this game much better than critics give it credit for because many people who have played Children of the Atom thought it was fantastic.  However, this would depend on which version one has played because the Arcade and Sega Saturn version of Children of the Atom was considered to be more superior than Sony PlayStation.  The original PlayStation games were exciting but simple issues such as:  lengthy loading screens along with other limited features would prevent many players from enjoying the experience they had with the arcade version of Children of the Atom.  Overall, the game itself is very exciting for both the Arcade and  Sega Saturn.  Despite, being a memorable classic there has never been a remake or re-release for this game.  If Capcom had decided to re-release X-Men Children of the Atom only time would tell when it would take place.

Gaming Hearts Collection 90s, Arcade, Classic Gaming, Enterntainement, Fun, Gaming, Gaming Hearts Collection, Nintendo, Retro Gaming, RPG, SNES, Super Nintendo, Video Games

Retro Gaming-X-Men Mutant Apocalypse: (1994)

There have been many X-men games that have been released dating back to the 80s but this title is one that stands out.  X-Men Mutant Apocalypse was originally released in late 1994 for the Super Nintendo Entertainment System.  Mutant Apocalypse was developed by Capcom and remains to be one of the most nostalgic & fun X-men games to be released during the 1990’s.  This game was enjoyable because it contained nice graphics along with challenging stages that allowed players to develop unique strategies on how to complete each level.  While this game was adventurous and exciting it was only one player since it was mostly a platform/RPG game.  What is cool about this game is that players have the option of choosing five different characters including: Wolverine, Cyclops, Psylocke, Gambit and Beast to complete each level in whatever level they choose to.

This game had required the players to utilize the five main characters to travel to Genosha to thwart a plot that was believed to be developed by Apocalypse  that included Queen Brood and Turk; ultimately in the end the players are charged with the very difficult task of defeating Magneto.  Each character have their own theme song which is another fantastic feature to this game.   Wolverine & Cyclops themes includes fast paced music similar to MegaMan while others like Psylocke have melodic bass music that players can enjoy during gameplay.  The composer Setsuo Yamamoto did a great job developing soundtracks that captured the personality of each character including the villains which made the game more memorable.  X-Men Mutant Apocalypse had received decent reviews by many gaming publications including IGN, EGM and many more.  Many people believe that this X-Men game was one of the best titles to be released in the 90s.  This game was so exciting it probably has many X-Men fans wondering why there has never been a remake or re-release for this title.

Gaming Hearts Collection Arcade, Classic Gaming, Enterntainement, Gaming, Gaming Hearts Collection, N64, Retro Gaming, Video Games

Classic Gaming- Mario Kart 64: (1996)

Mario Kart 64 was originally released in Japan during the later part of  1996; but it was released in America in early 1997.  This game was the first 3D Mario racing title to be released in the series and it would be safe to say that it had exceeded the expectations of many people following its release.  Mario Kart 64 had included all of the elements in the Super Mario Kart for the SNES that made the game itself exciting but with the addition of new stages and highly refined 3D gameplay.  Similar to its SNES predecessor Mario Kart 64 includes grand prix, time trial, and  battle mode in which players can learn how to master their racing skills.  However, a unique feature this game includes involves the introduction of “Mirror Mode” which allows players to complete a stage while racing backwards through whatever course they have selected.

Also,  the addition of a new game level was added in Mario Kart 64 to make the game more challenging.  In Super Mario Kart the most difficult level was 100cc while in Mario Kart 64 allows players to go up to 150cc.  While some people consider the 150cc to be extremely difficult some people are pros and the game is virtually no different then playing on level 100cc.  Aside from being a challenging game Mario Kart 64 has unique stages that has tough but exciting obstacles to it.  Some examples of stages that were exciting included: Bowser’s Castle, Wario Stadium, and Banshee Boardwalk because there were many obstacles or large jumps in each course.  However, depending on what type of gamer you are none of the stages were hard and was just as easy as Luigi Raceway.   The soundtrack for Mario Kart 64 was great while the themes for each stage ranged from  being  adventurous to being relaxing.  Some soundtracks that were memorable including Toad’s Turnpike & Rainbow Road;  the stages themselves exciting while the soundtracks had captured the vibe of each race track perfectly.

Mario Kart 64 was highly praised by fans and critics alike along with receiving a five star rating from GamePro.  This title had also been given an “A” rating by Electronic Gaming Monthly along with receiving positive reviews from numerous other publications following it release.  Not only was this game one of the most fun 3D racing games of its time but it was also followed by many sequels that also proved be successful as time progressed.