I've been reminiscing a lot about classic games...
I say the word "classic", but that doesn't mean the game had to be popular or mainstream such as Pac-Man, Donkey Kong or Super Mario Bros.. There are many other "classic" games out there that didn't get the attention they deserved.
Konami's, ridiculously Japanese, Ganbare Goemon(known as The Legend of the Mystical Ninja in North America) quickly comes to mind.
It is, was and always will be a prolific, addictive and fun video game series.
From the moment I played my rented copy of The Legend of the Mystical Ninja for the SNES, in 1992, I was hooked! I kept it several weeks past the due date! Yes, it was that damn good. The affair had begun...
American box cover...Somewhat assy.
The game had it all: Memorable characters, bizarre boss battles, unique gameplay, stunning Mode 7 graphics and detailed sprite work. Not to mention a catchy, synthesizer-infused, traditional Japanese instrument soundtrack.
Japanese box cover...Not assy.
The game's two main protagonists are Goeman(horribly renamed Kid Ying in the American version) and my favorite, Ebisumaru(renamed Dr. Yang). Get it? Ying and Yang? My gawd, Konami! Why?! Yet, all is forgiven - Considering all the joy this game has given.
Anyway, Goeman, the title character, is a cool, spikey blue-haired, smoking pipe weilding bad-ass. Ebisumaru is his kooky, plump, slightly effeminate, blue-clad ninja sidekick. The two heroes, upon the disappearance of Princess Yuki, start to search Edo and its surrounding Japan. They soon discover the evils of the Otafu army and the adventure begins...
What made the game so much fun was having a friend join you in the 2-player co-op mode. Something not always available in games at the time. Remember, this was back in 1992. Players could help each other out and even perform a hilarious piggy-back ride move! Funny? Yes. Fun? Yes. And highly effective! The player giving the ride runs and jumps from danger, while the other attacks it, from above his friends back! The N64 game Goeman's Great Adventure, even featured 4-player co-op play! Although, in that game, it had to be unlocked.
The Legend of the Mystical Ninja was revolutionary 16-bit video game excitement... The casual gamer needed to invest a little time into the game before they realized what amazing depth and variety of game play it actually possessed. Players would roam busy towns in search of money, clues and items. Then fight in highly detailed side-scrolling levels. You could even catch up on some health by staying in one of the towns hotels. The more money you had, the fancier your room!
Konami spared no expense... Included were a plethora of different mini-games(including Whack-A-Mole, a rad Quiz Show and even a few levels of Gradius, to name a few). This game was simple, addictive platforming action at its best!
Konami worked the system to its maximum limits. This game truly utilized and showcased the power of the SNES.
The Goeman/Mystical Ninja titles all feature sweet gameplay, beautiful graphics and amazing Japanese style music. The few games that made it to the United States are definitely worth checking out... Especially The Legend of the Mystical Ninja and Goeman's Great Adventure. Begin your Goeman affair!
Do yourself a gaming pleasure and go download The Legend of the Mystical Ninja from the Virtual Console). You won't be disappointed. If you can locate a copy of Goeman's Great Adventure for the N64, buy it immediately.
Many years later, I still enjoy the hell outta these games. Thank you Konami! It's just too bad they didn't get the mainstream exposure they deserved.
Who couldn't love Ebisumaru?!
*Is a next gen Goeman game in the works? Sure hope so... Come on, Konami! What are you waiting for?!
Mario Kart Wii, less than a few weeks opened, is already one of my favorite games, and one of the best in the go kart racing Mario series. The racing is tight, fast, furious and competitive as hell! The online racing even more so...
Being somewhat new to this massive, sick site and not knowing everyone yet, I'd like to meet some of you guys online for some serious Mario Kart racing competition!
Who's with me?!
Destructoid faithful, let's do this!
My Kart code is:
3480-2995-4978
Very few flaws aside, the game's an instant Nintendo classic and a gold cup trophy winner.
It really shines in bringing the beloved "Mario Kart" universe alive. From the familiar sound effects and catchy music, to characters and retro tracks, this gem masterfully delivers everything Mario Kart should be... Well, almost everything.
The game, although not perfect, does have its flaws:
-Time limit in BATTLE MODE?! Are you freaking kidding me? Come on! Let us decide, Nintendo.
-Your own BATTLE MODE items don't affect you?! What?! You're killing me Nintendo.
-Two player Grand Prix races for trophies removed! Why?! Got dammit.
-The Blooper item: Cool idea? Yes. Annoying? Yes.
-The Wii-eel... No comment. You decide.
To name a few... Any others that piss off the diehard, Nintendo fanboy in you?!
The series has blossomed immensely since 1992, when the original was released for the SNES. It's been that long?! Damn. Who can ever forget playing marathon BATTLE MODE sessions that lasted through the night? I never will. Never. Ever.
Super Mario Kart - SNES 1992
Mario Kart 64 - Nintendo 64 1996
Mario Kart: Super Circuit - Gameboy Advance 2001
Mario Kart: Double Dash - Nintendo GameCube 2003
Mario Kart DS - Nintendo DS 2005
Mario Kart Wii - Nintendo Wii 2008
In Mario Kart Wii, powersliding the tight corners of the Mario Circuit 3(Super Mario Kart) while holding a banana peel to avoid a red shell attack will make any Mario Kart fan smile. Passing Goombas strolling the roadside and seeing Hammer Bros. sitting on raceway fences next to Shy Guys are super awesome sights. The game induced me into a nostalgic coma of joy.
Beautifully done Nintendo!
Who's with me?! Let's get online and race...
*Do I use the "Wii-eel"?! Not so much... I did the first few days, but stopped when I was getting smoked by players not using it online. It's a cool idea that works well, but it's not for me. Being a seasoned Mario Kart veteran, I knew I was better than what the wheel was letting me be. So, I ditched the wheel and now play with the Wii-mote and nunchuck... I couldn't be happier!*
While I swig on a Newcastle, I present to you my firstDESTRUCTOIDblog. Please, be gentle...
A website out there has a ridiculous two hour video of all 32 courses in Mario Kart Wii! While this may be a preview for most Mario Kart fans, it may be a spoiler for many! Or it may just piss off the naysayers even more!
No, I didn't watch the entire damn two hour video! Are you freakin' kidding me. That's a little much! I have better things to do tonight... Like drink a tasty beverage and blog my reaction to the reactions to it!
Sadly, it seems some people aren't exactly thrilled with this entry in the classic go-kart racing series. Am I thrilled? No... I'm fucking ecstatic!
Whether you're excited or not, Mario Kart Wii is almost upon us!
The original SNES game is a classic and will always have a special spot in the video game section of my heart.
I've been a super, heavily-addicted fanatic of the series since the first game was released in 1992. My friends and I would play hundreds of marathon battle mode matches in a single sitting. Hours of fun! After the last match, the world around us would appear to be in permanent Mode 7! Memories... Sigh. The memories... Gotta love it! I know you do. Care to share?
Listen, every Mario Kart has been an evolution from the previous one, not a revolution. That's alright. If Nintendo kept everything the same, people would bitch. When Nintendo changes things... The same people bitch. Please, stop the bitching people! Learn to enjoy instead. It's much more fun.
Play it. Love it. Or leave it.
Things change. Things evolve. Get used to it. You name it, things change... People. Food. Movies. Cars. Video game systems and every subsequent Mario Kart released.
Yet, once you get used to the differences, every game is a solid, multiplayer "go-kart" racing classic. From Mario Kart 64 to Mario Kart Arcade GP, the series is a gold cup trophy winner!
I'm hyper-excited for this entry to the series! I have an advent calendar ready and I'm counting down the damn days, baby! April 27... Would you please hurry tha hell up!
Lets'a go! Wahoo!
Mario Kart fans unite!
See you online April 27!
*(Psst... Hey! You... Yeah, you - Don' even ask about the Wii Wheel. The jury is deliberating on that one and will decide its fate on April 27. Also, the ridiculous video can be found compliments of 'wiinintendo.net'.)*
I enjoy many other things, but that's not important here... We're here for the love of video games, dammit!
I've been a loyal, addicted member of Destructoid since March of 2008.
Thank you Niero! Helluva site, man!
I've been a hardcore gamer since I received a N.E.S. Christmas of 1987. Can't believe it's been that long! I don't believe I'll ever stop playing video games.
Systems and games come and go, but one thing remains... A great game will never, eeeeever be forgotten.
Check out my original video game inspired shirt company(new shirts coming soon)...
'1UPshirts.com'
Listen to this amazing video game music internet radio station...
'8bit FM'
**Currently(October 2009), I'm busy as hell with:
*Batman Arkham Asylum(PS3) - The game is absolutely phenomenal. Amazing in every way. You truly feel like the Dark Knight. I. Am. Batman.
*Bionic Commando(PS3) - This game got a bad rap. If you give it a chance, it's actually a very cool, albeit frustrating at times, platform adventure. The swing mechanic is sick. And the main theme is amazing.
*Bionic Commando: Rearmed(PSN) - Time to get some trophies and collect those elusive Capcom Yashichis, now that this fine game has been patched.
*Mario Kart DS - This game never, ever gets boring! Nothing like racing with a room full of friends. Dry Bones in the Dry Bomber, baby! Hey, do you snake?!
*Donkey Kong(Arcade) - Every Monday, after a delicious Philly Cheese Steak, I'm training with my friend Eric to defeat both Mitchell and Wiebe. If you haven't seen The King of Kong: A Fistful of Quarters you are doing yourself a great deal of injustice. Go rent it. Go buy it. Go... Now... Hurry!
**Games I can't wait for: -New Super Mario Bros. Wii
-Uncharted 2: Among Thieves
-Super Mario Galaxy 2
-Resident Evil: The Darkside Chronicles
-Dark Void
-God of War III
-Castlevania: Lords of Shadow
-Heavy Rain
-Brutal Legend
My PS3 user name is:
Artemus311
My Wii code is:
3579-8218-6810-5725
My Mario Kart Wii code is:
3480-2995-4978
My Brawl code is:
2750-0943-6835
Hit me up, so we can exchange lame, super ridiculous Nintendo Wii "codes" and play some Brawl or Kart.
Then witness Luigi kick your Nintendo fanboy ass all over the screen, junior! After you tire of Luigi beating tha living hell out of you we can exchange cool, created levels. You can then go practice your pathetic ways and seek revenge.
Pai Mei: "It's the wood that should fear your hand, not the other way around. No wonder you can't do it, you acquiesce to defeat before you even begin."
Some of my all-time favorite games(no order):
N.E.S.:
-Super Mario Bros.
-Super Mario Bros. 3
-Mega Man
-Mega Man 2
-Castlevania
-Kid Icarus
-Mike Tyson's Punch-Out!!
-Contra
-The Legend of Zelda
-Zelda II: The Adventure of Link
-Duck Tales
-River City Ransom
-Tecmo Bowl
-Ikari Warriors
-Rygar
Super Nintendo:
-Super Mario World
-Super Mario Kart
-The Legend of Zelda: A Link to the Past
-The Legend of the Mystical Ninja
-Mega Man 7
-Ganbare Goeman 2
-Earthworm Jim
-Super Castlevania IV
-Contra III: The Alien Wars
-Star Fox
-Super Metroid
-The Adventures of Batman and Robin
-Super Punch Out!!
-Super Tecmo Bowl
Nintendo 64:
-Super Mario 64
-Mario Kart 64
-The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time
-Star Fox 64
-Goldeneye
-Goeman's Great Adventure
-WWF: No Mercy
Gamecube:
-Super Mario Sunshine
-Mario Kart: Double Dash
-The Legend of Zelda: The Wind Waker
-Luigi's Mansion
-Resident Evil 4
-Super Smash Bros. Melee
-Batman Vengeance
Nintendo Wii:
-Super Mario Galaxy
-Mario Kart Wii
-Mario Party 8
-Resident Evil: Umbrella Chronicles
-Wario Ware: Smooth Moves
-Super Smash Bros. Brawl
-Wii Sports
I'll finish this list later. Gotta think, dammit!
I know there are many games(and systems) I've forgotten...
I mean, who the hell could forget Alex Kidd in Miracle World, Super Mario Bros. 2, Donkey Kong, Dino Crisis 1 and 2, Gauntlet, Double Dragon, Excitebike, Castle of Illusion Starring Mickey Mouse, Rastan, Karnov, Metroid, Gradius, ActRaiser, Altered Beast, Golden Axe, Streets of Rage, Fatal Fury, Super Ghouls and Ghosts, Sonic the Hedgehog 1-3, Jumping Flash!, Twisted Metal, Battle Arena Toshinden, Ico, New Super Mario Bros., Trauma Center, Deadly Towers and Bubsy... And many, many more! Well, maybe not Deadly Towers or Bubsy.
*Games I wish I had played(that I hopefully will sooner than later):
-Uncharted: Drake's Fortune
-No More Heroes
-Shadow of the Colossus
-Killer 7
-Lost Planet: Extreme Condition
-Red Dead Revolver
-Conker's Bad Fur Day
-Stranglehold
-The Nightmare Before Christmas: Oogie's Revenge
I positively love the DS Lite! My DS Lite along with Mario Kart DS share a pocket with my cell phone... I never leave home without 'em!
I also have a fanatical passion for football! Gotta love Sundays when it's football season, man.
Yes, I am a Nintendo fanboy(hate that word).
And yes, I love my PS3.
That's it for now, ya creep. Get tha hell outta here!
Destructoid is an independently-run publication forged by our love of video games and the gaming community's need of accountable enthusiast press living the dream since March 16, 2006
