Last week's PS2 platformer debate brought out various different opinions from readers, with a healthy amount of fan support from all sides. While there was one clear winner, there was a vicious fight for second place, with a single deciding vote preventing it from finishing as a tie. Here are the close results:
- 1st: Ratchet & Clank series (42 votes) -- Winner!
- 2nd: Sly Cooper series (22 votes)
- 3rd: Jak & Daxter series (21 votes)
This week, not only do I feel like starting some retro debates, but I'd also like to rekindle an element of these debates we haven't visited in a while. I used to enjoy debates between two games that aren't very similar. Discussions that force you to think outside the box, consider all the pros and cons of each game, and compare and contrast them in a way that really makes you think about why you did or didn't enjoy a certain game.
With debates like these, it's not good enough to just vote with your gut -- it forces you to be more analytical and think like a game designer. It's my opinion that you should be able to compare any two games to each other no matter how drastically different they are in their nature.
For tonight we'll start off simple though, with Excitebike and Punch-Out!! -- two sports games with completely different gameplay styles. Which game do you think is better, and why? Give it some serious thought, get some NES friends to share their opinions as well, and check back next week for the winner and an even odder Retro debate matchup.
Bonus Question: What other NES retro games would you like to see fight to the death in a debate?
Contest:
9:56 PM on 08.19.2008
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As for future NES retro fights...Final Fantasy III V.S. Dragon Warrior/Quest IV? Super Mario Bros. V.S. Mega Man? Metroid V.S. Castlevania? Bionic Commando V.S. Ninja Gaiden?
More than anything, I know what would cause a shitstorm: Shadowrun SNES V.S. Shadowrun Genesis.
"U WANT SUM STATIC!?"
But since these analytical debates AREN'T about going with your gut, I quickly realized two huge things: (1) -- Excitebike is a multiplayer game. Whenever friends were over, it was a blast to both play at the same time, whereas Punch-Out!! was fun passing the controller back and forth for only a few weeks. And (2) -- Excitebike has a track editor, and building your own levels back in the 8-bit era was jaw droppingly black magic that consumed many extra hours of our lives.
In my opnion, these two aspects bury Punch-Out!! with far more pros than cons. I also find it funny that Excitebike controls were mostly pressing up or down, and Punch-Out!! was the exact opposite, pressing mostly left and right. Next week's debate will be even harder to compare though.
Vote: Excitebike.
DURR
That and nothing feels as satisfying as finishing off some cocky bastard like Bald Bull with the good gut shot.
Bonus: Kid Icarus vs. Blaster Master (there you go, Conrad)
DURR
Bonus: Final Fantasy 1 vs. Dragon Warrior 1
Punch-Out
DURR
It spawned Excitetruck, and hopefully Nitrobike.
Punch Out!!
...
And Little Mac for the next Smash game. Probably the only reason I'd play it.
Also how would a Streets of Rage Vs River City Ransom debate go?
OH NO I DIDN'T
Why?
Level editor. It was like looking into the future.
so punch out for me this time.
bonus answer: out of sheer randomness, Any Contra game. (i'm talking SNES/Genesis/NES versions.)
Bonus: Contra vs. Bionic Commando
Punch-out!! is better
Legend of Zelda vs Urban Champion
Rampage vs Turtles 2/3
or for something completely different...
favorite Mega Man boss
Bonus: I would love to see love to see a NES retro fight on...
Nightmare on Elm Street vs. Friday the 13th
Why?
Just cuz!
Best nes disney game
VOTE! Punch-Out!!
SNES BATTLE
Earthbound vs. Secret of Mana
I'd like to know everyone's favorite Megaman game (original NES games only)
@ Fronz:
Excite Bike has no two player simultaneous play! If it did, I'd definitely go for Excite Bike. That'd be flipping awesome.