Actraiser - SNES Review

If you have never played this game before, you must immediately drop whatever you are doing and play it now!  I am serious, this game is a must play.  It is a combination of a sim, an RPG, and an action platformer.  You play the role of a god that comes down to the land and rids it of monsters so people can live and build there.  Once you clear the first stage, you go into sim mode.  You control an angel with a bow and arrow which you can use to shoot enemies.  You also can use natural disasters like lightning, rain, earthquakes, etc.  You have to solve puzzles and figure things out quite often.  The people will ask you to help with various things throughout the game.  There are 2 bosses on each level / area.  There are even some emotional parts in the story that make it really interesting.  The graphics are amazing, the sound and music some of the best for its time, and the game play is excellent.  Overall, I give this game a perfect 10.  There is nothing wrong with it at all and you will replay it over and over again because it is so fun.

Duck Tales - NES Review

Not your typical platform game for the time.  Most platform games that came out then were linear and scrolled from left to right only.  This game is more of an adventure platformer.  When you start the game, there is a difficulty select, easy, normal, and hard.  I think the difficulty just sets the amount of damage that an enemy will deal when they hit you.  When you start, you have to select between six stages.  The whole purpose of the game is to beat all six bosses and get their special treasure.  The cool thing about the game is that you explore every level trying to get the most money in treasure.  Their are lots of hidden rooms to find and secrets in this game.  The controls are pretty good, and you will find yourself pogo sticking on your cane for most of the game.  Most enemies can be killed by jumping on top of them.  The graphics in this game are great for the NES and so is the music / sound.  The game play is also very good and fun.  Overall, I give this game a 9 out of 10 stars.  Even if you don't like platform games, try this one, its awesome.

Zero 4 Champ - PC Engine Review

Basically, what you see in the picture above is the entire game.  It is a drag racing game where you control only the gas and shifting.  There are a few modes to the game.  Story mode - Not understandable unless you can read Japanese.  Vs Computer mode, and Vs Man mode.  You can pick between 4 cars and "race" the opponent.  Once you get the hang of the controls, it is very easy to win.  Overall, a boring game that I will more than likely never play again.  It gets 3 stars total.  Not even worth looking into unless you are really into this type of game.   

Vapor Trail - Sega Genesis Review

A pretty solid shooter for the Genesis. Moderate difficulty even on the easy setting.  You can choose from 3 different planes that have different speeds and shots.  Its fun to play with all 3 and master them.  I like the idea of the score and info on the side so you can see the whole screen without distractions.  I have noticed this feature in a lot of Genesis shoot 'em up  games.  The only complaint I really have about the game, is that the power ups are few and far between.  It seems like it takes at least half of one stage to get a shot power up.  Then when you get the power up, it doesn't seem like it is much more powerful.  You have to grind for sure to power your ship up.  The music in this game is some of the best I have heard on the Genesis but it does get repetitive very quick.  Game play is fun and keeps you interested so you want to keep playing.  Not the best shooter on the system but solid for sure.  Overall, I give it a 7 out of 10 stars, pretty good, but there is room for improvement.  I recommend that you try it out.

Ray Engel Cancer Fund

I have known Ray for 26 years, since we were in 6th grade. I worked with him for 14 years at Huron Valley Home Care Supply in Highland. Ray is one of the nicest people I have ever met in my life. He would go out of his way to help anyone out time and time again. He has had a bit of bad luck lately. He had testicular cancer a few years ago that came back recently. This time, a large mass grew in his abdomen pressing on his Aorta and kidneys. He suffered a heart attack and is currenty in the hospital and has been diagnosed with cancer. He is currently undergoing Chemotherapy treatment to combat this. Ray doesn't have any insurance and is going to need help with medical bills. To make things worse, his wife left him and abandoned their 2 kids. To make things worse, before she left, she sold all of Ray's belongings including his Ham Radio gear which he used to help the community with emergency communications and severe weather spotting. The radio gear alone was worth thousands of dollars. He has house and car payments, 2 kids and he will be out of work for sometime. Please, if you can spare something, anything, I am sure he will be more than grateful. If you would like to donte any radios or radio equipment, please message me privately and I will make arrangments with you. Most of you know him as Radio Ray Engel. His ham radio callsign is KC8SZT. Thanks in advance for your donations.

Here is the link to donate - https://www.gofundme.com/dqvayudg

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Jason Vierik

Joe And Mac - NES Review

I am really not into platformers but this one isn't too bad.  It reminds me a bit of Bonk's Adventure.  The point of the game is to clear each area and defeat a boss after each.  You start with a stone ax that you can throw which can be a bit tricky to jump and throw at the same time.  Jumping can also be a challenge with a double jump that can also be utilized.  Once you get the hang of it, it is pretty fun. The only thing I wish that the game had was something to collect, coins, etc.  Overall I give the game a 6 out of 10, a bit above average but not great.

Harbor Escape - Atari 2600 Review

Released in 1983 by a company called Panda.  This is a direct rip off of River Raid by Activision.  In this game you are a submarine under water and you have to squeeze your way through some pretty tight areas.  The fuel tanks from River Raid are replaced by air tanks and there are other subs and moving mines.  I think this version may be a bit harder than River Raid but it still pretty much plays the same and is the same game.  Overall, it gets a 3 out of 10 because of the crappy graphics and the fact that they stole River Raid's code.