Outrun - PC Engine Review

Not too shabby of an arcade port for the PC Engine.  There are better versions for consoles but this one is solid.  If you have ever played the arcade game, the purpose is to go from check point to check point within the allotted time.  There are five possible outcomes with five different endings.  Game controls are simply gas, brake, and high / low for shifting, and of course left and right.  This version plays and looks very similar to the arcade.  Sound is on par for the PC Engine and graphics are good as well.  The only complaint I have is that it seems the graphics are a little too bright.  Overall, it gets a 7 out of 10.  Solid arcade port.

Onslaught - Sega Genesis Review

Wow.  That's not a good wow.  This is an unlicensed game that came out in 1989 and it is terrible to say the least.  It is side scrolling platform style.  The control is terrible, almost impossible to control.  Button presses are laggy and you press up to jump.  It is almost impossible to hit someone with your weapon because it is so slow.  The levels are so repetitive that it feels like you are making no progress.  Also, there is no sound effects, just terrible, repetitive music playing over and over.  The game is colorful, and that is about the only thing positive about it.  Overall, this game gets 2 out of 10 stars and I am being super generous.  I would recommend not to even bother with this game unless you like crap games.

Ultraman - SNES Review

Quite frankly, this game stinks.  There are eight stages with monsters that you battle through.  You knock their power down until it says finish and you shoot a laser at them to kill them.  The moves are basic and the game play is super slow and boring.  Another thing that sucks about this turd of a game is that there is no 2 player mode.  If it had 2 player vs mode it might have made the game a little easier to swallow.  Music is repetitive and boring, and sound is sub par for the system.  Overall, I give this game a 3 out of 10 stars.  Nothing special about it and if you want it in your collection, don't pay more than a buck for it. 

Quake - Nintendo 64 Review

This game is almost identical to Doom.  It is from the same company that makes Doom, ID Software.  This game came out on the PC originally and I remember playing it then.  The game on the N64 is not too bad.  Graphics and sound are what they should be for the game.  The game runs pretty fast and smooth with no issues.  I didn't play the game for too long maybe about 10 minutes, but it played well.  I am not really a big fan of these types of games but it does what it advertises.  Overall, I give the game 7 out of 10 stars.  A solid PC port that is something you should definitely play if you are into this genre. 

Back To The Future 2 & 3 - NES Review

This game is not good, at all.  Number one, the graphics are this horrible green and red that hurt your eyes while trying to play.  The sound is so repetitive it makes you want to go deaf.  The game play is terrible and your character is super hard to control with weird jumps and speed.  I can't really describe the control, you have to play it for yourself to see what I mean.  The game is not hard at all, it is just so repetitive that I could only stomach 10 minutes.  I was really trying to play longer but I couldn't do it.  Overall, I give this game 1 out of 10 stars.  It is terrible and deserves 0 stars but it is playable.

Final Soldier - PC Engine Review

PC Engine is known for its shooters, and this one does not disappoint. Fast paced, smooth, beautiful graphics, and superb music and sound.  You can select between normal, hard, and expert.  The difficulty settings on hard and expert are insane to play.  The thing that I like about this game is that there are ample power ups, yet there are not too many that it becomes confusing or just stupid like some other games.  You can access a setup menu where you can select what the power ups do, for example, missiles can be dumb fired or homing.  The game doesn't get boring during play with a mini boss and a main boss on every stage.  You also have the ability of setting 3 different speeds for your ship with the press of a button so you can do it while playing.  You don't  really have bombs like most games.  Instead you collect 2 companion ships that follow you and you can detonate them at any time to use as a bomb that wipes through the screen.  Very fun and challenging game overall.  I give it a solid 8 out of 10 stars.

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

Please share this so we can spread the word. Thanks.

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.

Maximo Ghosts To Glory - PS2 Review

Released in 2002 for the PS2.  This game can only be described as a 3D Linear Platformer Adventure if that makes any sense.  Almost a direct copy of Ghouls and Ghosts but in a 3D form.  The music is even almost the same for the opening stage.  This game reminds me of a suped up Medievil, if you remember that PS1 classic.  Game play is fun and the music and graphics are pretty good.  Basically a hack N slash game with some minor adventuring thrown in.  Fun to play and see how far you can get for sure.  Overall, I give this one 6 out of 10 stars.  A little better than average but not spectacular. 

Rolan's Curse - Game Boy Review

This is a Zelda style adventure game.  It is very basic but fun considering it was on an 8 bit handheld.  You basically embark to save the world from monsters.  The game can get very repetitive and frustrating at times.  You have your sword which is used by the B button and you pick up secondary items such as potions to heal and axes to cut down dead trees that you can use with the A button.  Enemies re spawn making it easy to power up your hearts early in the game.  This is not a bad game, it's just not very fun after about 20 minutes or so.  Average at best, but good overall for a Game Boy adventure title. Overall, I give it a middle of the road 5 out of 10 stars.  Don't expect too much from this one.

Frogger - Sega Genesis Review

OK..  I could end the review here.  Seriously, who would have paid money for this when it came out?  Maybe it is just that I have never liked this game, or the fact that the game is not fun.  It seems to be a direct port of the arcade version.  Nothing special here, just Frogger on a 16 bit console.  It just gets a middle 5 out of 10.  I can't really rate it.  Your either like it or you don't.  I don't care for it at all. 

X-Blades - PS3 Review

This is a hack n slash / melee game for the PS3.  You basically run around on each level killing various monsters and collecting artifacts.  There are bosses to fight every 2 levels or so.  The levels are not very large and are pretty easy to figure out. There are lots of power ups to discover and the interesting thing about the game is that the main character carries gun blades so you can also shoot at enemies.  The graphics are pretty decent for a 2009 release game.  The game play is also surprisingly good for this type of game.  Overall, I give the game a 7 out of 10 stars.  Nothing epic going on with it, but not a terrible game by any means.  Give it a try, you will be surprised.  

Excitebike - NES Review

This game was one of the initial launch titles for the NES way back in 1986.  Most everyone has likely played this game at least once.  Most people write it off as just a cutesy dirt bike racing game, but in reality, this game is one of the most technically difficult games on the console.  You have to control the speed of you bike and make sure you don't overheat it.  You also have to shift the weight of the bike back and forth when you jump and land. There are three modes to the game, mode A where you are racing to beat the time on each track, mode B where you race against others adding more difficulty, and track creation mode.  It was pretty awesome back in 1986 that you could make your own tracks and race on them.  Overall, this game gets a 8 out of 10, being almost a perfect game.  If you have only played it once or twice I would definitely recommend revisiting it.  

Mad Dog McCree - Sega CD Review

This was originally an arcade laser disc game.  It is more of a gimmick on the Sega CD.  The limitation of the graphics for the full motion video make this game just about unplayable.  I suppose if you memorize everything you can go through it.  I also suppose if I had a light gun for the Genesis it would be more fun.  I played it with the controller for awhile and it was alright, kind of boring.  Overall, I give this game a 3 out of 10 stars.  More of a gimmick than a game.