What Did You Play? Spooky Smashy Edition (October 2014)

by John "ANC" Barnes on

I forgot.

But not completely!

Mystery Dungeon: Shiren the Wanderer (DS) – Finally found someone online to rescue my sorry ass after I was defeated while holding a sweet sword that I didn’t want to give up. Hooray for incredibly long passwords that made this possible despite the end of Nintendo Wi-Fi Connection! This game and Bangai-O Spirits will always hold a special place in my heart for such considerations.

Pinball Arcade – Had a burst of goal-finishing, as seems to happen occasionally. Scared Stiff, Medieval Madness, No-Good Go’fers, and Attack from Mars are all finally completed! The crossover bonus wizard goal in Taxi still refuses to clear even when I get the bonus! Great programming, FarSight!

Spelunky – Made it through Hell a few times after failing to do so for some time. Also finally got the speedrun trophy. The one for completing the journal won’t trigger due to a bug in the initial version and me having already completed the journal. Woohoo! The lesson is never trytake a relaxed attitude towards goals and trophies.

Darkstalkers Resurrection (PS3) – I wish the second arcade game were included for completeness’ sake, but this is still a pretty good compilation of the first and third games. They’re still incredible-looking and fun. Happy Halloween.

Mortal Kombat Arcade Kollection (PS3) – Apparently not arcade perfect in the sense that some elements (particularly sound) are taken from a planned but cancelled HD remake of one of the MK games, but still probably the best ports currently available. I’m not big on MK but I’ve warmed up to it a bit more, although what finer points exist are still lost on me.

Roadblasters (Arcade) – Happened upon a cabinet for the first time in close to 25 years and had to throw a quarter in. As games clearly designed to be quarter-munchers go, it’s pretty gentle about it and doesn’t rub your nose in it. Playing with a steering yoke/wheel is quite different than using a thumbstick to play it on Midway Arcade Treasures. Always loved the aesthetic of this one.

Woah Dave! (3DS) – The grandchild of the original Mario Bros. and son of Vlambeer’s Super Crate Box. Somewhat annoyingly features only one stage and costs money, whereas SCB was free and included three different stages, but still a solid and addictive high score focused arcade experience. The music is great.

WHAT DID YOU PLAY????