u/Stratocaster213

I got to thinking about all the great games for the SNES, and in particular the arcade ports for the legendary home console. Of all the great choices, for me it has to be U.N. Squadron (SNES). I'm a sucker for side scrolling fighters, and this game takes the great arcade experience and perfectly delivers it to the SNES console. The music is amazing, and the same arcade challenge is there. I will say that Final Fight, Street Fighter II: The World Warrior, and TMNT: Turtles in Time, are all strong runner-ups for me.

Which arcade port for the SNES is your favorite?

A racing game that was foundational for so many future games, 280 ZZZAP (Arcade) is a great early example of fast paced racing action. Drawing comparisons to Night Driver, released around the same time, this game places you behind the wheel of a Datsun 280Z, and features some of the earliest authorized branding in games.

This game plays really fast, and it can be tough to judge those turns. Sadly my version had no sound, so that was a bummer.. I really liked the POW animation when I wrecked that corner. It's a trip playing this, and then seeing the similarities to so many future racing titles, this game's influence can't be understated.

Did you play 280 ZZZAP, or did you play Night Driver?

Slalom (NES) is a great port of the arcade version of this classic downhill skiing game. With some awesome animations and graphics, this game plays fast, and can be quite challenging. Also the first NES game not made in Japan, it was released under Rare and made in the United Kingdom.

I struggled a bit avoiding the obstacles in this play through. It always cracks me up how hard the skier is hunched over with their rear end sticking out so far. The wipeout animation makes me smile. That music is on point, and is just the right intensity for a game like this. Another awesome early NES black box title that takes me back.

Was Slalom (NES) a favorite early NES sports game of yours?

Best of Best (Arcade) is an often overlooked title that was up against a ton of powerhouse fighting games in early 90's arcades. And although the Street Fighters, and Mortal Kombats clearly dominated the gaming field, games like Best of Best made their mark as well.

What makes this game unique is that all the special moves are revealed to the player at the character selection screen. The other unique feature is the ability to switch fighters after each match that you play. Definitely two unique features that I've never seen before. I liked playing as Shalin, and was fascinated by her fighting stance, and the Chun Li influence is super noticeable.

Was Best of Best (Arcade) a fighting game that you played, or did the other great fighters distract from this fun game?

A game cabinet and marquee that takes me right back to the local Chuck E. Cheese, is the fun and challenging Samurai Nipponichi (Arcade). Known as Samurai in North America, this challenging game was simple, yet very successful in the arcades.

I really liked the vibe and colors of this cabinet, and the Yellow font color and that weird mysterious font style are a real eye catcher. Then of course who can resist the blade wielding samurai warrior. In the mid 80's anything Ninja related was all the rage, and this awesome cabinet and its marquee are proof of that popularity.

Was Samurai Nipponichi (Arcade) a favorite Martial Arts game of yours?

Playing Bump 'n' Jump (NES) is always a fun time with its thrilling racing and challenge as you progress through the game. This top-down vehicular game reminds me a lot of a pinball game, with shades of Spy Hunter as well.

I really enjoy the simplistic racing vibe of the game, and even though it's forward, it still can be a challenge. I love those big jumps, and clearing them to leave the enemy cars behind is always satisfying. The added challenge of collecting fuel makes this strategic as well. I also love that getting hit will make you go faster. Definitely some great NES racing action from a great arcade title.

Is Bump 'n' Jump a favorite NES racer of yours?

Of all the early releases for the Playstation, Twisted Metal (PS1) always stands out as one of my favorite titles. With such an awesome storyline, and a cast of incredible characters, this game was next level gaming for me. Little did I know this game would be just the beginning of an amazing gaming franchise.

My go to character has always been Warthog, with his awesome triple homing missile special, and being tough as nails. He isn't the fastest, but he doesn't need to be. As you can see, I got a nice health boost, and got into a lot of action with a few different foes. I thought I had enough health to get Thumper, but I thought wrong. This game always takes me back to those special early PS1 days, and how great they were.

Who was your favorite Twisted Metal (PS1) character?

What can you say about the Contra franchise that hasn't already been said? While still challenging and fun as all heck to this day, what was even better back in the day was the portable version Contra: The Alien Wars (Game Boy). While not the exact version of the SNES game, this version was pretty solid considering the power of the handheld.

I enjoyed playing this game again, and even though it's as hard as it always has been, it really brought me back to some road trip memories. I love how close it is to the SNES version, that tank is always fun, and I think I always get just far enough to always get that hit in on the wall. It can get a little laggy, but it's a ton of fun with some awesome music, a must play for all Contra fans.

Did you play Contra: The Alien Wars on Game Boy, or just the SNES version?

Sometimes I like a sports game that isn't your typical Baseball, Football, or other big event that we get so used to seeing. So a game like Championship Bowling (NES) is a great way to have some sporting fun, without all the hoopla. With fun timing based mechanics, this game is always a fun challenge.

I always remember seeing this for rent growing up, and the cool white bowling pins, with the black background always caught my eye. I like the yellow font, and the nice blue shirt on the bowler stands out as well. When I think of bowling, everything in this art makes sense and hits perfectly.

Did you play Championship Bowling (NES) and do you like its box art?

I love all these vintage ads, and the no holds barred smack talking that these companies had with one another.  Whether it be the size of the gaming library, system performance, or genres of games, nothing was off limits.  Even going as far as to shame anyone that doesn't have your system, lol.  Gotta love the 80's and 90's.  

This ad is great, and also makes me hungry at the same time.  I never owned a Neo Geo system, but the red arcade cabinets were always special when you got to play one.  The games, graphics, and music were always next level, so this ad doesn't surprise me.  And now, I want a Hot Dog. 

Did you own a Neo Geo Console, and was it as good as this Hot Dog looks?

It's amazing to think back that there were games that improved on the absolutely legendary NBA Jam. In a short time frame, this franchise went from amazing to timeless, and the amazing NBA Hangtime was the culmination of all these incredible games.

I played the PS1 version in my playthrough, and decided to mix it up with Mark Turmell, and Dennis Rodman as my teammate. Rodman's green hair is the best, and Turmell is money from behind the three point stripe. I love the addition of alley-oops in this game, and the deep lineups make every game uniquely different, making this game a true classic.

Is NBA Hnagtime your favorite in the NBA Jam Franchise of games?

With all the straight forward sports games that stick to the norms, one unique game I always suggest and love playing is Dusty Diamond's All-Star Softball (NES). Whether you choose slow, or fast pitch, this game always entertains. Between the solid controls and gameplay, and the awesome cast of characters to choose from you'll always enjoy this great sports title.

I always try to pick anyone with face paint, or weird hats or glasses when I play. Probably not the best strategy, but this game is all about wacky fun. I chose the Dweebs as my team name, and really got rocked by Fuji on the Madmen team. I don't think the ball ever landed, lol. So, if you want to mix things up, definitely check out this fun sports game.

What player picking strategy do you use in Dusty Diamond's All-Star Softball (NES)?

Jeopardy has always been a favorite game show of mine, and although I'm not the smartest person, I do enjoy testing my knowledge from time to time. Even better, and more up my alley is Sports, so combining both to make Jeopardy! Sports Edition (Genesis) is even better.

Not only is this game fun, and more challenging than you may think, I really like that I learn something new about sports everytime I play it. Granted, in my playthrough, I felt a bit cheated on my answer, but Jody came swooping in with the correct full spelling. Oh well, at least it was her sport, always funny how the contestants bring their equipment with them to the show. So much nostalgia, and awesome television memories with this awesome show and game.

Was I robbed, or did I need to type out Topspin? lol.

Although very simple, Kaboom! (Atari 2600) is an extremely addictive and challenging game. Tasked with diffusing bombs with the help of some water buckets, this game plays fast and makes great use of the atari paddle controller.

I always enjoyed the faces that the Mad Bomber at the top of screen makes depending on how well you are doing. Making that sad face when you manage to catch all the bombs is very satisfying. The graphics and sounds are great, and deliver that awesome Atari 2600 vibe that I love and appreciate.

Was Kaboom! (Atari 2600) an Atari favorite of yours?

Burning Force (Genesis) delivers on the tried and true 3rd person shooter experience that Space Harrier locked down in the arcades. Burning Force offers up a female pilot, as well as two vehicle versions throughout the game that mixes the action up nicely.

I always enjoy these types of games, and it seems like so many 80's titles used this same formula, and for good reason. I appreciate the cool upper and lower bezels on the display, as well as the rich colors in the backgrounds. I fared out well, not taking too much damage and made it somewhat deep into this playthrough. A fun title that's easy to jump right into, and blast some enemies up.

Did you play Burning Force (Genesis), and did you find it comparable to Space Harrier?

So imagine you've been captured, and regardless of location or circumstances you need rescue. If you had to pick any retro gaming character, or characters from a game, who are you going to pick?

For me I'm calling in the bro's from Jackal (NES). I know Colonel Decker, Lieutenant Bob, Sergeant Quint, and Corporal Grey would never leave a soldier behind, and with guns and grenades blazing, the enemy would have no chance. Plus I know they are the best at rescuing people, especially in those dope Jeeps, plus that fast drop off at the helicopter gets me out of danger quickly. That's who I'm going with when the going gets tough.

Who are you gonna pick to come rescue you?

Shinobi (Arcade) was always one of my favorite games to sink a few quarters into. Although I wasn't great at the game, occasionally I found myself lucky enough to defeat the first level boss, and his wicked fireballs. If I managed this, the most exciting part was the awesome ninja star bonus stage.

As you can see I didn't last long, but boy does this take me back to those epic arcade moments. I love how you can just throw a stream of ninja stars at the incoming enemies. They really move quicker and come faster than I remember in my youth. I always wonder if there's a good strategy for this stage, like staying in the middle or moving like I did. Despite my skills, I love this iconic bonus stage.

Is this a favorite arcade game bonus stage of yours?

Like many of you, I'm a big fan of Star Wars. That being said, Star Wars: The Empire Strikes Back (Atari 2600) holds a special place in my heart, and in gaming history. Having the distinction of being the first officially licensed Star Wars video game is special to say the least.

I love the Hoth scene, so being the pilot of the snowspeeder is pretty epic. I forgot how many hits it takes to knock one of these down. I doubt my technique was the best, as I found it hard to anticipate the shots when flying towards the AT-AT's. Probably the rear approach is the best strategy, lol.

Was Star Wars: The Empire Strikes Back (Atari 2600) your first Star Wars video game experience?

A racing game that I never played until later in life, Super Off Road: The Baja (SNES) took a different perspective on this beloved gaming franchise. With the new third person view, and an immersive and obstacle filled track lay-out, this game was different and fun.

I had a great time playing this, and as different as the view is, the game plays good. I did find staying on the track a bit tough, and some of the obstacles are pretty unavoidable. Despite my shortcomings, I appreciated the leveling up of the vehicle between races, and all the great Super Off Road elements we love.

Is Super Off Road: The Baja (SNES) a favorite racer of yours, or do you just prefer the original?

Hoops (NES) is probably one of my earliest one on one basketball video games that I remember playing. The awesome box art, and streetball feel of the game definitely got my attention. THis game played well similar to Jordan Vs. Bird, and I loved the music in Hoops as well.

I chose Jammer, and although a lot shorter than my opponent Face, as you can see I managed to get a nice dunk. Face took it right back at me, the next sequence, but I don't mind seeing those awesome dunk animations over and over again. I was surprised by the charging call, but I'll take it for sure. 😁

Was Hoops (NES) a favorite basketball title of yours?