u/Stratocaster213

OutRunners (Arcade) is a game that escaped me for one reason or another. I loved the original Out-Run, but never had the opportunity to play any of its sequels. This game is awesome, with a nice selection of cars and drivers that the original just doesn't offer.

I was really surprised by the emphasis on drifting in this game compared to the original. It really reminds me a lot of Power Drift (Arcade), another arcade game that I love. It felt really satisfying to drift through the rock structure in this one. I found it easy avoiding the horses and wagons on the side, but once you get in the dirt, it's hard getting back. I've never tried the Port, and look forward to trying it soon.

Is this one of your favorite games in the Out-Run franchise? And have you tried the Genesis Port?

I've logged a lot of hours, and made a lot of saves in one of my favorite games ever, SimCity (SNES). One of the best parts of making those game saves and ending the game, is the "See you soon. Good bye!" Outro sceen, and it's amazing music.

I can't imagine how many times I fell asleep to this music, only to wake up with the controller in hand. The moon and the star animation is awesome, and combined with the music, it flows so well. It's these small details that makes SimCity (SNES) the legendary game that it is.

Is this music and outro screen some of your favorite music in SimCIty (SNES)?

I could recognize that blue Hydro Thunder arcade cabinet a mile away. A game that felt like Daytona USA on water, I loved playing this boat racing game. With one hand on the wheel, and another on the hand throttle, I was gliding through the water and flying off jumps like no other.

Midway made some great racing games in the 90's, and the warm graphics and great music were always a staple in their titles. The key with this game was to collect those boosts, as they were critical in over taking rival boats. I liked the selection of boats, and the tracks looked amazing. I never tried the Dreamcast port, but I did play it on PS2 Midway Arcade Treasures 3. A great game that takes racing to an environment we seldom get to enjoy.

Did you play the Dreamcast port of Hydro Thunder, and if so, how does it compare to the Arcade version?

Anytime I hear anything about Neo Geo games I get excited. With some of the best graphics and coolest games around, seeing those beautiful red machines was a treat. Walking up and revealing the standard 1, 2, 4 or sometimes 6 game offerings was suspenseful. So often, the solid staple would be the iconic Metal Slug, and one of its amazing titles such as Metal Slug X (Neo Geo).

Essentially a better version of Metal Slug 2, this game plays fast and loud just like you would expect from this franchise. I always love the use of vehicles, and how crazy the weapons and their upgrades can be. I love Contra, so I've always been drawn to these types of games. Metal Slug X is just as special though, and I highly suggest any of its excellent titles.

Which Metal Slug game is your favorite in the franchise?

Probably my earliest combat genre game that I remember playing, Combat (Atari 2600) brings back a lot of memories. With options to fight as tanks, biplanes, or jets over 27 level variations, this was an exciting game to play with a friend or family member. This game was also packaged along with the core consoles for many years, making it a common game that many played.

I remember the small black and white TV we had, no remote control of course, hooked up to our Atari 2600. Between Space Invaders, and Combat alone, I was entertained for hours. It didn't matter if I was playing alone against a stationary enemy, or lucky enough to play against someone, the game was fun. I especially enjoyed the biplanes, and the simple flying controls.

What vehicle was your favorite to play as in Combat (Atari 2600).

Attack of the Killer Tomatoes (NES) is IMO an average platformer that offers some fun, yet repetitive gameplay. The graphics are good, and the music is fun, but it doesn't leave me with that special game feeling.

What is special for me is the fun and unique box art. I kind of get Little Shop of Horrors vibes from this art, even though that wasn't a tomato, in the movie. The green and red background complemented the evil looking tomato featured in the middle of box art. I remember seeing that and having my interests peaked enough to rent this game, and having fun with it.

Do you remember this awesome box art for Attack of the Killer Tomatoes (NES)?

I love a good construction/management simulation game, and up until the release of Roller Coaster Tycoon (DOS), I was used to building cities on a broader level in the iconic SimCity (SNES). So, the opportunity to build a smaller, more detailed version of that city in the form of a theme park was amazing. WIth the options to design your own wild rollercoaster or use pre-built rides, you get to design and manage your dream theme park.

I loved playing both ways with this game, making a realistic park and going for short lines and happy patrons. Or the way, where I built the craziest, terrifying roller coasters I could think of. The amount of detail, and watching individual patrons and their actions made the game very addictive. Balancing ticket price and number of visits was a tricky dance that made the game a unique challenge. If you like SimCity or any other simulation games, you'll love RollerCoaster Tycoon (DOS).

Did you design crazy rides, or use more normal rides in your play through of RollerCoaster Tycoon (DOS)?

When I think of NES sports games, baseball and football titles often come to mind. However, one of the NES sports gems has to be Super Dodge Ball (NES). This fun and simple game always provides some laughs with the great animations and big knockouts.

The graphics are one of the biggest draws for me, having loved River City Ransom (NES), I feel like I'm playing dodge ball in that world. I never played the arcade version, but I've heard that this port is just as good as its arcade counterpart. My friend and I used to play this in High School, and there'd be a ton of yelling and excitement in those playthroughs. Super Dodge Ball is a great NES sports game detour to break the norm.

Was Super Dodge Ball a NES sports favorite of yours?

In a sea of Light Gun shooters in the 90's, Area 51 was a great way to break the norm. WIth the fun and unique Alien and Zombie fighting action, we got a glimpse of the Zombie shooting craze in later generation console shooters.

The gameplay was also crisp, and I liked some of the jump scares throughout the game. I really liked the reload screen to the bottom of the screen, the motion of reloading felt nice, and made the action quick and easy. Like most light gun shooters, this game loves to eat quarters, but I always end up coming back for more.

Was Area 51 a favorite arcade shooter of yours?

During the Extreme sports craze of the late 90's and early 2000's we had so many wonderful sports gaming options. Released 5 days after the Xbox console's launch, Amped: Freestyle Snowboarding (Xbox) was Microsoft's first attempt to tap into this popular genre. Combining elements from the popular Tony Hawk games, and the freestyle feel of 1080° (N64) and Cool Boarders (PS1), Amped: Freestyle Snowboarding provided an amazing Snowboarding gaming experience.

I loved the open world freestyle emphasis of the game, where you could create new lines on every run. Combo moves on the various rails and big airs being my standard go to for most games in these genres. The Xbox graphics and crispness of this game set it apart from my personal favorite 1080° (N64). If you're looking for a great Snowboarding game that still holds up today, Amped: Freestyle Snowboarding (Xbox) is for you.

What Snowboarding game is your favorite?

Few arcade cabinets are as big and impressive in person than the six player X-Men game. I've only played this cabinet twice in my life, and each time was a treat. Even better, was if you were lucky enough to get all six players at once. So much action on one screen, at times you could lose track of where your character was, lol. My favorite character to play as is Nightcrawler, with Colossus being my backup go to. Much like the TMNT and Simpson's arcade games around the same time, the X-Men is an iconic arcade gaming experience.

Were there any other six player cabinets like X-Men that you know of?

I miss my Dreamcast, It was so ahead of its time. Along with so many great games, a stand out title for me was Crazy Taxi (Dreamcast). This incredible port of the arcade smash hit, was such a faithful representation of its arcade form. The Dreamcast did this game so much justice.

I forgot how fun it is to collect fares and bang your way around town. The riders comments and animations are some of the funnest parts of the game. I really enjoy taking those hills downhill really fast for maximum air and distance. The soundtrack is amazing, and The Offspring rock so hard. I remember this game being all the rage when it came out, and for good reason.

Was Crazy Taxi (Dreamcast) a favorite game of yours?

I've always admired Metal Gear (NES) for its bold approach and emphasis on stealth throughout the game. Most definitely an iconic and influential NES title, this game started a franchise we still know and play today.

The box art screams 1987, with the awesome depiction of Solid Snake in his tactical gear and awesome headset. I kind of get a Michael Biehn in Terminator from the picture. WIth so many great action movies in this era, it's no wonder Metal Gear was a success. It's not flashy by any means, but stands out for me as an awesome piece of NES art.

Do you see the Michael Biehn resemblance?

I've always been a big fan of the war game genre, particularly anything having to do with operating equipment. Whether plane, submarine, tank, or jeep, I'm hoping on board. So Battletank (NES) was right up my alley. With straight forward controls, and an awesome gun barrel view of the terrain, this game was simple and great.

What really fired me up is the awesome opening to the Press Start screen, Seeing that awesome endless pack of tanks rolling through the Desert is amazing. Especially during the time of Desert Storm, this game really hits on realism and a time where tanks ruled the battlefield. A great play for all war game genre fans.

Was this a Press Start screen and intro that you remember for the NES?

Driver (PS1) is a great driving and racing game inspired by famous movie car chases that we all know and love. This exciting game offered realistic car physics and some fun and thrilling modes that kept you coming for more. True to its slogan, "You Are the Wheelman!", this thrilling game delivered the driving goods.

My favorite mode was always the pursuit mode, where you try and avoid being caught by the police. It can certainly be challenging to maintain distance from the fuzz, as they just seem to stay glued on to me. I had a lot of fun trying, and the cars respond exactly as you would expect a real car to perform. Definitely a worthy PS1 racing game that everyone should check out.

Was Driver (PS1) a favorite racing title of yours?

Of all the NES baseball gems, and there are so many, Bad News Baseball (NES) has always been my favorite. The combination of smooth game play, and great music make this a stand out baseball title. Also offering a unique all girl mode, this game provides countless hours of fun.

I always play as Toronto, and utilize their speed on the bases to defeat my opponent. I like how you can tweak the line-ups easily with the player number and grading system. I played against San Francisco, and Jim really took it to me. I can't hate, that was a pretty nice Homerun down the right field line. If you like NES baseball games, this is one you should definitely check out.

Is Bad News Baseball one of your favorite NES baseball titles?

Happy Saturday everyone. I hope you're having a great time playing Bionic Commando (NES) for Side Quest Saturday. I get a lot of nostalgia playing this great, and equally challenging game. I had forgotten how easy it was to lose a life in this game. Despite that, I always enjoy the unique gameplay and amazing bionic arm. This is an excellent edition to our Side Quest Saturday games.

Are you enjoying your Side Quest Saturday playthrough of Bionic Commando (NES)?

The votes have been counted and we are proud to announce Bionic Commando (NES) is this week's Side Quest Saturday winner. We had an awesome list of games to choose from this week and we appreciate all of the suggestions. Thank you to MoonDogSpot1954 for their great suggestion this week.

Bionic Commando (NES) is a one of a kind game that takes some getting used to due to the inability to jump, but once you figure it out, it is so worth it. You have to rely on your bionic arm to traverse your way through the levels on your mission to rescue a captured agent named Super Joe, and to stop the Albatros Project.

A great game for this week's Side Quest Saturday selection. Happy gaming! 🙂

In celebration of the Game of the Month SimCity (SNES), I thought I would share my original game manual. Not many of my manuals, and cases survived all the liquidations and moves throughout the years, but this one did.

It's a thick, and comprehensive manual compared to most games. I like Dr. Wright and his fun lessons and pics inside the manual. Long gone are the days where the manual is as detailed and beautiful as these SNES ones were. I've found it very handy in brushing up on my SimCity play this month.

Do you have any of your old game manuals, and if so which sticks out to you in terms of depth and quality?

The arcade in our local mall named "Tilt" wasn't the biggest arcade in town, but the games it had made it special. Amongst these was my holy grail of arcade cabinets, The Ninja Warriors. Fews games have captivated me like this awesome Ninja side scroller, that I still enjoy playing today.

What always got me most was the wide screen the cabinet had, that made the game unique and a real treat to play. I love that the version I have still gives you that original arcade wide screen perspective. The flow of the robot ninja's, and seeing them degrade as you take damage was so mind blowing for the young me. Combining the two tropes of Ninja's and Robots, with a great soundtrack and graphics, makes this a must play arcade classic.

Did you play The Ninja Warriors in the Arcade, and if so was the wide screen a highlight for you as well?