Outrun 2

Outrun 2

Xbox

Arcade Racing

2004.10.25

 

I love this game! It's not so much a sequel as it is an updated remake of the classic original, and that's what's so great about it. Outrun 2 sticks close to the source material and doesn't tamper with the experience, happily playing to its strengths. The handling may take a moment to get used to, but otherwise if you enjoyed the original Outrun, you'll probably enjoy this one. There's also plenty of mission-based challenges to tackle, and a handful of unlockable goodies. It's good old simple arcade racing, updated but not tampered with, and that's the beauty of it.

Battletoads & Double Dragon

Battletoads & Double Dragon

NES

2D Beat 'Em Up

1993.06.23

The greatest beat 'em up game for the NES, BT&DD shines as a class-act of the genre. Entertaining from start to finish, the addictive gameplay is matched by the catchy music and impressive graphics. The psuedo-3D effects are a sight to behold coming from NES hardware. Wide variety keeps BT&DD fresh, each stage is different and poses unique challenges. The many ways of dispatching enemies is what makes BT&DD so entertaining, whether pounding them through the floor or batting them through the air with a stick, grabbing women by the hair and punching their boobs... It never stops being fun.

Darius Gaiden

Darius Gaiden

Sega Saturn
 Horizontal 2D Shoot 'Em Up

1995.12.15

This is an awesome arcade port of a great shump, Darius Gaiden pits you up against a wide range of mechanical marine life. A big draw to the game is being able to choose your own path through the stages, which works the same as Sega's Out Run. Your weapon can be upgraded numerous times, incrementally turning the weak single shot into a death cannon far beyond the point of ridiculous. Part of what makes the game so fun is trying to survive long enough to keep building your firepower up into insanity. This is a must-play shump.

Mega Man 7

Mega Man 7 / Rockman 7 (JP)

Super Nintendo
2D Action, Platforming

1995.03.24

A wonderfully unique Mega Man game, although formulaic, that's fun to play and gorgeous to look at. The familiar feel of the NES hexalogy is all there, dressed up in a bright and colorful visual style with beautiful detailed sprites and smooth animations. The music is enjoyable, with tunes like Wily stage 1, Cloud Man and Slash Man being highlights. Despite being highly derivative and offering nothing new to the series, Mega Man 7 is a very fun game easily worth playing if you're a fan of the games. Newcomers however, would do better to begin with Mega Man 2.