*20th Anniversary of Super Mario Bros. 3* 

     February 12th, 2010 marks the 20th anniversary since the release of Super Mario Bros. 3, and to commemorate the occaision, I have made a Ethos Video Review tribute to salute my favorite video game. We're going back to the past again, this time to 1990, and we'll take an in depth look at one of the best games ever created. To see the video review, click on the link below. Also, I re-posted the written review of the game. Thanks for watching the video and reading our reviews! Enjoy!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iLmbf02Kwug

     The Nintendo Entertainment System, commonly known as the NES, was in its fifth year by the time Super Mario Bros. 3 was released in 1990. It was third in the franchise series for Nintendo, and by far, the best, and most successful game of its time, and indeed, of all time. It is considered, and surely is without a shadow of a doubt, the pinnacle of perfection for the NES. No other game at the time was able to match its technical prowess and its innovative and intuitive combinations of level design, character design, music, and gameplay. It is no surprise why this game is indeed, until 2008, the best-selling video game of all time.

     I personally have nothing but praise for this game, as it is indeed my all-time favorite game. Almost 20 years later, I still play this game regularly because it is so enduring, and timeless despite its now-archaic 8-bit style. Well, perhaps not archaic, because, these days retro games are making a major comeback, and Nintendo is still catering to that crowd with such upcoming releases like NEW SUPER MARIO BROS. WII, which will indeed be a throwback to such classics like MARIO 3. I love this game, and everything about it. It is surely the one game where I can safely I have mastered, but, yet, somehow, I keep coming back to it to experience its timeless challenges.

     And why is this game so timeless? It's because this game is so fundamentally strong. It has a great classic story, a very familiar one for Super Mario fans, where Prince Toadstool is captured by the evil King Koopa (a.k.a. Bowser), and Mario much find her and travel across 8 treacherous levels to rescue her from his evil clutches; a wonderfully simple story that provides the foundation. The gameplay makes the game so fluid and playable, and re-playable. The controls are tight, very responsive, and with all the varying ways that you can beat this game, that is a leading reason as to why this classic endures. A flurry of power-ups, and a system of storing them, keep the game fresh and leave you with the choice and a strategy on how to win.

     The levels themselves, all eight of them, are all so different and unique from one another in their own special way. You have grass lands, deserts, water worlds, worlds filled with giants, the sky and clouds, worlds of ice, pipes, and fire and treachory. It surely broke the mold when it came out in 1990 with all of its creativity and innovation, but it also defined how the 2D platformer would be forever; and indeed it would heavily influence the 3D platformers as well (what else would have been a better model?).

     Music is often a strong point in many NES games including the Mega Man series, Contra, Bionic Commando, the Zelda games, and even lesser known games like Journey To Silius. Mario 3 is no different in this regard as it stands at the top of the soundtrack chain with some of many of the classic Super Mario themes as well as numerous new ones that will keep you humming along with them. And not only that, but don't forget about the unforgettable sound effects such as Mario powering-up, jumping, spitting fireballs, and kicking turtle shells about.

     I can't stress enough how perfect Super Mario Bros. 3 actually is. If you haven't played it by now, or perhaps, weren't around when it actually was released, it is time you play it. You can find Mario 3 in many others places: on Super Nintendo as part of the "Super Mario All-Stars compilation", or on Game Boy Advance titled "Super Mario Advance 4: Super Mario Bros. 3", or of course on Wii's Virtual Console for a steal of five dollars. I'd of course recommend hunting down an original Mario 3 NES cartridge somewhere and playing on an old NES for the best experience, but, regardless, it is a game to be played.

     It's no wonder why this game has made such an indelible impact on the industry. It's just that good.

-Kurt L.

_______________________________________________________________

     Most Nintendo characters, like Super Mario, Link, Samus, or even the yellow rodent Pikachu have a devote following as players will quickly pick up any game that has their likeness. Donkey Kong, who appeared first as a enraged princess kidnapping beast that faced off against the "Jump Man", Mario himself. Since our beloved great ape's debut in 1981, Donkey Kong has gone on to become a hero in his own right. The Donkey Kong Country brand went on to be one of the most popular, and enjoyed franchises on the SNES consol. When DK and the gang finally made their jump to 3D with the 1999 release of Donkey Kong 64, many revolutionary changes were made to accommodate the Kongs in their new adventure.

     Donkey Kong 64 has a lot going for it. Continuing the Donkey Kong Country legacy, Donkey Kong 64 is a platformer. Players will run around, jump, climb, and swing through full 3D environments in a fashion that is very similar to that of Super Mario 64 although there are some technological advances to DK64. For starters, Donkey Kong 64 comes packaged with a 4MB expansion Pak, which doubled the N64 ram to a whopping 8MB total, is required for the game to run. Anyone looking to pick up a copy of DK64 used, and doesn't have the 4MB expansion Pak for their N64, unfortunately you'll be plum out of luck. Donkey Kong 64 is a very large game, and the expansion Pak is crucial for the sheer amount of detail utilized in level, character, and lighting design. The 4MB expansion Pak also works with other games released for the system, including The Legend of Zelda: Majora's Mask (previously reviewed right here on Ethos).

     DK64's plot is basic, King K. Rool has returned with a new devastating weapon that will destroy Donkey Kong Island. Unfortunately for King K. Rool, his new laser ran into a few technical difficulty on its final approach to the home of the Kongs. So to buy a little time King K. Rool orders his Kremlings to kidnap Donkey Kong's four friends, Diddy, Tiny, Lanky, and Chunky Kong, and steal all of DK's beloved banana horde. Like I said, a pretty basic plot but Donkey Kong 64 pokes a lot of fun at itself along the way. It's filled with comic mischief, and can be enjoyed by all ages even though the game is age appropriate for the kiddies. Each Kong has their own personalities that shines, and adds something more to the game.

     Game play is spot on in Donkey Kong 64. There is a lot to do, and explore. Upon starting the game, players will assume to role of Donkey Kong. After completing a training course from good old Cranky Kong, and earning DK's first skill upgrade players can freely go off and explore a bit of the island. There are areas that are blocked off until players meet the criteria to unlock the new sections, so game advancement is pretty forced at least to start with. DK must free all of his friends, who in return become playable characters by selecting them from a character barrel, and collect enough golden bananas from his horde to unlock each new area. There are a total of incredibly large 9 areas (including the over world, which is the island itself), and each area there are 5 golden bananas for each playable Kong. That means, each area has to be played through multiple times. The Kongs have their own unique set of skills, which allow them to gain access to areas their counterparts cannot. Players can't fully appreciate how massive Donkey Kong 64 really is until they have all of the characters unlocked. Not only do levels cater to each playable character, but there is also a ton of skills and weapon upgrades for all 5 Kongs. To earn new weapons and skills, each Kong has to collect colored coins and bananas specific to them. Donkey Kong has to collect yellow coins and bananas, Diddy needs to find red, Lanky is blue, Tiny is purple, and Chunky is green. The colored coins are then turned in for Cranky's potions that give new skills, Funky Kong gives weapons, and Candy Kong gives musical instruments. Each are vital for the game's progression, and each upgrade reflects the personality of the Kong receiving it. Collecting items is really what Donkey Kong 64 is all about, but I doubt players will get bored with the amount of things they can do with this game. One flaw to Donkey Kong 64 game play is at times, there are drastic spikes in the game's difficulty. While some things are a breeze to get through, there are some challenges that can be down right frustrating and take away from the overall fun factor. There aren't many flaws to this game, but when the occasion comes when you get stuck, I think you'll agree with me.

     Graphics and sound are a huge selling point to this game. Thanks to the aforementioned 4MB expansion Pak, Donkey Kong 64 was able to offer graphics that were for a time unmatched in the N64 consol in terms of size and clarity. The graphics don't really begin to shine until you leave the island over world. Donkey Kong Island doesn't look bad by any means, but many of the better lighting, and texturing effects don't come into play until you enter one of the other levels. In desert areas sand will blow in the wind, and cracks of lightning realistically light up a night sky. The amount of effort that went into each level is outstanding, and really makes DK64 one of the better looking games offered for the N64. Albeit there are admittedly a few better, Donkey Kong 64 is no slouch by any means. Character movements are also very well done. Each playable character has their own set of movements, run a certain way, and all match their unique personalities while flowing fluently. I have heard accounts of Donkey Kong 64 slowing down on occasion if too many enemies are on screen, although I personally have never experienced any issues with the game becoming bogged down, it is something to take into consideration. When it comes to sound effects, expect plenty of them from Donkey Kong 64. Right from the get go, Donkey Kong 64 begins to show off sound quality with the opening rap sequence that introduces all of the main character. This opening rap is silly, and sets the tone for the tacky humor that is going to take place throughout the rest of the game. There is some voice work done in Donkey Kong 64, like King K. Rool in some Kremlings having some lines here and there, but for the most part voice acting is kept to a minimal. More common voice work is kept to the use of sound effects, like Donkey Kong saying "Banana" after collecting one of his precious golden bananas. Each Kong has their own voice, Tiny of course sounds...well Tiny, Lanky is aloof, Diddy sounds like a monkey, and the gentle giant Chunky is cowardly. Like Donkey Kong Country, DK64 has some down right catchy musical themes. Even using the Kongs' musical instruments, although basic, have a certain flare to them.

     Over the years, I have played a lot of bad Nintendo 64 games. It is why when I did come across a true gem, they became games I would frequently return to in my gaming rotations. Whenever my Nintendo 64 is hooked up, Donkey Kong 64 is one title I have to play at least once. Its definitely not the all time best game on the system, and many die hard fans of the Donkey Kong Country franchise felt DK64 didn't quite live up to the legacy of its SNES predecessors. I disagree with that assumption, in fact I think quite the opposite. DK64 brought yet another classic Nintendo character into the realm of 3D. Donkey Kong 64 had a heck of a lot of good things about it, and gives hours of fun game play to anyone who is willing to give it a shot.

Written by RB

Over and Out

_______________________________________________________

     It's historical significance cannot be denied. Mega Man was one of the important games to be released on the NES. For the time, it was new, original, and groundbreaking in many ways. This landmark entry in the series spawned five more sequels on the NES, and also launched a franchise that has graced nearly every console since, and a slew of games for each. The series has come a long way since the original Mega Man, and not necessarily for the better. The first six NES games in the long-running series were clearly the best. There were plenty of other valiant efforts made after those as well, but at least for the past eight to ten years, Mega Man has gone under many different variations. Vintage Mega Man is back thankfully in the form of Mega Man 9 and the forthcoming Mega Man 10, and its roots are set in the original NES experiences.

     Mega Man was indeed a classic game. It mapped out the blueprint for what the series would later build upon. A scientist named Dr. Wright (later changed to Dr. Light), had created some robot masters, but unfortunately, all but one of them went haywire and Dr. Wily, former assistant to Dr. Wright, takes them and changes them to evil in an effort to conquer the world. The sole robot who did not malfunction was Mega Man, and he voyages on a grand adventure to take down each robot master one at a time - and you as the player are given the choice of which order to pursue them. There's a secret in all these Mega Man games is that you can exploit a weakness of some of the bosses by beating them in a particular order, which is pretty cool. Anyway, this is the foundation of all things Mega Man.

     It is classic side-scrolling fare, with some vibrant graphics (some of the best around at the time), some terrific and challenging action gameplay, and the trademark Mega Man soundtrack. All NES Mega Man games had easily some of the best and most exciting gaming music known to man. The soundtrack is wholly memorable, and marks only the beginning of this wonderful trend in the series.

     Mega Man evolved bit by bit with each passing entry in the NES series of games. In Mega Man, there is a high score counter, which is completely irrelevant to the game itself, making it the first and last NES game in the franchise to feature it. Also, when reaching the end of a level, and passing through the metal gate to get to the boss, there was another band of enemies and obstacles awaiting before getting to the actual boss, which was another element that was not present in the sequels (and it was for the better because without the extra obstacles, you get a little breather before fighting the stage boss). Aside from that, it is essentially everything you'd expect from a Mega Man NES game, and that's a good thing.

     Personally, the future entries in the NES series were better than the original in every way. Most of them upped the amount of bosses (from 6 in the original to 8), and the graphics improved, and Mega Man himself would be improved (for example, the ability to slide was added in Mega Man 3). In any case though, the original Mega Man is still a great game and is a marvel to behold. It certainly stands the test of time, and makes for a great addition to any NES collection. This game did so many things right, and is a superb benchmark example of classic vintage gaming - and it would only get better from here.

-Kurt L.

_______________________________________________________

     The version I am reviewing is the Genesis version, and by the time of its release in '96, the system was, as another critic put it, "decaying." I couldn't have picked a better word to describe the state of the system at that time. The Super Nintendo had won the Console Wars of the early to mid 90s, and the embattled Genesis already had two failed peripherals under its belt with the 32X and Sega CD. The Saturn was already well into its run, albeit a struggle. The Playstation was out and becoming a powerful presence in the market. Jaguar had came and went. And the Nintendo 64 was just on its way, so the Genesis was indeed decaying.

     As for Sonic 3D Blast, it's a decent game. At first glance, it can be very odd, but when given a chance, it really isn't that awful, but it lacks a lasting appeal. The game lacks the super speed that the franchise was known for, and rather than side-scrolling amazement, the game favored something of an isometric 3D perspective. The graphics are average, but pale in comparison to the earlier iterations of the franchise. The Saturn version of 3D Blast, at least in accordance with some screenshots I've seen, is far superior in every possible way. While the visuals are reduced, they are rather colorful and really aren't that bad on the Genesis. However, the brief opening cinematic is hideous by today's standards, but I guess was nice in 1996.

     As for the isometic 3D perspective, take a game like Super Mario RPG: Legend of the Seven Stars, for the SNES. It is one of top ten favorite games of all time, it too was released in 1996, and with an isometric 3D view, yet somehow the control and movement was so much more fluid. And that is perhaps the biggest drawback to 3D Blast - the controls are very clunky. They do take some getting used to, but are generally not very sharp. You'd figure by '96, control in a isometric game would be perfected, considering Mario RPG had such sublime control.

     As for the gameplay itself, if you've ever played Snake Rattle N Roll for the NES, you'll feel this game to be quite similar. The object of the game is to go around, jump on enemies, and catch the little Flickies (little birds) that were trapped inside, and then bring them over to giant ring at a set point in the level and the Flickies are released, bringing you to the next level. This is essentially the whole game, and the levels can become rather tedious and repetitive. The tedium also leads to single levels being a little too long, and that's a drag, but things move quicker once you get a good hang of the game.

     While the game lacks much of the typical Sonic staples like speed, it does have all the trademark sound effects in all their glory - from the rings, springboards, the spin dash, jumping, etc., all the sounds are there. The music in the game is also rather charming, and does not disappoint.

     Overall, Sonic 3D Blast is a flawed game. It lacks depth and speed, and the latter is a Sonic staple. With its clunky control, and grid-like isometric level design, it's something of an oddball. However, it is not a bad game. It is definitely a playable and enjoyable experience if you can look pasts its shortcomings. There are far worse Sonic games out there, and I would certainly not consider this one of that bunch. It is indeed on the middle tier of the Sonic franchise.

-Kurt L.

______________________________________________________

     Following the major success of Sonic 2, Sega released the third in the blue-blur's franchise - Sonic the Hedgehog 3. By 1994, the Genesis was becoming embattled by the Super Nintendo, and made several attempts to mainteam strength in the market by releasing such bombs as the Sega 32X and the Sega CD. Both add-ons failed miserably, and the Genesis would carry on, much better off from a gaming standpoint, on its own. So, with Sonic 3, Sega tried its hand again at making another successful flagship game, and they absolutely succeeded. Competition in '94 was tough with games like Super Metroid and Donkey Kong Country being released for the SNES.

     Sonic 3 is better and more expansive in many ways over its predecessors. The gameplay is just as fast as the previous entries in the series, and certainly blows Sonic 1 out of the water in terms of pure speed. It also featured some of the most stunning 16-bit graphics on the Genesis, with grandly detailed backgrounds and foregrounds, popping and dazzling everywhere along the way - a pure treat for the eye. Sonic himself is armed with a few new tricks up his sleeve as well. I always felt he was a fairly vulnerable protagonist because he didn't have much in method of attacks. Well, here, the Spin Dash returns from Sonic 2, but also, Sonic has what I believe is called the "insta-shield." When you jump with Sonic and tap the A button again, a little force field erupts around the circumference of Sonic that can defend you against enemies as well as defeat them. It's incredibly handy, and makes the hedgehog all the more dynamic.

     In addition to this "insta-sheild" are powerups as well, which was a first for the franchise. Yes, Sonic still has the chance for invincibility and whatnot, but now, he can also power up with a fire sheild, an electric shield, or a water bubble. All are helpful in their own ways, and are such a natural fit in the game - I wonder why they didn't exist from the start of the franchise? Anyway, the shields are great and are very helpful along the way. The fire shield can allow Sonic to become a fireball, the electric shield shoots out sparks as well as magnetically attracting rings, and the water bubble can have you bouncing upside down, and also make you invincible in water levels, so that you don't have to search for air bubbles! THANK YOU SEGA! Seriously, one thing I've always hated in Sonic games is the fact that you can't breathe underwater! I've always hated Sonic water levels because of that! Mario can breathe underwater, so can Mega Man, so why cant Sonic? I must digress. Though, if you lose your water bubble, then the hassle of breathing underwater returns, so, good luck.

     The level design in Sonic 3 is once again impressive. They really are a marvel to behold, and that goes for all these early Sonic games. More so than ever, they are so vast and complex, I can't make head or tails on how to begin even mapping such intricate stages, but, they are great, and again, the graphics are amazing - best yet in the series.

     Some other worthy features are a Save Option, which is another big plus. And also, you can have an option from the start to play as Sonic, Tails, or as Sonic & Tails together. I'm so glad they gave you the choice this time, as Tails is just incredibly annoying, so I pick Sonic solo every time, the game is much better off that way. I've heard Tails can save you when in trouble by switching off to the second controller, but I can't comment further about that since I haven't tried it - I try to avoid Tails at all costs. Also, this game also marked the debut of Knuckles the Echidna, but he was Sonic's rival here.

     The gameplay in Sonic 3 is again top-notch. But as the series has grown to even greater heights in many other aspects, there were a few drawbacks here. The levels are quite long for the most part and rather challenging, but that is a good thing, as you are getting a good amount of game here. But there are a few too many cheapshot hazards in your way, things that will suddenly pop up and disrupt the flow of action, causing you to either lose your rings or die. It's a little disconcerting, as this was not as evident in Sonic 1 or 2. It wasn't as prevelant in Sonic 3 as it was in Sonic & Knuckles, released also in 1994. In Sonic & Knuckles, there are tons of nuiscance hazards, but that is also still a very good game.

     A quick word about the music - it's awesome. The soundtrack, like all Genesis Sonic games, is incredibly memorable.

     In the end, Sonic 3 completes a great trilogy of Sonic games that stand as the best in the franchise - by far. After Sonic & Knuckles, the original charm of the Genesis games was lost in the newer games, especially when the series made its leap to 3D. Sonic 3 is a terrific game with all the fixins - great gameplay, music, graphics, tight action, and replayability. Is it better than Sonic 2? Well, that is a matter of opinion, as it is better in some ways, but I think for me, Sonic 2 edges it out by just a smidge. I highly recommend Sonic 3 - it is an exemplary example of Sonic gaming.

-Kurt L.

_______________________________________________________

     The Black Bass is a very simple game, the entire idea is to catch as many black bass as possible within the process of an in-game day. Sounds easy enough, right? Well, it is and it isn't. Players begin their game by selecting either being a ranked player, or a beginner. Although, most time players will be selecting beginner since being a ranked player requires a lengthy password from a previous game. I don't know about you, but I never could be bothered with those ridiculously long passwords no matter what the game was. Anyway, after starting their game players are free to boat around different locations in hopes of hunting down that elusive black bass. Location is key being bass like certain conditions, failing to hit the right spot will result in you reeling in a rainbow trout, or some other undesired fish . Selecting the right lure is also key for your location, and there is a good selection and colors to choose from. Some combinations are obviously better than others, and it is up to each player to figure out how to use each lure to attract a fish. These elements work well while adding a bit of realism to the game, and being The Black Bass is on the NES, that's impressive within itself.

     Once you've found your perfect location, selected your lure, its time to get your big hat angler doing his thing. Players will use the A button to power up their cast, and by hitting A once again at the precise moment the cast meter becomes full will send the fishing line as far as possible. Casting to far to either the left or right will cause you to lose your lure. You might also get your line stuck on a rock, or weeds depending on your location, but by hitting A and B together will automatically reel the line back in. After the line is set in the water, players will have to actively attract a fish if there is any chance of catching a fish. Simply pressing A will reel in the line, which will be a complete waste of time. Instead, by using the D pad you can manipulate the lure. For example, if you are using a Red Frog lure, you can give it a more life like movement in a swampy area to attract a fish. Consistency and pace are key to entice the fish to bite, but once their hooked the fight is on. You'll have to reel in the line by using A, and guiding the fish around obstacles with the D pad. This can be a very frustrating task, being the line can break if you fatigue it too much. You are alerted to this by a frantic beeping, and you must back off reeling in for a short while allowing your line to recover. Sometimes, it seems no matter how long you wait every time you try to reel in that frantic beeping continues, and shortly after the line is snapped. Also, while you wait the fish may start to dive deeper into the water. As this happens, the fish may break the line and get away with the lure. A lot can go wrong, but having a fish hooked is exciting while the threat of losing it looms in the back of your mind. Actually reeling it in all the way is accompanied with a genuine feeling of success. Catch enough Black Bass between sun up and sun down, and you'll move onto a different location. There the process continues, and the fishing gets even harder, that's right harder. I guess that's why they call it fishing and not catching, am I right? Eh...

     The Black Bass's overall presentation is pretty bland, and that is due to in part by the graphical limitations of the NES consol. Level design is often just getting a glimpse of the fisherman, a small lure, and a blue body of water. While some areas have a bit more detail, there really isn't a whole lot to see in this game. An approaching fish is just a black fish shaped blur in the water, and once its hooked that black fish shaped blur becomes a colored fish shaped blur so players can identify what kind of fish they have on the line. To put it bluntly, its ugly to look at. There are a few musical themes in the Black Bass and they repeat constantly. Although they aren't necessarily bad, and at first are even enjoyable, they can start to grate on your nerves after awhile. But that is common in NES games, and one player's opinion of the themes may vary from another.

     Fishing on the NES was an ambitious move to do something different. It is apparent that an attempt to make a good game went into the Black Bass, but for the age bracket the NES attracted, fishing wasn't something many kids would sit and play for hours on end. Game play and poor presentation can cause plenty of frustration, but finally reeling in the big one is truly rewarding. This game isn't for everyone, and as a whole doesn't really stand the test of time. But if vintage fishing games interests you, well the Black Bass is right up your alley. For the rest of us, I'd recommend actually going outside for fishing.

Written by RB

Over and Out

_______________________________________________________

     The game is essentially broken up into two primary game types. There is a puzzle solving section where you get an overhead view and must push these large blocks or use bombs to blow them up to find the right doorway. And then once upon entering one of those doorways, you are treated, or mistreated, to a platforming section where you collect various items and whatnot while avoiding enemies, and if you get hit by them, you lose oxygen (which acts like a life bar). Dash Galaxy is basically a tale of two games, the puzzle section is actually pretty clever, but not particularly compelling - but, I must say, if that were the entire game, it might actually be a good game.

     The platforming sections, where the game turns into a traditional side-scroller, is horrible. The controls are clumsy and terribly sluggish. The jumping is awkward and unresponsive. What I don't like is how Dash actually moves: first when you press forward he just walks, then after a few seconds he'll then jog, and then with enough room, he'll run. Why? What's the point of that? Trying to make a jump from one platform to the other becomes very annoying if you don't leave yourself enough room to charge up your running - which you just shouldn't have to do in the first place. In any good game like Mega Man or Castlevania for instance, you can just jump from one platform to another without any issue, but in Dash Galaxy you are subject to this trial and error like experience, and how could a platforming section of a game be messed up when it is such a simple fundamental of NES games of the time? You'd think by 1990 when this game came out, developers wouldn't make such awful games, but, this here stands as an example of poor execution. And another quick note, unless you somehow find some bombs, there seems to be no way to fight oncoming enemies in these platforming sections, so trying avoid them with these horrid controls is not fun.

     I give the game a little credit when you jump and float in the air a little bit, as to imply perhaps a sense of gravity, because it apparently takes place in Outer Space somewhere, but, it's unnecessary, and it doesn't make the game fun. Since the control is already so busted as it is, having any other additions is simply superfluous.

     The music is the game isn't bad either actually, so I certainly give it that. However, that won't salvage this game. The graphics are a coin toss too. On the puzzle sections, they are clear and vivid, and on the platforming sections, they are hideous, and Dash himself looks practically like a glorified stick figure - there's no excuse for that.

     So as fate would have it, I was somehow destined to play Dash Galaxy in the Alien Asylum, and I must say, what a disappointment it was. If only this game existed as a puzzle game, it would have been good, otherwise, it's a disaster. Before receiving this game by accident, I had never heard of it. Frankly, I was better off because sometimes ignorance is bliss.

-Kurt L.

_____________________________________________________

     Often considered the oddity in the Mario Bros. franchise, Super Mario Bros. 2 was, as the title indicates, the second of three installments on the NES in Nintendo's flagship series. To the surprise of many, Mario 2 differs greatly from its predecessor, and it isn't a bad thing. From the outset, it doesn't technically take place in the Mushroom Kingdom, which is now safe for the time being apparently. It takes place in what is called the Sub-Con, a dream like world controlled by Wart, the frog-like villain. SPOILER ALERT: the entire game is taking place inside Mario's dream!

     That alone makes Mario 2 such a standout, as that already the second game into the series, Nintendo was already shaking up its formula. This game does not feature many of the franchise signatures like goombas, question blocks, jumping on enemies to kill them, and Bowser! Yeah, no Bowser in the game! Also, it isn't 2-player either, but you can choose from up to four different characters, and of course Mario and Luigi, but also for the first time ever, Toad and Princess Toadstool. What is unique is that each of the four legendary Mario Bros. characters have their own defining abilities and strengths; which I would say is fairly groundbreaking for the time. For instance, Luigi can jump a lot higher than Mario, or anyone else for that matter. Toad is the strongest character and can pick up enemies faster than anyone else. Toadstool is the weakest, but floats like a feather when she jumps, and Mario is the good old neutral one with complete balance. That in itself is pretty cool.

     This is the Super Mario Bros. 2 we all know and love, but it was not the same sequel that was released in Japan. The Japanese sequel is actually much more closely linked to the original Super Mario Bros. for the NES, and it looks and plays just like it, except that it is much more difficult. You can play the Japanese Mario 2 on Super Mario All-Stars for the SNES under the moniker Super Mario Bros.: The Lost Levels. Also, you can download the original Japanese Mario 2 on the Wii's Virtual Console if you should so desire. The American version of the game is basically an identical game to the Japanese game Doki Doki Panic, and I've seen screenshots of Doki, and it really looks to be the same exact game aside from a few minor enhancements. Why was this then made into Mario 2 in the USA? I'm not totally sure, but, you know what? It doesn't matter, because the game is awesome! It is definitely one of the best games on the NES and it more than a worthy addition to the Mario series.

     Even though Mario 2 is so much different, some elements of this game carried over into future games in the series. For instance, the ability to pick up things and throw them is seen in practically every other Mario game to date, including the newest entry - New Super Mario Bros. Wii (previously reviewed here on Ethos). Not only did it contribute great gameplay mechanics to the Mario lore, but also some enemies and timeless music themes as well. Enemies like the Shy-Guys and Bob-Ombs have become staples in the franchise, and some others as well.

     I know I haven't talked too much about how the game is itself, but believe me, it is loads of fun. Despite the fact that it boldly defies the franchises core concepts, again, it doesn't matter, because Super Mario Bros. 2 is a classic NES game. It is remembered as the oddity, but, play it and see for yourself how great it really is - it has that trademark Nintendo quality we all grew up with. If you can track down an original NES cartridge of it, I would say do that. If not, this particular game is also available for the Wii's Virtual Console in addition to its estranged Japanese version. I'd stick with the American version though, it's far superior. It's Mario Madness!

-Kurt L.

_______________________________________________________

     Hello everyone! This is a special edition of the Ethos Video Review series. This is more of like a year in review of 1991. Why 1991? Well, see why and find out! So much stuff came out that year, and I take a look back into the past to share my thoughts. Thanks for watching!!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=96g9YsKRj1A

-Kurt L.

_______________________________________________________

     Red Dead Revolver is a tale of vengeance against the forces of greed and corruption. The game begins with a young Red Harlow learning how to wield his trusty shooting iron when his mother and father are brutally murdered. Unable to stop his family's slaughter, Red grows up and becomes a formidable bounty hunter. He speaks little, and shoots often. In other words, Red is your typical Western protagonist. To balance out Red's linguistic limitations, Red encounters numerous other playable characters that are more animated and unique in nature. These characters include an English pistolier named Jack Swift, the female rancher Anne Stoakes, a stealthy Native American known as Shadow Wolf, and an African American US soldier known only as Buffalo Soldier. For the majority of the game players will be assuming the role of Red, but the other side characters have their own levels and side stories that add to the overall plot which as a whole is average at best. That doesn't mean its bad, it just not great. I won't go into too much detail, but many clichés from the western genre have been intermixed and tossed into Red Dead Revolver. So don't expect any huge revelations or surprises from this game. Action is the main focus here, plain and simple.

     Speaking of the action, Red Dead Revolver is a decent third person shooter with some interesting game mechanics although some of them aren't exactly perfect. The core elements of a third person shooter make their appearance in Red Dead Revolver. Players will aim, shoot, hide under cover, all things have done before and they all work as they should. Two new elements however make things a little bit more interesting. As players eliminate their enemies, they will be able to gain access to Dead Eye. Dead Eye is similar to Max Payne's bullet time as to it slows down everything around Red. Red goes into a sort of tunnel vision, where all the focus goes onto the target. Making it easier to pull off headshots, or riddle a target with multiple shots. Another distinct feature to Red Dead Revolver is the quick draw. That's right, quick draw. Throughout the game, players will encounter certain situations where Red has a stand off against an opponent. With pistols holstered, the player must draw their weapon, aim, and fire while their adversary is doing the same. The one with the slowest draw, or misses...well you get the idea. This is without a doubt, a love/hate feature. Although unique to the game and genuinely fun, can also be very difficult for even seasoned players. If Red Dead Revolver is going to cause some nerd rage, this is exactly where its going to take place. When it comes to the quick draw, there is no margin for error. Some enemies are easier to defeat then others, while some will make you want to toss your controller through the TV. Luckily, players have unlimited continues. There are also some bizarre difficulty spikes throughout the game, which can cause some heartache. But with a little persistence I don't see level difficulty stopping anyone from completing the game. The most disappointing aspect to Red Dead Revolver was the lack of free roaming. Being a game by Rockstar, many gamers were expecting a more GTA like approach to the old west. Although players are free to roam about town to buy new items, and listen to town folk chit chat, this only made me want to jump on a horse and see more of the western frontier. Being unable to did hurt the overall experience, especially when the tag line for the game was "The OPEN frontier of the West". It is very misleading, and as a result caused Red Dead Revolver to feel very confining. Red Dead Revolver also offers a multiplayer mode that allows up to 3 other players to join in for some gun slinging mayhem, but overall really isn't anything to brag about. New characters can be unlocked by purchasing different items throughout the story mode, and there are a few different game modes. None of which are really a whole lot of fun. Red Dead Revolver is better as a single player experience, and even though it is nice to have a multiplayer, isn't necessary for this game.

     Graphically, Red Dead Revolver isn't exactly ground breaking yet they get the job done. There is a very distinct visual style that effectively gives Red Dead Revolver that familiar Spaghetti western flare. Character and level designs, some of which are over dramatized, all look like they belong in the western genre. The overall visual experience can be marred from time to time by blocky movements, and frequent frame rate issues. These flaws aren't exactly deal breaking, have to be mentioned. Considering how Red Dead Revolver was originally going to be made by Capcom, and was rescued from going dormant by Rockstar Games, I'm actually surprised there weren't more issues. It isn't uncommon for games that are sold to other manufactures to be plagued with problems. Fortunately Red Dead Revolver comes in just above average in that department, but just barely. The same could be said for Red Dead Revolver's use of sound and voice work. Although the sound effects, and musical score add to the western experience most of the game's voice work aren't so hot. The majority of the voice acting is very clichéd and lacks any imagination. For example the character Red, the tough, rugged, mute bounty hunter has very few lines through the game. But when he does speak, the voice doesn't exactly seem to fit the character. Although Red's voice work in particular aren't really bad, they simply just don't seem to fit the bill.

     When it is all said and done, Red Dead Revolver is an average gaming experience. It has great elements, a true western feel, but unfortunately just comes up flat in certain areas. Fans of the old west will certainly get a kick out of Red Dead Revolver, and does merit at least one time played through for action gamers. I can't help put think if a little bit more effort, Red Dead Revolver could have lived up to the hype that was surrounding it, and even surpassed it. Red Dead Revolver isn't exactly a misfire, but I can't full heartedly recommend it to everyone.

Written by RB

Over and Out.

_______________________________________________________