Retro Reviews

Alien vs. Predator Arcade Review – A Netplay Cooperative Triumph Capcom’s “Alien vs. Predator” arcade game is one of those rare gems in the arcade world that managed to capture the essence of both franchises beautifully. Playing through the game via netplay with my Australian Discord friend, Hyrule13, was an exhilarating experience that showcased how well classic arcade action translates into the world of online multiplayer. Engrossing Storyline Set in …

Retro Review: Revisiting Dreamland with “Little Nemo: The Dream Master” As a child of eight, tucked away in the comforting confines of Aunt Kelly’s house, I encountered a game that would become etched in my memory: “Little Nemo: The Dream Master” for the Nintendo Entertainment System (NES). Fast forward to today, and the nostalgia could not be more palpable as I dust off this 8-bit gem and take another dive …

      Retro Review: Spiraling Back to “Gyruss” on the NES My first encounter with “Gyruss” for the Nintendo Entertainment System was in the early ’90s at a friend’s house—Frank Thomas was the name—and it’s a gaming session I remember fondly. Fast forward to today, and with a mix of nostalgia and determination, I’ve revisited this classic shooter, finally seeing the ending that eluded me as a kid. A …

Retro Review: Whomp ‘Em – A Stomp Through Tradition Whomp ‘Em, released for the NES in March 1991 in North America, is an often overlooked platformer that takes players on a journey through various levels inspired by Native American mythology. With its roots in the Japanese game “Saiyūki World 2: Tenjōkai no Majin,” which itself is based on the Chinese novel “Journey to the West,” Whomp ‘Em underwent cultural localization …

Retro Review: Mega Man 8 – A Polished Leap to 32-Bit Mega Man 8, marking the Blue Bomber’s splash onto the PlayStation in 1997, represents a significant chapter in the franchise’s history. Developed by Capcom, the venerable studio behind the series, this installment was released to celebrate Mega Man’s 10th anniversary. As the first game in the main series to leap onto the 32-bit platform, Mega Man 8 expanded upon …

Retro Review: Mega Man 7 – A 16-Bit Evolution with a Polarizing Debut In the pantheon of classic gaming franchises, Mega Man stands as a colossus, and its seventh numbered entry, Mega Man 7, released in 1995 for the Super Nintendo Entertainment System (SNES), is a particularly interesting chapter in the Blue Bomber’s storied history. Developer and Design Developed by Capcom, the studio that had already captured the hearts of gamers …

Retro Review: Splatterhouse 3 – A Hauntingly Beautiful Brawl When you dive into the library of the Sega Genesis, few games stand out for their audacity and graphic content as much as Splatterhouse 3. Released in 1993, this game broke the mold with its combination of intense action, horror themes, and a storyline that was more mature and complex than what many gamers were accustomed to at the time. Developer and …

Retro Review: Batman: The Video Game (Sega Genesis) In the pantheon of comic book video games, few have stood the test of time quite like “Batman: The Video Game” for the Sega Genesis. Developed by Sunsoft and released in 1990, this title was not just a product of its era but a shining example of what a licensed game could and should be. Let’s delve deep into Gotham’s pixelated past …

Played by “RetroMike85” Retro Review: Ninja Assault (Arcade) “Ninja Assault” emerged in the arcades during a time when light gun games were enjoying significant popularity, thanks to titles like “Time Crisis” and “House of the Dead.” Developed by Namco, the game was released in 2000, harnessing the excitement of an action-packed shooting experience with a feudal Japanese twist. Developer: Namco’s Foray into Feudal Japan Namco, known for its arcade classics, …

Played by RetroMike85 Retro Review: Time Crisis II (Arcade) “Time Crisis II” stands as a landmark in the realm of light gun shooters. Released in 1997 by the acclaimed developer Namco, this game not only followed up on the success of its predecessor but also set new standards for arcade gaming experiences. Developer: Namco’s Legacy in Innovation Namco has long been at the forefront of arcade innovation, and “Time Crisis …

Retro Review: Mega Man 2 for Game Boy – A Pocket-sized Powerhouse In the pantheon of handheld classics, “Mega Man 2” for the Game Boy holds a special place. Released in 1992, this game brought the intense action of the Mega Man franchise to the portable world. Developed by Capcom, it was the second Mega Man game for the Game Boy and was known for bringing unique elements to the …

Hello Retro Gaming fans, Ryan Mcquinn here! BioShock Remastered: A Masterpiece Reimagined for PS4 The original “BioShock” game, released in 2007, was a landmark in video game history, an ambitious project that melded gripping narrative, unique setting, and innovative gameplay into a cohesive and unforgettable experience. When “BioShock Remastered” arrived on the PlayStation 4, it gave a new generation of gamers the chance to experience the dystopian undersea world of …

Mega Man: A Retro Review of Capcom’s Classic NES Game In the landscape of video gaming, certain titles have withstood the test of time to become more than just electronic entertainment; they’ve embedded themselves into the cultural lexicon, becoming symbols of an era. One such game is Capcom’s “Mega Man,” released for the Nintendo Entertainment System (NES) in 1987. This retro review will journey through the development, audio-visual craftsmanship, gameplay, …

Retro Review: Mega Man 2 – An 8-Bit Legacy on the NES Mega Man 2 is a game that needs no introduction to fans of the classic NES library. Developed by Capcom, this title not only defined an era of platforming games but also established a franchise that would become a cornerstone of the genre. Let’s dive deep into the game that many still hold close to their hearts. The …

Retro Review: Mega Man 5 – The Blue Bomber’s Penultimate NES Journey In the landscape of 8-bit gaming, few characters are as iconic as Capcom’s Mega Man, a character who embodies the era’s challenge, innovation, and charm. By the time “Mega Man 5” hit the shelves in December 1992, the NES was witnessing the twilight of its dominance, with the 16-bit consoles gaining traction. Despite this, Capcom delivered an experience …

Retro Review: Mega Man 6 – An NES Swan Song In the twilight years of the Nintendo Entertainment System (NES), a hero in blue made one final stand before the transition to 16-bit gaming. That hero was Mega Man, and his last NES adventure was “Mega Man 6,” released in 1994 in North America. This review revisits the legacy of one of Capcom’s iconic entries in the series, exploring the …

Episode Red: This Fan-Made Mega Man Remake Shines on the Genesis Within the pantheon of classic platforming franchises, Capcom’s Mega Man series stands as a paragon of 8-bit gaming. While Mega Man saw many stellar sequels on the NES, the Blue Bomber arguably reached his 16-bit peak with Mega Man 7 on the SNES. But what if the Genesis got its own exclusive Mega Man entry? Enter the fan project …

Retro Review: Mega Man 4 – A New Chapter in the Blue Bomber’s Legacy As the 8-bit era was hitting its stride, Capcom continued to bolster the library of the Nintendo Entertainment System with quality titles that would define a generation. Among these was “Mega Man 4,” released in 1991, a game that both adhered to the series’ successful formula and attempted to innovate within the constraints of the NES …

Retro Review: Mega Man: The Wily Wars – A 16-bit Trilogy Reimagined “Mega Man: The Wily Wars,” also known as “Rockman Mega World” in Japan, is a compilation and a reimagining of the first three games in the Mega Man series, rebuilt from the ground up for the Sega Genesis. Released in 1994, this title was Capcom’s foray into the 16-bit era, bringing the Blue Bomber to a platform dominated …

Shinobi Legions: A Retro Review The Sega Saturn, a console that struggled against its rivals, still managed to birth a number of cult classics, amongst which stands “Shinobi Legions,” known in Japan as “Shin Shinobi Den.” Developed by SEGA’s Consumer Development Division, this title aimed to bring the Shinobi series to a new generation while maintaining its arcade roots. Developer’s Vision and Execution “Shinobi Legions” was developed during a time …

Retro Review: “Friday the 13th” for the NES – A Nostalgic Nightmare As the rain pattered against the windowpanes of a family camp on Caroga Lake, NY, in the early 90s, a young gamer found themselves plugged into a world of 8-bit terror. “Friday the 13th,” a game released for the Nintendo Entertainment System (NES) in February 1989, was unlike any other experience at the time. Developed by Atlus and …

Retro Review: “Contra III: The Alien Wars” – A SNES Classic In the realm of retro gaming, certain titles are spoken of with a near-mythical reverence, and “Contra III: The Alien Wars” is one such title. Although my own gaming roots were firmly planted in the soil of the Sega Genesis, with its much-touted “blast processing,” I never laid hands on “Contra III” until 2023. The experience was a mix …

 Hello Retro Gaming fans, Ryan Mcquinn here! Starring Pat Sajak and Vanna White, Wheel of Fortune was a gameshow where you would spin a wheel for a chance to win money by guessing letters to words in a phrase. Chances are, you’ve seen this gameshow. My Wife and I still love watching it from time to time, and though it’s been on TV since 1975, we’ve only been watching …

Hello Retro Gaming fans, Ryan Mcquinn here! Growing up as 80’s and 90’s kids, my Wife and I watched a ton of Gameshows with our respecting parents. One big one in my Wife’s home was Jeopardy. Her and her parents would see who knew the most, and could answer the quickest. She says her Dad always won. I thought it would be a good idea to put her trivia knowledge …

Hello Retro Gaming fans, Ryan Mcquinn here! Retro Review: New Super Mario Bros. for the Nintendo DS In the landscape of video game history, few titles can claim the impact of the Super Mario series. In 2006, Nintendo decided to revisit the roots of their flagship franchise with “New Super Mario Bros.” for the Nintendo DS, a game that sought to blend the classic side-scrolling action of the original games …