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November, 2012

November 30, 2012

This HD collection gives players the Dragon Ball Z game they've been asking for ... and also brings the original Budokai along for the ride. Dragon Ball Z: Budokai HD Collection delivers the action you expect, and not much more. A few questionable design decisions, shallow fighting mechanics and a complete lack of online play makes this yet another disappointing HD compilation!

Theme - Nintendo's Tetris (Game Boy)

34 Theme Songs of Christmas

November 30, 2012

34 Theme Songs of Christmas (Day 9) - We're back with day nine of the 34 Theme Songs of Christmas! Today we're taking a look at one of the oldest theme songs of all time. By my count, this song is more than 200 years old. It's Tetris, of course. Find out what our music critics think when you read the ninth episode of the 34 Theme Songs of Christmas!

This Week in Defunct Games - Nov. 30, 2012

This Week in Defunct Games

November 30, 2012

If it's Friday, it's This Week in Defunct Games! It's a slow week on the Virtual Console. This week's only new game is the questionable port of Pac-Man for the Nintendo Entertainment System. Is this the best Pac-Man game on the Nintendo 3DS? We'll answer that and more in this week's episode of This Week in Defunct Games. And stick around for a very special video that compares the various Pac-Man games!

Pac-Man (Virtual Console)

Reviews au Courant

November 30, 2012

We're a year into the 3DS Virtual Console's existence and already we have two Pac-Man options. If you really need your ghost goblin fix, then this NES port is the way to go. The previously released Game Boy port (which I scored a STOP) is total garbage that isn't worth your money. It may be tiny, but at least I can finally see the full maze. The real problem is that we now have two Pac-Man options and Ms. Pac-Man is nowhere to be seen.

Theme - Shadowgate (NES)

34 Theme Songs of Christmas

November 29, 2012

34 Theme Songs of Christmas (Day 8) - We're back with day eight of the 34 Theme Songs of Christmas! Today we're pointing and clicking our way through the labyrinthine world of Shadowgate. Don't worry; we brought along a torch just in case. Find out what our music critics think when you read the eighth episode of the 34 Theme Songs of Christmas!

September/October 1990 - Maniac Mansion

Nintendo Power Uncovered

November 29, 2012

Nintendo Power Uncovered (Ep. 16) - You think Nintendo Power only puts the biggest games on the cover? Think again, because here comes Nintendo Power. This cover features some of the best characters, a rickety old mansion and more atmosphere than you can shake a green tentacle at. Find out what we think of this September/October 1990 issue of Nintendo Power!

Theme - Metal Gear Solid 2 (PlayStation 2)

34 Theme Songs of Christmas

November 28, 2012

34 Theme Songs of Christmas (Day 7) - We're back with day seven of the 34 Theme Songs of Christmas! Today we're gathering up Sonic Snake, Raiden, Vamp and the rest of the gang for the Metal Gear Solid theme song. Composed by Harry Gregson-Williams, this is one of the most epic video game themes of all time! Find out what our music critics think when you read the seventh episode of the 34 Theme Songs of Christmas!

Theme - Sonic CD (Sega CD)

34 Theme Songs of Christmas

November 27, 2012

34 Theme Songs of Christmas (Day 6) - We're back with day six of the 34 Theme Songs of Christmas! Today we're running as fast as we can in Sonic CD for the Sega CD. Not only does this theme song have a name, but it actually has real lyrics and singing. Find out what our music critics think when you read the fifth episode of the 34 Theme Songs of Christmas!

Strategy Guide #2: Ninja Gaiden II

Nintendo Power Uncovered

November 27, 2012

Nintendo Power Uncovered (Ep. 15) - Nintendo Power is back with their second official strategy guide. This time around it's for Ninja Gaiden II, the must-own action game from Tecmo. What is Ryu Hayabusa up to on this cover? And where is he going with me car magnet? Find out now as we continue our journey to review every Nintendo Power issue published!

Theme - Castlevania II: Simon's Quest (NES)

34 Theme Songs of Christmas

November 26, 2012

34 Theme Songs of Christmas (Day 5) - We're back with day five of the 34 Theme Songs of Christmas! Today we're resurrecting vampires in Castlevania II: Simon's Quest. Regardless of what you think of this 8-bit adventure, there's no denying the awesomeness of the theme song. Find out what our music critics think when you read the fifth episode of the 34 Theme Songs of Christmas!

What Dishonored Stole from Shadowrun

Freeze Frame

November 26, 2012

The Freeze Frame (Ep. 89) - There's something a little familiar about the Dishonored box art. I can't quite put my finger on it, but I know I've seen it before. This is going to drive me crazy, why can't I think of it. OH WAIT ... I know what it is!! Find out what game Dishonored ripped-off and why it's preventing me from having a good time playing Bethesda's newest fist-person action game!

Theme - Jungle Strike (Genesis)

34 Theme Songs of Christmas

November 25, 2012

34 Theme Songs of Christmas (Day 4) - We're back with day four of the 34 Theme Songs of Christmas! Today we're leaving the desert for the confines of the jungle. That's right, it's time to shoot down terrorists in Electronic Arts' action-packed Jungle Strike. Find out what our music critics think when you read the fourth episode of the 34 Theme Songs of Christmas!

Theme - Cruis'n USA (Arcade)

34 Theme Songs of Christmas

November 24, 2012

34 Theme Songs of Christmas (Day 3) - We're back with day three of the 34 Theme Songs of Christmas! Today we're taking a look at Cruis'n USA, the early showpiece for the Nintendo 64. This awful racer had an equally terrible theme song. Find out what our music critics think when you read the third episode of the 34 Theme Songs of Christmas!

Theme - The Legend of Zelda (NES)

34 Theme Songs of Christmas

November 23, 2012

34 Theme Songs of Christmas (Day 2) - We're back with day two of the 34 Theme Songs of Christmas! Today we're looking at one of the most influential games of all time -- The Legend of Zelda. We all know Link's heroic adventure, but does the theme song hold up? Find out what our music critics think when you read the second episode of the 34 Theme Songs of Christmas!

This Week in Defunct Games - Nov. 23, 2012

This Week in Defunct Games

November 23, 2012

If it's Friday it's This Week in Defunct Games! It's a battle of rare versus misunderstood in this week's episode of This Week in Defunct Games! Up first it's Ninja Master's, the rare (and poorly punctuated) fighter for the Neo Geo. The 3DS also gets some love this week, thanks to Zelda II: The Adventure of Link. Are either of these games worth buying? Find out now when you read another exciting episode of This Week in Defunct Games!

Ninja Master's (Virtual Console)

Reviews au Courant

November 23, 2012

If you can look past the unnecessary apostrophe, you'll find a solid fighting experience with a number of memorable characters. Many of the game's more interesting elements have been pilfered byother popular fighting games (including the PlayStation 2-era Mortal Kombat games). This may not be a must-buy, but that shouldn't keep you from looking into the crazy history of Ninja Master's.

Zelda II: The Adventure of Link (Virtual Console)

Reviews au Courant

November 23, 2012

The real problem is that the new perspective limits the Zelda formula in some really unfortunate ways. Dungeons are no longer impressive, items aren't as important and the storytelling takes a back seat to clumsy platforming. And yet, despite all of the problems, there's an argument to be made for owning Zelda II: The Adventure of Link. This isn't a bad or boring game, but it's also not up to the quality you've come to expect from the Zelda franchise.

Theme - Street Fighter II (Arcade)

34 Theme Songs of Christmas

November 22, 2012

34 Theme Songs of Christmas (Day 1) - At long last, Defunct Games is proud to present the 34 Theme Songs of Christmas. For the next 34 days, our music critics will tear apart some of the most popular video game theme songs of all time. We begin our journey with Street Fighter II, one of the most popular arcade games of all time. Does this 30 second theme song hold up? Find out now when you read the first episode of the 34 Theme Songs of Christmas!

Introducing: The 34 Theme Songs of Christmas!

Bonus Levels

November 21, 2012

For millions of Americans, tomorrow is a day to celebrate family and be thankful for what you have in life. Of course, long time readers of Defunct Games already know that Thanksgiving is about more than cross-country traveling and piles of mashed potatoes. Starting tomorrow, December 22, Defunct Games will be counting down the days until Christmas with the 34 Theme Songs of Christmas!

Persona 4 Golden

Reviews au Courant

November 19, 2012

Persona 4 Golden isn't your typical role-playing game. There are no villages to explore or fantastical dragons to slay. Here everybody has cars, goes to high school and lives a normal life. But when a serial killer comes to Inaba, Chie, Yosuke and the gang decide to crack the case. The result is one of the best role-playing games of all time and a must-own for the PS Vita. Think of Persona 4 Golden as A Nightmare on Elm Street: The JRPG!

July/August 1990 - Disney's Rescue Rangers

Nintendo Power Uncovered

November 15, 2012

Nintendo Power Uncovered (Ep. 14) - Seeing the success of Duck Tales, Capcom and Nintendo Power are back to bring you Chip 'N Dale Rescue Rangers! This design may house some of Disney's most popular rodents, but that doesn't mean it's getting a free pass. This is yet another issue where Nintendo Power's art team decided to take the month off. Hopefully they're gearing up for something real special, because this Chip 'N Dale Rescue Rangers cover isn't going to cut it!

Dokuro

Reviews au Courant

November 14, 2012

Dokuro is the unconventional love story between a schlubby skeleton and a beautiful princess that doesn't know he exists. But that isn't going to keep our hero from helping the troubled maiden escape the harrowing castle. With 150 challenging stages, Dokuro is an epic adventure every PS Vita owner should undertake!

Strategy Guide #1: Super Mario Bros. 3

Nintendo Power Uncovered

November 13, 2012

Nintendo Power Uncovered (Ep. 13) - We're only four issues into the 1990s and already there have been two Super Mario Bros. covers. This is the first Nintendo Power Strategy Guide and the birth of the monthly issue. Does that change how I feel about the magazine? Find out now when we continue our quest to review every single cover of Nintendo Power!

Karateka

Reviews au Courant

November 12, 2012

Three decades later, Karateka is back to kick Akuma's ass! The good news is that this is a good looking action game with a few genuinely clever ideas. Unfortunately, it's also a repetitive remake that never quite hits its potential. The rhythm-based gameplay is unique, but it would have been nice to see a few more enemy types and deeper gameplay!

Tekken Tag Tournament 2

Reviews au Courant

November 09, 2012

Tekken Tag Tournament 2 is often cheap and barebones. However, it's also one of the most comprehensive fighting games I've ever played. With 59 characters and thousands of moves, Tekken Tag Tournament 2 has been specifically designed with fans in mind. Newcomers will also enjoy the large roster and cinematic endings, but may find the online multiplayer unwelcoming!

This Week in Defunct Games - Nov. 9, 2012

This Week in Defunct Games

November 09, 2012

If it's Friday it's This Week in Defunct Games! This week we're taking a look at Sengoku 2, the oft-forgotten 2D brawler for the Neo Geo. Even though SNK decided not to upload the 1991 original to the Virtual Console, we're still ready to mount an argument why this 40 minutes beat-em-up is worth your time. Find out why when you read the 208th episode of This Week in Defunct Games!

Sengoku 2 (Virtual Console)

Reviews au Courant

November 09, 2012

Sengoku 2 may not convince you that 2D brawlers are anything more than a guilty pleasure, but that shouldn't keep you away from experiencing this truly twisted time traveling beat-em-up. I was riveted to my screen wanting to know what happens next. The graphics are crisp and I wanted to go through it more than once; what more do you want out of a 2D brawler?

May/June 1990 - Super C

Nintendo Power Uncovered

November 08, 2012

Nintendo Power Uncovered (Ep. 12) - Quick: When you think about Super C, what is the first thing that pops into your head? Maybe it's the non-stop action or the full scale assault by alien soldiers. Perhaps you're thinking about the exciting bosses and the epic music. Well, Nintendo Power went another way with it. Who is right? Find out now when we continue our quest to review every single cover of Nintendo Power!

March/April 1990 - Super Mario Bros. 3

Nintendo Power Uncovered

November 06, 2012

Nintendo Power Uncovered (Ep. 11) - Super Mario makes his long-awaited return to the cover of Nintendo Power! For the second time in 11 issues, we get a well-crafted model replica of video gaming's most popular Italian plumber. But does this cover live up to the famous Super Mario Bros. 2 design? Find out now when we continue our quest to review every single cover of Nintendo Power!

Need for Speed: Most Wanted

Reviews au Courant

November 06, 2012

Need for Speed: Most Wanted is yet another solid release from Criterion Games. It's full of memorable events, amazing visuals and the best online multiplayer racing action around. Unfortunately, it's also in the shadows of a much better racing game. Most Wanted is a fun game, but it never fully lives up to its potential!

Ninja Gaiden: The Mini Series (Trailer #1)

DGC On Demand

November 05, 2012

After months of behind-the-scenes work, I'm proud to introduce an exciting new feature that will debut in 2013. This is Ninja Gaiden: The Mini Series, an episodic video series that will retell the story of Ryu Hayabusa as he battles the evils of The Jaquio. Here you will find the first official trailer, which clocks in at just under two minutes. Give that a click and meet me below where I'll answer all of the burning questions about Ninja Gaiden: The Mini Series!

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