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December, 2012

This Week in Defunct Games - Dec. 31, 2012

December 31, 2012

It's our final article of 2012. I can think of no better way to go out than to review games starring Mario, Mega Man, Wario and a bunch of Shock Troopers. This week we're looking at the original Mega Man, Wario Land 2 and Super Mario Bros.: The Lost Levels for the 3DS Virtual Console. Not to be outdone, the Wii has Shock Troopers 2nd Squad. Which of these games is worth picking up? Find out now when you read our last episode of This Week in Defunct Games of 2012!

Wario Land II (Virtual Console)

Reviews au Courant

December 31, 2012

This is Nintendo at the top of their game. The large graphics really pop on the small Game Boy screen and the world is rich with hidden rooms and amazing boss battles. And despite getting his start in a Super Mario Land game, Wario manages to have a unique feel that is all his own. The puzzles are inventive and there are enough levels to warrant the slightly higher price for Game Boy Color downloads. Wario Land II is the perfect way to end the first full year of the Nintendo 3DS Virtual Console.

Mega Man (Virtual Console)

Reviews au Courant

December 31, 2012

Yes the original Mega Man is fun, but fans of the series would be much better suited to just wait until Mega Man 2 is released early next year. Or better yet, Nintendo 3DS gamers who also own a PSP or PS Vita should seek out Capcom's amazing Mega Man Powered Up. Not only do you get this full game (completely remade with 3D polygons), but you can also play through the game with the various boss characters. If you don't own a PSP and still want a good Mega Man game then this should do, but just be warned that there are much better Mega Man games on the horizon.

Super Mario Bros.: The Lost Levels (Virtual Console)

Reviews au Courant

December 31, 2012

There's a reason why these levels were lost. You know you're in for nothing but bad times when the only addition is a poisoned mushroom that immediately kills you. That isn't the good-natured spirit of Super Mario Bros. Miyamoto's masterpiece was both challenging and fair, a rare combination for an 8-bit platformer. This Japanese sequel takes away all of the wrong lessons, leaving us with a game that actively hates you. I can understand the morbid curiosity surrounding this long-lost sequel, but Mario fans would be better off picking up Wario Land II.

Shock Troopers: 2nd Squad (Virtual Console)

Reviews au Courant

December 31, 2012

Forget Metal Slug; bring me another Shock Troopers game. While not as universally loved, I have a soft spot for this MERCS clone. The 3D polygons complement the sprites, creating a look that is unique to this sequel. Even in the midst of cliche boss battles and backdrops, this impressive sequel manages to find a way to make them feel fresh. Shock Troopers 2nd Squad may be a shallow experience, but it's a roller coaster ride full explosions and cartoonish figures.

Theme - Bully (PlayStation 2)

34 Theme Songs of Christmas

December 25, 2012

34 Theme Songs of Christmas (Day 34) - We're back with day thirty-four of the 34 Theme Songs of Christmas! We're finally done. It's Christmas Day and we've come to the final episode of our journey. We're celebrating this holiday with Rockstar Games' Bully, one of the greatest soundtracks of all time. Find out what our music critics think when you read the 34th episode of the 34 Theme Songs of Christmas!

Theme - Everyday Shooter (PSN)

34 Theme Songs of Christmas

December 24, 2012

34 Theme Songs of Christmas (Day 33) - We're back with day thirty-three of the 34 Theme Songs of Christmas! It's Christmas Eve and all through the house is Everyday Shooter. What, you expected me to rhyme today's description? Instead we're plugging in the guitars and checking out this Jonathan Mak joint. Find out what our music critics think when you read the 33rd episode of the 34 Theme Songs of Christmas!

Theme - Batman (NES)

34 Theme Songs of Christmas

December 23, 2012

34 Theme Songs of Christmas (Day 32) - We're back with day thirty-two of the 34 Theme Songs of Christmas! Only two more days to go until Christmas! Today we're helping Batman fight crime on the Nintendo Entertainment System. Actually, we're just listening to his theme song. Hey wait ... this isn't Danny Elfman's score. Find out what our music critics think when you read the 32nd episode of the 34 Theme Songs of Christmas!

Theme - Rolling Thunder 3 (Genesis)

34 Theme Songs of Christmas

December 22, 2012

34 Theme Songs of Christmas (Day 31) - We're back with day thirty-one of the 34 Theme Songs of Christmas! With only a few days before Christmas, we're quickly running out of themes to review. Today we're looking at Rolling Thunder 3, the disappointing final chapter in Namco's spy versus robot franchise. Find out what our music critics think when you read the 31st episode of the 34 Theme Songs of Christmas!

Theme - Shinobi III (Genesis)

34 Theme Songs of Christmas

December 21, 2012

34 Theme Songs of Christmas (Day 30) - We're back with day thirty of the 34 Theme Songs of Christmas! It's time for yet another ninja game. This time around it's Joe Musashi in Shinobi III: Return of the Ninja Master. Is the music the fatal flaw in this near-perfect Genesis cartridge? Find out what our music critics think when you read the 30th episode of the 34 Theme Songs of Christmas!

Theme - Golgo 13: Top Secret Episode (NES)

34 Theme Songs of Christmas

December 20, 2012

34 Theme Songs of Christmas (Day 29) - We're back with day twenty-eight of the 34 Theme Songs of Christmas! He's an international man of mystery and a well-known lady's man. Who could it be? It's Duke Togo, or rather, Golgo 13. Does this theme sound familiar to anybody else? Find out what our music critics think when you read the 29th episode of the 34 Theme Songs of Christmas!

Theme - Devil's Crush (TurboGrafx-16)

34 Theme Songs of Christmas

December 19, 2012

34 Theme Songs of Christmas (Day 28) - We're back with day twenty-eight of the 34 Theme Songs of Christmas! Who cares if it's almost Christmas, that isn't going to stop us from reviewing Devil's Crush for the TurboGrafx-16? It's a pinball game with a haunting theme song. Find out what our music critics think when you read the 28th episode of the 34 Theme Songs of Christmas!

Theme - OutRun 2019 (Genesis)

34 Theme Songs of Christmas

December 18, 2012

34 Theme Songs of Christmas (Day 27) - We're back with day twenty-seven of the 34 Theme Songs of Christmas! We're finally getting around to OutRun and the game we choose is 2019? That's right; we're going to spend a few minutes discussing the good, bad and ugly of OutRun 2019. Is this theme better than the game? I certainly hope so! Find out what our music critics think when you read the 27th episode of the 34 Theme Songs of Christmas!

DJ Max Technika Tune

Reviews au Courant

December 17, 2012

It may be expensive, but with 67 songs and impeccable gameplay, DJ Max Technika Tune is the PS Vita's best rhythm game. The solid gameplay is made better with the solid presentation and videos for every song. Gamers who can't stand the Korean music scene may want to sit this one out, but adventurous Vita owners will find a lot to love in this DJ Max spin-off!

Theme - Donkey Kong 64 (Nintendo 64)

34 Theme Songs of Christmas

December 17, 2012

34 Theme Songs of Christmas (Day 26) - We're back with day twenty-six of the 34 Theme Songs of Christmas! Can you believe it's almost Christmas? With just over a week to go, it's about time we talk about the 800 pound gorilla in the room. In this case I'm being literal. Today we're looking at Donkey Kong 64! Find out what our music critics think when you read the 26th episode of the 34 Theme Songs of Christmas!

Theme - Ninja Spirit (TurboGrafx)

34 Theme Songs of Christmas

December 16, 2012

34 Theme Songs of Christmas (Day 25) - We're back with day twenty-five of the 34 Theme Songs of Christmas! Even with all of the competition, Ninja Spirit managed to stand out. More exciting than Shinobi and less wordy than Ninja Gaiden, this Irem arcade classic remains one of the best ninja games ever made. Find out what our music critics think when you read the 25th episode of the 34 Theme Songs of Christmas!

Theme - Toe Jam & Earl (Genesis)

34 Theme Songs of Christmas

December 15, 2012

34 Theme Songs of Christmas (Day 24) - We're back with day twenty-four of the 34 Theme Songs of Christmas! The solar system's funkiest aliens are here to show you what a theme song is supposed to sound like. It's time for Toe Jam & Earl! It's a theme on par with The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air and Seinfeld. Whether or not that's a good thing is up to you. Find out what our music critics think when you read the 24th episode of the 34 Theme Songs of Christmas!

This Week in Defunct Games - Dec. 14, 2012

This Week in Defunct Games

December 14, 2012

If it's Friday, it's This Week in Defunct Games! This week Nintendo took to the streets with two new action-packed games featuring martial artists. Up first it's Real Bout Fatal Fury, the impressive follow-up to Fatal Fury 3. Over on the 3DS Virtual Console, Tecmo is slipping us some Ninja Gaiden. As it turns out, we have a thing or two to say about that. Find out which of these games is worth picking up when you read our weekly look at everything Virtual Console!

Real Bout: Fatal Fury (Virtual Console)

Reviews au Courant

December 14, 2012

By releasing these games out of order, Nintendo has shot themselves in the foot. Fatal Fury Real Bout isn't different enough to stand on its own, especially if you already own the 1997 and 1998 updates. The tragedy is that I would have recommended this game a year ago. There's a good fighting game here, one that doesn't get nearly the level of attention it deserves. But with so many other fighting games competing for your attention, there's little reason to spend your money on Real Bout Fatal Fury. This is for collectors only.

Ninja Gaiden (Virtual Console)

Reviews au Courant

December 14, 2012

Ninja Gaiden is both goofy and infuriating at times, but I can't help but love it. The action is constantly moving and the bosses are genuinely interesting. The quick save functionality on the Nintendo 3DS makes some of the later stages much more manageable. Still, even with the strong narrative and engaging story, I can't help but be disappointed that Nintendo opted for this NES game over the wonderful Ninja Gaiden Shadow.

Theme - Super Mario World (Super NES)

34 Theme Songs of Christmas

December 14, 2012

34 Theme Songs of Christmas (Day 23) - We're back with day twenty-third of the 34 Theme Songs of Christmas! Today we're looking at one of the best platformers of all time. That's right, it's finally time to take Super Mario to task. Today we'll be reviewing the theme music to Super Mario World. Don't look now, because I'm pretty sure there's some controversy! Find out what our music critics think when you read the 23rd episode of the 34 Theme Songs of Christmas!

Theme - Streets of Rage (Genesis)

34 Theme Songs of Christmas

December 13, 2012

34 Theme Songs of Christmas (Day 22) - We're back with day twenty-one of the 34 Theme Songs of Christmas! Today we're hitting the streets ... with rage! That's right; it's time for Streets of Rage, Sega's answer to Double Dragon. Even you can't stand the 2D brawler formula; this Streets of Rage theme has a little something for everybody. Find out what our music critics think when you read the 21st episode of the 34 Theme Songs of Christmas!

Theme - Worms (PC)

34 Theme Songs of Christmas

December 12, 2012

34 Theme Songs of Christmas (Day 21) - We're back with day twenty-one of the 34 Theme Songs of Christmas! Today we're hitting the battlefield with one of the best war games of all time. I'm of course talking about Worms for the PC. Not only is this an exciting party game, but Worms offers one of our favorite theme songs. Find out what our music critics think when you read the 21st episode of the 34 Theme Songs of Christmas!

The Case of the Disappearing GungHo Games

On Running Feuds

December 12, 2012

On Running Feuds (Ep. 188) - Be careful where you step, because this is a crime scene. A great injustice was committed right where you're standing, and it looks like the perp might just get away with it. There's no sign of a break-in or struggle and you won't find a single drop of blood on the floor, but you can tell something is amiss. It's clear to the trained eye that somebody stole GungHo's newest batch of import PS1 games. I smell a conspiracy. I do believe the game is afoot.

Theme - ActRaiser (Super NES)

34 Theme Songs of Christmas

December 11, 2012

34 Theme Songs of Christmas (Day 20) - We're back with day twenty of the 34 Theme Songs of Christmas! Today we're adventuring to a fantasy world full of dungeons and dragons. Part 2D action game and part overhead God simulator, ActRaiser was the most ambitious title at the Super NES launch. But does the music hold up? Find out what our music critics think when you read the 20h episode of the 34 Theme Songs of Christmas!

Makeruna! Makendo 2 (PSone Classics)

Reviews au Courant

December 10, 2012

Even by 1995 standards, Makeruna! Makendo 2 is a middling release. It manages to successfully ape the Street Fighter formula, but doesn't do anything new or original with it. I do like the school theme and some of the backgrounds, and the gameplay is strong enough to make it worth a look. In a year full of must-own fighting games across all platforms, it's difficult to make a strong argument for Makeruna! Makendo 2.

Lup Salad (PSone Classics)

Reviews au Courant

December 10, 2012

Lup Salad is exactly the type of game GungHo should be publishing in the United States. While not the most original idea, this 1996 puzzler offers a lot of content for a very small price. You'll be working on the three hundred puzzles for weeks to come; completely ignoring those hot new games you got for Christmas. Lup Salad definitively proves that Dokuro wasn't a fluke!

Vehicle Cavalier (PSone Classics)

Reviews au Courant

December 10, 2012

Mech games are hard to pull off even in the best of circumstances, so it doesn't surprise me that Vehicle Cavalier is so difficult to play. What shocks me is how awful the whole experience is. It doesn't help that the game is Japanese text-heavy and stumbling into a match can occasionally feel like dumb luck. With no analog stick support and an emphasis on boring menus, Vehicle Cavalier is impossible to recommend.

Art Camion Sugorokuden (PSone Classics)

Reviews au Courant

December 10, 2012

This is the most conflicted I've been all year. On one hand, this may actually be a truly original board game with a lot to offer those gamers who play alone and the people that hang out in groups. Then again, not enough of the game makes sense, and what does line-up isn't as interesting as it should be. Fans who know the ins and outs of Art Camion Sugorokuden will probably cringe at my score, but it is my opinion that most English speaking gamers should avoid this at all costs.

This Week in Defunct Games - GungHo Round-Up

This Week in Defunct Games

December 10, 2012

It's a surprise episode of This Week in Defunct Games! Today we're taking a look at the six PS1 imports from GungHo America. The six games included puzzles (Finger Flashing, Lup Salad), fighting (Makeruna! Makendo 2), board games (Art Camion Sugorokuden), mechs (Vehicle Cavalier) and space shooting (Zanac x Zanac). Are any of these games worth your money and time? Find out now in this bonus episode of This Week in Defunct Games!

Theme - Contra (NES)

34 Theme Songs of Christmas

December 10, 2012

34 Theme Songs of Christmas (Day 19) - We're back with day nineteen of the 34 Theme Songs of Christmas! Toasty!! It's time to kick some alien butt! That's right, we're dodging bullets and alien baddies when we look at the theme from Contra. With only seven notes, does this theme deliver? Find out what our music critics think when you read the 19th episode of the 34 Theme Songs of Christmas!

Theme - Mortal Kombat II (Arcade)

34 Theme Songs of Christmas

December 09, 2012

34 Theme Songs of Christmas (Day 18) - We're back with day eighteen of the 34 Theme Songs of Christmas! Toasty!! Today we're going back to the arcade for Mortal Kombat II, the killer sequel to one of the most controversial games of all time. Is this theme better than Street Fighter II? Find out what our music critics think when you read the 18th episode of the 34 Theme Songs of Christmas!

Theme - Super Metroid (Super NES)

34 Theme Songs of Christmas

December 08, 2012

34 Theme Songs of Christmas (Day 17) - We're back with day seventeen of the 34 Theme Songs of Christmas! We're exactly half way through our month-long look at video game's most memorable theme songs. Today we're looking at one of Nintendo's finest -- Super Metroid. Is the theme as good as the adventure? Find out what our music critics think when you read the 17th episode of the 34 Theme Songs of Christmas!

Call of Duty: Black Ops Declassified

Reviews au Courant

December 07, 2012

Even if you can ignore the non-stop technical problems, Call of Duty's first PS Vita adventure is not worth taking. The single-player campaign is pathetically short, the multiplayer is broken and the visual presentation is below par. Call of Duty: Black Ops Declassified is a game that both disappoints and frustrates on every possible level!

Theme - Double Dragon (NES)

34 Theme Songs of Christmas

December 07, 2012

34 Theme Songs of Christmas (Day 16) - We're back with day sixteen of the 34 Theme Songs of Christmas! Today we're taking to the streets to beat up bad guys and win back the girl of our dreams. It's time for Double Dragon, the influential beat-em-up that would later be turned into a terrible movie. Find out what our music critics think when you read the 16th episode of the 34 Theme Songs of Christmas!

This Week in Defunct Games - Dec. 7, 2012

This Week in Defunct Games

December 07, 2012

If it's Friday, it's This Week in Defunct Games! Today we're looking at two classic NES games on two completely different Nintendo systems. Up first it's BurgerTime (NES) for the Wii Virtual Console. Over on the Nintendo 3DS Virtual Console, action fans will be swooning over Mighty Bomb Jack. Too bad it's not the good Mighty Bomb Jack. Find out now why neither of these games is worth your money when you read another exciting episode of This Week in Defunct Games!

BurgerTime (Virtual Console)

Reviews au Courant

December 07, 2012

BurgerTime is the last thing I expected from the Wii Virtual Console at this point. Six years in, I expected we would finally be getting Atari Jaguar and 32X releases. In reality we're stuck with long-overdue ports of outdated arcade games. If BurgerTime is the future of the Wii Virtual Console, then let's put it out of its misery now.

Mighty Bomb Jack (Virtual Console)

Reviews au Courant

December 07, 2012

It would be one thing if Mighty Bob Jack was coming out with two other retro releases, but these days we're lucky to get even one game. Where's Ninja Gaiden, Wario Land II, Super Mario Bros.: The Lost Levels? Where are those Sega games announced last July? What had to go wrong in the world to make Nintendo re-release this crummy action game?

The Wii Mini & the Post-Generation Redesign

A Brief History of Gaming

December 06, 2012

Were you caught off guard by the announcement of the Wii Mini? You shouldn't have been, because this post-generation redesign is perfectly in line with old school Nintendo. Today we delve into the history of the redesigns that came before it, including the top loading NES and the Super NES Junior!

Theme - Shadowrun (Genesis)

34 Theme Songs of Christmas

December 06, 2012

34 Theme Songs of Christmas (Day 15) - We're back with day fifteen of the 34 Theme Songs of Christmas! Today we're hacking our way into the Matrx. No, this isn't some stupid Keanu Reeves movie, but rather Shadowrun for the Sega Genesis. Forget the first-person shooter, this theme comes from one of the good Shadowrun games. Find out what our music critics think when you read the 15th episode of the 34 Theme Songs of Christmas!

Finger Flashing (PSone Classics)

Reviews au Courant

December 06, 2012

Silly name aside, Finger Flashing turns out to be a great game. It's easy to play and I like that you can jump to any level at any time. It also does a good job of adding new ideas to the theme, something that adds a lot of character to the various stages. Best of all, almost all of the game is in English. Oh sure, you'll miss out on a few names and places, but everything from the pause menu to the options are in English. If you're curious about these GungHo PlayStation imports but don't know where to start, Finger Flashing should be at the top of the list.

Zanac x Zanac (PSone Classics)

Reviews au Courant

December 06, 2012

Zanac x Zanac isn't going to win over new fans to the 2D shoot-em-up genre. This is little more than a remake of a 26 year old action game. On the other hand, it's a damn good remake. While still challenging, I never felt like either Zanac titles were too punishing. The weapons may not look like much at first, but power them up and you'll feel like a real badass. It doesn't matter if you're math challenged, because all you need to know is that Zanac x Zanac equals instant fun.

Theme - Bubsy the Bobcat (Super NES)

34 Theme Songs of Christmas

December 05, 2012

34 Theme Songs of Christmas (Day 14) - We're back with day fourteen of the 34 Theme Songs of Christmas! Today Cyril and Kevin are going to disagree. They are going to disagree like they've never disagreed before. And it's all going to be over Bubsy the Bobcat. Who knew that this cute little bobcat would be so divisive? Find out what our music critics think when you read the 14th episode of the 34 Theme Songs of Christmas!

Strategy Guide #3: Final Fantasy

Nintendo Power Uncovered

December 04, 2012

Nintendo Power Uncovered (Ep. 17) - Having a problem figuring out Final Fantasy? You're not alone. That's why Nintendo Power decided to release the official strategy guide. Wedged between two issues of Nintendo Power, this strategy guide comes with dungeon maps, an enemy guide and some truly terrible cover art. Find out what we think when we review the official Nintendo Power Strategy Guide for Square's Final Fantasy!

Theme - Final Fantasy (NES)

34 Theme Songs of Christmas

December 04, 2012

34 Theme Songs of Christmas (Day 13) - We're back with day thirteen of the 34 Theme Songs of Christmas! It may say that it's the "Final" Fantasy, but don't believe it. Today we're looking at Final Fantasy, the game that changed RPGs forever. Nested about an hour into the game, this theme tries its hardest to evoke an epic orchestrated sound. Does the attention to detail pay off? Find out what our music critics think when you read the 13th episode of the 34 Theme Songs of Christmas!

Theme - Flashback (Genesis)

34 Theme Songs of Christmas

December 03, 2012

34 Theme Songs of Christmas (Day 12) - We're back with day twelve of the 34 Theme Songs of Christmas! Today we flashback to the days when we were searching for our identities. No wait, that's not right. It's Flashback: The Quest for Identity. This is one of our favorite games, I'm sure there's nothing controversial about the theme song. Right? Find out what our music critics think when you read the 12th episode of the 34 Theme Songs of Christmas!

Defunct Games vs. Sega's Model 2 Pack 1

Defunct Games Vs.

December 03, 2012

Last week Sega surprised everybody by releasing three classic arcade games based on the Model 2 board. Do any of these games hold up? Is there even a reason to play Virtua Fighter 2 now that Final Showdown is out?? What the hell is Sonic the Fighters??? I get it, you have questions. The good news is that Defunct Games is here to help you make the right choice. Click this link and you will find reviews Fighting Vipers, Virtua Fighter 2 and Sonic the Fighters, three very different Model 2 arcade games. Find out now which of these games is worth your five dollars.

Fighting Vipers

Reviews au Courant

December 03, 2012

Fighting Vipers isn't as bad as I remember. While faint praise, I had a reasonable amount of fun playing through this Sega arcade port. The graphics look good and the backgrounds are genuinely interesting. It's not every day that an airplane takes off above your fighting cage. This feels different enough to be worth your attention, but don't expect a deep fighting experience in Fighting Vipers!

Sonic the Fighters

Reviews au Courant

December 03, 2012

Sonic the Fighters finally gets a proper U.S. release. This Model 2 rarity may not make for the deepest fighting game, but it's overflowing with charm. The graphics are colorful and the stages are straight out of the classic 2D franchise. Best of all, this is one fighting game you probably haven't played before!

Virtua Fighter 2

Reviews au Courant

December 03, 2012

One of the greatest fighting games of all time has finally made its way to the Xbox Live Arcade. Virtua Fighter 2 delivers a knock-out blow with great graphics, fast-paced action and a deep fighting system you'll be mastering for years to come. Thanks to online play and leaderboards, Sega's influential fighter is finally getting the home treatment it deserves!

Theme - Pac-Man (NES)

34 Theme Songs of Christmas

December 02, 2012

34 Theme Songs of Christmas (Day 11) - We're back with day eleven of the 34 Theme Songs of Christmas! Today we're listening to one of the very first theme songs. It's Pac-Man, the lovable ghost-chaser from the arcades. Not only is this one of the oldest theme songs, but it's also the shortest. Find out what our music critics think when you read the eleventh episode of the 34 Theme Songs of Christmas!

Theme - Mega Man 2 (NES)

34 Theme Songs of Christmas

December 01, 2012

34 Theme Songs of Christmas (Day 10) - We're back with day ten of the 34 Theme Songs of Christmas! Today we're going to completely skip Mega Man and move right on to his glorious sequel. Mega Man II (or Mega Man 2, if you're looking at the box art) has one of the most memorable theme songs of all time. But does that make it the best? Find out what our music critics think when you read the tenth episode of the 34 Theme Songs of Christmas!

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