I no longer think of the Banjo as an instrument of musical wonder, I think of it as a bear. Banjo-Kazooie is one of the most well respected platformers of all time, for good reason!! Back in the day, there was this little company called “Rare”, and they were the best. Not just the best though, they were on top, number one, the big cheese, the chosen one. Rare made the best of the best. Note I said “Made”. Unfortunately for everyone that plays games, Rare has fallen from grace. Over the past 5 years, they’ve made nothing but shit (with the possible exception of Viva Pinata, which was pretty good at best. But enough about Rare, lets get to the game.

(Click images for some high-res awesomeness)

Banjo Kazooie is one of those childhood games that you play and never forget. This game took up the majority of my time while I lived in Oregon between houses. Crammed into a tiny apartment, I adventured across Spiral Mountain, Cranker’s Bay, Mumbo’s Mountain, Freezy Peak, and many other places. The places you’ll go, just like any good game, each have their own feel and style. From an industrial dump to a pirate themed “Treasure Trove Cove”, you’ll remember each and every place you visit.

This goes for characters too. Grunty, the main antagonist, is one of the best written characters in gaming. She has an inferiority complex stemming from her being a self-referenced ‘ugly old hag’. The main story revolving around her wanting to suck the ‘pretty’ out of Banjo’s younger sister ‘Tooty’. Throughout the game, she’ll pop up from time to time taunting you with nursery rhymes. She also has a good sister that will give you trivia throughout your adventures, which shouldn’t be ignored. The casual player will go through the game not paying attention to the little bits of supposedly ‘useless’ information, but at the very end of the game, your survival depends on them. Making you compete in a trivia game show for your life. Its an effective and innovative section.

All in all, this game is something to be experienced. Great music, good graphics considering the time, even though I would like slightly tighter controls, they serve the game well. Play it, love it. Never again will I think that bears and birds can’t team up to stop a wicked witch.

N64 - Banjo-Kazooie

Tonight we may be a little short in the beginning, but we’ll make it happen. General gaming-cast tonight, whatever we want to talk about, we’ll let it fly.

Hit up the talkshoe.

Yea, podcast is late, we’ve been a bit busy with things. Mostly podcast stuff up here… as soon as I get back on the east coast, that will change (2 days, you should be able to wait). I’ve been playing a ton of roms recently and normal games too. I’ll have stuff for you to check out soon, but for now, check this out: Skull Tag. This takes regular old DOOM and makes it easy to get set up and rocking with online play. Last night I tackled a Doom 2 mod co-op with 6 people. Today had me doing flag runs in an amazing CTF series. Check it, its awesome.

Podcast Talk: For the next episode, it’ll be a return to form, the RANDOM SHIT-CAST!! Just whatever we’ve been playing. Topic-casts are nice, but they do tend to leave people out of the loop more often than not. We’ll be trying a more free-form podcast in the next couple episodes, even though most conversation is off the main topic anyway.

For now, enjoy the ‘cast.

72 Pin Connector Podcast: Episode 010 - OMG HAX!

Tonight live: We discuss game hacking, mods, the R4, and anything else awesome that’s tech/game related.

Listen LIVE here! (Thanks Talkshoe!)

Here is the racing games podcast! HHHHHYYYYYDDDDRRRRROOOO THHHHUUUUNNNNDDDEEERRR!!! RRRRRRRRRRRRRRIIIIIIIIIIIIDGGGGGGGGEEEEEEEEEE RRRRAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAACCCCCEEEEERRRRRR!!!!!!

72 Pin Connector Podcast: Episode 009 - Start Your Engines

Tonight in this episode: Racing games. None of us love this genre, but we’ll name the games we do like.

Listen in here

This tune is very light. Kinda like something you’d see if you were watching a movie set in the 1940’s with the main character walking down the street greeting everyone he knew.

Final Fantasy VII - Descendent of Shinobi

Here it is! We talk about old games being remade and games we’d love to see remade. Have at it!

72 Pin Connector Podcast: Episode 008 - Old Games Made New

Impressive Star Fox! This song has some skill! But don’t party just yet… I am the great Leon!

One of the most memorable tunes in the Star Fox series, this one is just awesome.

Super Smash Brothers Brawl OST (originally from Star Fox 64) - Star Wolf

Recently, my brother gave me this…

Put together by the hip, radsters known as “Radica”, a handful of Sega games are at your finger tits. These “Arcade Legends” are an electrical socket away from fun (unless you’re holding a fork). Not a bad deal, you hook it up to the TV and you’re ready to play good ol’ classic gems such as:

• Altered Beast
• Dr. Robotnik’s Mean Bean Machine
• Sonic the Hedgehog
• Kid Chameleon
• Golden Axe

And, of course, the whimsical treat that is Flicky!

…Wait, it’s called “Arcade Legends” and they have Flicky on here? I mean it IS fun, but I’m not sure it falls under the Legend category.

In Flicky you play as a blue bird named, you guess it, Reginald.

Naw, I’m just fuckin’ ya. His name is FLICKY!

There’s not a whole lot to the game, really. However that doesn’t take away from the entertainment value of this game.

The words to describe this game escape me. Its like if PacMan wasn’t Pacman, but a bird.

Instead of eating dots, you round up Chirps. You have to get these chicks (not the hip 90s lingo) to the door marked “Exit” while escaping the lovable WRATH OF TIGER!

Just wait until Iggy gets in the mess. Oh man, what an asshole.

I looked this game up and apparently there are 40 some levels to complete. I’m in no hurry to achieve the status of “Flicky Dominator”… so recreational play it is!

“Flicky” is, for lack of a better word, repetitive. Fun in a simple way. The simplicity in the joy of pelting cats in the face with a flower pot is astounding.

Oh, and apparently the sprite for Flicky is also in Sonic. Fuckin’ WEIRD. Actually, that’s not all that weird.

Now, get out there and pick up some chicks!

[scott]

By the way, I will be reviewing some of the titles included in the list of “Arcade Legends”

Genesis - Flicky

Chiggity chiggity chiggity check it…

Scars on Broadway, the side project of System of a Down’s Daron Malakian and John Dolmayan, just hit shelves this past Tuesday. Thus, it’s only right…

If you liked System of a Down, you’ll probably like Scars simply because Daron wrote pretty much everything instrumentally/backup vocally for SOAD.

I’ve been listening to it a good bit since I’ve acquired it and there’s definitely something different about it. Like Daron has been keeping some tricks up his sleeve for an opportunity such as this. 

Some electronica (”Chemicals”), disco (”Enemy), metal (”Stoner Hate”), great dynamics (”Babylon”). This album is definitely a keeper. Not sure if I like it as much as Serj Tankian’s Elect the Dead, but there are still plenty of listens left in this baby.

Case in point, if you even remotely enjoy System of a Down check out Scars on Broadway. 

If you REALLY like SOAD, to the point of being a “first couple albums” purist, give it a listen. You may just like what you hear. Or you’ll be a little bitch and not let yourself enjoy it because you can’t hear the guitar over your lame intuition. “This isn’t good as SOAD.” …derr.

Tonight we talk about the vast amounts of arcade titles that are being remade. Enjoy!

Listen Here Live!

Tonight at 9PM EST

EDIT: I hit the damn ‘Save’ button, instead of ‘publish’. My bad, everyone…

It’s Saturday night, I just recently finished reading “Arkham Asylum: Living Hell” and i’m ready to post a new review. Let’s hit it!

This Sweet 16 is brought to you by Tiger Road , released in 1990.

What a treat this is to play. Did I say treat? I meant bitch.

Don’t get me wrong, it’s fun and you get to play as Krillin’s stunt double. What’s not to like?

I’m not even going to pretend to know what this game is about. All I know is there is martial arts, weaponry and cool music. Here’s a little clip…

As you can see, it’s a pretty standard side scroller. However, the MOMENT you think you have things under control something pops outta left field and you’re either damaged or sent plummeting down a gap in the ground. That’s a big part of Tiger Road, knowing that at any moment you could be dead. Once you’ve got that embedded in your thought box you’re one step closer to completion.

Here’s the second step: PLAYING TIGER ROAD UNTIL YOU KNOW EVERY SINGLE NOOK AND CRANNY THAT IS INCLUDED IN IT’S ADVENTUROUS PATH.

One of the many games that requires constant gameplay and constant vigilance. 

To be honest, I’d love to put more pictures up on this maw fucka. But there is a lack of screenshots for some reason… possibly being because it isn’t a well known title and the ones who do know about it try to erase the anger and vexation of it’s recollection. I imagine it would cause an instant ulcer with a side of colon cancer.

I highly recommend this game but ONLY if you’re willing to bust your ass to know it like the back of… your ass…

OH! almost forgot!

Between every level, there is a bonus level meant to increase your vitality. The first being easy like a soccer mom on the 4th of July. If you can hold down a button for roughly 22 seconds, you’re gold!

I’m not gonna lie to you, I have yet to finish this game. It seems like every time I try to get through it stupid mistakes are made that usually end with me falling down a pit. This will remain a title that I try to beat throughout the rest of my life because I fear my dreams will be haunted otherwise.

Main points:

1. Keep your eyes PEELED. If you have a dependancy on blinking you might want to make better use of your time by taking a nap.
2. Expect retarded shit to happen at any moment.
3. Bosses require a lot of hits to be taken down, but deal a castrating amount of damage.
4. The music is fun, so crank and enjoy!
5. If you’re expecting an easy completion, you might be better off getting married… because wives are easier to beat than Tiger Road.

and on THAT joke about spousal abuse, I say farewell!

[scott]

This is one Batman game that isn’t only playable, its good!! Multiple weapons, very challenging, this reminds me of the glory days of Batman games. Play this one in between showings of The Dark Knight.

NES - Batman: Return of the Joker

By the way… it totally kicked ass. Just as a reminder: If you don’t know how to work these games, take a look at the top of this page, there is a link to training videos there.

Here it is! Complete with an awesome intro and outro to boot! I just bought an R4DS which will make game reviews a breeze. Anyway, enjoy this one, a bit more E3 news to finish things off.

72 Pin Connector Podcast - Episode 007 - July 24 2008: Bond, James Bond

Extra extra!! Tonight for one night only: Bond, James Bond! New podcast at 9PM EST!

Listen here!

I have FINALLY obtained my beloved TurboGrafx 16.

As I’m sure a lot of you have noticed, there has been a scarcity of actual REVIEWS anymore, so we’re looking to bring that back.

I’m not sure what the next review will hold, but count on it being for TG16.

Also in progress is Super Metroid, so look forward to that in the (hopefully) near future.

Other than that, I don’t have a whole lot for you at the moment.

But as usual, sports fans, keep posted.

Because we’re about to pick up… again!

[scott]

btw, teh drk nite ruled

Here it is! Episode 006, the strangest game’s we’ve played. We get sidetracked by a bit of E3 and general game talk, but overall, a fun episode indeed. Enjoy!

72 Pin Connector Podcast - Episode 006 - July 20 2008: Strange Games

More Battletunes sometime this week!

The weirdest games, from here, and everywhere. Listen in, there might even be a japanese arcade rape game.

Click here to listen in

Its finally here!! Working a third shift job isn’t good for the podcast schedule! But its here! Enjoy! I ended every sentence of this post with an exclamation point!

72 Pin Connector Podcast - Episode 005 - July 14 2008: Impossible Games

Ok.. ok… last one from this set for a while, you should really check out the full bit, totally free from their site. I couldn’t help but post an Eggman Metal Remix. This is the definition of “Badass Remix”. Rock out to this one.

OCRemix - Project Chaos - Scrambled Eggman

More and more everyday from OC Remix. While I’m not a fan of spamming things, these guys really do amazing work. As usual, from Project Chaos. This song would be the Final Boss song from Sonic 3. While it doesn’t sound like it in the start, the tune quickly switches to its Genesis Roots.

Yea, more Mega Man stuff. This time from the first game. While the first Mega Man didn’t have the strongest soundtrack of the series, there are still some memorable tunes from this game. This one is cool, kinda gets stuck in your head.

Capcom - Mega Man - Elec Man

All right! Its that time again. Live discussion of impossible games. This will take place tonight at 10PM EST, an hour later than we’ve originally scheduled. Anyway, go here to listen:

Talkshoe

Welcome back to another edition of “T2PF2″

Todays entry highlights the one and only AESOP ROCK’s “Bazooka Tooth”

Def Jux’s Allstar blew the hinges off the frame with this one. Bazooka Tooth was the first album produced predominately by Sir Aesop  (with help from the likes of EL-P… who will be covered in a future installment of “T2PF2″).

Bazooka Tooth hits with a jagged snarl throughout the album. If you’re trying to figure out the lyrics, the middle of a Smash Battle is not the time to do it. It’s difficult to understand the fucker when you’re paying attention. But once you read through the lyrics it’s absurdly evident that Aesop Rock is a force in Hip Hop that would never fully accepted by the mainstream. Simply because he has more to talk about than bitches, blunts, and iced out Swatches.

You can tell Aesop was going through some shit before/during the making of this album. He kills it with an intensity that glides well on the battlefield.

Some key tracks include “No Jumper Cables”, “Freeze”, “Super Fluke”, “We’re Famous (feat. EL-P)”, “Babies With Guns” and “Mars Attacks”. This isn’t to say the album in whole is anything short of life changing. If you appreciate new tactics being used in the world of Hip Hop then Aesop Rock is for you.

“We’re Famous” is a great song to battle to simply because EL-P and Aesop KILL IT. They address the haters and smash them beyond comprehension. They lay out exactly why they’re the shit without directly stating it.

What it all comes down to is the gnashing attack Bazooka Tooth brings to your head. The brooding, slick-muddy flow that seems to waterfall out of Aesop Rock is something to be respected. PERIOD.

Here’s some vids

If you like hip hop but want to see some change and you HAVEN’T heard of Aesop Rock… you need to get on that. This man is an AUTHORITY in the indie rap scene.

[Scott]

More from the OCRemix scene, this one comming from Project Chaos, and AMAZING remix project that you’ll be seeing more of since I’ve discovered it. This is a remix from the first zone of Sonic and Knuckles.

OCRemix - Project Chaos - iMushroom

As you may know, I’m a HUGE Mega Man fan, and this was one of my favorite levels. Skull Man from Mega Man 4 was just badass. Enjoy this wonderful 8-bit tune.

Capcom - Mega Man 4 - Skull Man

More Silent Hill music to fill your electronic storage devices. This song is less about being something to listen to casually, and more about scaring the fuck out of you. While not the most disturbing song in the Silent Hill library, this one is still pretty good. Nice ambience too!

Konami - Silent Hill 4 - Remodeling

There are certain games that nobody plays and nobody wants to hear about. Then there are certain games that nobody plays, nobody wants to hear about, and are good. Snoopy Tennis is the latter. Saying Snoopy Tennis is a game all the kids are clamoring for is kind of like saying that there is always a good time for premature ejaculation. But, since I write the reviews, I can pick whatever the fuck I want to talk about and I am executing that privilege really well (right now).

Snoopy Tennis is a sports games (derr). It was created for the Gameboy Color and let me tell you, no matter what you think of a particular Mario Tennis game for GBC, it is the best Tennis themed sports game for the system (the best out of two). The thing about Snoopy Tennis is that it has no storyline, it has no cut scenes, or award ceremonies, or filler. It is straight tennis, like the actual sport. And if you like time consuming, entertaining games, with fantastic difficulty curves, Snoopy Tennis is for you.

Characters in Snoopy Tennis make the game additionally fun. Instead of having to use some punk kid I don’t care about (Mario Tennis GBC) and instead of having to unlock the TITLE CHARACTER (MARIO TENNIS GBC!!!) you start with a variety of standard issue Peanuts characters (Linus, Charlie Brown, Franklin, Snoopy, etc.). There are four unlockable characters (like my personal favorites: Woodstock and Pig Pen) that have different skill levels compared to the starting roster. A nice bonus is that these unlockable players actually make you feel like you’re getting some kind of reward for winning.

I obviously own this game for GBC but the rom brings out something that the Gameboy can’t: a bigger screen. These sort of simple, “time waster” games are great for larger screens. One can play his favorite repetitive puzzle or sports games for his handheld system without straining his eyes, and lest we not forget that save states are a godsend.

As much as you probably don’t care to hear about a Peanuts themed tennis game, it really is worth playing. And if you truly hate the game, alack-a-day, you lost a whole five minutes of your life. It’s better for you than smoking.

Click This for Snoopy Tennis.

One of the most memorable RPG soundtracks ever comes from Final Fantasy VII. This song is the ballad of a beach bum, Costa Del Sol is one of those songs that you listen to while chilling in the pool floating on an inflatable raft. Chill out to this one:

Squaresoft - FinalFantasy VII - Costa Del Sol

Sonic 2 had some of the most kick-ass music on the Genesis, and this is one of my personal favorites. Its got a mean techno beat and fits the area perfectly. Enjoy it! Or else…

Sega - Sonic the Hedgehod 2 - Chemical Plant Zone

In this podcast: Movie games! We’ve got a review of Jumper and talk about the finer points of movie gaming. Everyone and their sister has discussed Back to the Future and E.T., we discuss what makes a movie game good. Also: An amazing revelation: Goldeneye is a movie game.

72 Pin Connector Podcast - Episode 004