It’s been a while since I did quick take post as it is a while since my last PSP post also. So why not go for one of my recent pick ups of Tekken. I don’t really play fighting games outside of Mortal Kombat. Most of the fighting games I play or did tend to go back to old soul calibur or the Naruto ninja storm games.
For a cheap pick up, I was pleasantly surprised by it. Being the PSP version of 5 which was initially on ps2 then got an upgrade for ps3. It came with a lot of features, varying game modes. Standard 1 v 1, story and arcade. Then the sub modes within arcade. Some of these unlock as you progress in story mode or rising in ranks via arcade mode.
My pre existing history with Tekken was with tag tournament on the PS2 which I spent most of the time bouncing round on a sword as Yoshimitsu getting my ass whipped and not really understanding why.
I won’t lie I don’t really understand the under lying story so what’s going on is kinda behind me. The 9 stage story mode also doesn’t help. Next to nothing is explained you just fight people for a smidge of reason. Then it ends with a fight against Jinpachi who’s just an angry fiery lad who takes a little more punishment to beat.
The fighting itself is pretty standard, but is fluid enough to make it fun and getting the timings down for combos isn’t too bad. Definitely a practice makes perfect type of game. The more you’d play the better you’d become, fairly standard stuff really.
The game does look good, each character are detailed and individual enough to stand out and a roster of 32 playable characters. There is more then enough variety to go around. The stages are all distinctive I particularly enjoy the one where penguins are hobbling around as you brawl.
You get gold for every victory, and for a perfect win a high amount. A few times I had a random multiplier pop up as, dunno why but it did so you can also get that. With that gold you can buy a shit load of character customisation items which adds a nice bit of a personal touch to your favourite characters.
I can’t vouch for the local play or online play as that’s not a option for me. But I’d imagine I’d lose 100% as I’m pretty shite at the game. It is fairly fun in quick burst and is far from tasking. If you like fighting games even know you’d find a lot to keep you busy and love. However for the most part I’d imagine you’d best still stick with a full console game or the console version of this one.
I’d give this game a good and Tasty 6/10, a solid and enjoyable fighting game with enough variety to keep it fun but only in quick bursts. And missing the polish and usually more variety of a full fleecier console game. Especially in the story mode.
As a standard protocol by now, you should expect a Pokemon game review from me at any point old or new. This stems from my general love for the series and having stuck with it for every gen except Black and White 2, namely cause for some reason I never got round to buying that Gen. Well now, it’s just a slightly expensive hard to find gen to get a hold of. One day I will add it to my glorious collection of Pokemon games. This may contain those fabled videos I have long endureD to give to you my loyal readers. But then again it may not cause I still haven’t really looked into it and unsure why it went wrong last time. As my free time is fleeting and highly precious, I always endeavour to give it to you in these reviews and mini updates of my not so grand collection. The next major review will most definitely be God of War Ragnarök which my jimmies are fully rustling just in anticipation for.
This game was a welcome addition for me, not really sure what to expect. Colour me surprised, when I get it on launch day and load it up and it’s a complete deviation form the standard Pokemon game. Well not a complete deviation. Having gone one step further with the open world aspects that had been introduced in Sword and Shield. Pokemon was finally taking the first steps into what could be perceived as a full open world game. With Scarlet and Violet only a few weeks away now as well I can only imagine how much further along we have come.
The map design on this game, is a nice addition to, even allowing for quick travel points in the mini regions.
Choosing this time to overhaul the mechanics of the game and try for a bigger more open world feeling, the graphics try to reflect this. Looking better than before however still missing the fidelity they could achieve. Even on the Switch’s hardware. The world feels varied but it’s just not full when it comes to details, trees and grass seem far and between. You can tell that there is clearly a style shift being attempted and for that you can’t knock it. It could like with BD/SP have put a smidge more effort into it though.
One of the flute summed Pokémon you can use traverse the land easier.
I was initially a bit disappointed with the announcement of the new mainline series, due to how much I enjoyed how this was divided into mini open world areas with there own biome related Pokemon. This gives the Land of Hisui a bigger feel to it, a general sense of grandeur, which is usually missing in these games. I was hoping for some DLC where new areas with new Pokemon would be introduced, maybe even area specific legendaries. As I enjoyed having to complete the Pokédex entries by capturing a certain amount of the same mon, and doing different mini objectives in the process. Actually gave a reason to go out and be catch happy.
Adding to this was the new crafting ability which I hope returns in S/V as I do enjoy a good crafting mechanic. Having the ability to craft your own Pokeballs and potions fucking slaps. Only this time hopefully it makes increases your bag capacity less tedious too add a new slot, it’s easy enough. Just go to the guy that does it and pay. Right, simple enough? It is but the little fucker wants you to re-mortgage your house every time you do expand your inventory. Absolutely no idea why they made it so fucking expensive.
The new inventory interface and the thieving fucker you use to expand your carry space.
With all the different areas, obviously comes with a variety of Pokemon that are freely wondering the plains, and this can change on day or night allowing for some time sensitive catches. Which can be aided in the different type of pokeball you use/craft. Having to sneak up on them, lure them in with berries, use heavy or lighter balls. And the piece de resistance, you have full control and the throwing of the Pokeball to catch and summon forth your own party. It’s a small addition but it really adds to the aesthetic of the entire franchise and immersion of the game. It’s kinda mental how many iterations of the series it’s taken to get to this point. This on land is a lot of fun. However on the open waters, that is some bullshit right there trying to catch a water type. It’s doable but highly annoying.
A water battle, and a wild alpha Pokémon. Who is a roaming mini boss, that you can attack and comes with better stats/move set.
My favourite new mechanic though has got to be the move swapping. Having your standard 4 moves you can use in battle but you have the ability to cycle through remembered moves. Meaning you finally have more freedom with set ups. Giving more reason to have multiple of the same Pokemon. Even going as far as having move styles, strong and agile. This either increases damage or speed at the cost of an extra move PP. Battling seems a bit harder this time round, with a higher damage output, you seem to be dealing bigger damage as well as receiving it. This is not to say it’s not balanced it does seem pretty even. There isn’t many trainer battles either, which might seem a off put, but I preferred it. Along with needing to catch hundreds of Pokemon it gave you the need to battle loads of them, using different types or specific moves. The filling up of the pokedex is probably the best new entry to he entire sereis.
The new move swap mechanic in action, I really hope this makes a return.
This side entry also forgoes the typical gym battles as well, normally I’d probably be a bit miffed at this but honestly I like what they did this time round. With the building of the mystique of the Pokemon. Having almost deity like big boy Pokemon (the Nobles) run each area which you have to quell it’s anger. These Alpha Pokemon. These are dotted around the land as well as being the areas boss. So you have do all these mini task on route to them and then you face them in literal combat. You have dodge their attacks whilst pelting the ever loving shit out of them with balls made up of their favourite food. Once stunned you can choose to throw in one of your chosen Pokemon to aid in battle temporarily.
This game also makes you slightly more God like, allowing for you to choose if the Pokemon once it’s hit the requirements if they have the right to evolve. You can even bypass trade only evolutions which I fucking adore. You just have to get the right item, In this case the linking cord for the Pokemon give it then again play God. Choose to leave it as a haunter for existence or allow for it to bloom into the mighty Gengar.
Speaking of Gods, Dialga and Palkia haven’t looked better.
Another deviation in the right way, is there is somewhat of an actual story. As normally the story revolves around team rocket or the like trying to summon a legendary and you have to stop their nefarious plans all the while battling out the gym challenge of the particular continent. Having woken in a rift and spoken to Arceus (God) you get teleported back in time with no previous memories and then help set up the Sinnoh region which is home to the Diamond/Pearl/Platinum generation. Helping different clans, by being a sort of ranger/trainer. Helping the integration of Pokemon into society and building up your base of operations. You use your trusty Arc phone that you still have. As well as investigating the time-rift distortions that pop up as you traverse the land.
The two leaders of the pearl and diamond clan, as well as the guy who is the last nobles keeper. With the giant Avalugg serving as the last of the five nobles you quell.
Honestly this Is one of the best Pokemon games to date, It’s super fun and is trying to progress the series in all the right ways. I certify this a high 9/10, some Pure Tasty Gaming.
The only reason I haven’t rated it higher is that there is only 242 different Pokemon in this game. Which albeit a good selection it really could’ve done with being padded out more. The fact it finally has side quests as well. They aren’t much past fetch quests or the odd mini game. It just lacks in variety. Having said this though I hope these new aspects especially the new move swapping and crafting systems remain, and are further explored. I tend to feel most games milk you for DLC as it should normally just be content in the finished product. However this game was ripe for DLC and would’ve only served to improve a great game. Finally with BD/SP as well, this series seems to be taking cues from the newer Zelda game entries and are putting it to good use but are still in need of finding their own footing. They finally seem to be wanting to improve on the old formula and progress the series forward. I can only hope this progression continues.
In the spirit of trying to keep this an active blog, not only on reviews but also my ever growing collection.
My new batch of goodies
I paid way under the price for all of these which makes me far happier than it should! I managed to get a new Pokémon game in Stadium on the N64 which you already will know that will be reviewed. As will Legends Arceus fairly soon . Had that one in the bag for a while I just need the finishing touches to it. Hopefully just in time for Scarlet and Violet. As all Pokémon games are gifts from God, I dare anyone to say otherwise. I’ve been playing them since gold and silver and I tell you here and now I’ll be playing them until I die. Fuck all of those that dare to criticise the unstoppable machine that is Pokémon.
I would say it’s beautiful but it’s kinda in a bit of a scummy condition. I’d have also prefers it in a box with the transfer pak, but beggars can’t be choosers sometimes.
I’ll be honest I didn’t even know you could get San Andreas on ps3 until I found and googled it to make sure it was real. That was a particularly nice find. And getting the complete edition of GTA 4 is always nice as I feel it’s often over looked by 5. Where, sure 5 had the better story. But I’d argue overall 4 is the better game. Strip back gta online and had they pumped up 5 with more single player dlc it could’ve been better but I think 4 is king when it comes to the series still.
So hopefully in amidst all of my work life and now the degree I stupidly decided to do at the same time, I will be bringing you all many new reviews, and general updates on my collection.
So as always stay tasty my flavoursome brethren. As I continue to bring the taste to this ever growing series of TRG, by adding new chapters to the gospel of the tasty.
Having finally got me SNES, I sat down and played one of the only two games I have currently, Starwing or Star Fox for everyone else outside of the PAL region. The game that back in 1993, gave rise to the Starfox franchise and character himself, the bane of many a smash player.
This won’t be a long review, not much need. Also I was aiming to use videos on this one, as I think they are currently in the wrong format this blog site is having fucking non of it. One day I will be granted the powers to enlighten the world with my video prowess, but until then you are stuck with my shitty screenshot pics, enjoy.
Oh yes, the OG Star Fox.This is the planetary map for the level routes to choose.
This game is a 3D rail shooter game, dotted in various 3D environments with the levels varying depending on the level route you initially pick. I would like to say I’m getting better at it slowly, but truthfully I fucking suck at it. Luckily it’s not too tasking, and doesn’t wane on my mental state, so dying repeatedly isn’t an issue.
You and your comrade shipsA big space blocky boy.
Each level, you are accompained by three computer controlled companions. They don’t really make a difference to be honest. Just every now and then you’ll just get one of them pop up on the screen and ask for help. Every level is littered with different types of enemies, robots, spaceships and blocky creatures. Which each level ends with a big blocky space boy to defeat. Playing this game makes me appreciate the level and enemy design of No More Heroes 3 that little bit more. Clearly Suda 51 took great pride in styling it to represent the games of old.
A nice space battle, riddled with them pesky asteroids that only target you.I’m very acquainted with this screen.
The graphics on this are obviously blocky as fuck, but with the moving linear environment and only a slight lag delay it’s oddly pleasing to the eye. For the time and hardware it must’ve looked great when it initially came out. Like how Skyrim in 2011 was the Bee’s knees. It does come with some nice features though, bits fall of bosses, buildings collapse enemies, fall over causing a slight inconveince. The controls are receptive enough, with the shoulder triggers are used for rolling, the colour buttons control your laser, bomb, boost and brakes.
Honestly this game overall, is pretty fun. Obviously it lacks the bells and whistles of the games of today. This isn’t necessarily a bad thing though. This has a simple premise and a high replay value. You can just put it on and pound through an entire route or like me get to the third level and die miserably. Either way it’s fun, it has a nice aesthetic and arguably without this game and it’s ilk we wouldn’t have many games that we do today.
I’d certify this game a solid, Tasty 6/10. No way am I docking it a point due to the amount I die.
Released 5th June 1993.
P.S i prefer this to the Starwing cover, so have the non PAL one.
I finally have managed to get a fully working Super Nintendo entertainment system which first launched way back when in the 90s in Japan, well before I was even born. Having never played a SNES, the absolute horror I know the closest I ever have were the arcade compilations you get or the more specific ones like the old street fighter and that. I have been trying to get one for some time and honestly what I paid for this was nothing short of an absolute steal.
An eBay seller who actually made sure it was safely transported. You can tell from the reams of bubble wrap. Further proof miracles do happen.
Now considering I have a SNES inspired mascot, good ol’ Snesly I thought it only apt to cross off one of my big and missing collectable items I had yet to own. This sits firmly with the Dreamcast for me. Which hopefully won’t be too far off down the line either. Really amping up my collection, and adding to the utterly heinous back catalogue of games I already possess.
Now it’s not the best condition, nor does it have the original power or av leads. Slightly age stained and the two games it came with don’t have the box or even manuals. Nonetheless I’m beyond thrilled with it.
Having played a few levels of Starwing, I can safely say I’m fucking awful at the game. However the graphics are so blocky and wholesome I don’t mind being terrible at it. As it’s just so fun to play, and as there isn’t a save function having to pick the correct route to blast through the 5-6 stages to complete make for a high replay-ability, something games of today tend to overlook. The closest you seem to get are messed up pay to win, or dogshit loot box online shooters which mostly miss the point now.
Now I have a working SNES, I will be very much on the look out for some of the old JRPG classics such as Chrono trigger, Final Fantasy 3 and a Link to the past. Which oddly brings me more excitement then a lot of nowadays releases. Just goes to show you can’t beat the classics.
Fear not my fellow followers I have not abandoned this quest nor you. Merely I have been on holiday. Now with that blissful week already well in the past, I must move forward.
With that said I have some new acquisitions on the way to me, on the not so distant horizon. More on that will follow in due course once they have landed in my possession.
I have, however managed to pick up a few new games to add the ever growing collection.
Naturally the two Ready 2 Rumble games I ordered from eBay turned up smashed to fuck. As that’s ultimately what we all look for in a game when you buy from a randomer on the internet. The two Ratchet and Clank games are because they just rule and I have every intention of going through Gladiator very soon.
Having finally sorted out my gaming room and nearing the point of having everything I need to do more in depth reviews. And yes it does finally include the power of … VIDEOS! I have finally harnessed the future for you all .
Look hopefully to the bright, glowing future as I myself am. As I will be revamping my site at some point soon also, as I feel it’s time to look slightly more professional.
So behold what will be tastyretrogaming V2 , with a better site, better reviews and actual retro games. Rejoice in the name of all that is tasty, you sexy fuckers.
I have finally got around to what will be a picture heavy review on this top tier game. Having spread myself rather thin like the final scrapes of butter on soggy toast, and being bogged down with two long games. Hopefully now i’ll be able to try and hit a more regular pace once more.
We’ll start things off with a grand landscape, one of the many you can admire in this game.
This is the sort of game you want to end a trilogy on. I tend to find games lose something in the sequels, even if they look fancier, play better and tell the story as it should be. This rings true to films as well unless you are the Lord of the Rings trilogy in which case all three films are perfect. Now don’t get me wrong this game doesn’t do everything perfectly but in my opinion it ain’t far off. Currently I’d argue this is the best game I have played from this year and second on my list for what I’ve played all year, with the top still firmly being Death Stranding.
Menu screenSome fo the hero classes you can swap too.The interlink skill tree page.
To think this game for a Switch exclusive looks utterly fantastic. It just goes to show how impressive the Switch hardware truly is. Monolift Soft really have managed to squeeze all they can out of the engine for this title, just compare it to XC 2 to see the vast improvements. I can only imagine how it’d look fully utilizing a next gen or high end PC architecture. This games’ world and the series for the matter really do sit at the top for design, and the grandeur of size. I find not many games can equal the aesthetic and designs of each area to the scale or individuality of this series. With this title once again updating the style of characters to even more of an anime style then the first on the Wii. I find myself always impressed at the draw distance and rendering of the far away vistas, especially at the hidden spots which are made for an in-game photo so you can revel in the impressiveness of it all. I have also enjoyed the size of everything in this game and 3 really ups its big boy status with certain enemies. Especially the unique monsters and some of the giant Ferronis Hulks you come across. It really adds a nice scope of enormity to the world of Aionios as everything loops round gradually in the ever increasing road before you.
Gemstone makingCooking at a campMany mini scenes involving the arty whilst resting.
I would highly recommend playing XC Definitive edition, 2 and even Torna before 3. As far as the story goes it sits on its own and you can easily follow the main gist of it all. However certain aspects, characters and elusions, especially towards the end will not make much sense to you. As this mostly wraps up the story which started with 1. I’d argue it wraps most of the story up very neatly something’s are left a bit loose, iI’m not entirely sure if that’s done on purpose mind. This game like it’s predecessors are no short journey by any means, especially if you wish to unlock all the maps, find everything, do all side quest and kill all the unique monsters that roam around freely. You’ll be looking well into the 100 hour mark, probably closer to 150 realistically. If you are into long JRPGs then this game won’t even feel like a slog to you. Everything is worth doing, everywhere is worth exploring and increasing the Colonies trust levels up benefit the entire party. You had better enjoy cutscenes though, as this game fucking loves them. A good handful are very long, I personally don’t mind. It comes off very anime heavy, even to the point if they decided to it would work as a CG anime series on it’s own merit.
The Cadensia region, easily the most impressive looking region.A sprawling underground area.
The Combat in this game is a lot more fluid then two, as even 20 hours in for 2 with the never ending tutorials I still was coming to terms with how the system was supposed to work properly. Here it’s pretty straight forward with all the changes coming from the different hero classes that every member in the party can unlock and use, with a ranking from S – D with S being the best suited roles. You can increase stats by standard levelling up, the returning and much improved gem crafting and accessories. I find though even with all the class swapping that your characters could easily stay as their first class and you wouldn’t struggle all game. I find the encounters overall more fun and less time consuming then before as well, which is a testament to the improvements. A downside to this is that you are easily able to stay over-levelled, especially with the extra XP boost you hoard and can use at camp spots. Even though there is a metric shit tonne of enemies which many are shared through titles, though some didn’t make the cut this time. With each areas variations of them keep the fighting fresh each time, and the variety sprawled out over the land never bore.
One of the many Moebius boss fights.Some big pink glowing fuck that will resize your holes if you let it.
The developers have made everything for you as a player to be easily accessible, the main menu holds all the options you need. All the character pages, are made to easily access all the upgrades/skill points etc. There’s a fast travel point every two metres it seems so you can always quick travel close to the target of your quest. Something that I feel all item heavy games should do now as well, all items or auto picked up as you pass them with out the need to stop and watch a short animation, or never forget Skyrim’s absolute dog shit mining.
One of the coolest fights in the game.TheMoebius designs are top tier.
Two things here especially stand out and that is the voice acting and soundtrack. Firstly the soundtrack fucking rips, it is a fine tuned accompaniment to the game. With non sounding better then the Consul battle theme, my sweet Jesus when that hit’s, perfection. Now secondly the voice acting in the English dub is mostly on point, some character’s voices sound out of place for character designs but still hold up in talent alone. One however stands above the rest and that be Riku’s. Riku is the best Nopon to date in my book. This is largely due to the astounding voice actor choice, it fits the character like a gym bro’s grey three sizes too small and skin tight sweat shirt. A major downside is the after combat dialogue being very limited an spammy, you’ll constantly here the same few lines over and over. It’s nothing short of a pure annoyance.
The final boss of the game, which I shit you not is like 6 stages long. It just doesn’t end.
One of the things that misses the mark a lot, is the villains in this game. There are a lot of consuls that appear to hinder your efforts throughout the journey. Some without going into spoilers are good, but many of them seem to come off as story fodder, they don’t do much and then you beat them. It just makes for the over arching story seem a little weaker for it as they are supposed to be this group of big bad, but they end up being a group of little whiny bitches mostly. I mean their Moebius forms at least always look cool. Not as good as the interlink forms of the main characters though. This is probably the highlight of the combat mechanics, and is only made better by the chain attacks which are used to deal heavy damage output and some sneaky EXP boost at the same time.
A nice still from one of the final scenes in the game.
Having clocked in just under 60 hours to complete the main story, it doesn’t feel a drag. The story and differing environments with the constant character building propels the game, always making you want to keep playing to see how it all pans out. With this 60 hours I explored a fair whack, and completed a lot of side quests. However the end game restarts before the final boss which allows for you to mop up anything you’ve missed. As I managed to miss a few heroes off, and I didn’t manage to do many of the ascension quests which allow your subclasses to boosted up to level 20. All of these add to the style you want to play along with customising your party, with new moves.
I’m sure I’ve missed off some stuff, but I feel some of it will be too spoiler laden and I don’t wanna be that guy even if the game has been out a while now. As if you have been waiting and wanting to see what the conclusion holds I don’t wish to take that away from you. This is definitely a game you need to experience for yourself. It’s endless hours of fun combat all based in highly designed landscapes, all intrinsically linked around a top notch story. Topped off with great voice acting and cutscenes that propel the story onwards.
I’d certify this game a very solid 10/10, Real fuckin’ Tasty.
See I told you I’d potentially do a review of Mario Kart Double Dash soon. I mean this won’t or doesn’t even really need to be too much of a long one. Due to the fact we’ve all played a variation of this game at some point in our lives. Be it on N64, Gameboy, DS, Gamecube, Wii, Switch and some of the others I can’t be arsed to list. Fundamentally though it’s the same game with slight variations, and mechanics which sometimes don’t follow over to the next iteration.
How it started.How it ended.
Even though we haven’t technically had a new game since the Wii U, the Switch port of 8 Deluxe is just fucking mint. It’s just endlessly fun and can be picked up as and when you want, and that’s before all the new DLC tracks that have been added in. Not that I have got around to purchasing the season pass yet though.
Mid driver swap, pretty sweet screenshot if i do say so myself.Some of the many hurdles I triumphed over.
Starting this review I will say I do find it’s hard not to compare this title to 8, as with all the quality of life upgrades that have happened in between seem to show the age of this title. That’s not to say it isn’t fun still, not by any means. With me somehow losing all my previous play data I didn’t mind starting again because the charm of all Mario Kart games come from the super fun, quick tracks. This here is no different with the always immediately entertaining tracks, which are always well designed and loop around themselves. Scattered with obstacles whether it be a rogue Koopa or a mini tornado. Let’s also not forget the always banging soundtrack for these games which add to the tracks individuality. What I do find though is even though all Mario games on release regardless of the hardware always look great for the time, this is true on this title. However you can’t help but drive round and feel it looks dated. Not having the full immersion of 8 with the loopings around, diving under the sea, gliding off mountains etc.
This title is the only game where your kart is raced by two playable characters and are switchable mid race via the Z trigger on your controller. No other Mario Kart game has done this since. Initially it’s a fun little gimmick and has some nice animations, like if you are hit by a bomb and the back player gets dragged along for a while. However, outside the Co-op function where one drives and the other uses items, not that my little lonely self has got to do this, it doesn’t serve much function. You have a roster of 20 to pick from so not the 40 of 8, and you have less customisable kart options, just the pre-made ones that effect, weight,speed and acceleration. Again showing how it’s dated comparably.
Yoshi’s special, act’s kinda like a red shell, but explodes goodies on contanct.Yoshi said, ‘Fuck them kids’.
The racing itself is pretty decent, the handling is pretty responsive, and the drift function which transitioned into the later series entries is good. I do find however I tend to hit bananas or fake item boxes more. This is arguably down just to my terrible driving but I do feel the tracks themselves come off a bit smaller with narrower roads, and I think the bananas themselves are slightly bigger.
Look at this big baller, some really Pope Daddy Toad vibes going on.
Even the item box pool is lesser, with not as many choices to get, and less spawn ratio of the better stuff depending on your position. It does however do one thing I would like to see back, all characters have a chance of getting their special item on pick up. For instance Yoshi’s egg, Mario or Luigi’s fireball, or even Donkey Kong’s giant banana. And no that isn’t a euphemism. I do find with the race pacing as well it’s fairly easy to stay miles ahead of the pack and it seems far less hostile then later games as soon as you go for 150cc it just becomes mid table anarchy.
Overall I certify this a 6/10, Tasty gaming.
I won’t go into too much detail here as over all it’s your standard Mario Kart game, and for a quick review in between life and the bigger games I am playing. I can only really rate it as low as 6, even though it is fun as anything to play, it’s hard not to compare it to 8 and see how far the series as come on, and how much is missing from this title. It looks, sounds and plays well, and is worth playing even now but, I’d say only rarely.
I know it’s been awhile since my last review, but that’s down to me deciding mid way through a 40 hour campaign which is roughly about halfway through Xenoblade Chronicles 3, and believe you me that’s gonna get such a fat write up, don’t you worry. I decided to start Horizon Forbidden West. So whilst simultaneously playing these two hefty length games, I have not left myself all that much time to play anything else around them. Fear not though my loyal ones, as I have long promised to spread my tasty word I will rectify this. I have a few quick games in mind lined up. Such as Blood Omen for the PS1, Mario Kart Double Dash for the Gamecube, Need For Speed Underground 2 on Xbox. Maybe I could go further back and load up my N64 or I may even do a super length play through of all the Dead Space Trilogy on PS3.
The possibilities are endless, somewhat, but I will get around to all of this. I may even play my latest addition to my collection in Resident Evil 2 for PS1 which i got for an absolute steal, and the discs are in some seriously good condition.
Just know that good things are a coming, and keep checking back here or even following me on any of my social links, which can be found at the top of my homepage. As this is the only pace you’ll find the super duper good stuff.
I know it’s been a while since the last review, but shit happens right? A mixture of work and the fact Xenoblade Chronicles 3 dropped. So my precious free time and love can only be spread so far and my love is thin currently. I have a myriad of backlogged half completed played/reviewed games and one day my tasty folks I will get that completed for you all, but for now. A short review on Spartan, Total Warrior for the PS2. I may consider adding photos at a later date, but meh for now. Time is fleeting after all, and I certainly have better things to be doing like, completed Xenoblade Chronicles 3 or dying repeatedly in Into the Breach which I can’t recommend enough.
So with out further ado, Spartan Total warrior, is a simple premised game you play initially as a shirtless Spartan amongst shirt wearing Spartans’ for no other reason than to get your rippling tit muscles on show I believe. Aries talks to you and only you which I don’t think is ever explained but story convenience is of high necessity. You play as Spartans trying to push back an invading Roman army and along the way get mythical weapons and powers of the … GODS!
The game is linear, and simple to follow go here, unlock this etc, and along the way butcher hundreds of enemies. The hack and slash combat of this game is the highlight. It’s simple, no button faffing combos, just this one does heavy, this one does light, R2 is your equipped power. As a result with the ensuing tides of humanity you annihilate, racking up 500 odd kills per missions. The simplicity is what makes it engaging and fun. Everything is simple and effective and fairly bloody, where most special moves just explodes everyone’s heads for some reason.
Each area I feel is fairly well designed, and gives a grand scope of the areas. All the buildings and surroundings make for the battlefields to feel bigger that you are in a populated world not just a dead empty existence like the shit show of game Yu-Gi-Oh and the Falsebound Kingdom, God I fucking hate that game. The musou styled waves of enemies, give a sense that you are facing a devastating legion coming to take your land. The big bosses you fight from the Hydra, a giant bronze gladiator, Minotaur to name a few and always in these sort of games now, Aries, we can all thank God of War that. They all have a distinct feel to them so they don’t feel cut and paste.
There is a limited upgrade system in this game where you are awarded tokens at the end of each level, and in-between you can pick from health, damage and power to bump up a notch or two. With enemies dropping health and magic orbs or you can pray to one use shrine which are dotted about the body laden carnage to replenish in game. There’s a limited resupply of arrows, which can be found in chests, also you unlock arena hidden items in specific chests as well which can be used in one of the other modes of the game.
One final point of this game, it’s a feature I particularity enjoy but also baffles me, every enemy is named in this game. Even the bottom fodder which are there to feed your kill count. I’m not sure why this is a feature and to my knowledge only game I’ve played like it. That at some point during development the powers that be all sat around a table and decided to implement a name generator.
Overall I would rate this a sturdy 7/10, So Positively Tasty.
An easy going, simple fun hack and slash game that isn’t too taxing and can be played in small to big chunks with no real difficulty to it. It looks pretty good for it’s age and really it’s a shame that it didn’t do commercially or critically well. As it could’ve easily turned into a much better franchise having a sequel or two. As such fits in the long line of games I’d rather see bought back or remastered then a lot of the pointless games we get thrown at us nowadays. I’m looking at you The Last of Us.
TastyRetroGaming 