rediscovering the videogame
Years and years of stress have pushed me to the opposite of work. I want to play. (Just not outside.)
So I'm getting back into videogames (or is it video games?).
For the iPhone, I've become hooked to SPiN and, in the last two days, Zen Bound, both by Secret Exit. Both games involve rotating 3D objects, but beyond that, they're essentially opposites. Each game is $5 at its lowest price (not sure what the normal price is), and they're worth every penny. I think Zen Bound is my favorite of the two. In third place is Blocked: simple puzzle game that has its highs and lows in complexity.
We've also dusted off and setup our Wii after maybe nine months of disuse? I finally started exploring the Virtual Console and bought Super Mario RPG and Metal Slug 2 (which I read has some amazing pixel art). Mario RPG is worse than I remember graphically, but it's been over 10 years since I played it. I don't think I'll be revisiting it. Metal Slug 2 is a really quirky 2D shooter, but it's fun. And the graphics are nice.
The Virtual Console is a really great idea. And the fact that you can download some Neo Geo and Sega games makes it even cooler. But I noticed with Metal Slug 2 (Neo Geo), the animation starts to get choppy when there are a lot of sprites. Not sure if it's a matter of emulation or if that's a normal thing for older systems in general.
Still, I remember wanting a Neo Geo when I was younger. Back then, the games cost something like $200 and up (yes, games) and the system itself was like $600. So even seeing a mention of Neo Geo brings back memories. At least now I can play some of those games for $8–$12. Yay!
We also bought Super Mario Galaxy last night, and that looks like it'll be tons of fun. Running around orbs is a little disorienting, especially after playing Zen Bound.
Once I fit in more outside activity (I've been running regularly at least for a few weeks now), I will have tons of balanced fun lined up for a while.
Speaking of which, tonight is Lost plus popcorn plus Wii.
S/he said…
I never figured out why Neo Geo games were so expensive.
they were arcade-quality. neo geo actually had an arcade version (the above prices are for the home version).
Hi. Found your site through doodle jump high score. how the hell did you get to 150k? May I ask what the gameplay is like up there? I’m addicted. i’m at 43k and don’t think I could make it any higher.