What a Horrible Night for a Look Back At Castlevania II: Simon's Quest 35 Years Later

What a Horrible Night for a Look Back At Castlevania II: Simon's Quest 35 Years Later

October 1. 2022

By Ryan Porzl

In 1986, the world was introduced to Castlevania which told the story of vampire hunter Simon Belmont as he ventured into Castlevania in order to slay Count Dracula. With it's critical and commerical success, a sequel was bound to happen and fans wouldn't have to wait. In 1987, the world was introduced to Castlevania II: Simon's Quest which continued the adventure of Simon Belmont as he must travel through Transylvania in order to once again defeat Dracula and lift a curse. Since it's release, the game has had both it's share of support and criticism but is a memorable addition to the series. With the 25th Anniversary having come in August, we'll take a look at the continuation of Simon Belmont and his second quest. This article does contain spoilers.

Note: I don't own the graphic.

Masterpiece Symphony: A Look At Castlevania: Symphony of the Night 25 Years Later

Masterpiece Symphony: A Look At Castlevania: Symphony of the Night 25 Years Later
September 28, 2022
By Ryan Porzl

             

Like any long time series, Castlevania has had it's share of classics since the franchise debuted. However, as great as many of the best games of the series are, one game is usually considered head and shoulders above the rest and that game is Castlevania: Symphony of the Night. Released in 1997, the game changed the way we played Castlevania games, debuting the popular "Metroid-Vania" style while reintroducing classic characters from previous games such as Alucard, and having a different take on the Castlevania story as the concept of the vampire killing Belmont family took a back seat to a son who was determined to put an end to his vengeance obsessed father. With the 25 Anniversary having come back in March, I'll take a look at Symphony of the Night. This page does contain spoilers.

Note: I don't own the graphic.

The Legend Continues: A Look At Zelda II: The Adventure of Link 35 Years Later

The Legend Continues: A Look At Zelda II: The Adventure of Link 35 Years Later
August 27, 2022
By Ryan Porzl

In 1986, the world was first introduced to The Legend of Zelda, one of the greatest video games ever created. Telling the story of an elf boy named Link who journeys to save Hyrule from an evil being named Ganon. In the end, the game was fun and innovative as well as successful. So, with the game being a success, that would obviously result in a sequel made. Sure enough, in 1987, Nintendo would release the second game of the Zelda franchise called Zelda II: The Adventure of Link. Somewhat deviating from the successful formula of The Legend of Zelda, Zelda II sees the player take control of Link as he journeys through Hyrule in order to cure the original Princess Zelda of a sleeping spell. Taking a more side-scrolling/RPG position, the game would have it's supporters as well as detractors. With the 35th Anniversary having happened back in January 2022, let's take a look at perhaps the most unique Zelda game in history. This article does contain spoilers.

Note: I don't own the graphic.

A Look Back At The Three Kid Icarus Games

A Look Back At The Three Kid Icarus Games
July 7, 2022
By Ryan Porzl

Anybody who knows their video game history (or read any of my recent anniversary articles), you know 1986 was a historic year for video games with franchises such as The Legend of Zelda, Metroid, and Castlevania making their debuts in the land of the rising sun. However, right before the year was up, another new franchise debuted though sadly, never had the same impact as the others. That franchise was Kid Icarus. The series tells the story of an angel named Pit who wields a bow and arrow and usually must journey through certain lands to enhance himself in order to defeat an evil threat. While the franchise hasn't gotten the same love as other Nintendo counterparts, it still has an interesting legacy and some characters have become playable in the Super Smash Bros. games. This past November/December was the 35th Anniversary of the original Kid Icarus and the 30th Anniversary of Of Myths and Monsters while this year marks the 10th Anniversary of Uprising. As a result, we'll take a look at the three Kid Icarus games

A Link To A Masterpiece: A Look Back At The Legend of Zelda: A Link To The Past 30 Years Later

A Link To A Masterpiece: A Look Back At The Legend of Zelda: A Link To The Past 30 Years Later
November 17, 2021

By Ryan Porzl

Earlier this year, I wrote and celebrated a milestone anniversary for the original Legend of Zelda game which celebrated it's 35th Anniversary but it's not the only game to have a big anniversary. In 1991, after a four year hiatus, the Legend of Zelda franchise made it's return with, what could be considered, the greatest game in the franchise and undoubtedly one of video game's true masterpieces in The Legend of Zelda: A Link To The Past. Returning to the classic elements of the original, the player controls Link as he travels between two worlds in an attempt to save both from Ganon. With the 30th Anniversary on November 21st, let's have a look at one of the greatest games of all time as we celebrate three decades of A Link To The Past. This article does contain spoilers.

The 25th Anniversary of Donkey Kong Country 3: Dixie Kong's Double Trouble

The 25th Anniversary of Donkey Kong Country 3: Dixie Kong's Double Trouble
November 7, 2021

By Ryan Porzl

During the early to mid 1990s, video game fans were treated to two masterpieces in the first two Donkey Kong Country games on the Super Nintendo. With both doing great commercially and critically, it's no surprise the train kept chugging along and we get a third game. In 1996, at the tail end of the Super Nintendo's lifespan, the world would get the third and final entry of the SNES Donkey Kong Country trilogy. After serving as the sidekick in the second game, Dixie Kong took center stage, teaming with cousin Kiddy in an attempt to save both Donkey and Diddy from K. Rool. With the 25th Anniversary coming in November 18th, let's take a look at the third game in the DKC series. There are spoilers ahead.

Tell Your Next of Kin Before You Begin: A Look At Super Castlevania IV 30 Years Later

Tell Your Next of Kin Before You Begin: A Look At Super Castlevania IV 30 Years Later
October 17, 2021

By Ryan Porzl

Just recently, I covered the first Castlevania, one of the greatest games ever created which started one of the greatest franchises of all time. With the success of Castlevania, many re-releases and remakes would come out over the years but along with those, we also saw a retelling of the original story. In 1991, Castlevania would make it's debut to the Super Nintendo via Super Castlevania IV. Though a retelling of the original, the game was more than a remake or a game with updated graphics but rather it featured new levels, new bosses, some new songs, and improved controls. Since it's release, Super Castlevania IV has been a classic that has also been considered one of the all time great games. In this article, we'll look at one of the masterpieces of the Castlevania library that started as a retelling but became a classic in it's own right as the 30th Anniversary is this Halloween (appropriate right?). I should point out because this is a retelling, some of this article will have similarities to my Castlevania article but hopefully there's enough difference to justify this article since I love this game and wanted to do an article on it.

Vampire Killer: A Look At Castlevania 35 Years Later

Vampire Killer: A Look At Castlevania 35 Years Later
September 25, 2021
By Ryan Porzl

If you haven't guessed already by my video game articles from this year, 1986 was a big year for the video game industry with one legendary franchise after another debuting. We've already talked about some of Nintendo's franchises like The Legend of Zelda and Metroid but they weren't the only company churning out a game that kickstarted a legendary franchise as 1986 saw the video game company Konami debut Castlevania. Taking place in the late 17th century, Castlevania tells the story of Simon Belmont, the latest in a long line of vampire hunters as he ventures into Castlevania to be the latest in his family to slay Count Dracula. Castlevania would launch a franchise and become one of the greatest platforming/side-scrolling games ever created. With the 35th anniversary on September 26th, let's look back at the game that started it all. 

The Legend of Mario's First RPG: A Look At Super Mario RPG: Legend of the Seven Stars 25 Years Later

The Legend of Mario's First RPG: A Look At Super Mario RPG: Legend of the Seven Stars 25 Years Later
September 20, 2021

By Ryan Porzl

For over 40 years, Mario has been one of the most recognizable and greatest characters in video game history with the character has been in one classic after another. However, while most associate Mario with side scrolling and platforming games, fans were treated to a different Mario in 1996 when Mario made his debut in a Role Playing Game or RPG. That game would be Super Mario RPG: Legend of the Seven Stars which saw Mario form alliances with new characters and even familiar faces including his archenemy in an attempt to retrieve seven magical stars and to defeat a new threat to the Mushroom Kingdom. With the 25th Anniversary having come in Spring 2021, it's time we take a look back at Mario RPG, one of Mario's best games. This article does contain spoilers.

Two for the Price of One: A Look at the first two Metroids 30 and 35 Years Later

Two for the Price of One: A Look At the First Two Metroids 30 and 35 Years Later

August 23, 2021
By Ryan Porzl

For decades, Nintendo has consistently been one of the superpowers in the video game world and as such has not only created classic consoles and games but also, franchises. After scoring hits with Donkey Kong, Mario, and The Legend of Zelda, Nintendo would continue their hot streak when they would follow those up with the action adventure game Metroid. Originally released in 1986, the series follows the adventures of bounty hunter Samus Aran, who was not only one of the most popular characters of all time but groundbreaking becoming one of the first prominent female heroes in video game history. The success of Metroid would spawn a franchise, including the sequel: Metroid II: Return of Samus in 1991. With Metroid having just celebrated it's 35th Anniversary in August and with Metroid II set to celebrate it's 30th Anniversary in November, I figure I do a two for the price of one and look back at the first two games of Metroid. This article does contain spoilers.

The Fastest Thing Alive: A Look Back At Sonic The Hedgehog 30 Years Later

The Fastest Thing Alive: A Look Back At Sonic The Hedgehog 30 Years Later

August 6, 2021
By Ryan Porzl

Sega Genesis Cover

 

Sega Game Gear Cover

Sega Master System Cover

Over the decades, there have not only been many great video games but iconic characters that have stood the test of time. When talking about these characters, it's impossible not to bring up Sega's own mascot: Sonic The Hedgehog. Originally created as a mascot that could rival Mario's popularity, Sonic would burst on the scene in 1991 and quickly became a video game icon and like many, his popularity has spun off beyond video games including cartoons, movies, and merchandise. With the 30th Anniversary having come on June 23rd, it's time to look at the one that kickstarted Sega's biggest franchise. While I'll mostly focus on the Sega Genesis/Sega Mega Drive version, I'll also bring up the Sega Master System/Sega Game Gear version.

The Beginning of the Legend: A Look Back At The Legend of Zelda 35 Years Later

The Beginning of the Legend: A Look Back At The Legend of Zelda 35 Years Later
May 18, 2021

By Ryan Porzl

1986 was a big year for video games as it was that year where many famous franchises made their debuts and one of them was The Legend of Zelda. Released in early 1986, The Legend of Zelda told the story of an elf boy who journeyed through a kingdom known as Hyrule to save it while claiming a magical item known as the Triforce. Little did anyone know, the game would not only be a huge success but launch one of the most popular and beloved franchises in video game history. With the 35th Anniversary having come and gone in February 2021, we'll take a look at the game that started it all to celebrate the game and franchise's 35th Anniversary.

The 20th Anniversary of Banjo-Tooie

The 20th Anniversary of Banjo-Tooie
March 27, 2021
By Ryan Porzl

When Banjo-Kazooie was first released in 1998, the world was introduced to one of the greatest video games of all time. The game would not only be a critical success but a commercial one and with that, it seemed like a matter of when we get a sequel. Fast forward two years later and the world was treated to the sequel Banjo-Tooie released during the last days of the Nintendo 64. The game, which took a slightly darker tone, would see Banjo and Kazooie once again venture out to put a stop to the witch Gruntilda's plan. With the 20th Anniversary having been in November 2020, I think it's long overdue to take a look at the sequel known as Banjo-Tooie.

A Look Back At Donkey Kong Country 2: Diddy's Kong Quest 25 Years Later

A Look Back At Donkey Kong Country 2: Diddy's Kong Quest 25 Years Later
February 7, 2021
By Ryan Porzl

With the release of Donkey Kong Country in 1994, the world was introduced to one of the greatest games of all time on one of the greatest consoles of all time. With the game's success, a sequel was a no brainer and that's what we would get in Donkey Kong County 2: Diddy's Kong Quest. Released in November 1995, the game see Diddy Kong as the star and joined by girlfriend Dixie as they venture to Crocodile Isle to rescue Donkey Kong from the first game's antagonist K. Rool. With the 25th Anniversary having come and gone, we'll take a look at another classic.

Timeless Classic: A Look At Chrono Trigger 25 Years Later

Timeless Classic: A Look At Chrono Trigger 25 Years Later
September 21, 2020 
By Ryan Porzl

25 years ago, video game fans were introduced to one of the greatest games of all time: Chrono Trigger, a role-playing game that tells the story of a group of time travelers who travel back and forth through time in order to right wrongs and destroy an intergalactic parasite who is supposed to bring about the apocalypse and destroy their world at the end of the 20th Century. In this article, we'll celebrate the 25th anniversary of one of the greatest games ever made by looking back at both the game and the behind the scenes stuff. 

A Look Back At Donkey Kong Country 25 Years Later

A Look Back At Donkey Kong Country 25 Years Later
March 2, 2020
By Ryan Porzl

Since 1981, Donkey Kong has been one of the most beloved and popular franchises in video game history. 13 years after it's release, Nintendo released two Donkey Kong games. One was an expanded version of the classic 1981 arcade game with 100 levels and multiple worlds. The second was a side scrolling platformer developed by Rareware called Donkey Kong Country. Since it's release, Donkey Kong Country has been considered one of the greatest video games of all time and took the DK franchise to the next level with different gameplay, more levels, and more Kongs. With the 25th Anniversary being back on November 21, 2019, which means I'm late, we'll take a look at Donkey Kong Country.

Two Worlds, One Incredible Game: A Look At Chrono Cross 20 Years Later

Two Worlds, One Incredible Game: A Look At Chrono Cross 20 Years Later
November 9, 2019
By Ryan Porzl

In 1995, the world was introduced to the game Chrono Trigger, one of the greatest masterpieces in video game history. Telling the story of friends from different time periods traveling back and forth through time in the hopes of saving the world from an intergalactic parasite, it was one of the greatest games ever made and it begged for a sequel. Then four years later, Square released the indirect sequel Chrono Cross. Taking place 20 years after the events of Trigger, Chrono Cross saw dozens of characters travel between two nearly identical worlds and must stop the same parasite who is now stronger than ever. With the 20th Anniversary of Chrono Cross coming in November, what better way to celebrate then look back at one of the greatest sequels ever made. As is the case with these articles, don't read if you don't want to be spoiled as there are spoilers.

Triple Threat: A Look At Sonic The Hedgehog: Triple Trouble 25 Years Later

Triple Threat: A Look At Sonic The Hedgehog: Triple Trouble 25 Years Later
August 15, 2019
By Ryan Porzl

                                          

1994 was a big year for the Sonic the Hedgehog franchise as it saw the release of three games. The first being the long awaited Sonic the Hedgehog 3 and the second was Sonic and Knuckles which was an innovative game that used locked on technology allowing the player as Knuckles in Sonic 2 while transforming two games into one with Sonic 3. However, a third game also came out that same year that largely flew under the radar likely due to it being only released on the Sega Game Gear and that game was Sonic The Hedgehog: Triple Trouble. With the 25 Anniversary coming in November, we'll take a look at a solid Sonic outing that got overlooked possibly due to a combination of the system is was released on and that fact the franchise was churning out many classics at the time.

A Look Back at Super Mario Land 30 Years Later

A Look Back at Super Mario Land 30 Years Later
April 13, 2019 
By Ryan Porzl

Super Mario Land Cover

By the end of the 80s, the Mario franchise went from humble beginnings with Mario as the hero of Donkey Kong to an Arcade in Mario Bros to exploding in popularity with Super Mario Bros on the Nintendo Entertainment System and becoming one of the top franchise players in the video games business. Before Mario, Nintendo had created a portable game called the "Game n' Watch" which was a watch that played a simple game which proved very successful. By the end of the 80s, Nintendo decided to create a new portable system that played games on little cartridges and was charged with four AA Batteries. The portable system would be known as the Game Boy and would become one of Nintendo's most successful creations. To no surprise, Nintendo decided on creating a Mario game to go along with the Game Boy and released a new and different Mario adventure called Super Mario Land. Here, we'll take a look at Super Mario Land as the 30th Anniversary is approaching.

Maverick Hunting a Quarter Century: The 25th Anniversary of Mega Man X

Maverick Hunting a Quarter Century: The 25th Anniversary of Mega Man X
December 15, 2018
By Ryan Porzl

Mega Man has been one of video game's most treasured franchises upon it's release. Fans and critics couldn't get enough of the blue bomber fighting off the evil Dr. Wily and his creations. However, Mega Man is more than just the original incarnation. Perhaps Capcom saw something there but as the decades gone by, new franchises were added to the Mega Man universe with some being sequels to the original while others being set in a different universe. In 1993, Capcom unleashed the first with the release of Mega Man X. Set 100 years after the original, it tells the story of a new, advanced, and powerful Mega Man named Mega Man X or X for short who fought alongside a group known as Maverick Hunters who sought to protect the world from evil robots or reploids who had gone maverick. Since then, Mega Man X has seen nine releases in it's history and despite the franchise being dormant for nearly half it's history, it's still a classic franchise of it own. Appropriate it's a sequel because like I did last year with Mega Man, I'll take a look at Mega Man X. This article contains spoilers so don't read if you don't want to be spoiled.