Messages

1

General / Re: 52 Games Challenge 2025!!!

« on: August 20, 2025, 08:42:57 pm »

Mafia Old Country has officially ended my gaming drought. I got really immersed but travels and adulting has simply not let me sit in front of any plastic gaming recepticle for dedicated play time for like a week lol. Ive had almost no time.  But it definitely is a glorious game. Happy to be back and hopefully at 51. Soon!    Thanks to everyone for the advice with handling gaming burnout. I am still easing back in gently to not burn out again but I think the break was much needed.

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General / Re: 52 Games Challenge 2025!!!

« on: August 10, 2025, 05:04:06 pm »

I've encountered major video game burnout of some sort, at the 50 mark it seems everything I put on just doesn't grip me and i'd rather either binge Netflix or go outside and do stuff in locals driving around attractions. Which is fine but this is definitely the longest drought I've hit with games since maybe 2019.  Perhaps doing 50 in around half a year was too much too fast. Anyone else ever experience a burnout?  Ive tried both short and long games.

Maybe Mafia Old Country will be the one to get me back on the horse.  52 is on the horizon. Hope to join you guys again soon!

I took a break from gaming in the mid 2000s, but that was mostly due to me starting college, dating, and getting more into other interests of mine. I didn't get fully into it again until around 2009/2010. A more recent example was around 2020/2021 where i was still playing a lot of games, but they just didn't have the same impact on me they once did. i think part of this burnout was due to me hitting my expiration date as a collector, but I also think it was a bit of me playing so many games for so long that I just needed to take a break. So, that's what I did. I started modding game consoles a lot, which is still video game related, but i was doing that far more than playing them.


When I got back into gaming, I feel like I approached it from a new perspective of wanting quality experiences over quantity. I still like branching out and playing games I'm curious about, but I became far more okay with admitting some games aren't for me or there are certain games I'll likely never make the time to play. Also, revisiting some of my all time favorite games helped me figure out why I loved gaming so much, which also helped.


But yeah, be patient, do other things for as long as you need to and eventually you'll likely come around and get back into a gaming again. It might be in a month, possibly 6 months, or possibly several years. Just ride it out and see what happens.

This is actually refreshing knowing that you were able to go from a big break to your gaming passion returning.  Today I got Mafia Old Country which ive waited months to play. So hoping tonight is the night I get back on the proverbial horse lol. But like you said. Im being mindful to not force it either. If im still not feeling it. I'll put it down.

I do think a lot of it is the sensory overload ive been doing. Ive been doing big cities and traveling so I think my body just wants silence and calm in its off time.  Instead of more action. Theirs less boredom to cure with games. Winter since I live in new england will probably get me some hibernation gaming. 

What kind of mods did you do? Thats interesting. Was it stuff like backlighting gameboys? I wish I could but I suck at soldering so bad that I dont want to ever pick up a soldering iron again lol.

Happy gaming everyone. I have still been reading the reviews others post here despite my gaming pause.  Its always good reading here.

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General / Re: 52 Games Challenge 2025!!!

« on: August 05, 2025, 10:11:15 pm »

I've encountered major video game burnout of some sort, at the 50 mark it seems everything I put on just doesn't grip me and i'd rather either binge Netflix or go outside and do stuff in locals driving around attractions. Which is fine but this is definitely the longest drought I've hit with games since maybe 2019.  Perhaps doing 50 in around half a year was too much too fast. Anyone else ever experience a burnout?  Ive tried both short and long games.

Maybe Mafia Old Country will be the one to get me back on the horse.  52 is on the horizon. Hope to join you guys again soon! 

4

General / Re: VGC's Anonymous/"General" Topic:

« on: August 02, 2025, 06:55:02 pm »

Well I got to play a switch 2 today. Spent about 15 minutes with Donkey Kong Bonanza. My takeaways are...  immediate awe and enjoyment followed by sadness that I cant buy one. Because I cant support the company at its current pricing and posturing. But maybe someday

You could always buy a used one and used games for it. I've said this before, but I'm holding off until either there's some game that I cannot resist, or until the console has been out for at least 3 years or so. I figure by then we should know if Nintendo starts doing the key card thing with their first party games, or if some other ridiculous anti consumer, anti ownership crap is implemented. Assuming that doesn't happen, I'll pick one up and likely have a nice chunk of exclusives to catch up on. In many ways, The Switch 2 reminds me a bit of my experience with the Gamecube back in the day. I was never big into the Gamecube and still am not, but I eventually did get one during the console's run, as well as a handful of games I really enjoyed.

I knew I shouldnt have played Donkey Kong Bananza lol. I felt the same as you. I'm still not eager for it. I think its Nintendos least ambitious product in history. But I just had to play the game. A good 20 minutes too. But im gonna try to hold out for the 2nd  or 3rd masterpiece. I overall enjoyed my time with it but I waited almost 5 years before buying Switch 1 and I never play it now.  I dont wanna do the same with 2 and have it collect dust. Its still fairly underpowered.

Sadly it seems anyone selling used locally is trying to scalp and price gouge. I'd have assumed it would cool off with the stock replenish but all are 500+ on ebay (bundle) I dont get people who try to become Bezos by flipping consoles at like 5 percent gain each. Thats such a volatile and exhausting endeavor even if you manage to turn a profit by some miracle. Maybe ill wait until they get desperate and start selling at 425.

Is their a console seller that would force you to buy one? For example Mario Odyssey 2? 

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Off Topic / Re: Your Own Thoughts On General Entertainment?

« on: August 02, 2025, 01:27:19 pm »

What branch of the military did General Entertainment serve?

Is he as decorated as General Admission, General Electric and Captain Crunch?

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General / Re: VGC's Anonymous/"General" Topic:

« on: August 01, 2025, 07:31:43 pm »

Well I got to play a switch 2 today. Spent about 15 minutes with Donkey Kong Bonanza. My takeaways are...  immediate awe and enjoyment followed by sadness that I cant buy one. Because I cant support the company at its current pricing and posturing. But maybe someday

But

Pros:

The joysticks are much improved and feel closer to ps4. With this console. A pro controller may be optional rather than manditory like Switch 1's joke of joycons. The black color scheme is truly sexy. It feels more mature. And able to handle entertaining both kids and games. It also feels more diverse in general.

The buttons feel slightly clickier and the pro controller which I also got to try has touch clickers in the back.  The haptic feedback is nice.

The graphics are pretty. Is it ps5 pro pretty? Even in dock mode? No. But its servicable. And overall the colors and frames are really really good. Not one dip in frames. Really clean.

Donkey kong bananza is basically mario odyssey level great. What a blast. It is goty bar none.  A glorious homage to donkey kong as a character.

Cons:

Lineup is very small and isolated.

The whole keycard lameness and pricing

It has the same UI. Which to me is lazy. I dont like the Switch 1 UI. Its so uninventive. Feels like a cheap leap frog tablet.  No tabs. No diversity. No customization outside of colors and profile. Eh. Definitely playing it safe. I really wish it had some wildly modern super grid layout with navigation smoothness.  (I know this is my preferences and millions love switch UI. So maybe its good they give someone what they are used to).


I really want one. But we must stay strong friends

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Off Topic / Re: What Was The Last Movie/Anime You Watched?

« on: July 26, 2025, 04:38:44 pm »

Happy Gilmore 2

Netflix streaming has brought a meriad of adam sandler films but none as high stake and highly advertised as the sequel to his quintessential 90s comedy Happy Gilmore.  Whenever you see 2 in comedy movies. You typically go in hesitant.  Anchorman 2, Grown Ups 2, Hangover Part 2. Theirs been examples where it just misses. It's so rare for comedy sequels to work and I think the main reason is that jokes in general only work once. Some comedy movies tend to desire to be what they were but they cant because time evolved along with peoples perception of funny.

Happy Gilmore 2 doesnt try to be happy gilmore 1. It tries to beat it. It drags it down to the gallows and fist fights it. It doesnt live in its shadow like a wounded Raven beneath the crow. It goes for it. And quite frankly? It kicks ass. It succeeds in every way.

It's drowned to the gils in cameos. Dozens. Maybe hundreds.  But it never feels forced somehow. Social media icons. Rappers. Wrestlers. Comedians. Some of Adams friends.  Sandler takes the role of a more seasoned Happy on the yesteryear of his career and that in itself kinda hit my feels.

Adam Sandler defined my childhood. To many he's like a swcond uncle. And now i'm almost 30. Hes over 50. But I remember being that kid. 10 years old. Laughing at Happy Gilmore beating bob barker in fist to cuffs.  At times with the cast being partially dead.  It felt like a memorium as much as it did a movie at times.  A sweet symphonic kiss to the 90s. And heroes of my youth.

Adam killed it. He was funny but not trying too hard. He knows where he is in life. He knows hes a legend. He knows the character is legendary and he plays that into the script. Its well directed.

Two of Adams daughters and his wife star in the movie and I always say this. You can feel when a person loves their costar. Genuine love cant be acted. Adam has dad energy in his comeback. Because he literally is dad energy. His daughter being in direct proximity gives Adam this softer aura thar makes him more believable as a man. Not just a comic relief pun.  Hes more human in this film.

But that doesnt mean its not without raunchy wild humor. It's a blast of a good time. 

They hit it out of the park with this one.  And I cant imagine them doing the sequel any better in the modern ahe.  Theirs a lot of ad placement. Maybe a tad too much. But I dont mind because it makes it feel closer to home.

 Happy gilmore 2 is a star studden glam fest on surface. But it also digs deep into Happy.  Makes unsusepcted twists. Has villains that are detestable. It's mostly family friendly but still raunch heavy like Adam is known for. And his family and costars bring out the most of his talent as an actor. It was a well oiled machine. I laughed at least 50 times.

Rating - Amazing.  (Not feeling a number on this one. If I had to? A 97/100)

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Off Topic / Re: What Was The Last Movie/Anime You Watched?

« on: July 24, 2025, 07:37:06 am »

Superman

DC's history with superman is sketch to say the least, like in every media medium they fumble. Superman 64 trailed Spiderman 64.  Superman vs Batman was a disaster. Batman and Spiderman seem to always be the golden kids at Thanksgiving getting the first spoon of cranberry sauce despite superman being so powerful. With so much legacy to build off of. This movie is DC's much needed Babe Ruth homerun.  The visuals are deliciously lush. Little details bring it all to life. It also introduces other DC icons. But best of all. Bar none. Is the casting and delivery by Lex Luthor.  Goodness gracious that man can act.  Not to mention sell the dread, zaney jealous/evil hybrid that is the character.   The brutality is refreshing in a world of nonsense.  James Gunn is talented with this style of story telling. I think superman lends himself to his style better than suicide squad did. Backstory is rich. The love angle is dense.  It all feels authentic.  The media pundit fun police can sit around crying while box office speaks for itself.  Its a great film. 97/100

I know what.you did last summer (2025)

High highs and low lows.  The cast is believable and casted well. I do think the star studded cast drenched in both nostalgic icons and modern star kids balances well. It sorta plays on the original. I do find Danica and Teddy's tumultuous unite under dark circumstances vibe to be cute. And I like their love arch.  Freddy Prinze Jr. Crushes his role.  Overall it has all you'd want. Until the ending.  The ending is absolute ass. It is not only statistically, ethically and bogusly improbable but doubles down on absurdity.  It is layers of nonsense. It feels shakey on its feet.  Like an old Mike Tyson fighting Jake Paul.  It has its nostalgia. Its sentimental. It has the 90s tropes.  But it has a few dry periods.  It isnt what the original was. But its a fun time. Overall I enjoyed it. It's not even near the scream sequels. But its not as bad as a horror movie can be.  I also think the way they made modern alternatives to the original cast clever and not all the turns are seen coming.   77/100

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General / Re: 52 Games Challenge 2025!!!

« on: July 20, 2025, 10:25:47 am »

50. As Dusk Falls [PS5] - finished July 18th, 2025



THEY RELEASED AN UNFINISHED GAME


I'm torn here. Bittersweet symphonies be this game, a monarch butterfly that dies too young. On one hand. It is the first co-op narrative driven decision style game I've beaten with my gf. It was filled with funny and fun decisions. Banter. It is intuitive and clever by design and story.  On the other hand.  It literally ended 66 percent of the way through the story and devs gave the entire playerbase who played this game one giant cliffhanger to leave on. PERMANENTLY lol.  This is the ending.  Thats the game.  Their is no 3rd book. I beat it. Man thats sad


I have scoured the internet. Posts on reddit, forums, the game itself.  Their is meant to be another chapter "book" in the series. Instead. They end on an insane cliffhanger (that I wont share for spoiler reasons) and then poof. Vanish.  The game for that account is fairly disapponting and predatory.  Most people complained about this 3 years ago. We are now in 2025. So its safe to say. They have this in the store to scam people at this point.  it's very much an unfinished project with no intent of being added upon.   But somehow it was still really fun and I enjoyed my time with it regardless


You take on the role of varying characters. But most Vince... a laid off former airport employee who is tangled up in a road trip that leads to a hostage situation.  You also control sometimes his young daughter Zoe. Who is a tyke when you first play but of course becomes grown. The story has hard decisions. Gripping realities. Sweet bonds.  Dark subject matter of suciide, mobsters and death. And lots of violence.  It's so well done! It was a blast while it lasted.  It also is excellent at making two people or more (all allowed to play via controller or a companion app on mobile) work together to form decisions. Players can even override and seek complete dominance. But those are limited to 3 each per book.  But me and my gf mostly agreed and followed suit.  Its a fun way to spark convo among couples, friends or parties. QTE are also done together as a group.

The game has vibrant characters.  My favorite ended up being Zoe. Which is shocking. Her character begins to take on massive amounts of depth as she faces the tragedies that befell her.


The game is like a guns and roses cd that skips welcome to the jungle and sweet child of mine. Titanic ending right before Jack and rose's ending. Just the ship sinks and you've got nowhere to know what happens of the love. But the game overall feels like you go on a date with your crush, and you order a greasy diner burger. Double cheese. Bacon on that... a deep fried oreo sundae to split. You go to the bathroom after discussing playing mario kart together.  The chemistry is unreal.  But she bails to be with a brazilian bartender named Fabian that lifts weights and is good at dance dance revolution. Much better than you are at it. Pet chinchila named gregory is now your future. You come back to perpetual friend zone and soy allergies realizing you're an office 7 in a land of 9s. At least thats how the games plot based dissonance makes you feel. Like a digital video game 3rd wheel. An empty table with no note. Like a person that left you musty after a motel 6 rendevouz but never calls back. And more cheese and burger than one man can wash down with a thousand tears.  All because you dropped all the jugggles you attempted at the grade 6 talent show.  It all flashes before you.  She asked you to to go to a Nirvana concert but you misheard. And thought she said Alanis concert. But she hated Morissette. Fumbled. Rain trickles. Violas play. Empty gondolas. Tuscany. Pasta salad. Crib assembly but in a nieghbors home. But you failed.  You are left with a bunch of what ifs but not a what was.  That is this game. Missed potential. An amazing road that led to nowhere. A shattered glass of scotch and 20 years of sienfeld reruns. And I cant rate it where I want to rate it in good concience.  So the first double rating will commense.   


Rating for what is present - 95/100

Rating for the incomplete total package - 70/100


Ive never actually seen a developer do what this dev did. Most games are either incomplete and unreleased. Broken by level 1. But letting the player get so invested and cutting only the ending off? Thats ridiculous.

10

General / Re: 52 Games Challenge 2025!!!

« on: July 20, 2025, 09:58:20 am »

49. Tony Hawk Pro Skater 3 [PS2] - finished July 17th, 2025




So just for giggles and fudge, I aquired the original versions of the games I just beat to compare and contrast. And boy was I shocked at just how blaringly different the games feel, play, look and the overall tonality of the franchise.  And I've made a comprehensive list of things changed or otherwise absent. It's a good remake. But it's fairly different.  So now the original.


has it gone too clean?

I mean.  I hate the word "woke". I wouldnt necessarily say this is the case of the game. But honestly? I do feel societal pressure has forced a company once called neversoft to make a very edgey "rad" vibe into everything soft.  Societal implications forces devs to move around landmines of controversy and censor themselves. That can be fairly sad. Their are some things in this game where its either ESRB or Activision themselves truly deliberately being ridiculous to appease people. And considering the Teen rating of the remake.  It should have been able to keep the same tonality as the original. Here are many things omitted from the remake.

SPOILER ALERT ALTHOUGH THE GAME ISNT REALLY STORY BASED ANYWAY


The neversoft girls -  the never soft girls were girl characrers with sexualized features (as so the ps2 permits lol) that would cheer the skater on as they did tricks and impressing them was a primary goal of a level. I actually dont mind the omissions of the sexualized nature as I cant imagine any necessity to it. I also can see that being annoying to girls who may play the game.  But why omit the girls entirely? Why not add guys to be equal.  I just feel this is an example of good intent but had execution. I feel moderness has removed that tacky silly "guy does a kickflip for a girls amusement" playful banter we seen in adam sandler movies between and has borderline demonized all swoon comedy.  Heres why it matters. It sorta feels tacky as a lot of stuff does with swap culture because they dont put a good substitute.  Now the game has replaced this challenge with "impress the pro skaters?".  Pro skaters on a cruise ship? Randomly demanding you do tricks even though you clearly are already a skater yourself and they are pro skaters who already have seen it all? and theirs minimal gain? Not as believable as finding a girl by the pool of a cruise ship and skating awesomely to show off to her.  Anyone who did sports in the late 90s can attest to how realistic the original scenario is in comparison.  Its forgivable. But eh.  I think it was cuter and more 90s before.


Los Angeles Earthquake - In the original we see an earthquake that knocks a mans car over the edge of a highway. He is dangling for his life.  Instead of helping you grind along his car knocking him to his presumed death which then stops a police chase. The police chase was ending in gunfire from machine guns.  So in essense you save the police officers lives.

In thps 3+4. This is replaced by a woman who is hanging out of a trunk of the car.  When grinded on. She is saved and thanks you. The car falls, stopping the chase.  The cause of the chase? An automated tesla self driving car.  With no urgency. All is saved. Nobody is harmed  I mean. Thats fine and all.  It works. But the tonality has completely shifted. From punk rock, anarchy and skating. To a spiderman hero and elon musk cars and I cant see much reason to not include the original sequence. Its a T game. But I suppose I dont dislike either. I more so don't like the do gooder attitude and the incessant need to bubble wrap the world as if that works to defuse violence.  The original game from launch had a very edgey, bloody, hardcore and comedy driven vibe to it.  The new one a little sugar and spiced that vibe. I dont per say hate it. Its fine. I just dont get the need to clean up. 

You're all wet? - when you would fall in water. The original game would say "you're washed" and the new one says "you're all wet" idk why.  Is saying someone is washed up a brutal insult now?  I actually find the new one perhaps more suggestive without intending to be. 

Blood - the old game had blood.  Idk if the new one has it hidden under options settings but I didn't see it.  Its a t rated game.  I can handle blood.  Feels like mortal kombat blood code in the 90s all over again. I thought we became cool as society lol.

Punjee Pit - Punjee pit was removed. Because of its connection to multiple real wars.  I guess devs in 2025 never read this quote "the faster we forget history. The quicker we are doomed to repeat it". A punjee pit could have been renamed spike pit.  But nope.  No blood. So why traps?  I remember those as a kid. So it has changed in park creator as well. No lava pit. No edge.

So tbh. Idk who got strict.  I wasnt in the rooms. Maybe it wasnt a situation of politics but more so the Esrb. Maybe they told the devs they cant replicate the cop shoot scene without it being M. But it does feel like they ommited a bit of the punk rock skatey edge that had kids wanting to be anarchists and stuff.  For better? I'm unsure. I think it all worked out fine.  Although I seem critical. I like the vibe. Just know this going into 3+4. That it is more arcade family fun. It plays EVERYTHING safe.  But the originals were edgy and a bit more skater kid vibe.  They both reflect their times. 


Now here is stuff that is left out. For worst. Or that improved on the new game.


1. This game has no wall slaps or grind or manual modifiers. It also doesnt have gap acid drops yet.  Both of which are almost mandatory to chain epic skill chains. Which is probably why the original games see skill score goals of like 40 to 100,000 while the new one can go up to 500k or more.  The old game just simply doesnt have as much variety to play with tricks.  But its far more varied and easy to play than the ps1 game.

2. The load times.  Or especially the time it takes for a skater to get up after falling is really bad.  I pointed upwards of 5 seconds. Which when you're trying to chain moves can feel enormous. And I know ps2 can respawn faster.

3. Much less customization.  Its a few outfits.

4. The map rio feels absolutely dead in comparison. Theirs almost no life. 

5. Suburbia has much more creative flair in the new game swapping jack o lanterns for pumpkins and adds epically to the haunted house theme.  It also has a way better layout.

6. The soundtrack is larger and maybe more nuanced and colorful in 3+4

7. Canada as a level didnt feel as expansive. And many challenges were easy.

So all in all. The old game has a nostalgic energy that makes it a window into a differwnt world. A dead paralel dimension where gak and tech decks ruled the shadows under teen boy beds. When Bam Margera was cool and breaking femurs was rad lol.  But what it bests its newer counterpart in vibe. It loses in pretty much anything mechanics wise.  Its very playable. But it also is very hindered.  Its tough to say if theirs a total package bettering of content in either. Damn.  I think its needed to be played for what it means to games. And to keep historical importance alive.

But lets not compare it to a 23 year upgrade.  Lets compare it against its own counterparts.  The game is a trend setter and I feel it betters the 2 ps1 games in every way. This is revolutionary. It deserves praise for what it did for the skating genre. The ps2 jump is a big deal.  And it is borderline stellar in level design.


Rating - 93/100

11

General / Re: 52 Games Challenge 2025!!!

« on: July 14, 2025, 12:10:52 pm »

48. Tony Hawk Pro Skater 3+4 [PS5] - finished July 13th, 2025



The Hawk Flies Again!


I was hesitant when I learned that iron galaxy and parent company activision would be removing the story mode from tony hawk pro skater 4. It caused hysteria from fans of the original games. But then I realized that I much prefer the lay out of the timed challenges i'm already so familiar with. And for the most part they did a perfect job integrating the original story format into a timed challenge format! On top of that. Most people since reference just how aged the quality of the npcs were in the original thps4. And with such costs. It would have effected quality. The game also had an extremely fairly priced collectors edition with actual quality piece that I feel warranted support for the project and im happy I did! It's a rocking good time.  And the backlash is largely exaggerated.  You're basically only changing how challenges are delivered. Not the levels or challenges themselves. They all mostly remain in tact.   If you enjoy thps 1 + 2. This is much of the same.  But I think thats where it maybe needed to push the envelope just a tad. 


Control Schemes -  the skating is as fluid as ever.  Moves feel responsive.  Chaining combos at blistering speed feels organic. The haptic feedback is nice and reverting using the triggers is a satisfying sensation. It all works clean and achieves a nice framerate even on slim ps5.  Textures are gorgeous.

Graphics - the graphics are simply monumentous.  The lighting effects are dazzling and the colors vibrant. Character models are the same as thps 1 though. So again. Not much upgrade there. But it overall looks serene and lush.  No sepia filter. No ugly film grain.

Gameplay - many quality of life improvements have been made. Such as a camera mode that allows you hover a drone to look to see where your gaps are. What clearances you need to jump and where S K A T E letters are located.  Of course customizable characters.  And heres the big golden goose kicker.  NO MICRO TRANS.   Hot diggity dog.  A company not ripping people off post launch?  It would be easy to do with a game like tony hawk.  Add a couple of cheap levels for 19.99.  Demand a vitrual currency for cosmetics. Or even the cruelest. Charge for stat upgrade points.  Use a online skin model like fortnite. But overall. Nope.  It kept it clean again. Its just classic tony.  Throw it in.  A stale faygo on your bedside end table.  Smelling like after shave and slim jim meat from a 3 day tony hawk bender in 1998.  No micro this. And dlc that.  You just turn it on and combo chain till oblivion.  It is what it always was. 


The soundtrack was another source of controversy. Tony Hawk himself has spoken out as to why it was slimmed down. His intent with these games always was since the beggining to turn people on to new music. Not just new as in age. But new to them.  So he wanted a blend of old and new to form a hybrid of sounds. And it kicks ass.  Some were mad at tony for saying "if you want the old songs.  Open spotify" but I think his intent was in kindness. He clearly has minimum control in licensing and it prob boils down to licensing.   But thats not gonna take away from the soundtrack kicking wholesale ass!    Motorhead, kendrick lamar, Travis barker drums, denzel curry and acts like iron maiden and anthrax grace the game.  Among others.  It's still the cool kid in town despite growing up and putting on a new jacket.




GRIPES


The game is much of the same. It plays it safe. This is good... excellent. We know were safe from a shit tony hawk like pro skater 5.  But theirs something slightly sad about that trend.  I do know it largely has saved a dying franchise. But I do know the game is now without risks.  We may never get a game like tony hawk American wasteland. Or a new underground because its far safer to remaster the classics.  I like it. Its amazing. But I do wish they at least added modes.  A new mode where you gotta upgrade iconic skaters to unlock mini chapters based on each?  Maybe a retro mode that includes the original games in full?  Anything to spice it up. Make it off the wall.  But its sorta thps 1 + 2.   


And lastly.  The level zoo was botched. No way around it.  That level in the original was this sprawling metropolis of animals.  You could be chased by aggressive leopards and lions. Rail grind buzzards. Hitch a damn elephant.  Aquariums sprawling with life.  Now?? A defunct ghost town used only for a cheap lame comp with no goals or even animals at all.  That in itself is rough to overlook. Id almost rather they just removed the level.  Its that sad to me.  All the other levels have changed. Made omissions here and there but rarely.  But zoo?  It's nuetered. Its not really a fun level either.  It's just a shell of what it used to be.  And I can imagine that is harsher if you're nostalgoc for thps4.  Like a faded photo of the ex that got away. 


Overall - an amazing revisit to classic tony hawk games. Another home run for a consistent mission to keep all generations loving the good ol T Miester Tony Hawk.  It is perfect at its mechanics.


Rating - 95/100

12

General / Re: What are you playing?

« on: July 14, 2025, 11:36:15 am »

Not sure if I'll get back to Another Crab's Treasure or not, it's overall a decent game, but it wasn't clicking how I'd like.  For no real strong reason, sometimes games just don't play perfectly how I like and it's enough to mildly annoy me and the whole time I played I just wish some of the mechanics were a little smoother or tighter.  I do recommend it though and maybe I'll get back eventually, I just have Game Pass for now, so I got a bunch of stuff lined up to check out.

And the next I checked out is Tony Hawk Pro Skater 3+4.  Big Tony Hawk fan and was glad they got another shot at the series.  And despite being another studio for this, it's so far decent, only half-way through THPS3 content at the moment.  I know some people weren't happy that THPS 4 isn't the same game it was, they are just putting the maps into the classic timer format instead of being more of a free roam game with story content, but I don't mind that.  I personally don't have the nostalgia specifically for that one and I honestly don't think they would've made THPS 4 in full anyways, so this is the better option.  The only thing I'm slightly disappointed by is that apparently most of the music in the game is new additions rather than the old soundtrack.  I don't know specifically what was cut, I remember a bit less from this time other than CKY a few others, but I still would rather keep it as close to the original as possible.  That being said, I've heard some songs that I believe are new and are pretty cool, so I don't mind it a ton.

This was exactly my take as well! No nostalgia for me. So  this game shreds majorly. I partially understand the distain for the switch of course but I think the story mode really removes the arcadey cohesion of it all.  When combined with 3.  But yeah. I think 80 percent of the original soundtrack was removed among both games. Its not a small chunk for sure. Which is sad. My biggest gripe more than that is how stripped 2 of the levels are. Especially "zoo" in thps4. Like you I never grew up with thps4. So their was no nostalgia there.  But after looking up the original zoo.  They definitely nuetered that level and removed all animals from it. It seems so bizarre to make that level the comp level.  It had so much to see with live animals and challenges. Most likely due to resource and budget constraints      Shame.  But still overall a fun time.


But overall its been a blast. And I do think the soundtracks are great.  I think a mix of old and new is healthy for remasters and remakes.  I Hope you're enjoying it!

13

General / Re: 52 Games Challenge 2025!!!

« on: July 10, 2025, 07:55:14 pm »

47. Who Pressed Mute On Uncle Marcus [PS5] - finished Jul 9th, 2025



47. Who Hit Mute On Uncle Marcus

This game is dank lol. Maybe dank is self described. Dank as in a moldy dish rag on a placenta dragon's door hinge. It's a silly flash in the pan that ends way too soon. It doesnt get where it needs to go. Like if someone double dog dared your crush to kiss you.  It's like your hearts racing, you dont know what to feel. It sorta was what you imagined, it sorta wasnt and in the end? You dont know what to do but hope for it to extend upon itself and it never does.  It's this FMV British comedy soup that is funny at times. But since its basically a 15 minute episode of Ricky Gervais's the office with half the humor and twice the amount to unpack. I personally think it needed more time to get into its footing. It's a clustered up little mess of amusement. Maybe worth 2 dollars. Heres the issue... I paid 4 lol.


So essentially you are Abby. A family outcast who I suppose is close to Uncle Marcus. It doesnt extend into why she is. Uncle Marcus confides in you the details of a big mystery of how he was poisoned by someone in the family. And you are tasked to interrogate a set of family members (aunt, mom, cousins and grandmother) to find evidence. This is not a spoiler because its literally the games title and description in store lol. Once you gather evidence you can hopefully save Uncle Marcus or unviel the truth.  Theirs most likely many different endings. The issue is the game is over as fast as it starts.  I mostly got this game because I was itching for another game like Erica.  Erica is also an fmv. The game is actually camera footage of real humans and actresses and that game was 10/10 incredible and I beat it 3 times it was so engrossing. Like an unraveling hbo max movie. It felt like I was digging into an actual mystery. Shutter Island style. And this game? Its something I imagine would come on adult swim at 3am when everyones off to bed. Something you watch only out of lack of options. It just doesnt have any major unraveling. Its too short. And it's rare I ever say that.  But it just is. You cant just put someone at the helm of a 30 minute murder mystery and rush that to that extent.  But maybe some will find enjoyment in its novelty.

69/100

14

General / Re: 52 Games Challenge 2025!!!

« on: July 10, 2025, 07:43:42 pm »

46. Taiko No Tatsujin: Rythym Festival [PS5] - finished July 7th, 2025



Taiko No Tatsujin Rythym Festival is a fun little (not so little) Japanese treat to grace American audiences in recent memory. (I know it did decades ago. But I mean how massively popular it has become has had a recent spike to it). You know those cute little Japanese candy poppers that explode? Or the sodas with the marbles in them? That Japan has had for decades but have now since become trendy in the states? That is this game. A hidden treat that I think is dabbling into a space in American gaming where guitar hero would have once lived. The rythym genre! And i'm happy its gained some cult like attention. Sorta riding along the lines of games like Dance Dance Revolution which were games that blew up to popularity in tokyo arcades and then made it to be ported to pretty much every worldwide form of delivering entertainment. Im surprised their wasnt a dance dance revolution on dvd players using a remote to play the darn thing. Oh wait....


There was lol.



However Taiko No Tatsujin at its greatest value NEVER waivers from what it is.  I played the vita version which was released almost a decade before Rythym Festival. Its the same exact game. Different songs and UI of course. But it doesn't play around with becoming too saturated or too ambitious. And I feel its such a delightful pick up and play game because of it.  Its just faithful and fun.  Colorful and cute.

Players must simply hit the outer rim of a drum (a taiko peripheral. Sold seperate) for blue notes. And center drum for red notes although the game can also be played via controller. This raises accuracy and easiness of the game.  But removes some of the immersive realism of drumming away. Which is a optional trade off for casual play on the couch.

The songs are mostly J Pop, but their are some K Pop (such as black pink's dudududu) and English songs such as Disney's frozen II and classics such a bethooven symphony no.5.  The set list is varied, juicy and ripe with fun. And even though I maybe know 5 words in Japanese. It's something that every song beems with life. They have different tones, poignant appeal and lush visuals that compliment the intent of delivery. Melodies. Rock, japanese techno. It all is a big rave in a world so foreign to me and I do love that.   It can also be noted that if you buy the japanese copy of the game like I did. And play it on an ntsc playstation 5. The ps5 will automatically translate it to the language on your ps5. Its no different than owning the american copy aside from paying 30 dollars less lol. 


Overall the controls are smooth. The character Don Chin that looks sorta like a spring roll with green outer skin is adorable.  He is accompnied by a cloud with yellow strings?  I honestly feel like being non lingual in the games language makes it more abstract. I cant tell what the creatures are. But based on what ive read online. Japanese speakers and natives also find the game fairly off the wall and wild in terms of what is going on.  Theirs a lot of colorful visuals. It's one of the most colorful games I have ever played. 

Overall its a concise rythym game that has a smooth UI. Fun tracks. However lack of vocals, guitar or synths make it one dimensional. So you have to love drums. And particular ONE drum. To enjoy it.  It was fun for the many hours I put into it. However I actually think my vita experience was even better.

87/100

15

General / Re: July 2025 - Recently added to collection/recently purchased

« on: July 10, 2025, 07:34:51 pm »

Got my collectors edition of Tony Hawk Pro Skater 3+4 on the 8th.  I was worried the board included would be a cheap plastic eall hanger made for video game collectors and not an actual skate deck to save money. I was happily mistaken



In a world of 70 dollar games. The deluxe editoon is priced at around 69.99. Standard is 50.  So 70 dollars worth of the collectors edition is game alone. Which means this deck is 50.  That is a massive bargain for a birdhouse deck of limited run based on their website 52 to 72 is the average.  So i'm actually really stoked with the quality!

The orange amber wood grain is so sick. 


As for the game itself.  It's just like thps 1+2 but with 3+4 levels.  They removed the 4 story features but with nostalgia goggles taken off.  4's story elements were useless and unnecessary anyway.  I enjoy the streamlined experience. 

I think for the price this CE is tons of value and the deck is art gorgeousness on the other side.  I shoulda took a picture lol.   I think Tony Hawk made such a turn around.  From being borderline ruined as a franchise to redemption.  Cool to see. 

Happy gaming everyone