Check out my latest set of NES reviews for RoadBlasters (nes) and Super Spike V'Ball (20-year re-review).
For RoadBlasters, it occurred to me that this game was probably set at a date that's already passed, making it eligible for a "back to the future" icon.
I don't know what that icon would look like, but I think it would be cool to have. Let me know if you have any ideas.
2021/8/10: NES: RoadBlasters, Super Spike V'Ball
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Re: 2021/8/10: NES: RoadBlasters, Super Spike V'Ball
Too easy and too long is an apt description of RoadBlasters. It doesn't get that challenging until late in the game. It's playable though.
At least you can skip levels. I never want to play through the entire thing again.
At least you can skip levels. I never want to play through the entire thing again.
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Re: 2021/8/10: NES: RoadBlasters, Super Spike V'Ball
Dammit, Critic!! Just when I think I've been posting a bit too much on here lately, you go and rope me back in with a review of one of my favorite NES titles! Heh. It's a good problem to have
I love Super Spike, and as your review noted, it makes a great first impression for new players. I've roped so many friends into playing it over the years, and everyone who's touched it has had a total blast. There is some nuance to the controls, but it's still an easy game to pick up and play.
Personally, I like it better than Kings of the Beach, but they're both great games. They're also so affordable, anyone could manage to add both to their NES libraries for just a few bucks. In this day and age of skyrocketing retro prices, it's nice to know that there's still some cheap fun to be had on the NES.
I really dig the goofy vibes in Super Spike, from the huge "KABOOM!" letters whenever you pull off a spike to the addition of a team made up of Double Dragon's Billy and Jimmy Lee. And something about playing beach volleyball in Chicago has always made me laugh.
And interesting suggestion, about adding a BTTF icon. How about a newspaper page, with half the text faded away? Or a basic DeLorean pixel art image, maybe taken from one of the NES titles? I also like the simpler idea of the number "85" written in a retro red LED font, like the numbers would appear on the Flux Capacitor or an old digital alarm clock.
EDIT: The wife suggests the title card from the beginning of Escape From New York, where the screen reads, "1997 - NOW." Yeah, that didn't age well
I'm actually pretty curious to see what we all come up with, here...
I love Super Spike, and as your review noted, it makes a great first impression for new players. I've roped so many friends into playing it over the years, and everyone who's touched it has had a total blast. There is some nuance to the controls, but it's still an easy game to pick up and play.
Personally, I like it better than Kings of the Beach, but they're both great games. They're also so affordable, anyone could manage to add both to their NES libraries for just a few bucks. In this day and age of skyrocketing retro prices, it's nice to know that there's still some cheap fun to be had on the NES.
I really dig the goofy vibes in Super Spike, from the huge "KABOOM!" letters whenever you pull off a spike to the addition of a team made up of Double Dragon's Billy and Jimmy Lee. And something about playing beach volleyball in Chicago has always made me laugh.
And interesting suggestion, about adding a BTTF icon. How about a newspaper page, with half the text faded away? Or a basic DeLorean pixel art image, maybe taken from one of the NES titles? I also like the simpler idea of the number "85" written in a retro red LED font, like the numbers would appear on the Flux Capacitor or an old digital alarm clock.
EDIT: The wife suggests the title card from the beginning of Escape From New York, where the screen reads, "1997 - NOW." Yeah, that didn't age well
I'm actually pretty curious to see what we all come up with, here...
Last edited by Matchstick on August 11th, 2021, 12:20 am, edited 1 time in total.
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Re: 2021/8/10: NES: RoadBlasters, Super Spike V'Ball
"88" rather than 85 might be more fitting, since that's the magical speed. Or simply use the flux capacitor.
I also gotta say, that Roadblasters review is awfully positive for a "D" grade! I had to go back up and recheck your grade after reading it all! At any rate, you convinced me to try both games.
I also gotta say, that Roadblasters review is awfully positive for a "D" grade! I had to go back up and recheck your grade after reading it all! At any rate, you convinced me to try both games.
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Re: 2021/8/10: NES: RoadBlasters, Super Spike V'Ball
VideoGameCritic wrote:.
For RoadBlasters, it occurred to me that this game was probably set at a date that's already passed, making it eligible for a "back to the future" icon.
I don't know what that icon would look like, but I think it would be cool to have. Let me know if you have any ideas.
How about a future Biff sprite wearing the hottest fashions of 2015?
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Re: 2021/8/10: NES: RoadBlasters, Super Spike V'Ball
Breaker wrote:"88" rather than 85 might be more fitting
Agreed. In context, I guess 85 doesn't make as much sense unless you slap a "19" in front of it. But 88 MPH, yeah, that's one we'd all get. Good call, Breaker!
I like TPG's Biff sprites, too. Might mesh well with the current Arthur Award for Extreme Difficulty.
This idea came to mind while I was falling asleep last night -
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Re: 2021/8/10: NES: RoadBlasters, Super Spike V'Ball
Good ideas guys but I think they're a little subtle for general audiences.
Maybe a flying car? We were supposed to have one of them years ago. Still waiting!
Could be a fun icon.
Maybe a flying car? We were supposed to have one of them years ago. Still waiting!
Could be a fun icon.
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Re: 2021/8/10: NES: RoadBlasters, Super Spike V'Ball
Is there a way you can get an image of a time machine from the original film? The 1960s original version, rod Taylor. It's fairly simple looking and I think you could incorporate that.
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Re: 2021/8/10: NES: RoadBlasters, Super Spike V'Ball
VideoGameCritic wrote:Good ideas guys but I think they're a little subtle for general audiences.
Maybe a flying car? We were supposed to have one of them years ago. Still waiting!
Could be a fun icon.
Something like this?
That way, people don't confuse it with Back to the Future or some kind of Blade Runner style cyberpunk.
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