[RVGFANATIC] Now celebrating a dozen years! 12 year retrospective + random updates

[Steven]

note: see post #93 for link to said title feature


http://www.rvgfanatic.com/mediac/400_0/media/DIR_277601/RVG-Banner1.JPG


For those who don't know, back in January of '07 I launched an ambitious long-term website project to serve as a SNES review database. A secondary focus is placed on my old lover (it can get dirtier) SEGA Saturn, as well as miscellaneous stuff like retro magazine memories, how to be a king sniper on eBay, and all sorts of blog-ish life stories and memories. Basically a site for my gaming passions and mad ramblings. Where else could you go to find a review that breaks down the nuances of SNES Ken Griffey Jr. or Saturn Nekketsu Oyako, then another article recapping entire episodes of THE WONDER YEARS or ARE YOU AFRAID OF THE DARK? Not to mention one's memories of 9/11, Halloween, the flea market, and such? If you love reviews and articles that go on for miles and miles with endless pictures and rambles like there's no tomorrow, or if you just have time to kill... WELCOME TO RVGFANATIC :)

http://www.RVGFANATIC.com


Thanks for checking in and I hope you enjoy the site.

2016 update: RVGFanatic.com is still up and running, but I can no longer update it. However, I've created a WordPress where the nostalgia rolls on. Check it out here:

http://www.rvgfanatic.com/wordpress

[Steven]

The meat of my site is the SNES reviews section. Read my rating guide before you read any of the reviews. Ratings explained (http://www.rvgfanatic.com/7401/index.html)

So far, I have up:

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An American Tale: Fievel Goes West

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Power Moves

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Rocky Rodent

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Saturday Night Slam Masters

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Time Slip

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Wolfenstein 3-D

My latest review: Super Metroid (http://www.rvgfanatic.com/7401/249401.html). 1st game to score a perfect 10? See for yourself...

http://www.rvgfanatic.com/mediac/400_0/media/DIR_241801/SMetroidQuote.JPG

BTW, those (text-filled) pictures are original and self-made just in case anyone's wondering.

Latest update:

Memories of Renting (http://www.rvgfanatic.com/7485/259301.html)

Did you too grow up renting NES, Genesis and Super NES games from various mom 'n pop's, as well as the big boys? Do you harbor warm, fuzzy memories for such? Then, believe it or not, you're not the only one....

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[Technosis]

Thanks Steven! I really liked the reviews, especially the coverage of lesser known games like Timeslip...and the "Memories of Renting" is excellent!

[DigitalSpace]

Thanks, cool site! Bookmarked.

[ShenmueFan]

Yeah - I liked your site.

I miss renting games as well. It was so fun and I remember how Fridays were always so frustrating because you only got the good games for the weekend if you either rented a game and kept it late or if your parents rented it for you in the morning while you were at school.

[Dire 51]

Renting games. That brings me back to my high school days + 1 year or so after. So many NES, Genesis and TG16 games I rented over that period of time.

I too was sad to see the mom and pop stores go. On the plus side, I did take advantage of the going out of business sale the closest store to me (Video Plus in DeBary FL.) had. I loaded up on NES, Genesis and TG16 games, several of which I still have. I even scored Tengen's Tetris for about 6 bucks there, and it was complete.

Anyway, great article!

[agbulls]

Still love your site---thanks for all the great recomendations. I bought a copy of Do Re Mi Fantasy--amazing!!! What a shame that it never came to the US.

[Steven]

Thanks for the kind words guys.

It's been about a week, but I'm back with a new review

http://www.rvgfanatic.com/mediac/400_0/media/DIR_270301/IMG_3543.JPG

"Doom in 2D platforming blasting kiddified form" describes it somewhat well IMO. It's also a strange mix of Megaman and Metroid!

B.O.B. (http://www.rvgfanatic.com/7401/278701.html)

Keep an eye out for DP members IronDraggon, cyberfluxor and Neo Rasa peppered in there! :)

[Dire 51]

Nice. I should give that a try one of these days.

Any chance you'll review Macross Scrambled Valkyrie and Pretty Fighter one of these days?

[Steven]

Any chance you'll review Macross Scrambled Valkyrie and Pretty Fighter one of these days?

Likely no on the latter (no interest in PF whatsoever), and a maybe on the former.



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The latest SNES review is The Combatribes (http://www.rvgfanatic.com/7401/307501.html). Personally, I love it. I know it has its fans and critics alike. Where do you fall?

"CYBORGS AIN'T LADIES!!"

Also, I added a review of Time Commando (Saturn JP) as well as impressions for SFC games Kirby Kira Kira Kids, Cosmo Gang: The Puzzle, SD Gundam Power Formation Puzzle, UFO Kamen Yakisoban, Kishin Douji Zenki: Battle Raiden, and Battle Zeque Den. Also added a LINKS section. If you'd like me to link your site, just LMK. As long as it's relevant to retro gaming that is.

Til next time!

EDIT: Where you at KitsuneSniper? You should appreciate this one...

[mills]

great site, great reviews. Really opened my eyes to games I've never thought to play.

[Mattiekrome]

Cool page :)

[Steven]

This week it's been all Japanese Saturn and Super Famicom...

http://www.rvgfanatic.com/mediac/400_0/media/DIR_312412/ker_Stage3_01.jpg

It's the obscure little-known Poy Poy clone on Sega Saturn...Keriotosse! (http://www.rvgfanatic.com/178901/312901.html)


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Neo Geo brawler gone SFC... Sengoku Densyo (http://www.rvgfanatic.com/209301/314101.html)


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This sweet game is sadly still somewhat obscure in the SNES realm... Ghost Chaser Densei (http://www.rvgfanatic.com/6501/316301.html)

Next week we'll return to the good ole US of A....

[Steven]

Next week we'll return to the good ole US of A....


Shockingly appropriate it turns out. Why? Read the Mr. USA Tony Atlas (http://www.rvgfanatic.com/7485/337301.html) piece to find out. Wrestling fans will appreciate it. Not only wrasslin' fans, but if you appreciate great story tellers and speeches, true life-battled stories, you'll dig it.

http://www.rvgfanatic.com/mediac/400_0/media/DIR_332912/IMG_3863.JPG

And rounding up my latest SNES review is the very little-talked-about Natsume Championship Wrestling (http://www.rvgfanatic.com/7401/348201.html). Bought this game from Toys R Us in '95 for $20 and my brother and I loved it to death. Have good memories obscure a bad game?....

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[Steven]

http://www.rvgfanatic.com/mediac/400_0/media/DIR_354801/ZeldaCelestials.JPG

Warning: LOTS of pictures in this latest review. I cover the legacy of the series, there's an EXCLUSIVE interview with Shigeru Miyamoto that few probably have ever read (aside from my fellow Super Play cohorts of course), the UNCENSORED plot FINALLY revealed and much much more. I've been working on this review for some odd 3 weeks... hopefully I did the game some small order of justice...

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The Legend of Zelda: A Link to the Past (http://www.rvgfanatic.com/7401/376201.html)

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[DigitalSpace]

BTW, I just remembered you can't edit the original post title. D'oh, shouldn't have put Super Metroid and Memories of Renting in the title in retrospect, but eh, what can you do :p

You can edit the title - after a while, posts should go to advanced mode automatically once you click "edit," but if it doesn't, there's a "go advanced" button below the edit text box (to the right of the save button) that will take you there. There, you'll find two one-line text boxes above the one where you edit the post, and the bottom one is for editing your title. Hope that helps!

EDIT: You're welcome, glad I could help!

EDIT #2: Just got done reading the LTTP review. Nice work!

[kainemaxwell]

I really enjoy your reviewing style with these.

[Steven]

It's been a while but a new SNES review is here... everyone's favorite (or not) Contra clone from the early 90s...

GUNFORCE! (http://www.rvgfanatic.com/7401/408422.html)

http://www.rvgfanatic.com/mediac/400_0/media/DIR_404101/GunForceFlash.JPG http://www.rvgfanatic.com/mediac/400_0/media/DIR_190401/IMG_4602.JPG

Have a great Memorial Day Weekend!

[KeyserSoze61]

Just joined after lurking for a while to compliment the site. Excellent, concise source. The Saturn stuff is much appreciated, as it's tough to find good review sites for that many games.

[DigitalSpace]

Another enjoyable review. I'll have to check out Gunforce the next time I spot it on the cheap.

[Steven]

Liquid Kids AKA Mizubaku Adventure/Daibouken (http://www.rvgfanatic.com/178901/416201.html)

The very hard-to-find, highly-sought-after Saturn treasure import gem! Great game from TAITO, Saturn port handled by the boys over at VING

http://www.rvgfanatic.com/mediac/400_0/media/DIR_418412/SwatText3.JPG

Ah, the cartoon that meant so much to so many... maybe a hyperbole there but it has quite the cult following, even to this day. How does the SNES game fare? A lot of people slammed it, a few have defended it. Where do I stand? You know what to do: SWAT Kats (http://www.rvgfanatic.com/7401/426001.html)

[Xexyz]

Nice review of Liquid Kids. I mysef have finally gotten a chance to play this wonderful platormer thanks to Destineer and Taito Legends 2. Heck, I think it's better than New Zealand Story, and I loves me some New Zealand Story!

SWAT Cats looks interesting, and yes, I watched the show. It was aired on some channel right after 2 Stupid Dogs (Another Hanna-Barberra cartoon; these two shows represented the same montage HB logo at the end as the Cartoon Cartoon shows on Cartoon Network sported. I believe they were a precursor to it.) during Sunday mornings. I'm not a cat person, but the show was okay (Razor was voiced by Donatello from the TMNT cartoons, so that caught my attention).

I still remenice of the 8-16 bit days when Japanese developers made quality games based off of Western licenses.

[Steven]

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Aladdin (http://www.rvgfanatic.com/7401/443401.html) is booked and reviewed! Check out the crazy adventures of Al and Abu...

And, not game-related but because I know there are fans of the movie everywhere... feel free to read about my memories of playing baseball... as well as a mini-tribute of sorts, to one of my favorite films of all time: FIELD OF DREAMS (http://www.rvgfanatic.com/7485/431701.html)

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[Steven]

6 months ago today I launched RVGFANATIC. I had a vision to document my SNES/Saturn experiences, specifically the Super Nintendo. To help celebrate this minor milestone is our old friend-slash-foe Firebrand starring in the phenomenal Demon's Crest (http://www.rvgfanatic.com/7401/476501.html)

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[Steven]

http://www.rvgfanatic.com/mediac/400_0/media/DIR_487501/SkyBCut3.JPG

Next up is a game many have deemed one of the best "unknown" gems on Super Nintendo: SKYBLAZER (http://www.rvgfanatic.com/7401/500901.html)

[DigitalSpace]

Another late to the party moment, but I'd say a Demon's Crest review is a good way to celebrate six months. I have to play through that soon.

I've wanted to check out Sky Blazer too, hopefully I'll be able to get a copy soon.

Once again, excellent reviews!

[Steven]

Greetings, fellow DP'ers. I haven't updated this topic in over a year but I have been updating my site in the mean time!

I'm proud to present my latest review, one that is nearly 15 years in the making with over a thousand games' worth of experience. It's my biggest review yet (and I hope to heck ever) and chronicles the history of Major League Baseball, a brief history of all 28 baseball teams, a tribute to Ken Griffey Jr. himself, the game itself and my own personal stats from the latest 162-game season I had.

I warn you, it's a mammoth piece with a CRAPLOAD of pictures.


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Ken Griffey Jr. Presents Major League Baseball review (http://www.rvgfanatic.com/7401/1132715.html)



Also, since I last posted here with SKYBLAZER (July 2007), here are the new SNES reviews since:

-3 Ninjas Kick Back
-Addams Family
-Adventures of Hourai High
-Arkanoid: Doh It Again
-Barkley Shut Up and Jam! (with exclusive Q&A I scored with Barkley himself! ;) )
-Batman Returns
-Blackthorne (rvgfanatic.com/wordpress only)
-Bonkers
-Brandish
-Brandish 2
-Breath of Fire
-Bust-A-Move
-BS Out of Bounds Golf (Never Released)
-BS Kaizou Choujin Shubibinman Zero (Never Released)
-Castlevania: Dracula X
-Clay Fighter
-Clock Tower (English translation)
-Contra III: The Alien Wars
-Donkey Kong Country
-DOOM
-Double Dragon V: The Shadow Falls
-EarthBound
-Equinox
-F-ZERO
-Fatal Fury 2
-Fighter's History
-Final Fantasy II
-Final Fantasy Mystic Quest
-Final Fight
-Final Fight 2
-Ghoul Patrol
-Gunman's Proof
-Harley's Humongous Adventure
-Home Improvement
-Hook
-Jurassic Park
-Jurassic Park 2
-Ken Griffey Jr. Presents Major League Baseball
-Killer Instinct
-King of the Monsters
-King of the Monsters 2
-Knights of the Round
-Lennus II (AKA Paladin's Quest 2)
-Looney Tunes B-Ball
-Mask
-Mega Man X
-Mega Man 7
-Mortal Kombat
-Mortal Kombat II
-NBA Give 'N Go
-NBA JAM
-Nosferatu
-Oscar
-Paladin's Quest
-Prehistorik Man (rvgfanatic.com/wordpress only)
-Ranma ½: Hard Battle
-Return of Double Dragon
-Secret of Mana
-Soul Blazer
-Star Ocean
-Street Fighter II
-Street Fighter II Turbo
-Super Baseball 2020
-Super Bomberman
-Super Castlevania IV
-Super Ghouls 'N Ghosts
-Super Mario Kart
-Super Mario World
-Super Punch-Out!!
-Super Street Fighter II
-TMNT: Tournament Fighters
-Tales of Phantasia
-Terranigma
-The Twisted Tales of Spike McFang
-Thunder Spirits
-Treasure Hunter G
-True Lies
-Ultraman
-Wolfchild
-World Heroes
-World Heroes 2
-Zombies Ate My Neighbors


Thanks for checking in. Until next time :)

[Steven]

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Click on the sig to check out the latest I have up, just in time for the Halloween season. It's Capcom's original "horror" franchise and their current one... enjoy :)

[p_b]

Brilliant, as usual!

[Steven]

Exciting site news first and foremost:

-RVG takes one step closer in joining the 21st century with a brand-new site FAVICON!

-Journal format has been changed to allow user comments (I posted a new entry today in the Journal section, feel free to check it out)

-NAVIGATION LIBERATION! No longer do sub-links appear, they are now hidden, allowing for a much less congested and a much more compact look


Aesthetically, this is the extent of changes I see coming for a LONG time. The layout is still the same as it was when the site first launched nearly two years ago and I like it as such.


NOW MOVING ON!

Some folks accuse me of being a Capcommunist, that I show far too much love to the Capcom firm, and not nearly enough to Konami. After all, I just did a Resident Evil/Super Ghouls 'N Ghosts back-to-back review, slurping on Capcom some more. Now it's time for Konami to shine... and I've picked two of their very best efforts to show for it: Contra III and Super Castlevania IV


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Please note, I took some liberties with the Contra III story (read my journal for justification) so Contra purists, don't get TOO upset now, lol. Well, you gotta see it for yourself. Remember, on RVGFANATIC, anything goes and nothing's off limits...

As usual, 56K warning. Sig below, enjoy :)

[Steven]

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First off, I've added 8-Bit Nintendo impressions to my website. A brand new section called NESFANATIC has been launched. Like the name? Instead of RVGFANATIC geddit? Right. Moving on then...



Growing up I all but discounted the RPG genre. My brother loved it, but I never could understand why. Boring conversations with boring townsfolk, plodding turn-based combat... what a waste, right?

But then one day something inside me snapped. My gaming tastes "matured" and I no longer viewed the genre with some predetermined angst. My first ever RPG that I played and beat was Final Fantasy Mystic Quest (last Christmas). It's a game that has received incredibly mixed opinions over the years. Now, I throw my own 2 cents into the hat. Enjoy (click on the sig below)

Happy Holidays to all :)

http://www.rvgfanatic.com/mediac/400_0/media/DIR_1323915/FF-MQ-Art2.JPG
MQ's artwork reminds me a lot of LTTP (Player's Guide)

[Daria]

Well, you got my attention. I'll read it. XD

[Steven]

In honor of Super Famicom turning 20 years old yesterday, I've transferred Super Play's Top 100 SNES Games feature onto my website. Take a look!

http://www.rvgfanatic.com/mediac/400_0/media/DIR_1457078/SPTop100-Feature.JPG
You won't agree with all the choices, but a fun read nevertheless

Super Play Magazine's Top 100 SNES Video Games (http://www.rvgfanatic.com/7464/1450199.html)

Wow it's been a while since I posted in this topic (nearly two years). Also, be sure to check out the new voting poll. I ask you which SNES game YOU like the best (from a choice of 13 titles), and check out my latest journal entry as well. I've also put up a few new reviews since I last posted in this thread. Enjoy,
and happy 20th Anniversary, SFC!

[NerdXCrewWill]

I've been meaning to tell you for a while that your site is definitely my favorite website devoted to gaming online. I love your nostalgic approach. The Saturn-related memoirs in particular are amazing! My only request it that you update more often. :-)

Also, the new feature is amazing. I need to get my hands on some Super Play. You make it sound so good!

[Steven]

I've been meaning to tell you for a while that your site is definitely my favorite website devoted to gaming online. I love your nostalgic approach. The Saturn-related memoirs in particular are amazing! My only request it that you update more often. :-)

Also, the new feature is amazing. I need to get my hands on some Super Play. You make it sound so good!


Ah God Bless ya, lol. Gracias mate. Very flattering. I write for nostalgic gamers like you. I think there's a small niche band out there of early-mid '80s babies who grew up in similar towns with similar memories, and I just write things the way I want to read 'em, and as it turns out, there's a niche audience out there who understands completely where I'm coming from. The coolest compliment I ever received was when some guy told me he feels like through reading my various material I could well have been his cousin or best friend growing up. That just makes things seem like a small world...

RVG is nowhere near as popular or revered as HG101, Sega-16 and the other "big boys" out there, but I appreciate the love and gratitude you and others have sent my way throughout the past 3+ years. I feel like my site is that little mom n pop store in the corner... ran by one person... doesn't sway with changing of the guard... basic presentation... quirky style... unprofessional/unpredictable style... but that's just the way I like it. I wish I could update more often too. As long as you keep reading, I'll keep writing [He really means he'll keep writing 'til he grows weary or burns out -Ed.]

My next review will most likely be Super Mario World, and hopefully I can crank out another one or so before 2011. Cheers!

[ryborg]

Two soccer games in the top 100, and neither are Capcom's Soccer Shootout. List cred destroyed.

[Xtincthed]

cool site :)

[kupomogli]

Top 100 list is decent but there are also a few retarded choices they made. For one, there's three different Street Fighter 2 games in the list yet they're all different ranks. All three are the same game with very minor differences. If all were to be added I think they should have been ranked next to each other or only one be placed. Then Mortal Kombat 3 is listed instead of Ultimate Mortal Kombat 3. I could pick apart more but others would be more of opinions, the ones I listed are those that show the top 100 as being inconsistent.

[NerdXCrewWill]

I agree that they would have been better off leaving off the other two Street Fighter games. This would have allowed them to talk about two more games that they enjoyed. However, I don't think it's fair to call them the same game with minor differences. I guess it's just me speaking as a fighting game fan. While the games feature the same characters and similar moves, the differences are a little more than minor.

Also, it did seem weird about Mortal Kombat 3. Turns out UMK3 wouldn't be released for the SNES for another few months from the publishing of the issue.

[PresidentLeever]

That list seemed pretty much randomized after the Top 6 games.

[airswish99]

very nice site.. have you considered branching into youtube?

[poloplayr]

....

Also, the new feature is amazing. I need to get my hands on some Super Play. You make it sound so good!

Best gaming mag ever.

[Steven]

My site turned all of four years old yesterday! To celebrate, I've put up my 40th SNES review in the form of Clock Tower! This is by far the scariest game on the system and a really cool, must-have game for all diehard SNES fans.


http://www.rvgfanatic.com/mediac/400_0/media/DIR_1465778/ClockTower51.JPG

Be sure to look for the "Scissorwoman" Slit Mouth Woman at the very end as well...


http://www.rvgfanatic.com/mediac/400_0/media/DIR_1465778/SlitMouth3.JPG


SNES CLOCK TOWER (http://www.rvgfanatic.com/7401/1463278.html)

[badinsults]

Great to see a new review up, Steven! I love your style.

[NaturalChemical]

Awesome, a new review! Congrats on 4 years, and keep up the great work.

[Steven]

Thanks for the kind words Evan and NC
It's much appreciated. I do what I can! :)


http://www.rvgfanatic.com/mediac/400_0/media/DIR_1528978/Terran21B.JPG
You gotta love (action) RPGs. No genre defines escapism quite like it


For years I have heard the praises sung for one, Terranigma. This past holiday season I made the pilgrimage myself. What I discovered was... it's one special game indeed. I don't reveal any major spoilers here but I do show later shots of the game that you might enjoy more seeing first-hand yourself. As always, with my reviews, it's best you play through the game first yourself before reading. With that said, I'm proud to present to you.... TERRANIGMA! (http://www.rvgfanatic.com/7401/1516699.html)

The review is a little unorthodox/offbeat, but you already know that's how things are done over at RVGFANATIC. Feel free to post any comments on the game (or piece itself) here. Enjoy!


http://www.rvgfanatic.com/mediac/400_0/media/DIR_1528978/Terran46C.JPG
"Hey how it's going? Why don't you have a seat over there?"

[Ninjamohawk]

I stumbled upon your site a few years back, even before I started lurking here. It's an excellent read and takes me back. Thank you for it.

[Steven]

Hey retro gamers, with my website a couple months away from celebrating its milestone 5 year anniversary, I'm proud to FINALLY present, at long last, after nearly 5 years, my 50th US SNES review: The Twisted Tales of Spike McFang (http://www.rvgfanatic.com/7401/1570883.html)

This past summer I've been counting down to review #50, so if you haven't checked in since Terranigma, be sure to check the main page for the latest updates. Batman Returns, Hook, Addams Family and others have been added to the mix.

As for Spike McFang, it comes highly recommended. Play it if you haven't already.

Enjoy! And stay tuned, as more game reviews are in the works. Your favorite could be next, who knows...


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[sfchakan]

Congrats, Steve! I've enjoyed your site since you opened it.



Your Saturn misses you, though. :)

[Steven]

Congrats, Steve! I've enjoyed your site since you opened it.

Your Saturn misses you, though. :)


Thanks sfchakan. Yeah, I can't believe it's been over 5 years now since I opened my site... time flies. I sure wish I could be 5 years younger, lol. Regarding the Saturn, I've actually dusted it off and been playing it more recently. Had some fun with Elevator Action Returns and Street Fighter Zero 3 earlier this month... I'll always be a Saturn fan ;)

[Steven]

http://www.rvgfanatic.com/mediac/400_0/media/DIR_1643789/3dd5bca4ec951dcffff81e9a00140f.jpg


Earlier this month, my SNES fansite RVGFANATIC.com turned all of five years old. Sniff. I remember when it was just a newborn. Now it's heading off to kindergarten. Where does the time go?

Speaking of anniversaries, also earlier this month saw six years since I got back into all things Super Nintendo. January 2006 seems like a lifetime ago. The past six gaming years has been some of the best for yours truly.

To celebrate, check out my latest piece on an old SNES classic... Super Punch-Out!! (http://www.rvgfanatic.com/7401/1570862.html)


http://www.rvgfanatic.com/mediac/400_0/media/DIR_1646389/3dd5bca4ec951dcffff81c9a00140f.JPG


Be on the look out for cameos by Homer Simpson, Rocky Balboa, Bret "The Hitman" Hart, and more. Also, revealed for the very first time in history: Mac's final comeback. You don't want to miss it!


http://www.rvgfanatic.com/mediac/400_0/media/DIR_1643789/3dd5bca4ec951dcffff823da00140f.JPG


Rock on, Super Nintendo! :)

[NerdXCrewWill]

Congrats, Steven. It's the best video game site on the web!

[Steven]

^ Hey thanks, Nerd! Not calling you a nerd, it's just your use... oh nevermind :p


http://i119.photobucket.com/albums/o139/SFCGamer/SMW-31C.jpg


Greetings all! It's been a while but I'm back with SNES review #54, and what a fine game it is, too. Of course, I'm talking about the one that started it all (way back on November 21, 1990!). In my review you will find personal confessions, a special new kind of ice cream the world needs to know about, memories of my infamous "Night of Epic Bacon Feast," Sushi-X, Bret "Hitman" Hart and much more. As you've come to expect from me, expect lots of pictures, reminiscing and mad ramblings. And as always, 56K users beware!


http://i119.photobucket.com/albums/o139/SFCGamer/SMW-39A.jpg


It's the one, the ONLY, Super Mario World (http://www.rvgfanatic.com/7401/1450178.html)

I hope to launch review #55 sometime in June, so stay tuned! BTW, as an appetizer, here are three SMW pictures that DIDN'T make the final cut. Thanks for stopping by, and enjoy the rest of your "(It's-a-) Me-Mario" Day weekend :)


http://i119.photobucket.com/albums/o139/SFCGamer/SMW-15.jpg


http://i119.photobucket.com/albums/o139/SFCGamer/SMW-16.jpg


http://i119.photobucket.com/albums/o139/SFCGamer/SMW-32C.jpg

[Masamune]

Great review Steve, like always.

[Zing]

5193

This isn't correct. You hit that large button to end the level and launch out the yellow blocks. Near the entrance, you hit a P switch to make the coins appear.

Thanks for this update. I've never read the site. Looks like I have something to keep me entertained for a while. :)

5194
And this will give me something to try tonight! I've played through the game without any switch palaces, but I've yet to try the "11 stage challenge".

[Steven]

^ Oops, you're right, Zing.


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Hey y'all, it's been a while but I'm not dead. Like Michael Myers from Halloween, I'm back. Two things I adored growing up were Halloween and the SNES. So you'd think combining the two would only be natural. This is an article that I've wanted to write for 5-6 years and now finally have. The following is a list of SNES games that one can enjoy around Halloween time. It's just my personal list. Not all games necessarily scream "Halloween" ... some are simply darker, more mature or "Fall atmospheric" games that fit in well with this time of the year. Again, just my opinion. If you have an SNES game you feel belongs on such a Halloween list, but isn't on mine, let me know. I did omit some crappy choices though, such as Bram Stoker's Dracula and Mary Shelley's Frankenstein. Now, not all the games I listed in the article are necessarily good games, but none of them I believe are "crappy." Maybe a few come close, but the worst one I selected is still somewhat playable.

SNES Halloween Special (http://www.rvgfanatic.com/7443/1761099.html)

Also, please take 10 seconds to voice your opinion in my new voting poll (http://www.rvgfanatic.com/201601.html). Thanks.


http://www.rvgfanatic.com/mediac/400_0/media/DIR_1761299/f23d337e3c458d7ffff80bda00140f.JPG

Also, on a real life note, find out how Halloween 1994 changed my life, literally, and how I kept in touch over the years with a stranger I met that night who hosted a free haunted house, and how that stranger blessed me beyond my wildest imagination more than 15 years later after that fateful Halloween night of 1994. It's why I truly believe you meet certain people for a reason!

[Froboz]

Great site, and one I am bound to revisit often.

[NerdXCrewWill]

Awesome, Steven. I was just checking your website yesterday to see if you had any Halloween themed reviews. Now my Halloween season is made complete!

[Spartacus]

Nice write up.
I gave up searching for #2 on your list on Ebay a long time ago because it was always so expensive. Still is. But several years ago I bought a small lot of SFC games on Yahoo Japan that included Akumajo Dracula XX without even realizing at the time that was the Japanese version of Castlevania Dracula X. I haven't tried playing it yet and don't know if language is an issue, but it lessens my angst about not having the US version. I've also read good things about the 2.5D version of the game on the PSP.
I've been picking up Castlevania games across all systems for years now and have only played some of the 1st Castlevania game on the NES. I've got some catching up to do.
After seeing the Addams Family trilogy I decided to track some down and I have a couple on their way to me. Addams Family Values top-down view is particularly appealing as I've always preferred that view to side-scrolling games. Appreciate the heads up for those.

Some others that I think fit the Halloween theme are the Go Go Ackman series, Jaki Crush, Psycho Dream and Warlock.

[MachineGex]

I absolutely love reading your site. It brings me back to a time when I got super excited to read about the new games coming out in the early 90's. I loved getting EGM every month and reading about the new games that were hitting the shelves. Your site does a great job at restoring that feeling. I love reading about the gems I overlooked.
Thanks!

[Steven]

Froboz, Nerd, Spartacus and MachineGex, thank you guys for the kind words. Sorry I popped back in here pretty late but just had to thank y'all for such nice comments. Really made me smile :)
I just love this time of the year. Nothing like being home on a Sunday... 5:30 PM... the sky begins to darken... and you just have a little time... either to pop in a quick horror movie, or pop in a horror-esque video game. There's something great about that small pocket frame where you get to just enjoy the little things in life :)



I absolutely love reading your site. It brings me back to a time when I got super excited to read about the new games coming out in the early 90's. I loved getting EGM every month and reading about the new games that were hitting the shelves. Your site does a great job at restoring that feeling. I love reading about the gems I overlooked.
Thanks!

You're very welcome! Glad my style resonates with you. You know I love EGM back in the day as well, and I have been told on more than one occasion that my site somehow has the spirit of those old gaming mags. I remember fondly the excitement of getting EGM back then as well. Good times. If I can recreate even just a small portion of that feeling, I'm more than thrilled.

Happy Halloween! :)

[Steven]

Wow, it's been six long (but fast) years since I first opened up the doors to my website, RVGFANATIC. How quickly time flies by. On a personal note, it's been a great six years, and I look forward to hopefully six more. To celebrate, I had to write a love letter to one of my all-time SNES favorites... and it recently turned all of 20 years old. Man do I feel old...

Warning: tons of nostalgia and rambling ahead. There's a little Christmas 1992 flashback, I speak about the "secret man-made makeshift" TAG mode, there's a look at SMK's "DYNOMITE!" commercials and much more. So, come take a stroll down memory lane with me... or maybe Rainbow Road... [Oi... -Ed.]... it's the game that sold Super Nintendo systems by the truckload more than 20 years ago... it's Super Mario Kart! (http://www.rvgfanatic.com/7401/1803651.html)

Happy 6 years RVG, and happy 20, SMK :)


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[Steven]

Hello again everyone! Happy Veterans' Day weekend. A salute to all the soldiers out there, active or retired.

It's been almost about a year since I posted in this topic, which can only mean... RVGFANATIC is gearing up to celebrate 7 years since it launched! Wow, 7 years. Time flies. If you missed it, for the 6 year anniversary earlier this year I wrote an editorial "The Mode 7 Year Itch" (http://www.rvgfanatic.com/7443/1803693.html) (7 year itch being a psychological term people use to describe the point where a relationship begins to wane severely and the "happiness" dies out) which explores why my SNES passion still burns even 7 straight years later. What has it been about this system that has kept me personally going? Coincidentally enough, I came up with 7 reasons why.

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Speaking of anniversaries, next month DOOM turns all of 20 years old. Man. That's nuts. 20 years later, it still captures the imagination, in my humble estimation. My latest review focuses on the SNES port of DOOM (http://www.rvgfanatic.com/7401/1919564.html), a translation that people seem to either appreciate/support, or hate, with little in-between. Find out where I stand, and also read about my various memories related to DOOM and the genre. In addition to random ramblings about real life happenings nearly 20 years ago. You know by now how I roll!

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And... I never preview upcoming work... but this time, I feel I ought to. It's a game many love and worship... a game that has exploded in price and demand... and now... YES, it's finally coming to RVGFANATIC... it's... well, a picture is worth a thousand words, so...

Coming SOON to a browser near you!

*drum roll*


http://i119.photobucket.com/albums/o139/SFCGamer/EBTV3_zps2c354c58.jpg
EARTHBOUND goes under the knife, receiving the full "RVG makeover," and hits cyberspace by Thanksgiving!

[MidnightRider]

Seems like a good time to go over just what the 7 built in hardware display modes of the SNES are. Some time ago, I actually discovered the thread you made before you put the site up, still archived at that site I guess.

[SpaceHarrier]

And 4 hours later I'm still reading/browsing your website. How did I miss this thread until now?

I, too, have the receipt for when my parents bought me DOOM (for the 32X, though), it's around here somewhere. I'm still amazed they spent $69.99 on that game for me, just days after Christmas (where I received a 32X and Virtua Racing Deluxe). Damn, I was a spoiled child (teenager). I still remember sometime in 1995, standing in a FedCo at the SNES kiosk, watching a video of SNES DOOM play, totally dumb-founded that it could actually function on the system. Then some wise-acre walked by and said to me, "It's just DOOM." Jack ass.

Great magazine memories in there too, nice to see someone else who values the media of the age as well as the games.

[Steven]

And 4 hours later I'm still reading/browsing your website. How did I miss this thread until now?

Great magazine memories in there too, nice to see someone else who values the media of the age as well as the games.


Wow, 4 hours! Thanks for the compliments, SpaceHarrier. It's been a fun journey, for sure :)

Well guys, first off, apologies for not delivering through on EarthBound by Thanksgiving 2013 as promised. Things happened and I felt a desire to work on other reviews so I put EB off on the backburner. It will be worked on soon, though, and I'm eyeballing August or September. I don't want to make EXACT promises but I can safely say it will be out before 2015...

Moving on, it's been a while since I posted in this topic and feel it's a good time to touch base. I, of course, have been busy working on my site, adding a host of new reviews such as Treasure Hunter G, TMNT Tournament Fighters, hell, even 3 Ninjas Kick Back (Breaking Bad style, naturally) and most recently, Super Street Fighter II. But my latest published work is not a review but a memoir of sorts...

http://www.rvgfanatic.com/mediac/400_0/media/DIR_2207565/96472f37b99397d4ffff8203a00140f.JPG

Growing up, summer and gaming went together like PB&J, or Batman and Robin. There was something simple and magical about it, especially when you added in the key ingredients of a best friend and some highly alluring, mythical Super Famicom imports. This memoir is a tribute to the best summer of my childhood that happened 20 years ago. It was a summer of discovery, a summer of magic... THE SUMMER OF IMPORTS. (http://www.rvgfanatic.com/7443/2209033.html)


http://i119.photobucket.com/albums/o139/SFCGamer/FHNel_zps4d933f4a.jpg
Lee's stage is SEARED into my retina. It SCREAMS June 1994. This bucolic stages captures that time perfectly! :)


Finally, thanks to Rob Strangman, this story (and 4 other stories of mine) appear in his recently released print book MEMOIRS OF A VIRTUAL CAVEMAN. (http://www.memoirsofavirtualcaveman.net) Weighing in at a hefty 472 megs, I mean, pages, it recounts the defining gaming moments of 21 gamers growing up from the '70s to '90s. There are also exclusive interviews Rob did with such industry insiders as Yuzo Koshiro, Martin Alessi, David Crane, EGM's Sushi-X, and much more that make their way into the book. Did I mention it also includes PICTURES? It's available now on Lulu.com for purchase; I highly recommend it for some excellent retro gaming reads. But, don't just take my word for it -- you can visit the website and read a bunch of FREE sample chapters RIGHT NOW! We thank you for your support of the book we worked so hard and passionately on.

http://www.rvgfanatic.com/mediac/400_0/media/DIR_2207565/96472f37b99397d4ffff814da00140f.jpghttp://www.rvgfanatic.com/mediac/400_0/media/DIR_2207565/96472f37b99397d4ffff8155a00140f.JPG
472 pages of retro gaming nostalgic goodness! It includes pictures and industry insider interviews

[gameofyou]

Congrats on being published !

[tom]

Wow just read the Super Play story. I was wondering how Rachel managed to send the mags for GBP40, no way, I thought....

I used to have the whole set of SP, when I left UK I dumped the whole lot (Nintendo was never high on my agenda), together with Total (now that was a great Nintendo magazine), actually I used to have ~5000 UK gaming and computer magazines, due to leaving UK I am now left with ~2000 and half of my gaming collection, so a lot had to go.

Guess that's the way it goes.

[MachineGex]

Well, I have been gone for over a year but first thing I did was buy this book.
Looks great, can't wait to get my hands on it.

[Dire 51]

Well, I have been gone for over a year but first thing I did was buy this book.
Looks great, can't wait to get my hands on it.
Thanks! I hope you enjoy it!

[Steven]

Wow just read the Super Play story. I was wondering how Rachel managed to send the mags for GBP40, no way, I thought....

Heh, that story. Yeah, it was a classic dramatic tale. The 8 year anniversary just passed for when my SP issues arrived (October 24, 2006). I remember it like it was yesterday.



Well, I have been gone for over a year but first thing I did was buy this book. Looks great, can't wait to get my hands on it.

Awesome! Gex, have you had a chance to get/read it yet? I'd be curious to hear your thoughts on it.


Well guys, I am proud to present the exclusive in-depth Wolfchild interview that Simon Phipps was so kind to do with me this past September. This is an interview we originally wanted to do back in late 2008, but because of various circumstances did not happen until September 2014. Learn about obscure stories lost to time and things that have been a secret for 20 long years... including... well... this...

http://www.rvgfanatic.com/mediac/400_0/media/DIR_2349965/5a5ac53ed1680216ffff8010a00140f.jpghttp://www.rvgfanatic.com/mediac/400_0/media/DIR_2349965/5a5ac53ed1680216ffff8009a00140f.JPG
In Simon's own words... "um... yeah..."

Simon was a great interview. He was entertaining and also shared some real in-depth answers. Be sure to check out the Wolfchild review + interview with Simon Phipps (http://www.rvgfanatic.com/7401/2209012.html).

Thanks for checking in as always.
Happy holidays!

[Gentlegamer]

Great interview! I love learning about the design process behind games and ports. As I read about Simon's background and work on Wolf Child, it made me think about how similar old school game design (where often one person did the design, art, and programming) is to "modern indie retro design". . . and then Simon's story comes full circle as he leaves his job with Criterion/EA and goes indie!

[Steven]

Great interview! I love learning about the design process behind games and ports. As I read about Simon's background and work on Wolf Child, it made me think about how similar old school game design (where often one person did the design, art, and programming) is to "modern indie retro design". . . and then Simon's story comes full circle as he leaves his job with Criterion/EA and goes indie!

Thanks brother. Yeah, Simon was a super awesome interview. Great guy all around and gave some very in-depth insightful answers! And yes, him coming full circle was fittingly perfect.


Alright, although I haven't updated this topic in a while, I have been busy cranking out new material. Since I last posted here regarding Wolfchild, these are the new reviews I've written:

1. Donkey Kong Country (What can I say, a straight up SNES classic)
2. Equinox (Really enjoyed this game, despite its frustrating difficulty)
3. Breath of Fire (Part 2 is much better but this was a nice intro to the series)
4. EarthBound (Wrote a love letter to this game for V-Day lol sigh...)
5. Gunman's Proof (Zelda meets Wild West -- highly recommended!)
6. Arkanoid: Doh It Again (one of the best 2 player games on SNES)

Last night I just published my 90th SNES review. It's a game I've been meaning to highlight for close to a decade now! I'm talking about RETURN OF DOUBLE DRAGON! (http://www.rvgfanatic.com/7401/1570820.html)

It's the Japanese version of Super Double Dragon but WAY better due to a few key mechanics being altered in the JP version.

Double Dragon has always been one of my favorite gaming franchises, and RoDD is one of my favorite beat 'em ups of all time. Please note I took plenty of creative liberty with the plot (as I sometimes do, other examples include using Predator for Contra III and Halloween 4 for Super Castlevania IV). This time I used AKIRA. Those Akira pictures were actually taken way back in 2008, lol. Finally got around to using them! I know not everyone is a fan of Super Double Dragon, even the Japanese version, but I've always felt it deserves a little more love than what it normally gets from the retro gaming community.


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Also, I've launched a new poll on my site to coincide with the next Star Wars film coming out later this December. If you've played all 3 of the SNES Star Wars games, feel free to voice your opinion by casting your vote. What is your favorite SNES Star Wars game? (http://www.rvgfanatic.com/201601.html)

Happy Father's Day!

[Steven]

Wow, it was a busy July. I wrote and published 3 reviews (the most I've done in a single month in forever). In honor of JURASSIC WORLD, I played and reviewed Jurassic Park (http://www.rvgfanatic.com/7401/2400811.html) and Jurassic Park 2: The Chaos Continues (http://www.rvgfanatic.com/7401/2400832.html) on the SNES. Not too crazy about the former, but I definitely enjoyed the latter, even as hard as it is. I definitely feel JP2:TCC deserves more love than what it gets.

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Also went back to rewatch the original film and reminisced a bit about that in the first review. In the second review, I used some shots from PREDATOR which I swear Ocean was inspired by when making their epic voice-filled JP2 intro.


http://i119.photobucket.com/albums/o139/SFCGamer/CollHarle_zpsgtwokhun.jpg


Moving on, we go from the humongous to "Humongous"... or incredibly small, anyhow. I thought it was a fitting time to finally play Harley's Humongous Adventure with the Ant-Man movie coming out soon (at the time it was the 4th of July). So, I recently sat down to conquer this 22 year childhood curiosity of mine, which culminated in an interview I conducted with Brian Greenstone (Harley's programmer) on July 6, 2015. It was a fascinating stroll down memory lane for both of us, as we recalled some good times from a bygone era. It was one of those gaming-related weekends I'm sure to remember for years to come. It's not everyday you get to interview someone who made a video game, especially from the 16-bit era. I'm extremely appreciative that Brian took time out of his busy schedule to talk about his baby from over 22 years ago.

As for the game itself, believe it or not it's actually not too shabby.


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Harley's Humongous Adventure review + Brian Greenstone interview (http://www.rvgfanatic.com/7401/2400706.html)


PS- Rest in Peace, "Rowdy" Roddy Piper. You were one of my all-time faves. Farewell Hot Rod.
Have a great weekend everyone. As always, thank you for visiting, and long live retro gaming!

http://www.rvgfanatic.com/mediac/400_0/media/DIR_2469065/1f1e19a818189ecaffff8206a00140f.jpg
Heaven just got a little rowdier

[sfchakan]

Steve, have you ever considered publishing an RSS feed of your new articles? I went to add you last week to my reader and couldn't find one for your site.