Showing posts with label Mega Man. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Mega Man. Show all posts

Wednesday, May 29, 2013

TOP Track #3 - "Storm Eagle's Stage"




Here we go! Last three days of Music May!

The Bronze Medal TOP Track goes to "Storm Eagle's Stage!"

This song is an instant hit. Storm Eagle's Stage was the first I attempted when I fired up Mega Man X - which I was super excited to play, by the way. I remember the stage loading up and this music - o! this music. Seriously, what a great way to start a game. It's too bad the rest of the X series couldn't follow the momentum set by this game, by this song! I actually wouldn't have predicted back in the early days that "Storm Eagle" would make it into the TOP Three but once it was finalized, I wasn't particularly surprised. I felt a real sense of "I should have known."

Because of what this game means to me and my brother, and because of what this song means to this game, the PowerGlove version of this song (listed below) is my current ringtone for Deez. He doesn't call often, but when he does I don't answer the first time cause I don't want to interrupt the song. True story.

- TOP
@TOPGamingBlog


Sometimes, you have to listen to a song multiple times before you like it. An album will grow on you over time, and maybe even one of your all-time favorites was only "meh" when it first hit your ears. For me, this was not one of those songs. I fell in love with Storm Eagle's theme the instant I heard it. I was (enviously) watching TOP play what would eventually become my second favorite game of all time, and X's tear through the airport was one of the coolest things I'd seen in a video game at the time. I still listen to this song. When I replay through MMX, I always let out a loud "F--- YEAH!" at the beginning of Storm Eagle's stage. When it comes up on my GrooveShark playlist at work, I have to do everything in my power not to drop what I'm doing and start busting heads.

Mega Man X was a rarity in terms of music for the X series. There are a couple other tracks I enjoy, like Boomer Kuwanger's stage and Spark Mandrill's stage. Other than that, it's pretty drab for the rest of the series. There's one song in Mega Man X 3 that's ok ("Blast Hornet's Stage") but it's few and far between. I'm sure there are a lot of fans out there that may disagree with me, but I really don't recall anything memorable in the later X titles. Shout out to readers to let me know if there are any memorable tracks that I'm unaware of! "Storm Eagle's Stage" stands out in the first game, and subsequently the entire series. It's a timeless classic. 

- Deez
@Deezer509

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Location: Odenton, MD, USA

Monday, May 27, 2013

TOP Track #5 - "Chaosium Sword"




There is something special about the original Ninja Gaiden trilogy for the NES. The only game I owned was Ninja Gaiden II. I either rented or borrowed the other two, but they were all great games. One thing this series was doing that other series were not is paying attention to a continuous story. Between stages (Acts) of the game, you were often treated to comic-book like still shots of quirky dialogue as a narrative was being told about Ryu Hayabusa and his legacy as a Dragon Ninja. All the great NES platform games I love really didn't focus much on story at all within the game, and each game in a series (Mario, Mega Man) really didn't sync up much at all with the previous game. It just told a brand new story. Not so with the Ninja Gaiden games. 

Ninja Gaiden II picks up right where Ninja Gaiden ends. As Ryu Hayabusa, the player defeats the final villain, Jaquio, an evil warlord in the Realm of Darkness, Ashtar, is made aware of Ryu's actions and sets his plan into motion. The opening scenes of the game detail this moment with "Chaosium Sword" playing in the background. The song definitely captures a sense of "the plot thickens" in its build up. Though somewhere in the world, Ryu must be celebrating his victory, dark forces are working behind the scenes to awaken and unleash their power on Earth. This song really captures that build up of a shadow army biding its time and preparing to strike. 

It's an amazing song, and shows that even back on the NES, some of these composers were really taking it seriously. The Ninja Gaiden series, much like the Mega Man series, is really full of wonderful 8-bit tracks waiting to jam out in contemporary rock or metal. 

-TOP
@TOPGamingBlog


"Come watch this. You'll like it." That's what TOP said to me many, many years ago, right before popping in a copy of Ninja Gaiden II: The Dark Sword of Chaos into our NES. I was expecting gameplay but instead watched this outstanding introductory scene. My mind was blown! I think know this was what bore my love of video game cutscenes. The narravite, the graphics, the music! It was all so well-done, and so cinematic. Back before 3D games took over the industry, cutscenes were a treat to be savored. If someone in the room was talking, you'd snap at them to shut up. If your mom called you donw for dinner, you'd starve before missing a cutscene. Important things were happening! These cinematic interludes seem to be on the decline. I can think of a few exceptions (Xenoblade Chronicles, Uncharted 2) but for the most part, game developers waste their opportunities with modern cutscenes. 

Despite having jaw-dropping graphics and professional voice actors, they can't seem to capture the heart, emotion and imagination that old game cinematics used to have. Compare Chrono Trigger or Final Fantasy VI to current titles and you see a stark difference. Both their cutscenes and endings (as TOP mentioned) go above and beyond, like a reward for making it as far as you did. This goes along with the shift from plot-driven gaming to a bigger focus on gameplay; instead of savoring a cinematic moment, I'm constantly looking for the skip button. 

Like other songs on this list, "Chaosium Sword" has great pacing. It starts off slow and ominous. There are cracks of thunder (a clear sign that something evil is taking place!) followed by a great theme. I think this is clearly the best track of the Ninja Gaiden games (and the NES trilogy had some great songs), and I'm sad it wasn't revisited in the new generation of Ninja Gaiden games. "Chaosium Sword" will always be one of my favorites, and I can't wait to do a cover version when TOP and I finally get our band together.

- Deez
@Deezer509


Derivative Tracks




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Monday, May 20, 2013

TOP Track #12 - "The Moon"




I actually never owned DuckTales which explains why my brother probably never got a chance to play it (read below). I believe I rented it from a mom & pop video rental store named American Video. After a few bad purchases, my mom and step-dad came up with a rule that I stuck by for a long time when I was a child: rent first and buy if its worth the money. Now, DuckTales was definitely worth the money, but I really played the heck out of that game in the two or three days that I had my hands on it. I loved the TV show of the same name. I've loved Scrooge McDuck (an idol of my father's) for as long as I can remember. I wouldn't know this until I was much older, but to have a game built upon these great foundations by the team who brought me MegaMan would produce something that wouldn't really be outdone until Disney teamed up with my long-time idols at Squaresoft (Square Enix) to make Kingdom Hearts eleven years later.

I may have forgotten about this game over time (because I never owned it, so never revisited it) except "The Moon" keeps coming up and filling me with a sense of nostalgia. I remember when I discovered Pandora (internet radio) and created my first video game inspired station. The Advantage's version of "The Moon" came on and I was once again in awe of its greatness. I listed that track below so all can enjoy. There's something about this song that makes it just as impressive all these years later, and I'm not really surprised coming from the company that produced so many astounding "MegaMan" soundtracks.

- TOP
@TOPGamingBlog


I never played DuckTales as a child. I'm sure TOP owned it at one point, along with other early Capcom classics like MegaMan and RescueRangers. Looking back, I'm glad I never played it. It is insanely hard. Even now, when my friend and I play a ROM version of it on our Wii, we need to use save states in order to get the "secret" ending. It's pretty dismal by today's standards. I was incredibly excited when they announced the HD remix, which I'll promptly buy on PSN as soon as it's available.

Even though you are allowed to play through stages in any order, I always saved the Moon for last. It just seemed appropriate: Scrooge had conquered all the treasure on earth, why not go snag some alien booty on the moon? I can't tell you exactly why I love this song so much ... I just do. One of my favorite songs to listen to is The Advantage cover. It has a strange way of melting my worries away, akin to when Peter gets hypnotized in Office Space.

- Deez
@Deezer509



Derivative Tracks

 Ducktails - Moon by The Advantage on Grooveshark
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Sunday, May 12, 2013

TOP Track #20 - "Wily Stage 1"




I've really liked Mega Man and his video games since their debut when I was 8 years old. I certainly hadn't build up the endurance, mental fortitude or expert ninja skills to beat any of the original NES Mega Man games until I was legally an adult, though. Among Mega Man games, Mega Man 2 is my favorite. I love the Robot Masters and all the music is amazing. The Mega Man series is one of the first among video games to really put the extra effort into its music tracks. There are a handful of great songs in each game, but Mega Man 2 really nails it. Of all the songs on that great soundtrack, "Wily Stage 1" is by far my favorite. 

When I hear "Wily Stage 1" in its original form, even compared to modern video game music, I feel a huge rush of energy. This is the first stage on your way to the final boss, after defeating all his robot minions. You've come so far, but still have so many more hair-pulling jump puzzles to go. This song really makes me feel like I'm storming the gates at full force. It all comes down to this final fortress. I'm coming for you, Wily. 

- TOP
@TOPGamingBlog


I love Mega Man. He's the bee's knees. He revolutionized platform gaming and the concept of upgrading in early video games. The level designs were challenging and fun (alternative opinion: impossible and maddening). I was a big fan of the games, despite my shortcomings. The only Mega Man title I made decent progress in was surprisingly for the Gameboy. I'm not sure if TOP neglected to tell me, or if I failed to listen, but I had NO IDEA about the additional weapons. I would use the Mega Buster against every single Robot Master I faced (Note: "impossible and maddening" above). Nevertheless, I trudged through each game I was lucky enough to play, undeterred. 

This is one of those instances where I'm glad they put the best music in the first Dr. Wily stage, since I would die over and over again between that point and the final boss. It was a small consolation for the frustration I had to endure. The track was composed by Tateishi Takashi (credited and more popularly known as Ogeretsu Kun), and I think this is the best song on the Mega Man 2 soundtrack, which was great overall. Despite his great work on the Mega Man franchise in the early days (as well as contribution to the latest installment, Mega Man 10), his portfolio is relatively small. Perhaps he cashed all of his chips in on this game.

Regardless, this is a timeless classic, evidenced by the plethora of remixes you can find all over the net. My personal favorite is PowerGlove's rendition on Total Pwnage. The suspenseful climax makes every cell in my body explode with invigoration! Springtime of youth, and whatnot! 

- Deez
@Deezer509


Derivative Tracks

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Saturday, March 2, 2013

Week in Review - 3/2/2013


PC

Get used to this screen!
I first heard of The Banner Saga during their Kickstarter, when I wrote an article about what Kickstarter could mean to the video game industry last year. It seems like a game I'd really enjoy, so when The Banner Saga: Factions popped up on Steam this week (free-to-play) I decided to try it. I didn't know at the time that it was a spin-off game; I thought the name had just changed. Factions is a PVP version of the upcoming single-player game. I played it for a few hours and it was good, but PVP is not what I'm interested in. I'll wait for the single-player release. 

Ulfric is generous with promotions.
After handing the Jagged Crown over to Ulfric Stormcloak, Toki was sent to the battle at Whiterun. There he was instrumental in taking over the city for the Stormcloak rebellion and Jarl Balgruuf was removed from his station. Toki also was key in conquering Falkreath. He also helped root out a serial killer in Windhelm and purchase a home in Whiterun. Lydia returned to service at Breezehome in Whiterun. You can check out my picture blog for these adventures: http://nordtoki.tumblr.com/

Bridgeport Cityscape
I installed "Late Night" and decided to try out living in the included city of Bridgeport. I moved in to a small apartment where I intended to learn mixology and make my way tending bars around town. I actually became quite skilled and quite famous before I realized none of the money I was making as a bartender was actually going into my funds. This is apparently some obnoxious glitch they still haven't fixed two years after the release of "Night Life." I abandoned that character to pursue some achievements - such as being arrested as a Con Artist. Currently, I'm working on making 50,000 simoleons from harvested goods. 


Playstation 3
Devils are so evil.
I defeated Concrete Man and made it through two levels of Wily's Castle, but I am utterly defeated by the Blob Devil in Wily's 3rd stage. I am about to give up on this game, especially because every time I walk away I'm required to re-conquer Wily Stage 1 & 2 before I get stuck on the Blob Devil. It's pretty disheartening to be so close and yet so far from winning. I have not given up yet, but I feel close to it. I can't let Dr. Wily get the best of me!


White Witch & Zodiarchs
I worked through my differences with evil King Tom XIV and pushed through to the end of the game. I defeated the White Witch and the Zodiarchs after two attempts (losing only to the Zodiarchs' Chaos attack because I was unprepared for it). I've also been mucking around in the post-game of Ni no Kuni and contemplating getting the Platinum Trophy (100% completion) for it. If I do so, it would be the first game I have ever gotten 100% in Trophies/Achievements. Right now, I'm just working on side-quests and my alchemy recipes. 

- TOP 
@TOPGamingBlog

PS:  No Bunker Hill Bros. article this week. Deez has been traveling and incommunicado. 
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Saturday, February 16, 2013

Week in Review - 2/16/2013


PC

Dragons make the best pictures.
The saga of Toki continues for another week. Check out all the great pictures I've been taking in the picture blog at Toki the Dragonborn! Toki's fought a second dragon, cleared Shroud Hearth Barrows and is currently in Windhelm seeking to join the Stormcloaks in their rebellion. He has a good heart and is constantly delayed by people in need, but he has no sympathy for Imperials or their supporters. He slays them on sight if he isn't vastly outnumbered.


Playstation 3
For the Kingdom of Shu!
Last week in Bunker Hill Bros. I talked about our long nights tearing through the battlefields of China. It really got me pumped up to play a "Warriors" game, so I fired up DW7 for some solo action. I looked through my trophies to see what I could work on and realize I never beat the game with my favorite faction: Shu. So I took my fight to the Story Mode and spent an evening clearing it. DW7 really has a great Story Mode, even though it is lacking in several other modes.



My name is Splash
I have metal joints.
Defeat my fish friends
Earn Laser Trident points!
I've been avoiding this game because I got stuck (again) on Splash Woman's stage. After not being able to beat Jewel Man's stage for several years, it was discouraging to get stuck so soon on a different Robot Master's level setup. There is a part of her level just before you get to the boss room that's literally moving platforms over walls and floors of spikes. Timing is everything and no matter what I tried it was not happening. Then one night I only had 30 minutes to play a game so I opted to try one quick time and finally made it through to the end. Concrete Man is all that stands between me and Dr. Wily. 





Bad kitty!
I really hit a roadblock in this game. I believe I'm very, very close to the end, but I'm stuck in a tough boss fight with very limited consumables. If I had enough coffee to fuel Oliver's magical attacks through these two fights it wouldn't be a problem, but I only have one or two. There's no way to leave and resupply (that I know of) so I either have to tough it out somehow or start over near the beginning. I'd rather win than admit defeat.


- TOP 
@TOPGamingBlog




Visit the Bunker Hill Bros on Tumblr:  bunkerhillbros.tumblr.com



My Mighty Egyptian Empire!
Due to insufferable internet connection problems, Deez and I have never successfully completed a Civilization V match, but we certainly enjoy throwing ourselves at it. I really enjoy the early parts of the game, so it isn't too troublesome to always focus on ancient units.

-TOP
@TOPGamingBlog


Civilization was one of the earliest computer games I was ever exposed to. I watched enviously as my father and brother conquered the world. My first introduction to the series was Civilization II, which remains my favorite computer game of all time. Fifteen years after its launch, I was making friends in college with other Civ II players. It was a no-brainer that TOP and I would get into Civ V in order to play over the internet. It's also a no-brainer that my brother always kicks my ass even to this day.

-Deez
@Deezer509


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Friday, January 11, 2013

Week in Review - 1/11/2013

PC

Direct Damage!
I played through the normal campaign and unlocked every card in the "Wielding Steel" deck, which is a White deck that makes use of Soldiers and Equipment cards. I've always been partial to Green and White. I think they represent my ideals, especially if I were a wizard. Incidentally, I've moved on to the Red deck called "Unquenchable Fire" which is mostly a direct damage deck. I'm having a much easier time with it. I've beaten a lot of computer opponents, but can't seem to connect with many people for online matches. 

Shailud at Lumber Mill / Tree Farm
My wife and I accomplished so much this week. I built a tree farm while she worked on a lumber mill. I harvested seeds while she put together a garden. We defeated the Eye of Cthulu a few times to build our Demonite weapons, then we took them over to the Corruption where we beat the Eater of Worlds a few times. My character focuses on Ranged weapons while hers now focuses on Magic. I currently have a suit of Shadow armor while she's running around in Meteor armor. We were defeated by Skeletron, however. We await our revenge.



Playstation 3
You're a worthy foe, sir.
I salute you.
I finally beat this game! I've tried at least three separate occasions that I can recall to work my way through this treacherous game. I even got stuck for three hours in the exact spot I got stuck the last time. I finally fought my way past the Reapers in the Shrine of Storms and pushed on to victory! It wasn't until the Black Phantom of Selen Vinland that I was at controller-throwing levels of rage, but even she fell once I changed my tactics. The False King was my final demon and he gave me a run for my money. Excellent game. 

I'd never seen this before!
I was frustrated with Demon's Souls, so oddly enough I turned to another game that I simply cannot beat no matter how many of Mega Man's lives I throw at it. Perseverance has proven effective, though. I've passed my nemesis (the vile Jewel Man) whose stage is the stuff of nightmares to me. All I have left is Splash Woman and Concrete Man, before heading to Wily's Fortress. I probably would have gotten farther, but I became obsessed with Demon's Souls and it readily consumed the last 48 hours of my life.





-TOP 
@TOPGamingBlog


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