Those who know me are aware that my iPod contains practically only soundtracks. It is basically the only thing I listen to. To a large extent, my recent interest in The Beatles is because of the Rock Band game of the same name. Although my music library is mostly filled with film soundtracks, videogames are the reason I like what I like today. One game in particular, can be held responsible for most of my tastes. We must go back to 1992, in a dark basement, on an old TV that did not have a remote...
A long time ago
In a galaxy far, far away...
Believe it or not, Super Star Wars was my first exposure to the Star Wars universe. It bloomed a strong passion that endures to this day. And most importantly, this game introduced me to John Williams. Where the game X-Wing defined what I would ultimately prefer about Star Wars, the Super NES title is the reason why my music collection is what it is and why I love
Star Wars unconditionally.
I mentioned John Williams because his was the first music I really got into on my own. It wasn't because my parents owned the CD or because a friend recommended it; it was what I wanted to listen to. From then on, music would define what I liked and didn't like, be they films, videogames, etc.
An ordinary movie with an excellent theme may become a surprise hit. A good
TV show with a bland theme song may not hold my interest. A strong soundtrack in a game makes a huge different on my enjoyment of said game.
So it is with chagrin that I find today's game music less memorable than back in the day. Granted, part of the emotional impact that music had to have is now carried through with the music, we hear tunes less frequently due to how games are now made, but this same observation could be extended to films too. Maybe it is because directors do not want a theme so strong that it detracts from the visual experience, or maybe moody and atmospheric tracks sell... No matter the answer, I am always looking for those few notes that make me smile, no matter what.
Here are some of my favourite game themes.
Uncharted: When I first booted the game, and watched that coin turn, I was amazed at what was playing. It conveyed so many things: Grandeur, adventure... Was this going to be the Indiana Jones game we never got? Nathan's Theme is a very classic kind of theme that embodies, in my humble opinion, the series very weel.
Mega Man 2: A Classic. Every single track in that game "sings" awesome. I could mention the classic Mecha Dragon stage... Oh wait, I just did. Flash Man and Wood Man are also some of my favourites.
Shatter: Not themes per say as they are not associated to anything specific, but that soundtrack is worth every penny. It helps that the game is fantastic too.
The Metroid Prime Trilogy: Look at some of my older blogs and at pressstarttwoplay.blogspot.com. On the other hand, Metroid: Other M was tremendously disappointing music wise.
Final Fantasy VI/III: The Returner's Theme. Locke's, Terra's, Cyan's, Setzer's (just thinking about the moment in the dark world where we ask why are we going to his wife's tomb... To get another airship of course... Gives me goosebumps :) ) Need I say more?
What are some of your favourite themes/tracks and why?
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Showing posts with label Metroid. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Metroid. Show all posts
Thursday, September 23, 2010
Sunday, September 12, 2010
Metroid: Other M - The end of my Metroid summer
I'm starting this post as the final credit to Other M scroll in front of me. A rather bland orchestral piece is playing, not memorable at all. No Samus Theme, really?
The game does something really cool after the credit. A fun and story related way to finish collecting the items. The epilogue actually made me appreciate the game more.
In many ways, it feels like a 3D version of Metroid Fusion. You are aboard a space station, sections are locked, sometimes unlocked. You must use navigation rooms to progress, etc.
My biggest disappointment has to be the music. Few classic themes are used and even when they are, their impact is not really strong. Also, no classic pickup chime? Honestly, the sound used sounds a regurgitating computer. There were no moments like realizing that you are listening to a slowed version of the Brinstar theme as you embark on a new adventure on Tallon IV. No eery and familiar tune to make the slow trek through water more enjoyable. No heroic theme to let you know that you are indeed THE BEST bounty hunter in the galaxy. No bombastic chanting as you explore a fiery region.
Story wise, I couldn't care less. I've already typed enough words on Metroid to show that even if the game was a total failure (which it is not), I would still enjoy it. It is, however, way too full of itself and heavy handed. I guess Samus would be prone to monologuing a lot... She does spend a lot of time alone. At least we now have some context to the Adam of Fusion.
Maybe this Metroid aims to get new fans, and the gameplay may succeed in doing that. I hope it sells well... I mean, the game IS fun. The I guess I was expecting something more epic.
In the end, this further proves how different American and Japanese sensibilities are towars storytelling. Prime is a lot more akin to Bioshock, with little exposition, most of the story comes from elements you scan (something you never have to do) whereas Other M feels like a classic Japanese with » stock characters (the geekyscientist, the faceless mooks, the evil colonel, ...).
The Prime series managed to instill so much life and lore in the universe. Sure, you had to read to get to that, but it was worth it. Who wouldn't to see another game where the Chozos aren't explored more?
After Other M and Fusion, the space left for Samus to explore seems a lot smaller. No more Metroids..., no more Space Pirates. Maybe it's time for her to rest. No matter what folks might say about her latest adventure, in my humble opinion, it is mission complete.
P.S.: This post was written over a few nights, hence the lack of cohesion of sorts.
- Posted using BlogPress from my iPad
The game does something really cool after the credit. A fun and story related way to finish collecting the items. The epilogue actually made me appreciate the game more.
In many ways, it feels like a 3D version of Metroid Fusion. You are aboard a space station, sections are locked, sometimes unlocked. You must use navigation rooms to progress, etc.
My biggest disappointment has to be the music. Few classic themes are used and even when they are, their impact is not really strong. Also, no classic pickup chime? Honestly, the sound used sounds a regurgitating computer. There were no moments like realizing that you are listening to a slowed version of the Brinstar theme as you embark on a new adventure on Tallon IV. No eery and familiar tune to make the slow trek through water more enjoyable. No heroic theme to let you know that you are indeed THE BEST bounty hunter in the galaxy. No bombastic chanting as you explore a fiery region.
Story wise, I couldn't care less. I've already typed enough words on Metroid to show that even if the game was a total failure (which it is not), I would still enjoy it. It is, however, way too full of itself and heavy handed. I guess Samus would be prone to monologuing a lot... She does spend a lot of time alone. At least we now have some context to the Adam of Fusion.
Maybe this Metroid aims to get new fans, and the gameplay may succeed in doing that. I hope it sells well... I mean, the game IS fun. The I guess I was expecting something more epic.
In the end, this further proves how different American and Japanese sensibilities are towars storytelling. Prime is a lot more akin to Bioshock, with little exposition, most of the story comes from elements you scan (something you never have to do) whereas Other M feels like a classic Japanese with » stock characters (the geekyscientist, the faceless mooks, the evil colonel, ...).
The Prime series managed to instill so much life and lore in the universe. Sure, you had to read to get to that, but it was worth it. Who wouldn't to see another game where the Chozos aren't explored more?
After Other M and Fusion, the space left for Samus to explore seems a lot smaller. No more Metroids..., no more Space Pirates. Maybe it's time for her to rest. No matter what folks might say about her latest adventure, in my humble opinion, it is mission complete.
P.S.: This post was written over a few nights, hence the lack of cohesion of sorts.
- Posted using BlogPress from my iPad
Sunday, September 5, 2010
Random Questions
In Metroid, it is assumed that the Chozos built a lot of the environments that you visit. However, who built those bomb slots? Did the Chozos turn into balls too? More worrisome is the Space Pirate architect. In Prime 3, it is quite easy to go around security by going around in Morph ball. These Morph ball paths are so numerous that one does wonder if the whole galaxy is inhabited by ball shaped people.
In Warcraft, with the exception of the Burning Legion whichis truly evil, most of the other baddies became evil because they got crazy. Illidan, Medivh, Arthas, Malygos, Neltharion. Seriously, why don't they work with the Dranei to build spaceships and go after the Burning Legion?
In Zelda, to whom did those Heart containers belong to? And do rupees grow in tall grass or are people hiding it there?
In Megaman, does he have limited memory or does Dr. Light reformat him each time he defeats Wily? Clearly a lack of foresight...
Got a weird question about games, post it here!
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In Warcraft, with the exception of the Burning Legion whichis truly evil, most of the other baddies became evil because they got crazy. Illidan, Medivh, Arthas, Malygos, Neltharion. Seriously, why don't they work with the Dranei to build spaceships and go after the Burning Legion?
In Zelda, to whom did those Heart containers belong to? And do rupees grow in tall grass or are people hiding it there?
In Megaman, does he have limited memory or does Dr. Light reformat him each time he defeats Wily? Clearly a lack of foresight...
Got a weird question about games, post it here!
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Thursday, August 26, 2010
Secluded in a Varia Suit
Metroid. A series about being lost and alone, trying to find your place in the world. As you explore this alien world, you grow in strengths, powers and abilities. The usual hero story in other words. In Metroid, however, a lot of emphasis is put on making you uneasy about the setting. Lost, confused, disoriented. Most of my previous posts have been about this series, mainly because that is all I have been playing (with a few StarCraft 2 games in-between). Having recently cleared Zero Mission, Fusion, Prime 1 and 2 (as well as being 30-40% into Prime 3), I thought I would present my thoughts on these perticular titles, especially regarding the Hint System featured in these titles.
I will start with Metroid Prime. One of the great Gamecube games, Prime was the 3Dfication of Super Metroid. Beautifully realised by Retro Studios, it truly captured the feeling of isolation and desolation found in the previous titles. It also introduced the Hint System that would follow in the other titles. The hint system basically showed you where you were supposed to go next, but not as soon as you picked up the latest upgrade. The hints are very well timed and pop up usually when you've been spending maybe too much time walking around, grabbing Missile Expansion. Furthermore, the hint usually was a room in the middle of the map, isolated, with no connections to where you were.
To make your way to this room, you had to explore the environment, scan almost everything to pierce some of the mystery that surrounds Tallon IV, Phazon and the Space Pirates. It is a minimalist system, that you can turn off. Still, the environments being quite massive (especially when you consider their verticality), it is nice to have a little beacon telling at least in which direction you should go. All in all, the introduction of a hint system in the Metroid series was nicely done. Subtle, not too intrusive, and well, the game is not holding your hand.
Moving onto our second game, Metroid Fusion came out at the same time as Prime. It also features a hint system, but this time it is in the form of mission objectives. You do not have much in terms of choices when you enter or exit a section, you MUST access that Navigation Station, which will tell you more about the story as well as where you need to go next. Here, it is an integral part of the game and although the exploratory aspects of the game are not as interesting as those in Prime (it is a 2D game after all), at least it makes sense within the context of the story.
My gripe about Fusion is the difficulty. The boss encounters are mostly about blasting a big baddy as fast as possible with missiles, before he kills you. I will admit that there is definitely something old school about those encounters, but it doesn't mean that they have aged well. My memory of Fusion was distant and I am glad to have re-explored it, unfortunately it will most likely be a long time before I do so again.
Zero Mission, a retelling of the first Metroid game, is an interesting hybrid of Metroid 1 and 3. Sadly, it incorporates Chozo guides that tell you your next destination and the game lacks most of the sentiment of isolation found in its roots. It is still worth the few hours it takes to finish and the end should surprise you.
Speaking of end, I think I've typed enough about Metroid for one day. Next post, my thoughts on Prime 2 & 3 (which hopefully I will have finished by then). Until next time, grab those Missile Tanks!
I will start with Metroid Prime. One of the great Gamecube games, Prime was the 3Dfication of Super Metroid. Beautifully realised by Retro Studios, it truly captured the feeling of isolation and desolation found in the previous titles. It also introduced the Hint System that would follow in the other titles. The hint system basically showed you where you were supposed to go next, but not as soon as you picked up the latest upgrade. The hints are very well timed and pop up usually when you've been spending maybe too much time walking around, grabbing Missile Expansion. Furthermore, the hint usually was a room in the middle of the map, isolated, with no connections to where you were.
To make your way to this room, you had to explore the environment, scan almost everything to pierce some of the mystery that surrounds Tallon IV, Phazon and the Space Pirates. It is a minimalist system, that you can turn off. Still, the environments being quite massive (especially when you consider their verticality), it is nice to have a little beacon telling at least in which direction you should go. All in all, the introduction of a hint system in the Metroid series was nicely done. Subtle, not too intrusive, and well, the game is not holding your hand.
Moving onto our second game, Metroid Fusion came out at the same time as Prime. It also features a hint system, but this time it is in the form of mission objectives. You do not have much in terms of choices when you enter or exit a section, you MUST access that Navigation Station, which will tell you more about the story as well as where you need to go next. Here, it is an integral part of the game and although the exploratory aspects of the game are not as interesting as those in Prime (it is a 2D game after all), at least it makes sense within the context of the story.
My gripe about Fusion is the difficulty. The boss encounters are mostly about blasting a big baddy as fast as possible with missiles, before he kills you. I will admit that there is definitely something old school about those encounters, but it doesn't mean that they have aged well. My memory of Fusion was distant and I am glad to have re-explored it, unfortunately it will most likely be a long time before I do so again.
Zero Mission, a retelling of the first Metroid game, is an interesting hybrid of Metroid 1 and 3. Sadly, it incorporates Chozo guides that tell you your next destination and the game lacks most of the sentiment of isolation found in its roots. It is still worth the few hours it takes to finish and the end should surprise you.
Speaking of end, I think I've typed enough about Metroid for one day. Next post, my thoughts on Prime 2 & 3 (which hopefully I will have finished by then). Until next time, grab those Missile Tanks!
Thursday, August 19, 2010
Rebooting for obsession
As can be expected, I am still playing Metroid. I have now finished once more the following titles: Metroid Zero Mission, Fusion and Prime 1&2.
I've undertaken the last tile of the Prime Trilogy (I'm actually trying to do th stupid Ridley Friend Voucher atm and OCD is in full gear, as I listen to a podcast)... Anywho, playing these games at almost the same time, it has made me realise that what I really loved about the Prime series was the exploration. You've got to hand it to Retro Studios, they definitely gave us interesting worlds to explore. I want to write something longer but I want to finish the series first. I know that Chris is not as into Metroid, but he loves Donkey Kong Country, so he has a lot to look forward to with the DKC Revival that is coming out later this year.
Really, there isn't much more to say yet. My whole schedule has yet to kick back into normal mode I guess. We were supposed to play some board games today, and I wanted to talk about that, but since it didn't happen... I took a look at the conclusion of Wrath of the Lich King as I figured I wouldn't see it anytime soon. Not sure I like what they did with a certain character but what can I do about it, right?
That will be enough rambling for now. Chris and I are working on Episode 2 so expect more on that in the very near future. (oh and, I just got the Friend Voucher, time to continue the Adventure)
Did you get Scott Pilgrim yet?
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I've undertaken the last tile of the Prime Trilogy (I'm actually trying to do th stupid Ridley Friend Voucher atm and OCD is in full gear, as I listen to a podcast)... Anywho, playing these games at almost the same time, it has made me realise that what I really loved about the Prime series was the exploration. You've got to hand it to Retro Studios, they definitely gave us interesting worlds to explore. I want to write something longer but I want to finish the series first. I know that Chris is not as into Metroid, but he loves Donkey Kong Country, so he has a lot to look forward to with the DKC Revival that is coming out later this year.
Really, there isn't much more to say yet. My whole schedule has yet to kick back into normal mode I guess. We were supposed to play some board games today, and I wanted to talk about that, but since it didn't happen... I took a look at the conclusion of Wrath of the Lich King as I figured I wouldn't see it anytime soon. Not sure I like what they did with a certain character but what can I do about it, right?
That will be enough rambling for now. Chris and I are working on Episode 2 so expect more on that in the very near future. (oh and, I just got the Friend Voucher, time to continue the Adventure)
Did you get Scott Pilgrim yet?
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Sunday, August 15, 2010
Scott Pilgrim Vs Books, Games and Movies
Have you ever looked someone up on IMDB.com? A few months ago, I was looking up Edgar Wright, director of Shaun of the Dead, Hot Fuzz and the great British TV series, Spaced, amongst other things. That's when I saw that his next project, back then, was Scott Pilgrim Vs. The World. A litte research showed me that Scott Pilgrim was about videogames.
As said in one of my NY posts, I purchased the whole series, which I read rather rapidly. (By the way, if you are interested, Chapters is offering all six books for $60.) The series, written by Brian Lee O'Malley and published by Oni Press started in 2004. It is a fun love story about a tween fighting (literally) for the love of his life. Not only does the story take place in Canada (Toronto to be exact), but it is filed with videogame references. The basic structure of the story, as you probably know by now, actually mirrors that of a videogame (with final bosses to boot).
The books themselves are a fun read. The art, inspired by anime/manga, is fun to look it with great attention to details in the background. The storyline itself is nothing completely original, but the way it uses videogame references is refreshingly honest and earnest. There is a reason it is there. A must read for videogame and graphic novel/comic book fans.
Of course, the videogame "version" of the story is fun, brutal, simple, like many of the games referenced in the original material. After all, there is a plot point in the books that is basically the plot of River City Ransom, and Scott Pilgrim The Game is an updated version of RCR. The graphics are very close to the original material and the music is everything you could hope for from an 8-bit/16-bit nostalagia infused beat-em up. It is currently available on PSN for $10 and I strongly recommend it, especially if you were a fan of RCR. Either way, try the demo. It is coming out this week on XBLA. One small caveat, no online multiplayer, something it would have benefit from immensely. Oh and, it is really hard so prepare to die a lot.
As for the Edgar Wright directed film, well, the cast is perfect in my opinion. Chris Evans and Brendan Routh shine as the 2nd and 3rd evil-ex respectively. Alison Pill's Kim Pine is the epitome of cool (she also portrays a strong Queen Maud in the Pillars of the Earth TV series). Michael Cera is Michael Cera is Michael Cera... No seriously, although Scott Pilgrim does share some characteristic with the usual type that Cera plays, it is nice to see him play a character that kicks ass and is actually not that likeable. The pacing is what you can expect of 6 books crammed in a little less than 2 hours. The first half is stunning, the second half, less so. Still, the fight sequences are are very well directed and you are not lost in the action, but the second half loses a lot of the character development present in the books. It may not have been as good as I expected, but I am looking forward to seeing it again. One thing I really appreciated was the fact that we hear some sound coming from a DS, and they are not some random sounds. Young Neil is playing the GBA version of A Link to the Past (in one shot we see the GBA cartridge coming out of the DS Lite). That's how serious videogames are in the Scott Pilgrim universe, be it on page or on film.
In short, if you want to enjoy the universe of Scott Pilgrim, there is no way you can go wrong, but the source material is the most approachable, it will not kick your ass and it devotes enough time to all of its cool characters (it is also chock-full of sweet videogame references including one to the Ninja Gaiden opening). If you grew up with an NES, there will be something for you in it.
I wanted to talk, once again, about Metroid, but I will have to postpone that to next post, due to this post's length. I hope these few lines will have made you interested in the fascinating world created by O'Malley and that you will experience Scott Pilgrim in one way or another. (I'd recommend them in that order: Books, Movie, Game).
Jeff out
As said in one of my NY posts, I purchased the whole series, which I read rather rapidly. (By the way, if you are interested, Chapters is offering all six books for $60.) The series, written by Brian Lee O'Malley and published by Oni Press started in 2004. It is a fun love story about a tween fighting (literally) for the love of his life. Not only does the story take place in Canada (Toronto to be exact), but it is filed with videogame references. The basic structure of the story, as you probably know by now, actually mirrors that of a videogame (with final bosses to boot).
The books themselves are a fun read. The art, inspired by anime/manga, is fun to look it with great attention to details in the background. The storyline itself is nothing completely original, but the way it uses videogame references is refreshingly honest and earnest. There is a reason it is there. A must read for videogame and graphic novel/comic book fans.
Of course, the videogame "version" of the story is fun, brutal, simple, like many of the games referenced in the original material. After all, there is a plot point in the books that is basically the plot of River City Ransom, and Scott Pilgrim The Game is an updated version of RCR. The graphics are very close to the original material and the music is everything you could hope for from an 8-bit/16-bit nostalagia infused beat-em up. It is currently available on PSN for $10 and I strongly recommend it, especially if you were a fan of RCR. Either way, try the demo. It is coming out this week on XBLA. One small caveat, no online multiplayer, something it would have benefit from immensely. Oh and, it is really hard so prepare to die a lot.
As for the Edgar Wright directed film, well, the cast is perfect in my opinion. Chris Evans and Brendan Routh shine as the 2nd and 3rd evil-ex respectively. Alison Pill's Kim Pine is the epitome of cool (she also portrays a strong Queen Maud in the Pillars of the Earth TV series). Michael Cera is Michael Cera is Michael Cera... No seriously, although Scott Pilgrim does share some characteristic with the usual type that Cera plays, it is nice to see him play a character that kicks ass and is actually not that likeable. The pacing is what you can expect of 6 books crammed in a little less than 2 hours. The first half is stunning, the second half, less so. Still, the fight sequences are are very well directed and you are not lost in the action, but the second half loses a lot of the character development present in the books. It may not have been as good as I expected, but I am looking forward to seeing it again. One thing I really appreciated was the fact that we hear some sound coming from a DS, and they are not some random sounds. Young Neil is playing the GBA version of A Link to the Past (in one shot we see the GBA cartridge coming out of the DS Lite). That's how serious videogames are in the Scott Pilgrim universe, be it on page or on film.
In short, if you want to enjoy the universe of Scott Pilgrim, there is no way you can go wrong, but the source material is the most approachable, it will not kick your ass and it devotes enough time to all of its cool characters (it is also chock-full of sweet videogame references including one to the Ninja Gaiden opening). If you grew up with an NES, there will be something for you in it.
I wanted to talk, once again, about Metroid, but I will have to postpone that to next post, due to this post's length. I hope these few lines will have made you interested in the fascinating world created by O'Malley and that you will experience Scott Pilgrim in one way or another. (I'd recommend them in that order: Books, Movie, Game).
Jeff out
Thursday, July 22, 2010
The Thursday Post - Mother (not Earthbound related)
"The last Metroid is in captivity. The galaxy is at peace."
This ominous quote begins my favourite game of all time, Super Metroid or Metroid 3. As mentioned in my last post, I've been playing the Metroid Prime Trilogy these past few days, as a matter of fact, I finished the first chapter today and jumped straight into the second instalment, a rather interesting thing to do. However, today's post is not about this series, but the new title that is coming out.
Part of being a gaming enthusiast and not journalist means that I need not look at everything published on a title. This also means that aside from a trailer or two, a few hands on impression, and the timeline, I know very little about Metroid: Other M. What I've read in terms of gameplay has arisen some doubts, but I will get the game no matter what because it is Metroid.
Going back to my opening quote, this last Metroid plays an important role in Super Metroid and the pivotal scene where the last Metroid saves Samus leads into the next title. I believe and hope that the title will explore this "parent-child" relationship between Samus and the Metroid. After the title, Metroid: Other M, or Metroid: M Other (mother), or the actual accronym, MOM leads me to believe that it will play some part of it. Then again, this might simply the parent in me talking.
Then again if we are talking about the other Mother of the series, Mother Brain, I will not complain either.
This is Jeff signing out. Next time, probably some more space talk.
- Posted using BlogPress from my iPad
This ominous quote begins my favourite game of all time, Super Metroid or Metroid 3. As mentioned in my last post, I've been playing the Metroid Prime Trilogy these past few days, as a matter of fact, I finished the first chapter today and jumped straight into the second instalment, a rather interesting thing to do. However, today's post is not about this series, but the new title that is coming out.
Part of being a gaming enthusiast and not journalist means that I need not look at everything published on a title. This also means that aside from a trailer or two, a few hands on impression, and the timeline, I know very little about Metroid: Other M. What I've read in terms of gameplay has arisen some doubts, but I will get the game no matter what because it is Metroid.
Going back to my opening quote, this last Metroid plays an important role in Super Metroid and the pivotal scene where the last Metroid saves Samus leads into the next title. I believe and hope that the title will explore this "parent-child" relationship between Samus and the Metroid. After the title, Metroid: Other M, or Metroid: M Other (mother), or the actual accronym, MOM leads me to believe that it will play some part of it. Then again, this might simply the parent in me talking.
Then again if we are talking about the other Mother of the series, Mother Brain, I will not complain either.
This is Jeff signing out. Next time, probably some more space talk.
- Posted using BlogPress from my iPad
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