World 1-27: Plok

Plok
~SNES

I originally found Plok in a list of overlooked games for the SNES, so I decided to check it out on eBay and give it a try. After playing it for a little while, I had to agree: Plok is definitely one of those hidden gem games that nobody seems to talk about. The storyline was alright - basically, Plok wakes up one day to discover that his grandpa's flag had been stolen, and when he returns from getting it back, the island has been taken over by fleas. However, there are other parts of the game that stand out much more. The music is pretty catchy, and the animation style is very charming, full of bright colours and scenic backgrounds. It also has a lot of cool features, like when you attack an enemy, you actually throw your arms and legs at them. After throwing all four limbs, your movement becomes impeded until you collect them again. Originally, I had a lot of difficulty getting used to the controls, and some of the levels were pretty tough, but I enjoyed it overall. What made it even more fun were the special upgrades, such as the detective, plane, tank, unicycle, and even UFO. It was long for a platformer (I clocked in at 4.5 hours to complete it), but still worth the play through. If you're looking for a straightforward game to tackle and have a few hours to burn, you should give Plok a try!

World 1-26: Harvest Moon

Harvest Moon
~SNES

Wow, Harvest Moon is such an awesome game. Let's start with the main objective: your grandfather is going on a trip, and you have to help his farm flourish over the course of 3 years. It's a pretty original idea, and it was executed well. The only drawback to Harvest Moon is the intense grind/monotonous feel to the game, as you go through three sets of seasons which are virtually the same each time around. It takes about 12 hours to complete the game, which is a long time to be picking tomatoes!

There are several options on how to raise your farm: You can raise farm animals, such as cows and chickens, and even harvest milk and eggs from them to sell off for decent money. You can also grow crops, which are seasonal - turnips and potatoes in the spring, tomatoes and corn in the summer - you can't grow any crops in the fall, but you can run to the mountain nearby and ship out some mushrooms for a wicked payload. Winter is the most laid back season as you can't even grow any grass, but I find it the most hypnotic. The music is so beautiful, and the scenery is just astounding. Each season has new music, and they fit the seasons very well.

However, one of the most memorable features of Harvest Moon is the fact that you can pick a girl and get married! You can even go on to have a few children. And guess how you woo your wife? By giving her lots of food. Yup, apparently when women get pregnant there's no baby in that belly, it's just fat. But hey, the 90s were a simpler time, when things like pregnancy didn't need to be explained in a video game.

Overall, I'd say Harvest Moon is an excellent game that should be at least tried by everyone. Happy Farming!

My final score:

Money: 175990G
Stamina: 200 

Cow's best affection rate: Bub♥ 255

Ann's love: 999

Happiness rate: 999

Ranch developing rate: 39%

Ranch master rate: 420

(Then it says "Come on,you are so close!")

World 1-25: Contra III: The Alien Wars

Contra III: The Alien Wars
~SNES

Ah, good ol' Contra. If you've never played a Contra game (shame on you) then just believe me, and everybody else, when we say this series is freaking IMPOSSIBLE. Remember the Konami Code? Yeah, you're gonna need that. At least, you would IF IT WORKED ON CONTRA 3. It's like just to spit in your face the Konami Code works in the original Contra, and at least 4 others in the series, but oh no not on Contra 3. I mean what kind of sick joke is that? If you've ever made it past the first half of this game, stop right now and give yourself a pat on the back. Seriously. Go ahead.

Looking past the absurd difficulty level of Contra III: The Alien Wars, it is actually a very good game. As with any SNES game, the graphics are awesomely smooth. The game is packed full of enemies and different weapons, and the music is pretty decent too. The music fits the mood of the game quite well, as do the backgrounds and other scenery. Some of the bosses have almost a Super Metroid feel to them - it's actually quite nice to see a more serious game compared to all the cutesy rainbow bright crap out there. Not that I don't like the fruity games too, but they just don't have the staying power that games like Contra have. Definite thumbs up for Contra III: The Alien Wars.

World 1-24: Donkey Kong Country 3: Dixie Kong's Double Trouble!

Donkey Kong Country 3: Dixie Kong's Double Trouble!
~SNES


Original Completion Date: July 3rd, 2009

This was my first time beating Donkey Kong Country 3. I definitely spent more than 2 hours playing, but hey I still kicked everybody else's ass speed wise. I'm a little mad that I couldn't write my full name (everybody else gets up to 7 characters! How come I only got 5?), but that's trivial compared to the actual game play. What I like about Donkey Kong Country 3 is that it's very similar to the first two games in the series; they managed to expand the game without ruining all the basics. Same great music, same great graphics, and you always have at least one familiar playable character in the Donkey Kong Country games. I wasn't much a fan of the new guy, Kiddy Kong, but at least you can still haul ass with Dixie's bad ass banana hair. The storyline is basically the same as the first two: "Oh No! Where did that foolish Kong go? We must seek adventure and rescue him!!" but hey, it works well. The 90s were a much simpler time. Oh and definite props on the soundtrack; David Wise strikes again! 

World 1-23: Bubble Bobble

Bubble Bobble
~NES

Original Completion Date: June 16th, 2009

The first thing that comes to mind when I hear Bubble Bobble is definitely the music. It loops forever and ever; it's so addicting. You can't, nay WON'T, get it out of your head. EVER. And that's okay, because it's cute and totally matches the rest of the game. For all 99 floors. The only new music is at the final boss.

You and your dinosaur buddy (actually you used to be humans, but whatever) have to blow bubbles and strategically trap monsters/bounce off your bubbles to reach the final boss, defeat him, and save your girlfriends. The idea itself is pretty original, and so are the different puzzles on each floor, but basically it comes down to the fact that Bubble Bobble is an extremely monotonous game. It takes a long time to get to the end, with some VERY frustrating levels along the way. And assuming you tackled the game solo, once you reach the end you realize there is no way to get the good end all by yourself. That's right, you have to have a second player to really beat the game. The only real drawbacks to Bubble Bobble are the fact that you can't get the good end alone, and the fact that it's really monotonous. Everything else about Bubble Bobble keeps me coming back for more. Especially that music. Oh god, that music. Enjoy!

World 1-22: Doremi Fantasy Milon no DokiDoki Daibouken

Doremi Fantasy Milon no DokiDoki Daibouken
~Super Famicom


Original Completion Date: June 4th, 2009

Not surprisingly, Doremi Fantasy Milon no DokiDoki Daibouken (called "Doremi" from hereon out) is a Japanese game for the Famicom. A hard copy was never released in North America, but in 2008 it was available for download on the Wii's Virtual Console, untranslated. Honestly, I have no idea what the storyline was all about, but I loved everything else about this game. Doremi has a lot of anime qualities, in that it is bright, happy, and has very distinctive graphics. It also has a very unique soundtrack, although it does get repetitive at times. I would definitely play this game again, and recommend it to anybody who loves a simple platformer. 

World 1-21: Pokémon (Pokemon) Blue

Pokémon Blue
~Gameboy


Original Completion Date: May 28th, 2009

This is probably the closest I have ever come to fully completing a first generation Pokémon game. Pokémon Blue (and friends) is part of my favourite generation of Pokémon games because it features the original 151 Pokémon, and is fairly similar to the plot of the TV show which I loved as a kid. The idea is really simple: catch as many Pokémon as you can, and beat a series of gym leaders to prove that you are the best Pokémon trainer ever! To add a bit of competition, the game introduces Blue, your new rival who is always one step ahead of you. In terms of game play, Pokémon Blue has everything I love in a game: it's fast, smooth, and easy to follow. There are a couple goodies in the game, such as the Game Corner (AKA the casino) and the Safari Zone, where you can catch all sorts of rare Pokémon using your bare hands! You can also fish for water types, but you need to get upgrades for your pole to catch the stronger Pokémon. Even though the game is about 90% grind rate, Pokémon Blue is a lot of fun. It's also a great game to take on long trips.