No Nonsense Review: Tomba PS1

I only played a couple of demos before playing Tomba, and really I didn't know what to make of it. In short it's a collection/action game which focuses on action. Which really isn't a bad thing, but what is the fluctuation in difficulty. It can literally go from super easy to almost impossible depending on what part of the game your in. Take the level just before the 1st boss. The wind is blowing hard, there are plants to eat you, and if they catch you will send you back to the beginning. Not to mention you have to land and jump off platforms that is barely big enough for your character to stand upon. After dying about 25 times I gave up.

Try this one if you wish, but I swear it will make you scream.

No Nonsense Review: Tomba 2 PS1

I have been playing Tomba 2 for a while and found such a unique game. Tomba 1 & 2 are both collection / action games. But 1 clearly focused on action. While 2 focused more on collection in the form of mini missions, there are over 140. How many you complete effects which one of the multiple endings you get. It is not like any of them are boring. I have found they are just plain fun and I can't wait to see what the next one is.

This one is a must play. Whether it is a legal copy or not. Give Tomba 2 a try.

No Nonsense Review: Namco Museum #5

Metro-Cross (1985)
Baraduke (1985)
Dragon Spirit (1987)
Pac-Mania (1987)
Valkyrie no Densetsu (1989) - renamed The Legend of Valkyrie

I admit none really stand out, although you do have some unique games.

No Nonsense Review: Valkyrie Profile PSP

In all honesty I have never played a game like this in my entire life. You see the heart of Valkyrie Profile is one of the most deepest plots I ever seen along with extremely well thought out characters. I know it sounds like a good book, but actually it's a 2.5D RPG. To the actual gameplay, could not be any simpler just press a button.

This one and I can't believe I am saying this should be tried out first before actually playing the game. It's system of battles is although basically simple, but it is so different it's really hard to describe. Besides I haven't quite figured out how do you use items, like health and attack while in battle. I have been playing RPGs for over 20 years, and never seen anything like this before.

Lastly my biggest complaint in the game, it no joke it takes 45 mins from the time you start a new game until you get full control of your character. Even then you wind up in a dungeon.

Really if your looking for a totally unique game give this one a try.

No Nonsense Review: Beowulf The Game PSP

Beowulf misses the mark on so many points, really with a little tweaking it could be a really be a good game. Let's start at the very beginning of the game, it literally takes 2 full minutes to find any enemy to attack. While the attacks themselves sometimes feel like you taking down a mighty oak with a wet noodle. Really I have never played a game until now where it takes more than 50 hits to defeat the very first enemy you see, The attacks regular or heavy really makes no difference, like I said tweaking would help.

Although I won't say it's a horrible game, just a sub-par one. Get this game only as a free download, or if you find it CHEAP if you're collecting UMDs.

No Nonsence Review: Dante's Inferno PSP

Dante's Inferno turned out to be a surprise for me. Incredible graphics, and gameplay not unlike of God of War. This game puts you in the action seconds after the game begins. You are looking for tons of action in a game look no further. In fact, the only criticism I have is just minor, and that comes from artifacts, glitches in graphics. Which really shouldn't be surprising due to the limits of the PSP. This game is really worth checking out.

No Nonsense Review: Me & My Katamari PSP

Ever come across a game that is exactly what you expected...Me & My Katamari PSP did that to me. Basically, it's a Katamari for the PSP, it's basic gameplay is exactly the same as other versions, and your goals are the same. It all comes down to do you want to try this game.

No Nonsense Review: Namco Museum #4

Pac-Land (1984) - based on the Japanese version in all regions
The Return of Ishtar (1986) - the sequel to The Tower of Druaga
Genpei Tōma Den (1986) - renamed Genji and the Heike Clans
Assault (1988)
Assault Plus (1988) -  a hidden game.
Ordyne (1988)

The 2 best are Assault and it's sequel as one of the best tank shooters I have ever played. Ordyne is a very fun side scrolling shooter.

No Nonsense Review: Namco Museum #3

Galaxian (1979)
Ms. Pac-Man (1982) - the Pac-Man sequel
Dig Dug (1982)
Phozon (1983)
Pole Position II (1983)
The Tower of Druaga (1984) - including Another Tower and Darkness Tower

I do suggest you try Phozon as it's the most unique game in this collection. The others are your standard retro fare

No Nonsense Review: Namco Museum #2

Bomb Bee (1979) - a hidden game; only in the Japanese version
Cutie Q (1979) - although only playable in the Japanese version, its code can be found on the American release.
Super Pac-Man (1982) - not in the Japanese version
Xevious (1982)
Mappy (1983)
Gaplus (1984) - the Galaga sequel
Grobda (1984) - a Xevious "spinoff"
Dragon Buster (1985)

Anyway I think Mappy is the most fun, in this retro collection, while Xevious is the most challenging.

No Nonsense Review: Flatout Head On PSP

If anyone has been checking out this blog they know my feeling about drift racing. Flatout Head On is a drift racer alright, but it is also a demolition derby kind of game. Which really makes no sense to me. When you play this type of game "Twisted Metal" is a good example, you need tight controls so you don't get destroyed. This one takes that model and throws it out the window.

Strictly for Drift Racing Fans ONLY