Console Glory! 2016 Year-In-Review

Image stolen from Skippy Sigmatic via YouTube. Pissed? Let me know and I'll take it down.

It's March, so I figured that now would be the absolute BEST time to do my 2016 year-in-review post! I'm horrible. Just like in previous years, I'll start by ranking the games I played that were released in 2016 and finish by ranking the games that were released prior to 2016. Here we go!

2016 Games

1. Furi - PS4 - A

Oddly enough, my game of the year is once again something that I got for free with my Playstation Plus subscription. Like Rocket League in 2015, Furi wasn't even on my radar as something I wanted to play, but I gave it shot because a) it was free, and b) I was intrigued by the music and visuals. That music and those visuals certainly are a treat, but the real meat of this game is the ultra tight gameplay and the steep-yet-fair challenge level. Loved it, got the platinum trophy, really can't recommend it enough! And don't sleep on that soundtrack either!


2. Doom - PS4 - A

After the debacle that was Duke Nukem Forever I certainly had my reservations about what a Doom reboot might look like in 2017, but I was thrilled to discover that my fears were misplaced. To be fair, Duke Nukem always kinda sucked, but yeah, this new Doom is really great. Amazing single-player campaign with enough classic elements to stoke nostalgia, yet several innovations that make it feel fresh. If you have ANY love for classic Doom and you still haven't given this a try, you really owe it to yourself.

3. Downwell - PS Vita - A

Yes, this game originally came out in 2015 on iOS, but it didn't get ported to console/handheld until 2016, so shut up. This charming, twitchy action platformer is so solidly constructed that I just couldn't get it out of my mind until I got the platinum trophy. Special shout out to the moody soundtrack that brought me back to the TurboGrafx-16 days.

4. Broforce - PS4 - A

Another game that was originally released for PC in 2015 but ported to PS4 in 2016. Fuck it, my house, my rules. Broforce is a tremendous and hilarious send-up/homage to 80s and 90s action films with rock solid controls and the perfect level of challenge. They could release new "bros" and levels as DLC forever and I'd probably play this gem until the end of time.

5. Final Fantasy XV - PS4 - A-

Final Fantasy makes its triumphant return as a gorgeous open world (and still very Japanese) RPG. With any game of this scope there are some nagging issues here and there - most notably its undercooked story - but it shines overall and ultimately feels worth the wait.

6. Rhythm Heaven Megamix - 3DS - B

7. Megaman Legacy Collection - PS4 - B

8. Worms W.M.D. - PS4 - B-

9. Fire Emblem Fates: Birthright - 3DS - B-

Though I appreciated the effort that went into making this latest installment in the Fire Emblem franchise, this game just didn't grab me. I even tried picking it up again more recently, but it just feels like a slog. Good game, but not for me.

10. Mighty No. 9 - PS4 - C

Poor Mighty No. 9, things just really didn't come together for you, did they? Uninspired level and weapon designs, flat graphics and sound, and sluggy controls all came together to sink this promising title from the creator of Megaman. Still, it's not a complete disaster, and I wouldn't mind getting a sequel that does what it can to right the wrongs of this underwhelming title.

Older Games

1. Shantae and the Pirate's Curse - 3DS - B

My first experience with a Shantae game was quite a pleasant surprise! Shades of Metroid-vania and Megaman mixed with SUPER charming characters, visuals, and music have me thinking that I've been missing out on this series. Probably gonna have to get that newer PS4 title fairly soon!

2. Hot Shots Golf: World Invitational - PS Vita - B

3. Geometry Wars 3: Dimensions Evolved - B

4. Shadow Complex Remastered - B-

This Metroid-vania title adds an air of modern military realism to the mix which results in a game that is well executed, if a little light on charm. I had a good time with this game overall, however, and I'm curious to see what a sequel might bring to the table.

5. Sega Classics Collection - B-

6. Tricky Towers - B-

7. Nidhogg - B

This simplistic-looking, yet strikingly deep 1-on-1 fighter definitely caught my attention, even as someone who generally sucks at fighting games!

8. Axiom Verge - C+

9. Ultratron - C+

10. Laserlife - C+

11. Galak-Z: The Dimensional - C+

12. Metal Slug 3 - C

I always thought I liked Metal Slug games - and they do bring a lot of charming aspects to the table - but after playing through this one start to finish I've realized that only the hardest of hardcore players would ever have a chance to beat this game without unlimited continues, and as such I've had to reappraise my appreciation for this series.

13. Q*Bert Rebooted - C

Poor Q*Bert. Your latest game kinda sucks. Generic, bland, really not much fun to play. Skip it!

Thanks for reading in 2016! I love you.

Console Glory 2015 Year In Review

Illustration by ElMarcosLuckydel96

Year-in-review time! Even though I didn't play a whole lot of games in 2015, I'm going to stick to tradition and follow through with my customary wrap-up post. Just like in previous years, I'll start by ranking the games I played that were released in 2015 and finish by ranking the games that were released prior to 2015. Thanks for reading, and here's to an exciting 2016!

2015 Games

1. Rocket League - PS4 - B+

Even I am somewhat surprised to see this game in my top spot for the year. I have little doubt that if I would have played more games in 2015 this would definitely be lower on the list, yet despite that, Rocket League is that most delightful of surprises, and it's more than deserving of a spot on anyone's short list for Game of the Year. It's one of those games that was nowhere near my (or anyone else's) radar, but it's just so expertly crafted and fun to play that it can't be denied! Easy to pick up and difficult to master, Rocket League brings the simple joy of old school couch co-op to the internet age in a most satisfying way. Goooooooooooooaaaaalllllllllll!!

2. Grow Home - PS4 - B+

It's not a particularly meaty experience, but what's here is so charming and shows so much potential for a sequel that I'm glad to see it here in the number two spot.

3. Resident Evil: Revelations 2 - PS4 - B

Though it doesn't quite deliver the same quality experience as the numbered entries in the series, RE: Revelations 2 is a well made RE game and a marked improvement over the original Revelations. I dug it, particularly the Raid Mode!

4. Bloodborne - PS4 - B-

While Bloodborne didn't do a whole lot for me, I can certainly recognize quality when I see it, and this is a well made (if totally fucking devious) game. I never could break through the more punishing aspects of of the experience, and the narrative leaves a lot to be desired, but I give it props as a niche title.

5. Super Mario Maker -  WiiU - C

Y'know, a C grade might be a little low for this game. It didn't nearly give me thrills that I'd hoped it would, but it's a great idea that I wouldn't mind seeing applied to some of Nintendo's other franchises. I mean, Metroid Maker? Zelda Maker? How sweet would that be?

Older Games


1. Bastion - PS4 - B+

No surprise here. Bastion is yet another amazing title from Supergiant Games, makers of my 2014 GOTY Transistor. Though I didn't "vibe" with it (ugh.) as much as I did with Transistor, it's still a wonderfully crafted and highly playable action RPG in nearly the same vein of its vaunted successor. A must play!

2. Vanquish - PS3 - B+

This somewhat low-profile title from Shinji Mikami (Resident Evil, Shadows of the Damned) felt like a real step forward for the 3rd person shooter genre. Fast paced and tightly constructed, I enjoyed it quite a bit more than the director's most recent work, The Evil Within.

3. Donkey Kong '94 - Game Boy -  B+

4. Tomb Raider - PS3 - B

5. Punch-Out!! - Wii - B

This 2009 reboot of the classic boxing series really got it right. Well, except for all the cultural stereotypes. Why'd they leave those in, I wonder?

6. Sleeping Dogs Definitive Edition - B-

7. Metal Gear Solid V: Ground Zeroes - B-

8. New 'N Tasty! Oddworld: Abe's Oddysee - B

9. Dillon's Rolling Western - C

10. Meme Run - D+

This game sucks, but I'd by lying if I said that I didn't wish it had turned out better. I love a good meme, and a well crafted endless runner bursting with recognizable characters and internet jokes could have been a welcome distraction. Unfortunately, Meme Run is a a minimalist affair in every way. The gameplay is shallower than a kiddie pool and there really aren't that many good memes represented. Props for the "Wombo Combo" reference but, shit guys, you've gotta do better than this!

Final Thoughts

So yeah, a bit of a down year for me on the gaming front. Still, I'm looking forward to playing a little more in 2016. Some upcoming games I'm excited for include Fire Emblem: Fates, Mighty No. 9, Street Fighter V, Star Fox Zero, Final Fantasy XV, and The Last Guardian. I'm also pretty stoked to see what happens with Sony's new VR headset and to get more information about the Nintendo NX. Thanks for reading!

Good night...

Console Glory 2012 Year In Review!!

Year in review time!  This time around I thought I'd take a look back at all the games I played this year, rank them, and offer my thoughts on a few of the standouts.  People love lists, ya know!  I'm going to split them up and rank the games that were released this year separately from games that were released in the past.  Sound good?  I'll start with the games released in 2012.

1. Resident Evil 6 - B+ (PS3)
2. Sakura Samurai - B+ (3DS)
3. Journey - B (PSN)
4. Kid Icarus: Uprising - B (3DS)
5. Double Dragon Neon - B- (PSN)
6. Resident Evil: Revelations - C+ (3DS)

That's it?!  I only played six games that were released this year?!  Yep, it's true.  I told you I'm always late to the party.  Fuck it.

1. Resident Evil 6

With a 'B+', Resident Evil 6 is indeed my game of the year.  I know that a lot of people hated on RE6, and it truly is far from perfect, but I still say that it's a solid game and I have spent a lot of time playing it since it was released in early October.  I don't think that it will hold my attention for years on end the way that RE5's multiplayer did, but yeah, RE6 is Console Glory's game of the year.  Suck it, haters!

2. Sakura Samurai

Sakura Samurai might seem like too slight a title to receive runner-up honors, but I think it's right where it belongs.  The precise gameplay, steep challenge, and perfect pacing made this downloadable 3DS title one of my top picks.  It doesn't overreach, and it doesn't try to be something that it's not...a bit of a rarity in console titles these days.

3. Journey

Journey is a game that was at the top of many people's best of 2012 lists.  I enjoyed it quite a bit myself, but I wasn't as blown away by it as some people were.  As striking as its design and visuals were, it felt a little shallow overall.  Walk toward a shining light in the distance... so deep!

4. Kid Icarus: Uprising

Kid Icarus: Uprising was an ambitious title that I'd have to put into the category of "almost awesome".  Unlike Sakura Samurai, Kid Icarus throws so much at you that I was surprised at how well it all held together.  Some aspects (weapons, characters) worked better than others (vehicles, controls), but overall Kid Icarus: Uprising is an exciting update to a long dormant franchise.

5. Double Dragon: Neon

I must admit that as of this writing, I still haven't finished Double Dragon: Neon.  I almost got through it, but I started playing it around the time that I got Scott Pilgrim vs. The World, and as brawlers go, that title is much more engaging.  Still, I enjoyed Double Dragon.  If you have nostalgia for the old games and can get it for less than $10 then you should snatch it up.

6. Resident Evil: Revelations

I wasn't so positive in my review of Resident Evil: Revelations and time has done little to change my opinion.  It's a well made game, but I just found it kind of boring.  It almost felt like a tech demo to me.  Old school RE fans...what's so fuckin' great about "survival horror"?  It's always just a bunch of wandering around, looking for keys and shit.  Old REs, Silent Hill, Fatal Frame...boring.  I understand the importance of vibe and atmosphere, but I don't really play games for the vibe itself, and that's what playing survival horror games always feels like to me.

Alright, now on to the older games.

1. Super Mario 3D Land - A

Great game.  It's the only 'A' grade that I awarded all year, and it's easily the best 3DS game I've played yet.  If you liked Super Mario Galaxy then this one is a no-brainer.

2. Scott Pilgrim Vs. The World - B+

I hated the movie so I wasn't sure what to expect from the game, but Scott Pilgrim is a tight little brawler with loads of charm.  If you ever got into Double Dragon, Final Fight, or River City Ransom this game is worth a look.  Pick it up.

3. Castlevania: Portrait Of Ruin - B+

4. Catherine - B+

This intriguing puzzler really made an impact on me.  I keep thinking about it months after finishing it.  I wonder why?

5. Pushmo - B+

6. Intelligent Qube - B+

7. Pokemon Soulsilver - B+

I might have graded his one a little high.  I know that people love their Pokemon, but this game didn't hold my attention after I wrote my review.

8. Resident Evil 4 HD -  B+

9. Kirby Mass Attack - B+

10. Quantum Conundrum - B

11. Samurai Champloo - B

12. Alex Kidd in Miracle World - B

13. Rochard - B

14. Ico - B-

15. VVVVV - B-

Somehow I managed to make my way through this bitch of a game.  It's tough, but worth it!  I probably should have given it a slightly better grade.

16. Bit.trip Saga - B-

17. Theatrhythm: Final Fantasy - B-

18. Bust-A-Move Universe - C+

19. Choplifter HD - C+

20. Outland - C+

21. Mario Kart 7 - C+

I might have scored this one a bit low.  It didn't grab me, but it's probably better than a 'C+'.

22. Sonic the Hedgehog 2 - C+

23. Kid Icarus 3D Classics - C

24. Sonic the Hedgehog - C

25. Lollipop Chainsaw - C-

Fuck this game, and fuck Suda 51.

So there we are.  I just thought that it might be cool to take a look back and put everything into some kind of context.

In the new year I plan to continue on as I have been, writing my thoughts about the games I play and the gaming news that catches my attention.  I hope to post more frequently, write a few more in-depth articles, and introduce some new (semi) regular features such as "Games I'm NOT Playing".  Huge thanks to all of my readers!  Hope everyone had a good 2012.  Here's to another year of Console Glory!

P.S. Listen to my PODCAST! It's pretty alright...

Console Glory 2011 Year In Review

I thought that this year it might be fun to do a 'year in review' post about my gaming experiences in 2011. I probably could have whipped this up and posted it in the waning days of 2011 like everyone else does with their 'year in review' type musings, but I'm not like everyone else. I'm lazy. Hey it's only Jan. 5, 2012. Still early enough, right? Anyway, here's a bunch of games that I played this year but didn't write much about. Enjoy!

Portal 2 - PS3


I got married early last year so for the first few months of 2011 I was pretty much out of commission, gaming-wise. Things quieted down just in time for the April release of Portal 2, and I made sure to pick up my copy on release day. It's not too often that I feel compelled to purchase a game on the day it hits the shelves (it happens maybe once or twice a year, if that) but for me this was one of those times. I absolutely loved the original, and I was eager for more of the series' brand of twisted wit and mind-bending puzzles. Portal 2 did not disappoint. In fact, it's better that the original in virtually every measurable way. The fantastic sci-fi story (featuring memorable 'performances' by the (still alive) GLaDOS, the hapless personality unit Wheatley, and the twisted genius Cave Johnson) delivers heavy doses of fan service while expanding the scope of the series' fiction. Still, some aspects of the game left me wondering if the developers might not have played it a little too safe with their sequel. Yes, it's longer than the original (though not by much), but the challenge level is about the same (if not a little easier), and the new concepts (gels, light bridges, launchers) are nowhere near as interesting as your standard 'weapon' the portal gun. Nitpicking aside, I have to say that I still had A LOT of fun with this game and I wasn't at all surprised to see it on so many people's 'best of...' lists for 2011.

Final Fantasy 13 - PS3


After finishing with Portal 2, I finally broke down and picked up Final Fantasy 13. I have been a fan of the series in the past, but I haven't found the last few entries in the series to be all that fun or interesting. This being the first entry in the series to appear in the current console generation, I thought I should at least give it a look. Much has been written elsewhere about the evolution of the Final Fantasy series (with many long time fans decrying the series' move away from its JRPG roots), but I think that Square-Enix might be on to something here. The whole RPG experience has been streamlined and the game has a brisk pace that grabbed me right away. Unfortunately, I only got about 15 hours in before the magic wore off and I moved on to something else. What happened? Well, for one thing, the story is a total fuckin' mess. It's really really strange and convoluted, and you have to read a lot of it through the menus. I couldn't keep up and I didn't give a shit. It's also really linear. The game holds your hand from sequence to sequence and there's little sense of exploration. Finally, I didn't experience a whole lot of variety in the gameplay. The battle system for this game is REALLY FUN and fast paced, but there's not much else to do except fight. I just got bored. I'm going to rent its sequel when it comes out later this year and see if they can bring the fantastic battle system into a larger, more engaging world and maybe toss in a story that doesn't want to make me claw my eyes out in confusion.

Okami - Wii


After Final Fantasy came Okami for the Wii. Like a lot of others, my Wii didn't get a whole lot of attention in 2011, but this sweet little game had me dusting off my nunchuck. Pedigree, Positive reviews, and a good price lead me to Okami, and I'm so glad they did. At its heart, this game is essentially a Capcom developed Zelda ripoff set in mythical Japan. Players take control of a white wolf who runs through the countryside and conquers dungeons in an effort to defeat evil and bring peace to the land. Gorgeous visuals and music combine with solid gameplay in this charming and stylish adventure. It was maybe a little longer than it needed to be, but it was still quite fun. If you have a Wii and you're looking for a great game at a good price, see if you can track this one down.

Nintendo 3DS


It was mid-August when I purchased the Nintendo 3DS. I wrote about my early impressions of the system here, and I've written a bit about a few of its games here. I have also since received all of the free games that were promised to the members of the Ambassador Program. I spoke earlier about my impressions of the free NES games that 'ambassadors' received, so let me now offer some thoughts on the free Game Boy Advance games that arrived in early December. First off, really solid selection. A lot of these games are far more substantive than the NES games I received back in September. Yoshi's Island, Metroid Fusion, Fire Emblem, and Zelda: Minish Cap alone could keep me going for 2 months or so. There's Mario Kart and F-Zero for the racing fans...though seriously, does anyone actually LIKE F-Zero? Mario vs. Donkey Kong and WarioWare Inc. provide a puzzle fix, and Kirby and Wario Land 4 round out the list with some solid platforming. Good stuff! Thanks for the free games Nintendo, they DO help take the sting out of the fact that your console doesn't have a second analog stick.

And speaking of which, the Circle Pad Pro clip-on analog stick for the 3DS will hit US stores in about a month. Sure, it looks a bit ungainly, but who knows? Maybe it'll feel really comfortable? Yeah, I'm not holding my breath either...

Resident Evil: The Mercenaries 3D - Nintendo 3DS


Sweet game, Capcom. Everyone who knows me knows that I LOVE me some Resident Evil Mercenaries, and my hat's off to Capcom for bringing the taut, thrilling gameplay found in the home console versions to the handheld arena. Even without a second analog stick, they've managed to deliver! I could quibble about its somewhat obtuse and uninspired menus, its boring and mostly pointless introductory missions, and its needlessly complicated mission and character selection segments, but the point is that this game is still bitchin' and well worth a play. Oh, and it has online multiplayer that works just as well as RE5.

Cave Story 3D - Nintendo 3DS


Alright, here's the deal: if you like Metroid-Vania style platform/adventures, then you REALLY SHOULD PLAY THIS GAME! I first came upon this title in 2010 when it was released for download on WiiWare, but it actually began its life in 2004 as a freeware game available for PC (thank you Wikipedia). The WiiWare version that I played was actually an expanded port of the PC original. It featured the original PC version, as well as an enhanced version that featured updated graphics and music, and some additional play modes. It was really fun, and very bitchin'. So now in 2011 THIS version comes along. I should stress here that with all of these versions, we're still talking about the same game that was originally released in 2004. So with all of these different trips through the same adventure, which is the one to go with? Well unless you are a superfan I'd have to recommend the WiiWare version. Why? Well, while the 3DS version may have the snappy 3D graphics, it doesn't contain any of the additional modes that made the WiiWare version such a good value. It's just the basic story... no boss rush, no Curly Brace, no Wind Fortress. Trust me fool, you want that shit.

Heavy Rain - PS3


While everyone else was playing L.A. Noire, I was playing 2010's brooding detective story Heavy Rain. I told you before, I'm always late to the party! I didn't really dig this one too much. It was more of an 'interactive story' than an actual game. I picked this up so that my non-gamer wife and I might have something to play together, but I was so bored with it that I didn't even show it to her. This is one of those games that has a decent story (and I really wanted to solve the mystery), but it just takes so long for things to happen that I kept losing interest. Did I miss out?