Old stuff

Hey all I just remembered that I wrote a couple reviews for a site called world-of-videogames.com. I really wouldn't visit that place today because they make you fill out surveys just to access the site. So I just yoinked both reviews I wrote for that dump and all three of my lucky readers can see them right now.

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Game #1 - Super Castlevania 4

This is one game that can be considered a real classic. Castlevania 4 is definitely one of the greatest super Nintendo games of all time. It combines incredible level design, great graphics, a good challenge, and some of the best music ever. Even after all these years and countless other games. (Including Symphony of the Night), I still keep coming back to this one.

Graphics 10 out of 10

The Graphics are very well done, grom the amount of detail in even the simplest enemy. To the exceptional use of Mode 7, especially in Stage 4. The graphics are just one of this games many strong points. The backgrounds are good too, and they include some really cool animations. The bosses are also well done, each one is very different in look and how they are animated. This game shows a lot of diversityin each level. from the Gardens of the level 1 to the caverns and water filled ruins of level 3. No two levels ever have the same look to them.

Music and Sound 10 out of 10

Well obviously this is Castlevania music. Easily some of the best music I have ever heard. The boss music is really good. The first stage music is also exceptional. They have even redone music from Castlevania 1 and 2. The sound effects are also well done. But most of the time I was just listening to the music although the sound effects do their part fine enough.

Game Challenge 9 out of 10

Well the difficulty is there. Some levels are really tough but once you understand it you will master them in no time. Which brings to this games one minor failing. which is a lack of challenge. Once you beat the game. (All the way through.) There is not much else after that. Castlevania 4 is still a good challenge in itself. You get unlimited continues and passwords, so It can not be that hard.

Game Play-Fun 10 out of 10

The control is a lot better than the older Castlevanias, that's for sure. You can swing the whip in any direction, plus if you hold the button down, you can flail it everywhere. Hitting anything around you although this move is also weaker. The response time for each move is good, plus the game is really fun. Each level is diverse and has a lot to offer. You can also swing from objects that resemble bats holding a ring in the air. The level design is arguably the best part of the game next to the music every level is something new, and it just shows how much of classic this game is.

Frustration

I doubt you can get frustrated with this game. You get passwords and unlimited continues, and although the levels are sometimes tricky. They can be beaten after some amount of time. So don't throw the controller out the window over some simple problem in any level. Although they may be tricky at first.

Replayability 9 out of 10

Well...this game is replayable. Mostly for the level design and music, but the difficulty could be a bit harder, but the game is a lot of fun while it lasts and well worth time spent on it. If this game was harder and maybe a few stages longer or even if it used the multiple path system of Castlevania 3. that would add a lot to the replay value.

Game Value 9 out of 10

Hmm... well, this is a really good game, and it is well worth any amount of money you pay for it, except for over $50. which would be a little much.

Overall 10 out of 10

Overall, This is the one of the best Castlevania games around. Either by rental or paid for. This game is one classic that should not be forgotten. Don't pass up the chance to play the game. You will not be disappointed.

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Game #2 - Actraiser

Actraiser is a very unique game. One of the Older games for the Super Nintendo, I became very involved in this game after I rented it. Actraiser combines good graphics, excellent music, good gameplay, It is quite lacking in replayability but it is still an excellent game.

Graphics 9 out of 10

The game is split into 2 parts, a regular action mode with really good detail, and huge and well animated characters. The other mode is a kind of Simulation where you take the role of a angel looking guy who flies around helping the town grow and shooting enemies with arrows. The action side, has very good graphics, while the simulation is kind of drab and unappealing but still all right. The bosses in this game are some of the best.

Music and Sound 9 out of 10

The Music in Actraiser is awesome to say the least. The Music draws you in and while nice peaceful music accompanies the simulation, yet in the action area, the Music gets intense and is really involving. The sound effects are effective, well done sword swings, the screams of dying monsters, and other cool FX.

Game Challenge 9 out of 10

The simulation mode is not that tough, but the enemies can give you headaches though, since they are always flying around and taking your townspeople away. The Real Challenge comes from the action areas, The Levels contain many traps and tough enemies, The Bosses will give you nightmares, You can get level ups in the game to increase your health but that only happens in Simulation mode when you get enough townspeople. Plus after you beat the game you can access an even harder Mode.

Game Play-Fun 9 out of 10

The Control is well done, The menus are intuitive and simple, Its real easy to get into the game even without a manual. Plus the controls are simple enough, most of the time you press one button to attack, one to jump. Movement can be a little sluggish at times, but that is not too much to complain about. The game is a lot of fun, the 2 modes keep the game fresh and replayable.

Frustration

I was Frustrated at the beginning because you have a real short health meter when you first start, but once you start getting some level ups the game becomes a lot easier to handle, the aggressive enemies in the simulation mode might get on your nerves too, but it is still more challenge than frustration and it will stay entertaining to the end.

Replayability 6 out of 10

The Game is Replayable because of the extra hard difficulty, yet if you have gone through the game once, then you have seen everything, The probably would have stayed fresher if there were more levels, and multiple paths and secret areas to make them more interesting. Most of the levels in the game are too straightforward.

Game Value 8 out of 10

The Game is a great value you can usually find it used for under 30 dollars, it will surely be hours of fun, So it is worth the price.

Overall 8 out of 10

Actraiser is a good game, diminished only by its low Replay Value, after you beat the game on both difficulties then its all over, the game could have used better level design and a longer game overall, I was able to beat this game in around two days, but it was extremely fun and well done game.

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Glad that's over huh? I'd like to think I have gotten better at reviewing games since then. I'm not sure when exactly I wrote these but at the time I was rocking the AOL account so it had to have been over ten years ago. Actually wait where in time would one have to pay $30 for Actraiser? I better just quit trying to make sense of this before I make myself sick.