Space Invaders and Galaga

This is why I loved the 16 bit era.  Taking two classic (in every sense of the word) titles that were originally available on the Atari and Colecovision systems(not to mention huge hits in arcades) and adding just a few small updates and better graphics gave them a whole new life for a new generation.

First up is Space Invaders '90.  Great remake of the timeless gametype where play as a little ship desperately trying to fight off hordes of space prawns.  The best thing about this update to a classic is the weapon powerups, It adds a whole new dynamic to an already winning formula. I like to imagine myself as Will Smith circa ID4 playing this game.

Next up is my personal favorite, Galaga 90'  Everyone knows what makes the Galaga games great is the ability to let the aliens steal your ship, then get it back and have double the power.  Galaga 90' however, allowed you to get your ship stolen 3 times instead of the standard once

Come at me bro

Second update today: MADDEN!

Here's a little flashback for anyone watching NFL Wildcard weekend tonight, remember when you had throw passes to little dwarfs and listen to John Madden's voice tell you how bad you suck in all it's 16-bit glory?

Is dat some Turbo Grafx 16?

Oh yes, we're talking about one of the rarest, most sought after 16-bit games of all time: Devil's Castle Dracula X: Rondo of Blood, or Just Castlevania X.  A great game released by Konami for the PC Engine gaming system(Turbo Grafx in the USA).  This is one of the most under appreciated titles that came out in this era.  It's a huge game with tons of levels and lots of powerups and big, colorful bosses.  I've always enjoyed the Castlevania series because of the style associated with them and horror theme.  Dracula decides to reincarnate every year and every time some effeminate whip-wielding "Magick" user has to put him down again. Did I mention this game features SKELETONS?  

Contra 3

Rawwwr robot skeletons

If you could personify everything manly and roll it into a grey, plastic cartridge, this would be what you got.  The original Contra games were released for the NES 8-bit system, and those are great by all means, but that's not what I'm here to talk about today.  Contra 3: The Alien Wars was and is the pinnacle of the side-scrolling action game.  Think I'm wrong?  Well you're probably a girl, or a beta-male.

Take two testosterone laden dudes, with a ton of guns, about a million robotic alien douchebags and a giant Skeletorish looking robot and you have one giant ball of badassery.  I have such fond memories of this game because It knows exactly what it is.  It doesn't try to be clever and make you solve little puzzles or use unnecessary things like brainpower. Alot of great things were added in this sequel, including screen clearing atomic bomb-type powerups, all the old guns from the original(Spread gun FTW) and some amazingly fun levels where you have to hang from your one massive bicep and blast flying aliens.

Graphics - 9/10
Sound - 8/10
Gameplay 9/10
Manliness - 10/10

Ready for something a bit more obscure?  Check out El Viento for the Sega Genesis.  It was made by the awesome company Renovation.  Sort of an anime-manga type deal where you play as a hot chick who gets powerups and runs around huge levels.  Had ridicuously funny particle effects(lol pixels) for it's time.  Check out the video if you like this kind of stuff.