ExoParadigmGamer
Shadow The Hedgehog (2005)- Wheres That Damn Fourth Chaos Emerald
updated
Exo returns to close off a three part review of Metroid II.
In part 1, Exo discussed the Game Boy original.
In part 2, Exo gave a second look at AM2R, with a special focus on the post-release updates by the AM2R Community Developers.
In this part, Exo finally does something new and discusses Metroid: Samus Returns, the 2017 remake for Nintendo 3DS. Despite being vocally dissatisfied with the game in the past, will a second look turn Exo around on the game? How does the game attempt to recreate and improve the 1992 Game Boy original for modern sensibilities?
Finally, which of the three games does Exo consider the definitive version of Metroid II?
All these questions, and more, answered in the next 58 minutes of your life!
CHAPTERS:
00:00:00 - Opening
00:00:31 - Intro
00:03:23 - Story
00:07:52 - Spoiler Section
00:10:15 - Graphics (Cons)
00:14:11 - Graphics (Pros)
00:17:11 - Music
00:23:53 - Core Gameplay
00:27:30 - The Melee Counter
00:29:32 - The Aeion Abilities
00:31:31 - Metroid Minibosses
00:32:57 - Other Bosses
00:35:32 - The Difficulty Design
00:37:41 - Other Difficulties
00:39:32 - Sequence Breaking
00:41:28 - Level Design (Cons)
00:44:23 - Level Design (Pros)
00:46:28 - 100% Completion
00:48:22 - Conclusion
00:54:01 - A Reimagining?
00:56:51 - Outro
00:57:28 - Credits
AM2R Boxart by PhazonZim.
Intro and Credits music composed and arranged by Noah Taublieb.
Remake or Rebreak Scores:
1- Rebreak: Demonstrably worse than the original due to incompetent design, technical failures, etc. A virtually worthless remake/port overall.
2- Reprise: A relatively competent recreation that is still playable enough, but worse than the original in a few substantial ways. Alternatively, a Reprise may fail to address the original's salient issues or neglect to add anything substantial. Formerly called the "Re-Meh" score.
3- Remaster: An improvement overall, but not necessarily worth playing if you already own the original. Typically adds some new content or fixes salient issues with the original. Rereleases with this score often don't reach their fullest potential or otherwise lack something meaningful you can only get in the original.
4- Remake: A strong rerelease that fixes salient issues, updates the visuals/music as applicable, and maybe adds new content. However, there may be a few blemishes left untouched or other neglected opportunities to improve.
5- Replace: A rerelease that changes, fixes, and adds so much that it stands heads and shoulders above the original version. A Replace not only faithfully recreates the original, but fixes most (if not all) of the original's issues and adds a sizable amount of worthwhile new content as applicable.
After months of deeply personal problems I don't wish to publicly disclose, Exo returns to continue this three part retrospective on Metroid II!
Last time, Exo discussed the Game Boy original.
Today, we return for a deep dive on AM2R: Return of Samus, one of the best fan games of all time. How well does AM2R hold up to a fresh playthrough, several years later? As a remake, how well does AM2R recreate and improve upon the Game Boy original? Finally, to what extent have the post-release updates from the AM2R Community Developers improved the overall experience? You'll have to watch the video to find out!
Look forward to the final part, where Exo finally discusses Metroid: Samus Returns for the 3DS. I'm aiming for a release next month.
CHAPTERS:
00:00:00 - Opening
00:00:09 - Intro
00:00:31 - AM2R Background
00:04:55 - How to Play AM2R in 2023
00:05:47 - The Story
00:08:34 - Exo Talks About Pixels Again
00:10:25 - Sprites and Environments
00:12:43 - V1.5.5 Graphics
00:14:04 - V1.1 Soundtrack
00:18:01 - V1.2 Soundtrack
00:19:20 - Sound Design
00:20:30 - Core Gameplay
00:24:52 - Metroid Minibosses
00:30:05 - Other Bosses
00:31:44 - V1.5.5 Bosses
00:33:03 - Difficulties
00:36:26 - Level Design
00:40:34 - New Areas
00:42:32 - The 100% Experience
00:45:26 - Other V1.5.5 Updates
00:46:47 - New Game + / Random Game +
00:50:14 - AM2R on Android
00:51:43 - ROR Verdict
00:55:31 - AM2R Going Forward
00:55:53 - Outro
00:56:12 - Credits
Zelda Ocarina Nightmare Randomizer Streams:
youtube.com/playlist?list=PLmu3hhmRiEwFQuLNrq7SFaKK3UWeVIoxI
AM2R Boxart by PhazonZim.
Intro and Credits music composed and arranged by Noah Taublieb.
Remake or Rebreak Scores:
1- Rebreak: Demonstrably worse than the original due to incompetent design, technical failures, etc. A virtually worthless remake/port overall.
2- Reprise: A relatively competent recreation that is still playable enough, but worse than the original in a few substantial ways. Alternatively, a Reprise may fail to address the original's salient issues or neglect to add anything substantial. Formerly called the "Re-Meh" score.
3- Remaster: An improvement overall, but not necessarily worth playing if you already own the original. Typically adds some new content or fixes salient issues with the original. Rereleases with this score often don't reach their fullest potential or otherwise lack something meaningful you can only get in the original.
4- Remake: A strong rerelease that fixes salient issues, updates the visuals/music as applicable, and maybe adds new content. However, there may be a few blemishes left untouched or other neglected opportunities to improve.
5- Replace: A rerelease that changes, fixes, and adds so much that it stands heads and shoulders above the original version. A Replace not only faithfully recreates the original, but fixes most (if not all) of the original's issues and adds a sizable amount of worthwhile new content as applicable.
At last, it's time to revisit Metroid II! AM2R has been updated multiple times over the past five years, while Nintendo threw their own hat into the ring with 2017's Samus Returns.
In Part 1, we'll be revisiting the original Game Boy Classic. Has Exo's opinion of this game improved with time?
In Part 2, we'll be discussing the latest versions of AM2R: Return of Samus, with a focus on the new updates as of Version 1.5.5.
In Part 3, we'll finally take an all new look at Metroid: Samus Returns for the 3DS.
CHAPTERS:
00:00:00 - Opening
00:00:30 - Intro
00:01:46 - Why Revisit the GB Original?
00:02:42 - Story
00:04:55 - Graphics
00:08:01 - Colorizer Mods
00:13:12 - Music
00:15:38 - Gameplay
00:19:35 - Platforming
00:22:11 - Bosses
00:24:13 - Level Design
00:27:41 - Navigation
00:29:05 - Conclusion
00:30:43 - Outro
00:31:00 - Credits
Special Thanks to J's Reviews for his cameo.
AM2R Boxart by PhazonZim.
Intro and Credits music composed and arranged by Noah Taublieb.
Several months ago, Retropolis Zone created an Ocarina plandomizer seed for Ocarina of Time, and challenged TWIP and KingK to finish it. The seed was so legendarily difficult that the seed was never completed.
At Retropolis Zone's insistence, I too shall take the challenge for your viewing pleasure. Welcome to the nightmare seed.
Several months ago, Retropolis Zone created an Ocarina plandomizer seed for Ocarina of Time, and challenged TWIP and KingK to finish it. The seed was so legendarily difficult that the seed was never completed.
At Retropolis Zone's insistence, I too shall take the challenge for your viewing pleasure. Welcome to the nightmare seed.
Several months ago, Retropolis Zone created an Ocarina plandomizer seed for Ocarina of Time, and challenged TWIP and KingK to finish it. The seed was so legendarily difficult that the seed was never completed.
At Retropolis Zone's insistence, I too shall take the challenge for your viewing pleasure. Welcome to the nightmare seed.
Several months ago, Retropolis Zone created an Ocarina plandomizer seed for Ocarina of Time, and challenged TWIP and KingK to finish it. The seed was so legendarily difficult that the seed was never completed.
At Retropolis Zone's insistence, I too shall take the challenge for your viewing pleasure. Welcome to the nightmare seed.
Several months ago, Retropolis Zone created an Ocarina plandomizer seed for Ocarina of Time, and challenged TWIP and KingK to finish it. The seed was so legendarily difficult that the seed was never completed.
At Retropolis Zone's insistence, I too shall take the challenge for your viewing pleasure. Welcome to the nightmare seed.
Several months ago, Retropolis Zone created an Ocarina plandomizer seed for Ocarina of Time, and challenged TWIP and KingK to finish it. The seed was so legendarily difficult that the seed was never completed.
At Retropolis Zone's insistence, I too shall take the challenge for your viewing pleasure. Welcome to the nightmare seed.
Every once in a blue moon, Exo doesn't take 9 months to upload a new review.
Part 1 was a thorough examination of the original Metroid on NES:
youtu.be/H0Zg5aBowRQ
In Part 2, it's time to look at the remake, Metroid Zero Mission on GBA. Can this game improve on the many flaws of the original and provide an experience that stands tall with the best of the series? Watch the video (and all the mid-rolls...) to find out!
CHAPTERS:
00:00:00 - Start
00:00:13 - Introduction
00:01:08 - Story
00:06:18 - Graphics
00:09:28 - Sound
00:11:35 - Gameplay
00:15:01 - Level Design
00:17:24 - Routing
00:20:03 - Bosses
00:22:06 - Stealth
00:23:41 - 100% Completion
00:26:50 - Shinespark
00:29:38 - Difficulty
00:31:44 - Minimalist Run
00:34:23 - The Original, and Classic NES Series Version
00:37:14 - ROR Verdict
00:41:15 - Outro
00:42:07 - Credits
Intro and Credits music composed and arranged by Noah Taublieb.
Remake or Rebreak Scores:
1- Rebreak: Demonstrably worse than the original due to incompetent design, technical failures, etc. A virtually worthless remake/port overall.
2- Reprise: A relatively competent recreation that is still playable enough, but worse than the original in a few substantial ways. Alternatively, a Reprise may fail to address the original's salient issues or neglect to add anything substantial. Formerly called the "Re-Meh" score.
3- Remaster: An improvement overall, but not necessarily worth playing if you already own the original. Typically adds some new content or fixes salient issues with the original. Rereleases with this score often don't reach their fullest potential or otherwise lack something meaningful you can only get in the original.
4- Remake: A strong rerelease that fixes salient issues, updates the visuals/music as applicable, and maybe adds new content. However, there may be a few blemishes left untouched or other neglected opportunities to improve.
5- Replace: A rerelease that changes, fixes, and adds so much that it stands heads and shoulders above the original version. A Replace not only faithfully recreates the original, but fixes most (if not all) of the original's issues and adds a sizable amount of worthwhile new content as applicable.
We're trying some a little different today, folks. Since rewatching a two hour long video to fix editing mistakes is annoying, and some people seem to want less focus on the original, I'm splitting this and the next review into parts.
In Part 1, we're going to thoroughly dissect Metroid (1986) for the NES, and see how well it still holds up as a game on its own. In Part 2, we'll look at Metroid: Zero Mission (2004) for the GBA, and see whether/how well it addresses problems with the original and improves upon its foundations.
Part 2 will premiere next week.
CHAPTERS:
00:00:00 - Start
00:00:14 - Introduction
00:03:29 - Story
00:04:39 - Graphics
00:07:55 - Soundtrack
00:08:55 - Controls and Mechanics
00:11:14 - Bosses
00:12:26 - Exploration
00:14:19 - Level Design
00:16:01 - The Password System
00:17:45 - Secrets and Signifiers
00:19:14 - Beam Bugaboos
00:21:14 - Energy Farming
00:23:19 - Other Observations
00:24:21 - Metroid and the Sega Learning Curve
00:26:42 - Credits
Intro music by Noah Taublieb.
I also discuss the future of Remake or Rebreak, and reveal the next episode.
After unveiling a spicy hot take on Spyro 2, Exo returns to discuss Spyro 3: Year of the Dragon; one of his favorite games of all time. Does the 2018 remake in the Spyro Regnited Trilogy do it justice? Will I stop referring to myself in the third person? Watch and see!
CHAPTERS:
00:00:00 - Video Start
00:00:45 - Intro
00:03:02 - PS1 Story
00:04:32 - Bianca, Moneybags, and the Sorceress
00:10:01 - Ludonarrative Synchronicity
00:13:20 - The Characters
00:15:27 - Production Value
00:16:10 - Story Nitpicks
00:19:54 - Reignited Story
00:21:35 - Reginited Voice Acting
00:23:30 - Reignited Character Designs
00:25:03 - Reginited Story Differences
00:27:03 - PS1 Graphics
00:29:23 - PC Graphics
00:32:21 - Switch Graphics
00:36:09 - Switch Handheld Experience
00:39:32 - Other Switch Differences
00:42:25 - PS1 Soundtrack
00:46:20 - Reignited Soundtrack
00:50:40 - Core Game Loop
00:53:55 - Combat
00:55:47 - Platforming and Exploration
00:57:30 - Level Design
01:00:34 - Level Design Flaws
01:03:30 - Between Level Backtracking
01:08:53 - Core-Centric Mini-Games
01:14:08 - Weaker Core-Centric Mini-Games
01:15:58 - Reginited Core-Centric Mini-Games
01:17:48 - Speedway Races
01:21:13 - Reignited Flight Control
01:22:15 - Speedway Egg Glitch
01:22:41 - Twin Dragon Boss
01:23:24 - Skateboard Gameplay
01:25:17 - New Characters
01:26:49 - Sheila
01:28:09 - Sgt. Byrd
01:30:30 - Bentley
01:32:59 - Agent 9
01:36:01 - Sparx
01:37:10 - Sparx Abilities
01:38:09 - Super Bonus Round
01:39:34 - Skill Points
01:41:52 - Other Reignited Differences
01:45:58 - Reignited Glitches
01:51:37 - Final Thoughts on PS1
01:57:28 - ROR Verdict
02:00:59 - Credits
Note: So that I don't have to play each of these games five times, I've decided to focus primarily on Reignited Trilogy on PC. However, I'll still be covering ONE of the three console versions in each review. For Spyro 1, we're looking at the PS4 Pro version. For Spyro 2, we're looking at the Xbox One X version. For Spyro 3, we're looking at the Nintendo Switch version.
EPG Fan Discord: discord.gg/6RDPKRS
EPG Plays (Let's Plays and Streams): youtube.com/channel/UCwLQ5HiX4jPLifHVbFS0irw
Unversed Cast (Video Podcasts on YouTube): youtube.com/channel/UCaX0i-H5-gv-9PcU3MXhzWw
Unversed Cast (Audio Podcasts on SoundCloud): soundcloud.com/unversed-cast
Twitter: http://twitter.com/ExoParadigmGmr
It's Spyro 2: Ripto's Rage (or Gateway to Glimmer for my PAL viewers)! Exo returns for another exhaustive review of a beloved PlayStation classic, while comparing it to it's HD remake in the Spyro Reignited Trilogy. Can Toys for Bob and company recapture the excellence of its remake of the first game? How well does the Reignited Trilogy address flaws in the original game? All these questions and more, answered today.
CHAPTERS:
00:00:00 - Video Start
00:00:41 - Intro
00:02:06 - PS1 Graphics
00:05:27 - Reignited Trilogy Graphics
00:07:48 - Xbox One X Version Graphics
00:12:01 - PS1 Soundtrack
00:13:46 - Reignited Soundtrack
00:16:51 - New Mechanics
00:25:47 - Basic Level Design, Exploration, and Combat
00:29:27 - Stage Routing
00:36:41 - Backtracking Between Levels
00:42:52 - Reignited Trilogy Backtracking
00:44:07 - PS1 Minigames
00:50:26 - Reignited Minigames
00:52:39 - Reignited Load Times
00:54:09 - The 100% Experience
00:55:46 - New Game + and Glitches
01:00:49 - Pacing and Variety
01:03:27 - The Story
01:05:27 - The Characters and Production Value
01:08:42 - The Problem with Ripto
01:12:52 - Level B Plots
01:18:29 - Plot Contrivances
01:22:03 - Reignited Story
01:27:04 - Final Thoughts on Spyro 2
01:34:34 - ROR Verdict on Spyro 2 Reignited
01:38:21 - Outro
01:40:12 - Credits and Attributions
Note: So that I don't have to play each of these games five times, I've decided to focus primarily on Reignited Trilogy on PC. However, I'll still be covering ONE of the three console versions in each review. For Spyro 1, we're looking at the PS4 Pro version. For Spyro 2, we're looking at the Xbox One X version. For Spyro 3, we're looking at the Nintendo Switch version.
EPG Fan Discord:
discord.gg/6RDPKRS
EPG Plays (Let's Plays and Streams):
youtube.com/channel/UCwLQ5HiX4jPLifHVbFS0irw
Unversed Cast (Video Podcasts on YouTube):
youtube.com/channel/UCaX0i-H5-gv-9PcU3MXhzWw
Unversed Cast (Audio Podcasts on SoundCloud):
soundcloud.com/unversed-cast
Twitter:
http://twitter.com/ExoParadigmGmr
Remake or Rebreak returns, with Exo discussing one of his favorite gaming trilogies, starting with 1998's Spyro the Dragon. How well does Toys For Bob's HD Reignited Trilogy recreate and improve on the game that started it all?
CHAPTERS:
00:00:00 - Video Start
00:00:49 - Intro
00:05:34 - Story
00:14:50 - PS1 Graphics
00:17:43 - Reignited Trilogy Graphics
00:21:10 - PS4 Pro Version Graphics
00:23:12 - PC Version Graphics (And Alpine Ridge Glitch)
00:26:59 - PS1 Music
00:28:44 - Reignited Trilogy Music
00:31:55 - PS1 Mechanics and Controls
00:34:33 - Reignited Trilogy Controls
00:37:31 - Core Game Loop
00:39:07 - Combat System
00:40:57 - Gems
00:42:33 - PS1 Bosses
00:43:32 - Reignited Trilogy Bosses
00:43:58 - Level Design
00:46:18 - Full Completion
00:48:32 - Variety (Or lack thereof)
00:53:57 - Reignited Trilogy Changes
00:58:02 - Remake or Rebreak Verdict
01:01:41 - Original Spyro 1 Thoughts
01:04:12 - Outro
01:06:02 - Credits and Attributions
Note: So that I don't have to play each of these games five times, I've decided to focus primarily on Reignited Trilogy on PC. However, I'll still be covering ONE of the three console versions in each review. For Spyro 1, we're looking at the PS4 Pro version. For Spyro 2, we're looking at the Xbox One X version. For Spyro 3, we're looking at the Nintendo Switch version.
EPG Fan Discord:
discord.gg/6RDPKRS
EPG Plays (Let's Plays and Streams):
youtube.com/channel/UCwLQ5HiX4jPLifHVbFS0irw
Unversed Cast (Video Podcasts on YouTube):
youtube.com/channel/UCaX0i-H5-gv-9PcU3MXhzWw
Unversed Cast (Audio Podcasts on SoundCloud):
soundcloud.com/unversed-cast
Twitter:
http://twitter.com/ExoParadigmGmr
00:00:00 - Video Start
00:00:40 - Intro
00:02:44 - The Story
00:09:05 - Graphics and Music
00:11:36 - Mechanics
00:15:40 - Mumbo Transformations
00:16:26 - Level Design
00:18:09 - Difficulty Design
00:18:36 - Minigames
00:21:00 - Bosses
00:21:44 - Final Thoughts on GBA Version
00:23:07 - Mobile Version
00:28:16 - Mobile Missions
00:29:50 - Xross Platform
00:30:43 - Outro
00:32:29 - Credits and Attributions
Welcome back to Xross Platform, a spinoff of Remake or Rebreak where we look at different games of the same name released in the same generation! This time we're looking at the forgotten Banjo Kazooie: Grunty's Revenge for the Game Boy Advance, as well as its even more forgotten mobile phone ports. Which version will receive Xross Platform M.V.P.? For once, Exo isn't a hipster about it, though he still refers to himself in the 3rd person.
EPG Fan Discord:
discord.gg/6RDPKRS
EPG Plays (Let's Plays and Streams):
youtube.com/channel/UCwLQ5HiX4jPLifHVbFS0irw
Unversed Cast (Video Podcasts on YouTube):
youtube.com/channel/UCaX0i-H5-gv-9PcU3MXhzWw
Unversed Cast (Audio Podcasts on SoundCloud):
soundcloud.com/unversed-cast
Twitter:
http://twitter.com/ExoParadigmGmr
We return for another round of Jiggery Pokery with Banjo Tooie, the 2000 sequel for Nintendo 64 and later ported to Xbox 360 in 2009.
00:00:00 - Video Start
00:00:40 - Introduction
00:04:32 - Story
00:13:52 - Graphics
00:20:16 - Music
00:21:37 - Basic Moves
00:24:58 - Stop and Swop
00:27:30 - FPS Section
00:29:08 - Moves
00:38:31 - Mumbo Jumbo
00:40:38 - Breaking News Update
00:41:58 - Humba Wumba
00:43:09 - Bosses
00:44:42 - Spoilers
00:46:05 - Level Design
00:51:39 - Fast Travel
00:53:10 - Backtracking
00:54:14 - Jiggy Pacing
00:57:05 - A Collectathon/Metroidvania Hybrid
01:00:54 - 100% Vs. Minimalism
01:02:01 - Final Thoughts on the 360 Version
01:04:31 - Playing Tooie Twice Back to Back
01:08:09 - Final Thoughts
01:10:27 - Remake or Rebreak?
01:12:51 - Outro
01:15:08 - Credits
Rare Revealed: A Rare Look at Project Dream:
youtube.com/watch?v=w72kj20YNA0
"NewsSting" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com)
Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 4.0 License
http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
EPG Fan Discord:
discord.gg/6RDPKRS
EPG Plays (Let's Plays and Streams):
youtube.com/channel/UCwLQ5HiX4jPLifHVbFS0irw
Unversed Cast (Video Podcasts on YouTube):
youtube.com/channel/UCaX0i-H5-gv-9PcU3MXhzWw
Unversed Cast (Audio Podcasts on SoundCloud):
soundcloud.com/unversed-cast
Twitter:
http://twitter.com/ExoParadigmGmr
Remake or Rebreak Scores:
1- Rebreak: Fails to resurrect the same quality standard as the original due to incompetent design, technical failures, etc. A virtually worthless remake/port overall.
2- Reprise: Not as good as the original, but a relatively competent recreation that is still playable enough. Alternatively, a Reprise may fail to address the original's salient issues or neglect to add anything substantial. Formerly called the "Re-Meh" score.
3- Remaster: An improvement overall, but not necessarily worth playing if you already own the original. Typically adds some new content or fixes salient issues with the original. Rereleases with this score often don't reach their fullest potential or otherwise lack something meaningful you can only get in the original.
4- Remake: A strong rerelease that fixes salient issues, updates the visuals/music, and maybe adds new content. However, there may be a few blemishes left untouched or other neglected opportunities to improve.
5- Replace: A rerelease that changes, fixes, and adds so much that it stands heads and shoulders above the original version. A Replace not only faithfully recreates the original, but fixes most (if not all) of the original's issues and adds a sizable amount of worthwhile new content as applicable.
Ruh roh, Raggy
Remake or Rebreak is back! We review a Nintendo 64 classic and compare it to the Xbox Live Arcade rerelease from 2008.
00:00:00 - Video Start
00:00:40 - Introduction
00:05:30 - The Story
00:12:10 - The N64 Graphics
00:17:14 - The 360 Graphics
00:20:38 - The N64 Sound
00:22:22 - The 360 Sound
00:23:21 - The Mechanics
00:28:11 - The Camera
00:30:28 - The Combat
00:32:41 - The Level Design
00:35:01 - Exo's Four Criticisms
00:39:43 - The Bottles Bonus Glitch
00:41:13 - Exo's Four Criticisms Continued
00:43:02 - Mumbo Transformations
00:43:56 - SPOILERS: Ending and Final Boss
00:48:17 - Stop 'n' Swop
00:49:34 - Conclusion
00:52:29 - Remake or Rebreak
00:54:52 - Ending and Credits
Rare Revealed: A Rare Look at Project Dream:
youtube.com/watch?v=w72kj20YNA0
Rare Replay N64: Xbox One Back-Compat vs Xbox 360 Frame-Rate Test [Perfect Dark/Banjo Kazooie/Tooie]
youtube.com/watch?v=hk8EwRBhm8A
Bethesda E3 2018 Conference:
youtube.com/watch?v=FV63b6empgM&t=5m49s
Banjo-Kazooie - Xbox One X Enhanced Backwards Compatibility | 18 Minutes of Gameplay
youtube.com/watch?v=nM-gOEP-_-o
EPG Fan Discord:
discord.gg/6RDPKRS
EPG Plays (Let's Plays and Streams):
youtube.com/channel/UCwLQ5HiX4jPLifHVbFS0irw
Unversed Cast (Video Podcasts on YouTube):
youtube.com/channel/UCaX0i-H5-gv-9PcU3MXhzWw
Unversed Cast (Audio Podcasts on SoundCloud):
soundcloud.com/unversed-cast
Twitter:
http://twitter.com/ExoParadigmGmr
Remake or Rebreak Scores:
1- Rebreak: Fails to resurrect the same quality standard as the original due to incompetent design, technical failures, etc. A virtually worthless remake/port overall.
2- Reprise: Not as good as the original, but a relatively competent recreation that is still playable enough. Alternatively, a Reprise may fail to address the original's salient issues or neglect to add anything substantial. Formerly called the "Re-Meh" score.
3- Remaster: An improvement overall, but not necessarily worth playing if you already own the original. Typically adds some new content or fixes salient issues with the original. Rereleases with this score often don't reach their fullest potential or otherwise lack something meaningful you can only get in the original.
4- Remake: A strong rerelease that fixes salient issues, updates the visuals/music, and maybe adds new content. However, there may be a few blemishes left untouched or other neglected opportunities to improve.
5- Replace: A rerelease that changes, fixes, and adds so much that it stands heads and shoulders above the original version. A Replace not only faithfully recreates the original, but fixes most (if not all) of the original's issues and adds a sizable amount of worthwhile new content as applicable.
It took a long time to render those extra pixels for you, folks.
00:00:00 - Video Start
00:00:40 - Intro
00:03:56 - The Story
00:06:38 - PC Cutscenes
00:07:40 - PS1 Cutscenes
00:09:11 - N64 Graphics
00:13:57 - PC Graphics
00:18:16 - PS1 Graphics
00:21:13 - The Soundtrack
00:26:38 - The Controls
00:29:12 - The Mechanics
00:31:30 - PC Controls
00:32:41 - PS1 Controls
00:35:52 - Stage Design
00:38:10 - PS1 Stages
00:39:36 - Collecting Garibs
00:42:00 - The Bonus Stages
00:45:53 - The Bosses
00:48:24 - The Time Trials
00:49:41 - The Conclusion
00:52:36 - Xross Platform
00:55:38 - Glover 2?
00:57:45 - Outro
Welcome back to Xross Platform, a companion series to Remake or Rebreak where we look at different games of the same name released in the same generation! This time we're looking at three cross-console ports of a game I talk about all the time but haven't yet reviewed: Glover for the Nintendo 64, Microsoft Windows 9x, and PlayStation.
Remember that Xross Platform reviews don't use a ROR score. Instead, I will nominate the version I recommend the most for Xross Platform M.V.P.
EPG Fan Discord:
discord.gg/6RDPKRS
EPG Plays (Let's Plays and Streams):
youtube.com/channel/UCwLQ5HiX4jPLifHVbFS0irw
Unversed Cast (Video Podcasts on YouTube):
youtube.com/channel/UCaX0i-H5-gv-9PcU3MXhzWw
Unversed Cast (Audio Podcasts on SoundCloud):
soundcloud.com/unversed-cast
Twitter:
http://twitter.com/ExoParadigmGmr
We return for part 2 of my exhaustive look at Sonic Unleashed on 360/PS3, Wii/PS2, mobile phone, and the Unleashed Project mod. RIP my channel.
00:00:00 - Video Start
00:00:25 - Intro
00:03:34 - The Boost Formula
00:05:02- The Sega Learning Curve
00:11:53- Level Design
00:14:57- The 360/PS3 Control
00:18:11- The 360/PS3 Control cont.
00:22:14- The Camera
00:24:55- The Wii Control
00:27:51- Speed Vs. Platforming in a Sonic Game
00:32:23- The Unleashed Project
00:35:20- Xbox One Backwards Compatibility
00:35:53- The Importance of the Ranking System
00:37:54- Intro to Unleashed S Ranks
00:41:43- 6th Vs. 7th Gen S Ranks
00:46:28- The 7th Gen Optional Acts
00:51:06- The 7th Gen DLC Stages
00:57:31- The 6th Gen Optional Missions
00:59:07- Eggmanland
01:01:47- The 7th Gen Final Boss
01:05:11- The 6th Gen Final Boss
01:06:16- Reward for All S Ranks?
01:08:56- Optional Content
01:13:36- The Conclusion
01:18:48- Outro and Credits
Introducing Xross Platform, a companion series to Remake or Rebreak where we look at different games of the same name released in the same generation! Sonic Team developed and released Sonic Unleashed on 360/PS3 in 2008. However, Dimps co-developed a second game for PS2/Wii with completely original stages and missions. Additionally, Gameloft developed a mobile phone version released through the Java 2 Mobile Edition platform and later ported this game to Android.
Is Sonic Unleashed on 360/PS3 an underappreciated Sonic game worth checking out? How about the PS2/Wii version? Does the mobile version deserve its less than sterling reputation? All these questions answered, and more, in this exciting pilot for Xross Platform!
While there won't be a Remake or Rebreak verdict in this segment, if I find a version I prefer most above all else, I will nominate it for Xross Platform MVP. This doesn't necessarily mean it's the best game of the bunch, just that it's the one I enjoyed and would recommend the most.
Official Website for the Unleashed Project:
moddb.com/mods/sonic-generations-unleashed-project/news/sonic-generations-unleashed-project-10-released
EPG Fan Discord:
discord.gg/6RDPKRS
EPG Plays (Let's Plays and Streams):
youtube.com/channel/UCwLQ5HiX4jPLifHVbFS0irw
Unversed Cast (Video Podcasts on YouTube):
youtube.com/channel/UCaX0i-H5-gv-9PcU3MXhzWw
Unversed Cast (Audio Podcasts on SoundCloud):
soundcloud.com/unversed-cast
Twitter:
http://twitter.com/ExoParadigmGmr
It's time to review a Sonic game for the first time in 3 years. This time, it's the divisive soft reboot of the series, Sonic Unleashed!
00:00:00 - Video Start
00:00:25 - Intro
00:03:55 - Story
00:11:36 - 360/PS3 Graphics
00:20:04 - Wii/PS2 Graphics
00:25:51 - Soundtrack
00:27:10 - Hub Worlds, Town Missions, Sun and Moon Medals
00:35:50 - Tornado Defense
00:37:10 - Sonic the Werehog
00:52:11 - Sonic Unleashed Mobile
00:57:20 - Outro and Credits
Introducing Xross Platform, a companion series to Remake or Rebreak where we look at different games of the same name released in the same generation! Sonic Team developed and released Sonic Unleashed on 360/PS3 in 2008. However, Dimps co-developed a second game for PS2/Wii with completely original stages and missions. Additionally, Gameloft developed a mobile phone version released through the Java 2 Mobile Edition platform and later ported this game to Android.
Is Sonic Unleashed on 360/PS3 an underappreciated Sonic game worth checking out? How about the PS2/Wii version? Does the mobile version deserve its less than sterling reputation? All these questions answered, and more, in this exciting pilot for Xross Platform!
While there won't be a Remake or Rebreak verdict in this segment, if I find a version I prefer most above all else, I will nominate it for Xross Platform MVP. This doesn't necessarily mean it's the best game of the bunch, just that it's the one I enjoyed and would recommend the most.
"Dots on the Viewscreen," based on "Fly on the Windscreen" by Depeche Mode. Uncredit MIDI found here:
http://download.midimi.org/midi-129729-download-depeche-mode-fly-on-the-windscreen.html
EPG Fan Discord:
discord.gg/6RDPKRS
EPG Plays (Let's Plays and Streams):
youtube.com/channel/UCwLQ5HiX4jPLifHVbFS0irw
Unversed Cast (Video Podcasts on YouTube):
youtube.com/channel/UCaX0i-H5-gv-9PcU3MXhzWw
Unversed Cast (Audio Podcasts on SoundCloud):
soundcloud.com/unversed-cast
Twitter:
http://twitter.com/ExoParadigmGmr
FOR BEST RESULTS, WATCH ON A BIG SCREEN IN 4K OR 1080p, 60 FRAMES PER SECOND.
Hey, look, Exo reviewed that remake that just came out, and it only took him two months since the last video! Lots of people have been requesting this one on EPG Plays and on Twitter, and I was going to redo my first review eventually, so here we are.
Luigi's Mansion originally released on the GameCube in 2001, and is something of a cult classic for the system, but gaming publications also criticized it upon release for its short length. How well does Luigi's Mansion pack its 2-6 hour running time with polished content you want to replay over and over? What does the 3DS improve or add to justify its $40 asking price? Given that the Nintendo Switch is an option for portable remakes, how much would the remake have benefited from releasing on that platform instead? I discuss these questions and plenty more in this hour long Remake or Rebreak extravaganza.
Credits Music | "That Balcony Thing," an OCRemix arranged by Xaleph:
ocremix.org/remix/OCR00809
Luigi's Mansion on Metacritic:
metacritic.com/game/gamecube/luigis-mansion
Nsider Article:
web.archive.org/web/20071014103505/http://www.n-sider.com/articleview.php?articleid=414
Miyamoto's improvisational development style and the original Star Fox:
eurogamer.net/articles/2013-07-04-born-slippy-the-making-of-star-fox
Side Quest Gamer:
youtube.com/channel/UCh_O0ai99MsT5AmLrjBLPVg
J's Reviews:
youtube.com/channel/UCOiqB1MjAZpaq4m8WIoqQAw
EPG Fan Discord:
discord.gg/6RDPKRS
EPG Plays (Let's Plays and Streams):
youtube.com/channel/UCwLQ5HiX4jPLifHVbFS0irw
Unversed Cast (Video Podcasts on YouTube):
youtube.com/channel/UCaX0i-H5-gv-9PcU3MXhzWw
Unversed Cast (Audio Podcasts on SoundCloud):
soundcloud.com/unversed-cast
Twitter:
http://twitter.com/ExoParadigmGmr
Remake or Rebreak Scores:
1- Rebreak: Fails to resurrect the same quality standard as the original due to incompetent design, technical failures, etc. A virtually worthless remake/port overall.
2- Re-Meh: Not as good as the original, but a relatively competent recreation that is still playable enough. Alternatively, a Re-Meh may fail to address the original's salient issues or neglect to add anything substantial.
3- Remake: An improvement overall, but not necessarily worth playing if you already own the original. Typically adds some new content or fixes salient issues with the original. Remakes with this score often don't reach their fullest potential or otherwise lack something meaningful you can only get in the original.
4- Remaster: A rerelease that changes, fixes, and adds so much that it stands heads and shoulders above the original version. A Remaster not only faithfully recreates the original, but fixes most (if not all) of the original's issues and adds a sizable amount of worthwhile new content as applicable.
It's about time, am I right?
It's time to make good on a poll I posted five months ago and review Mario and Luigi Superstar Saga for the GBA and Superstar Saga + Bowser's Minions on the 3DS! How well does this GBA classic hold up in 2018? Does the 3DS remake follow through on the potential to improve what was already there? Is Minion Quest any damn good? The answers to all these questions and more, all in this exciting new episode of Remake or Rebreak!
EPG Fan Discord:
discord.gg/6RDPKRS
EPG Plays (Let's Plays and Streams):
youtube.com/channel/UCwLQ5HiX4jPLifHVbFS0irw
Unversed Cast (Video Podcasts on YouTube):
youtube.com/channel/UCaX0i-H5-gv-9PcU3MXhzWw
Unversed Cast (Audio Podcasts on SoundCloud):
soundcloud.com/unversed-cast
Twitter:
http://twitter.com/ExoParadigmGmr
Remake or Rebreak Scores:
1- Rebreak: Fails to resurrect the same quality standard as the original due to incompetent design, technical failures, etc. A virtually worthless remake/port overall.
2- Re-Meh: Not as good as the original, but a relatively competent recreation that is still playable enough. Additionally, a Re-Meh may not address the original's salient issues or fail to add anything substantial.
3- Remake: An improvement overall, but not necessarily worth playing if you already own the original. Typically adds some new content or fixes salient issues with the original. Remakes with this score often don't reach their fullest potential or otherwise lack something meaningful you can only get in the original.
4- Replace: A remake/port that changes, fixes, and adds so much that it renders the original virtually obsolete. A Replace not only faithfully recreates the original, but fixes most (if not all) of the original's issues and adds a sizable amount of worthwhile new content as applicable.
After four months, we're finally back for an even longer episode of Remake or Rebreak. No, folks, I really don't know how I do it. This time we're looking at the Legend of Zelda Ocarina of Time on N64, GCN, and 3DS. How does the original game hold up today? How well does the GameCube rerelease improve upon the N64 original? What exactly does the Master Quest expansion add to the original game? Finally, how well does the 3DS remake update the game for 2011? All these questions, and more, answered in this near feature length ROR extravaganza! Can you tell I was tired when I wrote this description?
A link to "A Royal Appearance" by Nostalvania, the OC ReMix I used for the credits in this video:
http://ocremix.org/remix/OCR02954
For more awesome ReMixes, check out OCRemix:
http://ocremix.org
EPG Fan Discord:
discord.gg/6RDPKRS
EPG Plays (Let's Plays and Streams):
youtube.com/channel/UCwLQ5HiX4jPLifHVbFS0irw
Unversed Cast (Podcast Channel):
youtube.com/channel/UCaX0i-H5-gv-9PcU3MXhzWw
Twitter:
http://twitter.com/ExoParadigmGmr
Game Mavericks (Legacy Let's Plays):
youtube.com/channel/UCICVDVEbHNJSKDHKbl7DbMg
Remake or Rebreak Scores:
1- Rebreak: Fails to resurrect the same quality standard as the original due to incompetent design, technical failures, etc. A virtually worthless remake/port overall.
2- Re-Meh: Not as good as the original, but a relatively competent recreation that is still very playable. Additionally, a Re-Meh may not address the original's salient issues or fail to add anything meaningful.
3- Remake: As good or even slightly better than the original, but not necessarily worth playing if you already own that version. Typically adds some new content or fixes salient issues with the original.
4- Replace: A remake/port that changes, fixes, and adds so much that it renders the original virtually obsolete. A Replace not only faithfully recreates the original, but fixes most (if not all) of the original's issues and adds a sizable amount of new content.
Remake or Rebreak is back with the first ever collaboration on the segment! Mega Man and Bass is often considered one of the worst Mega Man games ever made, but after getting it on a reproduction cart this past April, I felt compelled to throw my own hat into the ring. Originally release only in Japan on the Super Famicom in 1998, the game was later rereleased internationally on the Game Boy Advance in 2002 and underwent some changes worth discussing. Seeing as the GBA rerelease is the only version most North Americans have played, it becomes especially important to know the differences between the two versions and stack them up against each other. Without further ado, this is the long anticipated (and long running) episode of Mega Man and Bass!
Everyone go check out my friend and one of my favorite reviewers, J's Reviews:
youtube.com/channel/UCOiqB1MjAZpaq4m8WIoqQAw
Here's a link to our previous Quest 4 Booty collab review:
youtube.com/watch?v=Ux4OalYr1ho
Here's a link to J's excellent All Inclusive Mega Man X Retrospective:
youtube.com/watch?v=WMnjnoGqME4&list=PLVpPMdR6Ba_Rr0gOkNulXzAlvfCgXpC9-
Check out Retropolis Zone's review of Mega Man X7:
youtube.com/watch?v=aeyosd7Rp3k
Be sure to check out my other channels and Twitter:
EPG Plays (Let's Plays and Streams):
youtube.com/channel/UCwLQ5HiX4jPLifHVbFS0irw
Unversed Cast (Podcast Channel):
youtube.com/channel/UCaX0i-H5-gv-9PcU3MXhzWw
Twitter:
http://twitter.com/ExoParadigmGmr
Game Mavericks (Legacy Let's Plays):
youtube.com/channel/UCICVDVEbHNJSKDHKbl7DbMg
Remake or Rebreak Scores:
1- Rebreak: Fails to resurrect the same quality standard as the original due to incompetent design, technical failures, etc. A virtually worthless remake/port overall.
2- Re-Meh: Not as good as the original, but a relatively competent recreation that is still very playable. Additionally, a Re-Meh may not address the original's salient issues or fail to add anything meaningful.
3- Remake: As good or even slightly better than the original, but not necessarily worth playing if you already own that version. Typically adds some new content or fixes salient issues with the original.
4- Replace: A remake/port that changes, fixes, and adds so much that it renders the original virtually obsolete. A Replace not only faithfully recreates the original, but fixes most (if not all) of the original's issues and adds a sizable amount of new content.
Check out this video for more information on the NES's vertical stripe:
youtube.com/watch?v=wfrNnwJrujw
Be sure to check out my other channels and Twitter:
EPG Plays (Let's Plays and Streams):
youtube.com/channel/UCwLQ5HiX4jPLifHVbFS0irw
Unversed Cast (Podcast Channel):
youtube.com/channel/UCaX0i-H5-gv-9PcU3MXhzWw
Twitter:
http://twitter.com/ExoParadigmGmr
Game Mavericks (Legacy Let's Plays):
youtube.com/channel/UCICVDVEbHNJSKDHKbl7DbMg
This time we're looking at the PS1 Platforming classic, 20th Anniversary: Pac Man World. Originally released on PlayStation in 1999, this game was later remade on the Game Boy Advance in 2004. No, the Game Boy Advance is not like the version of Pac Man World 2 on GBA, which has its own levels and whatnot.
As someone who played the second game first and didn't play the first one until almost a decade later, how does the game stack up today? Is there a reason that the Game Boy Advance is largely unknown? All these questions and many more addressed in this exciting new episode of Remake or Rebreak!
PlayStation Museum: Pac Man Ghost Zone Footage:
youtube.com/watch?v=gl0efRJCUOE
PlayStation Museum: Pac Man Ghost Zone Article:
http://playstationmuseum.com/review/pac-man-ghost-zone
Be sure to check out my other channels and Twitter:
EPG Plays (Let's Plays and Streams):
youtube.com/channel/UCwLQ5HiX4jPLifHVbFS0irw
Unversed Cast (Podcast Channel):
youtube.com/channel/UCaX0i-H5-gv-9PcU3MXhzWw
Twitter:
http://twitter.com/ExoParadigmGmr
Game Mavericks (Legacy Let's Plays):
youtube.com/channel/UCICVDVEbHNJSKDHKbl7DbMg
Remake or Rebreak Scores:
1- Rebreak: Fails to resurrect the same quality standard as the original due to incompetent design, technical failures, etc. A virtually worthless remake/port overall.
2- Re-Meh: Not as good as the original, but a relatively competent recreation that is still very playable. Additionally, a Re-Meh may not address the original's salient issues or fail to add anything meaningful.
3- Remake: As good or even slightly better than the original, but not necessarily worth playing if you already own that version. Typically adds some new content or fixes salient issues with the original.
4- Replace: A remake/port that changes, fixes, and adds so much that it renders the original virtually obsolete. A Replace not only faithfully recreates the original, but fixes most (if not all) of the original's issues and adds a sizable amount of new content.
EPG Plays (Let's Play Channel):
youtube.com/channel/UCwLQ5HiX4jPLifHVbFS0irw
If we can reach 1000 subs, I'll do a Let's Play of my preferred version of Super Metroid Redesign! So tell your friends, and keep checking out the channel for more Let's Plays.
For this series, we're going for full percentage completion, including bonus rooms, hero coins, mini-games, golden feathers, and scrapbook photos.
Now there is no potential ROR episode out of bounds.
Enjoy!
EPG Plays (Let's Play Channel):
youtube.com/channel/UCwLQ5HiX4jPLifHVbFS0irw
If we can reach 1000 subs on the new channel by September 15th, I'll do a Let's Play of a hard as nails rom hack called Super Metroid Redesign! So tell your friends, and keep checking out the channel for more Let's Plays.
For my first series, I'm going back to an old favorite: Donkey Kong Country, specifically on GBA. I'll be going after all the bonus rooms, KONG letters, and scrapbook photos.
Welcome back to Remake or Rebreak at last. The next videos on the review channel will also be ROR episodes, and the next one should be (but likely won't be) a simpler episode to produce.
Remake or Rebreak is a segment where I examine the classics of the past and compare them with subsequent significant rereleases to see whether they hold up today, with a special emphasis on whether and how well those releleases improve upon the original experience.
Today, we're looking at Conker's Bad Fur Day and Conker Live and Reloaded on the Xbox. Based on the beloved classic on N64, the Xbox remake has been largely panned by the gaming community. As always, I offer an in-depth examination of both versions to arrive at an answer.
Also, yes, I do briefly discuss the version of Conker's Bad Fur Day featured in Rare Replay. There's not nearly as much to say about that one.
EPG Plays (Let's Plays and Streams):
youtube.com/channel/UCwLQ5HiX4jPLifHVbFS0irw
Unversed Cast (Podcast Channel):
youtube.com/channel/UCaX0i-H5-gv-9PcU3MXhzWw
Twitter:
http://twitter.com/ExoParadigmGmr
Game Mavericks (Legacy Let's Plays):
youtube.com/channel/UCICVDVEbHNJSKDHKbl7DbMg
Remake or Rebreak Scores:
1- Rebreak: Fails to resurrect the same quality standard as the original due to incompetent design, technical failures, etc. A virtually worthless remake/port overall.
2- Re-Meh: Not as good as the original, but a relatively competent recreation that is still very playable. Additionally, a Re-Meh may not address the original's salient issues or fail to add anything meaningful.
3- Remake: As good or even slightly better than the original, but not necessarily worth playing if you already own that version. Typically adds some new content or fixes salient issues with the original.
4- Replace: A remake/port that changes, fixes, and adds so much that it renders the original virtually obsolete. A Replace not only faithfully recreates the original, but fixes most (if not all) of the original's issues and adds a sizable amount of new content.
Guests:
TGX Game Reviews
youtube.com/channel/UCnKYQz9R4UNbVNNmyy46fVA
BlackHoodedGamer
youtube.com/channel/UCn0Wn5geAQCjcqjtD2zHv8g
NickonAquaMagna
youtube.com/channel/UCKJp5dqzn59jq1phqN2p2Uw
J's Reviews
youtube.com/channel/UCOiqB1MjAZpaq4m8WIoqQAw
Guests:
TGX Game Reviews
youtube.com/channel/UCnKYQz9R4UNbVNNmyy46fVA
BlackHoodedGamer
youtube.com/channel/UCn0Wn5geAQCjcqjtD2zHv8g
Guests:
TGX Game Reviews
youtube.com/channel/UCnKYQz9R4UNbVNNmyy46fVA
NickonAquaMagna
youtube.com/channel/UCKJp5dqzn59jq1phqN2p2Uw
BlackHoodedGamer
youtube.com/channel/UCn0Wn5geAQCjcqjtD2zHv8g
Guests:
TGX Game Reviews
youtube.com/channel/UCnKYQz9R4UNbVNNmyy46fVA
Haedox
youtube.com/channel/UCVUirFtaSpWupdfDnaErhuQ
BlackHoodedGamer
youtube.com/channel/UCn0Wn5geAQCjcqjtD2zHv8g
Guests:
TGX Game Reviews
youtube.com/channel/UCnKYQz9R4UNbVNNmyy46fVA
Haedox
youtube.com/channel/UCVUirFtaSpWupdfDnaErhuQ
NickonAquaMagna
youtube.com/channel/UCKJp5dqzn59jq1phqN2p2Uw
Guests:
TGX Game Reviews
youtube.com/user/TheGenerationextreme
Haedox
youtube.com/channel/UCVUirFtaSpWupdfDnaErhuQ
New ROR is well along, just needs some time for video editing. Give it a week or two and it should be out.
Join me and guests on July 20 at 5pm EST
for a full completion run of Spyro The Dragon on
http://www.twitch.tv/exoparadigmgamer
http://www.twitch.tv/exoparadigmgamer
Streams will not be hosted on YouTube gaming.
Subscribe to the Twitch channel for notifications.