Looking Back: 16 Bit Generation

Back in the old days,
Games were simple.
Not as pretty,
Loading times not nearly as nimble.
But we loved them,
For their effort and charm.
So let's look back...

Truly, the 16-Bit Generation was a great era in gaming. So many awesome titles. So instead of bringing you a review on one of the latest games, the staff and I are going to be talking about our favorite games from the early nineties, the days on the SNES and Genesis.

Starting us off will be TheInvisMan with his review of:

Super Metroid

As far as the Metroid series goes, a good chunk of Metroid fans consider Super Metroid to be the pinnacle of the series (though Prime changed a few minds), and I am no exception. The gameplay refined and expanded upon the older Metroid games in nearly every way possible, making it seem like an entirely different game from its predecessors. Exploration of the planet's complex structures was made much easier with the addition of a map, not to mention greatly improved level design. Combat was also vastly improved with a host of new weapons and techniques, with enemies that perfectly complemented your new abilities, including some incredible boss battles. As expected, the presentation was given an excellent upgrade, featuring detailed graphics and a superb, suitable audio experience, both of which still hold up today. While there are a few control issues, in terms of using special weapons and some spotty acrobatics, it is hardly noticeable considering how well this masterpiece has held up after ten years.

A great game, indeed. Up next is FrayedEndsTie's:

The Legend Of Zelda: A Link to The Past

Believe it or not, there is more to A Link To The Past than mindlessly hacking away at peoples livestock, or chickens rather. As captivating as it was to carry villagers chickens away, at some point I decided to actually delve in to the depths of this extraordinary 16-bit marvelosity.

This time around, Zelda has been captured by Ganondorf (surprise!) Everything about A Link To The Past screams fun. It takes a classic series and transforms it in to something every RPG gamer can cream their panties over. It's the same premise as previous entries, but it takes them to a new level of entertainment. Sorry, I seem to be dancing circles around the details, but my mind is a little weary when it comes to SNES games.

Amazing boss battles, unique weapons, clever puzzles, and two worlds to be explored and warped between. Get a few bottles, use your net that you got for helping the sick boy to capture some bees and release them on your enemies. Don't want bees? Fill your bottles with fairies and potions. Gain hearts, find secret areas, use the dash move to ram things, or use the always handy Link-360-Sword Slash to take out multiple enemies. This is arguably the best Zelda game released.

Did you really think this one wouldn't be here? It's Zelda! Up next is miyamotofreak (no longer with the VGN) looking back on his days with:

Streets Of Rage 3

Of all the games I could have chosen (Mario, Zelda, Metroid, Final Fantsy etc...) I think that none matches the sheer fun and simplicity of Streets of Rage 3. The premise is simple. You and maybe a buddy pick two characters and play a beat-em-up akin to Double Dragon. But this is so much better. Using a 3 button attack system you can either jump, attack, or special attack. The special attck is something you have to save and use but don't worry it only takes a moment for it to recharge. And of course use weapons which are well kept by enemies and are very balanced. In fact the key word of the game is balanced. Just as you are about to die you might get that stray health power-up or finish the level. Now that is what we need these days. But the game dosen't reach it's height yet because when you and a friend play co-op the fun factor goes through the roof. Why? For one, there is a wide range of double team moves. I had some great times having my partner hold me and flip my character through a bunch of enemies. Second you always have to decide who will get the power ups which could get tricky later and forces teamwork. Sure, the graphics aren't special (though the sound is excellent with fitting music), the story is just run of the mill, and the extra modes are crap. But for me, all I need to do is bash some skulls with a friend and I'm a happy man.

Ah, I'm really feeling the nostalgia now... Anyway, here's the next one by bigredrockeater:

Sonic The Hedgehog 3

During the days of 2D, a fierce war raged on between two characters: Sonic and Mario. Sonic’s games were on the Genesis while Mario’s were on the NES/SNES. My personal favorite game character (as well as games for 2D) was always Sonic. He was fast, blue, and super cool. I always thoroughly enjoyed his games, despite some of the obvious flaws. Though many were released, my favorite Sonic game for the Genesis was by far Sonic The Hedgehog 3. I felt that it had supreme control, amazing level design, and fun-but-not-too-hard bosses. As always, run to the right or left while jumping on enemies usually works, but it was the levels that really got to me. I usually found more than one way to get around a level on numerous occasions. What I also liked was the first appearance of my long time bud, Knuckles. He was evil, but he was just so fucking cool. That and the fact that he and Robotnik are in cahoots.

While some may argue that STH3 is too easy (it is the only 2D Sonic game besides the GBA ones that allows you to save), I think it’s still a hell of a lot of fun.

A hell of a lot of fun, indeed. Up next is one of our longer entries. Halbred will now do:

Donkey Kong Country 2

Yes, there will be dissenters, but I think that DKC2 is the absolute pinnicale of the 16-bit era, because it sure doesn't look 16-bit. Graphically, the game is an absolute powerhouse with primitive lighting effects, rendered backgrounds, 3D character sprites, and a plethora of environments to roam around in.

The sound isn't bad either. The tunes are still stuck in my head to this day...I often whistle them in the shower. Sound effects are appropriate and often clue you into what's going on off-screen.

Play control is meaty yet simple. Although they basically carry over from DKC, team attacks have been added for Diddy and Dixie, and these maneuvers also give more environmental access.

The game has just the right amount of fetch-questing, partially because of the set number of bonus stages per level, unlike the original game. Banana coins, DK coins, and Krem coins all figure into the equasion. It's not simple like DKC, but it's not overly complex like DK64, either.

Overall, for graphics, playability, and sheer enjoyment, I'd consider DKC2 the best 16-bit game out there (although my Genesis knowledge is sparce in comparison to my SNES library). Again, there will be dissenters (what? He didn't say "Link to the Past?!") but I've always had a unique perspective. Of course, that's why I'm the Rogue Gamer.

Hmm, Rogue Gamer, eh? Whatever, Hal. The game up next on our train of oldies is done by Joachim:

Chakan The Forever Man

This game is one of my favorites. The main strong points are in the story. Your character's name is Chakahn. He is the best warrior on Earth. One day, after vanquishing a foe, he claims that he is so powerful, that Death Himself could not stand against him. Death didn't take kindly to this, and challenges Chakahn to a battle. At the touch of their blades, lightning crashed and the Earth split apart, but in the end, Chakahn stood, victorious. He is granted with eternal life, but soon discovers that he simply wants rest. He is now cursed with his eternal life, and can only rest when every evil being in the Universe has been vanquished. This is your mission.

The Controls and gameplay for this title are simple enough. You go through 4 worlds, defeating foes to rid the Universe of evil. You can find potions. If I remember correctly, there are 4 different potions, and you mix them together, in sets of 2, to create spells that aid you in your quest. Invincibility, invisibility, and even elemental charges for you duel swords are some that you may earn. The game flows and looks simple enough. Graphically, it's an average Sega Genesis game, but it turns out to be quite fun. The different enemies that you encounter are well designed, and the worlds are fun to play through. All in all, it has a low difficulty, but I played this game for hours at a time, no matter how many times I'd beaten it. It is the only game that I can remember playing in which my goal was my own death.

So, I'm sure by now you're all wondering what I'm going to choose? Well, I don't have one! Smoke on that, bitch! Nah, I wouldn't leave this without my own input. However, unlike the trend I won't be recalling a game. I'll be talking about the entire generation.

So here's me: ViewtifulGamer with the:

16-Bit Generation

Many a game came by in the era. Many a classic. Some would say it was gaming at its finest. I owned a Gensis for the majority of the era, although I played many "Super" games at a friend's house until a got one of my own. Whenever I look back on former experiences in gaming, I'll always recall that the 16-Bit Generation of games were the last iterations of "Old-School." And it's also got Jeremy's favorite system, the SNES. And if this era in gaming is good enough for a GI editor, it's certainly good enough for me!

By the way, you may have noticed a change in our roster. Unfortunately, due to lack of available time, Super Pat Balls has resigned from the VGN. However, give a warm welcome to our two new members: FrayedEndTie and miyamotofreak. Keep in mind, that although two other members were not featured in this review, they are still very much part of the team. Here's to our fourth review as a team. I hope you all liked it.

Cheers