Yearly Archives: 2018

Retro Review: Super Mario RPG

by Jason Parker (Ragachak)

Super Mario RPG - Battle

These guys don’t look familiar…

As many series go, the first is the most basic, and it grows from there. There are a lot of fans of the Paper Mario/Mario & Luigi sagas, but I’m here to drop a sick hot take on you: The best Mario RPG was the first. Super Mario RPG: Legend of the Seven Stars is the epitome of the Mario RPG franchise. When I first heard about a Mario Bros. Roleplaying Game, I was torn. I wanted to be excited, because Super Mario 3 and Super Mario World are still to this day, two of my favorite titles. It has that same charm that I came to expect from a Mario title, while also having a turn-based RPG system that had too enchanted me. I love that it starts off just the same ol, same ol, Mario vs. Bowser. He saves Princess Peach, brings peace to the Mushroom Kingdom, and then everything changes. The Fire Natio…the Sword Gang attacks! Yes, Smithy and his gang have taken over Bowser’s castle, kicked him out, and split the fortress with a titanic, colossal, mountain-sized blade. It shattered the Star Road, and it’s up to Mario and pals to recover the stars and set things right. The cast for your party members is Mario, Mallow (a “tadpole”), Princess Peach, Geno (A Star Warrior) and Bowser. Yes, Bowser.

Super Mario RPG - Culex

Culex, the real Final Boss.

Super Mario RPG is an isometric turn-based RPG with a timing-based system that set the standard for other games that followed it. The team (three party members) share an FP pool (Flower Points) that can be raised by finding Fire Flowers throughout the world. Hidden Question Mark Blocks also lie in wait throughout the world, with hidden prizes. This is a game with incredible secrets, and one mighty Superboss in Culex (which plays the Final Fantasy IV boss music and is a representation of the Crystals). There’s a fairly standard initiative system, and your team/the enemy go when it’s their turn to act. You can use an Item, Defend, Attack, or use a Spell/Skill. Here’s where the timing system really comes to shine. When you act, act at all, this system comes into play. It comes down to timing your button press typically when the animation is about to end. If you do it right, you can get extra uses of consumables (all of them), reduce damage or nullify it entirely, and do extra damage/extra hits when attacking/using skills.

Super Mario RPG - Bowyer

Oh, silly Bowyer, and his dumb boss mechanic.

The timing changes depending on what skill you were using, what character and weapon you are using, as each animation is quite different. For Princess Peach, you might have a glove on, and to get the most out of her “Pride-obliterating bitchslap” (trademarked, Bottom Tier Entertainment System), you tap the attack button right before the slap ends, so she can attack a second time on it. Not to mention, the combat system also has potential “Attack Again” bonuses when you defeat an enemy, or other things like a chance at doubling your XP/GP (a Shell Game, so you can/probably will lose). Many of the enemies will feel familiar, from Goombas, Bloopers, Bullet Bills, Bob-Ombs. There are also a host of new creatures, and basically, every boss encounter is someone new and intriguing. Here’s where some of the disappointment for this game comes into play though.

Super Mario RPG - Level Up

Get them stats, son!

Super Mario RPG is easy. Very very very easy. The level cap is 30, and while you do get to pick where your bonus stats go, it’s very easy to do well in this game. There are but a few boss fights that are frustrating and challenging, but far and wide, it’s incredibly simple to succeed in. The real challenge is getting to the bosses, learning the mazes and secrets of the game. Finding all the side content and stuff you don’t have to do but can do. From Sheet Music to Yoshi Races, collecting Frog Coins and landing 99 hits on an Ultra Jump. Finding the most powerful equipment in the game, figuring out what team you want to run (Spoiler: It’s Mario Bowser Geno or Mario Bowser Peach), it’s got a lot of side-content for what is basically a linear RPG. But if you’re looking for a challenge and are a hardened, seasoned RPG player, you won’t find it here.

We Need More Geno: 5/5

Super Mario RPG - Yoshi Race

The Yoshi Race gambling scene is a truly dangerous one. It’s a slippery slope.

What you will find is a charming RPG, with a wholesome story filled with familiar characters, interacting in an all-new way. It was the first RPG of it’s kind, taking characters from one genre (side-scrolling platformers) and putting them into a new style of gameplay (isometric turn-based roleplaying). It’s got a very particular sense of humor and has some wacky characters along with some pretty serious ones. It even has some crazy Mode-7 graphics in the minecart stage! I also adore the music. Super Mario RPG has one of the absolute best RPG songs of all time in the Forest Maze. I’m stunned that Geno hasn’t appeared in more Mario franchises or even in the Smash franchise. It doesn’t make a single bit of sense. Super Mario RPG has a decent learning curve for mastering the combat, but the actual gameplay is nice and easy. It’s got compelling storylines, fun characters, and just beautiful graphics. It keeps that same bright, colorful Mario color palette in a 3D form without it looking blocky and gross. I was very grateful that it wasn’t the same Mario vs. Bowser. Hell, Bowser joins the party at one point! Some of bosses are ridiculous and loony, but that’s really part of the Mario charm. It’s a game 100% worth of buying in a digital format by Nintendo, on the Super Nintendo Classic, or even buying the original cartridge. If you have not experienced it, and have played Paper Mario/Mario & Luigi, go play the game that made it possible.

 

Heavy Metal Machines Giveaway

We’ve partnered with Hoplon Entertainment to offer a special giveaway pack for new players of Heavy Metal Machines!

Heavy Metal Machines is a free to play game that is much more than a MOBA. Usually, It´s all about lanes, towers, and minions. Instead, Hoplon created a unique dynamic with high-speed battles and combat cars.

As you try to deliver your team’s bomb to the enemy base, you will be asked to chase down your opponents, predict their traps, positioning and most of all – never stand still.

Looking forward to developing the competitive scenario, Heavy Metal Machines already held two tournaments and just announced that much more will come, with pool prizes and partnership from big companies such as Razer.


The key codes will deliver to the player two additional characters and two skins for free.

To claim your key code:

  • Sign up for Heavy Metal Machines at this link! Note: the game is only available in European and South American regions.
  • Visit the official entry thread. If you don’t have one, you will need to sign up for a forum account to post.
  • Post a reply to the thread with your Heavy Metal Machines username – you can see this by hovering over your profile picture in the game.
  • Codes will be awarded on a first come, first serve basis – we have 100 codes to give away to help you in your new Heavy Metal adventures! Winners will be contacted via forum PM with their code.

Note: if the link does not work, remember to disable AdBlock as it interferes with our site.

Open World Survival Game Memories of Mars Arriving On Steam

Publisher 505 Games and Limbic Entertainment (Might & Magic, Tropico 6) have announced that their open-world survival sandbox title, Memories of Mars will be arriving on Steam’s Early Access platform in 2018. As a special token of thanks, players who sign up and opt-in via the official game website will receive an exclusive in-game pattern and the blueprint for a CZ 457 rifle. The pattern will signify players as part of a core group of fans and it can be applied to equipment, armor, and weapons.  The CZ 457 blueprint will help players kickstart their journey and give them a step up from the standard issue pistol. Once obtained, players can produce as many rifles as their storage bins will hold. It promises to take players on an epic adventure of survival and exploration as they overcome the myriad dangers of the Red Planet.

“Our partners at Limbic Entertainment continue to impress us with creative and bold ideas that strive to push the limits of the online multiplayer survival genre,” said Tim Woodley, senior vice president of global brand and marketing at 505 Games. “Memories of Mars will serve as a strong launchpad for the new year and we look forward to sharing more development news as we gravitate toward early access debut on Steam in early 2018.”

Warhammer: Vermintide 2 is being scored by Jesper Kyd

Inspired by Norse mythology, Jesper Kyd’s original score for Vermintide 2 explores ancient tribal music and dark magic fantasy elements as well as evolving the raw acoustic soundscape he developed for the first game. The BAFTA Award-Winning Danish composer, Jesper Kyd is returning to compose the soundtrack for the sequel to Warhammer: Vermintide. A powerful blend of Viking and Norse-inspired vocals, ritual themed percussion and new custom-made instruments specifically for this game will be heard to create a truly unique soundtrack. Three other tracks can be heard here: Troll Fight, Norsca Chaos, and Entering the War Camp.

Endless Space 2 Vaulters Expansion Launches Soon

The first Endless Space 2 Expansion re-introduces players to the Vaulters, which is a popular fan in the Endless franchise. The planned release date is January 25th. Fun fact: In Dungeon of the Endless, you play the crew that ultimately become the Vaulters in Endless Legend. A new civilization means a new way to play, the Vaulters will have the ability to teleport and use the Argosy – their legacy super colonizer ship featured in the Prologue video. They will also feature their own heroes, (such as the famous Opbot), new technologies, buildings, and the special node, “Sisters of Mercy” minor civilization that they brought from Auriga. The Expansion will also feature new exotic combat modules like boarding and taking control of ships, as well as the Pirate Diplomacy gameplay enabling negotiations with their leader.  The expansion can be pre-ordered for 10% off on Steam now.

There was also a community challenge back in November, which unlocked all of the stretch goals possible. This free add-on is available on the Games2Gether platform, and is loaded with content:

  • New planetary anomaly: the “High Energy Plasmasphere“.
  • New galaxy type: the 6-branches spiral.
  • New event: handle a new immigration crisis. Do you have what it takes to save the Remnant refugees?
  • New ship modules: the powerful Swarm MissilesRailguns and Energy Squadrons!
  • New heroBurra Techseeker, an amphibian famed as an exotic ship module inventor.
  • Mezari fleet skin: a blast from the past! The ancestral Mezari fleet skin for the United Empire civilization!

Mythic Glory Open Beta Begins

Mythic Glory Beta Header

After a successful open alpha, R2Games has announced that its latest title, Mythic Glory, is officially entering open beta. All character and server data is now permanent and players are welcomed to take their first steps into the MMO.

Mythic Glory is a new browser MMORPG with a persistent online world where players are encouraged to work together, or against each other, for ultimate world domination. The game features an extensive single player storyline, plus online social systems that include guilds, dungeons, boss rushes, world events, and more.

R2Games has extended its thanks to everyone that participated in the Open Alpha stage, stating “feedback at such an early point is invaluable, and helps shape the games as it grows into what the fanbase wants.”

You can join the open beta here! Make sure to grab a starter pack code from our giveaway!

Mythic Glory Open Beta Giveaway

We’ve partnered with R2Games to give away a special starter pack for Mythic Glory‘s open beta!

Mythic Glory Promo Art

Be amazed as you take your first steps in the world of Mythic Glory – a brand new MMORPG where you’ll become part of a living, breathing world, alongside hundreds of other players. Take on dungeons, fight bosses, participate in guild fights and PVP, or just hang out in your favorite corner of the world and chat with friends!

A brand new adventure awaits you in Mythic Glory today!


Your code contains:

  • Gold Ingot x 5
  • Gold Recruits x 2
  • Lvl. 2 Gem Pack x 5
  • Mark of Divinity x 1

To Redeem Your Code:

  1. Click on Mythic Glory to start playing and create yourself a character.
  2. After finishing a short tutorial, redeem your gift code by clicking “Welfare Hall” Mythic Glory Redemption on top of the page, it is right by the Hot Events icon.
  1. Click on the ‘Redeem Code’ button to input your gift code and click the Redeem button.

Mythic Glory Redemption

Note: Gift codes may only be used once per server. The rewards obtained from the gift code may be bound.

Note: Unfortunately ad blockers may interfere with our site. If you have any issues claiming a key, please disable them and try again.

Still having problems redeeming? Please check this thread.

Behind the Scenes Peek at Underworld Ascendant

In a behind-closed-doors presentation at PAX South, game industry legend Paul Neurath (Ultima Underworld, Thief) discussed the inspiration and history behind the upcoming highly-anticipated Underworld Ascendant from OtherSide Entertainment. A new video produced for PAX South featuring exclusive gameplay footage also takes a deep dive into the heritage of the studio and the deeply experienced team creating Underworld Ascendant. Players will be returning to the Stygian Abyss, courtesy of 505 Games, and can expect danger and intrigue in the fantasy realm. The world boasts an environment that will react dynamically to player choices, as seen in newly revealed gameplay footage. It’s scheduled for release on PC via Steam in the second half of 2018. Its wishlist can be found here.