Impressions - A Little Old and New

Some thoughts on some titles I've tried recently. If you can, give these game a shot. They're a lot of fun.

Mega Man: Maverick Hunter X - PSP

I'm surprised, really. I picked it up for cheap, thinking I would hate it because it changes the original alot, but I was genuinely impressed with it. I didn't like the change in power up locations, but one I figured out where they where, I was blazing through this game like I can on the SNES. And I was glad that even thou I have mastered the game on the SNES, it still managed to challenge me. Now, if you haven't played any of the X series or atleast don't have it memorized quite like I do, the game will seem quite challenging. If you don't know what bosses to fight and in what order or with what powerups, you're going to find yourself being killed early and often. But the stages are enjoyable to traverse over and over, and it will be very satisfying to take down the bosses one by one. Old school action fans will feel right at home, and newer players should try it out. It's one of Capcom's best games remade for a new generation, and it still feels very fresh. I wouldn't mind if X2 and 3 got the same treatment.

Oh, and I love what they did with Launch Octopus. He's so pretentious and artsy, just like I thought he would be.

Professor Layton and the Curious Village - DS

If you've been to any Gamestop as of late, you would have seen these big ads for this title. It seems to be aimed at the niche audience that enjoyed games like Phoenix Wright and Hotel Dusk: Room 215. I enjoyed both of those titles, and Professor Layton is quite fun too. It's a game primarily focusing on puzzle, some of which you may have seen before in a puzzle book or Cracker Barrel, but they're still fun to solve. The hint system is well executed, the touch screen functionality works great, and the graphics are crisp and colorful. There is also plenty of interesting characters to interact with, making the game that much more enjoyable. The art style is reminiscent of "The Triplets of Belleville" and "The Adventures of Tintin," something not seen often enough. Worth picking up if you're into puzzle solving adventures.

Also, there are apparently two sequels on the way, and one of them will take Layton to a gearpunk world. And there may even be some time travel involved. If anything, the games my be worth it if only for the story.

So, there you go. A PSP cheapie and a fresh new DS title. And now, I leave you with one of the best lines in Maverick Hunter X (Gotta love Capcom and the cheesy dialogue).

"I'll show you how an artiste fights!" - Launch Octopus