Substance TV – Video game reviews with substance

Let’s face the facts, ever since Sonic & Knuckles on the Genesis, the Sonic series has sucked hard. Sorry, as much as you’d like to think Sonic Adventure was a good game, you’d be wrong. Dead wrong. Sonic Adventure was a nice try, but it still sucked. After the 100th time of falling off a course into the white abyss as Sonic lets out a pitiful “NOOOOO!” because the camera couldn’t keep up with the action, I had enough. The phrase “by Sonic Team” ranks up there with “by Uwe Boll”. The only true fan base of Sonic are those too ignorant to know better, or those trying to hold on to some shred of hope.

It’s no surprise the recent release of a Sonic 4 teaser has brought a certain optimism to the failing franchise. A return to 2-D and the classic platforming is a sight for sore eyes. But then I remember how time and time again Sega has failed us. Like a battered spouse we keep coming back even when we know the pain won’t stop.

Through the darkness, there may be a light. Read the rest of this entry »

From out of nowhere, Sunsoft announced yesterday the release of a new Blaster Master game titled: Blaster Master Overdrive. Announced on 2-6-10 for a release on 2-8-10 via WiiWare for 1000 Wii points (talk about no hype). This isn’t even listed on the ESRB website. Sunsoft likes to surprise us I guess. From first impressions, this COULD BE and amazing game. It looks and sounds reminiscent of the old style and many game mechanics look intact. But is Sunsoft rusty after all these dormant years? Will find out Monday when the game is released. We will be purchasing the game tomorrow and will post impressions as soon as possible to let you know if it’s worth your Wiibucks.

- Brian

After hearing months ago about the Castlevania’s epic return to a 2D non-Metroidesque action game, I couldn’t help but be excited. I would hear sparse rumors about a release date, but nothing confirmed. I was more than surprised to wake up this morning to find Castlevania is upon us with no hype or fanfare before its release. OMG!

First off, I love the Wiiware and virtual console service. Downloading new games and ones from years past is a good thing. However, the one thing that (use Peter Griffin voice) “grinds my gears” is that Nintendo does not give out release dates for games released weekly. I’m sure I wasn’t the only one surprised that Castlevania came out.

Enjoy this great title today for 10 measly greenbacks. You’ll be glad you did. Consider this article the fanfare the title deserved.

- Erik

Cave is one of my favorite video game companies period. If you haven’t the faintest idea who this Cave company is, check out this Wikipedia article.

Their most recent arcade port Mushihime-sama Futari version 1.5, recently released on the Xbox 360, marks their first region free release on home consoles giving the average joe a chance to play it without modding or importing a Japanese system. Depending on the level of uptake outside of Japan, sales of the game will affect their future decision to localize other shooters such as Espgaluda 2.

On the heels of this release comes news of future releases. Cave general manager Makato Asada has plans to bring future games to a wider audience (meaning us here in the old U S of A and beyond).

According to Asada’s last blog post, Cave is working on five new titles. Though he doesn’t specify much, he does give a few hints:

1. A completely new arcade game (“completely” implies it’s not a sequel to any previous game)
2. An original Xbox 360 game
3. Xbox 360 arcade port(s)
4. Development on “new hardware”

At the Cave festival on 12/27, he’ll reveal more. Here’s hoping for ports of previously Japan exclusive games such as Do-Don-Pachi Dai-Fukkatsu and DeathSmiles. And don’t even get me started on games like Progear. Oh please let it be true.

I’ve always been a fan of the Valkyrie Profile series. So it would only make sense that developer Tri-Ace would be amazing at making other games right? Wrong. If you’ve played Infinite Undiscovery for the Xbox 360, you’ll know what I’m talking about. It’s not terrible by any means, but it’s not great. Regardless, I am interested to hear they are developing another RPG for the 360 called End of Eternity (Resonace of Fate). Published by Sega, the game uses a tri-attack-battle system. Few details have been released over at The Magic Box, but what I see looks interesting.

The game will be released in January 2010 in Japan with an eventual North American release. Here’s hoping they learn from their mistakes and make an amazing game.

Source: Magicbox

For the last decade, Sunsoft has been all but dormant releasing only a handful of new titles. It’s been over twenty years since the release of such classics as Blaster Master on the NES. Those glory days may very well be upon us again as Sunsoft just announced a reboot of their console gaming brand in the USA.

Sunsoft has teamed up with GAIJINWORKS, headed up by former Working Designs President Victor Ireland, to aid in the publishing and release of Sunsoft titles.

First and foremost, this means a release of Blaster Master on the Virtual Console. Past that there is talk of other VC releases and new content as well. Though no specific titles have been announced, I’m glad to see Sunsoft back and kicking.

P.S. Just promise me no Warner Bros. licensed games.

Big thanks to Nightmare26 for breaking the news to me. You guys rock!

In the November Free Play I stated I would love to see a sequel to Power Stone. So much so that a few months ago I posted a bogus story on April Fool’s day proclaiming the development of Power Stone 3 (link time). That was simply a lie aimed at getting your hopes up only to be dashed by reality. But it seems the brass at Capcom have kinda sorta maybe heard our cries for sweet POWASTONGA! Go Nintendo has quoted Capcom Community Manager Seth Killian as saying:

“We’re working on a way for you to be able to do just such a thing (voice your opinion), and hope to have the new Unity feature available soon-ish. The bad news is that you’ll have to compete with the Powerstone 3 and RE: Outbreak psychos for attention! Seriously though, I know that having such a clear outlet is important, and we’re working on even more direct ways for you to let your voice be heard internally here at Capcom.”

So while it’s not a confirmation, it does confirm the fan demand for a sequel has come to their attention. That could mean absolutely nothing, but I’m hoping Capcom gets off their butts and puts another Power Stone out. I know I’ll be sending a few e-mails to select individuals over at Capcom and I suggest you do the same so one day we can all hear the glorious words, “Welcome to the Power Stone world!”.