"SO! THE LEGEND IS TRUE!!!"

About 4 months ago, I had stumbled across this game through one of the few YouTube shows that I regularly watch. Needless to say, I was blown away (and still am) by what the trailer promises to offer (especially with Goku fighting Kid Buu, ending the fight with the spectacular Spirit Bomb - my jaw just dropped). After looking more into the game (since, lucky for me, there have been gameplay videos on this game), I've learned several things about this game:

1. The game is still incomplete, with the game's developers constantly releasing updates to include more characters (including moves, intros and outros)/stages/music, while also balancing out the game's physics, mechanics, and AI (it's too challenging as of now). As of now, there are only 5 characters (Goku, Vegeta, Adult Gohan, Frieza, and Super Saiyan Goku).
2. The game is incomplete due to the fact that this is all entirely fan-based game! This is an amazing fact considering how much work has been put into the game (this was all accomplished in their free time! They can't monetize this project because of IP stuff).
3. The game utilizes the Mugen fighting engine. This means that the game will run flawlessly on a Windows machine, but it'll take some work to work around the schematics of a Mac (which is what I have, so I haven't had the opportunity to play the game myself, sad to say).

The game, as a whole, is not only an homage to some of the more advanced-skill 2D/2.5D fighters out there (think Guilty Gear,  BlazBlue, Killer Instinct), but it's outstanding that you know that people who created this game have deep love and respect of the DBZ universe. The detail to the sprites and their animations is just gorgeous (just look at Frieza's tail during his standing animation). This DBZ fighter is a must to those who are not only looking for a fun, challenging fight, but every DBZ fan must check this game out, despite the game not being entirely complete. Lastly, here is the demo trailer video that first introduced me to this already awesome game:

Shovel Knight! (Late Post #1)

Shovel Knight is one of those games that I bought as soon as I heard of its existence. I stumbled upon this game as a review for the ultra-popular Game Informer magazine, earning a 8.5 or a 9 (it's been months since I saw the review in the magazine. The review enticed me - it was a throwback to the good ol' days of 2D platforming (nostalgia) while harkening references and influences from beloved Capcom IPs of MegaMan and Ghouls n' Goblins (so yeah, and hell yeah!). 

The review and its second opinion both loved and deeply appreciated the difficulty that was once prevalent (especially in the games of the MegaMan and Ghouls n' Goblins series) and that alone just caught my attention. It's been a while since I've played such a challenging video game. Furthermore, the review also lauded the game's soundtrack, but that was an aspect that didn't fascinate me as much. I'm more attracted to the more dynamic (and frequently symphonic) soundtracks that are more prevalent in today's gaming world (Shadow of the Colossus, BlazBlue, and God of War are some excellent examples). Like any 2D platformer of the olden days, it's the attention to detail and sprite animations that bring the game to life. And it's for the 3DS/Wii-U and I desperately need more games for my 3DS, so that was also in my favor.

I spent about 15 hours playing the game in total (8 hours for my first run and getting everything and 7 hours playing the more even more challenging "New Game+" mode). Like MegaMan and Ghouls n' Goblins, controls are tight, the colors/animations/sprites are crisp and colorful, and not one song sounds similar to another. This is one of those games that has to be played by everybody (and if you don't have a 3DS or Wii-U, then borrow or steal or do something!). It's very rewarding, being both an homage to era of the past, while still being outstanding in its own right as it's own IP. 

DEVILS NEVER CRY (because they) NEVER SURRENDER!

I had the pleasure of spending time with a dear friend almost a week ago. We were driving back home after visiting friends and seeing old familiar faces when he played a familiar song through his phone (which was hooked up to his radio). Only I couldn't place the name of the song. So I gave up asked my friend, "Who is this again?" He looks at me and says, "You don't remember? This is Combichrist - this song is the main theme from the latest Devil May Cry!" 

Of course! How could I forget! That's why the song was familiar - this song plays during the introductory cinematic scene of the game, highlighting Dante's exorbitant lifestyle of women, fast times, and all-around recklessness. It's been quite some time since I've played DMC: Devil May Cry since I had already accomplished all that I could do (such as maxing out the Life/Devil Trigger bars, earning all combos, finding all secrets, ect. - I pretty much got my money's worth playing the game). Since I've done all that I could do gaming-wise, perhaps the only reason why I'd revisit the game would be for its music. 

Much of the in-game music was composed by both Combichrist and Noisia, two electronica  groups (in the broadest sense: they're actually Aggrotech and Neurofunk/Grime, respectively). The music composed for the game is fantastic and flawless - their styles compliment the re-imaging of the Devil May Cry franchise perfectly. As I mentioned a whiles back in my Da Octopuss post, this is the type of music that belongs in gothic, underground dance clubs of sorts. I've been loving this style of music, and quite frankly, I want more of this type of music in my life. Julien-K is somewhat similar, as well as Da Octopuss, so I've got that going for me.

Anyhow, here is the theme song of DMC:Devil May Cry, called "Never Surrender," the one my good  friend was blasting in his car radio:

And here is one of Noisia's offerings from the game:

Maybe after I'm done with this year's CD collecting quest, I'll devise a new list that'll focus more on this type of music.