Return of the Ninja

 
Some random ninja-themed sidescroller I played as a kid, this was released by Natsume near the end of the Game Boy Color life cycle. Recently, I finally settled my score with the game, and overall, it turned out to be rather underwhelming.

Because of its unique presentation style, I always thought Return of the Ninja was one of Natsume’s stronger sidescrolling titles. However, revisiting it now, I found it noticeably weaker than other Natsume GBC sidescroller games such as Action Man or Power Rangers Lightspeed Rescue. What originally caught my attention was the collectible card system you unlock as you progress through the game. Back then, it made my younger self imagine the game as something much larger and deeper than it actually was. Fast forward to today and Return of the Ninja simply does not live up to those expectations.

In terms of gameplay, Return of the Ninja feels similar to a pre-Igavania-style Castlevania sidescroller, spanning six stages with some light attempts at branching paths. The game does try to stand out by incorporating stealth mechanics to better fit its ninja theme, rewarding players who dispatch enemies quietly within the limitations of the GBC hardware. It also features several ninja tools and gear upgrades that function as power-ups, allowing the player to bypass certain obstacles and explore alternate routes.

Still, Return of the Ninja is ultimately not a particularly noteworthy ninja game, especially when compared to Shinobi from Sega, which remains a far more definitive ninja action experience. Interestingly, Return of the Ninja did receive a limited physical re-release in 2020, which is quite fascinating for a relatively mediocre GBC title that originally came out two decades earlier.

Final Fantasy Adventure

 

One of the older Squaresoft games I recently came across, Final Fantasy Adventure truly punches far above its weight for a Game Boy title. While the Game Boy Color is often praised for its impressive RPG library, especially with the rise of the Pokémon series, I never expected the original Game Boy to be capable of delivering such an engaging RPG experience. Final Fantasy Adventure proved otherwise. Simply put, I was genuinely impressed by the scale and atmosphere of the game, which reminded me of my first experience playing Lufia: The Legend Returns in the early 2000s.

Zuru Max Retro Collection - Retro Gameboy Console Review

 Ever since I first came across the Lego Game Boy set, I became somewhat obsessed with finding a worthy alternative to scratch that nostalgic itch. Since I grew up with the Game Boy Color, I wasn’t exactly eager to spend 80 bucks on a brick-built replica of the original Game Boy. Eventually, though, I stumbled upon something that perfectly matched what I was looking for.

Enter Zuru Max Retro, a premium Western blind-box brick model line featuring semi-premium builds based on classic electronic gadgets from the ’80s and ’90s. One of the models in the lineup happens to be a retro handheld console clearly inspired by the Game Boy.

For its price point, this Zuru retro game console exceeded my expectations, and without a doubt, it’s the best entry among the Zuru Retro variants I’ve seen so far. The model includes a detachable game cartridge, essentially a parody of Tetris. While the gimmicks aren’t nearly as elaborate as the Lego Game Boy, they’re still surprisingly solid considering the lower cost.

Interestingly, the design of this Zuru handheld actually resembles the Ambernic RG35XX series more closely than the classic Game Boy itself. It’s also roughly comparable in size to the R36S, another popular budget handheld emulator with a Game Boy-inspired design. Since this brick model ended up surpassing my expectations, I honestly wouldn’t mind picking up another set from the Zuru Retro line, especially the retro arcade machine, which already caught my attention.

Tom & Jerry Frantic Antics (Gameboy)

 

One particular old Game Boy title from my childhood that I recently revisited, purely by coincidence. It’s not especially noteworthy by modern standards, but finally wrapping up some unfinished business from the past was genuinely satisfying.

Tom and Jerry: Frantic Antics on Game Boy is one of several video game adaptations tied to the Tom and Jerry: The Movie (1992 film), the rare entry where the eternal frenemies actually speak normally. As a millennial kid with a fairly typical upbringing, I remember watching the movie and later stumbling across this version of the game.

This iteration is very much a product of early ’90s design, a straightforward side-scrolling platformer where you guide Tom and Jerry through hazard-filled stages. With 10 levels loosely based on the film, Frantic Antics isn’t exactly a walk in the park. In fact, it can be surprisingly challenging even today, especially if you aim for full completion.

As far as Tom and Jerry games go, Frantic Antics is a decent representation of the IP, though it doesn’t quite deliver the same level of fun or polish as the PSX era title, which I might revisit and write about another time.

As for Tom and Jerry itself, it remains one of the Western cartoon classics I hold in high regard, largely thanks to childhood exposure. I’ve always had a soft spot for the era shaped by Chuck Jones, whose style and timing gave the series a distinct charm.

Power Rangers Lightspeed Rescue (GBC)

Considering that I grew up with Power Rangers as part of my childhood, it’s no surprise that I eventually played some of the video game adaptations. My gateway into Power Rangers games happened to be Lightspeed Rescue, which probably explains why I still have a soft spot for that series.

There were two Lightspeed Rescue games that I played: the PlayStation (PSX) version and the Game Boy Color (GBC) version. Although I played the PSX version first, I want to talk about the GBC version before getting to it.

Developed by Natsume, the GBC version of Lightspeed Rescue offers a bite-sized Power Rangers experience. Among the various Power Rangers games I’ve played, this one stood out because the gameplay isn’t focused solely on defeating enemies. Instead, players are tasked with civilian rescue missions, which can be just as challenging due to environmental hazards like fires and collapsing structures.

Of course, it wouldn’t be a Power Rangers game without Megazord action. The GBC version of Lightspeed Rescue includes Megazord segments, featuring two available Megazords. That said, expectations should be kept in check, these segments are far more limited compared to the brawler-style Megazord combat found in the PSX version.

Lego 72046 Gameboy Brick Model

 
 Around this year, I was aware that Lego released a Lego Gameboy Brick Model Product. This one was sold for 60 USD SRP featuring an almost exact replica of Nintendo's 1st generation Gameboy. Lego went on extra mile for this Gameboy Lego as this one is not just a brick model replica of the classic handheld console but include some functional gimmicks including buttons and screen. The current iteration of Lego Gameboy also includes Brick model version gameboy cartridge for Legend of Zelda and Super Mario including swappable screen. Even without this, nostalgic millenials will already scramble to obtain this piece of time capsule but Lego took the high road for this one anyway.

However the reason why this particular lego product brought up in Realm of Darkness not only because of the the quality end product by Lego but the elaborate effort by modding community for this product, partially fueled by Nostalgia. 

Apparently some collectors able to mod their Lego Gameboy into literally functional Gameboy which are made easier due to available 3rd Party add on product that comes with the complete hardware and software package. While the current build of functional Lego Gameboy showcase is not exactly perfect yet, give it several months we could expect leaps of end results.

Personally, since I grew up on Gameboy Color and Advance, Lego Gameboy haven't got my full attention yet. However if Lego ever released the series continuation with Gameboy Color or SP, it will certainly catch my full attention especially if there are means to make it a functional gameboy.  

Megaman Xtreme 1&2

  

 Megaman X is arguably one of the most popular megaman franchise for 90s Millenial Kids like myself, most have their gateway from one of the main titles though my route was rather different one. Back then I never home consoles like PSX and only portable one like Gameboy Color and my gateway to Megaman X happen to be Megaman Xtreme series on GBC.

Megaman Xtreme is a spin off Megaman X title series featuring Megaman X adventure in Gameboy color format. Spawning 2 titles, Xtreme and Xtreme 2, this series offer Megaman X experience on portable console recycling the contents from Megaman X to X3. The experience is surprisingly still fun and I did able to jump to PSX Megaman X series through this one. 

Despite it is a Gameboy Color game, each Megaman Xtreme offers 8 Mavericks from X-X3 for X to fight and in Xtreme 2, you can even play as Zero whom got some interaction time with Iris. Compared to main X series, the experience of Megaman Xtreme are not as straight forward. As the full experience need to be unlocked first through clearing playthrough, which does offer some replay value which are not exactly common in Gameboy Color. 

I still keep Megaman Xtreme in good regard since I had fond memory of X performing Hadouken and Shoryuken on Sigma and even have a digital copy for Xtreme 2 on my 3DS. While Xtreme might not have much too offer for those who have played X-X3, these series still worth a visit for those who seek complete journey in Megaman X series 

Final Fantasy Tactics Advance

 
 I am not exactly a big Final Fantasy fan, but I do have played my share of titles that I have finished, largely owed to Gameboy Advance. Amongst the Final Fantasy games I played on GBA there is one single FF series that stood out the most for me and it was Final Fantasy Tactics Advance. 

Final Fantasy Tactics was a highly acclaimed JRPG in PSX and it was due to Yasumi Matsuno's briliant talent as Director. FFT stood out among JRPG peaks not only due to its gameplay but also immersiveness of Ivalice, which Matsuno had a personal hand in its creation whom he infused the richness of Gray morality storyline just like Tactics Ogre series. Returning on Final Fantasy Tactics Advance as producer, Matsuno lent his briliant talent once again in this game and made one of the best JRPG in GBA when it comes to gameplay.

After Burst

 
 Going back to retro games as well. My fascination toward Mecha genre definitely owed to my gaming experience during childhood and one of that game is After Burst! This game is a platforming action mecha game where you play as a mecha tasked to destroy enemy bases using calibrated shooting like Gunbound/Worms World Party. After Burst was nothing particularly special as mecha game but my childhood encounter with this series certainly leave a lasting impression.

So tracing back to this memory, turns out After Burst is made by Masaya, the dev behind series like Assault Suit Valken on SNES which is another good mecha game.Surprisingly the mecha aesthetics on After Burst game cover heavily resemble Jegan or GM with slighly heavier build and perhaps this game also contribute something to the development of Valken. If you seek something with heavy Mecha aesthetics on Gameboy, After Burst would be a worthy candidate to consider.

Vs Battler

  Going for nostalgic route this time and use this post to keep myself remember with one of the Mecha game that I used to play in Gameboy Color as a kid. Mecha game are not exactly common in Gameboy let alone the an action game with Wizardry style 1st person perspective, enter Vs Battler!

In Vs battler you play as Mecha Pilot on two available factions Valiant and Sirius which have different mecha style akin to Zgok and Rick Dias. The game is purely action where you control a Mecha on seek and destroy missions in Labyrinth that differs in map variation as the game progresses. The gameplay is relatively simple as you only have Fist melee and Charged Projectile as available armaments to take down the enemy robots. Map Awareness play key role in Vs Battler as you will have to rely on flank ambush to clear the stages as you are usually outnumbered and direct slugfest never end well as you will lose health very fast in this action. Given I have no idea what I am doing back then, I often end up accidentally destroying my AI teammate from friendly fire.

What makes Vs Battler still remain in my memory is due to the unique gameplay which could have been incorporated more in modern mecha game. Imagine a co-op Mecha game where you navigate dark labyrinth where proper teamwork and maneuvering really matters, the incorporation of Survival theme into action would be quite something to behold.  

Megaman Battle Network 3: Blue Version

 It can't be understated how Megaman Battle Network series played a significant part in my teenage years yet the sentiment is not properly conveyed in this blog despite already being around for quite some time. As such I will talk abit more about MMBN series with my gateway to the series Megaman Battle Network 3 which I had Blue version for my first copy. There is a famous saying; Third Time is the charm and MMBN3 perfectly fits the sentiment

Final Fight ONE

 
 Final Fight being one of the popular Capcom beat em up that literally being the pioneer of this genre obviously had received many ports whether dedicated for TV or Portable consoles and I do have my share of the versions that I have played. But among the many Final Fight ports, one that truly stood out for me is this games port for Gameboy Advance called Final Fight One.

Compared to the PSP and Switch Final Fight port, Final Fight One features more home console experience of this classic Capcom Beat em Up. Final Fight One is given overall QoL upgrade treatment like additional anime style presentation. On top of that, Final Fight One is the only Final Fight game that I ever came across that features some sort of progression which offer unlockables that encourage players to keep playing the game. But the best thing that come out of this GBA Final Fight is having Street Fighter Alpha version of Guy and Cody as unlockables. Final Fight One QoL upgrades are overall quite pleasant, but having the Street Fighter rendition of the main characters as Power Up is overall very fun experience. My favorite character in Final Fight One is obviously SF Alpha Guy and this game contribute alot for my fascination toward the character. But I do have my equal fun in Piledriving the thugs with Haggar. Seriously if you are Beat em Up fan especially Capcom's, consider pay a visit of this GBA port of Final Fight.

Shining Soul 2

 
 Gameboy Advance are quite well known for its superb RPG Library, but not many notice that this platform also got some great Action RPG. Introducing Shining Soul 2! the second iteration of Sega's Action RPG on GBA loosely based on Shining series. This is one of the few Isometric action RPG game that ever hailed into RPG and when it comes to gameplay, had to be the best one even compared to Square Enix Sword of Mana.

Breath of Fire 1

 Recently my interest toward Old School JRPG series has seen some resurgence and I make use of the opportunity to visit an old friend once again. The old friend in question is no other than Breath of Fire series! When I was in Middle school I played this series quite alot on Gameboy Advance but only actually finished the 2nd Game at that time. Back in 90s era, Capcom was a well established Game Dev renowned for their quality 2D Sprites game until for they decided to crash and burn most of them by early 2000s. At very least during the Heyday they did make use of their 2D artistic talents to create a JRPG series called Breath of Fire which had a relatively good run while it lasted and this article will cover the first entry of this once popular JRPG series.

Lufia: the Legend Returns

 From times to times. I have expressed my profound interest toward High Fantasy RPG genre in Realm of Darkness and this is because there were handful of Video Games which were responsible in shaping my passion for this genre during my Childhood. If I have to list the Top 3 Video Games that contributes a major part for my love for JRPG or High Fantasy in general, apart from DnD Shadow over Mystara, Lufia the Legend Returns would belong to this list. Back then I have clocked in over hundred hours on this game and cleared many runs. I probably should have written this article when I finished my playthrough on 3DS Virtual Console Copy, but at very least I am trying to make some amend before I delve further into Lufia series once again.

Lufia was not exactly one of the most popular JRPG series out there but it did leave its marks in 16-bits game era and do get some loyal following from RPG fans especially through Lufia II: Rise of Sinistrals. The main premise of this series is about a group of heroes throughout generations banding up and with the help of Legendary weapon Dual Blade fought against the threat from Group of 4 Demigods called Sinistrals who intend on bring destruction upon the world through their Fortress floating on the sky called Doom Island. Most of the Lufia fans will probably got into the series through the Super Nintendo game but as for me it happens to be the GBC title; Lufia the Legend Returns that got me hooked into RPGs and left a lasting impression.

Zoids Legacy

 Rewriting this article with updated screenshots from the game since i believe the series deserve some better treatment. This game was my gateway to Zoids series and I think i have finished this game like four times already both in emulator and back when i had GBA. While Zoids Legacy was riddled with plenty of bad translations it does not ruin much of the gaming experience.

 Some examples how terrible the translation work by Atari on this game, i think the worst one from what i recall is they translate 落ちろ! to simply "drop!" which just didn't make sense for the context

Megaman Battle Network 2

Out of the all Megaman series, either Battle Network or Zero are my favorite ones because I spent quite a lot of time on them during my youth. I have played most of the Battle Network series back then except MMBN2 and I got to finish a playthrough recently. Frankly speaking, MMBN2 is not as good as i expected probably because i was spoiled too much with the later series and arguably one of the easier series for me as well. 

Megaman Battle Network 2 is the MMBN iteration that introduced Style system which will be perfected in MMBN3. Never expected Wood Style in MMBN2 is really broken. One of the major gripes for me in MMBN2 is that the plot feels abit dragged on especially around the Netopia arc where you fight the Gospel Navi in quick succession. 

I feel the cyberworld in MMBN2 is really small for some reason and rather disappointed that Higsby didn't make it in this game. For me MMBN2 is probably the 2nd worst Battle network series but without it there will never be the MMBN3 which is the best one in my opinion while MMBN4 is the worst one. At the moment i am reminiscing my memories with this series by doing another run for most of the games. Probably someday i will be hunting for the merchandise of this series.

Super Robot Wars J Thoughts

Mediocre series with awesome Originals.

Finished SRW J!

Just cleared my first playthrough of SRW J with Calvina using Coustwell and i would say the game are pretty mediocre. However it is one of the few fan translated SRWs which is easier to play for non japanese speaker. I will not be making full review for this game until i did all playthrough with 4 original mecha available. I could say the original enemy in this game which are called the Furies will be blend really well with Balmarians if they are ever considered to be featured in OGs 3 due to their background. Anyway i am off to go with 2nd Playthrough with Toya on Granteed!