Really, this is more of a video game links collection.
In the summer of 1987, Supa introduced me to my favorite game, Nintendo's "The Legend of Zelda". We used to stay up very late playing and trying to solve the first version for the NES. Here's a list of the various versions and where I'm at:
The Legend Of Zelda (NES) (released: 2/21/1986 (7/87?)) - I finished both quests, but had to cheat on the second one.
II: The Adventures of Link (NES) (released: 1/14/1987 (12/88?)) - I found this one to be very frustrating. I really couldn't figure out what I was supposed to do. So, I gave up. Fortunately, there is now a Player's Guide due to the re-release of all the classic Zelda's on the GameCube. It looks like my problems center around the fact that level 2 is hidden. Hmmmm.... Maybe I'll give it another chance.
A Link to the Past (SNES) (released: 11/21/1991 (4/92?)) - Bought the SNES (my first Nintendo console) just for this game. It was well worth it. Spent every waking hour outside of work finshing this one.
Link's Awakening (GB) (released: 6/6/1993 (8/93?)) - Some parts of this version were more frustrating than is typical for a Zelda game. Specifically the "Evil Eagle" boss of level 7 ("Eagle's Tower"), and "Boxing Blaino" in Level 8 ("Turtle Rock"). I still haven't finished it. I'm at the Windfish' Egg and I have to get the magnifying glass so I can read the instructions in the library. I have no clue where to find the magnifying glass. I assume that I must either find all those damned secret seashells, or I have to figure out who wants the fishing hook. Argh! I might just have to cheat.
Ocarina of Time (N64) (released: 11/23/1998) - My first pre-order of a Zelda game. I got it at EBX. There was a huge line on the day of release. I'm in the Shadow Temple, and things are going fairly smoothly, but I just don't have time any more.
Link's Awakening DX (GBC) (released: 12/1/1998) - Game Boy Color version of Link's Awakening with a GBC-only level and item. I don't have this one.
Majora's Mask (N64) (released: 10/26/2000) - A strange but cool variation on the Zelda theme. I managed to solve the first iteration, but then loaned it to Supa. I have a feeling the time limit will become frustrating later in the game. Bought the gold cartridge version of this one used on ebay.
Oracle of Seasons (red) (GBC) (released: 5/14/2001) - Have it, but haven't even opened it.
Oracle of Ages (blue) (GBC) (released: 5/14/2001) - Started playing this with the kids. Haven't gotten very far.
A Link to the Past (GBA) (released: 12/3/2002) - Wow, a port of the classic SNES version to the GBA. Very cool. Also includes a multi-player variation called "Four Swords".
Ocarina of Time: Master Quest (GCN) (released: 2/16/2003) - This was the free bonus disc you got for pre-ordering Wind Waker for the GCN. It included Ocarina of Time ported to the GCN as well as a second quest. I haven't even started this at all.
Wind Waker (GCN) (released: 3/25/2003) - I pre-ordered this at Best Buy and received the bonus disc. I decided to hang out at Best Buy each afternoon the week of the release, just in case it came in early. I got lucky on the 25th. As I was milling about, I noticed an employee putting up dividers that said "Legend of Zelda..." on them. Then he brought a big stack of the games over. I went to the front and purchased the movies I was carrying, then went to the car to get my pre-order receipt. I was originally concerned that they might not honor my pre-order since it didn't say it was a pre-order. Everything went smoothly, and I walked out of Best Buy with Wind Waker a day earlier than expected. So far, it's an impressive game, although it has left me with a feeling of being totally lost a couple of times.
Zelda Bonus Disc (GCN) (released: Mario Kart Double Dash time period??? 1Q/2004) - This bonus disc has all the classic zeldas from Zelda I through Majora's Mask. No Gameboy versions, however. I have the Player's Guide, which is great as one was never written for the original games (from what I remember).
Four Swords Adventures (GCN/GBA) (released: 6/7/2004(planned)) - Multiplayer Zelda that requires GameBoys connected to your GCN to play. Bizarre. Great way for Nintendo to boost hardware sales. Wonder how many people will be angry when they bring it home and find out that it doesn't work with the regular controllers? I pre-ordered it along with an extension of my Nintendo Power subscription. Should get the book and T-Shirt to go with it.
The Minish Cap (GBA) (2005)
??? (GCN) (2005)
I discovered Animal Crossing very close to its release date on the GCN. I first saw it at Toys R Us, and since I had been playing The Sims, I was intrigued. Little did I know I had found one of the greatest RPGs to date. A game that is very similar to Zelda, but isn't as goal-oriented. When you don't have huge amounts of time to dedicate to a video game, this is important. You can pick up Animal Crossing any time and continue to just relax and have fun without remembering what you may have been in the middle of solving. Lately, this really suits my life better than Zelda. While some like to compare it to The Sims, it has one huge advantage over The Sims. You don't have to spend inordinate amounts of time and effort keeping your character happy (and pottied). Over time, however, your house gets a bit cluttered with all the "priceless" stuff that you accumulate. Then it starts to become a house cleaning game. We got a very good 6 months of solid play out of it, but it did lose its appeal after a while. Still, that's probably more play than I've ever given any game. Highly recommended for young children. No violence, just pure fun. Also check out Harvest Moon.
The Official Animal Crossing Site
While researching Animal Crossing before purchase, I noticed several reviews comparing it to something called "Harvest Moon". After playing Animal Crossing, and loving it, I decided I had to find this apparent "predecessor". While hanging out at Funcoland (aka Gamestop) (2/14/2003) I spotted Harvest Moon GBC in the used section for $15 and decided to give it a shot. What a great game it has turned out to be. Like Animal Crossing, it's pretty laid back and you can easily pick up where you left off. The farming simulation is somewhat relaxing, although there are time pressures in the game. Still, they don't seem to be all that big of a deal. Managed to get Harvest Moon 2 running on the emulator, and bought Harvest Moon 3.
The Harvest Moon games are great non-violent games for young children, although older children will be better able to manage all the responsibility of taking care of the farm and the animals. As an example, in Harvest Moon GBC, you have to feed, brush, walk, and milk your cows each day or they won't be happy and they won't make milk.
If you don't have the instruction manual, you will find the Harvest Moon games a bit difficult to figure out at first. Fortunately, you can usually find a decent FAQ or walkthrough that doesn't spoil too much on the web. A bit of experimentation works as well. As an example, in Harvest Moon 3 GBC, if you play as the girl, you have to take the crops you've collected in your rucksack to the "storage" building, then call the Farmer's Union on the phone in your house to have them picked up. I assume this is covered in the instruction manual that I don't have. Natsume should really get the old instruction manuals up on their website. That would be a huge help. In the meantime, I've written a guide for Harvest Moon 3 GBC that tries to be an instruction manual more than others I've found on the Internet.
Even though they tend to be a bit complicated at first, the Harvest Moon series are great games for younger kids. As long as the parents are willing to help figure them out. Hmmm, isn't that what parents are for?
As of this writing, the only Harvest Moon games available are used. However, in October of 2003, Natsume will be releasing new versions of Harvest Moon for the GCN (Wonderful Life) and GBA (Friends of Mineral Town). Get them while you have the chance.
Harvest Moon GBC - The first GB/GBC version. This one is pretty good, but suffers from a balance problem. It is too easy to rack up tons of money with crops. There's almost no incentive to raise cows and chickens. Still, a lot of fun. Note that this version looks very similar to Harvest Moon SNES.
Harvest Moon 3 GBC - One of the best. A bit tough to figure out at first, but once you get going, it's a breeze. Haven't been very far in this one, but it has a lot more depth than the original GBC version. I've written a guide, download it here:
Harvest Moon 3 GBC Guide Microsoft Word, 42kb.
Friends of Mineral Town (GBA) (released: 11/20/2003) - Pre-Ordered this one at EB, and got the plush cow. Haven't played it at all yet.
A Wonderful Life (GCN) (released: 3/2004) - Bought this one at GameStop 3/25/2004. Didn't pre-order since I didn't get around to playing Friends of Mineral town, so no cow. Too bad. This version is quite an improvement over all the previous versions. Much easier to use.
Harvest Moon Links
Natsume - the makers of
the Harvest Moon series.
Harvest Moon Farm -
Great fan site.
The Amazing Harvest
Moon Web Site - I found the equivalent of the instruction manuals
here. Very important when you buy these games used as they aren't
obvious.
I've always been a big fan of fun racing games like Mario Kart, and Burnout 2 is a classic in this genre. While it isn't directly in the vane of Mario Kart, it is a work of art in terms of scenery and crash simulation. Burnout 2 is significantly better than the original Burnout. Unfortunately, Burnout 2 is also a tad too easily beaten. The worst part of the game is when you've finished it. Crazy Taxi and Simpson's Road Rage are OK, but I think Burnout has them both beat. I picked up the original Burnout at Costco for $20, then bought Burnout 2 the moment it was available for GCN at $40. Still haven't finished Burnout, it is very difficult.
I always wanted a real arcade game cabinet. The MAME emulators are good enough, and they take up a lot less space. Tons of ROMs are available.
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| LEGO |
I was really into LEGO for a while. It can be incredibly time-consuming, though. So I don't really get to play with it any more. My last purchase for myself was LEGO Mindstorms. I built a few things, but never made anything worth noting. The kit doesn't come with instructions for building robots, just guidance on how to use the pieces. Not really my style. I like building well thought out models.
LEGO MindStorms - I have it, but it is too time-consuming!
Picked up one of these for $20 at Toy's R Us when they were being discontinued. Tried to figure out how to program it. Didn't get too far, but I did find the company who made the synthesis chip.