Ristar24

Weirdly, I've ended up enjoying the NSO subscription more, as a convenient way to play retro games. Initially NSO didn't appeal, but as the systems included and their respective collections have grown, it's really improved for me.

I own a fairly decent retro collection and mostly own the games I wanted to obtain physically, but the convenience of an official retro game emulation subscription, and the nature of those games being more pick up and play, has seen me get good value out of the subscription on the Switch.

I'd still prefer if the option to 'buy' retro games digitally was there though, and that counts for PlayStation too... Ridge Racer as a premium game only, behind an expensive subscription, is a shame.

With PlayStation, I barely played the PS Plus games I recieved, I tend to buy the modern games I want to play.

When not at work... currently playing Super Monkey Ball Banana Mania (quite a nice update in some ways, but control feels a little off), Aggelos, and a replay of Skyward Sword in its HD Switch release.

Also been playing Street Fighter 2': Special Champion Edition, as was added to NSO. Have a lot of nostalgia for the Mega Drive version, and I always liked that you can add hidden turbo stars to Champion Edition with a button code.

Been playing Skyward Sword HD on Switch and has reminded what what I enjoy in Zelda games, not the open world but dungeons, metroid style item progression, and the carefully constructed environment puzzles. Was never a overly fan of the motion control in this one, so the standard controller options are good to have.

Also picked up Aggelos on sale as heard that its it's a good Wonder Boy style game. Definitely getting Master System vibes of the graphics and Sound, which makes nice a change as so many modern retro style games take the NES as their reference point. Have encountered some frame drops on Switch though, which is a shame for a retro style game.

Been playing some Bowser's Fury on the Switch. It's a really excellently designed game and put me in mind of what Sonic Frontiers was trying to achieve with an 'open zone' approach to a 3D platformer, but I've found BF much more enjoyable. I'd really like to see Nintendo expand the game's concepts into a larger Mario game.

I've also started playing Deliver us the Moon over on PS4.

I liked the Vita, and the Switch OLED is great. Streaming only just isn't something I'd be interested in.

It's where the market is I guess, once people stop buying PS4 versions of big budget AAA games, they will phase them out. I've not bought a PS5 yet and not in a rush to do so, I prefer retro style games mostly anyway and mostly game on Switch these days, but at least cross gen titles seem to scale better to PS4 than they did PS3. Developers aren't required to make every title cross gen, so to say its 'holding games back' is only the case if they choose to make a game cross gen, because they want the sales. Ultimately in the pursuit of technology you get to the 'consoles are holding back PC gaming' perspective.

The C64 wasn't discontinued until 1994 I believe, by which time the PS1 was readying for launch. Older, more affordable, tech always has an appeal, and great video games remain just as playable years after their technology is superseded.

The Master System version of Sonic 2 is better. I had the Game Gear version at launch, and it's not great, mimimal was done to alter the game design for the small screen except for zooming in way too far to adapt the resolution. That first boss as a result, is frustrating. Game Gear Sonic one is a much better effort, more background graphics and a new Sonic sprite with the game properly adapted to the Game Gear.

The PS4 demo seemed OK, it's not Rage on PS3 bad in terms of texture streaming, nor as awful as something like the PS3 version of Shadow of Mordor. It seems certainly playable. The most distracting thing for me was the half rate animation of distant characters, but that's been there since the RE2 remake. I'd probably still play it on PS4, though I wouldn't buy it at a high price.

I'm playing the Switch port of the original! I did have the original on pre order when it launched on GameCube, so far with the new version I've only played the demo on PS4.

I subbed to PS Plus with the discount for one month, so going to give Stray a go. Also downloaded the Ridge Racer retro titles to see how good the emulation is.

Recently bought a Switch Pro controller and found it much more accurate for GoldenEye on the Switch, so might replay a few classic levels. Retro wise, picked up the arcade archives version of The New Zealand Story and the SNK 40th Anniversary collection, which works great in Tate mode on the Switch for a lot of the titles.

Nice, but they really should add the Master System versions for the higher resolution where available. Sonic 2 particular suffers on Game Gear as its too zoomed in, the first boss is rendered far more difficult as a result. The original GG Sonic is good though, a far better Master System port than the sequel. Origins also still needs some better screen filters.

@Ambassador_Kong If I recall, Type 4 has a dithered look to its graphics, which was fine on a CRT, but doesn't look so great when scaled up and presented in HD.

PS1 RE has a weird glitch on PS4 where you can actually notice the 3D elements of the graphics upscale from a lower resolution for a few frames everytime you enter a new screen.

As a non subscriber, thought I'd check if I could download Type 4 as owned as the game as a PS1 classic on PS3 / PSP, but no. Seems strange as its very selective, I was able to download the PS1 Abe games and PS1 Resident Evil from owning them digitally on PS3, but not Ridge Racer. Shame, but I can still play it on PS3.

Nice to see Metroid Prime still doing well.

I remember seeing ICO on sale, I think in HMV on Oxford street, I didn't have a PS2 at the time, but I almost bought it just for the great cover art. I finally played it on PS3 in the HD collection with Shadow of the Colossus and it did really impress me, though equally I've not played it since, it is a very memorable game.

I do own this on PS4, but I just could not get into the game. Put it down on the first island as felt quite aimless, and not gone back yet. Got to a section I was fighting a large creature and it all seemed so imprecise control-wise. Maybe if I get a PS5 will try again with the improved 60fps performance.

Was working today... but hoping to find some time to play some more Project Zero: Mask of the Lunar Eclipse.
Continuing to play through Monster World IV on the Wonderboy Anniversary Collection. Never played through the whole game before, though Dragon's Trap was one of my favourite Master System titles.
Also still playing Slipstream, a great retro style arcade racer which is like OutRunners meets OutRun 2, which I keep coming back to.

Was the PlayStation Classic really over 4 years ago... glad to see Ridge Racer Type 4 returning again, and re-reading Jamie's review! I'm hoping as I owned it on PS3 I'll be able to download this new version, as with the other PS1 games.

The movement in the demo seemed somehow a bit floaty to me, compared to the snappy original. Based on the demo at least, I've not tried the full game. It looked great, but it didn't feel as good to play, perhaps as I am so used to the original and I am only going on the demo. I did pre order the original back on GameCube so played it at release and it was really impressive at the time, but the action for me became a bit prolonged in the island section.

Geezer of War!

I think I bought Type 4 back on PS3, so hopefully I can download to my PS4 as a non subscriber.

I'd be happy with a PS5 slim... I'm yet to buy a PS5 and a more compact model would be nice before I buy one.

Decided to pick up Project Zero (Fatal Frame): Mask of the Lunar Eclipse, was going to wait for a sale, but I'd wanted to play this game on the Wii, and of course it never left Japan officially (though I know there was fan translation patch). I played the first two back on the original Xbox and thought the 2nd game was outstanding within the genre. Though I dont think the later games with the over the shoulder camera are as good overall, I'm glad to finally play this entry in the series.

Also redownloaded Streets of Rage 4 to try the new patch, and maybe some Metroid: Fusion on Switch, as they added it to NSO.

I think Fatal Frame / Project Zero 2 was a hightpoint of the series for me, the first game is also good and I've not played the 3rd one as I owned an Xbox at the time. I was really anticipating this one on the Wii as I thought the 2nd game was outstanding within the genre, but of course it never came to Europe. Oddly, the Wii did recieve a third person remake of Fatal Frame 2 in Europe which I did play and which was styled more like this game, but it wasn't as good as the original version with its 'fixed' RE style camera angles for exploration.

Am interested to finally play this one, though may wait for a sale. I think I actually prefer the 'fixed' camera of the early games for exploration, to the broadly third person view which follows your character, and the controls inplemented in this release and thereafter.

Decided to replay Another World as its been a while. Also still playing Alan Wake for the first time and the recently released Grim Guardians.

Ha, give us an update to make the PS1 compatibility region free, Sony! I still use mine on occasion for some classic arcade racing, Ridge Racer 7, Daytona USA... 1080p and 60fps, and still great games to play today.

Completed the excellent new Switch version of Metroid Prime, so finally getting around to playing Alan Wake through the 'remastered' version. Also picked up Grim Guardians as thought has a good look of the GBA / DS Castlevania games, it's most reminding me of Portrait of Ruin.

@JamieO I remember the old days of VC Reviews and then the early days of Nintendo Life, seems retro itself now! The Virtual Console was how I first played a lot of SNES games as I went from the Master System to the Mega Drive in the early 90s, after the C64.

The Saturn was great to import 2D games for, while the PlayStation was really capturing the wave of emerging 3D games, the Saturn was receiving amazing ports of 2D games like X-Men Vs. Street Fighter, where the RAM cart reduced loading to practicality nothing. Capcom Gen 5 almost brought the arcade versions of Street Fighter 2 home. I also imported a few Neo Geo ports like The King of Fighters and Metal Slug, and the the Japanese SEGA Ages releases of OutRun and Power Drift. The Saturn was a great console at the time, but I can see why the buzz was more around the PlayStation and emerging 3D games.

@JamieO Alpha / Zero 2 is a classic and really improved on the first game, I imported it for the Saturn back in the day.

When not at work... am nearing the end of Metroid Prime Remastered, what a great game it still is today, and an excellent update of the original. Also finally got around to playing some more of Grid on the Switch, it's a very well done and technically impressive port. If feeling retro, might play Stunt Car Racer on the A500 Mini.

@JamieO No worries at all, life can be quite busy these days, and gaming often has to take a back seat. I'm working today myself, but just popped onto Push Square for a usual check in of 'what are you playing this weekend', always interesting to read people's recomendations.

Origins is really good, looks very nice on the Switch OLED where the lack of screen filters are less noticable. I really recomend the Metroid Prime remaster, I also played the game back on the GameCube and am close to the end of the game now on Switch, it's a really great remaster of a classic.

Master System, Game Gear, Sonic Advance series, Sonic Pocket Adventure... hopefully what ever they are adding can be purchased as a dlc option. They still need to add some improved visual filters to the games too, matching those availbe on Mania would be good.

Metroid Prime Remastered, I was very suprised to see this game announced and released the same day last, had the original and this is a great update.

@JamieO Origins is a good collection overall, but it really could benefit from some better screen filter options. The 'Plus' Id like to see would be the addition of the 8-bit the Master System and Game Gear games, maybe even the Neo Geo Pocket game as I've never played that one!

I started with a Lite, then also bought an OLED. The Switch has become my main gaming platform as I drifted from PS4, retro games look great on the OLED too.

Went back to playing some Need for Speed: Hot Pursuit. Am yet to complete the game (first owned on PS3), it's very challenging on the later races.

My PS4 launch broke during the pandemic, I couldn't obtain a new Pro or a PS5 at the time, so I bought a slim. Then I bought an OLED Switch and somehow, despite the graphical limitations, it's become my most played console. Really enjoying all the retro games and it tends to do well with older ports like Dragon's Dogma. I'm not a big fan of Zelda myself, but PS5 just hasn't compelled me back to PlayStation yet.

@JP80 Yep, seems almost a retro thing now. I buy mostly digital on my Switch these days just for convenience, only own 4 cartridges. PS4, my last purchases were also digital.

I like the idea of a physical copy in theory, partly for preservation. Something like the digital PS3 version of OutRun 2, or other licenced games that get delisted, is a real shame.

@JP80 Like the gold points on Switch, would be good.

@JP80 Good point, I remember running the disc version of Drive Club unpatched on my PS4, was like a different game. Dirt 5 was also missing many effects as your car interacted with the terrain on PS4. Think we often don't realise what might be missing on that unpatched disc (outside of some of the more publicised games, like Cyberpunk), so once the patch is gone...

More like teenage memories, I remember the 8-bit Micro days, and the Atari era...and the Video would be a top loader. 90s were a great gaming era though.

Has to be GoldenEye on the Switch, at first the controls really put me off, until I realised you could remap them in the Switch settings and swap the analogue sticks. I never owned a N64, but did used to play this game a lot at a friends house, its still an enjoyable game.

Also picked up the new digital version of Wonder Boy Anniversary Collection, which is a great collection of the games including multiple versions. Shame it's missing home computer versions such as the C64, but still a good collection for a fan of the series, if a bit pricey.

Revisiting Double Dragon Neon on Switch after first playing on PS3 10 years ago! I's still a good game and I think the soundtrack is great. Also maybe some Atari 50th, VCTR-SCTR is one of the stand outs on the collection for me. Though it's a 'new' game which remixes Asteroids, Temest, Lunar Lander... it's really addictive. Jeff Minter's Tempest 2000 has also been updated with analogue control and an overclocked 60fps mode.

@dmk1198 It's think its on select PS1 games on the new service. I dont subscribe to PS Plus, but was able to search and download PS1 Resident Evil and a couple of the PS1 Abe games if I seached for them on the store on my PS4, as I bought them back on PS3.

@dmk1198 Guess depends on their agreement with Sony, if was a digital release I'd buy it. Its quite good that I am able to download PS1 games I bought on PS3 'for free' with these new releases though.

@AndyKazama or even a compilation of previous games would be great, such a classic series. I'm still waiting for OutRun 3!

I owned the first PSP game digitally, but this one was disc only, I did have the disc, it but would have been nice if it was digital to play on the Vita. If I could buy it without subscribing, I probably would. I actually still boot up my PS3 for Ridge Racer 7, it still looks great in 1080p and 60fps. The one other arcade racer I really want to return is OutRun 2, even a port of 2006 would be great, but due to licensing it wont happen.

When not at work, will be playing some Vengful Guardian: Moonrider. It's certainly a bit easier than Blazing Chrome, and I prefer the Shinobi style to Contra. Also still enjoying Dragon's Dogma, which I dont know why I missed the first time around.

Playing some of the games on the Disney Lion King / Aladdin collection, the Capcom SNES version of Aladdin was a nice suprise, a really enjoyable little 16 bit platformer to discover. Also giving Crash Nitro-Fueled another go and actually learned how to properly drift / boost this time, fun game so far.

I also found the Island shooting sections dragged on a bit in the original, though the bits with the regenerators were good. I had the game at launch on GameCube, and I recall that was my thought even at the time.

Only recently first played Dragon's Dogma, as was on sale on Switch. Excellent game and not sure why it passed me by back on PS3.

I only just got around to Dragon's Dogma, as picked up in a sale on Switch. I dont know why I waited almost 10 years to play it, it's a truly great game. The lighting at night also looks really nice on the OLED.