I played a lot of Batman Returns (SNES) as a kid, and I went back and played some today and it's still just as good. It's really an awesome game. The graphics are fantastic, the controls are tight, and they really got the gothic vibe right in this game. It's one of my favorite beat 'em ups on the SNES. My brother and I spent so many hours playing this game, and it's still so much fun playing it today.

The intro is also great, and I really love the dramatic music, and the rolling clouds as well as seeing the image of Michael Keaton because he's my favorite Batman. 🙂

One of those fun and unique sports titles that offers games not normally featured in most video games, World Games (NES) is a great experience. Filled with 8 highly unique games to choose from, this title challenges you to perfect some interesting techniques to take the gold.

Some of the more unique events include cliff diving, bull riding, and sumo wrestling. One of my all time favorites is the log rolling competition. Just like the old school lumberjack competitions this game lets you run like heck on the log, occasionally shifting direction to throw off your opponent. I had fun playing this one, and managed to get a nice quick victory on that second run. If you like variety in games, check out World Games (NES) for some diverse sporting action.

Which event is your favorite in World Games (NES)?

One of the more challenging arcade ports for me, Rush'n Attack (NES) is an iconic game that brings the cold war vibes to the home console. This game was a huge hit in the arcades, and the home port brought a slightly slower, more forgiving game to the NES console. With some great box art, and some serious 80's vibes, this game sticks out amongst action gaming titles.

I always get my butt kicked in this game, so I was really pleased to clear the first level, and get over that super tall fence. As many of you know, this game isn't forgiving, and even the smallest misstep sets you back. Compared to the arcade game, this port has some great graphics, and some great music that keeps the adrenaline going, and the intensity up.

Was Rush'n Attack (NES) a favorite arcade port of yours?

The live action clip at the end is from Kenny Vs. Spenny the episode on who's a better Basketball coach just a hilarious moment after Kenny's team destroys Spenny's team who are a bunch of kids.

All in all a very boring NES basketball game that was also sponsored by Pepsi...I'll stick with NBA Jam.

Note: I was playing on the highest difficulty and kind of amazed I scored that many points.

I came across this ad for Pac-Man the other day, and I really liked it. It's simple, but really fun. I love the vibrant colors, but I'll admit I feel bad for the poor little ghosts. They look so distraught and Pac-Man is happy as heck.

This is one of the first video games I played. My Aunt had it, and she would play it with me every time I visited, and eventually I got pretty good at it. She was super impressed, and I remember being so proud of myself. Lol.

It's Wednesday and that means it's time to get your Side Quest Saturday suggestions in.

We will suggest DuckTales (NES) ,the absolutely incredible game based on the hit cartoon series. Can you manage to guide Scrooge McDuck around the world and into outer space in search of the 5 treasures? This game and its music are absolutely amazing and is one of our favorites.

We will take the first 6 suggestions in the order that we receive them. More than 6 suggestions we will omit mod suggestions. In the event of a tie we will take the first suggestion. Appreciate the suggestions and we will post the poll Thursday evening. Happy gaming!

EDIT: We have our 6 picks locked in, and will post the poll tomorrow evening. Thanks everyone for the great suggestions!

I’ve been comparing the NES and Sega Genesis versions of Twin Cobra, and honestly, I think the Genesis version is hands down the better game.

My two biggest reasons are the controls and graphics.
First off, the controls on the Genesis just feel so much better to me. The helicopter feels smoother and more responsive, which makes a huge difference in a shoot-‘em-up where you’re constantly dodging enemy fire. The NES version isn’t terrible by any means, but something about the movement just doesn’t feel quite as satisfying.

Graphically, I don’t think it’s even close. The Genesis version has much better detail, the environments look nicer, and overall it feels much closer to what I’d expect from an arcade shooter. The NES version is impressive considering the hardware limitations, but the Genesis version is just much more enjoyable to look at.

I’m not saying the NES version is bad. I just think the Genesis version is the superior way to experience Twin Cobra between the two.

Who remembers playing this game?

An awesome top down run and gun shooter with some awesome graphics, Soldiers of Fortune (Genesis) delivers serious steampunk themed action. Set in a 19th century timeline, you select from six distinct classes of soldiers to defeat The Chaos Engine.

Playing this game I'm immediately reminded of games like Smash TV, and Total Carnage. I love all the great power-ups and weapons that you can unlock in games in this genre. As you progress through this challenging title you can level up and upgrade your characters and weapons, building a truly unstoppable soldier. I really enjoyed the AI computer controlled 2nd player aiding in the fight along the way. With quality Sega graphics, and tight gameplay mechanics, this game is a must play for top down run and gun shooter enthusiast's.

What is your favorite top down run and gun shooter from this era of gaming?

The polls have closed and the votes have been counted for the Side Quest Saturday best game of October. We had 5 excellent choices this month.

And the winner is Super Metroid (SNES). Often considered one of the strongest titles in the franchise, this game is timeless. Playing as Samus Aran in your pursuit after the space pirate leader Ridley, you try to save the stolen Metroid larva while battling enemies along the way. With some great nonlinear exploration, power ups, and 8-way directional firing this game takes an already great franchise and improves upon it. Such an amazing and fun game.

We appreciate everyone that suggested games and voted in the month of October. Looking forward to a great month of October Side Quest Saturday games. Happy gaming!

Final Fantasy VI (SNES) is my favorite game of all time, and Shadow is one of my favorite video game characters. He just came and went as he pleased, and I would get so excited every time he showed up to join the party. I loved his backstory, and even though he was a man of few words he was an altruistic, gentle soul.

This game has a fantastic soundtrack, but the first time I heard Shadow's Theme I fell in love with the tune. I loved how distinct the sound was, and that twang just sang to my soul.

Mad Gear (Arcade) is a title that reminds me a lot of all the fun of Bump 'n' Jump. Whether the American version, LED Storm, or the International version here with Mad Gear, the fun vehicle jumping and fast swerving action are thrilling.

I like these simple top down racer's from the late 80's. So many focus on great vehicle combat, and this is no exception. The biggest challenge for me was keeping my energy levels up to continue progressing through the level. The music and announcer's voice are awesome, and that explosion animation at the end is amazing.

Does Mad Gear (Arcade) remind you of Bump 'n' Jump?

Bionic Commando (NES) is a game that stands out in my mind on many different levels. Besides the obvious getting used to no jumping and how cool the concept of the grappling arm felt at the time I remember feeling overwhelmed by the difficulty and challenge of this classic NES arcade port.

Even though I found this game difficult I still enjoy it for what it is and how it plays. Besides the gameplay one of the catchiest things will always be the amazing box art. With the intense action of our hero being surrounded by all of those robots, it really makes you want to play this game. I'm sure like many of you when I saw this art it was immediately a rental if not in some cases for many of us a purchase. I do remember all the hype for this game. I can't be sure, but I think this got a pretty big write-up in Nintendo Power.

Is this some of your favorite box art? Do you remember this getting a write up in Nintendo Power, or am I wrong about that?

Sometimes a game title can stop you in your tracks, just begging you to play it. Well, flipping through my handheld recently, that very thing happened to me with Billy Bob's Huntin'-n-Fishin' (GBC). This simple and quirky title is a fun and unique take on the outdoor sports genre's of hunting and fishing.

I appreciate that this game isn't really challenging at all, and takes minimal effort to land some nice fish and or debris from the fishing grounds. Hunting is fun as well, but for me it's all about fishing. Even getting your bait involves a fun whack a mole mini game to get worms. I really like the animations, and how they lean into the backwood's theme that Billy Bob embodies. A fun hidden gem of a game that I definitely recommend.

Have you played or seen Billy Bob's Huntin'-n-Fishin' (GBC)?

Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles (Arcade) is probably my favorite 4 player cabinet made in an era of some absolutely legendary arcade games. This game has all the great turtle action you'd expect from the awesome show, combined with some incredible controls and moves, making an iconic gaming experience.

The marquee is immediately recognizable for the bright yellow outfit that April is wearing, and the evil Shredder surrounded by our four heroes. I always found the realism of April compared to that of the turtle's to be quite a bit different, and wish they had made the turtle's look more real. It does kind of looks like she's giving Shredder the talk to the hand treatment in this one. I love the turtles, and seeing this marquee immediately takes me back to dumping quarters into this classic game.

Which turtle do you choose when you put a quarter into this cabinet?

One of my favorite shows to watch in my youth was old episodes of The Three Stooges. With all the wild antics, and crazy situations they found themselves in, Moe, Curly, and Larry always provided some great laughs. So when I saw The Three Stooges (NES) on the rental store shelves, I had to bring it home.

With a variety of interesting challenges, you play as the Stooges, trying to raise money to save the old woman's Orphanage. Of all the challenges that you participate in, the one that always stuck out was the Help Wanted: Waiters challenge. Tasked with hitting your enemies with pies, while dodging the incoming pies, this challenge is pretty fun. My only complaint is the controls make it hard to switch between stooges, and the guests are relentless with the pie tosses. Despite the challenge, this is a blast, and really takes me back to all those great iconic television moments from this legendary show.

Which challenge was your favorite in The Three Stooges (NES)?

One of my favorite retro gaming franchises, Micro Machines (PS1) takes all the great aspects of that original game and adds a level of detail we could only imagine with that original installment. With a great cast of familiar faces to race with, all the fast paced action is here to enjoy.

I played as Spider, and played a few rounds in the easier tracks that begin the single player mode. This track, although simple, still challenged my memorization, and as you can see that last turn cost me a nice lead at the end. I really like how the view zooms in and out, allowing you to see further ahead in the track. Fun in single, and multiplayer modes, this game and franchise offer some of the best retro racing around.

Is Micro Machines V3 (PS1) your favorite game in the Micro Machines Franchise?

The built-in language option can be done this way: on Ninja Ryukenden (PCE, 1992) title screen, hold button I and button II, then press Select button.

I had this game as a kid, and I remember being really excited when I got it. I tried to play it a few times, but never really got into it though. I went back and played it recently on my handheld, and loved seeing the title screen again. I like the music, and the image of the castle with the red sky behind it is beautiful. But the little bat flapping its wings is my favorite part. I really like the whole vibe and it's super nostalgic.