#210 – Resident Evil: Code Veronica (Dreamcast)
After playing both versions of Code Veronica, the Dreamcast version proved to be clearly superior. Even with the PS2 having the more advanced engine, the game looked and played much smoother on the DC. Code Veronica is basically RE 3.5 or RE 2.5 (whatever you’d wanna call it) and plays much like its predecessors. What I liked about CV was its intense atmosphere. The beginning part of the game is where it truly shined. The game then started going downhill but picks up at the mid-to-end parts. Code Veronica was probably the first RE game which screamed for changes. The formula for the RE series and Survival Horror in general was turning horribly stale. While RE2 expanded on the RE universe and polished up the series and RE3 upped the ante with its gameplay, Code Veronica did next to nothing except enter itself as an entry to the series. However Code Veronica is a good RE spin-off to say the least and a must have for RE veterans.
#209 – Zone of the Enders: The 2nd Runner (PS2)
Like many Hideo Kojima fans, I was first introduced to ZOE1 for the sole purpose of wanting to play the demo of MGS2. The first entry had an arcade-y style and was quite good. However it suffered from being extremely short (2-3 hours 1st play through) and had the whiniest protagonist in the history of video games. The 2nd entry ZOE: The 2nd Runner polishes up the gameplay, graphics and the cut scenes and produces far more likeable characters. However I can’t help but feel the game is still overrated. The spike in difficulty around mid to end game will frustrate many and the clunky controls are still ever present. Not to mention the horrid camera. If you can get past all that, ZOE2 is a unique experience and definitely a step up from its predecessor. You will likely receive far more favorable opinions from people who are into the whole Mobile Suit Action genre; I unfortunately never was that big on that genre.
#208 – Super Contra (Super C – American Localization name) (NES)
Super Contra, the 2nd entry to the Contra series lived up to the huge name its predecessor created in every way. The levels, bosses and the gameplay are as good as the original. Hell, Super Contra provides more challenge than the 1st. Any Contra fan would agree with the fact that the best days of Contra were during the NES and SNES days.
#207 – Prince of Persia: The Two Thrones (PS2)
The Sands of Time Trilogy has always been one of my favorites on the PS2. The third and final entry did not disappoint. Playing as the Dark Prince took platforming to new heights. While I like the combat system more in Warrior Within, The Two Thrones has more balance in gameplay. However I’m still disappointed by the plot. I was expecting so much more from it after the cliffhanger ending in Warrior Within. It’s not bad but nowhere near what it could have been.
#206 – Super Mario Bros 2 (NES)
Why people hate Mario Bros 2, I still haven’t got a clue. Sure it isn’t anything like the classic Super Mario Bros but can’t people embrace change? It’s not like the change was bad. You can select 4 characters each with their own strengths, weakness and moves. The levels provided way more of a challenge than Super Mario Bros could ever dream of. The boss battles were also unique and needed different strategies, not to mention the graphics were really pretty for an old system like the Nintendo. I commend Nintendo for trying something totally new with their famous mushroom eating Italian plumber and I enjoyed it quite a lot.
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