A beginner’s guide to Mario RPGs

Like your Mario games with a bit more story and progression? You’re not alone! Here’s our guide to the many permutations of Mario RPGs, from the SNES days to now.

SNES

Star Fox 2’s universe feels active and alive

By Jenni Lada // 10.9.1710.9.17

When it comes to Star Fox games, people tend to expect certain things. Fox McCloud and his team will be attempting to save the universe. Most likely, this will be accomplished through bite-sized missions across a solar system. People from other groups may come in to aid or impair proceedings. The day is saved. They have always been good about conveying a sense of scope with their paths. With Star Fox 2, players see it accomplishing another objective. This installment offers a sense of movement, showing the world doesn’t revolve entirely around Fox and his actions.

3DS DS Guide PC PS1 PS2 PS3 SNES Wii

Seeking Suda51: a guide to Goichi Suda games

By Jenni Lada // 5.30.175.30.17

It is a good time for people who happen to be fans of Goichi “Suda51” Suda. The designer is working on something involving No More Heroes’ Travis Touchdown for the Nintendo Switch. The 25th Ward: The Silver Case, The Silver Case’s sequel, is getting a remade. Even Sine Mora is making a comeback as Sine Mora EX. Suda51 is someone whose games you should know. Fortunately, Michibiku is here to help!

SNES Video

Video: Kirby’s Toy Box, the puffball’s rarest outing

By Graham Russell // 5.29.175.29.17

For more Kirby action, check out the Kirby25 archive.

A Kirby game so rare, it’s not yet entirely preserved? Andrew Passafiume (@AndrewWDP) joins Graham to check out the various diversions of Kirby’s Toy Box, a serial Satellaview release to promote Kirby Super Star.

* 3DS DS GBA GC Guide Mobile NES SNES Switch Wii Wii U

A beginner’s guide to Fire Emblem

By Graham Russell // 5.22.176.8.18

With the release of Fire Emblem Echoes and Fire Emblem Heroes, and Warriors on the way, this year has given Fire Emblem its time to shine. So where do you start if you want to get into the series? What’s the next step if you enjoy Heroes, and where do you go after that? We’re here to help you answer those questions.

3DS DS GC Guide PS4 SNES Switch

A beginner’s guide to Puyo Puyo

By Graham Russell // 4.24.177.19.17

Puyo Puyo is making its proper return to the West, so it’s a great time to dig into the venerable puzzle series! But where should you start? We’re here to help.

DC PC PS2 SAT SNES

Perusing Princess Maker 2’s porting progression

By Jenni Lada // 10.6.1610.10.16

Princess Maker 2 is a 23-year-old game. Yet it’s only now, on the Princess Maker series’ 25th anniversary, that we’re finally seeing an official English release. A series taking that long to leave Japan isn’t that remarkable a feat. There are plenty of worthwhile titles trapped in a single region. It’s unusual in this instance due to the number of ports that exist.

SNES

Smart Ball is the least charming localization

By Jenni Lada // 10.5.1610.10.16

Game Freak makes fanciful games. It doesn’t matter if the developer is encouraging us to catch’em all with Pokemon, drill our way to diamonds in Drill Dozer, play our cards right in races with Pocket Card Jockey or sending a badass elephant to save the day in Tembo. The games are always set in bright, colorful worlds full of personality.

3DS Arcade DS GB GBA Guide NES PS3 SNES

A beginner’s guide to the wide world of Kunio-kun

By Graham Russell // 9.26.161.18.17

Want to get into the Kunio-kun series? Great! With a new English release, River City: Tokyo Rumble, releasing this week for 3DS, it’s a great time. But… here’s the thing. It’s really basically four series. Read on and we’ll help you get started!