Secret of Mana’s battle system is timeless

By Jenni Lada // 2.22.182.19.18

Secret of Mana is a game that is getting a lot of attention lately for various reasons. One is the Super NES Classic Edition. It is one of the games getting a second chance at attention as one of the included titles. The other is the recent remake appearing on the PlayStation 4, PlayStation Vita and PC. This is even before taking into account the mobile port of the original game that allows people to play it on Android and iOS devices. It is the sort of action-RPG people can not forget, and one of the reasons why is because of its unique battle system.

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Lufia II is quite a strong prequel

By Jenni Lada // 1.9.181.7.18

Prequels can be a rather precarious thing in the video game industry. If titles are set within a span of time too close together, there may be a concern as to whether or not people could get really invested when they already know the outcome. There is also a concern that adding too many mechanics or elements that are present in the prequel, but not the original title. It takes finesse to create a prequel that can engage people, pay proper tribute to the original game and include new elements, and fortunately Lufia II: Rise of the Sinistrals is such a game. This is one of those instances where a prequel can stand solidly on its own.

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What do you need to know about Lufia?

By Jenni Lada // 1.8.182.26.18

Sometimes, RPG series people love are lost to the sands of time. The developers that made them go out of business, other companies decide they are not profitable and age leads to them not getting a digital rerelease via a platform like the Virtual Console. Lufia is one of these series. But, while it is difficult to accumulate a complete collection of these games and get into them now, it is not impossible and many installments are worth your time.

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Super Famicom imports guide: the best Japan-only SNES games

By Graham Russell // 11.15.1711.15.17

There are many great reasons to get into retro imports: the games are generally less text-intensive, the tech’s usually easy to overcome and there’s little risk that you’ll be burned by importing something that gets localized later. So what are your best bets on the SNES? Read on!

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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.

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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!

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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.

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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.

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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.