QCF: Super Mario 3D World

einvention, a simple concept constructed on the notion of reimagining any established creative property with the advantage of it definitively cutting the work out towards its execution by branching off the strength into something new—and yet, difficult to perfect upon what worked so well to begin with. More recently, we’ve seen older franchises like Tomb Raider and Castlevania adapt their famed hallmarks to fit into a different format design modern sensibilities that make use of the latest tech to advance the franchise; some have made it work, and others, not so much.

However, there are moments like these that can completely turn around a promising yet troubled new console that’s struggled for the better part of its first twelve months, The Wii U has finally received its killer app. 

Super Mario 3D World isn’t just the best reason to own a Wii U—it manages to set a new benchmark in redefining how game development can refresh historic franchises and properties into an entirely new breathtaking experience.

Click to read more ...

PPR 81

t’s here everyone, and no, we’re not talking about Gamestick. The next generation has finally dawned upon the gaming community in its entirety and we’re here give impressions and chew bubble gum (but we’re all out of bubble gum and us chewing that shit would make for horrible radio anyway.)

We cover everything about Sony and Microsoft’s new machines in every imaginable detail in this special episode. We make predictions, Andrew hates on the Ouya, and James isn’t a fan of Killer Instinct with some Xbox Bing on top—Listen to all thoughts here and stand by as we prepare our annual Game of year award show, The Golden Zonkeys; Happy Thanksgiving everyone!

Rate and subscribe to us iTunes today, follow us on our new Twitch page, mail us at our new email Mailbag@presspauseradio.com, and be sure to stop by at our Forums and register as well!

Click to read more ...

QCF: Burial at Sea

ioshock Infinite was one of the best games to come out this year, but with new consoles launching and being overshadowed by the new Game of the Year favorite The Last of Us, some people may have forgotten what happened to Booker and Elizabeth towards the end of their adventure. To avoid any spoilers I won’t go into very much detail, but to put it bluntly Burial at Sea has a lot to live up to, and what better way to get people excited to go back to everyone’s favorite underwater kingdom…..Atlantis…Wait no…I mean Rapture.

Click to read more ...

For James: Earthbound Bash-Nov.29th-Dec.1st

arlier this year, Ben Bizzle, a good friend of both myself and the rest of Press Pause Radio expressed a goal he had in mind to help benefit a dear friend of his who showed him selfless kindness in their past and it’s my pleasure to write for you all in this post that he’s succeeded. James Hensiek, Ben’s friend and co-worker had once given him a pristine and complete copy of Earthbound, and never asked for anything in return other than the sight of Ben’s excitable appreciation; year later however, has unfortunately been diagnosed with rectal cancer, and it’s taken a toll on him alongside of his friends and family. Ben just couldn’t stand by without doing something to help him—one faithful car drive gave him an idea that would return James kindness full circle.

With the assistance of Reed Young of Starmen.net/Fangamer.com and months of preparation, the guys were able to secure Shigesato Itoi’s support by signing the very same copy he had received from James. This autographed copy with value that stretches on all angles of novelty to a heartwarming story of altruism and friendship will auctioned it off to a lucky collector who can also do their part to help out a good cause—all proceeds from the auction will go to James and his family.

To celebrate their accomplishments thus far and push the potential of the auction as far as it goes, Reed and the gang have organized an event called Earthbound Bash. Featuring appearances from Marcus Lindblom, the original localization director of Earthbound to Anthony Carboni of Rev3 Games and self-proclaimed Earthbound nut, these guys plan to party like it’s 1995 in eight days. Keep an eye on the site from the dates of Friday, November 29^th to Sunday December 1^st for 6 hours of streaming that starts at Noon Pacific/3PM Eastern.  During that time, you’ll be able to bid towards the famous signed cart, and other Eartbound themed swag through out the event, stop Gyigas!

 

QCF: Sonic Lost World

ega has struggled to not only adapt their star hedgehog into the modern generation of gaming, a title that can properly reclaim the fame the blue dude held in the gaming community; these days, the spiky-haired dude with attitude is lucky to be relevant outside of the younger demographic or die-hard fans. A number of things have always held him back like lack of proper game physics, stage design, or mechanics to deliver that trademark speed or some overtly gimmicky mechanic that tarnishes everything.

Despite Lost World fitting that infamous aforementioned profile on first impression, it defies expectations by successfully delivering that authentic Sonic experience; one that actually transitions the blue blur into a 3D environment that’s more playable than any of the previous efforts within the last decade.

Granted, while a certain galactic inspired approach in Sonic Team’s latest avant-garde for the hedgehog plays a large role in making Lost World genuinely fun to play for a Sonic title, it’s still littered with flaws that hold it back from being a must-play, let alone the best.

Click to read more ...

Bullet Heaven Mini, Episode 4 - Quarth

ini. Mobile. Shmups. In this episode of Bullet Heaven Mini, we take a quick look at Konami's Quarth on the original Game Boy!

Click to read more ...

QCF: The Guided Fate Paradox

IS has been publishing RPGs in North America for quite a while now. Whether it's their super-deep, wicked complex strategy games, turn-based RPGs or even a side-scroller or two, their efforts are decently enjoyable with only a few outright duds to speak of throughout its vast sub-genred library. Well, they're back yet again with their latest title, The Guided Fate Paradox. But this time, NIS brings another as-yet explored RPG genre subtype along with it; The Rogue-like RPG.

The Guided Fate Paradox follows the exploits of Renya, a downtrodden, luckless teenage high school student who, straight out of the gates, monologues his lament for having never won a thing in his life. In the midst of this down-and-out self-reflection, he is taken aside and talked into playing a random-draw lottery for a potentially fabulous prize. After far too much resistance, Renya wins the grand prize; he is to become God--of course.

Click to read more ...

QCF: Castlevania Lords of Shadow: Mirror of Fate HD

he Castlevania reboot from Mercury Steam and Kojima productions is a noteworthy one amongst it’s peers that have attempted to modernize with a new beginning. In some degree, no matter how drastic the change to the conventions or tropes with the source material that’s being reworked, there’s always some form of semblance to the roots of the property; Lords of Shadow barely identifies with remotely recognizable to the Castlevania label.

It wasn’t until players were greeted to a cliffhanger ending comprised of several spontaneous details tof a drastic change to story direction. Gabriel’s predicament and radically changed outlook displayed no inkling of clarification to what sort of events took place prior leading to the revelations portrayed within these last scenes—just a bait and switch for the upcoming sequels that would deliver the answers we were seeking. Before we would see the true sequel to Lords of Shadow however, Mercury Steam in true Japanese fashion, would give us the midquel that is Mirror of Fate to bridge the two main games on the 3DS—unfortunately, it didn’t do so hot.

The theme of Lords of Shadow has always been about second chances however, and with Mirror of Fate being rereleased on Xbox Live and PlayStation Network with an HD facelift and improvements directly responding to the criticisms of its portable cousin; the redemption pays off, but comes off a bit winded in the process.

Click to read more ...