Reviews (52)

This is pathetic!
So the other day I was strolling around the mall, cool as usual. When I came across this place that was selling
old video games. I figured "hey why not, I'll check this out". So this guy there starts giving me crap about buying
a game, he said that I didn't have enough money. There was just no way I was paying $5 for a game this old! Talk
about a pain in the face, so I obtained the game by other methods. I bought it off Amazon.com for $24 which was
a pretty good deal I thought. The game is pretty awesome too. I'm playing it right now!!!

A timeless classic that will be remembered forever...
Words cannot describe how blown away I was by this game when I played it for the first time at the tender age of about 8-10 years old. Being a huge fan of the original Metroid for NES (possibly the greatest game ever made, or equal to this one), I was frantic when I saw the commercial for this game on TV (Yep, I still vividly remember the commercial, even after all these years.) When i finally was able to purchase this game, I could barely handle the excitement. Sitting down and playing it, I was not the least disappointed. The graphics were amazing, the music atmospherically beautiful, and to be honest, I was completely captivated by the awesomeness of Samus's suit. I have played most of the great NES and SNES games, but none of them stand out in my memory as strongly as this one. I still remember getting stuck in Brinstar for a long time because I didn't know pressing "B" made the character run!!( this was the first game I ever played that had a run option, i believe). I vividly remember looking in the instruction booklet and anxiously awaiting finding the powerbombs. Anyway, this game is just great, so I'll break it down for you:

Graphics-10/10 WOW...the graphics in this game were the best a console system had ever seen at the time. (I believe this came out before Mario RPG, Donkey Kong, and Chrono Trigger.). It was the first game to go beyond 16 bits and make it to 24 bits (amazing feat back then). The backrounds are great, and while in the Norfair stages the backround is wavey symbolizing the effects of the lava and extreme heat. The bosses are absolutely breathtaking, especially Kraid. Instead of the little itty-bitty Kraid that was in Metroid one, this one has been totally redone, and is bigger and badder than ever. Samus's suit looks great, and the weapons look awesome as well.

Music-100,000/10 The music is absolutely beautiful and extraordinary. Hearing Brinstar's green theme for the first time was just amazing, and it is still stuck in my head. The more recent metroid game, "Metroid- Fusion" had a pretty low grade, techno-esque soundtrack, but this game is totally different. The music is often times somber and sad sounding, and often dark or mysterious. Every single levels song perfectly fits that area. The music for the Norfair area is quiet and dark sounding, fitting the darkness of the area, and the Maridia music is very eerie and brilliant, fitting for a water area. Definitely the greatest soundtrack ever for a video game, and even better than a lot of other music.

Controls- 10/10 Controlling Samus is a breeze, anyone can do it. She stops moving when you take your hand off the buttons, and runs smoothly. You can also wall- jump among other things in this game. Like I said, this is one of, if not the first game to create the ability to run, which as small as it sounds is a great thing.

Fun factor- 1,000,000/10...yep you read that right. There are plenty of power-ups to collect, among many other things such as missle containers and energy tanks. I've beaten this game probably 15-20 times, and it NEVER gets old. In fact, my SNES malfunctioned recently , deleating my Super Metroid file i had recently started. I was near the end of the game when it got deleted, but I still found myself playing it again without being bored or sick of it. In fact, I'm glad it got deleted, because now I can play through it again!!
Seriously though, if you do not have this game you are missing out on the greatest video game ever created, and it isn't just for kids either, I'm 18 and i still love this game after 10 years. I would also recommend getting Prime, and the first Metroid. Zero Mission is also pretty good, but be aware it is extremely short, but still MUCH better than Fusion, which was a total let-down.

Features

• For 1 or 2 players
• Classic action game
• Save the Mushroom Kingdom from Bower's Koopa Kids
• Run, jump, and smash your way to victory
• Lots of hidden treasure and power-ups

Reviews (15)

Super Sonic Bros 3 for NES and GameCube
Now you can you play SSB3 on your NES Emulator or play it on your GameCube.

NOTE: Nintendo DS is coming on November 21st 2004.

Super Mario Bros. 3 (NES/GBA)
Super Sonic Bros. 3 (NES/GBA/GC)

Super Sonic Bros. 3 Release Date
NES1988
GBA2003
GC 2004

(c) 1988, 2004 Nintendo.

Super Mario 3, my greatest Nintendo addiction ever!
Ah, Super Mario Bros. 3-- one of the all-time classics from the days of yore, and one of my all-time fave console video games. I could play this for hours on end... and I would do so quite often. Sure its graphics are relatively primitive compared to today's painstakingly-rendered and graphics-engined offerings, but what a time I had playin' it. Without taking any warp shortcuts or skipping levels within a world, I was usually able to get through everything in about four hours, give or take a few minutes for bathroom/snack breaks. Sometimes I'd play this to the exclusion of doin' my homework, or going outside to see what the real world looks like:

ME: "Um... mom? What's that big blinding light up in the sky?"

MOM: "That's the sun, dear."

Speakin' of my mom: SMB3 became the first video game she got into playing, although she lacked the will & the patience to play it with any competence. Hey, they were workin' to support my sorry @$$, put food on the table, and pay the mortgage (come to think of it, they're still doin' alla' that today!)-- it's not like they had time to revel in the kinda frivolous, non-productive lollygagging that I lived for...

Anyhoo, while I sometimes enjoyed playing two-man SMB3 with ma-- I especially enjoyed keepin' her from taking on the next level by luring her into the challenge mode, which pitted Mario against Luigi in a classic Mario Bros. mini-game-- I much preferred to go solo. I didn't feel the need to wait for her to clear a level, and I could pick up all the hidden bonuses for myself. Yeah, I'm a selfish player-- whattaya gonna do `bout it?!

Speakin' of bonuses: the mini-games and discovery of hidden power-ups was half the fun for me. I especially enjoyed raiding the coin ships that would show up once in a blue moon, and I did a pretty good job with the card matching game. `Course, when you've got a copy of the Nintendo Power magazine that shows you all the tips, tricks, and cheats-- well, I think you get the picture...

Sadly, as time wore on and I began mastering this all-time classic, I found myself a bit bored with the whole thing. It had gotten to the point where I rarely needed to use my inventory of power-ups and suits to get through everything without too much trouble. And thanks to one particular level in the seventh world, I was able to max-out my One-Ups, which meant I could play almost indefinitely. Still, after the big thrill was gone I'd pull out my old NES system once a year or so, pop the Super Mario 3 cartridge in, and start playin' it again for old time's sake. That is, until the console finally gave up the ghost after many years of faithful service to my sun-deprived, caffeine-addled self. I've been considerin' hitting the local flea market and picking up a refurb NES from this one dealer for about twenty bucks, but I've just been too lazy to do so. Hmm... ya know what, I think I'll do just that tomorrow before I go to work. Yeah, I'll hit the local flea market, pick myself up a "new" NES, and geek out to SM3 all evening after my shift ends. No wait, I'll grab a 16-bit Super NES and the Super Mario All-Stars game pack (check it out at www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/tg/detail/-/B000050FBJ/qid=1084083990/sr=8-1/ref=sr_8_xs_ap_i1_xgl63/104-3503582-3486339?v=glance&s=videogames&n=507846) instead. Then I'll have all of the Super Mario games on one cartridge, and I can save the games for future play (which is something I was unable to do on the 8-bit cartridge).

Wish me luck...

`Late

The greatest game of all time
I don't agree with those who say that this game cannot compare with new games.Sure, graphics and sound none of them stand a chance.But as far as game play and fun, the oldies can and do compete and I place this game as the most enjoyable I have ever experienced.And that IS the whole point of video games after all.

Game play 10/10
Easily the most important category and easy this game's strong suit.Not only are the controls easy to master, but the challenges in the levels vary and continue to present you with new tasks as the game progresses.

Sound and graphics 2/10 now 9/10 then
The graphics fit the game.That's all they need to do.But they are not by any means realistic.

Story - nonexistant

Replay Value 10/10
I have played this game countless times.The lack of the save option is awful, terrible even, but as a result I have learned to play the first world with my eyes closed.Plus the creators had to have this in mind as there are plenty of things to find in the early going.

Features

• Exploration adventure game with good old Mario
• Hunt dinosaur eggs with Yoshi
• Featuring 74 areas in seven different castles
• Lots of special power-up items
• For 1 or 2 players

Reviews (53)

ahh
yet another mario classic i used to play this game for hours as a kid..i still do play it just not for hours and hours like i used too..

Super NES or GBA PLAYIT!
Super Mario World is an instant classic from the opening demo. Quite possibly the deepest SNES game to date. It's lenthy, it's great for those who have alot of Free time writing reviews. Here's the Bottom Line For Super Mario World.

Concept-Take the Video Game Icon and put him in his deepest and most challenging game yet.

Graphics- Very Good for the first snes game made

Sound- You'll Be humming those tunes till you die

Playability- Easy to pick up,and as soon as you do you'll be a pro

Replay- High

Alex- 10/10

Editorial Review

The game that launched the Nintendo 64 system stands the test of time as one of the first andbest exploratory action/adventure games. Guide the legendary plumber through an incredibly vast magicalworld with never-before-seen movement and camera-angle freedom. Mario's got the moves with graduatedspeeds of running and walking, jumps, super jumps, bounce attacks, swimming, and more. The more youplay, the more moves you'll discover.

This industry milestone game lets gamers play at their own pace, encouraging them to explore new nooksand crannies of its many levels with a Zen-like approach where the journey is as important as the goal.Other N64 games such as Zelda, Banjo-Kazooie, and Donkey Kong 64 all owemuch of their inspiration to this gem of a game. A showcase for the system's graphics and processing speedcapabilities, Super Mario 64 is a must-have for any N64 owner. --Jeff Young

Pros:

• Huge world makes for enduring game experience
• Plenty of room for replay
• State-of-the-art graphics for its time
• Imaginative levels keep you guessing, and helpful characters act as an in-game tutorial

• First-generation game doesn't feature as much texture or detail in graphics

Editorial Review

It is a time soon after the destruction of the first Death Star. Luke Skywalker has formed a squadron of hot-shot pilots to engage the still-formidable Imperial forces. You, as Luke, must lead this rogue squadron in a series of galaxy-spanning raids and rescues. To complete all your missions, you'll need good flying skills, fast reflexes, a keen eye, and a quick trigger finger.

You get to fly all your favorite ships: The X-wing, Y-wing, snowspeeder--even the Millennium Falcon. There are also some "secret" ships, such as the sleek Naboo Starfighterfrom Star Wars: Episode I, The Phantom Menace, a TIE interceptor, and, um, a '78 Buick.

The flight simulation in this game is first-rate. You'll find yourself leaning to the side as you pull a high-G turn in pursuit of Imperial TIE fighters. And the outstanding graphics and sounds are realistic enough to transport you to the Star Wars universe. Every detail is in place, right down to the individual Stormtroopers you can see running around (and trying to shoot you). One of the more impressive sequences lets you bring down Imperial Walkers by using the tow cables on your snowspeeder. Nice touch.

This is a single-player game, but you start each mission with a few wingmen from your squadron, and the well-done spoken dialogue between pilots and commanders really makes you feel like part of a team. The only significant shortcoming is the lack of a cooperative multiplayer option. With its excellent gameplay, varied environments, and interesting missions, Star Wars: Rogue Squadron is sure to become a long-time favorite. --Eric Fredrickson

Pros:

• Faithful to lots of Star Wars details
• Satisfying flight action, explosions, sound effects
• Interesting missions and plot
• See--and fight over--the Spice mines of Kessel and other famous Star Wars planets

• For some reason, you can only fly clockwise when bringing down a Walker
• No "easy" setting for those without The Force
• Voices of Luke, Wedge, and Han don't sound like the real thing

Features

• Platform: GameCube
• ESRB Rating: Teen (13 and older)

Reviews (308)

how did gamespot give this a 9?
Im sure in the dawn of next gen consoles this was the cream of the crop but nowadays we expect more. Im not talking about graphics, Im talking about gameplay. This game is waay too linear and boring. What really bugged me is the death star attack. Was luke,wedge,and biggs the only rebels fighting against the death star??? The attack on the death star was a huge battle, and so dire taht it the rebels lost theyd be as crewed as thai hooker. So why would only send three fighters to take care of a colossus weapon like the death star? Also, luke isnt such a good main character, he gets annoying after...around the second mission. So why does it get the two? because it works, you shot ti-fighters, and its star wars.

a great game buttttttttttt.....................
its just to hard for me im sorry i sound like a woos i know but its just redicolusly hard. It has great graphic though and somewhat fun gameplay. but i dont like it that much.Other than that its a great game for star wars fans.

Features

Reviews (21)

typical lucasfilm
typical of a lucasfilm star wars game.i,e, it's probably ok for kids, but that's about it.

A Classic
Dated now I know, but games are about so much more than high-end graphics. This game was revolutionary in it's time, and is still even 10 years later, great fun to play. Very challenging and so engaging that you forget about the low quality graphics after a while.

Very little that I can criticize about the game, seeing as they pretty much put together the best they could with the technology of the time. A lot of people might be put off by the fact the background music is tinny MIDI files, but I find them amusing. They are rather *good* MIDIs at any rate.

Features

Reviews (41)

A must-have for any FPS fan!
I'll say right from the outset that I'm not a really huge Star Wars fan, though I did enjoy the films. But I am a first-person-shooter fan going way back to Wolfenstein 3D, and I know my FPSs and I know outstanding level design. Jedi Knight: Dark Forces 2 has some of the best level design and by far the most memorable locations of any FPS I've ever played. Please don't confuse this with graphical splendor. Back in 1997 I was stunned at how good this game looked. Now it's 2005 and I've just now decided to play it again. And while the graphics do look ancient compared to modern games, I cannot describe what a rush it is to visit these old familiar 'places'. The sense of 'place' is so powerful, I felt like I was visiting real places I had actually been to before. It was like re-visiting real places instead of virtual ones. Look folks, if you are a graphics junkie, you've really got no business playing any game older than 3 or 4 years old. But if gameplay is your thing, this is your game. The levels are absolutely VAST. I have never in my life felt such vertigo when playing a game. And that includes all modern ones. As far as inducing vertigo goes, this game has never been challenged. Even Jedi Outcast and Jedi Academy don't come close to matching this game's dizzying heights (or vast distances). The 'puzzles' are really quite logical and fit right into the game. Playing an old game like this is akin to watching an old movie. Sure, the technology is old, but the heart is still there, and both old and new can be enjoyed equally if you can accept each on its own terms. Replaying Jedi Knight: Dark Forces 2 has been a real treat for me. I just can't believe I waited 8 years to do it! Also, for reference, it runs superbly at its highest settings on my Windows XP w/ SP2, Athlon XP 2600+ with 1 gig ram, and an NVidia 6600GT w/ 128 video ram. Using a Logitech optical mouse and am have absolutely no control or video issues. In-game settings: 1600 x 1200 resolution, checked the box for 3D acceleration and turned on every option there is, including entering '32' in the 'Minumum Texture Size' box and checked the box for 'Back Buffer In System Memory'. Also increased view size to just short of maximum. Only problem I'm having is manually saving the game by exiting out to the save menu. When I save the game that way, the game will crash to desktop, but the save DOES work, so I just re-load the game and in 10 seconds I'm going again. QUICKSAVE however, works without a hitch, so that's what I use most of the time. Also, each time I start the game, I have to set the graphics options...annoying, but nothing to it, and well worth the small hassle to enjoy this game at its highest settings on a modern computer. Aside from the manual save glitch, it's VERY stable on my rig. I can play for hours with not a single visual problem. There are very few 'classic' games that run this well on a modern WinXP rig.

A classic...in it's time....
This is a review for Dark Forces II: Jedi Knight. Amazon.com is grouping all the 'Jedi Knight' games together which is a huge mistake, because all of them are very different.

There is at least a five-year gap between Jedi Knight and its sequel, Outcast. In this game, Kyle Katarn learns about his force heritage and must battle 7 Dark Jedi led by Jerec for control of the Valley of the Jedi. In all honesty, while this game was hailed as a classic and received many 'game of the year' awards during its initial release, it hasn't aged well. Most polygon-based shooters dont, and it's somewhat painful to look back on the rudimentary character models and textures (though the basic level design itself is still top notch). Outcast also improved on everything that Jedi Knight brought to the table, including a better lightsaber combat system and better implementation of force powers. I won't deny that the game was an absolute blast to play through years ago, but nostalogic value alone doesn't make this one worth picking up.

What DOES make it worth picking up though, is that the game featured an intricate story told through cutscenes with live actors. Everyone is shot on a bluescreen, sure, but the acting is mostly up to Star Wars standards, and it's worth buying to unlock all the cinemas and watch this cool Star Wars footage.

As a game, there's really no reason to pick up the original Jedi Knight anymore, but if you're interested in viewing the cutscenes, then this is an absolute must-have. I'm giving this game 3 stars because 5 stars, what it was worth upon original release, doesn't accurately represent the game today.

Reviews (4)

A genuine classic
Bionic Commando is one of the greatest NES games.The graphics and sound are good. The gameplay is unique because you do not jump. Instead, you use your arm to grapple and move across a place. There are enemies that move about on the map. Overall, this game is pretty hard. However, that is a small flaw to this great game.

One of the coolest games ever
this, coupled with iron tank (which only exists in my memory and on ebay), are two of the greatest war games ever, and certainly the two best on nintendo.
this game has everything. i mean, EVERYTHING. it's got excellent graphics. it's got excellent music (the one i'm thinking of in particular is the one where the commando climbs this really high tower, i think it's area 5. "duh nuh nuuuuuuh, na-na-na nuuhhhhhh"... very stirring, if you ever get to hear it). also, this game is hard as hell. most of it's not so bad, but there are parts that can leave you screaming if you don't remember it's only a game.
in my earlier point, i said this game has everything. it really does. it's got bowling balls, soldiers (no doubt those [...]; they're all in red), military commanders, robots, a guy behind a shield, a freaky computer with cannons, and hitler. yes, that's right, i said ADOLF HITLER. he's got some corny name like master d or something. but it's sooo hitler. either that, or it's charlie chaplin gone mad.
my only complaint is that this game has no save function. and it WILL take you a while to beat it. therefore, don't think you have to beat it in one sitting. play a little bit, go do something else, come back. if you've got a sturdy nintendo, you can do it over the course of a day without having to stay glued to the little son of a gun.
plus, what other game can you play where you can ice a dude with a freakin' rocket launcher?
my eternal gratitude to my parents for buying me this game and castlevania II in christmas of '91. the ussr fell, and i got two of the greatest games ever. it's still one of my favorite christmas memories.

Reviews (2)

A classic
Bionic Commando is one of the greatest NES games. This port to the GB is an excellent port. The graphics and sound are good. The gameplay is unique because you do not jump. Instead, you use your arm to grapple and move across a place. There are enemies that move about on the map. Overall, this game is pretty hard. However, that is a small flaw to this great game.

Not Your Average Platform Shooter
The game may seem like a standard platform shooter at first but as you play through you get to see that it is different. It has a different approach to the classicshooter game with the ability to deploy the commando to his destination with enemies moving on the map. Upon reaching a place you can skip to another place or land there and fight your way through the level. Another totally different approach is the inability of the commando to jump. You can only use your grappling hook to swing from platform to platform. This unique gameplay makes for difficult gameplay but still enjoyable as you will slowly master the use of the hook. The gameplay elements are great and it is a worthwhile purchase. But if you have a gameboy color or advance console then you could do better by buying the Bionic Commando:Elite Forces for the gameboy color where you get to play as a male or a female commando and enjoy additional top-down mode, sniper mode along with the standard side scroller.
OVERALL

Reviews (8)

Awesome
Mega Man 3 is one of the best Mega Man games.
The main problems is that the story is poorly translated.
The music is great even if it is not as good as the second one.
The controls have been greatly improved because you can now slide. Sliding allows you to avoid certain attacks and do other actions.
THis game is extremely fun and much longer than the first two Mega Man games. This is a great game that everybody should play.
Username at Capcom City-Oncedead
Name-Matthew Smith

My second favorite of the NES series!
Man, I love this game! Well, anyway, on to my review!

Graphics 10/10: getting better and more cleaner!

Sound: 10/10: unchanged

Music 10/10: Oh man! This music is great! From the sad opening theme,to the upbeat boss select theme, it's all good! Oh, I love Protoman's whistle, too!

Gameplay:10/10: Cool! It introduces Rush, Mega Man's dog! He can transform into many things! Mega Man can also slide, too! Also, give a hand for Protoman! He will test your skill in some levels! After you kill all 8 bosses, you have to fight robots which have the moves of MM2's bosses! Fun!

Oh yeah! A masterpiece! I don't have the NES version, but I heard you can do some cheats with the second controller, too! Good luck!

The best NES Mega Man game by far
Although the original Mega Man title pleased a group of fans, it was the second entry in the series that really got people's attention. After it got people's attention, Capcom decided to dish out yet another entry in the series (within a few years, Mega Man would hold the record for appearing on the NES in more games than any other video game character - even Mario!) How does the third game in the series, released in 1990, measure up? Read on for my review.

PROS:
-THE GAME IS EASIER THAN ITS NES COUNTERPARTS, MAKING IT AN IDEAL STARTING POINT FOR ANYONE NEW TO THE SERIES. The original game was extremely challenging and the second was much easier, and this one is even easier than that one. If you want to get into the series with one of the easier entries, this is a good starting point.
-THIS GAME INTRODUCES RUSH AND PROTO MAN, AND MEGA MAN'S SLIDE MOVE. Rush is one of the things that makes the Mega Man series so cool, and this game features his debut. You start the game with the Rush Coil (which has become legendary over the years), but by beating Robot Leaders can get the Rush Marine and Rush Jet.
-YOU CAN NOW CARRY NINE ENERGY TANKS INSTEAD OF JUST FOUR. This is another thing that makes this game easier than its NES counterparts - and ideal to beginners.
-THE DOC ROBOT LEVELS WERE A GREAT IDEA. After you beat the eight Robot Leaders, you get to revisit their stages, and fight Doc Robot - an interesting creation of Dr. Wily's that takes the form of the Mega Man II Robot Leaders! I had always wondered what it would be like to try using the weaponry from one game on the Robot Leaders of another, and here that question can be answered once and for all!
-THERE ARE SOME INTERESTING GLITCHES YOU CAN PULL OFF IF YOU HAVE A SECOND CONTROLLER HOOKED UP. You can jump super-high, become "zombified", and even walk through pits without dying! For more information on this, consult one of the various Mega Man fan sites.

CONS:
-THE EASY NATURE OF THE GAME WON'T PLEASE EVERYONE. Let's face the facts - most hardcore gamers want a challenge. This game gives you so many ways to cheat and to get around your problems that it just isn't challenging at all.
-THERE IS NO STORYLINE INTRO SCREEN. In other words, if you don't read the manual, the ending will leave you somewhat confused, because you won't have known what the story was! And that's a shame, because the storyline is actually pretty good.
-PROTO MAN'S ROLE IS SEVERELY LIMITED, AND CONFUSING. Proto Man constantly shows up to battle you to test your abilities, and I bet this (along with Mega Man V and the Mega Man cartoon) convinced many fans that he is evil. Likewise, he is referred to as Break Man at one point in the game - which only adds to the confusion.

Reviews (3)

one of the best games ever
it's not like anyone reading this has never played it before....either you know this game or you don't...I just wanted to state the fact that Nintendo is stupid to not have released this on the gameboy advance or insist updated sequels to this game.metroid, mario, zelda, grand theft auto, all have nothing on this game

A cult classic.
One of my favorite games it's much like The Legend Of Zelda only you get to play as more than 1 character.None of the characters in this game have become household names like Mario,Sonic,Donkey Kong,or Pikachu but still this game never wears off.

Reviews (39)

One of the TOP TEN reasons to own an SNES
Please note: this review refers to the Super Mario All-Stars cartridge that includes Super Mario World. Super Mario All-Stars + Super Mario World is one of the best game cartridges that you could possibly own for the Super Nintendo Entertainment System. It is one of the best compilations ever created and it is also one of the only reasons why I still consider the Super Nintendo Entertainment System the SECOND best gaming system on this planet (assuming you lack an N64 Tri-star converter). The five games on this cartridge are as follows: Super Mario Bros. 1, Super Mario Bros. 2, Super Mario Bros: The Lost Levels, Super Mario Bros. 3, and Super Mario World. Other than the fact that this version of the original Super Mario Bros. allows you to score extra points after each individual Bowser battle in the big castles at the end of each world, the Super Mario Bros. trilogy is exactly the same as it was on the NES, except the graphics, music, and sound have all been updated significantly in order to showcase the power of the SNES (as if the games didn't look and sound pretty enough). There's also the difference of being able to save your progress in the games, which is not particularly necessary if you already know the locations of each warp zone in each game. Furthermore, you can only save after each WORLD, and not each LEVEL (unlike the GBA versions), which somewhat defeats the purpose of having save capabilities in the first place. Super Mario World, however, is exactly the same as it is on the SMW-only cartridge, except for the fact that the Game Genie codes only work on the SMW-only cartridge, which is somewhat of a letdown. Another difference which is also somewhat problematic is that in the original Super Mario Bros., the fireballs in the castle levels jump up and down twice as fast as they did in the NES version, making you twice as likely to get touched by one and lose health. Of course, little things like these are minor and really don't bear much of any influence on gameplay experience. Unfortunately, however, there is one very damaging flaw somewhere in the cartridge that separates it from perfect five-star status from me.

For some reason or another, usually always after I've completed or come close to completing all five games, all the saved game data automatically deletes itself. All the saved game data from all five games will somehow erase itself. You don't even have to "tell" it to do this, it'll just do it for you, and for no particularly good reason at all. For instance, you can be on World A-1 in Super Mario Bros: The Lost Levels, remove the cartridge, play another game, and then re-insert that cartridge, and discover that all you data is gone. Now, it's possible that I may have just gotten a bad copy, but if you ask me, problems like these are just outright unforgivable, and they suck the satisfaction right out of a meaningful and fulfulling gameplay experience in making you start all over again. It's a crying shame that problems like these even exist! On a more positive note, however, all the games (excluding Super Mario World) are compatible with the game genie, which I own, so I can remedy this problem a little bit by making the playable character invincible in those games thus getting them completed twice as fast, but to put it bluntly, I really shouldn't have to do that. So, therefore, instead of a perfect 10 score, which this game would get from KAB had this flaw been nonexistent, it loses one whole point, thus reducing it to a score of 9, and therefore only a four-star rating.

The KAB ratings -

Fun Factor: 10
Replay Value: 10
Graphics: 10
Sound: 10
Gameplay: 10

Overall Evaluation: 10 - (1.0) = 9.0 Excellent. (one whole point subtracted for egregious technical flaw)

Reviewer: Kelvin

This is gaming at its finest.
I have the version of this that includes Super Mario World, but I won't review it here. Anyway, onto the review.......

Super Mario Bros: This game didn't start Mario's career, but it sure did jump start it. This game has 32 levels, with 8 chapters, 4 stages each. It's the NES SMB you remember, but with updated graphics and audio that are still the reminiscent to the NES version, but are a lot better. This game needed the 16-bit update more than any other title on this cartridge.
Overall Score: 10

Super Mario Bros.-The Lost Levels: The 1986 Japanese sequel to Super Mario Bros, this game has 32 new levels, Luigi as a playable character, and a difficulty level that only the most the hardcore old-school Mario fans can beat (I have beaten every game on this cartridge except this one!). The graphical and audio improvements are the same as what the original got. Difficult, but if you claim to be a Mario dominator, give this one a shot.
Overall Score: 9.5

Super Mario Bros. 2: This is an odd one. This game is actually a port of a Japanese game called "Doki Doki Panic", but with a Mario flair. You get to play as either Mario, Luigi, Toad, or Princess Toadstool (or Peach, or whatever), and you are trapped in a dream land, trying to stop this Wart guy and his minions, or something like that. This game doesn't really feel like the Mario that you're used to, and the ending is rather disappointing, but this is still a fine entry in the Mario series. And, of course, this game needed an upgrade as well, with, once again, the graphical and audio improvements keeping the game's spirit alive while being superior to the NES game.
Overall Score: 9.5

Super Mario Bros. 3: My favorite NES game, Super Mario Bros. 3 is made even better in this Super NES remake. I simply don't know why I like this entry more than the other NES Mario games. More gameplay options, maybe? More levels? It's the best game in the All-Stars half of this cartridge, that's for sure. And, of course, the improvements are true to the original, while keeping the game fresh and unique.
Overall Score: 10

ottom Line: Grab this now, and if you don't have Super Mario World, there's a version of this that includes it. There's a lot of classic memories and years of replay value contained on this cartridge. Highly recommended.

Editorial Review

With Grand Theft Auto III, Rockstar proves that not alldevelopers are concerned with toning down the violence in their games. Thissequel is even more bloody, violent, and sadistic than its popular predecessors,offering up an enormous 3-D city in which nearly any criminal act is possible.Players are free to steal cars, beat up the local population for their money (orweapons), make time with prostitutes, or simply roam to their heart's content.Those seeking more structure can embark on dozens of plot-driven missions orsteal cars that let them play minigames. Nab a cop car and you can go onvigilante missions. Grab a cab and you can play a deadly version of CrazyTaxi. Take a fire truck and you can earn money putting out fires. The gamejust never gets boring.

As in real life, there are consequences for your criminality. As your randomacts of mayhem mount up, the police start hounding you, eventually calling inSWAT trucks, the FBI, and even the army if you continue down the path ofdestruction. Shaking these pursuers is easily the most fun part of the game,especially when a bunch of friends are packed in the room to witness your narrowescapes.

Grand Theft Auto III is fine-tuned to near perfection in every category.All the vehicles, from slick sports cars to lumbering dump trucks, handleexactly as you'd expect and smash apart realistically when abused. The threeislands in the game are rendered in terrific detail considering their size, andare packed with traffic, pedestrians, and hidden jumps. The audio is equallyamazing. Pedestrians talk, cops scream at you, and you can tune in ninedifferent radio stations whenever you are in a car. It all adds up to amonumental achievement: the rare console game for adults that manages to geteverything right. --T. Byrl Baker

Pros:

• Offers an enormous world for players to exploit, rendered in staggeringdetail
• Equally fun whether you go on plot-based missions or run around as afreelance crook

• Ultraviolence, foul language, and adult situations mean you'll want to keepthis far away from kids
• It takes too long to get from one island to another, making some missionstedious

Editorial Review

Reviews (4)

This entry fell a bit short.....
Wow, this was a rather large disappointment. The graphics, music and sound effects have all fallen short of MKII on this console, which is very odd. The controls are the same, but the additions to the gameplay have made things a bit easier, once you get accustomed to them.

There are a total of 14 playable characters (not counting the hidden ones), but there is still no save feature. You might want to play Ultimate MK3 instead of this, as it adds much more replay value, unless you are a Mortal Kombat collector.

WHAT GAME HAVE Y'ALL BEEN PLAYING?
THIS VERSION OF MORTAL KOMBAT 3 SUCKS. THE CHARACTERS ARE BORING HERE, THE GRAPHICS ARE BAD, THE MUSIC IS BAD, AND THE FATALITIES AREN'T AS GOOD IN THIS VERSION. THIS IS NOT REALLY A GOOD VERSION OF MK 3 TO BUY. BUT, MK 3 WASN'T REALLY THAT GOOD OF A GAME TO BEGIN WITH. IF YOU WANT THIS GAME, I SUGGEST YOU LOOK FOR THE PLAYSTATION VERSION AND LEAVE ALL THE OTHER VERSIONS OF THIS GAME ALONE. THIS WAS ONE OF THE LAST 2 MK GAMES THAT CAME OUT ON THE SUPER NINTENDO BEFORE IT WAS DISCONTINUED FOR THE NINTENDO 64.

Reviews (19)

GOOD SEQUEL, BUT THE NINTENDO 64 VERSION WAS EVEN BETTER
UNLIKE THE EARLIER MK GAMES, THIS ONE FEATURED SOME 3D GRAPHICS AND IT ALSO HAS WEAPONS WHICH ARE AVAILABLE TO USE OR THROW AT ANYTIME. THIS IS NOT AS GOOD AS THE NINTENDO 64 VERSION, BUT IT'S A GREAT FIGHTING GAME NONETHELESS AND I THINK IT'S BETTER THAN ANY OF THE MORTAL KOMBAT GAMES THAT'VE BEEN COMING OUT SINCE 1999. GREAT GRAPHICS, GREAT CONTROLS, AND A FUN PRACTICING MODE [WHICH YOU CAN FIGHT FOR HOURS IF YOU WANT TO WITH THE SAME OPPONENT!]. BUT UNFORTUNATELY AFTER THIS ONE, THE MORTAL KOMBAT FRANCHISE WENT COMPLETELY DOWNHILL.

Mortal Kombat has never disappointed me!!
I am quite surprised how many people thought this game wasn't any good.Mortal Kombat 4 is a more than worthy sequel.First off, the story, like all the other Mortal Kombat games, movies and TV shows, is incredible.If you saw many of the characters ending form Ultimate Mortal Kombat, then you'll have an idea what I am talking about.All their stories have a great lead up to MK4.In the fourth installation, Noob Saibot's master Shinnok takes his gamble at Earth Realm.However, we also learn about the truth behind Sub-Zero and Scorpion's hate for each other and the sorcerer who put them up to it!!!

This game introduces some really cool characters (like Quan Chi) and also some old characters return (like Johnny Cage).The fighting game has the usual classical engine, except now it is 3D.You can, for example, side shift to avoid Scorpion's spear!!Weapons were also introduced and everyone has got some ill weapons, especially Fujin!!You can also throw objects lying around at your opponent.The combo system is pretty good, nothing near as good to the fifth installation of Mortal Kombat though.The endings, until the previous Mortal Kombat's, are full videos and EXTREMELY AWESOME!!There's a lot of game replay here by beating the game with different fighters.You learn a lot about the tournament's secrets and who's got beef with whom.

This game is worth getting for ANY fan of a great fighting game.Too many people are extremely critical of the Mortal Kombat franchise and WAY too kind to others (Soul Caliber, Tekken - need I say more about these crappy fighting games).Mortal Kombat kreators really go out of their way for the fans to make their games unique and loads of fun, so don't pass up on Mortal Kombat 4!!!!!!!!!!

Reviews (18)

Fight on!
Lately I've been grabbing old N64 games to play on residence - my brother and sister wanted the Gamecube at home, so I began hunting through video game stores for any N64 gems worth filling out my collection with. I'd avoided KI Gold on its initial release because it got mixed reviews and was horribly expensive (remember those first gen N64 games? Exactly.), but since I owned every other Rareware game, I decided to grab it. After grinding the controllers to a bloody pulp in all-out tournaments with my roommates, I'm left wondering why Rare never followed with a KI3.

The fighting engine in KI Gold is completely insane. It's ridiculously fast, brutal, and fully animated. KI really puts other N64 fighters (particularly the Mortal Kombat series) to shame. The engine has some pre-programmed combos and also allows you to invent your own. I'll admit it's not as deep as Street Fighter - mindless button mashing can create some intense crowd-pleasing combos whereas Street Fighter is more skill-based - but you'll need all the help you can to survive. There are a slew of one-hit finishing moves that can instantly deplete your second energy bar, and the AI isn't shy about pulling these on you every chance it gets. What's also interesting is that while the fighting is strictly 2D, the arenas are full 3D, and certain moves such as throws will change your character positions in that space.

The graphics are excellent - it's a little odd at first seeing 2D sprites on a 3D arenea, but you get accustomed to it. The soundtrack would've been worth releasing another CD for (like they did with the first game), and the controls are sharp. If you're like me and still go for a little retro gaming, Killer Instinct Gold is probably the best fighter you can get for the N64.

Best arcade fighting series
This is a fast paced fighting game that is fun. Playing the 2 player mode is fun to see who is better at it. I think a bit more characters would have been better.

Does nothing to improve the series...
In the nineties, fighting games became extremely popular due to the successes of the Street Fighter and Mortal Kombat franchises. Even the British Rare corporation, best known for the highly advanced graphic work they had used in games like Donkey Kong Country, wanted to try their hand at making one. And in the mid nineties, Killer Instinct arrived. How does it measure up? Read on and find out.

PROS:
-GRAPHICALLY, THIS IS ONE OF THE FINEST LOOKING FIRST GENERATION NINTENDO 64 GAMES. The advanced graphic stylings that worked wonders on games from the Super Nintendo's latter years work very well here.
-THE GAME HAS AN INTERESTING CAST OF CHARACTERS. Let's see. We've got a boxer, a skeleton, a werewolf, and even a robot, plus many more. The cast of characters is one of the game's strengths.
-EACH CHARACTER HAS HIS OR HER OWN SPECIAL MOVES. No two characters pay exactly alike.
-EACH CHARACTER HAS A FINISHING MOVE. Some of these are actually pretty interesting (Orchid's is particularly humorous.)

CONS:
-THE GAME IS HORRIBLY UNORIGINAL. The six-button fighting scheme is ripped off from Street Fighter, and the fatalities are ripped of from Mortal Kombat. And honestly, how many rip-offs of these two games do we need?
-THE CONTROL SEEMS WEAK WHEN COMPARED TO THE TWO GAMES THIS ONE RIPS OFF. Because of this, the controls come off seeming unfinished in their performance.
-LIFE BARS DON'T REGENERATE BETWEEN ROUNDS. In other words, the battles will go completely onesided, and a comeback is virtually impossible if you're getting massacred.

Editorial Review

Features

Reviews (23)

Doom1 still better
Bottom line if your gonna buy this buy the first one first to see if you like the dooms this is not the one to start off with!

Doom 2... worth a look, but not a stare
My older brother and I have been playing the original "The Ultimate Doom" since we were toddlers.We've played through all the levels and we are truely die-hard fans.

However...

With our recent purchase of Doom II (yes I know, we're running a little behind the times) we were rather disappointed.Here's our thoughts...

The game is very well made, like the original.The graphics are decent, the sound effects are brilliant, the music is entertaining, and the gameplay is phenomenal.In addition, the game is WAY harder.It features a whole new arsenal of baddies (which are pretty funny because their graphics are much better than those of the original enemies so they stand out like sore thumbs).The new enemies are very creative.We particularly liked the big brown floating thing-a-ma-jigs that spit out the little flying skulls from the original game.All-in-all, those parts of the game are great.

The trouble resides in the "super-shotgun."The original shotgun was the staple weapon of the first Doom series, and likewise this new super-shotgun is the staple of the second.As a souped up, all encomposing, weapon of mass destruction, you'd think it would be pretty darn cool.

The problem is that it's been souped up in the wrong way.It fires a spread shot that no longer requires any accuracy at all.To compensate for this new kill-all gun, the folks at ID just made the monsters MUCH MUCH MUCH more difficult.However, all the style and the delicacy of the original is missing.Too much of the time, your being shot at by wickedly powerful attacks and you cannot even determine from where they came.You end up hiding and sneaking around corners and the like... and that's the exact reason why I used to play the original doom instead of the new breed of games like Quake.These new games are just not fun anymore.

PS:play Marathon 2... it was always better anyway ;-)