In 2006 I visited New Zealand. When staying in Christchurch there was this huge white bus filled with (then) new Xbox 360s; each with a different launch title.
Inside I played the opening level of Perfect Dark Zero; the long-awaited prequel to the 64’s Perfect Dark. I still remember it quite well. I was impressed by the graphics and got bored when I had to start dodging things and hiding behind cover.
As far as 2d fighters go; Killer Instinct wasn’t much of a contender. Don’t get me wrong, KI is a great game in almost every way; but from the start we all knew it wasn’t going to knock Street Fighter, Tekken or Mortal Kombat off their pedestals.
When I think about it, KI probably had its work cut out for it. It’s a game for fans of the genre, and there aren’t exactly many fans that’d pick up and play multiple fighters. Still, of all the “second-tier” fighting games, Killer Instinct is one of the most memorable.
Gaming has spent most of its history progressing and evolving through trial and error. Consoles, companies, trends and genres have risen and fallen throughout time.
And while we’re getting the same fucking FIFA and Call Of Duty game every year, more great franchises than I can count are left to rot in obscurity.
The Donkey Kong Country trilogy rocked my tiny world, I really can’t say it better than that. Back then it was just the coolest thing I had ever seen. The perfect blend of engaging gameplay, stunning graphics and emotive soundtrack.
There’s not much to say about Donkey Kong Country that you probably don’t already know. It’s just one of those things so culturally ingrained into my generation, that you don’t have to look far to find someone whose eyes glaze over in a nostalgic daydream at the mention of the name.
Continue reading Looking Back On DKC; Part 1: Donkey Kong Country
A Link To The Adam. 