Nintentunes this week has a very strong “not in America” flavor to it this week, so many gamers may not have experienced the titles features. But no matter, all of them have excellent music, and that is exactly what Nintentunes is all about! Join us as we explore the auditory sensation that is Nintentunes! NES – 8 Eyes
[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bgNhrHHibfo[/youtube]
Like many games of yesteryear, 8 Eyes is known for its significant difficulty level and is one of the games in my NES collection that I have never completed. In very Mega Man like style, 8 Eyes consists of eight levels at the end of which is a boss battle. After each battle is won, the main character Orin is given a new sword that can be used in subsequent levels. Each boss is susceptible to only one sword, so playing the levels in a particular order makes it easier to progress.
SNES – Â Star Fox 2
[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fdP6iCSx0fE&feature=related[/youtube]
The SNES sequel to Star Fox was never officially released mostly attributed to the impending release of the Nintendo 64, which is a shame as the game is quite fantastic. How would I know if an unreleased game is any good you ask? Well a ROM of an alpha version for the game has been floating around the Internet for some time now, with fan-made patches available to fix most of the bugs and even include English dialog. Miyamoto has stated that many of the ideas from Star Fox 64 such as All-Range Mode and the Star Wolf characters came directly from Star Fox 2.
N64 – Custom Robo
[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x4ihn1OoaYk[/youtube]
The N64 version of Custom Robo has never been released in North America, and the first taste of the franchise American gamers have been given came from trophies found in Super Smash Bros. Melee. I recall playing a copy in my local import shop when I was younger and remember it having somewhat of a Smash Bros. feel to it.
Gamecube – Â Star Fox Adventures
[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CQNtpC2JVf0&feature=related[/youtube]
Many critics have have panned Star Fox Adventures for being too dissimilar to the other titles in the Star Fox franchise as there is less emphasis on space combat and instead has Fox take to the ground in an adventure similar to Zelda. I however really enjoyed the game, and feel that it is one of the better titles in the library of the Gamecube. It was far better than the Namco developed Star Fox Assault, anyhow.
Wii – Xenoblade Chronicles
[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=p45gdP2OKmU&feature=related[/youtube]
When my import copy of Xenoblade Chronicles arrived earlier this month I knew two things: One, that my Wii was in for one last hurrah before the this November when Zelda arrives, and two, that Nintendo of America has been absolutely foolish to no bring what has so far been one of the best titles on Wii to North American shores. RPGs may be niche titles in the US and it may not be a humongous hit if it was brought over, but what the Wii needs right now is good games, and that is exactly what Xenoblade Chronicles is. The feeling of freedom conveyed by the game through its large, expansive environments is nothing but breathtaking, and I am only 10 hours in.
