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Private Notes
Computer audio has come quite a way since 1981. Here is a short video I made comparing the major steps from the PC speaker to Adlib on up to today's chips! At least, from the perspective of the LucasArts classic, The Secret of Monkey Island.
Monkey Island was chosen due to its having a wide breadth of versions of the same song, as compared to many other games which didn't support this many cards. The final version of the song is from the recent "Secret of Monkey Island Special Edition" on PC/360/PS3 - recorded using live instruments, NOT the CD-ROM version from the early nineties.
Some clips recorded by me, others from Crossfire Designs, all awesome.
First came Duke Nukem, who really started the whole protagonist-with-a-personality trend. But who remembers Lo Wang? Shadow Warrior took all of the humor and ridiculous antics of Duke 3D and brought them to the East.
Review from the perspective of a casual collector of video games: is the first "PC", the IBM 5150, worth buying today? A run-down of the history, pros and cons of the system and games, what to look for and be aware of when buying, as well as some of the other 8-bit computers and revisions in the 5150 lineage. MS-DOS has never been so fine.
Duke Nukem 3D, Shadow Warrior, Blood: The trinity of major 3DR Build games. Released by Monolith, Blood is one disturbing yet awesome horror shooter. Do you like your hands bloody? Caleb does. And so does this reviewer.
I get a number of questions regarding what PC I would recommend to play games for MS-DOS. There are quite a few answers so in this video I give my opinions on the topic.
This is an experiment with something different instead of just game reviews...
More LGR involving actual reviews next week!
Is the first stuff pack expansion for The Sims 3 worth buying? What exactly does it include? This review of the HELS Pack attempts to answer these questions and more.
A post-apocalyptic racing game where you can run down pedestrians and run down your opponents... or, you can even race if you want! And it's really well-made! What's not to love?
Railroad Tycoon and SimCity... two classic, different forms of gaming. What if you meshed them together? Why, it's already been done! Take the A-Train in this review of:
Apologies for the prior upload with serious rendering errors, which resulted in what appeared to be a review on seriously bad drugs.
Rocket launchers, machine guns and oil slicks. Why? Because apparently just building a city was so lame... it just had to be taken to the extreme, and so a vehicular combat game based around Sim City was born.
PC pinball can be such a hit or miss situation... so when it turns out as solid and enjoyable as Epic Pinball, you have to take notice! The makers of Gears of War and Unreal got it right.
Name the top computers of the 1980's... okay, if the Spectrum wasn't on that list, you need to read up on your history! From an American gamer's perspective, is Sinclair's 48k wonder worth getting today? How about all of those PAL / NTSC problems? This video covers the newcomer bases in this review of:
Shiny is well-known for Earthworm Jim... but do you remember MDK? If you like bizarre yet solidly-made cyberpunk shooters, MDK is the game you need.
And what does MDK really stand for anyways? Was it really Murder Death Kill? Oh well.
Love classic games? Wondering if Game Room is any good? If you'd like to build an arcade, Game Room for the 360 and Windows Live may be worth checking out. And it's free!*
At the time of this review there are 30-something games with plans for many more via free DLC.
*Not counting the games themselves, natch.
Many consider the 3DO console to be a complete failure. But is this really the case? There are quite a few good games for it, but are they enough to merit buying a system? Get the history, pros and cons of the console in this review of:
When the 386 came to market in 1986, it blew everything else away. Having one of these was considered "life in the fast lane" and until the 486 & Pentium, it was the ultimate CPU to use. This is an overview of the NCR Comten PC 386SX from 1989, a 386 processor-based sort of IBM PS/2 35SX ish clone, as well 386 machines in general. Also compares its speed to the IBM PC and XT range of machines.
This is a response to some requests for footage of some of my systems "in action" instead of just a review. But that would be boring I think so lots of facts, commentary and history as well.
Oh and I paid about $25+shipping for this PC, no monitor or extras.
I have since added a 3.5" 1.44MB floppy drive, 210MB HDD and Sound Blaster 2.0 card.
Nothing says early 90's like the platform game. But they weren't limited to consoles, oh no. Computers had Jill of the Jungle, Jazz Jackrabbit and of course, Realms of Chaos. This bloody fantasy side-scroller is remembered quite fondly in many an Apogee fan's mind, and for good reason. It RoCs. LAWL.
This is an overview of the Compaq Presario 425 from 1993, a 486sx processor-based PC, as well 486 and Overdrive chipped machines in general. Also compares its speed to the 386 range of machines. During the early 90's the 486 ruled all. But when things started progressing so quickly, it wasn't enough and Overdrive CPUs and such addons became quite popular. Also following in the Macintosh's footsteps came all-in-one case designs for some PCs.
This is a response to some requests for footage of some of my systems "in action" instead of just a review. But that would be boring I think - so lots of facts, commentary and history as well.
A review of the awesome puzzle game from Apogee!
How many of you actually played SMB2 on the NES when it was new? How many of you were aware back then that, in America, it wasn't really SMB2? The story is somewhat common now but I think this awesome oddity is still worth a look. Is it really too hard for American players?
Before the netbooks of today, there was a subcompact laptop computer that was rather impressive, the Contura Aero from Compaq. This is just an overview of the system and its features, showing how it runs and what it is (or is not) capable of.
Sorry there's not more game footage, camera is acting up like mad and as such the frame rate was a bit choppy.
Trying to get certain games to run on a PCjr can be a job and a half. Even worse when you haven't played the game in years and don't know the specifics of the PC jr memory configuration.
This shows the (aggravating) process of loading LSL: In the Land of the Lounge Lizards from its original floppies on an IBM PCjr MS-DOS computer.
This was a 4:3 aspect ratio video, I have no idea why YouTube is forcing a zoomed widescreen output.
What if SimCity was more focused? Way more. Like, you only make one building instead of a city of buildings? Throw some Yoot into the mix and you've got Sim Tower, the excellent tower society simulation from Maxis and OPeNBooK Co.
Review from the perspective of a somewhat casual collector: is the first "home PC" from IBM, the PC jr, worth buying today? A run-down of the history, pros and cons of the system and games, what to look for and be aware of when buying. 3-voice square wave sound forever!
Adult games have been an omnipresent part of gaming since its earliest days, but no other comes close to the awesome that is Leisure Suit Larry. Specifically here we have LSL in the Land of the Lounge Lizards. This first game in the series is still one of the best, so prepare your blow-up doll and buy some lubbers for this review of:
Al Lowe is the man.
Is the second expansion pack for TS3 worth buying? What are the new careers and objects?... Find out in this review!
Action platform games for DOS weren't exactly too common before Epic and Apogee. Imagine my surprise when I found Zeliard from Sierra, developed in '87 by Game Arts! Zeliard... get into it.
Zeliard for MS-DOS PCs, played on a Tandy 1000 RL/HD.
Tired of all those lists of the "worst" games that are actually just commonly-known sub par games? I am. So I made this list. These aren't just "mediocre" games... this is my worst of the worst. Keyword: MY list. This is 100% subjective and my own opinion, nothing more.
Consists of the top 17 worst PC games that I own. I actually collect these games somewhat, seeking out the worst crap as a matter of twisted pride and a weird guilty pleasure of perverted taste in games.
Games were chosen on the basis of effort made vs end result, bugginess, lack of gameplay and/or fun, hype vs disappointment, and personal preference in comparison to other similar games. Why 17? Because it's an odd number, very odd.
In this one-year LGR anniversary special, we take a look at The Need For Speed. The first game in the still-going series got its start on the forgotten 3DO game console, eventually being ported to DOS PCs.
This is a history and in-depth review and comparison of the 3DO and PC versions of the game.
Also be sure and check out Part II where we'll look at TNFS:SE, the PS1 and Saturn ports as well as import variations.
In the second half of this special, we take a look at The Need For Speed Special Edition. It wasn't the full sequel many hoped for, but it was still a great improvement to the game and also spawned new ports for the new consoles, as well as some Nissan-infused awesomeness.
This is a history and in-depth review and comparison of the PC and console ports, as well as a look at the imports for Japanese consoles.
Also be sure and check out Part I where we look at the original game with both the 3DO and MS-DOS PC versions.
Like puzzle games? How about lasers? How about leveling up IN SPACE? Astro Driller 3020 may just be the ideal game for you, space-faring "casual" gamer - check this out for some sticky sweet opinion!
And yes, Chronic Logic approached me to review this. And I thank them for the awesome opportunity (and the game)!
A comparison of the redesigned 360S console to the older model 360 Pro/Arcade/Elite models. Is it worth the hit to the wallet for previous owners? Or is it only for newcomers?
I wasn't planning on doing one of these, but after requests for such a thing I figured I may as well quickly put a video together. And here it is, I hope it answers your questions as to relative "worth" of the machine.
This does not replace the review this week, it's a supplement of sorts. Retro goodness comes this weekend.
Mahjong solitaire is easily one of my favorite ways to relax. And as great as the real thing is I can't help but keep thinking... NEEDS MORE DOS!
Review from the perspective of a somewhat casual collector: is the 1000 series worth collecting today? A run-down of the history, pros and cons of the systems and games, what to look for and be aware of when buying. The PCjr may have failed, but Tandy? Tandy ruled.
There are functions I wanted to talk about but ran out of time, like the ability to run in Hercules mode, further Deskmate and TL-related features and the upgrade options, but alas.
Also check out the Maxis games of the time, the Tandy versions are spectacular - SimCity, SimEarth, SimAnt, etc.
Sometimes you just need a good ol' action platform game to unwind. Mostly these were stuck in 16-bit console land, but not Jill! One of the earlier games with a female action protagonist, Jill is not to be missed.
Also includes a little info on "Jill-inspired" games, like Onesimus, Xargon and Vinyl Goddess From Mars.
Don Bluth's "Dragon's Lair" is awesome. But the PC port from 1989? It leaves a bit to be desired. Overprotective copy protection, repetition, odd controls, repetition, bugs and repetition.
At least it's more playable than that NES port.
A slew of CP/M, Osborne, Kaypro and Heath retro computing software and hardware. Any tips or additional info is appreciated!
The Heathkit / Zenith stuff is especially curious. I'm not sure what all it's actually for, system-wise. Possibly a H89/90.
Turns out the Kaypro is a 4/83 + 88 making it compatible with MS-DOS. I also got the floppy drive working.
There will be a proper and full-length review of these machines at some point.
SC2K is an undeniable classic. But time seems to have forgotten this ill-fated multiplayer version of the ultimate city simulator. Long before the online antics of Spore or The Sims Online, there was Network Edition.
The first Macintosh. Not many computers are this legendary or can make the claim that even being from 1984 its direct descendants are still sold today. But is it worth buying one to a games collector?
The Insanely Great Apple Macintosh 128 Computer System
Thanks to Killgruz for assistance and inspiration!
There are tons of game weapons that FEEL great to use. But some rise above the rest and for whatever reason they just blow away the competition. Why? I don't know, this is totally subjective but it's something I've noticed and is just a list for fun.
This is the top 17 most satisfying and gratifying PC game weapons I've come across.
Games were chosen on the basis of that intangible feeling of awesomeness that I got when playing them. Whether it be from sound, visual feedback, "feel", etc. Why 17? Because it's an odd number, very odd.
Many 90's PC gamers remember Halloween Harry/Alien Carnage. But what about the sequel for Windows 3.1? Zombie Wars deserves a look, but it's rather hard to find the original CD.
An overview of the game Repton by Superior Software, played on an Acorn Electron computer.
Lazy Game Reviews Quickie #1. Review starts at 1:40.
These LGRQ videos are a break from my "full length" reviews to simply show more arcade-like games and give my opinion on the game and how it plays. The goal is to do this in around 3 minutes for each game, unscripted and unrehearsed.
Is the second stuff pack expansion for The Sims 3 worth buying? What exactly does it include? This review of FLS answers these questions and more.
As usual, this also covers patch items that launched with the expansion/stuff pack (VE trait, naming vehicles, driving preference, etc).
An overview of the game Oh Mummy by Gem Software in 1984, played on a Sinclair ZX Spectrum computer.
Special thanks to Mark for the game donation!
Lazy Game Reviews Quickie #2.
These LGRQ videos are a break from my "full length" reviews to simply show more arcade-like games and give my opinion on the game and how it plays. The goal is to do this in around 3 minutes for each game, unscripted and unrehearsed.
An overview of the game Ladder by Yahoo Software, played on a Kaypro 4/83 vintage portable computer.
An overview of the game Master of Magic by Mastertronic from 1985, played on a Commodore 64 computer. Enjoy Sword & Sorcery and the early Ultimas? Well, this is actually a lot simpler than Ultima and the like, but still rather enjoyable. No XP or leveling up, just arcade fun.
And yes, before someone mentions it I am aware the title track is an arrangement of Shibolet by Synergy. Doesn't make it any less rad though, Rob Hubbard took it and made it spectacular.
An overview of the CD Man games by Creative Dimensions from 1989 and 1992. Pac-Man games are a dime a dozen but this is one that really stands out to me. Mainly because I played it endlessly as a kid, but also because it's just freaking cool. Covers the pre-release 1989 game and the v2.0 game from 1992.
The Amiga is the stuff of pure legend. The A500 in particular is often looked back on with fond memories and no regrets. But is it worth buying one to a games collector today? An overview of the history, pros and cons of the machine.
Many thanks to Borin81 for the Amiga!
Air hockey games. For Windows 3.1, there isn't much choice. Fortunately, there is Robert Epps' Slam! It's no Shufflepuck Cafe but it's still a nifty little shareware game from 1993, with solid controls, customization and evil AI.
It's now freeware, and even works (mostly) on Windows 7!
Flight sim games can wear you down after a while, but a good dogfighting game? Never gets old! This one by the makers of JetStrike is superb.
Is the third expansion pack for TS3 worth buying? What are the new activities and objects? Find out in this review!
As usual, this also covers the updates for the main game that release on or near the initial launch date of the expansion (such as half-walls, grouping, body sliders, zodiac signs etc). In this case it covers the LN patch (Patch 17) released with the expansion on 10/26/10.
This is mainly for my own posterity's sake, nothing special. But also several have requested that I make a video showing my Minecraft world. On this Halloween day, which also happens to be the day Alpha was updated, I thought it might be amusing to some of you. Or perhaps not.
It may be a bit hard to hear me at times, as the volume of the game was higher than I thought, my apologies. That's what happens when there is no editing, folks!
And yes, all you see was made by myself, block-by-block with individually mined resources, over the course of 30-40 hours or so. I really don't know for sure, lost all track of time like only the best games can do.
A 100% timeless classic. Paratrooper is pure arcade fun that always entertains and, like any great arcade game, infuriates. Shoot stuff, shoot more stuff, and shoot some more.
There's some totally rad easter eggs in Black Ops and as a retro computing geek I am quite pleased. A text adventure on your modern game console? A UNIX-like command line interface and a Smash TV clone? Excellent.
Played on a Windows 7 PC, recorded with Fraps (which oddly resulted in some random choppy footage).
First off, coolest game name ever. Second, this is a rather unheard-of but decent and challenging puzzle game from the guys that produced the Wizardry and Jagged Alliance games. And... Freaking, funky, fuzz and balls are in the title... really, what more could you want?
Just having fun going through random floppies on the IBM PC. Unscripted, raw footage to show the programs and give first impressions. I look at several of the Keypunch Software compilations, including the following games:
Round 42
Rockets
Black Jack
Just having fun going through random floppies on the IBM PC. Unscripted, raw footage to show the programs and give first impressions. I look at several of the Keypunch Software compilations, including the following games:
Blackjack
Keno
Solitaire
Bowling Champ
Munchman
Depth Charge
Just having fun going through random floppies on the IBM PC. Unscripted, raw footage to show the programs and give first impressions. I show several of the Keypunch Software compilations, including the following games:
Red Baron / Sopwith
Hopper
Space Attackers II
Cue-Bert
And yes, I know that it says "Continue to Keypunch Part 3" at the end of video, instead of Part 4. Whoops, I screwed up, amazing. I'm lazy, sosumi.
Just having fun going through random floppies on the IBM PC. Unscripted, raw footage to show the programs and give first impressions. I show several of the Keypunch Software compilations, including the following games:
Par-4 Golf
Quarterback Crunch
Archery
There's just something special about certain platform games and Fire & Ice is one of them. The solid gameplay, great environments, cheery audio and searing difficulty combine to make a memorable experience that can be a joy to experience. An arctic coyote that shoots balls from his mouth and somehow stole large portions of my childhood awaits...
Covers the Commodore Amiga, IBM PC, Atari ST, CD32 and Sega Master System versions. My apologies to Acorn, but it's their fault for having such a hard to find machine, the Archimedes, resulting in me not being able to find the game for it. If anyone has this version, let me know as I'd love to see it!
Open world racing games are often considered a modern genre. But Vette! from 1989 was a true forerunner, helping bring to the table many innovative features that survive to this day. Race a 1989 model Corvette through an accurate 3D representation of San Francisco, California!
Happy Thanksgiving 2010!
Ever wonder about the first PC sound card standard? Or maybe you have fond memories. Check out this video of the history, unboxing and installation of the original Ad Lib Music Synthesizer Card! Dinky IBM PC speakers still cringe and cower in fear of the mighty YM3812 FM chip.
Be sure and check out part 2 for examples of the AdLib card in action, using the original vintage hardware captured via line-in. It's some awesome.
And yes, I said "greetings greetings" at the start of the video. That's what I get for rushing a video even more than usual! :D
The background music in the first half of the vid is "Power Grid" and "Nightlife" from the SimCity 3000 soundtrack.
Showing off the AdLib capabilities using a direct line from the card to a modern PC, demonstrating Jukebox and various game clips on a vintage 16Mhz 386SX computer. Pure frequency modulated bliss. Hook in your sub and crank up those speakers! I really wish YouTube didn't degrade the sound quality as much as it did, it really diminished the full effect.
Be sure and check out part 1, if you haven't already, to see the history, unboxing and installation of this classic piece of hardware.
It's December and that means Lazy Game Reviews Christmas videos! And today to fit the bill is a game that barely qualifies as a Christmas game, but Xmas is in the title so that counts, right? The special edition of the cult classic Sky Roads by Blue Moon Software! Maddeningly simple... move, jump, get to the next road. Awesome. But man, this game hates you. You have been warned.
Another shareware cult classic, Jetpack was and is a great platform game in the vein of Lode Runner and Jumpman. And there was a totally awesome Christmas edition with 10 new levels and the ability to control a jetpack-wielding Santa Claus! And no, there is no relation to the Jetpac and Jetman games by Ultimate Play The Game.
Santa's Christmas Caper, or Capers, is yet another retro Christmas cash-in for microcomputers. But when you only got one game with other titles, you basically get three here. Mixed with insomnia pure unfiltered apathy, the results aren't pretty.
You've got questions, I may choose to have answers. The 100th video uploaded into the Lazy Game Reviews playlist on YouTube. That's a bunch of apathy and sloth. This is just the most common questions I am repeatedly asked!
A Spectacular Special? Ehh, that's more or less true, depending on how you define such things... irrelevancy ensues.
The regular Fire and Ice is pretty rad and already contained plenty of wintry environments. But all you need is a Santa hat, a sweet beard and some catchy tunes and you've got a Christmas special edition, like this one from the 20th cover disk of Amiga Power!
Merry Christmas 2010!
Just having fun going through random floppies on the IBM PC. Unscripted, raw footage to show the programs and give first impressions. I look at Mr. Disk's Award-Winning Games, due to boredom.
Actual reviews coming soon!
