Blogger Archive: MetalFRO 
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In the early 90's, when I was a kid, the year 2020 seemed like a far off future that I couldn't imagine. And yet, as an adult, it's here, and it's nothing like I imagined. Where are the flying cars that 1950's and 1960's futurist books promised me? Why is there no space colony on Mars? Why don't we have transporter technology, or replicators from the Star Trek universe yet? Okay, so maybe that last bit is still a couple centuries away, but certainly, the future I saw as a kid is nowhere to be found. Rather, 2020 will probably go down in history as a supreme dumpster fire of a year for more reasons than I care to list.
Instead of focusing on the negativity that has permeated this entire year so far, I thought instead, I'd look to the future, in a roundabout manner, by looking to the past. It's always interesting to see what forward-thinking technologies are invented, marketed, and flop, simply because they're ahead of their time, or people just aren't ready to adopt them yet. By contrast, it's also interesting to think about what the entertainment sphere predicts of the future. Those of us old enough to remember the context of Back to the Future Part II, in particular the scene that sees Marty bragging to a couple young kids that he's pretty good at the Wild Gunman arcade game, will appreciate the irony. In the scene, the kids are seen plugging in an arcade machine, with one exclaiming, "My dad told me about these!" When they couldn't figure out how to play it, Marty McFly picks up the six-shooter light gun and fires away at the screen, only to be told by the kids that having to use your hands was, "like a baby's toy!" Little did the creators of the film realize that the Xbox Kinect peripheral would be a thing in the year 2015, much like they envisioned.
Continue reading Gaming In The Future
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I'm pretty sure I've made it clear in my writings and videos that I'm a big fan of science fiction. I grew up loving the Star Wars movies, watched the debut episode of Star Trek: The Next Generation with my parents, and watched that series through to completion, and followed that up with both Star Trek: Deep Space Nine, and caught up on other series when I had the opportunity. My family saw Independence Day on opening weekend, and I managed to purchase the final VHS release of the original Star Wars trilogy, which I still have to this day. One franchise that happened to pass me by early on was Stargate, however. I don't remember going to see it in the theater, which is odd, because I was dating at that point, and would have wanted to go see it. But I somehow didn't see it upon release.
Continue reading Stargate for Game Boy - 1994
[img width=540 height=540]http://rfgeneration.com/podcasts/shmupclub/images/2020-06-13_stcc_ep_024_fantasy_zone.jpg[/img]
In Episode 024, MetalFRO and Addicted look at one of Sega's more unconventional arcade hits, the interminably cute Fantasy Zone. What makes this classic tick, and how does it relate to Konami's arcade shooter smash, Gradius? We discuss that and more!
You can download the episode directly, or stream it on the website, right here:
http://rfgeneration.com/podcasts/shmupclub/?name=2020-06-13_stcc_ep_024_fantasy_zone.mp3
Check us out and subscribe (and rate!) on Apple Podcasts!
https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/shoot-the-core-cast/id1432819542?mt=2
We're listed on Google Play - subscribe and review the podcast over there!
https://play.google.com/music/listen#/ps/Iih3vrijcro4yno3yrkeawnx6nu
We're on Stitcher Podcasts now, as well, so if you use that service, have a listen to the show from there!
https://www.stitcher.com/podcast/shoot-the-corecast
We also have a presence on SoundCloud now, though it's just the most current episode at this time:
https://soundcloud.com/user-992886896/
We have t-shirts! Help support the podcast, and rep the shmup community by buying a Shoot the Core-cast tee - now with Gaiden design!
https://www.redbubble.com/people/jdieckmann/works/34582606-shoot-the-core-cast-podcast?asc=u&p=t-shirt
Check the original thread, to see the discussion and high scores:
http://www.rfgeneration.com/forum/index.php?topic=19313.0
Thank you for listening!
[img width=402 height=500]https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-zZndTU2hivI/VK_zx1NrcRI/AAAAAAAAEww/Fowry3QyM44/s1600/SmashTV-PrintAd.jpg[/img]
During the 80's and early 90's, kids like myself were treated to a large number of ports of popular (and not so popular) arcade games to home consoles. Who wouldn't want to play their favorite arcade game at home on their own TV, rather than having to go drop quarters into the arcade cabinet? And what happens when that arcade game at the bowling alley or gas station got replaced with something else? Sure, there was a new period of discovery, and perhaps you'll find a new favorite, but you still like that previous game enough to want to keep playing it. Enter the home conversion. According to the advertising, you could have the fun of the arcade game in the comfort of your own home! The reality, however, is that it didn't always work out like that.
Continue reading Nostalgia Goggles - Arcade Ports and Rose-Tinted Glasses
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Posted on May 28th 2020 at 12:00:00 PM by ( MetalFRO) Posted under Steel Vampire, Shoot the Corecast, podcast, Shmup Club, Akiragoya, Henteko Doujin, STG, shooting game, shooter, shoot em up, tube shoot |
[img width=500 height=503]http://rfgeneration.com/podcasts/shmupclub/images/2020-05-18_stcc_ep_023_steel_v_ire.jpg[/img]
In Episode 023, Addicted and MetalFRO explore the Western release of a game from prolific Japanese doujin developer Akiragoya. Steel Vampire, known originally in Japan as Metal Mosquito, is a unique shooter that does its own thing, while bringing in familiar elements from other games in the genre. But is that mix enough to warrant giving this game a serious look? Have a listen, and find out!
You can download the episode directly, or stream it on the website, right here:
http://rfgeneration.com/podcasts/shmupclub/?name=2020-05-18_stcc_ep_023_steel_v_ire.mp3
Check us out and subscribe (and rate!) on Apple Podcasts!
https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/shoot-the-core-cast/id1432819542?mt=2
We're listed on Google Play - subscribe and review the podcast over there!
https://play.google.com/music/listen#/ps/Iih3vrijcro4yno3yrkeawnx6nu
We're on Stitcher Podcasts now, as well, so if you use that service, have a listen to the show from there!
https://www.stitcher.com/podcast/shoot-the-corecast
We also have a presence on SoundCloud now, though it's just the most current episode at this time:
https://soundcloud.com/user-992886896/
We have t-shirts! Help support the podcast, and rep the shmup community by buying a Shoot the Core-cast tee - now with Gaiden design!
https://www.redbubble.com/people/jdieckmann/works/34582606-shoot-the-core-cast-podcast?asc=u&p=t-shirt
Check the original thread, to see the discussion and high scores:
http://www.rfgeneration.com/forum/index.php?topic=19284.0
Thank you for listening!
[img width=620 height=398]https://i.redd.it/rbi5hon5djrz.jpg[/img]
There are times when we, as collectors, have too much choice. Times when, despite curating a highly respectable library of games, our shelves are full to the brim. One might say too full, in fact. In those moments, we can be struck by choice paralysis. We have so many games, it becomes harder to decide what to play. Last month, I wrote an article about "evergreen games" that I can go back to at any time. Those are my "go to" games to play, when I otherwise can't decide. What do you do when you've either exhausted those, or you pop a couple of them in, and you're just not feeling it?
Continue reading What If I Can't Decide What To Play?
[img width=500 height=500]http://rfgeneration.com/podcasts/shmupclub/images/2020-04-30_stcc_ep_022_gaiares.jpg[/img]
In Episode 022, Addicted and MetalFRO cover a shooting game from a company that published several, but only ever developed one. The company was Telenet, the shmup was Gaiares. This well-loved classic has its supporters, and its detractors, but frequently comes into the conversation when discussions about the best shooters from the 16-bit era are had. We pick apart the game, and determine why it's still worth playing today.
You can download the episode directly, or stream it on the website, right here:
http://rfgeneration.com/podcasts/shmupclub/?name=2020-04-30_stcc_ep_022_gaiares.mp3
Check us out and subscribe (and rate!) on Apple Podcasts!
https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/shoot-the-core-cast/id1432819542?mt=2
We're listed on Google Play - subscribe and review the podcast over there!
https://play.google.com/music/listen#/ps/Iih3vrijcro4yno3yrkeawnx6nu
We're on Stitcher Podcasts now, as well, so if you use that service, have a listen to the show from there!
https://www.stitcher.com/podcast/shoot-the-corecast
We also have a presence on SoundCloud now, though it's just the most current episode at this time:
https://soundcloud.com/user-992886896/
We have t-shirts! Help support the podcast, and rep the shmup community by buying a Shoot the Core-cast tee - now with Gaiden design!
https://www.redbubble.com/people/jdieckmann/works/34582606-shoot-the-core-cast-podcast?asc=u&p=t-shirt
Check the original thread, to see the discussion and high scores:
http://www.rfgeneration.com/forum/index.php?topic=19266.0
Thanks for listening, for any reviews, ratings, or feedback you offer - it's very much appreciated!
[img width=500 height=366]http://www.quickmeme.com/img/31/31aaa7704cb844fd640d081993c139383a391412a38e76e36e464b010181be94.jpg[/img]
As collectors, we can sometimes fall into the dreaded hole, known as choice paralysis. Whether we collect strictly for the sake of it, or try and curate a small collection of things we want to play, it's bound to happen. Sometimes, you'll walk to a shelf full of games, and no particular mood strikes you, but you have free time, and know you want to play a game. In those situations, you can either try to pick something new, and see if it clicks with you. Other times, you return to an old favorite; an evergreen game, if you will.
Over the years, while I haven't quite built a long list of them, I have identified a few games I can always go back to, no matter what. These are games that I don't tire of. Some of them are very pick up and play, and some of them are not. However, these titles are the kinds of things I can return to, over and over, and immediately get that feeling again, reminding me why I like them so much, and always have a good time. Here are a small handful of my evergreen games.
Continue reading Evergreen Games
[img width=500 height=499]http://rfgeneration.com/podcasts/shmupclub/images/2020-03-21_stcc_ep_021_-_grid_seeker.jpg[/img]
In Episode 021, Addicted and MetalFRO go for an unlikely first entry, among Taito's shooting game canon. Rather than tackling the grandfather of all shooting games, or the company's famous, aquatic-themed franchise, we decided to tackle a lesser-known game from 1992: Grid Seeker. We pick this game apart, and try to figure out what's good about it, and also, why it just misses the mark for us.
Here's the direct link to listen to the podcast on the site, or download the MP3 for later:
http://rfgeneration.com/podcasts/shmupclub/?name=2020-03-21_stcc_ep_021_-_grid_seeker.mp3
Continue reading Shoot the Core-cast Episode 021 - Grid Seeker
[img width=554 height=369]https://www.nintendo.com/content/dam/noa/en_US/hardware/switch/nintendo-switch-new-package/gallery/package_redblue.jpg[/img] Image linked shamelessly from Nintendo.
3 years ago this month, Nintendo released a new console, dubbed the Switch. After all the lead-up to the reveal, and all the "NX" rumors that were flying around, the name was met with some skepticism. As someone who works in Information Technology, "switch" means something entirely different in my world, so it also hit me a little funny, because I thought it might get confusing. That said, I think the name fits, and after the underwhelming performance of the Wii U, Nintendo definitely needed to change their approach. By consolidating their home console and handheld business lines into a single product, they took a huge risk, but at this point, I think it's safe to say it was a gamble well worth taking.
Continue reading The Nintendo Switch 3 Years Out
[img width=500 height=469]http://rfgeneration.com/podcasts/shmupclub/images/2020-02-15_stcc_episode_020_-_ketsui.jpg[/img]
Here's the direct link to listen to the podcast on the site, or download the MP3 for later:
http://rfgeneration.com/podcasts/shmupclub/?name=2020-02-15_stcc_episode_020_-_ketsui.mp3
Check us out and subscribe (and rate!) on Apple Podcasts!
https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/shoot-the-core-cast/id1432819542?mt=2
We're listed on Google Play - subscribe and review the podcast over there!
https://play.google.com/music/listen#/ps/Iih3vrijcro4yno3yrkeawnx6nu
We're on Stitcher Podcasts now, as well, so if you use that service, have a listen to the show from there!
https://www.stitcher.com/podcast/shoot-the-corecast
We also have a presence on SoundCloud now, though it's just the most current episode at this time:
https://soundcloud.com/user-992886896/
Continue reading Shoot the Core-cast Episode 020 - Ketsui
[img width=700 height=350]https://cdn02.nintendo-europe.com/media/images/10_share_images/games_15/wiiu_14/SI_WiiU_XenobladeChroniclesX_image1600w.jpg[/img] Image shamelessly linked from Nintendo UK
I'm not a big RPG guy, but I've enjoyed a few over the years. I always struggle to finish them, once I start, however. Notoriously, I started Final Fantasy VII a number of times, between when I bought it in 1999, and when I finally beat it well over a decade later. I played through the main story of Lunar 2: Eternal Blue Complete on the PlayStation, but my characters weren't leveled up enough to run the gauntlet of the epilogue. A decade plus later, I played through it again on PSP, and finally did just that. And I've started Final Fantasy Legend for GameBoy more than once, intending to finish it. One of these days, I'll actually do that.
I wanted to get Xenoblade Chronicles for the Wii, but slept on the preorder, so I missed out on the special red controller, and a first print run of the game. After that, the price skyrocketed, and I didn't expect to ever be able to play it. Thankfully, GameStop commissioned a second print run, since it was their exclusive, and I was able to obtain one. I didn't get terribly far, but it's a beautiful game with an amazing soundtrack, and I had fun with what I played. When its sequel came out, despite wanting to finish the first game before diving in, I couldn't resist, and bought Xenoblade Chronicles X. I put the original aside, and dove headfirst into the new game, marveling at the amazing graphics, immersive, expansive world, and all the cool stuff the game offered the player. I put about 80 hours into it. Then, the Nintendo Switch dropped.
Continue reading Xenoblade Chronicles X - Final Wii U Masterpiece?
[img width=500 height=455]http://rfgeneration.com/podcasts/shmupclub/images/2020-01-30_stcc_gaiden_ep_002_-_top_5_of_2019.jpg[/img]
We played a lot of games during 2019, and some of them are bound to stand out from the pack. We decided to each rank the top 5 we played during the last year, and briefly discuss why we think these games each stand out to us. Some of our picks overlap, and some do not. Is your favorite shmup from last year on the list? Listen and find out, and then let us know what YOUR favorite shmup was, that you played last year!
Here's the direct link to listen to the podcast on the site, or download the MP3 for later:
http://rfgeneration.com/podcasts/shmupclub/?name=2020-01-30_stcc_gaiden_ep_002_-_top_5_of_2019.mp3
Check us out and subscribe (and rate!) on Apple Podcasts!
https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/shoot-the-core-cast/id1432819542?mt=2
We're listed on Google Play - subscribe and review the podcast over there!
https://play.google.com/music/listen#/ps/Iih3vrijcro4yno3yrkeawnx6nu
We're on Stitcher Podcasts now, as well, so if you use that service, have a listen to the show from there!
https://www.stitcher.com/podcast/shoot-the-corecast
We also have a presence on SoundCloud now, though it's just the most current episode at this time:
https://soundcloud.com/user-992886896/
We have t-shirts! Help support the podcast, and rep the shmup community by buying a Shoot the Core-cast tee - now with Gaiden design!
https://www.redbubble.com/people/jdieckmann/works/34582606-shoot-the-core-cast-podcast?asc=u&p=t-shirt
Thanks for listening, for any reviews, ratings, or feedback you offer - it's very much appreciated!
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Posted on Jan 14th 2020 at 01:00:00 PM by ( MetalFRO) Posted under Otomedius Excellent, Shoot the Corecast, shmup, podcast, STG, shooter, shooting game, Konami, Xbox 360, Parodius, Gradius |
[img width=500 height=488]http://rfgeneration.com/podcasts/shmupclub/images/2020-01-12_stcc_episode_019_otomedius_excellent.jpg[/img]
In Episode 019, Addicted and MetalFRO take a critical look at the Konami shooter, Otomedius Excellent. A spiritual successor to the Parodius series, and heavily inspired by the Gradius games, we dig into what works, what doesn't, and what bothers us about this title, as well as looking at how cultural differences can sometimes affect perception of a game, and its design, throughout the world. We hope you'll enjoy the discussion!
Here's the direct link to listen to the podcast on the site, or download the MP3 for later:
http://rfgeneration.com/podcasts/shmupclub/?name=2020-01-12_stcc_episode_019_otomedius_excellent.mp3
Continue reading Shoot the Core-cast Episode 019 - Otomedius Excellent
[img width=700 height=393]https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/I/81hyAlSYb0L.jpg[/img] Image shamelessly linked from Amazon.
I started a tradition a few years back, where I pick a "new to me" indie game, and play it on New Year's Day, in an attempt to either beat it on day one, or see how far I can get, then continue with that game, until I can beat it. New Year's Day 2015, I played through Shovel Knight, and ended up beating the game in a single day, which I was very pleased with. The following January 1st, I played Freedom Planet, which was a much longer game, and also fairly difficult in spots, so I didn't manage to take it down that day. The following year, I sunk my teeth into Axiom Verge, and while I sort of knew it wouldn't be a one day game, my first time through, I managed to knock it out in just 4 days, and it has since become one of my favorite games of the last decade. Unfortunately, due to moving for a job, I was unable to keep this tradition going in 2018, but January 1st, 2019 heralded the return, with me taking on The Messenger and really enjoying that experience, despite some frustration with the precision platforming, and my own meager skills.
Continue reading Blaster Master Zero Review
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