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New 1/4 Scale Space Invaders Mini Arcades Review – Gamester81

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Gamester81 reviews the new mini 1/4 scale Space Invaders arcades by Numskull. This includes both Space Invaders and Space Invaders Part II aka Space Invaders Deluxe. My Space Invaders arcade is signed by the creator Tomohiro Nishikado.

More info about them can be found here: https://numskull.com/quarter-arcades/

“Space Invaders” holds immense significance in the history of video games as a groundbreaking arcade game that revolutionized the industry. Launched in 1978, it was one of the earliest shooting games, establishing many conventions and tropes still present in gaming today. Its simple yet challenging gameplay, coupled with its iconic pixelated alien enemies descending in waves, captured the public’s imagination and popularized the concept of high scores, fostering competitive gaming culture. Its success helped establish video games as a viable entertainment medium, contributing to the growth of arcades and the gaming industry at large, laying the foundation for future game design and influencing countless titles that followed. Its cultural impact endures, making it a timeless classic that remains an essential milestone in gaming history.

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Hyper Sentinel for the Nintendo Switch Game Review – Gamester81

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I check out a cool shmup for the Nintendo Switch called Hyper Sentinel.

Here are some of the best-selling Nintendo Switch games:

  1. Mario Kart 8 Deluxe: This racing game has been incredibly popular since its release and is a must-have for many Switch owners.
  2. Animal Crossing: New Horizons: The peaceful life simulation game where players create their own island paradise has sold exceptionally well, especially during the pandemic.
  3. Super Smash Bros. Ultimate: A crossover fighting game featuring a vast array of Nintendo characters and others from different franchises.
  4. The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild: This open-world adventure game received widespread critical acclaim for its exploration and innovation.
  5. Pokémon Sword and Shield: The first mainline Pokémon games on the Switch, which introduced players to the Galar region and new Pokémon.
  6. Super Mario Odyssey: Mario’s 3D platformer where players explore various worlds in an attempt to rescue Princess Peach.
  7. Super Mario Party: A multiplayer party game that offers a variety of mini-games and entertainment for friends and family.
  8. Splatoon 2: A colorful and action-packed game where players control characters known as Inklings and engage in turf wars.
  9. New Super Mario Bros. U Deluxe: A side-scrolling platformer featuring classic Mario gameplay with new levels and challenges.
  10. Luigi’s Mansion 3: Luigi’s ghost-hunting adventure in a haunted hotel, combining puzzle-solving with exploration.

Keep in mind that rankings can vary based on the time frame and region, but these titles have consistently performed well in sales.

Featured, System Reviews

Analogue Duo Review – is this $250 TurboGrafx-16 clone worth it?!

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Review of the Analogue Duo, a TurboGrafx-16 / PC Engine FPGA based clone system. But is it worth the $250?
Info: https://www.analogue.co

The TurboGrafx-16, released by NEC in 1987, was a pioneering 16-bit video game console that brought about significant advancements in gaming technology. Known as the PC Engine in Japan, it boasted a sleek design and was notably smaller than its contemporaries. Its defining feature was its graphics and sound capabilities, offering impressive performance for its time. The console introduced a range of colorful and visually engaging games, showcasing the power of its hardware, especially in the realm of 2D gaming. It also had a unique add-on called the TurboGrafx-CD, one of the earliest CD-ROM peripheral attachments for a console, expanding its library with CD-based games and enhanced audio.

Despite its technical advancements and innovative add-ons, the TurboGrafx-16 faced tough competition in the gaming market, primarily from Nintendo and Sega. Limited third-party support and a smaller game library compared to its rivals hindered its widespread success. However, it garnered a cult following due to its unique games, such as “Bonk’s Adventure” and “Ys Book I & II,” which remain fondly remembered by retro gaming enthusiasts. While it didn’t dominate the market, the TurboGrafx-16 remains an essential piece of gaming history, remembered for its technological innovations and contributions to the evolution of gaming consoles.

Music

Album Review: Blood Lightning ‘Blood Lightning’ (heavy metal)

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Join Pete Pardo for a review of the delf-titled debut album from Boston based metal act Blood Lightning.

Speaking of heavy metal…

The 1980s was a golden era for heavy metal, birthing many iconic albums. Here’s a list of ten influential albums from that decade:

  1. Metallica – “Master of Puppets” (1986): A defining album not just for Metallica but for the entire thrash metal genre.
  2. Iron Maiden – “The Number of the Beast” (1982): This album propelled Iron Maiden into international stardom with its powerful anthems.
  3. Judas Priest – “British Steel” (1980): Known for its iconic tracks like “Breaking the Law” and “Living After Midnight,” it’s a classic of the era.
  4. Slayer – “Reign in Blood” (1986): An intense and aggressive record that solidified Slayer as one of the founding bands of extreme metal.
  5. Black Sabbath – “Heaven and Hell” (1980): With the addition of Ronnie James Dio, Black Sabbath crafted an album that reinvigorated their sound.
  6. Motörhead – “Ace of Spades” (1980): A high-octane, fast-paced record that epitomizes Motörhead’s unique brand of heavy metal.
  7. Megadeth – “Peace Sells… but Who’s Buying?” (1986): Featuring complex riffs and politically charged lyrics, it’s a cornerstone of thrash metal.
  8. Dio – “Holy Diver” (1983): Ronnie James Dio’s debut solo album that became an instant classic with its powerful vocals and memorable songs.
  9. Ozzy Osbourne – “Blizzard of Ozz” (1980): Ozzy’s first solo release, showcasing Randy Rhoads’ exceptional guitar work.
  10. Anthrax – “Among the Living” (1987): An influential album in the thrash metal scene, characterized by fast-paced, aggressive tracks.

These albums not only defined the era but continue to influence and inspire heavy metal artists to this day.

Featured, Travel

$100 Challenge at Portland Retro Gaming Expo + PICKUPS!

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Metal Jesus & Drunken Master Paul are at Portland Retro Gaming Expo w/ $100 each to buy 3 great games PLUS collectables. Who do YOU think had the better pickups at Portland Retro Gaming Expo?

Portland, Oregon, is a vibrant city nestled in the Pacific Northwest known for its eclectic culture, lush greenery, and laid-back atmosphere. With a backdrop of the snow-capped Cascade Mountains and the nearby Columbia River Gorge, Portland boasts a rich tapestry of diverse neighborhoods, each with its own distinct character and charm. Renowned for its commitment to sustainability, the city embraces a thriving food scene highlighted by farm-to-table dining, a plethora of food carts offering global cuisines, and a fervent craft beer and coffee culture. Artistic expression flourishes in Portland, evident through its numerous galleries, street murals, and the iconic Portlandia statue. The city’s love for the outdoors is evident with its extensive network of parks, bike-friendly streets, and proximity to hiking trails and scenic vistas, making it a haven for outdoor enthusiasts. Yet, Portland also grapples with challenges such as homelessness and urban development, which add complexity to its dynamic identity. Overall, Portland captures a blend of natural beauty, creativity, and a unique sense of community that draws both locals and visitors alike.

Metal Jesus Likes

How Cyberpunk 2077 Changed CD PROJEKT RED

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What does the redemption of Cyberpunk 2077 actually look like? In this documentary, GameSpot follows developer CD PROJEKT RED as they launch Cyberpunk’s latest expansion, Phantom Liberty.

CD PROJEKT RED stands as a renowned game development powerhouse, recognized for their commitment to crafting immersive, narrative-driven experiences that redefine the gaming landscape. Founded in Poland, this visionary studio has garnered global acclaim for their groundbreaking work on “The Witcher” series, where they transformed Andrzej Sapkowski’s novels into an expansive, richly detailed universe, setting new standards for storytelling in gaming. Their dedication to player choice and impactful narratives reached new heights with “Cyberpunk 2077,” the popular open-world RPG. CD PROJEKT RED’s commitment to innovation, attention to detail, and a fervent devotion to their community solidifies their position as a pioneering force in the gaming industry, continually pushing boundaries and inspiring gamers worldwide.

Music, Metal Jesus Likes

DIAMANTE – 1987 (Official Video)

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Official music video for ‘”1987″ by DIAMANTE

DIAMANTE is a powerhouse of raw energy and unapologetic rock charisma, fronted by the magnetic and fiercely talented vocalist Diamante Azzura. Hailing from Boston and raised in Los Angeles, this hard rock outfit combines infectious melodies with hard-hitting guitar riffs and anthemic choruses, creating a sonic landscape that fuses the rebellious spirit of punk with the unbridled energy of modern rock. Diamante’s distinctive vocals effortlessly shift from soulful croons to impassioned screams, injecting each song with a blend of vulnerability and unyielding strength. Their electrifying stage presence and lyrical depth draw audiences into a world where empowerment, heartache, and resilience collide, solidifying DIAMANTE as a rising force in the contemporary rock scene.

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It’s here! Grand Theft Auto VI Trailer 1 (PS5 / Xbox Series S/X)

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Alright…we gotta talk about the Grand Theft Auto VI trailer! First Impressions: I love that we’re going back to Vice City but in modern times. Also the crazy amount of crowd and street detail is insane. It definitely looks next gen. And the use of Tom Petty in the trailer was PERFECT! What did you think?

The Grand Theft Auto (GTA) series stands as a monumental and influential franchise in the world of gaming. Developed by Rockstar Games, it revolutionized the open-world gaming genre by offering players unprecedented freedom and a sprawling environment to explore. Beginning with its debut in 1997, the series has evolved through multiple iterations, each pushing boundaries in storytelling, gameplay mechanics, and cultural commentary. GTA games typically center around protagonists navigating their way through a criminal underworld, engaging in missions, heists, and a variety of activities in a vast, meticulously crafted urban landscape. The games often feature a blend of action, driving, shooting, and exploration, all set within immersive and detailed cities inspired by real-life locations.

What sets GTA apart is its ability to create living, breathing worlds that feel almost like alternate realities. From the neon-soaked Vice City to the gritty streets of Liberty City and the sprawling landscapes of San Andreas, each installment introduces a unique setting filled with diverse characters, satire, and social commentary. The series has courted controversy for its mature themes and depictions of violence, yet it remains a cultural touchstone, celebrated for its innovation, humor, and the sheer scope of its gameplay experience. GTA continues to captivate players worldwide, leaving an indelible mark on gaming history.

Travel

Evercade Panel at PRGE 2023 Portland Retro Gaming (Sean Cleaver, MetalJesusRocks, John Hancock & John Riggs)

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Sean Cleaver, MetalJesusRocks, John Hancock and John Riggs look at the Evercade, the variety of games, the rebirth of classic cartridge gaming, bringing back arcades and home computers, and the future of the ecosystem. This panel was recorded at the Portland Retro Gaming Expo Oct 13-15, 2023 in Portland, Oregon.

The Portland Retro Gaming Expo is an electrifying celebration of gaming nostalgia, drawing in enthusiasts and gamers alike from across the globe. Nestled in the heart of Portland, this annual extravaganza transforms the Oregon Convention Center into a haven for all things retro gaming. From classic arcade machines blinking in neon splendor to rows of vintage consoles displaying timeless favorites, the expo pulsates with an infectious energy, rekindling memories of bygone gaming eras. Attendees immerse themselves in a vibrant tapestry of tournaments, panels featuring industry veterans, and a bustling expo floor teeming with rare collectibles, merchandise, and passionate gamers swapping stories. The camaraderie among attendees, united by their love for retro games, fosters an atmosphere brimming with nostalgia, making the Portland Retro Gaming Expo an unmissable pilgrimage for gaming aficionados.
Metal Jesus Likes

Top 5 Worst Decisions in Cyberpunk 2077 – Phantom Liberty

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Despite mostly sporting a plethora of morally grey choices. Here are some decisions in Phantom Liberty that can turn out pretty bad!

Cyberpunk 2077 paints a vivid and sprawling picture of a dystopian future where the boundary between humanity and technology has blurred beyond recognition. Set in Night City, a vibrant yet dark metropolis, the game unfolds in a world dominated by mega-corporations, where power, greed, and advanced technology collide. Cybernetic enhancements are the norm, offering individuals a chance to augment their bodies with cyberware for both survival and status. Neon-soaked streets pulsate with a mix of cultures, from the opulent skyscrapers of the elite to the seedy underbelly where gangs rule and desperation lingers. The game’s narrative weaves a complex web of intrigue, moral ambiguity, and the quest for power, all against the backdrop of a society teetering on the edge of chaos and control.