My Apologies and Skimpressions

I have been very remiss in updating the blog. Work and life have been incredibly busy. For that, I apologize. I will be rectifying that quite soon, however. Like now.

I'd like to start a new article that will hopefully the start of a series called Skimpressions. Basically, instead of doing a full review, I want to give general impressions of games I've been busying myself with.

First game: Donkey Kong Country Returns

Ok. I'm over halfway through the game. First things first. If you are familiar with the series of Donkey Kong Country games on the SNES, then you'll be right at home. The only difference is that the graphics are fully rendered polygons done in real-time instead of the pre-rendered sprites on the originals. You will get a severe case of deja vu playing this game. It is fitting that it has been developed by Retro Studios since retro is what it is.

Also, this game is hard. Really hard. Like really REALLY hard. It's what I like to call "old school hard". The Wii has really been the home for old school games and remakes. Not only has the Virtual Console been a veritable treasure trove of classic gaming, games like NBA Jam and New Super Bros. Wii completely play like old school games with updated graphics. For a retro-loving geek like me, it is heaven. And we can add DKCR to the list.

I do want to make it clear how HARD this game is. So if you are a newer gamer who is used to tutorials and regenerating health and other such new nonsense that holds your hand through the game, this probably won't be the game for you. You will die. A lot. There will be time that you will totally feel like throwing the controller at the wall (remember to keep the wrist-strap on!).

So in short, if you loved the original Donkey Kong Country games or just love old-school platforming and up to the challenge, you should pick this game up. Well worth your time.

Well, that's it for me. Until next time.