The Hardcore Retro God

Gain Ground (Genesis) - Gameplay Sample 1

Introduced in the arcades in '88, GAIN GROUND involves a simulation system devised by the Federated Government in the year 2348 to instigate the Earthlings' fighting spirit due to the planet's long period of peace depriving them of their war-waging instincts. However, the simulation system's supercomputer goes haywire - resulting in taking a handful of innocent citizens hostage. In response to this, 3 of 20 possible fighters dare to venture through the 6 time-honored civilizations of the GAIN GROUND simulation - Dark Ages / Middle Ages / Pre-Revolutionary China / '80s-'90s Earth / Future / The Final Era - and rescue the POWs while outsmarting & striking down every threatening adversary. This Genesis port was localized for the US by the already-defunct Telenet Japan's Renovation label. #HardcoreRetroGodFTW #GainGround #Athra #Johnny #Betty #General #SegaFTW

Metal Storm (NES) - Gameplay Sample 1

From the minds of Irem & its already-defunct division Tamtex comes an epic, hi-tech journey like no other! Set in 2501 AD, the human-colonized Solar System is under attack by recently-malfunctioned laser weapon within a Pluto defense outpost. Now, a badass gravity-controlling battle mecha is sent out to pursue the defense base and set off its self-destruct system before the malfunctioning laser weapon obliterates the Earth. Its codename: the M308 Gunner! #HardcoreRetroGodFTW #MetalStorm #M308Gunner #IremFTW #RIPTamtex

10th ANNIVERSARY STREAM FOR THE MASSES. (Take II)

Hardcore Retro God, Review #88 - Pilotwings (Super NES)

Another month, another mother____in' Season 8 choice! This time it's on one of Nintendo's flagship franchises that's seen better days throughout its 33-year existence ever since its SNES debut, hence the subject of this weekend's review! For more details on PILOTWINGS, please refer to the first sample I released nearly 3 years ago - http://www.facebook.com/hardcoreretrogod2k14/videos/6023701277640057 NEXT UP: Crack Down & Mission: Impossible! Did I forget to mention this will be also hitting Patreon as well before hitting YouTube (likewise for the next 2 reviews thereafter)? #HardcoreRetroGodFTW #Pilotwings #Tony #Shirley #Lance #BigAl #Skydiving #LightPlane #Rocketbelt #HangGlider #AttackHelicopter #EvilSyndicate

Pilotwings (SNES) - Gameplay Sample 2

After succeeding in the Rocketbelt lesson introduced by Shirley, you have to repeat the Skydiving & Light Plane lessons - except in more difficult variations! Following those, we're greeted by another instructor, LANCE, and his next lesson revolving around the Hang Glider - where you're prompted to ride the thermal current to 500 feet before attempting to make a flawless landing while avoiding every other area besides the pads. #HardcoreRetroGodFTW #Pilotwings #30thAnniversary #Tony #Shirley #Lance #BigAl #Skydiving #LightPlane #Rocketbelt #HangGlider #AttackHelicopter #EvilSyndicate

R-Type Delta [Δ] (PS1) - Gameplay Sample 1

Although I haven't been archiving shmups often - especially those that were all the rage during the 32-bit / 64-bit eras, why not make an exception? Continuing on with the R-Type franchise that kicked off in '87, what we're looking at is the only title ever to hit the PS1 - R-TYPE DELTA, courtesy of the already-defunct Agetec. Not only are there 3 spacecrafts you can control - th R9A2 Delta (a send-up of the original R9), but also the R13A Cerberus and the RX10 Albatross...there's even the Dose Gauge included at the bottom left, allowing for the use of the Delta Attack when fully generated via multiple rapid fire shots. #HardcoreRetroGodFTW #RType #R9A2Delta #RX10Albatross #R13ACerberus #TP2PowArmor #MoritzG #Slugia #Trojan #Collector #TurretRing #Cyst #Bydonaught #Subkeratom #BydoEmpire #IremFTW

Kingdom Hearts: Chain of Memories (GBA) - Gameplay Sample 1

For those that have noticed the cover photo above, in SEASON 9 or 10 I'll be covering the Kingdom Hearts franchise (and if possible, have as much footage provided as necessary). CASE IN POINT: Apart from the 2 PS2 installments, what we're looking at was co-developed alongside Square Enix by Jupiter Corp. (of Picross / Pokémon Pinball / Sonic Pinball Party fame) on the former's behalf in collaboration with DISNEY and their already-defunct Interactive Studios division. Unlike the PS2 offerings, this Game Boy Advance offering from late '04 is set between their respective events. Sora (voiced by Haley Joel Osment in the aforementioned PS2 entries) and his comrades are exploring through Castle Oblivion while clashing with the newly-introduced Organization XIII and the infinitely-materializing HEARTLESS creatures. Despite being heavily criticized upon release, the randomized card-based system is rather unique, and reminiscent of the early Dragon Ball Famicom titles. #HardcoreRetroGodFTW #KingdomHearts #Sora #Riku #Kairi #Donald #Goofy #KingMickey #Heartless #ChainOfMemories #TraverseTown #GummiShip #SquareEnixFTW

Hardcore Retro God, Review #87 - The Karate Kid (NES)

After nearly a month, I'm finally back with another comically-irreverent-albeit-teeming-with-a-truckload-of-mind-blowing-intellingence review! This time, it's on the NES adaptation of the late John G. Avildsen's underdog action-drama spectacle, The Karate Kid in which an often-bullied teen from Newark, NJ learns the sacred martial art from a local Japanese handyman/war veteran in Reseda, which would eventually spawn an epic franchise and a continuing Netflix show, named after the dojo within which the relentless rivals train. As I'm sure many are aware, the NES adaptation is the work of the already-defunct-albeit-often-trashed LJN, in association with Atlus. #HardcoreRetroGodFTW #TheKarateKid #DanielLaRusso #MrMiyagi #Miyagido #JohnnyLawrence #ChozenToguchi #CobraKai #AllValleyTournament #Okinawa #Typhoon #ChopstickFlyCatching #IceBlockChop #SwingingHammer #RIPPatMorita #RIPRobGarrison #RIPJohnGAvildsen #RIPJerryWeintraub #WaxOn #WaxOff #StrikeFirst #StrikeHard #NoMercy #KarateKid40th

Shared in support of Geena Davis & Susan Sarandon! #ThelmaAndLouise #Dickinson #OdetteBalu #Larry #VeronicaQuaife #BarbaraMaitland #ValerieGail #PhyllisPotter #DottieHinson #MorganAdams #SamanthaCaine #CharliBaltimore #EleanorLittle #YorikoSasaki #Sawyer #JanetWeiss #Hattie #ArethaTomalin #JaneSpofford #AnnieSavoy #SandraBoon #NoraBaker #MichaelaOdone #ReggieLove #AbigailMarch #SisterHelenPrejean #MimiSlocumb #BeverlyClark #BeverlyFarley #HollieBaylor #MomRacer

The Karate Kid (NES) - Gameplay Sample 2

Continuing where I left off (more than a year and a half ago), as does LaRusso's Okinawan odyssey... A typhoon has hit the island, rife with birds and twigs... and more of Chozen's punk-ass henchmen can't leave well enough alone, NOR can Sato...at least the hostage girl atop the belltower's safe! But the B.S. doesn't end there, oh f__k no! There's even merciless-as-all-get-out spear masters than can be "drum-punched" into oblivion, in conjunction with falling boulders, on the way to the O-Bon celebration, where Chozen yet again awaits (minus the lantern-crushing zipline sequence). Make sure Kumiko's safe while for the 3rd and final time, setting that douche-nozzle straight! Did I forget to mention Miyagi even arranges a congratulatory speech (which, I imagine, isn't worth a damn even after all that Danny's endured)?! #HardcoreRetroGodFTW #TheKarateKid #DanielLaRusso #MrMiyagi #Miyagido #JohnnyLawrence #ChozenToguchi #CobraKai #AllValleyTournament #Okinawa #Typhoon #ChopstickFlyCatching #IceBlockChop #SwingingHammer #RIPPatMorita #RIPRobGarrison #WaxOn #WaxOff #StrikeFirst #StrikeHard #NoMercy

Dragon Power (NES) - Gameplay Sample 1

In celebration of Akira Toriyama's passing last week, why not release something in his honor? DRAGON POWER (introduced in Japan as Dragon Ball - Mystery of Shenlong in the Fall of '86), by BANDAI NAMCO & TOSE, follows Goku & Bulma (aka Nora) on their quest to round up and gather 4 of the remaining title Dragon Balls (aka Crystal Balls) along with Oolong (aka Pudgy) & Yamcha (aka Lancer) to summon Shenlong while keeping the endless minions of Emperor Pilaf (aka King Minos) at bay, as depicted in the original manga's first 2 volumes. I don't even need to mention there's even a ton of changes applied for the US releases, and even the French & Spanish releases despite the latter 2 retaining most of the Japanese content! There were even a ton of other game adaptations following this, long before GT: Final Bout / Ultimate Battle 22 / Budokai / Tenkaichi / Supersonic Warriors / Xenoverse, and the like! #HardcoreRetroGodFTW #DragonPower #DragonBall #Goku #Bulma #Oolong #Yamcha #Puar #MasterRoshi #Kamehameha #EmperorPilaf #Nora #Pudgy #Lancer #TheHermit #WindWave #CrystalBall #RIPAkiraToriyama

Surf Ninjas (Game Gear) - Gameplay Sample 2

Johnny McQuinn's arduous quest continues as he arrives in Patusan - particularly it's introductory island, swarming with falcons and more ninja henchmen. #HardcoreRetroGodFTW #SurfNinjas #Johnny #Adam #Iggy #Zatch #LtSpence #ColonelChi #KwantzuDudes #RoMay

Rollergames (NES) - Gameplay Sample 1

Released exclusively for the NES in 1990 (as well as in Europe not long after) by Konami through its already-defunct Ultra imprint, RollerGames - based on a short-lived sporting events show, conceived by the combined efforts of the late "Roller Derby Guru" William Griffiths, Sr., with David Sams & Michael Miller - is a 6-stage side-scrolling tempest of torture within which you're in control of one of 3 strong-willed team members from their respective teams (T-Birds / Hot Flash / Rockers) and their efforts to outsmart and topple a shadowy organization by the name of VIPER (Vicious International Punks & Eternal Renegades) who've corrupted 3 other teams and have shanghaied the event commissioner, Emerson 'Skeeter' Bankhead. The 3 rival teams in question are Bad Attitude / Maniacs / Violators, and their respective leaders - "Mizz" Georgia Hase, John "Guru" Drew, and Chuck Skull. There was even an arcade-exclusive adaptation of the show which Konami also put out, but wasn't ported. #HardcoreRetroGodFTW #Rollergames #TBirds #HotFlash #Rockers #BadAttitude #Violators #Maniacs #RIPGeorgiaHase #RIPWilliamGriffithsSr #ChuckSkull #CaptainMeatHook #FishFace #LongLiveKonami #RIPUltraGames

Tiny Toon Adventures 2: Trouble in Wackyland (NES) - Gameplay Sample 1

Also released by Konami for the NES over a year following the original (not counting Cartoon Workshop by the already-defunct Novotrade aka Appaloosa) - and around the same time as, if not long after, Buster Busts Loose & Buster's Hidden Treasure, and mere months before Montana's Movie Madness (as if I'm not up on my history already) and those INFAMOUS Wacky Sports games, GOD FORBID... Trouble in Wackyland centers around the Acme Acres amusement park operated by Montana Max (under the alias of a "Secret Admirer"), and comprised of 5 areas, the first 4 of which must be cleared in order to reach the main Funhouse. In this feature's case: the 'platform-for-one' rollercoaster occupied by Babs and the constant train occupied by Hamton, with a last-minute confrontation against Arnold the Pitbull.

Tiny Toon Adventures 2: Montana's Movie Madness (Game Boy) - Gameplay Sample 1

Released the very next year by Konami, Montana's Movie Madness once again has Buster warping into the variety of "B-grade films" directed by and starring the spoiled rich little prick presented at his own theater, one might add - Western, Japanese, Sci-Fi & Horror (the former 2 of which are showcased). Whenever Buster comes across Gogo Dodo, there's a roulette involving a specific benefit being awarded to Buster upon landing the cursor on any character (EXCEPT DIZZY WHO'LL DEDUCT & DEVOUR 5 CARROTS). There are even 3 post-stage bonus rounds, involving Basketball with Plucky / Tug-of-War against Arnold / Soccer with Furrball. #HardcoreRetroGodFTW #TinyToonAdventures #AcmeAcres #AcmeLooniversity #BusterBunny #BabsBunny #PluckyDuck #HamtonJPig #ShirleyTheLoon #FifiLaFlume #DizzyDevil #Furrball #MontanaMax #Elmyra #ToxicRevenger #ArnoldThePitbull #ConcordCondor #Sneezer #CowboyMax #KabukiMax #CyberMax #FrankenMax #LongLiveKonami

Tiny Toon Adventures: Babs' Big Break (Game Boy) - Gameplay Sample 1

[CONTENT WARNING] A slight graphical edit error had to be fixed, which I regretfully overlooked! ONCE AGAIN... In this Game Boy-exclusive platformer based on Spielberg's iconic (yet-short-lived) Looney Tunes-inspired animated series, Babs' acting dream comes to fruition - while Buster, Plucky & Hamton attempt to catch up with her along the way to the Acme Theater. However, Montana Max intends to buy up the place... Not if the 3 can help it! Stages showcased - Acme Acres / Acme Looniversity and its cafeteria (featuring Dizzy Devil); the big city and its sewer system (featuring Furrball & Arnold the Pitbull). #HardcoreRetroGodFTW #TinyToonAdventures #AcmeAcres #AcmeLooniversity #BusterBunny #BabsBunny #PluckyDuck #HamtonJPig #ShirleyTheLoon #FifiLaFlume #DizzyDevil #Furrball #MontanaMax #Elmyra #ToxicRevenger #ArnoldThePitbull #LongLiveKonami #LivingKnight

Adventures of Tom Sawyer (NES) - Gameplay Sample 1

Inspired by the late Mark Twain's novel, Adventures of Tom Sawyer by the already-defunct Seta (Bio Force Ape / 8Eyes / Wizard of Oz) & WinkySoft (Super Robot Taisen) puts you in control of the 1800s Missouri kid traversing through numerous unrelenting scenes in order to save his crush Becky Thatcher from Injun Joe. The first 2 areas involve Tom on a pirate ship (despite that stage being the 5th in the original Japanese version) and a top-view autoscrolling raft-sail through a raging river, ending with confrontations against a giant octopus and crocodile, respectively. #HardcoreRetroGodFTW #TomSawyer #HuckleberryFinn #BeckyThatcher #InjunJoe #RIPSeta #RIPWinkySoft #RIPMarkTwain

Truxton (Genesis) - Gameplay Sample 1

Originated in '88 by the already-defunct Toaplan (Hellfire / Twin Cobra / Slap Fight / Zero Wing) alongside Taito, TRUXTON (aka Tatsujin) puts you in control of a futuristic super fighter ship piloted by Tatsuo on a pursuit for the planet Borogo in a last-ditch effort to overthrow the invading Gidan forces led by Dogurava. #HardcoreRetroGodFTW #Truxton #SuperFighterShip #Tatsuo #Gidans #Dogurava #Borogo #RIPToaplan #WelcoMetotHenexTlevel

Battle Mania Daiginjo [Trouble Shooter 2] (Mega Drive) - Gameplay Sample 1

Continuing from where the previous Trouble Shooter (Battle Mania) left off, Blackball (aka Morgstein) has been resurrected out of nowhere by the assassin cult Kikokukyou, with the intent of transplanting Madison's trigger-happy mind into their Kikoku Tank's main computer. Not if she and Crystal can help it that is; as they're out to foil said plot and put Kikokusai, the cult's leader, in his place! Before I forget, this is considered to be one of the Mega Drive's (Genesis') most expensive titles to date. #HardcoreRetroGodFTW #TroubleShooter #BattleMania #Madison #Crystal #ManiaOhtorii #MariaHaneda #BlackBall #Morgstein #Kikokusai #Kikokukyou #KikokuTank #VicTokaiFTW

Taz in Escape From Mars (Genesis) - Gameplay Sample 1

2 years later, who could've guessed?! - a sequel has spawned, thanks to the already-defunct Headgames on Sega's behalf, and NOT Recreation Brainware... After being abducted by Marvin the Martian, Taz begins his quest, as the subtitle suggests, in his so-called ESCAPE FROM MARS, complete with other off-world field trips to Moleworld, Planet X, Mexico & a random Transylvanian Haunted Castle back on Earth, and lastly Marvin's House! #HardcoreRetroGodFTW #TazMania #EscapeFromMars #MarvinMartian #MoleWorld #PlanetX #Mexico #HauntedCastle #MarvinsHouse #GenesisDoesWhatNintenDONT #WelcoMetotHenexTlevel