November 2019
Arcade Fun: Ultratron and Titan Attacks
November 17, 2019 Filed in: Video Games
After a number of lengthy computer games, I wanted something requiring less time commitment. Enter Puppygames and its collection of excellent "neo-retro" arcade games. I've been playing two of their offerings, Ultratron and Titan Attacks. Do I still love arcade games in the style of the old coin-op classics? Absolutely! In fact, a close friend and I recently visited a local arcade to play some vintage video games and pinball machines. I've had as much fun playing these Puppygames titles as I did playing some of the coin-op legends.
Ultratron is a frenetic top-down shooter reminiscent of Robotron: 2084. Using a mouse/keyboard combination certainly provides a different feel than using twin joysticks. However, it didn't take too long to get used to it. By accumulating in-game cash, Ultratron allows you to upgrade various aspects of your battledroid. I always enjoy this aspect of arcade games, which adds a bit of strategy and planning to the mix.
Titan Attacks is Puppygames' modernized take on Space Invaders. It has elements of Galaga as well with diving twisting enemies as well as challenge stages. Like Ultratron, Titan Attacks allows upgrades to your ship. You can improve shields and weaponry. Trying to decide which upgrades to purchase and when greatly adds to the fun. There are five worlds (Earth, Moon, Mars, Saturn, and Titan) of twenty levels each to progress through. Each world ends with a boss battle against a mothership.
These are games I will probably return to again and again, at least until I make it through all of the levels.
Ultratron is a frenetic top-down shooter reminiscent of Robotron: 2084. Using a mouse/keyboard combination certainly provides a different feel than using twin joysticks. However, it didn't take too long to get used to it. By accumulating in-game cash, Ultratron allows you to upgrade various aspects of your battledroid. I always enjoy this aspect of arcade games, which adds a bit of strategy and planning to the mix.
Titan Attacks is Puppygames' modernized take on Space Invaders. It has elements of Galaga as well with diving twisting enemies as well as challenge stages. Like Ultratron, Titan Attacks allows upgrades to your ship. You can improve shields and weaponry. Trying to decide which upgrades to purchase and when greatly adds to the fun. There are five worlds (Earth, Moon, Mars, Saturn, and Titan) of twenty levels each to progress through. Each world ends with a boss battle against a mothership.
These are games I will probably return to again and again, at least until I make it through all of the levels.
Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas
November 12, 2019 Filed in: Video Games
After finishing another baseball season, I started playing Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas. I really enjoyed the previous games in the series, Grand Theft Auto: Vice City and Grand Theft Auto III and expected much of the same with San Andreas. Although I've had quite a bit of fun with it, I must admit it hasn't grabbed me like the other two games did. Perhaps I just need more time with it. However, I suspect the newness of GTA has worn off for me. I am only partway in what looks to be a fairly long game and I may not commit to finishing it.
You play Carl "CJ" Johnson, a former gangster who returns home to Los Santos after he learns his mother was killed. Although I haven't made it out of Los Santos yet, there are two other fictional cities (San Fierro and Las Venturas) that are featured later in the game. Although the gameplay is similar to the other GTA games I played, there are a few new wrinkles. CJ has several attributes that are tracked: fat, muscle, respect, sex appeal, and stamina. He also has skills for various vehicle and weapon types. Some of these are improved through use and experience while others can be explicitly trained. For example, you can go to a gym to improve physical skills.
GTA: San Andreas only allows saves at certain locations, such as your house. Unfortunately as with other games with a similar save system, that can lead to frustration. I replayed a particular mission several times without success. That as much as anything probably sapped my desire to continue playing the game.
Carl "CJ" Johnson
You play Carl "CJ" Johnson, a former gangster who returns home to Los Santos after he learns his mother was killed. Although I haven't made it out of Los Santos yet, there are two other fictional cities (San Fierro and Las Venturas) that are featured later in the game. Although the gameplay is similar to the other GTA games I played, there are a few new wrinkles. CJ has several attributes that are tracked: fat, muscle, respect, sex appeal, and stamina. He also has skills for various vehicle and weapon types. Some of these are improved through use and experience while others can be explicitly trained. For example, you can go to a gym to improve physical skills.
GTA: San Andreas only allows saves at certain locations, such as your house. Unfortunately as with other games with a similar save system, that can lead to frustration. I replayed a particular mission several times without success. That as much as anything probably sapped my desire to continue playing the game.
Carl "CJ" Johnson