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Reason 2: Why 80s Games Are Still Great

As mentioned before the 80s was the beginning if not the birth of video games. It was the era when gaming first entered the mainstream, with the explosion of arcade gaming and the rise of home consoles. One of the more memorable reasons why they are still great is because those games played back in the 80s are still being played today, and just just as remakes or sequels, but also winning awards in the process. This brings me to the memorable characters and their worlds.

Memorable characters and worlds

Another key factor in the success of 80s games was their memorable characters and worlds. From Mario and Luigi to Sonic the Hedgehog to the cast of Street Fighter, these games created iconic characters that players could connect with and root for. The games were also set in richly detailed worlds that felt alive and immersive, from the haunted mansions of Ghosts ‘n Goblins to the post-apocalyptic wasteland of Mad Max. We can not forget about the great Legend of Zelda franchise. Those that know this game know they are about to play a beautiful game, either from the past or now, and more in the coming future. I for one will be one of those gamers that will continue to play Legend of Zelda games. Nintendo you’ve done a stellar job and keeping me coming back for more and giving you more of my money. Keep it classy everyone!

Let us know what you think about reason 2 of 80s games, in the comments. Don’t forget to subscribe/follow us on our social media platforms (instagram, Youtube, Twitch, etc) @unsunggamers. Until next time we are the Unsung Gamers, saving the world one game at a time!

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Death Note Part 2

Welcome back to Part 2. Before I begin SPOILERS! I will be discussing the plot, twists, and ending of this great anime.

Where we left off in part 1, the premise of the show revolves around a high school student named Light Yagami who discovers a supernatural notebook that allows him to kill anyone whose name he writes in it. Light sees himself as a moral crusader, using the Death Note to rid the world of criminals and create a utopia where crime no longer exists. However, as he continues to use the Death Note, Light’s sense of justice becomes increasingly twisted, and he begins to see himself as a god-like figure with the power to decide who lives and dies. This comes into question early on, as police in the show or justice trys to stop him or his alter ego you can say named Kira. At this point he writes those who try to capture him names into the notebook.

The show also introduces a second main character, a mysterious detective known only as L, who is tasked with finding and stopping Light. L’s methods are unorthodox, and he is willing to use any means necessary to catch Light, including manipulating and deceiving others. He is almost the exact opposite of Light, except he has to figure out everything and needs to, to bring Kira to justice. Things get even more complicated for L once a second Kira pops up that turns out to be Micasa, a model and a loyalist to the real Kira, Light Yagami. The two team up to stop L finding out who they are.

During the anime, L comes close and at times knows Light is Kira, but has no hard evidence to prove it. It’s a great chess match of mind games as they both try to stay ahead of each other. Light from being captured, and can’t use the book to kill him since “L” Light believes is not his real name. I loved how when Light tells Ryuk to take away his notebook and in doing so he forgets everything about the notebook and what he has done with it. You see Light become this innocent person, never wanting to bend any rules, and at one point L tries to convince Light to use his advantage over Micasa (who L also thinks is the other Kira) to keep her close. But Light says he does not feel morally right about doing that. However later in the anime he does that exact thing to two women, once he gets his memory back.

This made me thing about how “power” of any kind, money, influence to get followers, authority, or a book that gives you the power to kill anyone, changes the person and lets that “power” get into their head, or does this power amplify the person you are already?

The conflict between Light and L raises questions about the morality of using extreme methods to achieve a goal, as well as the nature of justice and who has the right to determine it. The show also explores themes of power and corruption, as Light’s increasing reliance on the Death Note leads him down a dark path.

The series caught me off guard when L died, and leaving Light to continue his what he believed was his moral duty. For the next 6 years it says in the this world of Death Note crime has gone down almost 70% around the world. Everyone on the planet knows the name Kira, to a point it looks like there is a religion that follows him. In these 6 years Kira continues to kill criminals. This made me think about what about those criminals who may have been wrongfully arrested, or framed. Did those folks need to die? But who would judge that, Kira? I’m sure justice systems around the world would arrest those they have proof should be jailed, but nothing is perfect. Then there was a part where folks could post a post on the internet and if it caught Kira attention he would act on it. Yeah the crime rate dropped by 70%, and there is a cost. I guess if we had that choice would you be okay with that. Or as Spock says “Logic clearly dictates that the needs of the many outweigh the needs of the few.” Would this be one of those situations?

All these thoughts come to mind and I’m sure I’m forgetting a few, but then we forward to the end when L’s next to take his place come into play. They find out L has died and two students of L step to see who ever solves the mystery of Kira takes L’s place. Those two characters are Near and Mello. Both smart individuals, and use their intellect and daring moves to capture Kira. Both already suspect Light Yagami as Kira, but again no proof.

Fast forward to the end it takes both Near and Tello to bring down Kira in his own ‘being a step ahead’ game. Not only do they get a confession, but they get evidence, witnesses, and humbles Light Yagami and brings him back down to earth. The option then comes down to kill Light Yagami or bring in to justice. When this scene plays out, you have to stop and think about how much influence the Kira character has and if taken to jail how big of a riot or mutiny or revolution the people who follow Kira would do to save him. Even if he did commit murder, killed anyone and everyone who was in his way, and put people in danger no matter the cost to protect his secret. One of those instances was the death of his father. One can debate keeping him alive could be a risk, but in the end its Justice that will decide his faith and Near and his team should bring him. At least that’s what I thought would happen instead Light with his last resort tries to kill everyone with a piece of the death note, but is shot by one of Light’s own team members. The end was sad, tragic, but with closure.

I think I can write more and more and I’m sure there are some parts that I am missing that I want to bring up, if anything maybe we can dedicate a podcast episode to this show. It’s definitely worth another watch, and is on my top list of great anime’s. With this one being a 37 episode series, this has to be the greatest short series Anime ever. I haven’t seen ALL anime, so as of right now this one is on that list for me.

Overall, Death Note challenges the viewer to consider complex moral and ethical questions in a compelling and thought-provoking way. The show is well-written and well-paced, and it encourages the viewer to engage with its themes in a way that few other anime or TV shows can match. Highly recommended if you haven’t watched it, even with these spoilers its still worth the watch.

Let us know what you think about the Death Note in the comments. Don’t forget to subscribe/follow us on our social media platforms @unsunggamers. Until next time we are the Unsung Gamers, saving the world one game at a time!

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Reason 1: Why 80s Games Are Still Great

There are several reasons or some could say infinite reasons if you’re from the 80s [points finger at self]. I’d like to just start with reason 1 of many to come.

The video game industry as we know it today was born in the 80s. Many of the games from this era are important milestones in the history of video games, and playing them is a way to experience gaming history firsthand.

Old video games from the 80s still hold up today due to their nostalgic value, simple yet challenging gameplay, innovative mechanics, timelessness, and historical significance. These classic games continue to be enjoyed by new generations of gamers, and are a testament to the enduring appeal of video games.

Let us know what you think about reason 1 of 80s games, in the comments. Don’t forget to subscribe/follow us on our social media platforms @unsunggamers. Until next time we are the Unsung Gamers, saving the world one game at a time!

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Celeste Review

An inspirational Climb

It is a known fact that I’m late to the indie games genre. It never really peaked my interest, always though they were low budget and low quality games. Little bit at a time I’ve given indie game a chance. Which is the subject of today’s review with Celeste. Without giving too much of the story, you take on the role of Madeleine, a young woman with a mission, to climb Celeste Mountain. In the beginning you’re told about how high the mountain is and how it’s useless to try, having no experience in mountain climbing. That does not deter Madeleine’s resolve, she’s willing to see this through. Madeleine is a special kind of person and player, she’s open about her doubt about climbing Celeste Mountain and her anxiety on meeting new people. The gameplay is also where the game shines, a trial and error style of gameplay, quick reloads definitely keeps your pace high on this adventure. A pure and precise plat-former, with a double jump like ability, a little mistake could cause you to reload to the nearest checkpoint. There are plenty of collectibles to collect with the Strawberries being one I would recommend acquiring when you can. Accompanying you on your journey is an excellent soundtrack, keeping the journey on a high note. Celeste is an incredible tale I didn’t think I could relate to so clearly and compassionately. Celeste is a landmark on what a game should do to you when you play it, have an emotional connection to it. And now more than ever, I’m finally a fan of indie games thanks to Celeste.

Unsung Gamers Score – 9

Reviewed by: ShadowAlchemistX

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Silent Hill 2 Review

Revisiting a Classic.

It has been over 20 years since Silent Hill 2 original release date back 2001. I just so happen to come across this game at Game Crazy, which are now all gone. I saw it and looked at the back of the game box and was intrigued by what I read. Our protagonist James Sunderland‘s life is shattered when his beloved wife Mary passes away. Three years later James receives a mysterious letter from his late wife Mary, beckoning him to return to their special place, Silent Hill. This alone was enough for me to pick it up, and ever since, has been one of my favorite games. Twenty years later and this story is still great to experience again. You are given a map and free to explore where you can go, the game does not help you too much. It’s up to you to find your way and to figure out the complex puzzles your will encounter on your journey. Graphically, yes, it has aged but incredibly it holds up remarkably well. Gameplay holds up mostly well enough, some of the camera angels may get annoying but the atmosphere of the game eases this issue. The sound design for Silent Hill 2, is still creepy all these years later. With the incredible soundtrack by the legendary Akira Yamaoka, compliments every cutscene and environment you’ll encounter. Developer Team Silent really outdid themselves and should be remembered for doing so. I honestly thought replaying a twenty year old game would have been tough, but Silent Hill 2 is an example of a game that transcends generation after generation in gaming. To this day, now, I do recommend playing Silent Hill 2, especially if it’s your first time.

Unsung Gamers Score – 10

Reviewed by: ShadowAlchemistX

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Bloodstained: Ritual of the Night Review

A True Symphony

Bloodstained: Ritual of the Night is a reminder of an old school Castlevania, times have changed but a formula that still holds up. Koji Igarashi may not be a name people will recognize but for gamers it does. Since 1997 he’s worked on most if not all 2D side scrolling Castlevania games, starting with the legendary Symphony of the Night. So here we are, nearly 2 decades later and with the help of fans, backed by a Kickstarter campaign, we now have a continuation of that formula, in Bloodstained: Ritual of the Night. Bloodstained takes place in the 19th century of England, during the Industrial Revolution. Taking the role in protagonist named Miriam, a shardbinder, a being capable of using demonically charged shards as a weapon. Without giving away too much, just know, you’ll have your reasons for your journey. Bloodstained plays like a classic Castlevania game, in which, as you explore your area, more and more of your map is revealed. Explore and you’ll be rewarded approach is always welcomed, on top of an addiction combat experience. As you destroy demons, you’ll have a chance to absorb their shard and use it as a weapon or buff to Miriam. Also you can upgrade each different shard, adding different upgrades per shard. On top of collection and upgrading, each enemy you kill add experience points to Miriam, in which each level she’ll get stronger. Sound design and musical score are great in Bloodstained, lead by Michiru Yamame, a musical gaming veteran, having also worked on Castlevania games as well. Its safe to say I had a lot of fun revisiting and old formula that works even better by today’s standard. If you’re curious about playing Bloodstained, I would definitely recommend checking it out, it’s worth your time.

Unsung Gamers Score – 9

Review by: ShadowAlchemistX

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Assassin’s Creed Unity Review

A Return to Form

Now before I start I’m not knocking the new editions of the Assassin’s Creed series. There was a shift when Odyssey was released, Ubisoft essentially ditched the Assassins story all together, mostly. That’s what intrigues me to Unity, the only entry I have yet to play, until now. Assassin’s Creed Unity follows the story or Arno Dorian, trying to find out more about his family, while also solving the mystery behind his adoptive father’s death. If you happened to have played Assassin’s Creed Rogue, Unity follows directly from that entry. Right away Arno Dorian is a very likable protagonist, a young man whose more about living in the moment. That is until his journey in with the Assassins change everything. Unity, to this day, still holds up incredibly well, even by 2022 standards. Ubisoft Montreal really outdid themselves with the attention to detailed, in a very great looking Paris, France. I know at launch Unity was full of bugs and broken gameplay, which I can confirm, is, for the most part, fixed. The parkour is the best in the franchise, Aaron’s movement from running, climbing and jumping across Paris, is so fluid, in a single motion of movement. Combat I would say definitely shows it’s age. While not completely dull, it is slow. Having said that, the game is based around stealth and not straight on combat. It’s not going to be the best game you’ve never played but it’s a testament of what the series was, before it became what it is today. I do recommend checking it out if you have a chance, these days it’s on sale a lot of the time.

Unsung Gamers Score – 7

Reviewed by: ShadowAlchemistX

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The Messenger Review

Being a ninja has never been so much fun. Considering The Messenger plays like an old school Ninja Gaiden game, and that’s definitely saying something. The Messenger plays like a classic NES game from the days of old. The story plays out in its classic form, big bad guy destroys everything and the only thing to save the world is in a scroll. So, of course, it’s up to you to deliver that scroll in The Messenger. Gameplay stands out as one of the most precise action platform games out there, with a unique jump mechanic to set it apart from other games. This is accompanied by an incredible soundtrack, each level has its own musical track, personally like by Keiji Yamagishi himself, the composer for the original Ninja Gaiden games. From beginning to end The Messenger kept me entertained at a reasonable length for a game of its kind (about 8 hours). Considering it retails usually for $20 I would still wait for a sale to grab it.

Unsung Gamers Score: 9

Review by: ShadowAlchemistX

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Shadow Warrior 3 Review

Shadow Warrior 3 is one of those games that say “F’ It” with style. The game right from the beginning knows it’s in an outrageous scenario and rolls with it, with an overtop one lining hero in Lo Wang leading the charge to save the world. Taking place some time after Shadow Warrior 2, Lo Wang finds himself against incredible odds and has almost given into just letting go. The ones who change his mind are ironically his enemies from the past games, now with an unlikely, yet, comedic team up, Lo Wang sets off to kill The Ancient Dragon that’s destroyed the world. The game is entirely set in a first person shooter perspective, with fast gameplay that rivals the Doom series. Although the weapon count is lowered from previous installments, it also gives the ones you have more spotlight time. From the beginning, the game refuses to slow down, when you do it’s only for cutscenes with plenty of laughing dialogue. Also this game encourages you to play quick, taking your time in combat is a quick way to your death. Having said that, Shadow Warrior 3 lacks side quests, like the previous game, that would reward you with XP and better weapons. It should also be said that Shadow Warrior 3, is definitely on the shorter side of any game, my runtime was just over 4 hours. At it’s current price, I would recommend you wait for a deep/flash sale for Shadow Warrior 3, for a 4 hour campaign, I can’t recommend the game at full price. All in all the game itself is still fun and should definitely be on your list.

Unsung Gamers Score – 7 out of 10

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Dear PlayStation

By: PhantomRicon

@playstation, the best console since 1995! I look forward to the PS5! You’ve been there for me since high school, college, my move to a new city, keeping me in touch with my friends and family playing online even to this date. You made smart moves such as adopting Blu-Ray, your controller design, and having the BEST exclusive games ever. Now my family uses it too to now watch their shows and stream movies. I look forward to the release of the PlayStation 5, and continue to be a loyal costumer. #thankYouPlaystation #playstation #PS1 #PS2 #PS3 #PS4 #PS5ComingSoon #sony #red #psController #fanArt #game #gameArt #adobe #illustrator #playstationPlusAwesomeToo

That was a post I posted back in 2020. 2 years later I know have been lucky enough to grab a hold of the legendary mythical machine the PS5. The story of how I got it you can listen on our podcast that just came out. (Links in the home page). There is more to the story but I was able to win it during a school silent auction

Now that I have it I know I’ll be enjoying and will be have my entertainment at home taken care of by PlayStation system and the future games it will have. Already the controller, speed and graphics look great. My first game I’ll will be playing on the PS5 will be Elden ring. Once again thank you Sony PlayStation. I look forward to the new games and possible new additions or updates that may come for the PS5.