New
Spider-Man: Miles Morales by Insomniac [PS5]
I don't have a PS5, but '$19' was too cheap to pass up. No opinion as of now, naturally.
Jurassic Park by Ocean of America [SNES]
Untouched by human hands for the past 30 years, this was 'new old stock' from a small store in De Haan, Belgium. The original price sticker was still attached, with the currency in Belgian Francs (replaced by the euro in 2002!). 'I'm not giving any discounts!', the old man behind the counter said. 'I'd just as soon throw them in the sea!'
As such, the game cost a whopping € 86.50 ($94.13). This game was a gift from my spouse. Thanks! And sorry for the ludicrous price. Made a short video on the subject: YouTube
TMNT: The Cowabunga Collection by Digital Eclipse [Switch]
Thirteen classic games featuring the heroes in a half shell. I've only played a few of these back in the day (mainly the GB ones), so there's a lot of value on a very small cartridge. Tubular! Bodacious! Gnarly! And more! This was a birthday gift.
Secondhand
Mario Tennis by Camelot Software Planning [N64]
A Japanese cartridge, but the gameplay is mostly in English. Just € 4.89 via the trusty Kevin 'LaserDisc maestro' Kobos (plus € 6.00 FedEx shipping), so a great bargain for a complete, boxed copy including the paper manual. This game introduced the world to Waluigi, the rogueish scamp who has become one of my favourite Nintendo characters. Made a short video on the subject: YouTube
Motorstorm by Evolution Studios [PS3]
A launch game for the PlayStation 3. I remember seeing looping game footage in our local Sony store back in the year 2007, and being extremely impressed by the (then) lifelike realism. Had been wanting to sample it ever since. Just € 2 for a copy (thanks for the thrift shop find, Thomas!) Have only conquered the first level/course so far. It's a lot more difficult than I imagined. This is an expert's racing game, with serious difficulty right our of the gate.
Jurassic Park by Ocean of America [SNES]
The same game as above, but a loose cart. Why, you ask? Why did I buy the same game twice in the same year? When you have a minty-fresh, 30 year old copy in your collection, would you open it and play with it? You'd keep it minty, right? Right? I need a doctor.
Super Mario Land 2 by Nintendo R&D1 [GB]
Another Kevin Kobos pick-up for a mere € 10. Great, great stuff. Played this quite a few times in the 90s, but never had my own copy.
Super Mario Odyssey by Nintendo EPD [Switch]
A birthday present from my nephew. Have been playing (Super) Mario games since 1992, but Mario Odyssey is the first one that brought a tear to my eye. It's quite the emotional ride.
Disney Classic Games Aladdin/The Lion King by Digital Eclipse [Switch]
Another birthday present from my nephew, who really wants to spice up my Switch collection. Played this previously on the PS4. Here's what I had to say in 2020: A so-called double pack of 'Disney Classic Games'. And classic games they are - two perfect examples of the trope 'No Problem With Licensed Games'. Played/sampled both back in the day (Aladdin on MegaDrive, The Lion King on SNES and Game Boy) although I never added them to the collection. In more recent years, I have found 'Aladdin' for both the MegaDrive ($5 on a con) and the NES ($2 in a thrift shop), and 'The Lion King' for the MegaDrive ($5). Two quintessential pixel perfect reissues, with additional features. Recommended for nerds and Disney fans alike..
New Super Mario Bros U Deluxe by Nintendo EAD [Switch]
A birthday present from my niece and her boyfriend. Had played, completed and enjoyed this game on the Wii U, but now I played through the 'New Super Luigi U' expansion pack. Hours and hours of fun. Recommended!
LEGO Jurassic World by TT Fusion [Switch]
A Christmas present from my nephew. Have already played through the PS4 and the PS Vita versions. This is more of the same, and that's not a bad thing. Here's what I had to say about the PS4 version in 2015: 'LEGO Jurassic World' is a light-hearted, funny and generally excellent take on the four movies. Filled with enough chuckle-worthy moments to lighten up even the sourest of sourpusses, and featuring addictive and worthy gameplay, the game is a no-brainer for 'Jurassic' fans and a must for casual gamers. The only downside is that it's more of the same. If you are tired of TT Games' LEGO offerings by now, steer well clear. All others can safely pick up this title - get it now while the free LEGO Gallimimus is still included! Full review here.
Julian De Backer, 5 July 2023