Here are 5 awesome ways to relive the glory days:

5) Video Games
Video Games are awesome, and we all know it. There is one particular system that now lets us relive our epic childhood adventures, and that’s the Nintendo Wii. The Wii has gotten some criticism that it really doesn’t have the greatest selection of games, and while this may be true, it does have some of the best classic games out there. If you’re looking to capture some memories, why not go back and battle Bowser’s minion’s again in the original Super Mario Brothers? Or best the evil Dr. Robotnik in Sonic the Hedgehog?

4) Old Cartoon Shows
We all have fond memories of sitting in front of the TV on Saturday morning watching our favorite cartoon shows. Who didn’t love the original X-men series, Captain Planet, Ren and Stimpy, Doug, or Rocko’s Modern Life? Consider picking up the DVD sets of these shows and kicking back over some Cinnamon Toast Crunch for a marathon of classic goodness. You can even find some of the more amusingly bad cartoons like The Legend of Zelda Animated Series, or the Mario Brothers Super Show.

3) Pogs, Magic Cards, Dungeons and Dragons, or Other Collectibles
No matter how cool we currently think we are, we all had a hobby that could be defined as incredibly geeky. Remember how cool you thought you were with that giant metal slammer and the collection of 10,000 Pogs (including that full set of rare holographic Ninja Turtle Pogs). How about your unbeatable deck of Magic the Gathering cards, or your level 9 thief and collection of dungeon master books? It may be time to dust those off and gather the old friends together for some good old fashion fun.

2) Nerf Weaponry
If your adult life has lead you to the tiny cage they call a cubicle, then you may want to consider arming your private corporate castle with some of top of the line weaponry. While flamethrowers and spear guns would certainly keep Frank from accounting at bay it probably wouldn’t be the best for your future employment. This is another area where memories of childhood fun can help out again. The science of Nerf weaponry has improved over the years, and while the classic crossbow still exists in some form you may want to consider upgrading to something with a bit more…kick.

1) Classic TV show t-shirts
Remember how much you wanted to be on Legends of the Hidden Temple? Your longing to spend the summer at Camp Onawana? Or the long hours of training to be on Guts? Well unfortunately you’re not cool enough to be on any of those shows, but that shouldn’t stop you from pretending you were. Past Blastin’ Shirts lets you do with money what were never able to do with talent, kind of like college

Kris

Related posts:

1. Geisha Halloween Costume: For An Exotic Halloween With Halloween knocking at the door, people are looking for...
2. Video Games and Agression The current contenders in this generation’s console wars are...
3. Hard Drive Camcorders to Capture the Holidays Some of my favorite family home videos from my childhood...

The Most Anticipated

5) Super Mario Galaxy- Well, it isn’t out yet. Chances are it won’t be out this year. Ebgames has a ship date of 12/31/07, which I guess just makes it in under the wire. Bonus points to Ebgames for trying. Since this game is not a game of 2007, it is being removed from this list. You should still look forward to it, but don’t hold your breath.

New 5) Metroid Prime Corruption – I have never been a huge fan of Metroid. I think that takes me to some lower level of gamerhood, and earns me a “shun the non-believer” from most Nintendo fans. Regardless, I have actually become somewhat excited about this game. After a series of disappointing FPS games on the Wii, I have come to the conclusion that Nintendo needs to show other developers how FPS games need to work before any of them will get it right. I have high hopes that Metroid will be the game that does this.

4) Legend of Zelda The Phantom Hourglass – This one should be coming out in October. It retains its spot on the top 5 merely because it is a Zelda game in Windwaker style on the DS. It is just a recipe for fun.

3) God of War II – Okay, this one actually came out. I actually feel somewhat silly for not placing this one higher on the list. It could have been the most satisfying game I’ve ever played. If you are new to the God of War series then I highly suggest you pick this up along with its predecessor and play them straight through. Remember though, this game is for the older crowds only and the bloody violence and gore is way too much for anyone who can’t legally buy the game themselves.

2) Spore – Nope. This game got pushed back until sometime after the robot revolution. There is no way it will see a 2007 release, and may not even see a 2008 release. A wave of disappointment and depression washes over all the devoted each time the name of Spore is mentioned.

New 2) Shadowrun – I’m placing this one the list because it is one of those games that has a ton of potential. The game was released last week, and has sold pretty well. It does not really stack up to the glory of a game that Spore will be, but it is the best we’ve got this year. I have yet to pick the game up, but it is on my purchase list later this month. Once I pick it up I will write a full review.

1) Super Smash Brothers Brawl – While it isn’t clear if Nintendo has a 2007 release date still planned for this game, it is starting to be more promising. Every day director Masahiro Sakurai posts some new and exciting information on the game’s official website. Pretty soon there should be some big announcements about release dates and secret characters. We may still see a November or December 2007 launch for this title.

The Least Anticipated

I probably made the most mistakes with this list, so I will attempt to correct some of them here.

5) Age of Conan- This game has been pushed back to 2008, and still have a pretty strong chance of being a terrible game. I made a mistake in not doing my Conan research. Apparently there is a big backstory the game. Still, the idea of merging the single player experience with the MMO just isn’t an appealing concept. I could see casual players getting enjoyment out of the game, but I can not see this game gathering the following of World of Warcraft. Still, with a 2008 release it is off the list.

New 5) Big Brain Academy – Wii Degree – There is nothing more boring that watching someone do homework. The Wii is a social console that is best when played with groups of people. There is something about a brain training game that just doesn’t fit on that console. More so, this game comes from the Big Brain Academy people rather than the Brain Age people so it promises to be a whopping disappointment.

4) Pokemon Battle Revolution (Now with More Suck!) – Well, it was bad back in January when it was going to be the first game released with online support for the Wii. Well, it has since lost that title to the infinitely superior Mario Strikers. It also hasn’t done anything (like Strikers has) to fix that whole “friend code” fiasco. (and now the point of the picture that leads this article) But now you can show people your Pokemons online!

3) Lord of the Rings Online – It came out, and it really wasn’t all that bad. After playing the beta for about 2 days I was bored of it, but it does have somewhat of a following among people who have enough money for both it’s subscription fee and World of Warcraft’s. The game is pretty, but it is also simple and small. With limited end game, and serious lack of creatures and models the game just doesn’t stack up to its competition. Plus, it is somewhat distracting to have Gandalf show up to help a level 1 Minstral when he should be doing something a bit more important.

2) Halo 3 – I still have very little hope for a good storyline ending in Halo 3. I understand that Halo is “Tha gratest gaem evar,” but i really just don’t see the need in another similar, buggy and imbalanced game. Unless there are some massive changes to Halo 3 that have not yet been released in the Beta, it is still going to be a massive disappointment.

1) Grand Theft Auto IV – I’ve been way too harsh on the GTA series. I am personally not looking forward to this game, but I also don’t like games in this genre. Unlike Halo, a game that is butchering a genre I really like, Grand Theft Auto just isn’t my type of game. I won’t be taking this off the list, and it really is my least anticipated game, but I take back all the things about it being a universally bad game. If this is the type of game that you enjoy, then I could understand why you would want to pick it up.

Kris

Related posts:

1. Video Games and Agression The current contenders in this generation’s console wars are...
2. Video Game Console Evolution love video games, and one of the most popular...
3. Top 5 Holiday Gifts for your Children The holidays are upon us and if you are like...

1. The Legend of Zelda (NES)- It’s dangerous to go alone, Take this. With these words we are sent out into the world to fight evil. Hey, wait a minute. What evil? Where am I supposed to go? Why am I going out there alone? Where is this old man sending me? Why are these pig monsters shooting stuff at me? Honestly, did anyone understand what was going on when they tossed in the first Zelda game. After a few hours of running around aimlessly we stumbled across the 4th temple only to realize that we needed to be halfway across the map at the 1st. If you do happen to get past the first few temples you are then stuck in a never-ending forest that you can only escape if you just happen to guess the combination. Hours of fun (fun being similar to smashing your head on a wall for 3 hours).
2. Myst: Riven (PC)- The Myst series in general is designed with the sole purpose of challenging the player with the hardest possible puzzles. Riven is by far the hardest game in the series. I think just being the hardest game of one of the hardest franchises gives Riven a place on this list
3. Dance Dance Revolution (Any of them) (Various)- Any game that requires you to be in good shape, agile, and have rhythm to play scares me to the core of my being. Those who are champions at DDR are the kings of the arcade. They confront the DDR machine like they are approaching the throne of their mighty kingdom. For everyone else, the DDR machine is more like a giant beast that feeds on our dignity and pride. If you are good, the game cheers you on as your adoring public watches you with awe and respect. If you are bad, the game gives you 30 seconds of flailing before taking your $2 and mocking you as you walk away in shame to the snickers of 16-year-old high school students.
4. Wizardry (NES)- After an hour in town creating a party, gearing everyone up, getting items, and making the final preparations you are finally ready to enter the labyrinth. As you walk through the tunnels you encounter your first boss and realize that the spells you have are named things like Kilra and Jiuligia but have absolutely no indication of what they do. You also realize that the creatures you are fighting can kill you in one round of combat. Once you inevitably die, you are sent back to town where you must spend another hour creating a new party to try again. Rinse, repeat.
5. Contra (NES)- Up, Up, Down, Down, Left, Right, Left, Right, B,A, Start. That is how you beat Contra. Otherwise, good luck getting past the first level. In modern games, we have things called hit points or armor. In Contra, if you got hit by one of the 50 bullets heading in your direction at any given time, you died.

Did you beat these games with no problem? Were there others that stick out as impossible? Post away!

Kris

Related posts:

1. Video Games and Agression The current contenders in this generation’s console wars are...
2. Video Game Console Evolution love video games, and one of the most popular...
3. Top 5 Kids’ Toys for the Holidays- Christmas and Hanukkah This year there are so many great toys and games...

5) Super Mario Galaxy – Nintendo Wii – Release date: “when there is snow on the ground”
- Super Mario games have always been a love-hate relationship for me. Super Mario Brothers is the first video game I ever played and the game that launched me into my obsession. Mario also brought us the greatness that was Mario 64, one of the best games to be released on the Nintendo 64 other than Mario Kart (another point entirely) and Zelda: Ocarina of Time. However, Mario has also given us some of the worst atrocities in movie and video game history (see: Super Mario Brothers the Movie, and Mario Sunshine. Since this is a Mario stand-alone title in the vein of the other Super Mario titles I just cannot be sure if this one will be a Mario 64 or a Mario Sunshine). It is still worth looking forward to none-the-less.

4) Legend of Zelda: The Phantom Hourglass – Nintendo DS – Release date: Late 2007
- I am a Zelda fan, but I’ve never been a fan of the Zelda titles for the handheld systems. I remember picking up the old Link’s Awakening and only finishing about 1/3 of the game before getting bored with it and putting it down. The same occurred with Four Swords, Ages/Seasons, and so on. I really think that the epic story and masterpiece that is the Zelda franchise needs to be experienced in its full console glory to truly excel. That being said, I think The Phantom Hourglass actually has quite a bit of potential. A lot has changed in the hand held market since the monochrome Game boy. These new system are fully capable of producing that “grand experience” that a game like this needs. With The Phantom Hourglass being inspired by Wind waker; it’s all the better. This has a very good chance to be the handheld Zelda game that will finally keep me interested until the end.

3) God of War II – Playstation 2 – March 2007
- We all love bald headed action heroes (Vin Diesel), and Kratos is one of the best. God of War may have been one of the best games to come out on the Playstation 2, period. From the word that is coming out of the reviewers, this game is going to be even bigger and more fun than the last. We can expect more story, more moves, better graphics, and more skills and content to unlock. Sure this game is being released for a “last gen” console, but with the PS3’s backwards compatibility fixed in the latest patch you won’t even have to go dig around in the dumpster for your old Playstation 2.
2) Spore (maybe) – PC – Release Date: Who knows!?!?!
- This one is a long shot because we just don’t know if this is actually going to be a 2007 release title. Will Wright (the brilliant mind that gave us The Sims) is creating Spore to be the next generation in player generated world games. Everything in Spore will be able to be modified by the player. You will play a species all the way through its development from one-celled organism to space travel. The content in the game is constantly being added to by other players around the world as their create their creatures. Eventually your race will be able to travel to other player-created planets to visit and trade. I just can’t do this game justice in the small space I have the write here so I’ll just point you to the Spore website, and this video.

1)Super Smash Brothers: Brawl – Nintendo Wii – Release Date: 2nd Quarter 2007
- I was a junior in high school when I first learned of the glory that was the original Super Smash Brothers on Nintendo 64. The Super Smash Brothers franchise could very well include the two best games ever created. I have played the Gamecube version for over 5 years now and I still learn something new every time I play it. So now the next generation console has the next generation Smash and all I have to say is that I am ecstatic. Imagine taking your favorite Nintendo characters (Mario, Link, Zelda, Donkey Kong) and putting them into a ring to do righteous battle for no apparent reason. This is truly a recipe for a masterpiece in gaming. Super Smash Brothers: Brawl brings us a a host of new features that promise to bring the game from greatness to legendary status. Let’s begin with online play. Finally I can once again connect with my old high school friends and relive being savagely beaten with a controller after beating a friend using a particularly devious tactic. The Super Smash Brothers community is huge, and tournaments are being held all over the country throughout the year. With the addition of online play, the possibility for some truly epic battles is nothing short of thrilling. Also Smash: Brawl will include tons of new playable characters (Pit, Solid Snake, Zero-Suit Samus, and Meta-Knight to name a few), new levels, new moves using the Wii’s controller, and a larger single player mode than both of the other games combined. This is the game that keeps me up at night wondering when the good folks at Nintendo will bring me this glorious masterpiece. I just can’t wait.

So those are the top 5 games that I am looking forward to for 2007. Notice that there are no Playstation 3 of Xbox 360 titles in that batch, because I still do not own either a Playstation 3, or an Xbox 360. Someone send the folks at Sony and Microsoft a memo that their systems cost about 200 bucks too much. So, what games are the good readers of Pocket Change looking to drop your hard earned cash on this year?

Top 5 Over-hyped games for 2007 coming next week…

Kris

Related posts:

1. Video Games and Agression The current contenders in this generation’s console wars are...
2. Today Only Dell Deal of the Day for PS3 Slim 120 GB Sony has recently released the PS3 Slim, a new...
3. Video Game Console Evolution love video games, and one of the most popular...