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RyanMac Hero of Echoes

@mariomaestro

I used to be good at videogames.

RyanMac

Hero of Echoes

112d Stumble Guys

Stumble Guys

I'm giving it 3 stars for now but after a couple battle royales, I don't get the hate. Just because it's a Fall Guys knockoff, doesn't mean it isn't as good. This felt very comparable from someone who rarely plays FG. Maybe if I played one or both of them more regularly, I would feel differently. I like the difference of starting with 32 and having a defined elimination. I am generally not a fan of mobile gaming so I'd be curious to see how this plays on an actual console.

RyanMac

Hero of Echoes

112d Bowling 3D

Bowling 3D

Mediocre mechanics and a very "freeware" vibe. No need to play it again. When I was looking for the iOS version of this, I stumbled upon an Apple Arcade bowling game that had spin effects and seemed much better. Granted, you need an Arcade subscription, but there are solid mobile bowling games out there. I just doubt they're the free ones.

RyanMac

Hero of Echoes

117d Color Switch

Color Switch

Fun little mobile game to pass the time. It really tests your patience and you really have to get the timing right. Will I play this after the weekly quest is over? Nah. Will I put more time into it? Yeah.

1 hours played

RyanMac

Hero of Echoes

179d NHL 99

NHL 99

I entered my teenage years thinking there was no way we could get more realistic and visuals than this. After a few years I sold this game due to outdated rosters, but for a time, this was my most played N64 game. It also helps that it had a killer soundtrack and shootouts did not exist. Yes, kids, the NHL did not have shootouts until 20 years ago. And when this game was released, we had not yet arrived to the overtime loser point. You could say, the NHL peaked with this game.

RyanMac

Hero of Echoes

208d Ticket To Ride

Ticket To Ride

This is a game I haven't thought about for quite some time even though we have the basic board game and the iOS version (with an expansion or two). Easy to pick up and fun to frustrate others, you really can't go wrong with this one.

Super Mario Bros. Wonder (@super-mario-bros-wonder)

RyanMac

Hero of Echoes

300d Super Mario Bros. Wonder edited

Super Mario Bros. Wonder

I only just realized I rated this game (5 stars obviously) but never reviewed it. After one playthrough, sans the final badge challenge, I can honestly say this is the best 2D Mario sidescroller since Super Mario World. While it starts off charmingly easy, the difficulty ramps up as you progress. Although this final challenge might give me more trouble than any other final level in a Mario game, I never thought the game reached “I’m going to throw my controller at the wall” heights of difficulty. Even with all the new elements, this game was simply a joy to play. There was a real sense of unpredictability every time you ran into a Wonder flower. Despite being a side scroller, Wonder feels like the closing of a chapter (the New SMB series) and the start of a newer, better, more innovative one. And while it’s hard to compare to a 3D Mario platformer, it’ll scratch the itch until we get that next gen post-Odyssey adventure.

Lists: Top 10 Nintendo Switch, Own It, Best of 2023, 2023 Games Started

The Legend of Kage (@the-legend-of-kage)

RyanMac

Hero of Echoes

300d The Legend of Kage

The Legend of Kage

Back into the vault of obscure games we go. Less obscure than Iron Tank, the Legend of Kage was another NES title randomly found at my grandparents’ house in the early 90s. I read up on this one to reacquaint myself and apparently it was a rather successful arcade game published by a company that was owned by a name we’re all likely familiar with: Square Enix. It’s also been remastered and re-released a few times over the decades.

Now that the history lesson is out of the way, the game itself was actually pretty fun. In this “rescue the princess” style hack n slash, you are a ninja running through the forest and jumping up trees while ninjas and samurai attack you from all sides. If you found orbs, your suit would change colour and essentially power up. If you found a scroll, Kage would read it, the sky would start to flash, and dead enemies would fall from the sky. Very wholesome. Each time you beat a level, the next one, similar in layout, would have a seasonal change. After 3 or 4 of those there would be a boss, and then the process would begin again. I doubt I ever completed the game, but I certainly got further and had a lot more fun with it than the other grandma’s basement game of Iron Tank.

Lists: Own It

RyanMac

Hero of Echoes

300d Iron Tank

Iron Tank

I'm going deep into the vault for this one. I'm talking 30+ years ago at this point. My grandparents had an NES when I was a kid with but a handful of rather obscure games. This was one of them. You had a top down view of a WWII era tank and it was essentially a shoot 'em up style with a lot of enemies and obstacles to work around. In typical NES difficulty, I'm pretty sure I could only make it through the first couple levels. Fun fact. I believe I actually have this cartridge in a bin in my basement with the other obscure games. Is it worth playing? If you actually come across a working game and NES, give it a try. Just keep your expectations in check.

Lists: Own It

RyanMac

Hero of Echoes

300d DuckTales

DuckTales

I picked up the remastered version of this several years ago. Either on iPad or Wii U.. maybe both. It's a solid fun time. Highly recommended if you can track it down.

Lists: Top 10 Capcom Games

RyanMac

Hero of Echoes

460d Coffee Golf edited

Coffee Golf

You know what they say, you get what you pay for.

RyanMac

Hero of Echoes

499d Mario Kart 64 edited

Mario Kart 64

It was a 5 star game in its time but a 3 star game now since it has aged terribly. So I’ll give it 4, but it’s probably the last home console MK game I would choose to play.

Lists: Own It, Nostalgia, Completed

RyanMac

Hero of Echoes

676d Sonic Frontiers

Sonic Frontiers

2 stars for the main game. An extra star for the throwback levels. While I appreciate the attempt to bring something new to the world of Sonic, it sort of falls flat. It's trying a little too hard to emulate the BOTW format, the graphics are dull, and there just isn't the Sonic charm you'd expect.

Lists: Own It, 2023 Games Started

RyanMac

Hero of Echoes

717d Mario Kart Wii edited

Mario Kart Wii

The Wii edition in this venerable franchise is notable for its use of a steering wheel and the motion controls the Wii so desperately liked to use. While that feels more and more like a gimmick as time goes on, it was pretty innovative for its time. While I typically used the Wii Classic Controller, this was another solid entry that gave us an early glimpse into Nintendo's online play and some fantastic tracks that we'd see again in Kart 8 Deluxe.

Lists: Top 10 Nintendo Wii Games, Top 10: Games of the 2000s, Own It, Top 10 Racing

Kirby and the Forgotten Land (@kirby-and-the-forgotten-land)

RyanMac

Hero of Echoes

740d Kirby and the Forgotten Land edited

Kirby and the Forgotten Land

Would give this 4 1/2 stars if i could. Thoroughly enjoyable and even co-op is not bad, and that’s not normally a mode I enjoy. Phenomenal for those who want a simple, yet at times challenging, platformer.

Lists: Top 10 3D Platformers, Top 10 Nintendo Switch, Own It, Best Games of 2022, Kid Recommendations

Sonic the Hedgehog 2 (@sonic-the-hedgehog-2)

RyanMac

Hero of Echoes

748d Sonic the Hedgehog 2 edited

Sonic the Hedgehog 2

The best Sonic sidescroller.

Lists: Top 10 Sega Genesis Games

RyanMac

Hero of Echoes

801d Banjo-Tooie edited

Banjo-Tooie

A rare (see what I did there?) sequel that was better than the first. A sprawling, platformer collect-a-thon with memorable worlds, enemies, and the classic Rare humour.

Lists: Top 10 3D Platformers, Top 10: Games of the 2000s, YOUR All Star Bundle, Top 10 Nintendo 64 Games, Top 10 Games Developed by Rare, Own It, Top 10 Platformers, Top 10 Collect-a-Thon, OST's, Nostalgia

Mario Kart: Double Dash (@mario-kart-double-dash)

RyanMac

Hero of Echoes

804d Mario Kart: Double Dash edited

Mario Kart: Double Dash

I'm not sure if I'd ever want the 2 character mechanic to return, but it was fun to have for one game. The unique items is something I liked even more though. Bring that back! We were also given some legendary tracks. More GCN tracks in the DLC waves!

Lists: Top 10 GameCube games, Top 10 Racing

RyanMac

Hero of Echoes

804d Donkey Kong edited

Donkey Kong

One of the great early arcade games that started a movement.

Lists: King of Kong: Top 10 Donkey Kong Games

RyanMac

Hero of Echoes

804d Enhance edited

Enhance

I'd like to know who the robots are that get it in 1 guess.

Microsoft Solitaire (@microsoft-solitaire)

RyanMac

Hero of Echoes

804d Microsoft Solitaire edited

Microsoft Solitaire

It taught me solitaire and helped me pass the time when bored.

Troy Aikman NFL Football (@troy-aikman-nfl-football)

RyanMac

Hero of Echoes

808d Troy Aikman NFL Football

Troy Aikman NFL Football

One of the few games I owned on the Genesis. Controls were clunky and the difficulty was either too easy or too hard. But it was a football game so I played the heck out of it.

Lists: Top 10 Sega Genesis Games, Sold It

RyanMac

Hero of Echoes

830d Super Off Road edited

Super Off Road

The first racing game I really got into. Rented it multiple times on the NES and enjoyed racing over and over.. 4 stars in the mind of my 6 year old self. Likely 3 stars in reality.

Major League Baseball 2K11 (@major-league-baseball-2k11)

RyanMac

Hero of Echoes

831d Major League Baseball 2K11

Major League Baseball 2K11

Terribly clunky controls made this a forgettable endeavour.

Mario Golf: Super Rush (@mario-golf-super-rush)

RyanMac

Hero of Echoes

837d Mario Golf: Super Rush

Mario Golf: Super Rush

There are some unique new modes in here, but there's just something... off... about this game. I played through the solo mode and got a feel for the main courses, before the free DLC adds. And it doesn't have the solid course layouts of Toadstool Tour or the relaxing golf-sim charm of 64. I'm going to give it another shot with the TDG tourney which I will fail spectacularly at because I really want to like this game more after waiting years for a follow up.

Lists: Top 10 Nintendo Switch, Playing, Own It, Past Pre-Orders

Star Wars: Rogue Squadron (@star-wars-rogue-squadron)

RyanMac

Hero of Echoes

838d Star Wars: Rogue Squadron

Star Wars: Rogue Squadron

A great Star Wars and flight game that launched a fantastic series. Missions were fun and memorable, unlockables were solid. Would love a back-to-basics return of a Original Trilogy era game like this on the Switch.

Lists: Top 10: Games of the 90's, Own It

Wave Race: Blue Storm (@wave-race-blue-storm)

RyanMac

Hero of Echoes

838d Wave Race: Blue Storm

Wave Race: Blue Storm

One of my two launch games with the GameCube. Took what Wave Race 64 did well and made it even better. It's a bit of a niche title that didn't get a lot of love, but the water mechanics were pretty incredible for its time.

Lists: Top 10 GameCube games, Own It, Top 10 Racing

RyanMac

Hero of Echoes

839d Wii Sports

Wii Sports

The Wii remote might seem gimmicky now, but 15 years it was all the rage and this launch game demo’ed it perfectly. I haven’t played in years but it always held up when going back to it. It set the Wii benchmark early that gaming really could be for everyone.

Lists: Top 10 Nintendo Wii Games

Sonic the Hedgehog (@sonic-the-hedgehog)

RyanMac

Hero of Echoes

839d Sonic the Hedgehog

Sonic the Hedgehog

Sega had a fun response to the more wholesome Mario franchise, but it just isn't something you'll come back to time after time. The sequels got better.

Lists: Top 10 Sega Genesis Games, Sold It, Nostalgia, Completed

RyanMac

Hero of Echoes

839d Road Rash 3

Road Rash 3

One of my most enjoyed Genesis titles, back in the era of cheap videogame rentals ($3 for 3 days!) and soon after, emulation/ROMs. It built on what the first two did so well. Driving on the left, bike upgrades, solid tracks, spectacular crashes, challenging AI. What a fun game this was.
True challenge: knock the cop off his bike!

Lists: Top 10 Sega Genesis Games

RyanMac

Hero of Echoes

839d Road Rash II

Road Rash II

Took what was so fun about the original and made it better! But still, the best was yet to come. I would give anything for this series to come to the Genesis Online channel.

Lists: Top 10 Sega Genesis Games, Top 10 Racing

RyanMac

Hero of Echoes

839d Excitebike 64

Excitebike 64

Had some fun times with this one mastering stunts, playing multiplayer, wiping out... controls could be clunky from what I remember, but with the right amount of practice, you could master it.

Lists: Top 10 Racing

RyanMac

Hero of Echoes

839d Mario Party 4

Mario Party 4

A solid entry with core mechanics that were still staying true to the basics of the series.

Lists: Own It

RyanMac

Hero of Echoes

839d F-Zero

F-Zero

A very good game that definitely stood apart from the pack. Future installments amped up the speed but for its time, this was a well-made racer that continues to have quite the cult following.

RyanMac

Hero of Echoes

840d Mario Party 10

Mario Party 10

I was disappointed with this one. They continued the concept of the mini stars and shared vehicle and…just, no.
The series seemed done at this point.

Lists: Own It

RyanMac

Hero of Echoes

840d Mario Party 8

Mario Party 8

I’m not a big fan of the Wii motion gimmick anymore, but this edition of the franchise used it well. There were also some very unique boards as well that still stand out. If for some reason you want to drag out your Wii for some 4 player multiplayer, try this game.

Lists: Top 10 Nintendo Wii Games, Top 10: Games of the 2000s, Own It

RyanMac

Hero of Echoes

840d Super Mario Bros. edited

Super Mario Bros.

The one. The only.

A young gamer’s true test was to beat it clean and honest. No game genie. No warping.

Lists: Own It, 100%, Completed

Super Mario All-Stars (@super-mario-all-stars)

RyanMac

Hero of Echoes

840d Super Mario All-Stars

Super Mario All-Stars

The SNES remasters are actually my preferred versions of SMB 1-3. I would choose to play those, with the SNES controller, every time.

Lists: Top 10 Nintendo Wii Games, Top 10 Super Nintendo Games, Top 10 Relaxing Games, What are your 3? (FOR PODCAST GUESTS ONLY)

Mario Golf: Toadstool Tour (@mario-golf-toadstool-tour)

RyanMac

Hero of Echoes

840d Mario Golf: Toadstool Tour

Mario Golf: Toadstool Tour

Took the fun and intuitive controls of Mario Golf 64 and somehow improved it even more. This game is the best for bringing golf mechanics and the Mario universe together into one charming package. They could remaster this with HD graphics, slap a "Deluxe" on the title, and I'd shell out the money for a Switch version.

Lists: Top 10 GameCube games, Own It, Completed

New Super Mario Bros. Wii (@new-super-mario-bros-wii)

RyanMac

Hero of Echoes

840d New Super Mario Bros. Wii edited

New Super Mario Bros. Wii

The "New SMB" series doesn't get a lot of love, but it's solid 2D platforming that provides a middle ground between the classic 80s and 90s games and the 3D adventures since SM64. While I understand the appeal, I never cared for the 4 player chaos (if you have 4 players, put in a Party, Smash, or Kart). The single player game is well worth playing though!

Lists: Top 10 Nintendo Wii Games, In Your Dreams, Completed

Aladdin (Sega/PC/NES) (@aladdin-segapcnes)

RyanMac

Hero of Echoes

840d Aladdin (Sega/PC/NES)

Aladdin (Sega/PC/NES)

I remember saving up to buy this one for my Genesis. Had lots of good times with it and definitely one of the better movie to game adaptations I remember.

Lists: Top 10 Sega Genesis Games, Sold It, Completed

Donkey Kong Country (@donkey-kong-country)

RyanMac

Hero of Echoes

840d Donkey Kong Country

Donkey Kong Country

One of the top SNES titles and a great game that rejuvenated a classic franchise. Excellent replayability and a joy to play for fans of 2D platformers.

Lists: Top 10 Games Developed by Rare, King of Kong: Top 10 Donkey Kong Games, Top 10 Super Nintendo Games, Completed

Pokémon: Let's Go, Pikachu! and Let's Go, Eevee! (@pokemon-lets-go-pikachu-and-lets-go-eevee)

RyanMac

Hero of Echoes

840d Pokémon: Let's Go, Pikachu! and Let's Go, Eevee!

Pokémon: Let's Go, Pikachu! and Let's Go, Eevee!

I have very little experience with Pokemon games so I didn't have to compare this with the original Blue/Red games. With the base 150 Pokemon I am accustomed to from my brief Pokemon fandom 20 some odd years ago, this was a joy to pick up and play. Requiring the joy-con knocks 1 star off.

Lists: Top 10 Nintendo Switch, Own It

Star Wars Rogue Squadron II: Rogue Leader (@star-wars-rogue-squadron-ii-rogue-leader)

RyanMac

Hero of Echoes

840d Star Wars Rogue Squadron II: Rogue Leader

Star Wars Rogue Squadron II: Rogue Leader

Along with Wave Race: Blue Storm, this was my launch day GameCube title and it was worth every penny. Still during the peak of Star Wars prequel mania, flying these missions felt like I was part of the Rebellion itself. Controls were intuitive, camera was much improved over the N64 original, and graphics were among the best I had seen on a Nintendo console. Still on the shortlist of "favourite GameCube titles", I would recommend this to any Star Wars fan.

Lists: Top 10 GameCube games, Top 10: Games of the 2000s, Favorites, Own It, Sequels, Completed

Super Monkey Ball 2 (@super-monkey-ball-2)

RyanMac

Hero of Echoes

841d Super Monkey Ball 2 edited

Super Monkey Ball 2

Was reminiscing about my GameCube era and decided to increase this from 3 stars to 4. (Maybe we can get half stars someday?) For those who know the game, you know it was far more challenging than one would expect if you judge it by its cover. There were some fun mini-games in this one but I gave up on the single player mode from the sheer frustration of it. I wouldn't mind popping it back in the ol' Cube and seeing how it holds up. It's an underappreciated gem that contained a great mix of single player replayability and a good variety of multiplayer stages.

Lists: Top 10 GameCube games, Own It

Donkey Kong Country Returns (@donkey-kong-country-returns)

RyanMac

Hero of Echoes

843d Donkey Kong Country Returns

Donkey Kong Country Returns

Another fantastic DK sidescroller.

Lists: Top 10 Nintendo Wii Games, Top 10: Games of the 2010s, King of Kong: Top 10 Donkey Kong Games, Own It

RyanMac

Hero of Echoes

843d Tecmo Super Bowl

Tecmo Super Bowl

Tecmo Super Bowl forever and for always.

Lists: Gaming Decathlon, Top Sports Games

RyanMac

Hero of Echoes

843d Mario Party

Mario Party

It's a 5 star game that I'm docking 1 star out of spite for decreasing the quality of life on my N64 control sticls.

Lists: Top 10: Games of the 90's, Replayable Games, Top 10 Nintendo 64 Games, Completed

RyanMac

Hero of Echoes

843d Super Mario Kart

Super Mario Kart

A timeless gem that launched one of gaming's best franchises. The split screen map is still cool.

Lists: Top 10: Games of the 90's, Top 10 Super Nintendo Games, Top 10 Racing, Nostalgia, Completed

RyanMac

Hero of Echoes

843d Mario Tennis Aces

Mario Tennis Aces

I should probably give it another, more thorough chance to wow me. Then maybe I can change the rating.

Lists: Own It

Super Mario Sunshine (@super-mario-sunshine)

RyanMac

Hero of Echoes

843d Super Mario Sunshine

Super Mario Sunshine

This might be considered the Mario 2 of the 3D platformers, but I don't care. It's a damn fine game. It brought a fun new concept to the Mario world that we haven't seen since. The colourful worlds look even better on the Switch HD port. I believe it's as fresh and fun to play now as it was 20 years ago.

Lists: Top 10 3D Platformers, Top 10 GameCube games, Gaming Decathlon, Top 10: Games of the 2000s, Favorites, Own It, 100%, Top 10 Mario Games, What are your 3? (FOR PODCAST GUESTS ONLY), Top 10 Platformers, Top 10 Collect-a-Thon, OST's, Nostalgia, Completed

RyanMac

Hero of Echoes

843d Road Rash

Road Rash

There was nothing like smacking the crap out of someone with a crowbar to the point where they fall of their bike and get hit by oncoming traffic. The sequels were much better though.

Lists: Top 10 Sega Genesis Games, Top 10 Racing, Nostalgia

RyanMac

Hero of Echoes

843d Banjo-Kazooie

Banjo-Kazooie

Rare platformers are special. This one is no different. Hard not to give it 5 stars but I'll save that for the sequel or if I change my mind after completing it on the Switch.

Lists: Top 10 3D Platformers, YOUR All Star Bundle, Top 10 Nintendo 64 Games, Top 10 Games Developed by Rare, Own It, Top 10 Collect-a-Thon, OST's

RyanMac

Hero of Echoes

843d New Pokémon Snap

New Pokémon Snap

It sure does look pretty, and I can appreciate Pokemon even as a 30...something year old. But this just didn't have the fun factor I was expecting. Even my kids couldn't get into it. Maybe someday.

Lists: Own It

Super Mario 3D All-Stars (@super-mario-3d-all-stars)

RyanMac

Hero of Echoes

843d Super Mario 3D All-Stars

Super Mario 3D All-Stars

Three of my fav games of all time now accessible on the Switch? Yes please. While 64 could use more of a full graphical remaster than a simple HD upgrade, I suppose the DS version sort of provided that. And Galaxy in HD without the cumbersome Wii remote? That's an upgrade right there. This was a rare day 1 purchase for me.

Lists: Own It, Past Pre-Orders

RollerCoaster Tycoon (@rollercoaster-tycoon)

RyanMac

Hero of Echoes

843d RollerCoaster Tycoon

RollerCoaster Tycoon

One of the very few PC games I got into. A trailblazing game of sorts that was smart, challenging, and fun.

RyanMac

Hero of Echoes

843d Mario Party 2

Mario Party 2

About as close to a perfect Mario Party game that you can get.

Lists: Top 10 Nintendo 64 Games, Top 10 Mario Games, Completed

RyanMac

Hero of Echoes

843d Mario Golf edited

Mario Golf

A relaxing, if somewhat primitive, 3D golf game set in the Mushroom Kingdom. Has not aged as well as its GameCube sequel but it provided me countless hours of gaming fun, both alone and with friends. Also, a FANTASTIC soundtrack.

Lists: Top 10 Nintendo 64 Games, Top 10 Relaxing Games, Own It, OST's, Completed

Super Smash Bros. Melee (@super-smash-bros-melee)

RyanMac

Hero of Echoes

843d Super Smash Bros. Melee

Super Smash Bros. Melee

This is when Smash Bros peaked for me.

Lists: Top 10 GameCube games, Top 10: Games of the 2000s, Top 10 Fighting Games, Own It, Sequels

RyanMac

Hero of Echoes

843d Donkey Kong 64

Donkey Kong 64

I can't help but give it a perfect score for the 100+ hours of pure 3D collect-a-thon platforming it provided in a DK universe that I've always been a fan of. Like most others in the N64 generation, an HD remaster and camera control upgrade would go a long ways.

Lists: Top 10 3D Platformers, Top 10: Games of the 90's, Top 10 Nintendo 64 Games, Top 10 Games Developed by Rare, King of Kong: Top 10 Donkey Kong Games, Own It, 100%, Top 10 Collect-a-Thon, OST's, Nostalgia, Completed

RyanMac

Hero of Echoes

843d The Lion King

The Lion King

A solid movie adaptation which I'm surprised has not been reviewed by @darthsmeagol yet.

Star Wars Episode I: Racer (@star-wars-episode-i-racer)

RyanMac

Hero of Echoes

843d Star Wars Episode I: Racer

Star Wars Episode I: Racer

Had a lot of fun playing this as a young teen in the months following the release of Episode 1. The Switch remake doesn't quite grab me the same way, but that is pretty common for games of this era.

Lists: Top 10 Racing, Own It

Disney Classic Games: Aladdin and The Lion King (@disney-classic-games-aladdin-and-the-lion-king)

RyanMac

Hero of Echoes

845d Disney Classic Games: Aladdin and The Lion King edited

Disney Classic Games: Aladdin and The Lion King

Was excited when there was finally a dirt cheap sale on the eShop for this random, but classic combo. Like more old games than we care to admit, it doesn’t quite play the way I remember them. But if you want to take a trip down memory lane, it’s worth picking up when it goes on sale.

Lists: Own It

RyanMac

Hero of Echoes

846d Rampage edited

Rampage

This is a 5 star NES game for me. I had such a blast with this game, whether solo or with a friend. One of the few games I rented time after time as a young pup. Why my parents didn’t just find a copy to buy, I’ll never know.

Lists: Completed

RyanMac

Hero of Echoes

847d Super Mario Party edited

Super Mario Party

Not great, not terrible. At best, it's "good", and that's generous. To be honest, I sold mine because I knew once we got Superstars, we'd never go back to the joycon-only style of gameplay.

Lists: Sold It, Past Pre-Orders

Super Mario Maker 2 (@super-mario-maker-2)

RyanMac

Hero of Echoes

854d Super Mario Maker 2 edited

Super Mario Maker 2

Maybe it's my lack of creativity, but this game just doesn't do it for me. The maps I come across are more obnoxious than fun. If I had more time, maybe I'd enjoy creating more, but it's a pass for me. 3 stars for the concept and potential.

Lists: Own It

Super Mario Galaxy 2 (@super-mario-galaxy-2)

RyanMac

Hero of Echoes

888d Super Mario Galaxy 2 edited

Super Mario Galaxy 2

One of those games that took what its predecessor did so well and somehow made it even better. It’s a shame that it’s the only Mario 3D platformer that isn’t on the Switch because it just might be the best one.

Lists: Top 10 Nintendo Wii Games, Top 10 3D Platformers, Top 10: Games of the 2010s, Own It, Top 10 Mario Games, Top 10 Platformers, Top 10 Collect-a-Thon, Sequels, Completed

RyanMac

Hero of Echoes

896d Diddy Kong Racing edited

Diddy Kong Racing

This one holds a special place in that it was the first N64 game I was able to really play through. While the racing mechanics may not have been quite as refined as Mario Kart 64 (and even that is debatable), it had a 1-2 player adventure mode that was unmatched and a choice of vehicles to use was also something MK hadn't gotten to yet. This is at the top of my wishlist for an HD remaster and/or addition to N64 Online.

Lists: Top 10: Games of the 90's, YOUR All Star Bundle, Top 10 Nintendo 64 Games, Top 10 Games Developed by Rare, King of Kong: Top 10 Donkey Kong Games, Favorites, Own It, What are your 3? (FOR PODCAST GUESTS ONLY), Top 10 Racing, Nostalgia, Completed

Super Smash Bros. 64 (@super-smash-bros-64)

RyanMac

Hero of Echoes

898d Super Smash Bros. 64 edited

Super Smash Bros. 64

There's something charming about the simplicity of this concept that would launch a worldwide phenomenon. Before there were too many characters and stages to count, we had the most notable Nintendo names duking it out. The stages are still some of the best and every Smash game released since owes a lot to the one that started it all. Now, can we please get this on the NSO?

Lists: Top 10 Nintendo 64 Games, Top 10 Fighting Games, Nostalgia

Super Mario Bros. 2 (@super-mario-bros-2)

RyanMac

Hero of Echoes

899d Super Mario Bros. 2

Super Mario Bros. 2

The worst SMB game is still better than most of the best games out there. Sure, it’s an oddball, but it brought us shy guy, birdo, and Luigi’s famed flutter jump. Being able to choose from 1 of 4 characters, who each had their own strengths, still sets this apart in the Mario universe and was far ahead of its time. Fun, challenging, and weird still makes for a good time.

Lists: 100%, Completed

RyanMac

Hero of Echoes

901d Super Mario 64 edited

Super Mario 64

What more can be said about such an iconic, groundbreaking game? Even if the camera and controls haven't aged gracefully, this game was perhaps the most influential one since the original Super Mario Bros itself. While the worlds of Sunshine and Odyssey are far more expansive, SM64 laid the blueprint for what 3D platforming could be in the 21st century. The replayability remains top notch and the fun factor as good as ever.

Lists: Top 10 3D Platformers, Top 10: Games of the 90's, Replayable Games, Top 10 Nintendo 64 Games, Favorites, 100%, Top 10 Mario Games, Top 10 Platformers, Top 10 Collect-a-Thon, OST's, Nostalgia, Completed

Donkey Kong Country: Tropical Freeze (@donkey-kong-country-tropical-freeze)

RyanMac

Hero of Echoes

901d Donkey Kong Country: Tropical Freeze edited

Donkey Kong Country: Tropical Freeze

The best DKC side-scroller since the king itself: DKC2. Incredibly challenging, yet fun. I've yet to 100% this or the Switch port. Definitely check it out if you're a fan of the franchise or platformers in general.

Lists: Top 10: Games of the 2010s, King of Kong: Top 10 Donkey Kong Games, Recommended, Top 10 Platformers, Own It, Sold It

Super Mario 3D World + Bowser's Fury (@bowsers-fury)

RyanMac

Hero of Echoes

906d Super Mario 3D World + Bowser's Fury edited

Super Mario 3D World + Bowser's Fury

Initially rated 4 stars, I'm upping this to 5 stars for the review. While it's not as good as my other 5 star Mario titles, it still deserves the perfect score for what it is. From the time of its Wii U release, it filled a void I didn't know existed in the Mario game world. Not quite 2D, but not quite 3D. More a linear level platformer than the 3D sandbox style I wish we had more of. A bit of a hidden gem that is very worth playing through.

Lists: Top 10 Nintendo Switch, Own It, Co-op Recommendations

Mario Party Superstars (@mario-party-superstars)

RyanMac

Hero of Echoes

906d Mario Party Superstars edited

Mario Party Superstars

I really want to give this 4 stars, and when you're actually in the midst of playing it, it probably is. It is superior to Super Mario Party's joy-con nonsense. And no question it exceeds Wii U's only offering of MP10. But the replayability is where it takes a hit. Even if you expect some DLC for added maps (or mini-games or characters), it's nearly been a year and we haven't had even a rumour of anything. There is no shortage of fantastic maps they could upgrade and throw our way. It has the potential to be a 4 or 5 star game. Nintendo just has to want it to be.
Edited to 4 stars.

Lists: Recommended, Party Games for Channel 3, Own It

The Legend of Zelda: Link's Awakening (2019) (@the-legend-of-zelda-links-awakening-2019)

RyanMac

Hero of Echoes

906d The Legend of Zelda: Link's Awakening (2019) edited

The Legend of Zelda: Link's Awakening (2019)

A charming remake of a game I’ve never played. The map may seem small, but there is still a lot to do and see. I wouldn’t mind if they brought more of these to the Switch.

Lists: Top 10: Games of the 2010s, Tiers of the Kingdom: The Legend of Zelda Top 10, Own It

Super Mario Odyssey (@super-mario-odyssey)

RyanMac

Hero of Echoes

906d Super Mario Odyssey edited

Super Mario Odyssey

Depending on the day, this could be my favourite mainline Mario game. This is both a love letter to previous games before it and a glimpse of what could be the future of the franchise. Here we get the most fully fleshed out worlds of any Mario game we've seen (Metro Kingdom / New Donk City alone could be its own spinoff game). While 880 power moons (plus buying 119 more to equal 999) is understandably too much of a collecta-thon for some, you can't accuse the game of running out of things for you to do. A must-buy.

Lists: Top 10 3D Platformers, Top 10: Games of the 2010s, Top 10 Nintendo Switch, Favorites, Top 10 Relaxing Games, Top 10 Mario Games, Recommended, Top 10 Platformers, Top 10 Collect-a-Thon, OST's, Own It, Kid Recommendations, Completed

RyanMac

Hero of Echoes

906d Yoshi's Story edited

Yoshi's Story

A step back from the incomparable Yoshi’s Island, but still a decent entry to the Yoshi series.

Lists: Completed

New Super Mario Bros. U (@new-super-mario-bros-u)

RyanMac

Hero of Echoes

906d New Super Mario Bros. U edited

New Super Mario Bros. U

Can we add half stars to these ratings? It's better than the first New SMB for the Wii (hello HD graphics!), but I wouldn't say it's a 5 star game. I might be a sucker for constantly getting the Switch upgrades, but like its predecessor it's just fun to play for SMB fans.

Lists: Own It, Sold It, Completed

Animal Crossing: New Horizons (@animal-crossing-new-horizons)

RyanMac

Hero of Echoes

906d Animal Crossing: New Horizons edited

Animal Crossing: New Horizons

For those first pandemic lockdown months, our house played the hell out of this game and it's a lot of fun. Once my interest waned, I haven't picked it up again despite a ton of new adds to the game. If you're into this style of game for an indefinite amount of time, this is a dream. For more casual players, you'll likely have fun for a few months before deciding to move on.

Lists: Top 10 Nintendo Switch, Green Games, Top 10 Relaxing Games, Own It

Super Mario 3D World (@super-mario-3d-world)

RyanMac

Hero of Echoes

906d Super Mario 3D World edited

Super Mario 3D World

I'm changing my rating from 4 stars to 5 stars. This is a 5 star game even without the Bowser's Fury add-on. It's just a joy to play. It's challenging without making you want to rage quit (with Champion's Road). It's also not too easy. It has immense replayability with the number of levels and the ability to finish every level with every character to truly 100% it. The powerups rock with the addition of the cat suit. While it wasn't the sandbox style 3D game I'd prefer, it's still preferable to another side-scroller. If you haven't played it yet, give it a try. It's perfect to play with kids as well with the co-op mode.

Lists: Top 10 3D Platformers, Top 10: Games of the 2010s, 100%, Top 10 Platformers, Sold It, Completed

Super Mario World 2: Yoshi's Island (@super-mario-world-2-yoshis-island)

RyanMac

Hero of Echoes

906d Super Mario World 2: Yoshi's Island edited

Super Mario World 2: Yoshi's Island

Criminally underrated and under-appreciated. I didn't even play this for the first time until I dove in the world of emulation and ROMs in the early 00s. Is it a Mario game or a Yoshi game? Both? Doesn't matter. It's a completionist's dream if you want a true challenge to play more than just beating the main boss. Definitely one I need to go back and play on SNES Online.

Lists: Top 10 Super Nintendo Games, Top 10 Mario Games, Top 10 Platformers, Top 10 Collect-a-Thon

RyanMac

Hero of Echoes

906d Blades of Steel edited

Blades of Steel

Classic 8 bit fun. I rented the heck out of this one. Doesn't even matter that there were only 8 teams that were unlicensed. The fighting, the soccer-like penalty shots, the indecipherable announcer, the intermission games. Lose a fight? Into the penalty box you go. Konami made one of a kind here.

Lists: Nostalgia, Top Sports Games

Super Mario Bros. 3 (@super-mario-bros-3)

RyanMac

Hero of Echoes

944d Super Mario Bros. 3

Super Mario Bros. 3

I have clear and fond memories of opening this on Christmas Day, I want to say 1992. It stands the test of time better than any NES title and better than a lot of newer games too. For some, it's the greatest SMB game ever made, for others it's the greatest period. The levels, worlds, and power-ups inspired SMB games after it for decades.

Lists: Top 10: Games of the 90's, Favorites, Own It, 100%, Top 10 Mario Games, Top 10 Platformers, Sequels, Nostalgia, Completed

RyanMac

Hero of Echoes

998d Mario Kart 8 edited

Mario Kart 8

This was a 5 star game *before* I discovered The Dad Gaming's Mario Kart group a couple years ago.. now it's one of my favourite and most played games in all my 30+ years of gaming. Thank you to everyone who races, battles, and memes with me. You know who you are!

Lists: Gaming Decathlon, Top 10: Games of the 2010s, Replayable Games, Top 10 Nintendo Switch, Favorites, Top 10 Relaxing Games, Top 10 Mario Games, Recommended, What are your 3? (FOR PODCAST GUESTS ONLY), Top 10 Racing, Just One More..., Own It, Sequels, Kid Recommendations, Playing, Mt. Rushmore, Multiple Purchases

The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild (@the-legend-of-zelda-breath-of-the-wild)

RyanMac

Hero of Echoes

998d The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild edited

The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild

While it took me a long time to truly “get it”, once it clicked I fell in love with this expansive, beautiful world. Countless hours can be spent going on quests, foraging for supplies, and just getting lost exploring the vastness of Hyrule.

Lists: Top 10: Games of the 2010s, Top 10 Nintendo Switch, Tiers of the Kingdom: The Legend of Zelda Top 10, OST's, Recommended, What are your 3? (FOR PODCAST GUESTS ONLY), Top 10 Collect-a-Thon, Own It, Completed, Mt. Rushmore, Favorites

RyanMac

Hero of Echoes

998d Super Mario World edited

Super Mario World

If one had to define the perfect Super Mario game, this would probably be it. While it may not have the power-ups seen in SMB3 a couple years prior (can you imagine having 2 Mario games of this caliber released 2 years apart??), the level and world design, bosses, and gameplay take a step forward. This is one I simply never get tired of playing.