Retro Game Safari: Fallout Tactics

Howdy! This here is something I like to call Retro Game Safari. I suppose it could apply to whatever games out there that are old, but right now I'm focusing on videogames. The first RGS here will cover my thoughts on Fallout Tactics: Brotherhood of Steel-- but everyone just calls it Fallout Tactics or, more simply, FOT.

The point here isn't to provide a comprehensive review, like you can find here, here, here, or a zillion other places. Let's be honest, kids: Since its release into the gaming wilds in 2001, this game has been reviewed to death. No, no in depth review from me. The point here is to provide my sentimental thoughts or personal critical take on this particular ancient relic of gaming history.

What's that you say? Not ancient? Dude, this is from 2001, which in PC gaming terms is, like, forever ago. Luckily it's not TOO forever ago, and is still quite playable. Oh, sure, people will rave about how Ultima IV is the best game ever and that you should totally play the Gold Box SSI AD&D CRPGs (like Pool of Radiance and Secret of the Silver Blades) again. I don't know about you, but I feel those games are best left shrouded in the mists of rose-tinted memories. Have you went back and played any of those titles? Have you? Personally, after I attempted playing through a couple, I quickly backed away and now burn myself with a cigarette every time I think about playing through the original Bard's Tales and Wasteland...

...And speaking of Wasteland, let's talk Fallout Tactics!

VrrrrrrrrrmmmmmMMMMMMM: Time machine, bitches.




More after ze JUMP!

I was watching...

Dead Space: Downfall

Now, I haven't played the video game yet-- but it seems like something up my undead & space alien loving alley. But I did manage to get a hold of this DVD and I figured "What the heck... should be worth a laugh..."

Instead of a laugh I was treated to around 1 hour and fifteen minutes of fun. More on this prequel to the Dead Space game can be found HERE. Yeah, I'm totally lazy. Live with it.

In short... Ready? Right. In short, space Scientologists get a really cool artefact from a dead world and try to take to Earth in a big spaceship, which gets overrun by these ghoulish horrible monsters that horribly take over people's bodies (and... souls?) and turn them into hideous monsters called Necromorphs.

Pretty fucking neat, in other words.


Note: Commentary on the screen cap images is below the particular image. Just so you know, aight?













Overall, I really dug it. Despite what some naysayers said, I feel that the animation and voice-acting were quite passable, and the script written by comic book greats Jimmy Palmiotti and Justin Gray was pretty awesome. And awesomely violent. I suppose I should point out at this point that if images of graphic violence bother you-- stop reading RIGHT NOW. Thanks. I have a bunch of screen caps that aren't in any particular order and give no spoilers really. Take the one above... this was a really creepy part. Hats off to the crew for succeeding in creeping me out there.












Ahh... sunbathing for the above fellow was never the same again.












Sunbathing or not, motherfucker needs to die.
















Yes, there's a shower scene! And it was quite special. I made sure to edit this shot for the families out there. You're welcome.















There were some great shots in this animated film, and here's one of them. Subtle, yet incredibly effective.















Door to door sales will not be tolerated. Just ask these Necromorphs. They'll tell you so.















Yea, verily, tis a draw-dropping-- er, ripping experience!















Dear WaltargetMart: Please sell these bad-ass laser chaisaw thingies. I'll take six.















Now in CreatureVision™!















Yeah, I really liked primary protagonist, Alissa Vincent.















Do you SEE what those laser chainsaw thingies can do??? There has to be one available on Amazon, right?















AHHHHHH! HOLY SHIT NECROBABYMORPHS!!! Nightmares for the week achievement: Unlocked.















Because I simply can't help it-- HEEEEERE'S JOHNNY... and JIMMY!!! Really, this film had some seriously great moments.

Overall, it slays about 3 of the 5 party members in the group, and severely injures one other, possibly even inflicting some weeping level-loss. If you like 1) sci-fi, 2) horror and 3) gratuitous violence then 4) you'll really like this.

Verdict: Watch it. You should enjoy it.

I should read and post my thoughts of the Dead Space comic books, which bridges the gap between video game and movie.

Buck Rogers: Countdown to Doomsday [Videogames!]

I know, I know. I need to update! Well, a good friend reminded me of the game Buck Rogers: Countdown to Doomsday from way, way back in 1990. Here's a 2 minute clip of the gameplay!




There's also a few Let's Play YouTube videos on playing through the game you can watch, starting HERE. Good times!

I just started compiling a list of the top Computer RPGs of all time, so if you come across this entry any time soon, let me know your thoughts on the the best videogame rpgs in the comments, or just drop me an email: steve (at) orcusville (dot) com