Okay, so here's the thing. Nintendo, right? They're masters of nostalgia. Seriously. They could probably sell us air in a cartridge labeled "Nostalgia Air '85" and we'd buy it. Well, maybe I'd buy it. Anyway, their Nintendo Classics service – you know, the one where they trickle out old games at a glacial pace – just got a little more interesting. Or maybe predictably interesting. Depending on your perspective.
The big news (at least for a certain segment of us) is the arrival of FORSAKEN 64 on the Nintendo 64 side of things. And on the Game Boy Advance front, we're getting Magical Vacation – a title that's only just now seeing an official English release. More on that in a bit.
Nintendo 64: FORSAKEN 64 Joins the Ranks
FORSAKEN 64. Remember that one? If you do, you're probably either a hardcore N64 enthusiast or you had a very specific craving for slightly janky, but kinda cool, first-person shooters back in the day. It wasn't GoldenEye, that's for sure. And it certainly wasn't Turok (though it tried to ape that vibe a bit, didn't it?). But it had its own weird charm. The reverse gravity thing was neat. I remember spending hours just flying upside down, trying to figure out the level design that way. Retro Gamer might have a better memory of this than I do!
But let's be real. The N64 library is… well, it's complicated. For every Ocarina of Time, there were, like, five games that looked like they were rendered on a potato. FORSAKEN 64 falls somewhere in the middle. It's not going to blow your mind, but it's a solid addition to the Nintendo Classics lineup, especially if you're in the mood for some retro FPS action that's a little off the beaten path. Think of it as the comfort food of N64 shooters.
And speaking of comfort food...wait, where was I? Oh, right, games! My brain does this thing where it wanders off mid-thought sometimes. Squirrel!
Game Boy Advance: Magical Vacation Arrives (Finally!)
Now, this is the interesting one. Magical Vacation. A JRPG that never made it stateside back in the GBA's heyday. And I initially thought: “Oh great, another Japanese-only title that’s impossible to understand without a guide.” But wait there's something even more interesting here… it's finally getting an official English translation! That's a pretty big deal for us old-school handheld fanatics. We're talking about a game that has been shrouded in mystery for years.
For those not in the know, Magical Vacation is a quirky, colorful RPG developed by Brownie Brown (who later became 1-Up Studio). It's known for its unique art style, its… let's say "unconventional" battle system, and its charming story. It’s one of those games that's more about the experience than the hardcore gameplay. Think of it as a virtual hug. A very pixelated hug. Now I want to play it. See, Nintendo's plan is working!
The frustrating thing about this topic is the GBA had SO MANY amazing games that never left Japan. And while fan translations have helped fill the void, there's just something special about playing an officially localized version. It feels… right. You know?
Why This Matters (Beyond Nostalgia)
You might be wondering, "Okay, cool, old games. So what?" And that's a fair question. But here's the thing: these releases aren't just about reliving the past. They're about preserving gaming history. They're about giving new audiences a chance to experience games that might otherwise be lost to time. And they're about reminding us that gaming isn't just about cutting-edge graphics and hyper-realistic gameplay. Sometimes, it's about the charm, the quirks, and the sheer fun of games like FORSAKEN 64 and Magical Vacation.
Actually, that's not quite right. It's about all of those things. Gaming is a multifaceted beast. And that's what makes it so darn interesting.
And let’s not forget the value of these releases for game preservation. As physical media becomes increasingly scarce, digital distribution platforms like Nintendo Classics play a vital role in ensuring that future generations can experience these games. Consider it a digital museum, constantly expanding its collection of interactive art.
But... I keep coming back to this point because it's crucial... Nintendo should do more. Release more games. Dig deeper into their vaults. Give us the obscure stuff! The weird stuff! The games that nobody remembers! Because those are often the most interesting ones.
Speaking of the past, you should see this post about Kojima!
FAQ: Your Burning Questions Answered (Probably)
Will FORSAKEN 64 suddenly become a masterpiece?
No. Let's be honest, FORSAKEN 64 wasn't a masterpiece when it was released, and it's not going to magically transform into one now. But it is a fun, quirky shooter with a unique gravity-flipping mechanic. It's worth checking out if you're a fan of the N64 or just looking for something a little different. Don't expect GoldenEye, and you won't be disappointed. Think of it as a historical curiosity more than a must-play title.
Why is Magical Vacation such a big deal?
Because it's a JRPG that never got an official English release back in the day! It's one of those games that fans have been clamoring for for years. And now, finally, we're getting it! It's a chance to experience a unique and charming game that we might have otherwise missed out on. Plus, it adds some much-needed variety to the Game Boy Advance library on Nintendo Classics.
How do I know if Nintendo Classics is worth it for me?
That depends on what you're looking for. If you're strictly a fan of modern games with cutting-edge graphics, then probably not. But if you have a fondness for retro gaming, or if you're curious about exploring gaming history, then it's definitely worth considering. Think of it as a subscription service that lets you sample a wide range of classic games from different eras. Is it worth it? That's for you to decide.
Will Nintendo ever release EarthBound on N64? (Okay, I know it wasn't on N64...)
Okay, that's a trick question. EarthBound was a Super Nintendo game, not an N64 game. But the sentiment is understood. Will Nintendo ever release more of their classic titles? One can only hope! But, for now, we can enjoy playing Outer Worlds.
Is Forsaken 64 worth playing in 2024?
Look, I'm not going to lie: Forsaken 64 hasn't aged super well visually. Its appeal today is more about experiencing a slice of late-90s FPS design, complete with its quirks and limitations. It's definitely one for the retro enthusiasts and those curious about the N64's library beyond the AAA titles. If you go in expecting a historical curiosity rather than a polished modern shooter, you might just find something to enjoy in its gravity-bending gameplay.
