First Quarter 2009 DANCEDANCE DANCEDANCE

REVOLUTIONREVOLUTION HEROHERO

Peek at our technology in Tech Geeks. Plus ...
Go old-school with Retrograde reviews
Fourth time’s charming for game sound. Page 2 Gaming Insurrection First Quarter 2009

Welcome to the first quarter of a new year for GI! Contributor Marcus Barnes is featured as we look back at GI’s days of traveling for Dance Dance Revolu- tion. The fourth installment of our video game music fea- ture focuses on musically diverse series Mortal Kombat, Mystical Ninja Starring Goemon, DDR and Smash Bros. Cry of War In Tech Geeks, we look at tools used to produce Cry of War From the Dungeon Lyndsey M. Mosley GI. Lyndsey M. Mosley James T. L. Mosley You should not have Imagination a must Contents — First Quarter 2009 to sacrifice your life when dealing with for video games gaming haters Columns Features Usual ormally, I discuss how think about what I’ve gained Suspects Cry of War … 2 DDR Hero … 3-7 to improve gaming ad- and sacrificed for the sake of ventures so games are playing video games, and most Retrograde … 11 Video game music… N enjoyable. In this issue, I days it balances out. However, Sage’s Chronicles … 8, 10 however, I am going to take a different there are times when I have to weigh What we’re playing … 2 track. In this issue I want to talk about the good and the bad, and sometimes 9 haters. games don’t get the fair end of the Haters believe that people who play stick. Tech Geeks … 12 RPGs with their imagination are wast- I have always put real life ahead of ing time. They think that gamers don’t my gaming habit. Whether I was at- Save the date … have a social life and will always de- tending grade, middle or high school 13, 14, 15 pend on others to get through everyday or college, video games have run a life. I have realized that a lot of people distant second to receiving a reward- do not play pen-and-paper RPGs sim- ing education. They have been a drive ply because of how they think others in my life, a reason to pursue journal- will perceive them. They are afraid that ism as a career or to interact with oth- society will make fun of them and la- ers my own age. What I have tried to bel them “geeks” or “nerds.” Who ca- do is avoid making games the most res? Best Buy has employees called important thing in my life. Sometimes, “Geek Squad.” I don’t hear anyone it’s a losing battle. saying anything negative about them. Now that I’m married, and married Sure, they get paid to work there but to a fellow gamer, I have a partner what do you think “geeks” talk about who can relate to my desire to play all day? That’s right. Geeks talk about when the mood strikes. However, that things that most people do not under- was not always so. I dated guys who stand. You will never understand were not supportive of my habit, and Page 3 Page 10 unless you have tried to play a RPG at consequently, I am not with them. I least once. could not be married to someone who I have played in many different ad- didn’t take games seriously. On the ventures and many different types of other hand, I couldn’t be married to RPGs. Most of the adventures have someone who didn’t view them solely taken place during the weekend. These as a hobby. Life is important, a lot are weekends during which my friends more important than games. Who are we? and I have abandoned the outside When I was younger, there was world just to take up lives given to our nothing better to do than rent games Lyndsey Mosley, an avid pen-and-paper characters. Lives that from Blockbuster or Pic-A-Flick (yes, video gamer and journalist, is we created with pencils, papers, dice I’m showing my age here) on a Friday editor of Gaming Insurrection. and at least a two-hour discussion with night and grab the latest issue of Elec- To make everything possible for your closest ally. Six bags of potato tronic Gaming Monthly and some Chi- the little newsletter that could, chips later, my character was born at nese. Now, I am more apt to coming Mosley wears quite a few hats in age 20, depending on the RPG that I home from work, catching up on the the process: Copy editor, writer, was playing. latest sports scores and getting in the designer, web designer and pho- I have seen people go to a local pub bed. I save the game playing for the tographer. In her spare time, she and drink themselves silly. I have weekends or my days off when I can be found blogging and tink- watched them sleep off their hangover, would have a lot of time to devote to ering with software on her lap- eat and then repeat everything all playing through titles that I’ve been top. Mosley, a copy editor by weekend. Yes! Going into a bar, mak- putting off to the side. It’s just a way trade, resides in Columbia with ing yourself look stupid by showing of time catching up with me, and me family. tasteless behavior because you have maturing into an adult. had too much to drink is OK, but if I can’t say that I have ever been ad- Who is Jamie Mosley? For some, he is an you spend all weekend creating charac- dicted to game. While I might play a all-knowing encyclopedia of ’80s hit cartoon ters and playing out an adventure, it is lot of one series (“Mortal Kombat II” “Transformers;” to others he is husband. For considered weird. I have watched tail- comes to mind easily), I can’t say that GI, J. Mo. - as he prefers to be called - is a gating parties take place on Thursday I have ever put my life on hold for a contributor of a quarterly Dungeons and Drag- game or games. I can’t see myself ons-based column. Though he is a newcomer night and the game isn’t until Sun- doing that, and I would hope that my to the world of journalism, Mosley is no day night. Yet, a group of friends can’t children would never do it, either. I stranger to video games: He can trace his roots sit down and discuss how to save the back to the NES-era “Metroid.” Let's put it plan to still be playing when my chil- princess from the dragon. this way: If you can remember beating dren come along, and I plan to pass I have yet to come across any studies Metroid and various passwords for it, you are along the idea that while games are that show that you will henceforth be one old dude. J. Mo. resides with his wife hobbies, they aren’t the end all-be all. labeled weird because you use your in Columbia, S.C. I guess what it comes down to is that imagination. I say use your imagina- you shouldn’t let games take over your tion. If you want to spend time creating life. Yes, they are important and eve- life, go for it! Let the dice be your ryone needs a hobby. But folks do GAMING INSURRECTION STAFF guide. Let the haters do what they do need a life as well, and you shouldn’t best: Hate! You are using your intelli- have to give up other things in your Editor Columnists Copy editors gence and let me stress: Using intelli- life for games. Lyndsey M. Mosley Lyndsey M. Mosley Lyndsey M. Mosley gence is good. Using intelligence and James T. L. Mosley GNH imagination is better. Don’t let an addiction ruin what life you do have. Blog: http://nesgrrl81.livejournal.com Jamie Mosley is a quarterly con- Lyndsey Mosley is editor tributor to Gaming Insurrection. He of Gaming Insurrection. She can be reached by e-mail at can be reached by e-mail at WEB SITE: www.gaminginsurrection.com fromthedungeon@ [email protected] E-MAIL: [email protected] gaminginsurrection.com First Quarter 2009 Gaming Insurrection Page 3 Dance Dance Revolution Hero

a day with a DDR master

BY LYNDSEY M. MOSLEY GAMING INSURRECTION

t’s a cold blustery day in October and I’m sitting in my kitchen waiting for Marcus Barnes to arrive. Marcus is no stranger to this kitchen; he’s sat in it easily a million times in the 13 years that we’ve known each other. And what I’m waiting to talk to him about is nothing I new, either. DDR is a subject that we easily can talk about for hours on end and today is no different. Marcus finally arrives from work and we get down to business. This is Marcus’ element, a natural thought process for someone who can AA songs in sleep. This is … Dance Dance Revolution for a master and my magnum opus on the venerable dancing game. arcus and I have Where we discovered we defi- known each other nitely had a kinship was importing since we were in the games. At the time that he and I M ninth grade at Rich- found DDR, we were dating stead- land Northeast High School in our ily and my boyfriend’s hobby be- lovely hometown of Columbia, S.C. came my hobby. I had never seen We came from similar back- him as engrossed in learning the grounds and had a lot of the same mechanics, lingo and characteris- friends so it’s not surprising that tics of a game as he was with eventually we became friends. We DDR. What started out as some- discovered we had a mutual love thing new to play became a way of for video games: Mine through life for several years … for both of reading and writing about what I us. liked to play, he through actually While we both have moved on playing and exploring. from our romantic relationship (I We liked a lot of the same series: married my now-contributing GI Mortal Kombat (we both agree columnist Jamie; he is seeing Midway should have reined in Ed someone seriously whom I adore), Boon after three), Street Fighter we have maintained a friendship (we used to compete in tourna- over several years and mostly our ments against some of the best level of interest in DDR. That is players in the Southeast – here’s where this feature is coming from looking at you Ted King and Kyah this quarter: That need to docu- Hicks) and Rival Schools/Project ment the struggle he and I Justice (hilarity always ensues have been through to become when we create Team-Up Tech- niques). Please see SPENDING, page 6

DDR at Gaming Insurrection

Top songs lists ……………….…………………………….5 Where to play in South Carolina ……………...……….5 Editor’s take on DDR ……………………….…………….. 5 Playing DDR on your PC …………....……………………6 First Quarter 2009 Gaming Insurrection Page 5

TOP PARANOIAS DDR RESOURCES SERIES OVERALL (TOP 50) Paranoia Hades Paranoia Survivor Max Paranoia Survivor DDR Freak: www.ddrfreak.com Paranoia Survivor Max Superstar Paranoia Eternal Zenius-I-Vanisher: www.zenius-I-vanisher.com Trip Machine Climax End of the Century Paranoia Rebirth DDR UK: www.ddruk.com Paranoia Hades Look to the Sky Paranoia –Respect- Fascination Maxx (Eternal Love Mix) Midnite Blaze (U1 Jewel style) Paranoia KCET Clean Mix DDR UK and Zenius-I-Vanisher have the best Cartoon Heroes If You Were Here Paranoia Evolution Paranoia Max (Dirty Mix) Healing Vision ~Angelic Mix~ Dub-I-Dub selection of downloads for DDR simulators. DDR Paranoia Paranoia Respect Fantasy (For Melissa Mix) EDITOR’S TAKE Freak is a repository of knowledge. Paranoia Eternal Get Off

Lyndsey M. Mosley Paranoia Rebirth Captain Jack (Grandale Remix) PLACES TO BUY DDR Max. (period) Do It Right (‘80s Electro Mix) TRIP MACHINES Trip Machine Survivor Ghosts (Vincent de Moor original mix) Trip Machine Climax Playasia.com and NCSX.com sell import ver- Pluto Relinquish Secret Rendezvous Trip Machine Survivor DDR important Trip Machine Phoenix sions of the games. You are better off going Sync So Fabulous So Fierce Trip Machine Luv Mix here to purchase any of the Japanese versions Yozora No Muko So Deep (Perfect Sphere Mix) SP-Trip Machine Jungle Mix part of editor’s Twinbee Generation X Sweet Sweet Love Magic Trip Machine because every Japanese release is better than 1998 Tsugaru gaming legacy any of the U.S. versions. The game quality justi- Orion .78 Civilization Mix Burning the Floor Xepher Rain of Sorrow fies the cost to import. You can also buy sound- Maxx Unlimited Irresistiblement 2MB SONGS ance Dance Revolution started tracks here and at GameMusic.com. However, Turn Me On (Heavenly Mix) Un Deux Trois Healing Vision ~Angelic Mix~ out as an excuse to hang out with Max. (period) Dream a Dream Can’t Stop Falling In Love (Speed Mix) my then-boyfriend, but it quickly you may be better off downloading from Gal- Fascination Maxx (Eternal Love Mix) Destiny Dam Dariram (KCP mix) evolved into something much badia Hotel or Zenius-I-Vanisher. The quality is Pluto Relinquish moreD important. It became a hobby. Passion of Love A Little Bit of Ecstasy Orion .78 Civilization Mix Your Rain (Rage Mix) Drop the Bomb Paranoia KCET Clean Mix What I love about DDR is that it can serve that good. Trip Machine Luv Mix multiple levels of purpose. For me, DDR is a Sexy Planet (Momo Mix) Rhythm and Police way to exercise, an entry into the world of J-Pop and a way to meet new people. For years it GAMES TO GET served as reason No. 3 because I was involved It’s advisable to check out these console ver- in the DDR tournament scene. I got to meet different people that shared my interests in two sions for the home DDR experience: or three states. It’s also the way I met my U.S. spouse: He was an arcade manager and I was running a DDR tournament in his arcade. It’s all Konamix about love and DDR. DDR Max WHERE TO PLAY STATEWIDE As an exercise tool, it helped me to shed pounds and improve my coordination. I’m not a DDR Max 2 particularly athletic person, but in my heyday I One of the advantages of going online could do a few Heavy division songs and I was to find DDR information is lucking up on limber enough to keep up and not struggle. I Japan noticed through my months of playing that I had 3rd, 4th, 5th, Max, Max 2, Extreme, Party Col- great sites such as DDR Freak. The Web developed better lung functioning as well. All of site has good information about song the jumping around did me some good: It helped lection, SuperNova, SuperNova 2 me breathe better and feel a little better during lists, game databases and where to find the day. The general theory is that if it’s in the arcade version, machines based on visitor information Musically, I learned to appreciate sound from the other side of the globe. Now, there are some there’s a pretty high chance that it’s in the Japanese ver- exchange. people who criticize the series for not having sion of the game. The U.S. versions with the exception From a cursory search conducted on danceable music, but I beg to differ. I would of Max and Max 2 did not follow the arcade conventions. Nov. 24, 2008 (in South Carolina), there actually dance to most of the stuff I heard and I Konamix is a great starting point for U.S. players and has do actually listen to a majority of it in my car are 26 locations that have machines. when I’m traveling. I have my favorites (see a lot of the older songs that became favorites. sidebar) but for the most part, there are few If in doubt, always consult the song lists found at DDR songs that I absolutely do not like in the series Freak or Zenius-I-Vanisher. Their searchable databases overall. I love when a series has a multi-pronged approach to get me involved. That’s how games provide a wealth of information when you’re trying to are supposed to be made. decide whether or not to pursue that $60 import. Page 6 Gaming Insurrection First Quarter 2009 PC simulators Spending the day with a ddr master The main simulator that Gaming ing, and to understand Insurrection uses is Stepmania. FROM PAGE 4 There are others out there, but how DDR works, you we’ve found this program is the easiest to use, setup and custom- moderately successful at need to see it and then ize. a dancing game that try it. After watching him Stepmania allows users to add their own songs and steps to play swept Japan by storm in play a few times, I de- under Dance Dance Revolution the late 1990s and is cided to jump in and try it rules (or other dancing game rules if you choose). The Stepmania 3.9 quite successful in Amer- myself. I discovered from default is set at DDR Max style, but ica. this mercurial tryout that you can change this any way that MORE ONLINE you like. THE EARLY YEARS To watch videos of Stepmania, I’d been missing some- For instance, GI Editor Lyndsey Mosley’s setup is based off of Beat- visit the multimedia section of Back when we first thing great. I think you mania IIDX 11 RED, but it could gaminginsurrection.com. started, we knew nothing could consider myself easily change it to BLUE or Max2 if had the proper pack was ob- For example, you may want to have about boss songs or per- and Marcus hooked. tained. constant 200 BPM for Healing-D- fect attack. All we knew Slowly, we progressed. Vision. Using directions found at WHAT YOU NEED FOR STEPMANIA Stepmania.com, you can add just was that stepping on the By the time the summer 1. A decent PC; about any DDR-related modifier you arrows in time with the of 2002 rolled around, we 2. File extraction program like want to make it a full-fledged DDR Winzip; experience. beat got us through were seasoned tourna- LYNDSEY M. MOSLEY Gaming Insurrection 3. Stepmania download Players can also add courses to songs. What we didn’t re- ment-throwing pros (at www.stepmania.com); simulate the Nonstop and Oni modes Marcus completes a few steps during his run on the DDR SuperNova2 4. Song packs (called simfiles); from previous games. Directions for alize was that DDR took machine at Frankies Fun Park in Columbia recently. (again having learned and this can also be found on Stepma- 5. Recommended: A controller nia.com’s forums. some skill. Practice is re- from some of the best in converter for pads or PS2 quired. Silly us, it took a good at DDR, you need introduced in arcades Southeast) who could RECOMMENDED HARDWARE to have a well-rounded everywhere despite the GETTING STARTED You will need a controller con- while before we realized gather the DDR faithful Download the files, extract and verter to hook up a PlayStation the benefits of listening to understanding of ALL of fact that it was technically from corners of North install. What you need to know first controller or a dance pad. We rec- is how to get the simfiles to show ommend this so that you don’t music from the game. the songs in the series. illegal for anyone in Carolina to the shores of up and load in the game. Just wear out your arrow keys on your Thanks to Marcus, I be- That’s where our story America to own a DDR Myrtle Beach to join us in download the files, extract and put keyboard. them in the “Songs” folders. It’s Once you have your converter set came a fan of J-Pop and takes a crucial turn. machine (go look it up if some high-stepping fun. that simple. up, changing the keys in Stepma- DDR music in general. It was 2002, when the you don’t believe me). Those 18-hour days When you load the game, it will nia is extremely easy. automatically load any files you Check the Wiki on the Stepmania Sure, I have my absolute PlayStation 2 was still Marcus brought home were worth it, I can say have in that folder. home page to determine which favorites (see sidebar) king and America had two American versions converter is right for you. We wholeheartedly now. We ADVANCED CUSTOMIZATION chose a Super Joy Box 3 Pro and it but what I realized not yet bore the fruit of for us to try: DDR USA made a day of it, from 8 Sometimes, adding courses and works well with no delay issues or through lots of practice mass-produced DDR ma- 1st mix and DDR Ko- modifiers can change the game up. axis problems. was that in order to be chines. Max 2 was being namix. Seeing is believ- Please see DDR, page 7 First Quarter 2009 Gaming Insurrection Page 7 DDR FROM PAGE 6 HEAR AND SEE MORE things: How the signifi- a.m. prep and set up time To listen to an interview and watch cant others are doing, videos of our DDR guru, visit the what songs we want to at our local arcade multimedia section of gaming insurrection.com. practice, what songs we (yes, those mythological generally did well on that creatures still existed comprehension. Once we set. Once I’m sitting even as late as 2003) to 1 got there, it was setup down, it’s hard to entice a.m. after-tourney Waffle time. Marcus got started me back to the machine. once things were placed House/Denny’s gather- However, for Marcus, it’s within reach of the ma- no challenge. After about ings. chine. 10 minutes, he’s toweled We thoroughly enjoyed From the way he de- off and right back at it ourselves as watched our scribes this warm-up pe- again. The DDR master’s DDR skills progress. riod, it was a haze. He work is never done. Marcus moved into the notices very little going WHEN THE DANCING’S DONE Heavy division and I on around him and quite moved into the Standard a bit escapes his notice. When he decides he’s had enough of tapping division about the same What he doesn’t realize is that he’s developed a the pads, Marcus usually time. Nothing deterred crowd. signals it with a final play- our operations and delu- Most of them don’t have through of his hardest sions of tournament gran- the slightest clue what songs. With this final hur- LYNDSEY M. MOSLEY Gaming Insurrection deur as we managed to LYNDSEY M. MOSLEY DDR is but his jumping rah, we head home. The Marcus pauses on “Paranoia Survivor Max” as he prepares to select a song during a run recently. attract 30 people to a around on a metal pad master usually checks in competition once. What ory is how to read a song The camera provides Putt-Putt Fun Center off has caught their atten- with the significant other we took from these com- and its arrows on sight documentation of his Sparkleberry Lane in Co- tion. and then maybe some petitions was the never- alone. deeds as a dancer lumbia. The drive, a quick Marcus is the humble more console play at his apartment. Whatever he ending quest to get bet- should he get that elusive straight route on I-20 East sort, never taking credit WATCHING A MASTER toward Florence, pro- for much of anything. decides, his day will ter, to remember timing, “black flag” or AAA probably end with DDR. When Marcus gears up vided little time to pre- Well, except for his danc- to step correctly without grade. When he’s ready Getting back to the pre- to play, he does every- pare. However, a little ing skills. This is where flaws. When it comes to go, he puts on his sent, getting Marcus to thing short of preparing play through music on he’s a hero. Not a guitar down to it, DDR is a “playing” sneakers and talk about DDR is not for a large-scale disaster. tapes (at the time; later hero, but a dancing hero. hard. He and I also talk game about precision. It He gathers towels, he’s out the door. CDs), usually got us in about the good old days helps if Konami’s pads notepads and change to- Now back when we first the mood. That music THE HARD PART IS DONE of tournaments and trav- are calibrated correctly. gether so that he covers started playing, we lived also has another in- Once Marcus finishes a eling. What Marcus has all of his bases. One of 10 minutes apart. This tended side effect: Lis- set of songs, it’s time to This is what he enjoys learned is about coordi- his necessary tools, as I equated to a 20-minute tening to the music im- take a short break. drive to the nearest ar- proves the two C’s of During this break, we about DDR. nation and speed. What later practiced using, is a cade: the now-defunct DDR, coordination and talk about a variety of This is his element. he’s taken into his mem- digital camera. Page 8 Gaming Insurrection First Quarter 2009 FOURTH IN A SERIES

BY LYNDSEY M. MOSLEY GAMING INSURRECTION e’ve reached the fourth part of our video game music fea- ture, and it’s been a great look back at music that defined W an era for Gaming Insurrection. This quarter, we look at games that musically diverse yet have inspired many a video game soundtrack for trips for GI.

MYSTICAL NINJA STARRING GOEMON The Mystical Ninja series originally began on the Super Nintendo. While there was great potential there, the series really shined with the second U.S. release: Mystical Ninja Starring Goemon on the Nin- tendo 64. It had an engaging story full of wackiness and it’s best feature: Gorgeous time period-relevant music. Someone at Konami must have really loved doing their work with this game because the sound is the star. Most of the tracks are good at setting the mood for the level, with the boss battles in particular making their mark early in the game. Even the hilariously cheesy “Gorgeous My Stage” is appropriate at the end of the game because it matches the absurdity of the Peach Mountain Shoguns’ elaborate plans for Japan. If you’re a fan of Eastern music, especially music from this epoch of Japanese history, definitely check this game out.

Game top 3: 1. Heartbreak Corlin (Ghost Toys Castle boss)/Festival Temple boss 2. Road to Yamato Photo courtesy of Gamespot.com 3. Kabuking (Musical Castle) parts 1 and 2

DANCE DANCE Even when mixes repeat REVOLUTION songs, they tend to be fan favorites. And to answer the question that was infamously We’re chronicling DDR in asked in Max.(period), I need this issue, but it’s still impor- Konami originals because tant to talk about the music licenses generally suck. Most of the series. players love Konami originals DDR is one of the few se- because they are what ries that tries to combine makes DDR unique. many genres and achieves success. Where the games Series top 10: succeed is the fact there is 1. Paranoia Survivor Max something for everyone. 2. Trip Machine Climax Most of the games feature 3. Paranoia Hades slow love ballads, happy 4. Fascination Maxx hardcore, speed rave, (Eternal Love Mix) techno, house or ethnic 5. Cartoon Heroes songs just to name a few. 6. Healing Vision ~Angelic Mix~ Konami and Naoki are all 7. Paranoia Respect over the place with the 8. Paranoia Eternal Photo courtesy of ign.com musical direction, but it pays 9. Paranoia Rebirth off. 10. Max. (period)

Please see Video game music, page 10 Gaming Insurrection  First Quarter 2009 Page 9 Kart classic parked in collection

BY LYNDSEY M. MOSLEY GAMING INSURRECTION

he first time I played “Super Mario Kart” was in August 1993. I had the bright idea of renting a gameT one Friday night, and the go- kart racer had been released about a year before. I played it, having read about it in Nintendo Power and finally finishing “Super Mario World.” I instantly fell in love. What I loved then and what I love now so much about the game is its simplicity. You can pick it up and get started, but it takes a genuine master to finish every track and every cup with a gold. I achieved that goal in 1995, but it was hard work getting that far. Hard but satisfying work. Getting started with Mario Kart isn’t hard. You pick your modes, your character and your cup and you’re off to the races. Tracks aren’t difficult at all until you get to the Special Cup. The CPU’s increasing aggressiveness is what makes the game challenging and I think it’s paced just right. By the time you reach 150cc, you should be just as aggressive as they are. Track design is ingenious as well as the locales featured in the game. While the simplicity of the track nam- ing and the reuse of the music is obvi- ous, you can get the sense that you’re increasing in difficulty as you move SEE MORE through the different classes. I can tell you from experience that To see more photos from this Mario Circuit 1 is a lot less difficult game, visit the multimedia than Mario Circuit 4. CPU intelli- section of gaminginsurrec- gence can be aggravating but it tion.com. wouldn’t be Mario Kart without Peach throwing mushrooms or Bowser throwing fireballs at just the the music has done its job. When it right spot that I run into them on the makes its way into my car, it’s gone higher levels. I’ve come to expect that above and beyond the call of duty for in Mario Kart games now, and it’s the a soundtrack. Mario Kart meets this requirement. original that taught me that. “Super Mario Kart” has aged well Musically, you cannot go wrong as a kart racer, setting the standard by with Mario Kart. The original charac- which all competitors are measured. It ter themes are adorable and memora- still retains its pick-up-and-play value ble. The track themes (the majority of and still inspires fun. them at least) are usually taken from If a game inspires me to want to places that you visit in “Super Mario build my own go-kart track 15 years World.” after I first got the idea from playing The trend of incorporating themes it, it’s a classic. from the current system’s Mario title The original should be used to edu- continues to this day with each subse- fits where you’re riding through. For can easily identify just by hearing the cate the crop of players on how a kart quent Mario Kart release. Each theme me, the themes are toe-tappers that I first few bars. That’s when you know racer is to be done. Page 10 Gaming Insurrection First Quarter 2009

FROM PAGE 8

SUPER SMASH BROS. What I love about the Smash Bros. series is its unabashed love for all things Nintendo. The series reaches way back into its past to lift up the games that made Nintendo the juggernaut that it is today. With that in mind, the recreated versions of some of the classics actually sound better than the origi- nals. For instance, even though I love the origi- nal version of Brinstar Depths (used for the stage and background of the same name in Smash), I like the remade updated version better. The Smash version invokes the hor- ror of journeying to face Kraid in his lair on a strange world by the name of Zebes. 5. “Underworld” – Kid Icarus - Super Smash, however, does use original ver- Series top 10: Smash Bros. Brawl version sions from time to time and they actually 1. 75m – Donkey Kong (remix) – Super 6. “All-Star mode” – Super Smash Bros. sound good, however 8-bit they may be. I Smash Bros. Brawl version Brawl version received a musical education through the 2. “Battle at the Base” – Metal Gear Solid 7. “Final Destination” – Super Smash Bros. Smash games on what should be playing 4: Guns of the Patriots - Super Smash Bros. Brawl version during my epic battles as Samus against the Brawl version 8. “Character Select” – Super Smash Bros. horde of friendly challengers that include my 3. “Brinstar Depths” – Metroid – Super 9. “Golden Hammer – Item” – Super husband’s Ganondorf. It’s this education Smash Bros. Melee version Smash Bros. Brawl version that makes me long to play games of yester- 4. “Saria’s Song” – The Legend of Zelda – 10. “Hyrule Castle stage” – Super Smash year or try something new in games such as Super Smash Bros. Melee Bros. “Metal Gear Solid 4.”

MORTAL KOMBAT In a game where it’s all about kill or be When MK first came out, I was a young- killed, you rarely notice the music. However, ster just reaching middle school. I had just I noticed MK right off the bat with its throw- learned a little something about arcade eti- back to mystical times. quette and I was receiving a fine education What Forden could do with a Yamaha on gaming music through weekend game sound board is amazing, especially once you renting exploits. I played a little of the first consider that he moved up to the DCS game, but I really hit my stride with MK2 in sound system with the second game. 1993. While the surrounding game play may By the time, MK3 came out in 1995, I was have needed some polishing through differ- well versed in gaming music lore, knew my ent updates, Forden’s musical masterpieces composers pretty well and had discerning kept the surroundings grounded and gam- tastes in music. ers coming back for more. What I knew of longtime MK composer Dan Forden’s work was enough to fill a page Series top 7: or two in a multi-volume encyclopedia set, 1. “Armory” – MK2 but I knew I loved it. 2. “The Bridge” – MK3 Ever since the first game came home, I 3. “Battle with Shinook” – MK Mythologies: have loved Forden’s choices. With a few I always got the sense that I was witness- Sub-Zero rare missteps in the series, Forden has kept ing this ancient tournament at play while 4. “Continue” – MK1 his end of the bargain by making the music fighting with my favorite characters (Sub- 5. “The Bank” – MK3 shine. Zero, Scorpion, Kitana, Sindel, Kabal, 6. “Goro’s Lair” – MK4 Mileena). 7. “Battle with Earth God” - MK Mythologies

WHERE TO GO FOR MUSIC

Galbadia Hotel (ffshrine.gh.org): Galbadia Hotel has As a member of Galbadia Hotel, we recommend register- to be one of the best, if not the best, source of video game ing for the main site and for the forums. music ever. There are plenty of tracks from obscure games and a lot of the Japan-only releases are just waiting to be SNESmusic (snesmusic.org): If you're looking for mu- downloaded. sic from the Super Nintendo era, then this is the place to If you can't find a particular soundtrack on the main site, go. It's easy to get started with downloading and saving you can try your luck in the forums by doing a search. your selected music. Support the site because their efforts More than likely, you can find what you're hunting for are good. there. Also, you can get help with ripping-related and emu- They also host their own player for SNES files on the lated music player issues. site. What's really good is the section for composers Try the links on the right side of the main page (under where a wealth of information can be gained about the the category of emulated music) and you can find different names behind the music of Nintendo's sophomore music categorized by systems and games. system. Gaming Insurrection  First Quarter 2009 Page 11 It’s Mario’s World; we just play it

BY LYNDSEY M. MOSLEY GAMING INSURRECTION SEE MORE To view more photos, visit The first time I saw “Super Mario the multimedia section World,” I was 10 years old and in the of gaming Target that used to be on Decker Boulevard in Columbia. I had some insurrection.com. vague notion that there was a new system coming out and there was go- fun adventure even moreso than the ing to be a new Mario game, but I music and gameplay. hadn’t seen it in action. All of that I’ve always marveled at the bright- changed on a cold day in November ness of the landscape in the game and 1991. thought it perfectly suited Mario’s I begged and pleaded with my palette. Mario World has no shortage mother at least to take me to Target of secrets and intriguing things to on a weekly basis so that I could play explore. it since I wasn’t getting the system for Even after 18 years, I still find at least another year. She obliged and something to do in Mario World. my love affair was born with the Whether it’s working on consistently fourth installment of the Super Mario getting to Bowser’s back door or try- Bros. franchise. ing to beat the Special Star World What’s not to love about Mario levels, there will always be something World? The music and gameplay are that challenges me in “Super Mario fantastic. What impressed me the World.” most once I got started was the pacing of Mario’s adventure. As usual, Miyamoto and crew de- cided to help gamers with the fun PHOTOS BY LYNDSEY M. MOSLEY Gaming Insurrection WATCH MORE factor and didn’t make the game too what I liked so much about the game: door at any time. It’s up to the gamer, To view video, visit the hard or too easy. You have choices. and I really enjoyed that. Another multimedia section I found the first three or four levels You can choose to take on Bowser thing that I loved about the game was of gaming to be smartly designed and easy to run early, in about 10 to 15 moves on the the vibrancy of the artwork and through or difficult to find all the se- world map. Or you can choose to play graphics. Colors on the SNES come insurrection.com. crets … if I so chose to do so. That’s through and get to Bowser’s front alive and make the game into a bright,

Role-playing intro couldn’t come on better system

BY LYNDSEY M. MOSLEY GAMING INSURRECTION

“Super Mario RPG” was my first in the genre. Granted, there were others on the market, but Mario RPG was the first that made me want to give role players a shot. It did not disap- point. What gamers have to remember about the game is, is that it’s a train- ing RPG. It’s the kind of game that gets you started in the genre: It intro- duces concepts of leveling up and item and party management. The game’s creators, a joint effort between Nintendo and Square Enix, assume that you have never played this type of game. Therefore, it’s easy. I appre- ciated that. Because of my lack of experience, it was a little easier for me to pick up the game and play, learning genre-common themes as I went along. sit through getting Mario and party up Mario RPG has the standard cutesy SEE MORE to at least level 25 to beat the game Mario fare and the appropriate Square To watch video and see comfortably. Enix RPG themes. more photos from this game, Gameplay is another plus. One of help you and it’s quite capable in that However, there are some themes visit the multimedia section the things that struck me as helpful respect. that standout and make the soundtrack of gaming was the mapping of actions to but- With its release recently on the Wii worth getting. Don’t overlook the insurrection.com. tons. Playing through I got used to the Virtual Console (something I thought music because it’s Mario. I found the physical attacks on A, magic on Y, would never happen given Square and Smithy boss battle themes to be par- Nintendo’s continued tension), this is defense on B and item usage on X. ticularly excellent. There’s certainly nothing ugly about a game that should not be missed, That made it much easier to concen- The artwork and graphical quality the game; in fact it’s quite pretty and especially if you passed it up the first trate on getting the most out of my shine throughout the game. I thought engaging to look at. time around on cartridge. Even with the textures were an interesting up- The graphics hold up well after 12 timed defense or timed offense. Make its introductory status, there’s still grade on the Mario franchise. years, which is good when you have no mistake: The game’s goal is to something for everybody here. Gaming Insurrection  First Quarter 2009 Page 12 TECH GEEKS — GEAR YOU CAN USE

ech Geeks is a relatively new feature at Gaming Insurrection. In the spirit of the new year, we

bring you the gear that keeps on giving after all of the presents are unwrapped for the holidays. T With these highlights, you can look forward to a fresh perspective for your projects and creativity. Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat

1 2 3

4 5 6 7 8 9 10

January 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 * The Lord of the Rings: Conquest 2009 (PS3, XBox 360)

18 19 20 21 22 23 24 * 50 Cent: Blood on • Stoked (XBox • Skate 2 (PS3, the Sand (PS3, XBox 360) XBox 360) 360) • Dead Rising: • Sim Animals Chop Til You (Wii) Drop (Wii)

25 26 27 28 29 30 31 • MLB Front Office • Afro Samurai Manager (PS3, (PS3, XBox 360) XBox 360) Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 • Shell Shock 2: • Rygar: Battle of Blood Trails Argus (Wii) (PS3, XBox 360) • Tenchu: Shadow • Halo Wars (XBox Assassin (Wii) 360)

8 9 10 11 12 13 14 • Fear 2: Project Origin (PS3, February XBox 360) • Sonic’s Ultimate Genesis Collec- tion (PS3, XBox 2009 360)

15 16 17 * Street Fighter IV 18 19 20 21 * Wheelman (PS3) (PS3, XBox 360) * Killzone 2 (PS3) • Grand Theft Auto IV: The Lost and the Damned (XBox 360) • Sacred 2: Fallen Angel (XBox 360)

22 23 24 25 26 27 28 * Puzzle Quest: Ga- lactrix (XBox 360) Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 * Don King Presents: * Star Ocean: The Prizefighter (Wii) Last Hope (XBox 360)

8 9 10 11 12 13 14 • Madworld (Wii) • Resident Evil 5 • Sonic and the (PS3, XBox 360) Black Knight (Wii)

March 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 * Dance Dance Revo- lution: Disney 2009 Grooves (Wii)

22 23 24 25 26 27 28 * Broken Sword (Wii)

29 30 31 • Final Fantasy Crystal Chroni- cles: Echoes of Time (Wii) • Ocean Com- mander (Wii)