Thursday, March 15, 2012

I guess it's time to dust off my Xbox 360

Sorry, I couldn't help myself while coming up with the headline above--which is my tongue-in-cheek take on the old chestnut that used to escape the lips of many a "hardcore gamer" in regards to the Wii (as in: "Hey, Super Mario Galaxy will be out soon. I guess it's time to dust off my Wii!").

So, why am I saying something similar about my Xbox 360? For starters, I'm saying it because the last game I played on my big, black, bulky, Microsoft-branded box was ... Wizorb? Or was it Escape Goat? Regardless, it's been a while since I've booted it up.


I'm also saying it, though, because a rather awesome game is going to be released via the system's XBLA service soon. Which awesome game, you ask? SEGA Vintage Collection: Monster World.

Said collection, which has a tentative release date of April 25 (I'll believe it when I see it, honestly), will include a trio of Monster World/Wonder Boy titles: Wonder Boy in Monster Land, Wonder Boy in Monster World, and Monster World IV.


Among the many reasons I'm excited about this rather surprising development: This will be the first time English-speaking audiences will be able to understand what's going on while playing the previously Japan-only Monster World IV. Also, each game in the collection will feature achievements, leaderboards and trial modes.

Will any of you be purchasing SEGA Vintage Collection: Monster World upon release (or shortly afterward)? If so, which of these classic platformers are you planning to play first?

9 comments:

Linnea said...

Whoah! That is really big and good news! I wonder(boy) if it comes to Europe as well. I hope and will check it up!

Love Linnea

Bryan Ochalla said...

Hey there, Linnea! I'm glad to hear someone else is excited by this news. I thought I might be alone this time :P

Anyway, I do believe it has been announced for Europe, too, although don't quote me on that!

Kimimi said...

Didn't the English translation of MWIV already come out on PSN, or am I imagining things? *clueless*

I won't be buying this as I already own Monster World Collection on PS2, but if you're planning on a playthrough Bryan let me know because I need an excuse to get off my backside and actually play the flippin' thing! :D

Bryan Ochalla said...

Hey there, Kimimi! As far as I'm aware, MWIV was announced for (and *supposed* to be released for) both Wii VC and PSN, but it never came out. Someone please correct me if I'm wrong here, though!

It's funny you should bring up the MW Collection for PS2, by the way. I've been eyeing up that sucker -- as well as Fantasy Zone Complete Collection -- for a loooooong time. Not sure why I haven't bought them yet.

I'm guessing you've enjoyed your copy of the MW Collection?

I may actually pick that up and then not get this SEGA Vintage Collection release, to tell you the truth. Of course, this release is sure to be cheaper...

Anyway, I'll definitely let you know if I plan a playthrough, Kimimi!

Kimimi said...

I have enjoyed playing the PS2 collection, but I've still not played through MWIV yet (shame on me!).

The Fantasy Zone Collection is excellent too, by the way ;)

Bryan Ochalla said...

Ah, that's OK, Kimimi! I understand completely :)

BTW, I'm just as excited about being able to play through Wonder Boy in Monster Land as I am being able to play through Monster World IV.

As for Fantasy Zone Collection: I'm jealous! I'm absolutely in love with the original Fantasy Zone at the moment, and that remake of Fantasy Zone II looks GREAT. Argh!!!

Bryan Ochalla said...

Hey there, Justin! I've been meaning to ask you: How are you liking your PS3? Have you bought any new games?

You know what I would be playing right now if I owned a PS3? Journey! I somehow ignored this one until it was released, but, man, do I know about it now. I want it!

Viewtiful_Justin said...

It's amazing. I bought it and played it in one day. It's a short game, but OMG it's gorgeous, touching, and fun!

I just went back to my Facebook message box today and thought, "Oh, I never replied to that message. I should!"

I got Bioshock, InFamous, 3D Dot Game Heroes, and Little Big Planet. I downloaded Scott Pilgrim vs. the World, Everyday Shooter (I think you'd love that one), Stacking, Castlevania HD, and some Pixel Junk games...

Bryan Ochalla said...

Oh, MAN, am I jealous of you right now! I can't believe how many PS3 games you've already acquired. Have you had a chance to play all of them? If so, which ones are your favorites?

Sorry for asking so many questions. I'm just trying to live through you a little bit :P