Nintendo 64 25 Year Anniversary

 Today is the  25 Year Anniversary for the launch of the Nintendo 64 in North America!

The N64 launched along side Mario 64, which was a revolutionary game for its time. It was the first time that the world experienced a 3d platformer; Where you could move around in 3d space. 

The launch happened early in my high school years. My friend got the N64 at Christmas of the same year. He invited me over, and I was blown away with Mario 64 and the unique controller of the N64. 

It wasn't long before I was able to get my own console. I did beat Mario 64, but never managed to collect all 150 stars. 

It wasn't long before Nintendo's other favorite series launched, with Zelda Ocarina of Time. It was a revolutionary RPG that brought the series into a 3d space. This game was the most talked about among my class at the time. 

A great feature of the N64 is that it had 4 controller ports built-in.

When it came to multiplayer racing games, Mario Kart 64 and Wave Race 64 were simply awesome. Mario Kart 64 required some skills to get in first place, but those that fall behind got better items to help them catch up. In Wave Race 64, waves would knock you around and challenge you and your friends.

Smash Bros 64 was the first 4 player fighting game that I experienced. To win, you had to throw your friends off a cliff when their health was low and be the last one standing. My friends and I all found our favorite characters and mastered them. Usually we would master a few.

Along with the Nintendo 64  25 Year Anniversary, Nintendo has announced a new way to play N64. On Nintendo's current console, the switch, you will soon be able to play select N64 games. An optional N64 type controller will launch with this enhanced N64 Online Service. 

Valheim: Review

 My friends and I have been playing a new game called Valheim. It is available on PC (Steam) in early access. Early access means that the game is not finished yet.

For an early access game, however Valheim is actually very far along on development. it is a survival type game, however it is more forgiving than many other survival type games.

In Valheim you are dropped into the middle of a map, and then you are to fend for yourself or with friends. You will not starve to death, but by finding food, you will gain more health and stamina. You then progress to build a shelter, and defend it from monster attacks.

The first area (Biome) is meant for low level players, where you will only encounter low level monsters. You must build yourself (skills and gear) and base up to the point where you can defeat the first boss. After beating the boss you will gain access to new technology, so you can craft new types of gear and better building pieces.

The second biome is much more difficult, as the Trolls can kill an unskilled new player, in 1 hit. If you die, then you must run back to your body from the original spawn point, or a bed that you had crafted. Some skill loss occurs on death, but the run back to your body maybe the most punishing part of death in Valheim. 

This game is best played with friends. Not only can they help you retrieve you body on death, but they can assist you building up shared bases. Generally you want bases if different parts of the map, all connected with portals. Each players can literally help build the bases, or just run around collecting resources such as chopping trees down. 

New Google Chromecast with Google TV

I purchased the new Google Chromecast with Google TV recently. This Chromecast is different than previous Chromecasts, as it comes with a Remote. Previously you had to use your phone to control the device. 

The new Chromecast actually a great Retro Gaming Device. Many emulators can be installed from the Google Play Store. Most of the Emulators that I have used was through the free RetroArch software. For Nintendo DS though, I recommend  the Drastic DS Emulator, which you will need to purchase for a few dollars. You will need to add your own Rom Files for the Emulators to work.

So far I have played Nintendo Snes, Nintendo DS, Nintendo N64, Sega Genesis and Sony PS1 on the new Chromecast. The Emulation experience has been really smooth and great.

Controllers such as the Xbox One Controller can by synced using the Built-In Bluetooth. 

Storage can be expanded using a Type C Powered Usb hub. The usb hub will also allow the use of wired controllers, and wired internet (Ethernet).