Kguillemette

Twisted Sister cover. Dimmu in their prime obv kills it.

6/10. Just never been much of a monty python fan though I have definitely tried. Can't say I disliked it, but 6/10 on the Reed scale seems most accurate.

Obv 9/10, though it is admittedly the least played of the first 4 for me. The cape is so broken in such a good way once you figure it out that there isn't a need for other crazy powerups.

Cuba was more believable as OJ than OJ was as himself.

1 hour ago, rdrunner said:

Skipped ahead through all the bickering.  This really shouldn't be the "Sonic 2 does/doesn't deserve to win" thread.  It's likely going to win and that's fine.  Majority vote wins out.

It's been a fun bracket.  Thanks for setting it up!

Sonic is a polarizing game character. People love him and at the same time others love to hate him. Those that love to hate on him and his games are pretty well part of a very vocal minority. But it's all good at the end of the day!

Congrats to Sonic 2 for starting to run away with it. Like was said earlier, the real finals was between it and SoR 2 a couple rounds ago, which Sonic squeaked a win.

@Brickman breaking the tie!

Here's my take on Sonic 2 since I have a few minutes: 

I agree with everyone else that says 3&K is the best entry on the system. But that's not what made it to the finals.

Sonic 2 is a platformer that does so many things right. It has areas that require speed and precision. It has areas that require complex platforming, but not overly so. The game rewards speed running by offering time bonuses at the end of each act that add up to extra lives. The game also rewards slow exploration by hiding power ups, rings that add up to extra lives and special stage access, and extra lives themselves across each act. This is excellent game design in my opinion.

The presentation is outstanding. The zones across the game are all colorful, unique, fun to look at, and have incredible music. Some of the best music of the 16 bit era is found here. Sonic 2 is a game that is remarkably fun just on how good it looks, sounds, and feels.

We've all played Sonic. I assume we all know how the physics work. I personally think they work great. The spin dash nullifies some of the more frustrating parts of the original game where the physics worked against it, like going up a steep hill or ramp from a stopping position.

Where Sonic 2 has a weakness is the special stage. I do not enjoy the half pipe stages of Sonic 2. It's too difficult to react to and some of the later ones can only be beaten with attrition and memorization. And the idea to start at 0 rings was not a good one, making you recollect or search out 50 more before you can have a chance at the next emerald. It feels like work. Personally, when I play Sonic 2, I just skip the special stages. Its more fun that way. 

I admittedly have not spent as much time with Gunstar Heroes. It is indeed an excellent run and gun. The music is great, the weapons are inventive, and bosses are usually pretty fun and intense. But that board game stage... if I have to critique Sonic 2 for at times feeling like work to unlock the best ending, I can't forgive Gunstar Heroes for having an entire stage required to beat the game that feels like a long chore. It doesn't make the game bad, far from it. It is, however, a flaw that has kept me from returning to it countless times like I have for Sonic 2. If I had to make the desert island choice between Sonic 2 and Gunstar Heroes, choosing Sonic 2 is a no brainer. 

Sonic 2. I wonder how many votes in the finals are less for Gunstar Heroes, and against the blue blur.

The Monty whack a mole game in NSMB is wildly addicting. Imo it's the best use of the touch screen on the whole DS.

I recognize the Blue Willow platter pattern in the top left corner. My girlfriend collects this specific pattern and I've been tracking down unique pieces as I can. Depending on the maker, a 13" platter is worth in the $30-40 range. Churchill and Johnson Bros are the most common, with a few others that manufacture the pattern like Buffalo  China, etc. Green and red pink willow also exists and are a bit more uncommon. I don't know much about the other patterns, but you should be able to use Google lens to help identify them, then you can cross reference ebay or the like depending on the manufacturer stamped on the bottom to help price them.

I hope this helps and good luck!

That being said, if there are any unique willow pieces in the collection I may be interested in purchasing or working out a trade.

The final four has some really good games in it.

25 minutes ago, a3quit4s said:

Streets of rage vs Sonic was the real final lol

It would have been my final, but had a rough seeding. Premier platformer vs premier beat em up.  

Is Snatcher so good it beats Castle of Illusion? It seems so niche. I suppose some say it's among the goats of visual novels anyway. Just curious what some of the snatcher voters have to say.

Going with Lies. I know it's a straight style rip, but it's a sound alike nonetheless

I'm in the minority with Aladdin. Granted I prefer platformers to beat em ups. Though SoR2 may well be the goat of beat em ups, I'm still going with the iconic Aladdin.

2. I like them all, but only have ever played 2 to completion. Plus that soundtrack...!

30 minutes ago, Tabonga said:

Mrs. Tabonga and I shared a sense of black humor- and the joke really says nothing about our relationship - more of an acknowlegement of my change of circumstances.

I figured as much and I love it.

On 3/7/2024 at 12:53 PM, Tabonga said:

  Heh - no  longer married!

Possibly the darkest joke I've read on here that made me laugh. Omg.

Not a DragonBall fan, but a huge Chrono Trigger fan like many here. I was awestruck the the added cutscenes in FF Chronicles. RIP.

If I've played both, I choose my favorite. If I've played one I chose the one I've played unless I disliked it. If I've played neither I choose the one I would likely enjoy more. 

1 minute ago, Mega Tank said:

I'm not taking anything away from Tyson, but when was the last time he looked good during a meaningful fight?

Jake Paul can only do one thing, cherry pick fights so he can win.

Gonna be like Jordan's season with the Wizards. Gonna hurt to watch, but you still have to, cause it's Jordan, right?

You have got to be kidding me...

Super Metroid for the first time! Just defeated Kraid and picked up the Varia suit. It was nice of him to open his mouth frequently so I could land a few super missles right in the sweet spot and take him down on my first try! Now I'm on to explore Norfair since it was too volcanic to explore last time.

I've never sat down and played a metroidvania in a long time. Usually I've felt too intimidated, but this game is as amazing and deserves every amount of praise it has received over the years. I half expected to get lost and not have fun, as I typically prefer linear games. This is an absolute exception to that rule. The secret areas and points of interest are for the most part clearly laid out on the map of each area you download. And the ones that aren't are about as obvious as bombable walls are in zelda. I may even play this to the finish unless I get super frustrated later on my mission to find the remaining metroid.

Some Bruno songs I may rate as high as a 8 or 9, but this isn't one of them.

"The Message" is a song I respect more so than enjoy. 6/10 seems right on the Reed scale.

On 3/5/2024 at 12:16 PM, The Count said:

I've done all but use a typewriter. I'm surprised so many of you guys have.

My family didnt get a computer/printer until 1998 or so. We used a typewriter until then

12 hours ago, TrekMD said:

So, what's your score?  I got all of them...

Perfect score!