Author: The Cubist

[do_widget id=text-186]Co-founder, Head Author, & Site Technician

Find out what these ratings mean and how I rate video games.

I collect as much video gaming paraphernalia as I can get my hands on, especially when it comes to hardware. With over 40 systems including oldies like the ColecoVision and Intellivision, obscurities like the CD-i and 3DO, and the latest and greatest including the Wii U, PS4, Xbox One, 3DS, and PS Vita, I get easily overwhelmed. Most of the time you can find me firmly nestled sometime between 1985 and 1995 when it comes to my games of choice, but I'm also having a great time seeing what the 8th generation has to offer.

Currently in love with: Mortal Kombat

Email me anytime, about anything: thecubist@nerdbacon.com

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Knack – PS4

Platform:  PS4 Release Date (NA):  November 15th, 2013 Developer:  SCE Japan Studio Publisher:  Sony Computer Entertainment Japan Genre:  Beat ’em up, Platforming Nerd Rating:  7 out of 10   After reading The Watchman’s review of Knack for the PlayStation 4, I nodded my head in affirmation as it seemed that perhaps not all 8th gen releases were going to… Continue reading Knack – PS4

Rayman Legends – Wii U

Platform:  Wii U Release Date (NA):  September 3rd, 2013 Developer:  Ubisoft Montpellier Publisher:  Ubisoft Genre:  Platformer Nerd Rating:  9.5 out of 10 Despite my conviction to go through a stack of old games that I’ve been looking forward to, I’ve found myself quite unable to put down Rayman Legends.  Rayman is a franchise I’m aware of… Continue reading Rayman Legends – Wii U

Luigi’s Mansion: Dark Moon – 3DS

Platform:  3DS Release Date (NA):  March 24th, 2013 Developer:  Next Level Games Publisher:  Nintendo Genre:  Action / Adventure Nerd Rating:  8 out of 10   Be sure to check out The Watchman’s take on Dark Moon and my review of the first Luigi’s Mansion! Believe it or not, I picked this game up back on its launch date but until… Continue reading Luigi’s Mansion: Dark Moon – 3DS

Super Mario 3D World – Wii U

Platform:  Wii U Release Date (NA):  November 22nd, 2013 Developer:  Nintendo, 1-UP Studio Publisher:  Nintendo Genre:  3D Platformer Nerd Rating:  8.5 out of 10     The latest Mario platformer is finally here!  Although Super Mario 3D World may have been overshadowed by the releases of the PS4 and Xbox One, there are still plenty of us… Continue reading Super Mario 3D World – Wii U

Mario Party: Island Tour – 3DS

Mario Party: Island Tour, 2nd in the series developed by Nd Cube, continues to take the franchise in a slightly new direction, while also making great use of the 3DS’ many features.

Super Mario Bros. – NES

What can be said about this game that hasn’t been said already? Its age may show, but the innovation that it brought to the industry can’t be overstated. Its the most essential video game on any must-play list.

Metroid – NES

You’re not a true gamer if you haven’t played Metroid, plain and simple. The controls are as flawless today as they were back then and the iconic music and graphics are just as awe-inspiring. If you haven’t played it, do so. If you have, do so again.

New Super Mario Bros. 2 – 3DS

Anyone who thinks New Super Mario Bros 2 is simply treading old waters hasn’t given it enough of a chance. While the theme is familiar, the ingenious level design, flawless controls, and addictive replay value make for hours of gaming excellence.

Game Genie (for the NES)

Some may consider Game Genie to be cheating, but lets not forget that video games are meant to be fun. There are times when its nice to just relax and enjoy a game without all the headaches and Game Genie is perfect for that. Don’t feel ashamed to use it.

How to Downgrade PSP Firmware

I’m sure all of you out there are dying to downgrade your PlayStation Portable firmware, right? Ok, so perhaps at first glance this doesn’t seem like the most exciting project.  After all, the PSP never did make much of a splash and by now most people have probably forgotten about it.  But if you still… Continue reading How to Downgrade PSP Firmware

Castlevania III: Dracula’s Curse – NES

First Castlevania too hard? Then avoid Castlevania III: Dracula’s Curse, because things haven’t changed much. The graphics can be nice at times and playing as other characters is fun, but not worth the price of all the controllers you’ll be throwing in frustration.

Castlevania II: Simon’s Quest – NES

The RPG elements add a whole new dimension to the platforming genre, but solving puzzles can be difficult without the Internet, as can simple things like jumping and walking down stairs. Simon’s Quest is fun but not for beginners.

Hatchi – iOS

Hatchi faithfully recreates the simplistic pet simulators of the mid-90’s, but also adds a few new things. While still not great for binge gaming, it can still deliver a satisfying experience, even with the occasional in-app purchase.