A ’95 WINDOWS OF THE GAMING WORLD – LC Plays Back In 1995

I am a bit of a latecomer when it comes to gaming. Rather than cutting my teeth in the arcades and mini-byte home consoles in the early days, I discovered my passion with a second-hand grey PlayStation and a stack of pre-owned games. Hardly retro, however this was before it became the PSOne, so maybe PSemi-Retro.

*Disclaimer: not my actual collection

Because of this, I have a certain fondness for the pixelated 32-bit games, particularly if they are 3D with D-pad controls……ahhhhh, those simpler days and days and DAYS of eventually mastering movements while hitting the directional control just right!

So when the opportunity came up to play and review BACK IN 1995, I pressed ∆ o x □ and jumped at the chance.

The game is very reminiscent of early survival horror; tank-ish controls, unexpected enemies, limited resources, plus those pixelated graphics. As a recent convert to the Resident Evil series, this game was practically screaming at me.

Not so retro was my impression from the title screen, which is a lone beacon shining out from a tall structure. This had a definite Bioshock vibe to it which although I knew was not the gaming style in any way, it still left a pleasant feeling which carried through my entire playthrough of the game.

To give the game a true experience of the times, there is a ‘CRT Effect’ that can be turned on in the Options screen, which adds low-res fuzzy lines to the graphics, however I chose not to enable this feature as I needed to experience it with my vision as clear as possible. But it is a very cool feature which I may try on another playthrough. There was one other choice in Options, a language setting, but nothing more, reflective of a simpler time when you enjoyed a game just as it was presented.

We begin with the simple goal of getting to the aforementioned tower with the glowing beam, but as we’re not entirely aware of why and how we ended up here we would have to use our exploration skills and uncover the story with clues found.

As mentioned before, the character is moved with tank controls, very slow and somewhat frustrating to get used to, but that is part of the genius of this game, it forces you to rethink your strategy after you’ve perished yet another time, as the dangers are (thankfully!) in the same spots. There is no run option, just a slow, steady gait, but the enemies aren’t very fast either. I tended to die mostly from the sheer panic of encountering every new ‘WTF?’ creature.

Speaking of, I am still not sure what the enemies really are, the first ones looked to me like pickled walnuts, but with arms that would scrape at you until you succumbed to their nutty way of killing. The later enemies were just as bizarre, each new one being more deadly than the previous and requiring more powerful weaponry. Your first line of defense is a simple yet effective pipe wrench, however as the tougher enemies are also faster, that doesn’t really cut the mustard so either the pistol or shotgun would get you through – thank goodness for auto-aim!

Save points are not plentiful, but thoughtfully rendered blocky computers of the day. The stat menu is plainly set up, you can see your items and health very clearly. And just like the survival horror of the day, there are clues and items to be found and utilised, and this may require some backtracking, but this is the absolute charm about this game. It truly is a homage to that genre.

I played the PS4 version of the game, and I instantly got a Trophy for starting the story. Other trophies were very easy to come by and the end result was my very first Platinum on that platform.
If you are into old school 3D games of the mid 90s, this game is definitely for you. It isn’t very long, the graphics, movements, and build-up are true to the source of inspiration. And the ending, now that was a real surprise and I would recommend this game solely to see this.

Back In 1995 is available on Xbox One, PS4, PSVita, Nintendo Switch, and PC. Developed by one-man team Ichijo Takaaki at Throw The Warped Code Out. Console versions published by Ratalaika Games.

Resident Evil 2 Demo Event in London – Just Call Me Lady RE

 

I’m a bit new to the Resident Evil franchise. Oh, I knew the games existed and was encouraged to try them over the years, but I know my disposition, and horror, even cheesy horror, was something I avoided.

But a couple good gaming buddies of mine convinced me to try out Revelations 2 back in 2015 and they assured me it was not that scary. Since I knew this was to be a groundbreaking move for my cowardly little being, I decided I would stream and keep it.

I did scream and cower a few times, but I was hooked, and after completing that game I went OCD on RE – I played every single game available on Xbox and PSN, in sequential order starting with 0 and ending with 6. I’ve only managed to partly finish RE7’s demo, though, as the horror and suspense is still too realistic for me and I can’t bring myself to actually play the full game. Not just yet anyhow.

So of course I was pretty excited seeing the RE2 Remake reveal at E3 this year. And knowing it would be released around the time of my next birthday, I knew just how I’d be celebrating it in 2019.

However part of that celebration arrived early…..

I had a random look at Twitter one morning and Capcom UK announced that a playable demo of RE2 Remake would be available at a special event in London on 22nd June. For fans. I nearly hyperventilated. I eagerly refreshed my phone over and over when the tickets went ‘on sale’ (they were actually free) 2 days before. And couldn’t believe I got one almost immediately.

Fast forward to the 22nd, and after a fast train, a Tube ride, and a 20 minute walk, I landed in Nirvana, in the form of a bar tailored for gamers, called Server, part of a small-chain of gaming-themed bars. Consoles, big screens, board games, a bar, and plenty of happy people.

And in the back was the Capcom area, decked out like Raccoon Police Department, where there was a row of PS4s with RE2 being played, as well as a couple other consoles with MegaMan and Street Fighter demos.

I was greeted by the lovely Kat, Capcom UK’s Community Manager, wearing an old-school STARS beret a la Jill, and she explained there would be a short wait as the current group still had time. She also offered to answer any questions I might have, but to be honest, I was still in a state of shock that I was about to play the demo!

Well, my turn came up, and after settling in my chair, I let the tasty tasty demo begin.

No spoilers here, of course, however I have to say the look and feel was very realistic. Entering dark spaces with a flashlight, not knowing what to expect, and scanning over the shiny blood on surfaces was a world away from the original RE2, however it was still all very familiar too. Let’s just say that I was truly impressed, and even though the engine and the overall look is the same that is in RE7, I will not hesitate to play this one. I am not afraid. Not yet, anyway.

Afterwards I had another chat with Kat, and I told her that I was really looking forward to the release and couldn’t wait to tell others about it. Which I have been doing. Part of the ticket included a free drink, which was a nice touch. And though I settled for a pint of cider, I later learned of Server’s wonderful game-inspired cocktail menu. I’ll remember that for next time.

All in all, a wonderful experience. A once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. And I’m so glad I walked out of my gaming comfort zone back in 2015 – I’ve pretty much boarded the Ecliptic Express and made Raccoon City my home.