Blog Archives
Imaginary Friend (2024) Movie Review!
Recently, we decided to watch John Krasinski’s Imaginary Friend, or If for short. I don’t watch trailers, so I didn’t really know what to expect—all I could think about was Foster’s Home for Imaginary Friends. This movie ended up being something truly special to me.
Spoilers: I try my best not to spoil the film. Though, some parts are hard not to discuss. So, while I hint at spoilers, I try not to blatantly spoil the ending.
If is all about childhood innocence, remaining positive in our darkest hours, and never abandoning who you are. These are messages I think most adults would do well to remember. The movie stars Bea, a young girl who has lost her mother and is now watching her dad’s health deteriorate throughout the course of the film. It’s Bea and her father’s relationship (John Krasinski) that helps tie all the movie’s themes together.
Her dad spends most of the movie in the hospital needing surgery. He tries to stay in high spirits throughout the film with his magic tricks, silly dances, and downplaying his condition. Bea, who is trying to act like an adult to offset her dad’s childish behavior, is constantly telling him to grow up or that life doesn’t have to be fun and wacky all the time. However, despite his condition worsening and Bea’s constant pressure for him to drop the happy dad act, he refuses.
Throughout the film, Bea resists his childish nature. I think she was trying to act strong and brave, having gone through this with her mom already. The fact that she’s twelve means she’s at that age where she desperately wants to be viewed as an adult. Then, when she meets Cal (Ryan Reynolds), Blue (Steve Carell), and Blossom (Phoebe Waller-Bridge), she starts to let her guard down.
She learns that imaginary friends have been forgotten, and they all live in a mysterious place called Memory Lane. Memory Lane was my favorite scene in the movie. We’re exposed to several IFs, most voiced by incredible actors like Brad Cooper as an ice cube and George Clooney as a spaceman, among many others. Memory Lane is constantly changing to fit the needs of the IFs and Bea’s imagination. It’s a truly wonderful place. I would have liked to revisit it, but it didn’t overstay its welcome and maintained an air of mysticism.
The core plot follows Bea and Cal teaming up to try and get the other IFs adopted—which they fail at. This leads to their epiphany: why not try to find the IFs’ original kids? This leads to some of the most beautiful moments in the movie. Blossom sharing a dance with her child, who is now an adult. Blue reconnecting with his child, also grown up, just in time to calm him down for his big meeting. And of course, Bea finally getting to embrace her own IF.
I view the adults making contact with their IFs as a metaphor for reconnecting with their inner child. Each character has been beaten down or just worn out from the everyday motions of life. When Blossom shares a dance with her child, we had discovered that her child had given up on their dreams of being a dancer because she was “too tall.” When she shares that dance with Blossom, she gets to—for the first time in who knows how long—just dance like she did when she was a kid.
When Blue finds his adult seconds before he has to present in front of his bosses, his adult is stressed and no longer able to calm himself down. However, when Blue touches his shoulder, we see a calming aura wash over Blue’s adult. It’s implied he does well in his presentation.
Finally, Bea finds her IF. This is a sweet and powerful moment at the film’s finale. All movie long, Bea was trying to be an adult, never worrying about herself. She was either trying to be strong for her dad, be there for the other kid in the hospital, or solve all the IFs’ problems—never really thinking about herself. Seeing her IF lets her be a kid again. It lets her embrace that side of herself that was vulnerable, that was naive, that was free.
I’m not sure if the timeline was explicitly explained in the movie, but it’s implied that she needed her IF in the past when life got hard or scary. I’m not certain if it was ever explicitly stated that this was when her mom was in the hospital, but now that her dad is in the hospital, she’s able to see all the IFs again.
If is a powerful and beautiful movie. It encourages us to never lose our sense of wonder or sense of self—that growing up doesn’t have to be scary or change who you are at your core. Bea learned this firsthand. She tried to be an adult and take things seriously when things looked bad, but the IFs and her dad constantly encouraged her to be herself and just live life. It’s a message I think would do us all good to hear.
I give If an 8 out of 10. Thank you so much for reading. Have a great day.
This Week’s Preview!
Hey guys. I wanted to take this time to mention some posts I’m working on.
Manga Monday: As of right now, I’m still reading Hunter x Hunter Vol #1. I’ve read the first 4 or 5 chapters. Not sure if the review will be ready or not tomorrow. We will see. Either way, I want to do something Manga Monday related.
A movie review for If (2024). This blog is written and will probably come out Tuesday. *It will contain minor spoilers*
Random Thursday: I actually just realized I changed this from Random Wednesdays to Random Thursdays because of new comics. Either way, I will watch a random anime on Crunchyroll and review the first episode.
Top Five Fridays will be returning Friday. Whoo! That’s exciting.
I’ve got more ideas in the tank, but anytime I come back wanting to do a daily blog, the quality of ideas and writing drops off. So, for now, if I get 4 blogs out this week, I will be thrilled.
As always, thanks for reading. Have a great day!
Firing it Back Up (Life Update!)
Where do we start? I started this blog about 10 years ago or so and have had varying degrees of motivation. I’ve always said running my YouTube channel was my main side hobby and the blog has often taken backseats when I’m in a YouTube mood or when I was really having to work a lot for my old company.
Well, a couple of things have happened. A. I left my old job. Me, my wife and kids moved 1 state over to be closer to my dad. B. My wife was the one who landed a job when we moved, so I have the honor of being a stay at home dad for now.
Next, and this is sadly unfortunate. My PC didn’t survive the move. I’m thinking the graphic card died (though maybe it just got roughed up from the move). Either way I haven’t been able to resolve the issue yet. That is unfortunate because I wanted to take this time to get better at video editing as well as continue to further my YouTube channel. I also prefer writing on PC, but at least I can still publish my blog via my phone so not all is lost.
Well, I’ve also taken to trying to write bigger projects. I am currently writing what I hope will turn into a comic book. My wife and I will try to run independently as well as writing an all ages fantasy story for my daughter. Those are both ambitious for me, but something I’d like to do.
Some topics I hope to return to the blog are: Manga Monday, Random Anime Review Wednesdays, and Top Five Fridays. I may add TCGs back into the mix. However, leaving my old job has limited my interaction with them lately.
When the blog started, it was all about video games, mangas, and anime. I’ll try to do a post talking more about what I’ve read, watched, and played during my hiatus. I have several blog topics saved from where I wrote YouTube scripts that are easy to turn into blog posts.
I’ve also had a second kid. Something I feel like I haven’t really posted about.
Lastly, if there’s anything you want the blog to focus more on, let me know. Right now I’m into retro games (Xbox, PS2, N64, Gamecube), watching One Piece to try to get current (episode 812), and watching my Switch 2 pre order everyday to make sure it doesnt get canceled.
Lately, I haven’t really been in a writing for the blog mood. As described, I’ve already mentioned the things that currently interest me in writing. However, while I wait to see what I’m doing about my PC, the blog may become my outlet to talk about mangas and video games.
Expect blogs to return starting Monday with some sort of Manga Monday update. Some post may or may not trickle out over the next week.
I’m also trying the keto diet this summer, coupled with walking 10,000 steps a day and planning our family’s 2nd Disney World vacation. So, if you’d like to see me make posts about that, just let me know.
I think that’s everything to cover today. If you happen to read this, give me some ideas. Otherwise, expect Manga Mondays and topics about video games to start pouring out later next week.
Thank you for reading. Have a great day. Subscribe to the DaHubbz YouTube channel to see the content I was making the last few years.
Games That Are TRAPPED on the Wii U!
With the last major Nintendo Switch Direct behind us, it’s getting safer to say these games will not be coming to the Switch. And yes, I’m using the phrase “stuck on Wii U” or something to that effect. But sure, the Switch’s successor could always port these games, but that’s no fun. So we’re suspending that for this video. A lot of these games were already unlikely to come over due to the game pad, even though we’ve seen companies rework their games before. So let’s look at some games that are stuck on the Wii U.
Let’s get the elephant of the room immediately, Zelda Wind Waker and Twilight Princess. I’ve been saying all along not to believe these rumors. And now 4 years later I feel vindicated. I don’t really like being negative. But let’s call a spade a spade. These games were rumored originally during the early days of Covid. The theology kinda makes sense. It was Covid. Nintendo was really relying on ports and remakes during the shutdown. Around a similar time, Zelda was celebrating its 35th anniversary. Mario had it’s 3D All Star Collection and some other goodies. Ocarina of Time, Twilight Princess and Wind Wakers name started getting tossed around like a modern take on the Gamecube’s Zelda Collection. But there was never any real traction from Nintendo. Just fans shouting prayers into the dark hyrule sky. With every Direct, the rumors and mumbling for this collection would ebb and flow. Sometimes, you’d forget these rumors exist. Other times, you couldn’t escape it. I’ve long believed every Zelda game should be playable on the Switch. But I doubt we’re getting a gamecube feature added to NSO or these games getting physical releases on the Switch at this point. So I think it’s safe to say the HD versions of these games are stuck on the Wii U forever.
That brings us to Xenoblade Chronicles X. Personally, I did really want this ported over to the Switch. If I’m going to play a lengthy JRPG, I’d just prefer to play them on the Switch. I’m not giving up hope that this could be announced as a final shot in the arm for Switch on the way out the door, but I also don’t think it’d hurt sales to just be a Switch Successor title. Still I like the idea of all the Xenoblade Chronicle games being on the same console.
Next is Kirby. This is one of the few Kirby games that just didn’t click with me immediately. I was excited for the amiibo capabilities and I did like the first few levels. I’m just more of a Kirby on the ground kinda guy. I’m always down for a Kirby port don’t get me wrong. I was really hoping for one of the DS/3DS games personally. Still this was always a long shot. It doesn’t have the same mainstream appeal of Forgotten Lands. The playstyle with the stylus and Gamepad would have to had a major overhaul. I guess none of that was in the cards for our pink puff.
Staying on the “jaded entry of a beloved franchise” brings us to Star Fox Zero. The Gamepad gave this game a unique cockpit view that many people wondered how it would translate over. Overall, Star Fox Zero was not held with any esteem. So it was always more likely that we would get a new Star Fox more than a remake. And with how low the sun has gotten on the Switch, it’s looking like a lock that Star Fox will just be passed over for the Switch’s life span. At least Star Fox 64 is playable on the NSO N64 expansion.
Nintendoland is another misunderstood Wii U title that was always doomed to stay on the Wii U. And honestly, this belongs on the Wii U. As one of the best examples of why the gamepad is the most underrated controller of all time. The mini games are awesome. Is this truly a 60 title? No. But imagine if they remade it and added Splatoon, Pokemon, and Bayonetta to the list of attractions. It would have been awesome. Which is why I would have loved to see a sequel on the Switch.
With the announcement of Mario and Luigi Brothership, the ship has officially set sail on Paper Mario Color Splash. This post has probably outed me as a Wii U apologist. If it hasn’t, then the segment probably will. Color Splash is another misunderstood Wii U title. I know, I know. I sound like a broken record. Hard-core Paper Mario fans hated this game, but it really isn’t that bad. But again, I never expected to see this ported over. Until this year, I don’t think any Paper Mario games had been remade. I never thought they would remake TTYD, let alone Color Splash. And it’s also true. The original three Paper Mario games are just peak Paper Mario. So I think if they were ever going to remake a Paper Mario game, Color Splash was always going to be low on their list. One thing I’m happy about with Paper Mario is that we got a new title in Origami King and a Remake in Thousand Year Door. Color Splash is just an unfortunate victim of being the 4th or 5th best game in such a beloved franchise.
Here’s one you probably weren’t expecting, Devil’s Third. This game is technically published by Nintendo so I figured we would count it today. If you don’t follow Wii U collecting, this is the most infamous Wii U ever. Arguably the rarest, most expensive and dumbest game on the console. I say in half jest. It is one of two Wii U Games I don’t own. Did part of me hope it would get a Switch release and maybe that would lower the price? Maybe. Since it has escaped me to this day, I don’t have a lot to say about it. But again, it was published by Nintendo. They seem content to leave it stranded on the Wii U.
Lastly, today was the game I thought had the best shot. Probably the best Wii U exclusive left. Yoshi’s Woolly World. I’m super nostalgic for this game. It was an instant classic the day it came out. It’s one of the better modern day side scrollers and couch co-op games. This is the game I wanted brought over more than any other title mentioned today. If you own a Wii U and don’t own this one, I recommend grabbing now because I think it’s safe to say this title is trapped on the Wii U.
So there you go guys. These are the major games published by Nintendo left to rot on the Wii U. Of course, unless you’re a Wii U collector, fan and enthusiast like myself. Then you can play these games any time you wish. Almost makes me feel bad for all the filthy Switch owners. Again, I’m partly kidding. I own both consoles and love both. But keep this guide in mind while you’re out game hunting, because unless you grab a Wii U you’re missing out on some real bangers like Wind Waker HD, Twilight Princess HD, Nintendoland and Yoshi’s Woolly World. So did I miss any other Wii U exclusives? What’s your favorite game mentioned today? Let us know down below. Don’t forget to subscribe. We will see you in the next one.
Franchises That Deserve a Shot on the Switch
Seems like everybody is reporting on how Nintendo will be releasing the Switch successor by some time in 2025. This means we’re in the homestretch of the Switch’s prime. So many of my favorite entries of Nintendo’s most beloved series are on the Switch. Mario Kart and Smash Bros have arguably never been better. Mario Odyssey and Kirby and Forgotten Lands are borderline masterpieces. Zelda has had a barrage of fantastic titles. The entirety of Pikmin is now playable on the Switch. But Nintendo has a massive backlog. Many of those franchises don’t have remakes, remasters, collections, or sequels on the Switch. I think being on the Switch has a force multiplier aspect about itself. If Nintendo put Ice Climbers on the Switch I think it would sell well. So let’s look at some franchises that deserve a shot on the Switch.
We’re going to start with Donkey Kong. Maybe this is technically cheating, because Tropical Freeze did get ported over to the Switch early in it’s lifespan. However, if I’m not mistaken, Donkey Kong has gotten a new game on every Nintendo console. If things hold as they are, that streak will come to an end. I’d love to see a true sequel to Donkey Kong 64, or at least an open world DK game. But if Donkey Kong Country got a new entry, no one would complain. Especially since players have long viewed Nintendo platformers in three tiers: Easy, medium, hard. The easy platformer being Kirby. The medium platformer being Mario. The hardest being DK. That’s why it’s very weird Donkey has not got a new title in the extensive life of the Nintendo Switch.
Next up is F-Zero. My only explanation here is Nintendo believes in the cannibal theory. This is to say that F-Zero would eat Into Mario Kart 8 Deluxe’s sales or player base. Mario Kart 8 Deluxe is the highest selling Switch game to date. But again, if Nintendo would just use the same tier system it does for the platformers, I don’t think it would be a problem. In this instance, Mario Kart could be a more wacky arcade racer. While F-Zero could appeal more to speed Junkies. Personally I feel as if both games could occupy a spot in Nintenon’s online repertoire. Nintendo did test the waters with F-Zero 99. Hopefully that was enough of an experiment to motivate Nintendo into launching a new game in the series!
The next title I’d like to talk about is Kid Icarus. Honestly, I don’t have a lot to pull from for this one. Sure, Kid Icarus is one of Nintendo’s oldest titles, dating back to the NES. And sure, it wasn’t totally forgotten about thanks to its 3DS release. But that’s about it. Pitt and Palutena have been represented In Smash Bros, making that the last time we’ve seen Kid Icarus characters. I will say Kid Icarus Uprising on 3DS is often cited in people’s top 10 3DS games, so that game does seem to have been a roaring success. My fear though, is that the game came out 12 years ago and has had no traction since then. I also think the Wii U would have been a perfect console to do an Uprising sequel. At this point I’m not sure where they would go with the franchise. However, the Switch seems like a perfect time to reinvent the series.
Now we move on to Chibi Robo. Chibi Robo started off life as a hidden gem all the way back on the Gamecube. It did go on to get some sequels on the DS family of handheld. But I want to see Chibi on the Switch. The internet and home appliances have been revolutionized over the last couple of decades which I think could make game design interesting. You could have a roomba that moves in and tries to steal Chibi’s job or constantly trying to suck him up on his vacuuming adventures. All the appliances could be sentient (like a talking fridge or what have you.) I don’t know, I feel like in this day and age a new Chibi adventure could have some really fresh ideas with that Nintendo storytelling and world building charm. It’s something I want to see sooner than later.
Last game today is Star Fox. Star Fox has always been my favorite designed Nintendo character. The dude screams cool. I have played Star Fox 0 and I’m not a hater of it. I get it if the unique control scheme turned people off or if it didn’t capture that nostalgic feel of Star Fox 64, but I definitely didn’t hate it. What I want out of the next Star Fox game is a perfectly blend of linear, on rail shooting levels, mixed with sections on feet and in the other vehicles. Star Fox could probably pull off a big open world adventure thanks to all the machines he has access to or could be created for the purpose of this game. But it doesn’t have to be a big sprawling adventure. It doesn’t have to be Star Field to be an awesome mix of both genres. I loved Star Fox 64 and Adventures. If you could take the best of both and create a hybrid escapade, that sounds awesome. Though, they may take him more back to his roots and be a strict on rail shooter. Let me know how you think they should handle whatever comes next for Star Fox.
So that’s the franchises I think deserve life on the Switch before we move on to whatever next. I know we left off some great series like Ice Climbers and Punch Out, so let me know below what are some other series that deserve some love right now! Thanks for watching.
Pokemon Go’s latest Master Ball Event is Live!
The Master Ball has always been one of the most iconic items in gaming history! It’s stature remains in tact with Pokemon Go. The Master Ball, for those of you who do not know, can catch any Pokemon without fail. Again, this ability is how it works in the mobile Pokemon experience as well. So it’s great for catching legendaries and those that roam or flee often!
This event is broken into 4 parts. The first part looks like this:
– Catch 250 Pokemon
– Use 150 Berries to help catch Pokemon
– Make 100 Nice Curveball Throws
So that’s the first part. Are you guys excited for the event? And better question, what are you using your Master Ball on?
Every Time Luigi is Playable in a Main Line 3D Mario Game!
Mario has gone on many adventures through the decades. More times than not, his brother, Luigi, is there to give a helping hand. Today, we’re looking at every time Luigi is playable in a Main Line 3D Mario Game.
Mario’s first foray into 3D space was back on the Nintendo 64 with Mario 64. Now, despite all the playground rumors about how L was real, Luigi does not appear in the game. However, almost decade later, Mario and crew would return to Peach’s Castle in Super Mario 64 DS. This time around, Luigi would be playable. I guess L was real after all!
Super Mario Sunshine would skip Luigi altogether. Don’t feel bad for him though, as he got his own game in Luigi’s Mansion! That’s moving up in the world. So now we hop over to the Wii, here he is playable in two more titles, Super Mario Galaxy and Super Mario Galaxy 2. He starts out as an NPC Mario must first rescue. Then, as an unlockable, he becomes a fully playable character.
Meanwhile on the Wii U, Luigi would be a playable character on Super Mario 3D World alongside Mario, Peach, and Toad. That’s good company!
Lastly, in Super Mario Odyssey Luigi leads the fun mini game “Luigi’s Balloon World”. Though, he is not playable.
So there you have. A brief look at everytime Luigi is a playable character in a 3D Main Line Mario Game! Thanks for reading everybody. Have a great rest of your day!
What was the first video game to scare you? (Ask Reddit)
Reddit asked “What was the first video game to scare me?”
Here’s my answer!:
My dad played the OG Resident Evil games when I was a kid. I can’t say they messed me up or anything. Years later, I rented RE4 to play on my own. Didn’t take too long to get jumped by a villager and have Leon decapitated, and I was thinking, “Yeah, maybe this isn’t for me”.
Let me know what was the first game to scare you?
There a video fork of this topic on my YouTube shorts and Instagram reels. So feel free to follow me over on those sites and watch the videos. Thank you guys so much!
Video Game Compilations!
Video Game Compilations
Compilations are super neat and some of my favorite items in my collection. There is a convenience to compilations. Having so many games in a single package has always fascinated me. I think my earliest experience with compilations was the Legend of Zelda Collector’s Edition on Gamecube. Boy, is this thing awesome! It combines 4 Zelda titles into one tiny disc. It’s got the two from the original NES as well as Majora’s Mask on N64. But far and away the prize jewel here is the demo of Wind Waker. I don’t think this collection could get any better. Oh, my gosh this thing even has Ocarina of Time on it!
This compilation is truly insane with the game choices.
I mentioned Zelda being one of my first experiences with gaming compilations. However, these video game collections predate even that. While I couldn’t find any concrete resource for what the oldest compilation is, I’m sure we all think of the same game when we think about compilations, Super Mario All-Stars.
All Star Collection came out in 1993. I came out in 1994. So I wasn’t around when it came out. But I can only imagine the hype of having the first 3 Mario games plus the Lost Levels thrown in for good measure on one cart. Mario was a gaming force that swept the entire world. It revitalized the gaming industry and put Nintendo on the map. Nintendo found a way to repackage the same games and create an unbeatable value proposition for its consumers. They didn’t want the end of the NES to be the end of classic Mario. So they ported over all the original Mario games in one collection. However, Nintendo went the extra mile and gave the fans a real treat. The Lost Levels.
For those of you who don’t know, this was the original sequel for Mario 1. However, it was deemed too difficult for Western audiences. Thus, our Mario 2 looks a lot different. This Super Nintendo compilation was the first time we here in the states got to play this previously Japanese exclusive.
I love when compilations have bonuses like unreleased games, unlockables, or any new ways to play old games. Look at the SNES Mini. It gave us Star Fox 2. Star Fox was revolutionary with its mode 7 graphics. Nintendo was quick to get Star Fox 2 in development. Well, around this time, the 5th generation of gaming had launched. Real 3D graphics were officially here. Plans for Star Fox 2 were scrapped and never seen again. Fast forward over 20 years, and the SNES Classic releases with all your favorite Super Nintendo titles: A Link to the Past, Earthbound, Super Mario World, Super Metroid. The gang was almost all here. Wait a second. What is that? Star Fox 2 gets an official release on the SNES classic!? Those are the kinda announcements that make compilations something special!
That gets us back to the Super Mario 3D All Stars. What a controversial collection. Let’s break it down some.
There is no need to hop from the N64 to Gamecube to Wii. Another awesome aspect is that the console these compilations are being released on are more than likely going to be the latest and most up to date consoles. This means you get all the benefits of modern consoles. Online leaderboards, HD graphics, achievements and trophies, and in the case of the Switch, portability. This means you can start your day playing Super Mario 64 in bed and stroll down to the local park and play Super Mario Sunshine without ever changing consoles. A lot of people dunked on the Super Mario 3D collection for Nintendo putting in the bare minimum effort, and well, yeah, they’re technically right. There’s not a lot in the way of extras. I would have liked for Mario 64 to have had the mini games from the DS version as unlockables. Or maybe an HD version you could switch between for new fans and purest. And I guess asking for Mario Galaxy 2 was asking for too much. Still, the ability to freely switch between 2 of the best games ever made and Sunshine with added mobility is still a strong case for why this is one of my favorite compilations of all time.
Okay, how about we look at another compilation on Switch. The Spyro Reignited Trilogy. This is what I wanted Mario 64 to look like. Spyro looks and feels amazing here on the Switch. The Spyro Trilogy was a special treat for classic and new 3D platformer fans alike. With the awesome iconic levels of the past with a fresh coat of paint, this was a match made in Heaven. They even went back and added skill points to Spyro 1. These serve as achievements and add some fun side quests to do while revisiting a favorite you know super well. The only bad thing to complain about here is that they only put the original Spyro on the cart. Spyro 2 and 3 are digitally downloaded.
We’ve talked about how these collections are perfect for replaying old favorites. But what about the opposite side of things – franchises you missed completely. For me, that’s the Klonoa collection. Klonoa on PS1 and PS2 are expensive! For the pair , you’re looking at about $400. Not to mention, they’re some of the harder titles to find on their respective consoles. The Switch rerelease helped allow thousands of players to discover the wondrous world of Klonoa for the first time. It’s a blast. This version added a new difficulty mode, the Easy mode. This is a welcomed addition for people who aren’t crazy about difficulty in video games and just wants to enjoy the game. Plus, some of the platforming alone is difficult enough without even mentioning the damage aspect of the game.
We’ve been talking a lot about Nintendo compilations , but Sony has had some bangers, too. The one that comes to my mind is the Ratch and Clank Trilogy collection. This is, without a doubt, maybe my favorite compilation of all time.
It’s just so good. You get one of the best trilogies in all of gaming. The Ratchet and Clank series on PS2 now moved to the PS3. Trophies are here. Graphics are updated. And all 3 masterpieces in one collection. To me, this perfectly embodies what makes these collections must own for fans.
The last compilation to talk about today is the Kirby’s Dream Collection. I wanted this compilation so bad as a kid and never got it.
So it was one of the first games I grabbed as an adult. Having 6 Kirby games on one disc was enough. But this game killed it with the extras. I’m going to quote the most trusted source in all the internet land for this, Wikipedia. So shout out Wikipedia! Kirby’s Dream Collection also features 13 new challenge stages based on those found in 2011’s Kirby’s Return to Dream Land.[3] An additional museum section features box art and video spotlights for every game in the Kirby series released through 2012, along with three viewable episodes from the anime television series Kirby: Right Back at Ya! (“Kirby Comes to Cappy Town”, “Crusade for the Blade”, and “Waddle While You Work”).[2] In addition to the game disc, the package includes a booklet that highlights Kirby’s history and provides behind-the-scenes trivia about the series, as well as a soundtrack CD containing 42 music tracks from past Kirby games and three new arrangements by the HAL Laboratory sound team. – per Wikipedia.
What’s not to love about that? And compilations in general, really. Every time the Switch gets a new collection, I get excited. I think about how the Baten Kaitos and Etrian Odyssey just got collections released semi recently. I’d love to add them to the collection eventually. Let me know if you guys have the same fondness about these collections as I do. And tell me, what’s your favorite video game compilation. Let me know down below!
The Most Controversial Zelda Titles of All Time!
Zelda has been around for over 35 years. Original debuting on the Nintendo Entertainment System in Japan in 1986. It launched as a bold and large take on the adventure genre. Perfectly encapsulating what it meant to go on such a large scale quest. You tackled dungeons. You get heart containers to grow stronger. And you found many of the iconic weapons still found in the series today. Shout out to our last video over the underutilized items of the series. Go check that out after this video. All this to say, Legend of Zelda 1 laid the blueprint for how to do perfect Zelda games. All the team had to do was update the graphics and game design with each new installment. Boom, you got a legendary franchise on your hands. What could wrong over those 35+ years? Well, as you will see today, plenty. We’re looking at the times Zelda releases didn’t quite hit the mark. Here’s the most controversial Zelda titles!
#5 Breath of the Wild
Honestly, I feel like this game is retroactively controversial. Sure, there was a lot of excitement and suspense building up to its release alongside the newest Nintendo console, the Switch. Development took ages. It’s development took 5 years following the release of Skyward Sword on the Wii. It was originally designed for the Wii U, and was it’s last major release. However, as we discussed, it came on as launch title for the Switch. So a Swan Song for one console and a triumph birth for another. Still, Breath of the Wild was touted as breaking away from the traditional Zelda formula. It was open world and nonlinear, harkening back to Zelda on NES. The Switch was also reported to be returning to cartridges over the much preferred blu ray disc. Gamers were happy, free, confused, and lonely at the same time. Breath of the Wild was a breath of fresh air for many Wii U and Switch owners. It spawned its own sub genre of games trying to rip it off or take heavy influence from it. Tears of the Kingdom would drop as a sequel almost a decade later. With the Zelda team saying this was essentially the new Zelda formula. It left many players reminiscing about the old Zelda. Players got fatigued with the new style. Even though Breath of the Wild and Tears of the Kingdom are critically acclaimed, I think old school players are scared the days of Link to the Past and Ocarina of Time are dead.
#4 Majora’s Mask.
This one is going to be a mixed bag. You’re trying to follow up one of, if not the greatest games of all time. That’s a tough one. I actually respect the heck out of what the team tried to accomplish and what they created. But Majora’s Mask just isn’t for me. I don’t like the gloomy overtones, the three day cycle, and the design philosophy of the game. Now, that makes it stand out. You either really love the game or just don’t care for it. And it’s wedged between Link to the Past and Ocarina of Time on one side and Wind Waker and Twilight Princess on the other side. It definitely stands out with the environment and the masks.
Now the hilarious part to me is that Majora’s Mask got a remake on the 3DS. I really enjoy it. In my opinion, it fixes a lot of what I don’t like about the N64 version. A lot of that has to do with the handbook aiding in the side quest. As well as the ability to save being way easier. Not to mention, on the 3DS, you can just close the system. Yet, a lot of the N64 truthers don’t like the remake. Meaning, one way or the other, you probably really enjoy one or the other and have disdain for the other, which is interesting.
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#3 Skyward Sword
I’ve never met another person who says Skyward Sword is their favorite Zelda game. In my opinion, being stuck on the Wii just didn’t help it. It was locked behind motion controls. I remember popping it in back in the day, only to be denied by the Wii itself because I didn’t have the motion plus feature. I eventually played it on the Switch and did enjoy it. I’ve never played the Wii version, but it does feel like more people complained than praised it. The Switch version is pretty good if you find a copy. It’s worth noting that this is the last of the traditional formula Zelda games. As a result, I think in time this game might get a cult following.
#2 Zelda 2: Links Adventures
Zelda 2 struggles from being a Zelda game. Almost anybody’s argument who defends this game starts with “If this wasn’t a Zelda game, people would love it”. Maybe. But that’s part of what lands it on this list, and this high as well. On one hand, Zelda wasn’t exactly an established property at this point. Zelda had only been out for about a year by the time we got the sequel, Link’s Adventure. But it did bring back exploration, dungeons, and sword based combat. However, the gameplay was side scrolling. It was an RPG now, and the overworld is just weird. There’s no way you played Zelda 1 and was excited when you got this. Talk about breaking away from the Zelda formula. Honestly, if Zelda had been more of an established IP at this point, maybe I’d put this at 1. As it stands, there’s one Zelda game that’s release was more perplexing, disappointing, and controversial than all the rest. And that game was…
Before we reveal number 1, be on the lookout for polls on the Youtube. You can help sway videos/polls by voting in those polls!
#1 Wind Waker
Majora’s Mask may have had a hard time following up Ocarina of Time, but Wind Waker is the red headed step child of Zelda games. The tone on the N64 was dark, gritty and mature. What the heck is this?
Wind Waker changed the tone up completely. Dropping dark color palettes for bright, vibrant beach aesthetics, large sprawling fields conquered by horseback were replaced by never-ending, overbearing sea traversal. Not to mention, it has got to be one of the weirder looks for Ganon. Now, Wind Waker came out in a time in my life where I didn’t mind the art style. However, in hindsight, I can see people feeling bamboozled. Especially after the now infamous Gamecube trailer. Nintendo was finally embracing disc based formats. People were beyond thrilled to see what the Zelda team would cook up for the new hardware. The tech demo gave every fan hope they were getting the next epic in the Zelda franchise. This is to say nothing of peoples theories of cut content and empty spaces. This entry has everything to do with the tonal shift and misdirection of the tech demo. That alone has Wind Waker firmly in the lead for the most controversial entry in the series!
Guys, you ever make a top 5, write your script, plan out the whole video, and then remember you completely forgot a game existed!? That’s right, boys, we’re adding a new number 1. And boy howdy. It’s a doozy. Mostly because it’s a threefer!
#1 Zelda on CD-i
I’ve convinced myself that Philips CD-i is a fever dream. I mean, just look at these graphics.
That’s probably why I tried to suppress these games. Yeah, somebody cooked these games up, and God Bless Em. Zelda got a grand spanking three shots at the CD-I. Featuring questionable cutscenes, a return to 2D side scrolling graphics, and lacking any Nintendo quality, these jokers have got to be the most notorious Nintendo games ever. I won’t bother recapping Nintendo’s fallout with Sony and the disastrous relationship with Philips. Yes, it is truly one of the most industry changing of all time. And all we have to show for it is this.
Okay, so that’s officially the list. What’s your 5 most infamous Zelda games in your opinion? Let me know down below!
Da_Hubbz 