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I count myself among the SNES loyalists so I wasn’t a fan of the cutscenes either when I played the DS version. They feel so clunky and forced when shoved into an SNES-era game.

The best example happened in the middle of the game (no spoilers). There’s a pivotal scene featuring a character who unlocks the true potential of their weapon. The original features some quaint Mode 7 flashing lights with a music swell, but I always liked the moment.

Cue the modern version. Right before that big moment, the screen goes black. Now there’s a bit-crunched PS1-era FMV playing that shows the whole scene. Screen goes back to the game. Now we get to watch the entire scene again with in-game graphics.

They feel weird. I’m an old man now who likes to complain. I would just download the ROM to play on the PC. I also have to recognize that people don’t want to do that and it all amounts to personal opinion.

Good, worth the price if you don’t want or have emulation as an option. There were bug fixes after a rocky start and is based off the DS version. Other reviews will say the DS version is a “definitive version” because:

• It includes cutscenes from the PlayStation release.
• Includes bonus content and a new ending.

The PC and DS versions also feature a new English translation. Fans of the original (i.e. me) will notice the difference. The SNES loyalists will be the biggest detractors for this version. But I don’t think there’s a substantial argument against newcomers playing this port other than bias and nostalgia.

Link to game

Mario 3

Chrono Trigger

Sonic the Hedgehog (1991)

I consider these my top 3 not because they’re the best, but what they meant to me when they released. Each game was so important to me when they came out. Mario 3 and Sonic were so influential because of the gameplay and presentation. Chrono Trigger was my first JRPG and was the first game soundtrack I became obsessed with.

There are a lot more but others include Halo 2, Unreal Tournament, Team Fortress 2, StarCraft, Age of Empires II, SimCity 2000, Link’s Awakening, Wind Waker, Super Mario World, Super Metroid, and Metroid Prime.

I grew up in the U.S., so Nintendo Power, GamePro, and Tips & Tricks were my favorites in elementary school. Then I discovered EGM and was hooked through college. I’m still sad about 1up.com.