Quickies

By now it's clear that I've been spending my time doing pretty much what I've done during my stay at the hospital.  Only now it includes rummaging through both my physical and digital video game collection and trying out whatever catches my eye.  Fortunately for me, these sessions didn't take very long.

Street Fighter II (Game Boy)

For a more authentic experience, I played this on an original Game Boy under a kitchen light.  Way back in the 90's, long before Capcom could count to 3, you could find Street Fighter II in virtually any platform.  Much like the GBA version of Super Street Fighter II Turbo (which I've also blogged about), this port was dismissed by many for the obvious hardware limitations.  But I've had a lot of practice performing special moves and super moves on portable fighters.

As for software limitations, that includes reducing the original roster from 12 to 9.  Also, the profile pics come from Super Street Fighter II.

If you didn't notice, Vega's among the omitted characters, which explains how I was able to spam my way through Arcade Mode (with Ryu).

I got the top score and everything, but I didn't get what appears to be a post-credits screen.

Marvel's Guardians of the Galaxy: Cloud Version--Trial Version (Switch)

From what I understand about cloud gaming, specifically on the Switch, is that it lets you stream graphically demanding games without having to buy the fabled Switch Pro.  You still need a stable internet connection and payment for full access to certain titles; otherwise it's a hell of a deal.  On paper.  My first experience with cloud gaming--trying out Nintendo's Japanese exclusives--was a huge letdown.  Not so much so with Guardians of the Galaxy.

In the demo Starlord, Rocket and Groot explore an spaceship covered with sticky purple growths.

As you take a look around, you learn the basic controls and, in this case, moves specific to Starlord.

And this is as far as you go.  My overall play session was smooth and offers incentive to give other cloud games a try.

Little Deviants: Trial Version (Vita)

Having to delete data on my Vita's memory card to make room for the demo, I really wanted to like this launch title.  The next day, I deleted the demo.  Here's why.

Robots and critters with special abilities go head to head in 30 minigames.  Here, you only get to play 2.

The first minigame has the player rolling past robots and traps to the end goal using the touch pad on the back of the Vita.  For once, my big hands proved a detriment, as my fingers kept hitting the 'blindspots' on the touch pad.

The second minigame's more my speed.  Using the built-in gyroscope and camera, the player zaps robots chasing the Little Deviants in an augmented reality shoot 'em up.

And beating both games doesn't get you anything; you don't even unlock a bonus game.  Much like WarioWare, Little Deviants is best enjoyed during a coffee break as opposed to a visit to the DMV.

And there you go.  Tune in next time after I've gathered supplies from the grocery and 99-cent store, for another trip to the Top of the Heap.