Video games are everywhere. It has become the centre of our pastime. It has become our source of enterntainment. If you haven't heard of at least one gaming console or video game series, you must be living under a rock.
Technology has evolved and so have video games. Over the years, developers have focused on making the graphics better, as well as improving the gameplay. The experience becomes enjoyable when a player knows how to control the game using a gaming controller. In this page, I will talk about some of the video games and gaming series that I enjoyed playing.
Gran Turismo 3: A-spec
Gran Turismo is a video game racing series which was released on PlayStation consoles. Unlike most racing games, it focuses on the realism of the cars to provide the players an experience similar to real life. This made the series unique at the time. In this section, we will focus on the 3rd game in the main series.
This was the first in the series to be released on PlayStation 2. While the game included less cars and tracks than its predecessor due to time constraints, it didn't ruin the gameplay. The main goal is the same. There are two game modes to choose from: Arcade Mode & Gran Turismo Mode (Simulation Mode in the US).
Gamers who would like to progress in the game would choose Gran Turismo mode. There, they must take a series of license tests to take part in events. They start off with a small amount of money but as they continue to play and win events, they receive more money to buy new cars and better upgrades.
Although the game can be challenging at times, there is some enjoyment taken out of it as gamers learn how to manage their in-game credits, understand how the system works, and create better strategies. It has remained a classic for many years and is a go-to game for retro gamers.
Jak X
Jak X is a spin-off to the Jak and Daxter Trilogy. It is described as a combat-racing game that was released in the winter of 2005. Think of it as Mario Kart but more deadly weapons and dark. In order to unlock tracks and cars, gamers must complete "Adventure Mode" where they learn about the story. While there are no license tests, players need to take part in races and win them. As well as races, there are other modes to choose from such as a Battle Mode and Time Trial. After winning a certain number of events in each zone and before going for the Grand Prix, they complete Grand Prix qualifying events. Players are also encouraged to constantly upgrade their cars to meet the changing difficulty later on.
The game is simple but sometimes, the simplest things can be fun. Just like Mario Kart, there are many weapons to choose from in the form of Yellow and Red Eco. Blue Eco is used for boosting while Green Eco is used for health regeneration, as evident in the Trilogy. They must use these weapons to slow down or "eliminate" their oponents to win races. It is a game that is enjoyable from time to time and is available on the PS4 and PS5. However, I recommend playing through the Trilogy to understand the game fully.
LocoRoco
This is a cute series that is often forgotten about. It can be strange at first but it is one that you just can't put down. In this section, we will talk about the first game.
Originally released on the PSP in 2006, LocoRoco is a platform game where players must tilt the environment to guide the LocoRocos to the End goal. There are other characters who can guide them to the goal. There are also hidden secrects in each level for players to decorate their own LocoRoco house. These secrets can be found when the LocoRoco makes a certain sound. Players much watch out to enemies such as the Moja Troop and ensure that they complete a level with at least 1 LocoRoco. There are also other LocoRoco characters that can be unlocked later on and challenges are unlocked later on to enhance the experience.
While the game isn't as popular as other Sony franchises, its colourful visuals, catchy and broad soundtrack, and great gameplay makes the game iconic. It is a game that will staty with me for the rest of my life and that remains iconic in my collection. A remastered version of it was released on the PS4 in 2017.