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Quest 64 Review by Dan
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This brand new game is Nintendo's first role-playing game for the 64, but most RPG fans will be disappointed. While it shows off the potential for Nintendo to make an unbelievable game for the system, (with or without a 64DD or any other system enhancer), it definitely has its flaws. The game looks great, and the control is smooth and easy. Also, it doesn't take long to master the techniques and skills of the game, but after that, the main problem is that it takes awhile to defeat most of your enemies due to their overly high health levels. Quest is a typical RPG in structure- you are on a quest to rescue your father who was lost during his crusade against evil, and you kill monsters and gain magic items to help you on your way. Surprisingly, all of the items come free from people (and treasure chests), and health-renewing sleep can be had at hotels for NOTHING. In case you still run out of health between rests, you gain healing magic very early and can use it to charge your health up completely (between battles.) Your MP goes down for this, but then it increases rapidly again as you run. Basically, by the middle of the game you can face several enemies, (in one of the MANY, eventually annoying, spontaneous battles), without fear, knowing that you can recharge your power once you beat them. There is almost no significant skill or strategy involved in fighting until you face each the seven "bosses". The ending is also incredibly disappointing. Quest 64 seems to have been built for beginners or anyone who wants to beat a game to boost their self-esteem. I don't mean for it to sound so bad, as the game was mildly entertaining and involving, but it just seems to me that Nintendo rushed out this game, (creative title and all), way too soon, and also that the makers stretched out levels to make the game seem longer and harder. This one is definitely a renter, if anything, (I can't imagine buying it), and I'll bet that there will be quite a few refund requests made in the coming WEEK. Once you've beaten it, (about 3-4 days), there's nothing left to do in it and it's just clutter. Like I said, though, it is worth renting just to beat, and you can do that well within a five-day renting period. If anyone got suckered into buying this game, or if anyone rented it and has questions, e-mail me. -Quick tip: When in the Dinsdale Dries, head almost straight southeast through the desert and look for the giant floating diamond to get to the phantom city, (your inventory will just about double.)
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Banjo-Kazooie Review by Dan
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I had heard a lot about Banjo-Kazooie and saw the little ad movie, and it seemed like it was worth trying, so I rented yesterday and played it through the first five levels. After only the first one I felt it was worth buying. It is a nice, fun, well-paced game that is still challenging in its own way. I think the story is pretty well-known, but basically you, as Banjo and his friend Kazooie (who lives in Banjo's backpack), have to rescue Banjo's sister from the evil rhyming witch Gruntilda. You go through many levels in pursuit, with her watching over you and occasionally interjecting with a silly four line poem that usually serves to taunt you. There are numerous items to collect for different reasons, and there are sub-storyline tasks for you do perform in order to pass certain levels. The player is provided (eventually) with a good selection of moves, and allowed to roam freely about the cartoony world of Banjo-Kazooie, with all of its lighthearted aspects and emboldening possiblities. There isn't much else that needs to be said for this engrossing game- I highly recommend it. This you one game that you need not rent before buying. I guarantee that you will get your money's worth. Please e-mail questions, comments, or tips.
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