Back in '88 When the Scene was Warped
Apologies, this is another video game-based nostalgia entry.
The year 1988 was a strange, albeit adventurous, year for the NES. The system received three noteworthy sequels as it boomed in the North American market. Two of them were first party titles, with the other a third party licensed title. The thing about these three titles is that they deviated radically from the gameplay of their prequels.
The first was released in October, Super Marios Bros. 2; the second and third were released in December, Castlevania II: Simon's Quest and Zelda II: The Adventure of Link.
Perhaps it was a boldness and willingness to experiment and be different due to the boom? Whatever the cause, these games ended up becoming cult classics. Some consider them the "black sheep" of their respective series, others appreciate their offbeat nature. Some feel completely disenfranchised by later revelations that one of them (Super Mario Bros. 2) was actually a completely different game (Doki-Doki Panic) redressed for release as a sequel to its mega-popular predecessor in the US.
The last time a game series was sent in such bold, new directions was back in 2001 with Metal Gear Solid 2: Sons of Liberty. Naturally, it was met with criticism and is generally panned by the series' "fans."
I, personally, loved all three of those sequels in '88. I even consider them above their prequels in many respects. All three managed to be much deeper games; The Adventure of Link and Simon's Quest incorporated some good RPG elements.
Sure, they were different, they were weird but they were unique and had a lot of charm!
The year 1988 was a strange, albeit adventurous, year for the NES. The system received three noteworthy sequels as it boomed in the North American market. Two of them were first party titles, with the other a third party licensed title. The thing about these three titles is that they deviated radically from the gameplay of their prequels.
The first was released in October, Super Marios Bros. 2; the second and third were released in December, Castlevania II: Simon's Quest and Zelda II: The Adventure of Link.
Perhaps it was a boldness and willingness to experiment and be different due to the boom? Whatever the cause, these games ended up becoming cult classics. Some consider them the "black sheep" of their respective series, others appreciate their offbeat nature. Some feel completely disenfranchised by later revelations that one of them (Super Mario Bros. 2) was actually a completely different game (Doki-Doki Panic) redressed for release as a sequel to its mega-popular predecessor in the US.
The last time a game series was sent in such bold, new directions was back in 2001 with Metal Gear Solid 2: Sons of Liberty. Naturally, it was met with criticism and is generally panned by the series' "fans."
I, personally, loved all three of those sequels in '88. I even consider them above their prequels in many respects. All three managed to be much deeper games; The Adventure of Link and Simon's Quest incorporated some good RPG elements.
Sure, they were different, they were weird but they were unique and had a lot of charm!