Bringing It Back Old School

I'm not a big video game guy. I'm not even into the new XBOX 360. My favourite new games are just ones from old franchises. When I'm restless and in the mood for some gaming, I don't even go play my Gamecube. It's SNES games all the way. So here's a short list of games I like to chill back with. It should be noted that this isn't a list of the best SNES games but ones I like to play when I'm completely fried. I'll also include what I believe are good choices of music to listen to when playing such games.

1. Marvel Super Heroes: War of the Gems
It's a simple beat 'em up game. You play as Captain America, Hulk, Iron Man, Spider-Man and/or Wolverine throughout the game. There's just something so relieving about seeing Hulk smash a guy into the ground, or Wolverine going berserk and ripping through a bunch of bad guys.

I have no really good recommendation for music for this game but I will say that some of Linkin Park's angrier songs go well with Hulk or Wolverine tearing up the place.

2. E.V.O: The Search for Eden
You might think a game about evolution sounds a bit too educational but it really is a lot of fun. There are basically all these different chapters where you are a certain animal. For example, in the first chapter you're a fish. The cool thing is as you kill other animals and eat them you get E.V.O. points which allow you to transform your body. So you can change from nothing special into awesome over a short period of time. Let me give you an example...
Before...
After...
The only downside is that the game play can get a bit repetitive but if you focus on seeing your weakling of a character turn into a beast, I'm sure you'll enjoy it as much as I did and do.

My choice in music for this is something brand new that you're not use listening to, it will help deal with any annoyances you may have with the game play. Angels & Airwaves is what I'm listening to for this game at the moment.

3. Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles IV: Turtles in Time
If I recall correctly the first time playing this game, I rented it and played it with my sister. It was quite a bit of fun. I highly recommend playing this game with someone else but it's still pretty good by yourself. Do I have to explain why nunchucking Rocksteady while your friend puts a Sai in Bebop's face is fun?
Good times...
This is another title that really doesn't make me think of any specific artist to listen to. Yngwie Malmsteen may just do the trick though. I'll have to try that out myself one of these days.

4. Bust-A-Move
This is really meant for two people. The only reason you would play singer player is to get better at the game. You would think that linking coloured bubbles would be too simple to be fun but that's what makes this game beautiful. It's easy to play but difficult to master. It should also be told that you're making two dinosaurs launch the coloured bubbles for you. So it's kind of cool to think that you have a couple dino slaves.

I find that Dream Theatre works well. Their fast paced songs containing few words really kick up the tempo of this game.

5. Super Bomberman 3 (Battle-Mode)
I picked this up during my somewhat painful trip to Hong Kong. This game almost made it worth it. I don't know how many hours Flash and I have spent playing this game or better yet, will end up spending. We're definitely counting by the days if not weeks. I'm not sure what it is about the game that makes it so good, the stereotypical and sometimes blatantly racist characters, the fact that you ride kangaroos, or all the well designed levels. It may just be that Flash and I are so evenly matched at the game, that a 3 match game often turns into an epic 10 game battle with multiple ties.

I've played this game to all kinds of music, and I really can't suggest a specific band. Mortal Kombat tracks are necessary to put in the mix though.