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Isildurs Bane
Reviews
Donkey Kong Country 2: Diddy's Kong Quest (1995)
I loved this one even better
Many people have said this game rocks but falls a little short of the first. I disagree on the latter part. Original DKC was far better than most games, yet it gave me the impression of an old-style game updated and showing off the capabilities. This time they put extra effort into improving from there. No more Candy Kong kisses while you gather giant plantains.
You might miss working with the big guy, but that sure doesn't ruin the fun. Dixie Kong is cool in her own regard, making a swell teammate for Diddy. The enemies' pirate theme lends organization while keeping the game cracked enough for amusement. The scenery is easy on the eyes and the music is simply superb. And yes, the gameplay advanced as well.
If DKC is salt, then DKC 2 is sugar. Both delicious, but I know which I prefer.
Rushmore (1998)
Ugly
Much as I tried, I did not find much worth even an inner chuckle to this movie. I could hardly believe I was seeing Bill Murray; he usually does better than this.
But he's not the main problem. There is indeed the premise, a womanizing prepster who overdoes his extra-curriculars. It doesn't lend itself to that much in the way of humor, and the mere 93 minutes seemed long. But maybe that's just me, and this rarely hits on my sense of humor.
Perhaps what got me to dislike the movie from the start was Jason Schwartzman. This being his first film, it happens easily that he doesn't express himself as well as veteran actors: too much of the same facial expression and vocalization. (I got SICK AND TIRED of looking at his face and hearing his voice! When he got punched out, I felt no pity. I was tempted to punch his head off.)
Just thought I'd warn you.
Rama (1997)
Cute fun
Don't have the patience for Riven, Myst, The Longest Journey, Loom, Starship Titanic, and many other wandering-searching puzzle games? This could be both your speed AND your level of difficulty!
Even if you go a long, long time without progressing, you may find yourself coming back to the game for enjoyment. This game relies less on realism than the Myst series but still offers breathtaking frames. Moreover, the music is phenomenal! Every last tune gives me admiration for the composer(s).
Furthermore, if you have any interest in visualized extraterrestrials and their cultures, you may want a look at the bizarre superintelligent Octospiders and the lovable Avians. They have as well set up quite some buildings, be they info centers, game rooms, labs, or mere dwellings. Marvel at the Octospiders' engineering, including several types of biots (semi-organic cyborgs, many mildly reminiscent of Earth creatures).
Know that there is also a somewhat intense component. Unlike in most games of this genre, you and other key characters can die (although getting fired hinders your game more). The game is rated K-A, but I advise no one under ten to play. For the rest, I hope the suspense delights you as much as it did me.
Put these factors together and you have a winner!
The Quare Fellow (1962)
Not much like the play
I made the mistake of expecting this film to be pretty faithful to Brendan Behan's play. Instead the moviemakers added so much as to lose very much the play's essence. I gave the movie a 6, because what they did do was decent otherwise. But please, go watch the play live or else read it.