Cucco Attack Podcast - Episodes XII + XIII: Valve Talk, Mario Maker Update, Nintendo Rumors & More

What's that?  A double-attack of Cucco Attack Podcasts.  If you haven't tuned in lately, we've posted two new episodes within the last month.  We talk about many a Valve game, from Half-Life to Left 4 Dead to Portal 2 and more.  There's also much Nintendo news, from Mini-Directs to Mario Maker updates to even some juicy rumors pertaining to 3D Mario collections, new consoles, and yes, even the much acclaimed Mother 3.  So give them a listen and be sure to share any and all feedback.  Enjoy our ramblings and as always, happy gaming!

Cucco Attack LET'S PLAY [LIVE] - Groovy Games

While neglecting to update this blog, I've been busy updating the Cucco Attack channel with many game streams and new podcast episodes.  So I'll be sharing several across the blog this week for those who may have otherwise not tuned in.  And look forward to my final thoughts and impressions in the Animal Crossing: New Horizons review in the near future.

Per this particular game stream, I reflect on the therapeutic values music can possess and thus share a collection of some of my favorite musical video games: Sayonara Wild Hearts, Bit.Trip Flux and Hohokum.  As an added bonus, we end the stream with a brief concert from the infamous K.K. Slider in Animal Crossing: New Horizons.

Any particular groovy games you'd like to see more of?  Be sure to share and discuss in the comments below.  And stay tuned for more game streams and content to come.  Otherwise, enjoy the grooves and happy gaming.

Happy Mother's Day - Top 5 Moms in Games

Happy Mother's Day one and all!  To celebrate all the wonderful matriarchs that helped raise and shape us into the fine figures we are today, let's have a fun look at the best (or sometimes most infamous) moms found in the world of video games.  These are my Top 5 Moms in Games:

-1- Ness's Mother (Earthbound)

With a spunky, carefree and yet still nurturing attitude, Ness's mother from Earthbound represents one of the most memorable and loving moms in the gaming medium.  When down with a bad case of homesickness, her silly, but endearing words on the phone always offer a means of reassured comfort.  And when in need of a quick rest and pick-me up, her doors are always open and ready to offer you your favorite meal before you get back on your journey.  Though she plays a small role in the grand context of the adventure, players are able to develop a recurring relationship with this character and learn the wondrous significance that comes from love and belief.

Cucco Attack LET'S PLAY [LIVE] - Chrono Trigger

At the insistent requests of friends and my co-host on the Cucco Attack podcast, I finally dive into the acclaimed classic that is Chrono Trigger for the first time.  Also a first, my first time attempting live streams.  So prepare for very raw impressions and plenty of mistakes as we explore these new worlds together.  As of this post, we are already roughly 12 hours into the journey.  For those who've missed, not to worry - Each play session is recorded and saved on the Cucco Attack channel for your viewing pleasure at your own leisure.  If interested in viewing live and interacting via the chat, these live streams are typically scheduled every Tuesday and Thursday from 7:00-9:00pm and Saturday from 2:00-5:00pm.

My early impressions of the game so far have exceeded my wildest expectations.  For a game that is 25 years old, it truly was and still is a game ahead of its time.  Such a fun and dynamic battle system.  Charming and rich animation that makes each character so endearing.  A delightful and quirky sense of humor.  And such strong and captivating story beats that string you along this epic adventure.  I now echo the sentiments of my friends - This truly is a masterpiece that should be played by all.

More Quick Reviews

In a world of ever overflowing games continually releasing and demanding your attention, there are equally an abundance of games that quickly fall the wayside from conversation and into the backlog as a result.  Likewise, I too am always playing catch-up to many a game and finding the relevant time to share their deserved thoughts and impressions.  Some of these quick reviews may be expanded upon in the future when time allows, but until then, from A-Z here are 10 more quick takes that will hopefully provide some more worthwhile insight to your valued time.

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(Played on Nintendo Switch) - Blossom Tales: The Sleeping King is an unabashed indie developer's attempt on making something akin to the cult classic that is The Legend of Zelda: A Link to the Past.  And although it follows the golden groundwork, it of course has the difficult challenge of being so directly compared to such a more masterful piece of craft.  The game does introduce a few fun ideas, such as the world and narrative being drive by the children's whims and suggestions as a grandfather reads them this story ala like The Princess Bride.  However, there lie numerous faults such as loose controls, a zoomed-out impersonal perspective, and lack of evolving ideas / puzzles that keep this game from being elevated to its inspired ideals it wishes to emulate.  As it stands, it's simply a decent game, but not quite as satisfying as one would hope.

Tips for Animal Crossing: New Horizons - Crafty Tricks

Animal Crossing: New Horizons saw release last week to rather fortuitous timing as a ray of relief amidst such an anxious world.  And with most of the world in lock-down at present, many are enjoying a deserved deep dive into this adorable escape from reality.  As a game that plays out in real time, it asks us to slow down, relax, and admire the smaller details in life.  Also as such, my review of this game will assuredly take a while yet to come.  But in the meantime, here are some tips and tricks from my first week of play that may help new island dwellers and Animal Crossing veterans alike.

Tabletop Tuesday - Game Solutions for Cabin Fever

Be it quarantined indoors due to pandemic precautions or inclement weather, there lies in wait another fever of sorts when confined to a monotonous setting for such prolonged periods - The inevitable cabin fever.  Fortunately, there are many games to be had that can aid this stir craziness, many of which you likely have on hand already know it or not.  So before you go bored sick, read on below for many a handy game solution to help make your lock-down a more enjoyable experience.

Fret not, Monopoly is not one of the recommendations on this list.  Though if such ends up being the inevitable game to be played, see here for recommendations how to better enjoy the game.