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.

Happy St. Patrick's Day!!!!

Top o' the morning to ye laddies and a happy St. Patrick's Day one and all!  To get in the green spirit o' things, have yourself a listen to some fine fiddlin' tunes from around the world of games and enjoy.

The Minish wish you good luck and fortune today.

Ori and the Blind Forest




Super Mario 64




Tangle Tower




Wandersong




The Legend of Zelda: The Wind Waker




For more riveting jigs, check out previous years' St. Patrick's Day posts here and here.  Feel free to share and comment below with your own favorite Irish melodies and fiddles found in games or just in general.  And have a safe, fun green day!

You Tanooki My Breath Away

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Sayonara Wild Hearts Review

Genre: Rhythm / Action Game
Players: 1
Playtime: 5 Hours (Includes beating the game in about 1-2 hours with mostly Bronze and Silver Ranks; Then cycling back into the grooves to acquire Gold Ranks on every level and sometimes just to listen to those riveting tracks again; Played on Nintendo Switch)


Sayonara Wild Hearts is described as a "pop album video game" in which players zoom about a series of bold and beautifully choreographed motorcycle chases and other various visual trips, all of which is synced to one of the hottest soundtracks I've listened to in a long time.  As is also the case with most musical albums, the journey is somewhat bittersweet in its short length, but leaves a lasting impression and insists many a repeated play-through.  For fans of rhythmic action-based music games or of magically vivid and surreal animation, read on as we crank up the volume to the fresh and funky beats to be found in this indie pop gem.

Top 100 Video Games (& 400th Post!!)

Today marks the 3rd anniversary of Hughes 3D - A Gaming Blog as well as the 400th post to be shared per your regularly delivered gaming goodness!  To celebrate, we're giving my Top 100 Games list a much overdo update for all the superb games released up through 2019. (For those who want to view the previous list, see here)

Please note that any games released in 2020 or later will be considered for this list at a later date / time.  Please also note that this list is built upon personal opinion and only of games that I have played.  The games are also ranked based upon how they hold today, not when they were initially released.  With that in mind, enjoy viewing, discussing, and debating below.  And if interested in learning more about any of these games, click the link of the game to learn more through other posts from this blog.

-100- Rhythm Heaven

-99- Splatoon 2

-98- The Sims (series)

-97- The Wolf Among Us

-96- Diablo II

Smash Ultimate - Top *6* Fighter Pass 2 Predictions (& Mii Fighters)

There were a wide spectrum of emotions coupled with the final reveal and release of Byleth from Fire Emblem Three Houses as the final fighter for the Super Smash Bros. Ultimate DLC Fighter Pass.  Some were overjoyed as this latest installment of Fire Emblem has proven an incredibly popular game for 2019.  Others were rather disappointed as such was an anti-climatic pick for a final character and reeked of marketing promotion.  Whatever your opinion, the internet is able to keep peace thanks to announcement of a second Fighter's Pass and with it, six more fighters in which to keep your hopes for that desired dream character alive.  And being unable to resist the urge to join the masses in making their predictions yet again, I partake once more in the enthusiastic excitement and try my hand at predicting this potential roster (this time with an extra pick since there are to be six more fighters).

Based off Fighter Pass 1, it seems character picks fit the following criteria - They are characters who either possess a unique moveset, notable lineage, fan support, marketing potential or some combination of these elements.  As such, let's go into these next predictions with these factors in mind.

A few notes / reminders before we dive into these predictions: This list is who I feel are most likely to appear based upon certain facts / criteria, not necessarily my own personal wish list.  I'll throw some honorable mentions below these likeliest candidates for my own personal picks that don't look to make the above cut, along with some prime Mii Fighters which looks to be an interesting new trend with the likes of Sans and Cuphead.  Also consider, each character is to be bundled with a stage and various music tracks.  So if a desired character looked to be lacking in one of these areas or have an uninspiring moveset, they didn't make this list.  With that in mind, let the bold predictions take a second pass at this second pass.

Tabletop Tuesday - Ticket to Ride Europe

Welcome to another edition of Tabletop Tuesday - Your exploration into games of dice, cards, luck and more of the tabletop world.

Making a return in cross-country continental adventures - The game of locomotives now trekking across Europe in Ticket to Ride Europe.

Players: 2-5
Time: 45-90 minutes
Genre: Strategy

Happy New Year - Top 5 Anticipated Games of 2020

The dawn of another new year is upon us, and with it again an unrelenting energy and excitement over the pending prospects of what lies in wait in this expectant future.  While I typically recommend tempering one's expectations, let's go ahead and let loose once again to ignite our imaginations over the wonders of tomorrow.  Because even before the next generation of consoles is due to land, 2020 is looking to be one of the most behemoth years in gaming ever to likely be matched again.

(Note: This only includes announced games with a set release date of 2020, but some honorable mentions will be included below due to their likely release this year and my excessive hype for these pending titles)

-1- Animal Crossing: New Horizons

The promise of a new Animal Crossing soon to land ashore my Nintendo Switch fills me with both giddy anticipation and inexplicable tranquility.  While the mobile version of Pocket Camp was able to adequately capture some essence of the Animal Crossing series and introduce some interesting new aspects like crafting that are sure to have some influence in this new entry of New Horizons, it had one large fault to which I long to see a return to: The simple pleasure of a slow and calm pace in which to enjoy the experience per my leisure the year round.  Leisure is the key word that in my mind is a critical defining aspect of this series.  It asks the player to slow down, offering a means in which to escape, relax and not worry about looming deadlines or maximizing efficiencies; Tom Nook doesn't care when you repay his loan.  That all said, I can't wait to discover what new surprises this latest installment has in store and to uncover them bit by bit for months and months to come.  Animal Crossing New Horizons is slated for release March 20th, 2020.