Finally, the 2nd episode in the miniseries is here. We'll discover the rise of Sega and the threat to Nintendo's power. We'll also talk about the growth of the Playstation and the fall of Nintendo in first place to Sony and the fall of Sega. Here we go!

In 1989, the Sega Genesis was instantly sucessful in North America, but had questionable success in Japan. It's graphics were better than the Nes's, which led to more people buying the Genesis. Nintendo released more successful games such as SMB 3 and Castlevania III, but their sales were falling.

While the Nes was losing its marketshare, Nintendo's Game Boy was an instant hit. Despite its monochrome screen, it had batteries that could last up tp 12 hours. Sega responded with the Game Gear in 1990, and although moderately successful, and it had colored graphics which made it superior looking to the Game boy, it suffered from batteries that only lasted 6 hours. It was also expensive and one of the biggest handhelds I've ever seen! It offered great games such as Sonic games, Ristar, Land of Illusion and Jurrassic Park, but paled in comparion to Tetris, SML, and Link on the Game boy.

In 1990, Nintendo announced the release of the Super Nintendo Entertainment System (Snes or Super Nintendo). Eagerly anticipated, this worried Sega, who needed a new mascot to cash in on their success even more. Alex Kidd in the Enchanted Castle was a critical and commercial faliure in comparison to their previous games, so Sega knew they had to act fast. In 1991, they released Sonic the Hedgehog, a game that took advantage of the Genesis's hardware and gave a sense of speed with tight controls and an excellent camera, as well as great platforming. The game was a critical and commercial smash, selling 4 million copies and influencing other clones and showed off what the Genesis had over Nintendo. Later that year, Nintendo released the Snes, with Super Mario World as its pack in title. Although it suffered in sales because of Sonic, it was more critically acclaimed than Sonic for its secrets and large levels and was later more successful, selling 20 million copies worldwide. It's widely considered one of Mario's best games, if not his best ever.

Unfortunately despite having superior graphics and sound over the Genesis and had larger games, early Snes games suffered from slowdowns when too many enemies were on the screen, notable in Super R-type and Gradius III. This left people to question the game-play on the Snes. But what really destroyed Nintendo's marketshare was the release of Sonic 2 on the Sega Genesis. The sequel to the first game, it was a huger success, selling 6 million copies worldwide, bringing Sega's marketshare up 50% to take a lead over Nintendo. Sega also released more successful games such as Kid Chameleon, Shinobi III, and the huge success, Streets of Rage 2. Notable for its techno music and expansion on levels from its predecessor, Streets of Rage 2 was widely considered one of the best beat'em-ups ever. Gunstar Heroes also followed in the success of shooting games for Sega. Nintendo struck back with Axelay, a huge hit with little to no slowdown, being considered one of the best in shooters. A Link to the Past was praised for its graphics and expansive game-play, becoming a key game for the Snes's success. F-Zero and Super Mario Kart made the Mode 7 technique popular and spawned many sequels.

The biggest threat to Nintendo from Sega was the port release of Mortal Kombat on the Genesis and Snes. Widely popular in the arcade, Mortal Kombat was cesnored by all degree by Nintendo in order to avoid complaints from parents. The blood was no where to be seen, but in the Genesis version, a simple and obvious blood code was used, and since the game had blood, it became a hit on the Genesis but a flop on the Snes. Video Game critics stated that the Snes was toast and Nintendo would go bankrupt. It seemed that Nintendo had no hope at all.

That was not the case for Nintendo, who simply continued to make quality games. In 1993, Sega released the Sega CD add-on for the Genesis. It boasted real full motion video and cut-scenes. However, it flopped and was labasted for its loading times and lack of quality games. Sonic CD and Snatcher were a few examples of good games on there. Nintendo released Star Fox in 1993, which gave in 3D looks with their chip add-on. It became a huge hit almost instantly, becoming of the best games on the Super Nintendo.

Atari tried to cash in on the divided success of Sega and Nintendo with the Jaguar and Lynx in 1993. The Jaguar claimed to have 64 bit graphics, but gamers weren't stupid. Because Atari released poor quality games on the 2600, the console flopped with its lack of good games. It has a cult following nowadays, but not as much as the other consoles did.

The CD add on was a huge mistake for Sega, and in 1994 Nintendo took advantage of this by releasing Donkey Kong Country. It featured pre-rendered 3D graphics, something no other console at the time had. Also with its game-play and intense marketing, DKC became a huge hit critically and commercially, selling 8 million copies worldwide, bringing Nintendo's lead over the market back. Super Metroid was also a huge success, praised for its game-play. Sega tried to cash in with the 32-x, but it only weakned their share even more. Nintendo had a huge lead over Sega in 1995, with more releases such as Chrono Trigger, Yoshi's Island, and DKC 2. Sega still had Vectorman, Ristar, and Comix Zone, all considered to be some of the best on the Genesis. Sega released The Saturn in 1995 to compete with the Playstation, but the Snes continued on throughout 1995 and 1996 with huge success, saving Nintendo the win in the 16-bit era. However, once in the 32-bit to 64-bit era, Nintendo discovered the lead over everyone wouldn't last.

To be continued.

3rd age of Nostalgia coming soon!

This applies to all N64 owners. I have the Transfer Pak, Controller Pak, and the Expansion Pak. I also had the Mic for Hey You Pikachu.

I just want to say Happy Thanksgiving to America and the world! Now that it's about over, CHRISTMAS IS COMMING!!! Oh yeah, and HHgregg is opening at 4 AM tomorrow (doesn't that remind you of that fatal accident at a Walmart store last year when they did the same thing? :roll ), just to point out a joke.

As requested, I shall review a video game movie and the Indiana Jones films.

Super Mario Bros.

A lot of people are going to hate me for this, but The SMB film isn't all that bad. Well it's still pretty cheesy, but I think it's better than what most people say. That doesn't mean it's a good film. My brother and I anticipated this film to come on. Believe it or not, this ACTUALLY CAME ON DISNEY CHANNEL!!!! I watched a House of Mouse episode (personally, that show sucks), and then I heard this was going to be on. We recorded the film, but I can't find the tape. Was it an animated film? I was so excited. Then, it was a live action film. This actually starred the voice of that sloth in the Ice Age films. The intentional humor is pretty funny, but the unintentional is even more hilarious. I just love how Daisy is in the film instead of Peach. Also, the Goomba's are the grossest things I've ever seen in a movie! They're Henious!!! The King Koopa, portrayed by the guy who was the coach in the Movie Hoosiers, looks nothing like the original! Couldn't they make any special effects on this film? Other than that, it's pretty much a standard film with no action and it even has romace. It tried to set up a sequel, but I doubt anyone would've seen it after watching this. It's all star cast is not enough to bring it to glory, instead bringing it to shame.

Grade: D+

Raiders Of the Lost Ark

This could be the best action film I have ever seen! Not only is Raiders of the Lost Ark truly original, but it's storyline and sense of adventure is barely matched by anyone! It has violence you would never see in a PG film, like a guy's head being blown off by the propeller of a plane, and the guy in the black hat and suit having his face melted, showing blood everywhere! This is not a standard action film. This takes place in the 30's with Indiana Jones (Harrison Ford) chasing after Nazi's for the Raiders of the Lost Ark, complete with amazing sound effects, punching, imaginative scenes, and some of the coolest explosions ever. In addition with the memorable music, Lets not mention it has the greatest director ever! Steven Speilburg! This film has everything. The test of time has not changed a bit on this film, and this is a must see for anybody who even knows what a film is.

Grade: A+

Temple Of Doom

Many critics complaind of this films violence, but that makes it even better to watch! Temple Of Doom not only invented the PG13 rating, it also deprived human ways and was so racist, its location had to be changed! All the better for me, because this is still the quality film it was back in the day. Basically, Jones must travel with some indian kid and a blonde finding three stones. They find out about human sacrifices and other stuff. The violence is even cooler, with hearts ripped out, monkey brains eaten, everything imaginable that's racist and violent. It's really fun, even the scene where they fall out of the sky on a tube! It's got the charm and appeal you'd expect in a sequel, and that's all I'd ever want.

Grade: A

Last Crusade

Every critic was relieved when The Last Crusade came out, getting a PG13 rating. I thought it was just as good. Jones find his father, and he goes after a Cortez treasure. This features Tank battles, cool mysteries, awesome effects, and better badder sound effects. it's got the same appeal as the first two films. The girl dies at the end of the film, and the memorable holy grail scene is disturbing! This also explains how he got his whip and trademark hat, which is cool. It's the same fun as before, so we all know how it stands.

Grade: A

Kingdom of The Crystal Skull

Finally, after 19 years, the latest film in the series has come, and it's worth the wait. Set 20 years after the films, this has an older Jones trying to escape from Neo Nazi's. He meets up with his girl from the first film and marries her. The violence and effects are all upgraded, and there's even flesh eating ants killing a soldier! The beautiful gold is so hard to resist! Gimme! The Jungle scenery and temple environment make for a friendly evnironment for action fans. There's even a UFO that kills the enemies! Holy crap, I never knew that! Some call this a dissapointment, but I say it's a final welcome to the series. New CGI effects and some Computer animated scenes look beautiful and flawless. Jones still has the muscles, actually, Harrison does in real life! If you were waiting for the fourth film, do not be disappointed.

Grade: A

I will accept more movie requests

This is a blog I've been anticipating to do for a while. It's Movie Mania! Today I'm reviewing the Pirates Of the Carribean trilogy, film by film. I'll give each film a letter grade. Here we go!

Pirates Of the Carribean: Curse of the Black Pearl

Disney took a huge risk in promoting and making this film! The first ever Disney film that wasn't G or PG rated, Curse Of the Black Pearl was rated Pg-13. Many critics thought it would flop, but it became an unexpected critical and commercial success. There's reasons why. With a genius and original plotline, Curse Of the Black Pearl follows Jack Sparrow (Johnny Depp, whose first blockbuster film was this) in his hilarious adventures. He is arrested for being a notorious pirate that assulted cities. Later on, he fights in a memorable scene with Will Turner (Orlando Bloom) in a shed. The action in this film is amazing, considering it's a Disney film and it was based on A THEME PARK RIDE!! If it's one thing I've learned form this film, it's that stabbing zombies with swords doesn't kill them, even if the sword is bloody! Sparrow's acting is awesome and hilarious, and there are few flaws in it! Each scene is exciting and the special effects look beautiful!! And this isn't a cliche treasure hunt! No, this is to break a curse the main characters are on. Sparrow and Turner and some hot chick named Elizabeth become partners in order to stop this. The plotline is the least bit of confusing and boring, and each scene adds new refreshments. If I had anything to complain about this, it's its length. This is too long, but since this film is awesome, I don't mind. If you even know the name Disney, you have to see this film.

Grade: A

Pirates Of the Carribean: Dead Man's Chest

After watching the amazing first film, I anticipated Dead Man Chest as being even better! Too bad for me! This film is more of a long film on drugs then it is Disney. It's more violent and darker (if that's even possible for disney), and the computer generated Davy Jones looks extremely realistic! I am not dissapointed by Jack Sparrow's and Davy Jone's terrific acting! The special effects loom even better than before. There's even a cool rope ball trap scene! But as great as the effects are, the plot will turn you off. I could not understand what the film was talkign about, and whose side everybody was on! It never gives you a clue! Apparently, Jack has to give 99 souls to Davy Jones' locker (souls make no sense). He reunites with Will Turner and Elizabeth, who try to find him to avoid being executed. I could care less about that gross African freak named Calypso (I'm not being racist), she is the ugliest woman in a disney film that isn't evil or dresses nicely. How am I supposed to know that the entire point of the film is to find Davy Jones' heart to control him and the ocean? Somehow, people have found that out. But what people will never forget, even though they would want to (and this goes for me too), is the film's terrible ending, which has Sparrow fed to the Kracken, and his friends trying to get him back, ending the film. This film was successful because of the greatness that is known as the first film, and when it tried to set a plot up for the third film, this was just plain lucky! It's like the ending of Halo 2, only that game was fun and worth watching. This is forgettable. Had it had a more understandable plot, I would've reccomended it as much as Curse of the Black Pearl. But instead, it's ruined by a plot that will make your brain explode. Dead Man's Chest had so much potential but overall it's more of a disappointment than an exciting adventure.

Grade: C-

At Worlds End

A lot of people complained at how confusing and dissapointing Dead Man's Chest was, so what did Disney do to improve on it? MAKE IT EVEN MORE CONFUSING AND DISAPPOINTING!! I'll admit it has a more satisfying ending than Dead Man's chest, but not by a whole lot. This continues where Dead Man's Chest left off (and that's a bad sign), and somehow instead of being in Kracken's stomach. Jack Sparrow is SOMEHOW ABANDONED ON A DESERTED ISLAND!! When his friends rescue him, they have to destroy Davy Jones' heart in order to save themselves. That british war guy is back and even when he's stabbed in the chest by a sword, he shows up in the next scene just fine, like the scene didn't exist! The mood and special effects are even better than before, and Sparrows acting is a good as it was before, but that's about it. I don't know how the heck Will Turner has to serve 10 years on the black Pearl, and I don't know how killing Jones' heart (even when it's out of him already) kills him! There's just a bunch of lame pirate gibberish that will annoy the hell out of you. The stormy skies however are the best I've ever seen in a movie! The action is awesome, but the confusing plot will make you wonder why it's even happening. I was so disappointed by the film's results that I didn't even care about the films rediculous length! They should've just stuck with the first film instead of two mediocre films. The only reason I still watch this film is because of the amazing special effects. Otherwise, I hate this movie.

Score: D

Now I'll allow requests to review movies on my next blog. What should I review next? Opinions starting NOW!!

I got a few. The best of the best include Coldplay, U2, and Boston. All of them are really good, but Boston's music was already great in the 70's, the 80's it was just as awesome, and the 90's exploded with more xloser to heavy metal than before. They also had peaceful songs from their albums. Coldplay is a masterpiece, Some of their greatness includes Yellow, the Scientist, Clocks, In My Place, Speed Of Sound, Talk, Viva La Vida, and Violet Hill. U2 was awesome in the 80's and 90's. Their way of rock was just simply masterpiece.

I don't care what anyone says, but Boston is the best band of all time!!! They should be in the Rock and Roll Hall of fame! All Hail Boston!!