Man that’s tough
With the new CEO of Konamifocusing on the mobile arena, many people out there have called this a death knell for the publisher as we know it. Although it comes as a surprise for some, Konami has been experimenting with mobile for longer than most, dating all the way back to 2007 and 2009 respectively withSilent Hill: The EscapeandMetal Gear Solid Touch, among many other attempts totie-in its existing IP with smartphones. Now it’s just doing it in earnest.
A lot of you out there havepoured one out forSilent Hills, but if Konami really is going to change that drastically over the coming months, it’s time we remember some of its best years.
The company crafted retro masterpieces likeGradius,TwinBee,Blades of SteelandRush’n Attack. Its old beat-’em-ups, some based on theTurtlesseries, could hang with the best of them. Konami createdDDR, which became a worldwide phenomenon, and helped bring both theMetal GearandMetal Gear Solidfranchises to life, as well asCastlevania,Suikoden, andContra. Konami was a powerhouse in its day, capable of almost anything, evena pretty badassAnimaniacsgame.
So what’s my favorite all-time game from them? At the risk of sounding cliche, I think I’m going to have to go withCastlevania: Symphony of the Night. Although a fewMetal Geargames likeSnake EaterandMetal Gear Solid 4come close,Symphonyprovided some of the most positive gaming memories of my life. It came at a perfect time, and it was one of those experiences that I don’t think I could ever tire of, even playing it today.
What’s your pick?
