Tag Archives: video games

Chic Pixel’s 2016 Favorites

Chic Pixel's favorite media of 2016

I think we can all agree 2016 was more than a bit of a doozy, but for now we can take some time to reflect on the good times we had throughout the year. As I was compiling this list, I realized that though I may not have consumed as much media in 2016 as I have in years past, the things I did read, watch, and play were all pretty memorable.

Perhaps I’m getting better at spending my free time on things I enjoy, rather than wasting it on things I don’t?! If I have any goals for 2017, it’s to keep that as my mantra and dump anything I’m not thoroughly enjoying – it’s just not worth the time! But for now, I encourage you to read on to see what I enjoyed most in 2016, and share your favorites in the comments!

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December 2016 Community Game-Along: Hudson

Hudson Community Game-Along

We’ve finally reached the last Community Game-Along theme of 2016! This time of year, I like to choose a theme that is completely different from the AAA blockbusters that are coming out in spades for the holiday season. What better way to differentiate the monthly theme than focusing on a developer that for all intents and purposes no longer exists?

Hudson Soft, best known simply as Hudson, was a Japanese company famous for titles such as Bomberman, Adventure Island, and Bonk. Sadly, it shut down in 2012 and was merged with Konami Digital Entertainment. Today, many older Hudson titles are difficult to obtain for modern consoles or remain unreleased outside Japan. But that doesn’t mean there aren’t a lot of interesting games that can be played this month! Just pick a title released by Hudson and play it during December to participate in the Game-Along. Be sure to share your experiences using #HudsonMonth to spread the love for this classic developer!

Hudson is a company I’m woefully uninformed about, so I asked folks on Twitter what games they’d recommend to play this month. Here are some of their suggestions!

Pokemon Trading Card Game Game Boy Color screenshot

Pokémon Trading Card Game (Game Boy Color, 3DS Virtual Console) – I was extremely surprised to find Hudson developed Pokémon Trading Card Game for the Game Boy Color, and with Pokémon fever at a high right now, I just had to include it on this list! You can even boot it right up on the 3DS Virtual Console for easy access when you’re sick of getting zubats from the Pokémon Sun and Moon Wonder Trade.

Kororinpa screenshot

Kororinpa (Wii) – Kororinpa is an adorably-titled early Wii game that has players tilting the Wiimote to navigate a sphere through a variety of mazes. Sweets maze? Sign me up! That, and the fact that Kororinpa and its sequel, Marble Saga: Kororinpa, can be found pretty cheaply these days, make this a great quick pickup if you’re looking for some lighthearted fun.

Bomberman 94 screenshot

Bomberman ’94 (PC Engine, Genesis, Wii Virtual Console, PSN) – Bomberman is very likely Hudson’s biggest claim to fame, so it wouldn’t be Hudson Month without at least one Bomberman game suggestion! But since I have no idea which Bomberman game to suggest, I’m going to go with @Link6616’s recommendation of Bomberman ’94, which can be purchased on the Wii Virtual Console or digitally on PSN for the PS3 or PSP (I believe the PSP version should be compatible with Vitas, as well!). If you’re looking for some multiplayer bombing fun, this would be it!

Star Parodier underwater screenshot

Star Parodier (PC Engine, Wii Virtual Console) – Star Parodier is, as the title suggests, a fun parody of Hudson’s more serious scifi vertical shooter series Star Soldier. One of the playable ships is a giant flying Bomberman! Interestingly, the original Star Parodier was not released outside Japan, but you can now purchase it in Europe and North America on the Wii Virtual Console.

Since I’m really not an expert on Hudson games, I would love to hear more about your favorite Hudson titles or game recommendations for December! Be sure to share what you’ll be playing this month, too!

Chic Pixel’s Favorite Black Friday and Holiday Sales

Chic Pixel's Favorite Black Friday and Holiday Sales

The holiday shopping madness is now in full swing! Luckily, it’s easy to get in on some great deals without having to manage high-tension shopping crowds, or, if you’re like me, live in a country that doesn’t really do the whole Black Friday/Cyber Monday thing. With so many good deals flying around, I’ve decided to round up my favorites to share! From cute, nerdy apparel and accessories to discount games and figures, there’s more than enough here to get your holiday shopping out of the way or treat yourself for being awesome!

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Swooning Over the 2017 EarthBound Hobonichi Techo

2017 EarthBound Hobonichi Techo

It’s time to show off my very first Hobonichi Techo planner! Of course I had to get the Earthbound one… Gotta rep my nerd cred, right? Check out the video below to see the cover up close from all angles, as well as what the pages inside look like!

After holding off on getting a Hobonichi Techo for so long due to the cost, I’m really happy I decided to spring for one for 2017. I asked folks on Instagram and YouTube if they’d like to see monthly planner videos from me next year, and the answer was a resounding yes, so expect one in January! It’s good incentive for me to make sure my pages are extra cute, too… If you want to join the EarthBound Hobonichi Techo club, you can get one from their website! If you don’t want to deal with international shipping, Amazon also has just the books available.

 

Chic Pixel’s 2016 Holiday Gift Guide

Chic Pixel's 2016 Holiday Gift Guide

It’s time for the third annual Chic Pixel Holiday Gift Guide! I always really enjoy doing these because I often get ideas for my own personal wish list, so you know everything I include has the official Chic Pixel stamp of approval! Whether you’re looking for a gift for an otaku, gamer, or fan of all things kawaii, I’ve got you covered in this year’s gift guide. This time around I’ve arranged things in order of price, starting with items on the more expensive side going all the way down to stocking stuffer ideas for under $10. There’s a gift idea for every budget!

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October 2016 Favorites: Gudetama and a Good Boy

October 2016 Favorites Chic Pixel

After missing a month due to a mini-break at the beginning of October, the Chic Pixel monthly favorites feature is back! For October, I’ll be including anything noteworthy from September that I didn’t get a chance to cover already, so this month should be extra packed. Plus, it was Halloween, one of my favorite holidays! It goes without saying that I got my spook on… Well, mostly through my attempts to collect the festive skins in Overwatch.

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Win a Copy of Ladykiller in a Bind for #EroGameMonth!

Ladykiller in a Bind giveaway

Not sure what to play for #EroGameMonth? Never fear, because I’ve got a copy of Love Conquers All Games’ latest title, Ladykiller in a Bind to give away in honor of this month’s theme! One random winner will receive a digital code for the game. Giveaway is open worldwide, simply use the widget below to enter. Don’t forget to come back to complete daily entries for more chances to win!

Ladykiller in a Bind #EroGameMonth Giveaway