Was it Good? - Nightmare Creatures

[@w1nt3rmu73]

Very good video! I used to be the game designer on Nightmare Creatures. And I totally agree with the adrenaline issue: it is the poorest decision I made :( . Let me tell you the story behind it: The game was almost complete, a few days to gold submission, when the publisher tells me he could finish the game in minutes by just dodging every single fight in the game. He was right, we were in panic mode. The adrenaline was a last minute patch, a panic reaction to a problem that was not really one. I hated it. I remember there is a cheat mode to disable it. Try L1, R2, R1, L2, select in the main menu. Thank you for playing the game and sharing your thoughts, keep in mind we were just a dozen people making our first 3D game.

[@greenhowie]

This is an actual gem of a comment. Makes a lot of sense, with more time a money dropping/shop system would have fit but as a desperate patch just before deadline the adrenaline system makes perfect sense.

[@wingusdingus9447]

I might try to play it then. I barely remember this game and I remember something being so BS about it I never wanted to play it again. It was weird, but I remember really liking the game at the same time. And it's my kind of game. I really like to absorb the atmosphere and look around for stuff in horror games. This video made me remember the moment I said F this game and why. Makes sense the decision was made in a panic and at the last minute. Something like fog walls or not being able to progress to the next level unless a percentage of enemies were exterminated would have been much better. Probably too complicated to program in last minute though.

[@droogie1xp]

Would love to hear your thoughts on the comparisons to Nightmare Creatures and Bloodborne. Do you think Nightmare Creatures was used as a point of inspiration for BB?

[@zeus5298]

Haha is this real, pretty cool if so.

[@Tee008]

Dang cool if so, had fun with bros playing this game regardless. We thought it was going to be awful, but turned into a race to the finish.

[@ForumArcade]

Unlike the other guy I actually have a dad, but you seem like you'd be a really cool older brother or uncle.

[@GarkKahn]

I too have it and my family is high in numbers Don't mind being a friend tho

[@junkolover9518]

He would be kinda funny as a younger brother.

[@muchlovegambine949]

I know you not talking about your favorite son 😂😂😂

[@casedistorted]

Wtffff

[@SandwichGlitch]

​@@casedistorted❤

[@brockhunter1990]

This is nuts. I discovered this channel about a day ago and thought “this guy is great, has covered many of my childhood games, mainly Rayman, I would love if he covered Nightmare Creatures, a demo I played as a kid”. Suddenly, I see this live in less than 10mins. So looking forward to this!

[@gerardmoran]

Me and a few friends were discussing this game at the weekend too! And we both were discussing Josh's channel in the same conversation

[@truth4fun]

He's got years of amazing content your in for some good "second moniter" content

[@evesupportzone8240]

I tried to play the demo as a child for many years. The first door opening was as far as I ever made it. It terrified me

[@cuddlequeen3225]

Dang you got served a feast brother. Congrats

[@swaptrickgaming]

You've just discovered Josh's latent psychic abilities. He senses what his fans want, and he delivers.

[@shokupanu]

The fact that a small team produced this game is AMAZING. Genuinely impressive for a 1997 video game.

[@alexanderp8037]

The graphics are really impressive for a 1997 game

[@mattpace1026]

@@alexanderp8037 Everything else is pretty par for the course.

[@theultimateninja]

Worst take ever.

[@shokupanu]

@@theultimateninja lolok

[@alexanderp8037]

@@mattpace1026 i know but i was 9 years old and this looked really impressive, the soundtrack and zombies + wolves were really scary. Now when i see it looks like a 50 MB video game very monotone. This is for sure the predecessor of bloodborne or dark souls and therefore deserves a place of high regard.

[@matthewjachowski5899]

Christmas 1997 I got a PlayStation along with FF7, Castlevania SotN… and Nightmare Creatures. I held Nightmare Creatures up with the other two masterpieces. It just absolutely oozed with atmosphere. I absolutely adore this game.

[@ดอ-อี-ดอ---ดีด]

ภาคนี้ผมไม่ทันทันภาค2มันมาก

[@lhommequipense4953]

You were such a spoiled kid! Or I was poor 😅

[@sandhiwistara9128]

Typical adult in their 30 : Back then I'm scared to play this scary game now I'm a bit less Scared

[@BinarySecond]

I would like to speak for those who are still scared :)

[@sandhiwistara9128]

After 24 years finally finishing every resident evil title I own from ps 1 to ps 2

[@sandhiwistara9128]

And Fatal Frame 3

[@ragerontilt4778]

@@sandhiwistara9128which were your favs?

[@sandhiwistara9128]

None since I hate being scared, but gotta say the thing I most scare of is Fatal Frame 3. And out of all it may sound weird but .... I scared playing Vagrant story, finally finishing it thou

[@lolschrauber]

Poor Josh, trapped in an alternate universe where the inventor of the microphone arm was never born

[@pangadajski7687]

Or maybe you're the one trapped in a sad world without the "Sip-your-tea-seamlessly-while-recording" Mic Mug?

[@moonlord9294]

also known as The United Kingdom

[@knitejax659]

Josh is his own microphone arm

[@kennethwilliams543]

😂 Its my assumption that the man is so used to having a mug in one hand it's just natural for him. Who needs grips with grip like that.

[@DmGray]

I think it's clear the man likes to start every video flexing for the fans. Man is getting jacked.

[@tvbuu]

These videos are the only things that help me with my insomnia and actually let me sleep like a baby. Huge compliment man i love your videos and the content and its cool seeing your channel grow further with every upload ! Keep it up

[@goatslayer3160]

Never making it past the first level of this game because I was so scared of it is one my earliest childhood memories. Thanks for the nostalgia!

[@serijas737]

I enjoy the new format where Josh briefly speaks up on camera with the game in the background. It feels like a real intro now.

[@Ozziw162]

There are so many things about this game I'm actually astounded by! The attention to detail like rain and scarlet leaves falling to the ground, the fluid animations, the dismemberment, those small touches of thoughtful coding (not going over the edge while performing combos for example), the scripted events and the fact you can actually play as two different characters. I can't help but wonder what the developers would've accomplished today had they not gone into bankruptcy in the early 2000's. Edit: I felt the urge to look it up, and there is indeed a Gameshark code which disables the adrenaline system! So now I'm actually interested in checking the game out for myself, absolutely loved what I saw and with adrenaline disabled I'm kinda eager to freely and properly explore and enjoy the atmosphere.

[@tuclance]

ye, and still so many games today dont even come close in details :D

[@RiveroftheWither]

Gotta love the experimental age of video games, so many bad and absurd mechanics with little gems scattered throughout that make you think "if only this was in a mechanically better game", no standardization for controls so every game had a different scheme, batshit bonkers storylines with some being so iconic they went on to be beloved franchises like Metal Gear, Resident Evil and Devil May Cry, thicc booklets in the cases, wild difficulty spikes, gaming magazines filled with tips, tricks and cheat codes... I love modern games too but sometimes I miss that childhood when the gaming scene was as lawless and untamed as the Wild West.

[@alexanderp8037]

The atmosphere is great and the sound and ambient soundtracks are great

[@hundkebab2433]

maybe they wouldn't have gone bankrupt if they decided not to fk up their own game with the adrenaline system

[@DoctorSockrates]

I'm somehow even more happy every time I see the mug mic. Iconic.

[@ruthejbooth8661]

Mic Mug is the hero we all need.

[@MoonlightStrider]

There could be a merchandise idea for that, Josh Strife and his friend Mike Mug.

[@nicolashugli9661]

Good ol' Michael Mugwort

[@gorway6807]

I know it's a bit and kinda recognizable at this point, but it makes me deeply uncomfortable every time I see it. lol

[@AC-hj9tv]

​@@gorway6807get help

[@n3rdy11]

Your content has this "hidden core memory unlocked" quality taking me back to my youth, reminding me of games I really enjoyed but still totally forgot about because there are so many of them, thank you for that.

[@This_lil_Hornet]

Fun fact: Nightmare Creatures for PS1 doubled as a music CD. That music slapped so hard, that they designed the disk so that you could bump the game in your car. And I STILL bump that soundtrack to this day. Not the game disk itself, mind you; that's long dead.

[@jensmarkgraf]

I had the same with the wipeout 1 soundtrack. Bought it 3 times on sale over the years

[@TheMinidow]

A good few games did this, the two i always remember are air combat and rascal

[@immy4104]

Most PS1 games could be played as a music cd.

[@StevenJShow]

Redbook Audio was a common thing.

[@CerealKiller]

That was most PS1 games btw, in Castlevania SoTN there was an extra tune and message when put in a CD Player.

[@birdbrain1279]

I am here once again, rewatching this video fot the fourth time in two days, because i keep falling asleep. That is not a bad thing, but I've been listening to every video of yours several times while falling asleep because i love your voice, the way you talk and the way you analyze these games with such a clear passion. It's all just so soothing and i feel like i know almost all of your videos in and out, but now i get sleepy sometimes when watching even though I'm really interested.

[@reevesmagoo7738]

Josh, I absolutely love your Was it Good series. You bring such a great perspective to these old, arguably retro, games. Whether it was a game I grew up with, or something new to me, I am always thrilled to hear your take and opinion on it. All this to say I appreciate what you do with this series, and it's one of my favorites to watch on all of KZbin right now

[@ArcheoneGaming]

I unfortunatly only had the demo, but i still remember that first level. I played it so many times, again and again and again. Every secret i still know. That cave in the water. The zombies standing up in the graveyard... the "detective" music sound and my god those werewolf sounds are burned into my memory. Its a shame to hear about the adrenaline system. thank you for the review Josh.

[@chaithao1452]

the timer was off but what made it confusing was the direction. the exploring wasnt worth it because the map seem out of place. I remember I got to the first boss and never beat it because I got bore. Unfortunately it wasnt my taste because the control and some of everything felt outdated. We had the game after when we had Mario Party 2, Super Mario 64, Star Fox 64 and Ocarina of Time so good controls and map details were already experienced beforehand.

[@Tentegen]

....apparently there's a code to turn it off. If they are to be believed........a Dev from Kalypso Team responded at the top of the comments. His message is pinned. he gives more backstory to the adrenaline system and offers a code to turn it off.

[@twelfthknight]

The adrenalin system reminds me of Shinobi for the PS2. In that your character's sword starts to feed on him if he doesn't kill enemies fast enough. It's a super-fast paced hack n' slash though, where you're more or less expected to move linearly from one arena battle to the next. I'd hate it on a game with actual exploration, unless it only occurred on levels built around it.

[@Sanguivore]

I thought the same thing immediately! For some reason in general, this game vaguely reminds me of Shinobi in general.

[@hazukichanx408]

Gawd, that friggin' Akujiki... lousy cursed doom sword! But yeah, once I learned how to blink-dodge to flank enemies, it got pretty manageable, IIRC. Kind of a neat game, but also pretty darn rough a lot of the time.

[@xXNationalKillerXx]

This game absolutely terrified me as a child, I remember going to a friends house and he busted this out on his N64 and we almost couldn’t get past the main menu cause of how scared we were haha

[@reynev4n]

I tried to play this as a kid, too, at night in a dark room with headphones. Then some undead or whatever jumped out from a coffin, I almost had a stroke, turned it off, never played it again and basically it's the reason why I don't play horror games to this day :D

[@Velvet_Crowe]

That main menu is extraordinary terrifying. Both main characters waiting to enter a door that leads to an endless abyss while you hear the echos of monsters.

[@Lorenicities]

This is such a deep cut for me. I remember being terrified of this game as a kid watching my brother play

[@thebeyblader217]

same lol this and blood omen, sooo not scary now XD

[@ConcreteUnending]

It's really cool to see the evolution of this channel. With the live action inserts, overall pacing and editing ect. You got something very professional and unique going on with these and I can't wait to see where it goes next. Bang up job, keep at it!

[@xSimone92x]

Every time you upload it makes my day! Thank you for always being so in depth and fair in your dissection of these classics!

[@FALLOUT3514]

Yes!!! Please do the second game as well if possible! I remember playing it on ps1 as a kid and not being able to sleep after the first combat encounter! Amazing stuff man!

[@MrHGravity]

The adrenaline mode basically means you're playing an underwater segment with a breath mechanic for the entire game.

[@ivercingetorix1367]

I would have never remembered this game on my own. The main character and sound design are so distinct. Thanks for digging this old gem up.

[@raccoonism7494]

Oh man, this game was locked in my memories until now!

[@MauseDays]

that ff 7 on the demo disk as well.

[@Solvingrobin]

Sameeeeeeeeeee especially the starting screen I could never think passed the character selection but remembered playing soo much as a kid

[@wingusdingus9447]

This channel is so good I rewatch videos to fall asleep to here. I get annoyed by gimmicks and jokes on rewatches but this guy's straight forward and highly appreciated. Wish he'd upload to rumble and other platforms. This is the kind of content that keeps KZbin a monopoly

[@ponyote]

His voice is just so soothing, isn't it?

[@Majextic]

Same here, and it helps that I played a lot of what he covers as a kid

[@MyMomSaysImKeen]

Josh Strife Hayes is the closest thing to a father I've ever had

[@cuddlequeen3225]

I don't know if that's sweet or sad. Cheers, brother

[@JoshStrifePlays]

I'm proud of you.

[@Jgtack]

Sadness

[@remondx8880]

​@@JoshStrifePlayswholesome

[@anthonysanderson4989]

I don’t know if our Lord and saviour (Lord strife) is a father, but if we had a chance to pick our own, if he wasn’t in the top 10 you should reevaluate your list until he his. #daddystrife #idonthavedaddyissuesbutifididitwouldbehisfualt

[@StigerPL]

Over the months this has truly become my favourite channel. Thank you for creating such great content Josh.

[@alextinkler1727]

I had the very same demo disc with this first level and I LOVED it as a kid but could never remember the name of it. I've been trying to work out what this game was since 1997. Thank you for solving one of the greatest mysteries of my life! I'm off to find an emulator and play that first level on repeat...

[@PlonsterOSRS]

Can't wait to watch this while mining shooting stars on the 2nd monitor. Thank you Josh for another 'Was it good?'.

[@superalatreon1]

Terraria?

[@Scorpio1721]

Old School Runescape probably

[@Chittamw00d]

It's osrs the updated star mining recently too I think.

[@PlonsterOSRS]

yes indeedy@@Chittamw00d

[@JimothyJambles]

I'm an American who went to Warrick because a pal was in hospital there for an eating disorder and I was visiting for moral. I agree: Warrick Castle is a fantastic time. The renovations were fantastic, and having the siege equipment set up outside the walls was a blast. The perfect example of repairs done right.

[@DoubleKaiser]

Crazy to hear you mention Rosco McQueen; It was one of the few games I owned when I was younger, and as far as kid me was concerned it was far scarier than any of the "horror" games released around that time. Seeing the tombstones of all the people you failed to save has become a lifelong trauma for me, I think. Also, great video!

[@chrishill7797]

Happened upon this channel, absolutely love it! The commentary is top-notch and intelligent. And witty. Subscribed.

[@paulsaguto9563]

Thank you for helping me find this game, I remember playing it as a kid and being so spooked by the atmosphere 👻☠💀

[@roycebunce9373]

Just a note about the controls and platforming. The 'sneak mode' is not really a sneak mode. Use it for fine tuning your position before platforming jumps. Pressing R1 and L1 while blocking also slowly sidesteps to either side. It's not perfect, but it makes the platforming sections much less aggravating. Also, combos will kill an enemy much faster that stun lock spam. They also break through an enemy's block, which makes the combat a lot more fluid than just waiting for a chance to spam one button

[@FatalFearGaming]

Ahhh!! I am so excited you're covering this game! For better or for worse, one of my favorites as a kid. Thank you for this! 😊

[@deleteman900]

I never knew the name of that firefighter game, but when you mentioned 'that weird firefighter game on the demo disc' it straight up unlocked a core memory for me, :O I don't know if modern day Sony understands how poggers those demo discs were

[@Cam-pe3nd]

One of my most favorite games ever, but I never beat it. Sadistically difficult to the point of being broken IMO. But it left a permanent, lasting impression with its soundtrack, visuals, setting, just everything else is sublime. I want more Gothic horror action games.

[@LurkerSubmerged]

This game gave me absolute... Well, nightmares. The way you describe the demo discs is EXACTLY the way I remember it, all the way down to Rosco McQueen, and first playing Abe's Oddysee, and also IQ - Kurushi. Thanks for the flashbacks mate, and thanks for bringing back the nightmares. All the best!

[@Valanway]

Nightmare Creature's (and 2's) soundtrack is just insanely good, even now. Especially the full release of it. I love the Garage Mix a lot, too.

[@owenling]

There's actually a few more differences with the N64 version that came later. They make the adrenaline bar optional and replaced the cutscenes with text explaining what is happening in between levels. They tweaked some other stuff too. I think you'd actually have a much better time with it!

[@thesayerofthelaw]

Wait, seriously? How do you turn the adrenaline off?

[@owenling]

@@thesayerofthelaw It's in the options of the N64 version but not the PS1 version.

[@scottmckinney6328]

@@thesayerofthelaw A dev left a code at the top of this page. Top comment.

[@thesayerofthelaw]

I found it. That makes the game infinitely better.

[@pierresgp]

Exactly! I remember playing this with the adrenaline bar disabled and it was amazing I could actually take the time to explore and let the atmosphere terrify me

[@BlueNeonGames]

After watching your other "Was It Good..." videos, I knew Nightmare Creatures would be a good candidate one day. Bloody hard game but definitely fun when you can decapitate your enemies. Like you said, the adrenaline bar goes against the explorative design of the game of finding items to help make the game easier. Good review

[@Roy_Godiksen]

Personally, i think the last boss being a quick kill is a brilliant move. It's like the final fight in Equilibrium. You expect a long tedious, swordsponge. But after all, he is a human who tok some formula. He isn't a nightmare creature. I love that.

[@WanderlustZero]

Aw man what an underrated film. I agree

[@etrosknight2254]

Eh Equilibrium was an awesome movie, but that final fight was a big let-down for me personally

[@ahouyearno]

Same with the anti-climactic ending of VTMB. I loved that ending. I played that game on and off for over 10 years so when I finally finished it and saw what was in the coffin, I couldn't stop laughing.

[@napoleonfeanor]

I think the finale of the film showing that the leader is just a liar makes the whole dystopic society cheap

[@ahouyearno]

@@napoleonfeanor >I think the finale of the film showing that the leader is just a liar makes the whole dystopic society cheap How so? Every leader of every dystopian society has always been a weak cowardly liar. It couldn't be anything else.

[@connormacleod6793]

Man this game is such a masterpiece. I remember around 2002-2004, we had only 1 PC which was WINXP. And one day my father bought a disc, there was a lot of games like formula 96, Akuma demon spawn, Thexder, Uprising, Mechwarrior and more other nice games. I used to play a lot this game and Akuma demon spawn, those two was my favourite games. Man, what a time it was. Thanx for making this awesome video . Liked and subbed

[@Truecaveman1999]

Josh unlocking SO many hidden memories these days

[@Uberphish]

Seems this is the Halloween of Nightmare Creatures, since Matt McMuscles also did a _What Happened?_ on the series, and indirectly on Callisto as well. Real shame what happened to them, but an all-too-familiar story for dev teams in this period.

[@jamiearnold1711]

All we needed was for the AVGN to feature it for the Halloween special this year.

[@ray12a]

i always got this and death trap dungeon confused. fortunately you’ve properly cleared this up for me. also, my surname is warrick. that’s my castle. those squatters are just keeping it clean for me.

[@HouseRising]

Happy to see you popping in and out in front of the video. Adds a fun presentation element to it!

[@stankbonkman]

This is one of the best forgotten video game video ever. I had actually never heard of this game before or since watching this first. And you covered it in an engaging way.

[@SlaphappyMongoose]

I will never get over just how DASHING Josh Strife Hayes is!!

[@muxusbloodhand6681]

Finally!!! I know how you feel about doing sequel videos but please do the second one soon.

[@Gnurklesquimp2]

As a kid, I wasn't even THAT scared of the creatures, it was the antagonist that haunted me. Looking at it now, it's on the cartoony and almost light-hearted side, back then... Not so much. I remember looking for windows etc. to make sure he wasn't watching, amazing how games were as a kid.

[@LachCZ]

Hands down, my good sir! I watched your videos, what an awesome memory trip back to when I was a kid playing games on my PS1. What nostalgia! I remember that I could barely finish any of these games because they were quite hard. One of those games, and my most favorite, being 'C-12 Final Resistance' and 'Alien Resurrection'.

[@DaniboyBR2]

You just brought some memories, I would never remember this game existed without this video and I spent weeks playing this game.

[@1polvomagico]

I hope this comment doesn't go unnoticed, this is a suggestion and maybe you don't take those idk but hear me out because I think this is on par with what you do. The name of the game is "blade of darkness" is a 2000's game and I only bought it out of curiosity of the box art, back when those matter. It's a weird dark age third person ARPG where you choose one of 4 characters and all are fantasy tropes, but the game is weird because sometimes the physics are just mind blowing like throwing a sword and cutting in half an enemy and other times is just garbage like really cheap water effects, the cutscenes are also really good using the in game engine. This game is obscure (not like ultra , but i never hear anyone talk about it) to my surprise however I just found out that it was remastered no to long ago by GOG and even was available in Nintendo eShop On a side note I remember I was playing as the knight and have like 10k HP but I was hit so hard by a golem that it dropped to negative 12k, like that was janky AF, what was the point of having so much life anyway it was a weird curse by definitively interesting game

[@satannstuff]

Knight is actually one of the easier classes to play. Try fighting hordes of skeletons or a golem with the barbarian, who doesn't get a blunt weapon for most of these fights, has relatively slow attacks with at best a very slight range advantage, doesn't get to use a shield and almost never wants to block with a weapon because his weapons are rare and blocking damages them. He's got the most interesting and varied moveset, but it's also very very hard to use. The game was ported to the Switch not too long ago, it's as far as I'm aware 100% identical to the original, which is all the better because getting the PC version to run on a modern machine is challenging at best.

[@butwhataboutdragons7768]

In some regions the game is better known as Severance. Or Severance: Blade of Darkness. There is, or was, a Longplay of the game here, possibly just using the Dwarf, I don't remember. He's one of the harder character to play as. The Knight seems to have the best opening level, what with breaking out of jail, getting a boss that you know by looking at that you can't beat, so you just have to fend it off for a bit. It's good no-words storytelling for the time. Her first level wasn't nearly as good but I really liked how the Amazon played. I like my fast and acrobatic characters in most games. She's a bit more fragile, but great with the staff and spear, if you live long enough to level up. It was an unforgiving game though. I played the Barbarian too but got stuck in his opening level, couldn't find my way through. Then when I tried loading the game again later, it just kept crashing (again) and I finally got tired of messing with it. In addition to being very hard the game was also a buggy mess!

[@Sanguivore]

I’d love to see Josh cover this one too! :D

[@_Majisto_]

This game was actually reviewed by Iron Pineapple a while back. It was released on GOG shortly thereafter.

[@1polvomagico]

You know it is funny that a few years back I had real trouble finding any info on this game besides some online arena reviews. But just as I was posting I did a little research and found it was again on the spotlight thanks to the gog re release, anyway is nice to see an obscure game you used to own resurface into the public. I always found its dark aesthetic and gothic ambiance of the game yo be his major strength and nowadays it is mentioned as a precursor to dark souls.

[@DeceptionDark]

I remember when I was 13, and played the demo for this game on a computer at a neighbor's house. It had only the first stage, I think, but we played it again and again, and it was the scariest thing I had ever seen. Even if I have watched the full gameplay now, this game still scares me to this day.

[@chaithao1452]

It wasnt that scary. What made it scary was the controls. Everything felt like it was outdated even for a N64 game.

[@MarlotteTR]

this was great, I remember how much I suffered against the first boss as a child... changing topic, this also must be a huge coincidence, because in your last video (Deathtrap Dungeon) I asked you for this game, this was hilarious

[@MattitudePlays]

Omg I did the same 😅 Deathtrap Dungeon and Nightmare Creatures I bought as a pair in the late 90's so those two games are always like a pair in my mind

[@dueydeebs5848]

Thanks for making this video. This is one of the games I had asked you to take a look at and review. As a 6 year old at the time of release, I had always been too afraid to play it. I remember the nights I spent staring up at the nightmare creatures promo poster that my older brother had hanging up in our room. I was almost convinced those eyes and teeth were among the scariest things I had seen in the 90s.

[@sweetpepino1907]

I must say I found you being on camera a surprisingly nice addition to your presentation, and I found it so funny to hear you played Aleister Crowley in a Travel Channel show. I said out loud "I bet that was SO much fun!" as you said it was. Anyway, great video as always. Always wanted to play this game.

[@jaythomas468]

I remember renting this game from Blockbuster and despite some very rough edges, I ended up enjoying it and thinking THE CONCEPT was super cool and had potential. Though I remember getting a stuck at a part where I kept just getting overwhelmed by werewolves or some other big creatures in an alleyway where the camera kinda pans to the side.

[@anonymousmokona8541]

Nightmare Creatures, Akuji the Heartless and Legacy of Kain were the games that I would consider my favourites on the original PS1.

[@vereor6304]

Awesome choices! I discovered Akuji the Heartless like a couple months ago and it is definitely a game I was glad to have found.

[@wambamthankumam]

Akuji was a an absolute banger

[@ΑποστόληςΒράκας]

and shadowman

[@POtatoChips-x3z]

Oh boy. All of those games deserve a Resident Evil quality remake.

[@ObsidianShade]

I remember the game experience taking a sudden turn to "feeling like a badass" when I discovered the slice-everything-in-two combination. Weirdly, the torso removing part of the combo seemed to be a kick...

[@OKaysional]

seeing gameplay unlocked a hidden memory i had completely forgotten everything about this game but i definitely knew i played it on a demo disk as a child. its all so familiar but i have no recollection other than KNOWING iv played it. very eerie sensation. just stumbled on ur series thru the almighty algorithm and loving seeing these games that were staples of my childhood and more that were present but not remembered. would lvoe to see u do the oddworld series at some point, saw u mention it in ur rayman vid

[@DetroitAlan01]

The insanity meter becomes a MAJOR issue later in Nightmare Creatures. But, there’s a workaround. When you encounter a “zombie” type, don’t kill it. Instead, knock it down and be on your way. This will refill your meter. When the meter starts getting low, go back to that zombie and knock it down again. Try to think of them as “recharge stations.” As long as you make sure to keep them “alive,” they can repeatedly be used for a quick boost. Playing it this way made the game much easier to get through. Although that was 25-26 years ago.

[@milczyciel]

Small correction mate: according to my "old fart" knowledge Frederic Motte *DID NOT* make the music for the 1993 Cannon Fodder. He is responsible for the adaptation of the original score to the 2005 Symbian port of that game. The reason I care is because the original soundtrack, which in one way or another is still accompanying me after all these years (nowadays as my phone ringtone), was composed by 16-bit era legends: John Hare, whom I've met personally during a retro festival in Poland, and Richard Joseph, whom unfortunately I never had a chance to meet, given that he passed away from lung cancer in 2007.

[@torvus249]

I haven't played this game in over 2 decades and I still remember the werewolf jumping out at you on the first level. If you're gonna play horror games, I'd LOVE for you to review Eternal Darkness: Sanity's Requiem. It was a lovecraftian horror game for the GameCube. I think it was an amazing game that still holds up fairly well, aside from the section just before the final boss.

[@BeliefDiviner]

This "Josh appearing over the video" thing you're doing, although I bet some of those appearances are there to insert things you thought of in the middle of the recording, is a really nice touch, I love it regardless! Serves as a nice move to re-focus attention with the image and sound change

[@Asaku17]

Josh, your videos are amazing, always looking forward for the next one!

[@Taegreth]

I used to play this a lot on N64 as a kid, and wondered why it was so hard, with the limiting items and lives etc. Then I saw it as one of the arcade games at a movie theatre. Idk if they designed it intentionally to be an arcade game, and have the difficulty system be a way to force a lot of restarts and get people to keep putting money into the machine, but it worked well for it.

[@ChaserX17]

I can see why Adam lost all respect from the science community. That jar is WAY too close to the edge of the lab bench. 2:37 He has no mind for safety.

[@floodedmars8126]

I have a very hard time focusing on things for more than a couple minutes. Your content helps me get through so much of college. Absolute gem

[@SarahSyna]

Not to armchair diagnose but you might want to check yourself for ADHD, 'cause as someone with ADHD that sounds really familiar.

[@damaged112]

I was just thinking about this game and couldn’t remember the name! Your video is helping me relive my childhood!! Thank you!

[@highwayman1218]

Really enjoyed this game! Great atmosphere! Thanks for the review. 👍

[@Hry2w]

whenever i see you make one of these it makes me want to play the game lmao

[@fallingships]

Funny thing about the N64 version was that it offered the option to disable the Adrenaline system in the Options menu. Even at 10 years old I realized that the Adrenaline system was immersion- ruining garbo and turned it off. That’s probably why I enjoyed this game so much more and remember it much more fondly now. I had no idea the PS1 version did not offer that option until now 🤯 Oh and Nadia’s combos are still burned into my brain to this day. Feet Of Fury was downright OP.

[@grantsamson2384]

Time limits are good and create tension, not enough games have them nowadays.

[@mikey2time484]

Apparently it was a last minute patch bc the publisher said they could just dodge every enemy and best the game.in minutes.. there's a ps1 chest codr to turn it off though

[@chaithao1452]

@@grantsamson2384 Nope, time limits are not good. They should only be optional or an achievement.

[@grantsamson2384]

​@@chaithao1452 The lack of time limits is why modern games are unfocused, empty, and boring. It's why everything is an open world with RPG mechanics. Time pressure forces the developers to focus the gameplay, and it creates a sense of urgency in the player.

[@chaithao1452]

@@grantsamson2384 That doesnt mean it should be enforced to games. Its either optional or an achievement. Nothing more. If timing is accounted, then the art and environment has no meaning because there isnt invested time to appreciate its beauty. Otherwise everything might as well shouldve been cardboards from the start.

[@Boss_Fight_Index_muki]

Nightmare Creatures was like one of the first games to use animation based attacks which souls games later popularized

[@danieladamczyk4024]

Sadly i must say you wrong.

[@paultapping9510]

if you added the caveat "that wasn't a fighting game", and emphasised the "one of" it's a fair statement. What earlier examples were you thinking of?

[@Boss_Fight_Index_muki]

@@paultapping9510 Well, the fighting game caveat is sorta self evident tho, same for sports games. The fairness of emphasis is a reflection of your own subjectivity. That's the thing tho, besides NC there isn't many other examples from then. Maybe Deathtrap Dungeon? Anyone's free to suggest others.

[@pppp-by1bq]

@@Boss_Fight_Index_muki In an interview, Nightmare Creatures said that they were influenced by fighting games such as Tekken. From Software is no different, and they have a lineage of fighting game design. To answer your question, Virtual-On is a 3D action game that incorporates design elements from a fighting game released in 1995. In other words, most 3D action games are based on arcade designs such as fighting games and beat'em up. Virtua Fighter is a 3D adaptation of Street Fighter 2, while Dynamite Deka and Spike Out are 3D adaptations of beat'em up. In fact, Capcom has gone so far as to say that the 3D action combat design of games like Devil May Cry is the same as 2D fighting games, and that most action game developers around the world are just reusing existing game designs.

[@E-ratic_Prophet]

after all these years watching your videos and wondering why your face looked familiar. upon backtracking through your content to find you was Crowley in that production has blown my damn mind! my brain can finally rest.. keep up the brilliant work Sir Josh Strife Hayes 👍

[@Salvation5082]

Love your content, bringing some life back to these classic gems

[@TheSentinel86]

I LOVE this game, so atmospheric and blood drenched gothic.

[@amt3953]

It's not only good, it's great because of its concept in the old days. I used to have so much fun playing it with my siblings. Yes for now, when we look at old games, we can view them as "Not as good" but they are truly masterpieces if you revert the technology back to the early 2000s. My very favourite part of Nightmare Creatures game was getting to play as the enemy monsters when the game was finished. You could start a new game, and play as a monster instead of a human. I loved it so much as a kid, and remembering it now, I only have a positive view of that game. Great memories!

[@ExtraMedium665]

Playing as the monsters was my favorite part of this game

[@Conner2000]

Hey Josh. Don't know if you'll see this. Just wanted to let you know I love your channels. Just watched about 9 hours of stuff yesterday and then you dropped a new atmospheric "was it any good" tonight. I'm very grateful as this week has been very stressful. Thank you!!! Keep up the good work! Also I wanted to ask, what subject did you teach in school?

[@PSXGamingMemories]

Awesome video & great insights of the game. I loved Nightmare Creatures back in the day, i also 1st played it on that demo from the UK PlayStation magazine back in 1997. Such an atmospheric game, the gothic environments really worked in providing the tension while playing, For me it is easily one of the scariest games on the PlayStation.

[@Big.Joe.Grizzly]

Loving your videos lately josh, some real good comforting nostalgic vibes to be enjoyed here. I have a few suggestions for games to play, all games that I grew up with and used to love for ps1... Pandemonium, Hercules, A Bugs Life, Abes Odyssey, Tony Hawks 1, Mission Impossible, Gex enter the gecko, Die Hard Trilogy and Spider-Man. Would love to see these as videos at some point. Thank you for all the content you've been doing great work with these..

[@JJAB91]

I have fond memories of my parents renting the N64 version of this game for me from Blockbuster when I was little and getting my first video game related nightmare from it. Great memories. I do remember never getting past that level with the wooden platforms over water and the yellow tentacle monster tho.

[@willgrouch5199]

So excited for this episode.

[@procow2274]

Well you could argue you would only say nightmare creatures because Bloodborne technically isn't London just London themed

[@MrFour4th]

omg this is the game that was always in my head but i forgotten the title. THANK YOU!

[@Fem_V]

I'VE BEEN LOOKING FOR THIS GAME. i remember playing it once when i was young randomly on my dad's PC, and i remembered it being fun. i remember 4 years ago i scoured gaming archives looking for it with no for nearly a month with no one mentioning it, i couldn't find the CD either of the game. Thank you, seriously thank you i have some vague memories of this game i need to replay.

[@chaithao1452]

the timer was off but what made it confusing was the direction. the exploring wasnt worth it because the map seem out of place. I remember I got to the first boss and never beat it because I got bore. Unfortunately it wasnt my taste because the control and some of everything felt outdated. We had the game after when we had Mario Party 2, Super Mario 64, Star Fox 64 and Ocarina of Time so good controls and map details were already experienced beforehand.

[@TAREEBITHETERRIBLE]

*MAKE WAR, NOT LOVECRAFTIAN. WE NEED A CHANNEL CALLED "JOSH STRIFE LAYS" WHERE HE HAS MY **_WIFE FOR THE ENTIRE CHANNEL_*

[@tylerbyars859]

Yes make this happen

[@9gag1992]

Ask hin for dinner first

[@Victorhtsz]

This game is wonderful, we need to make a petition for Ubisoft to release a Remake!

[@walkerpierce5446]

This game feels ripe for a Nightdive rework!

[@WizardOfPiss]

I remember having the same demo disc with PaRappa the Rapper; and playing nightmare creatures. You started in this courtyard next to a graveyard. Game spooked me

[@KitDivine]

I've been trying to remember the name of this game for almost 10 years. YOU. You are MY HERO today. Thank you so much Josh

[@1416-x5o]

Inb4 "just like -Dark Souls- Bloodborne"

[@gravity111587]

Listen I am heterosexual and happily married but you are a handsome guy bro

[@TheActionHank]

You're not straight if you felt strong enough of an urge to verbalize that.

[@gravity111587]

@@TheActionHank you are just jealous that you aren't attractive enough for the bros to tell you

[@Gingie.gingerson]

Doubt

[@dbbgba]

I'm gay and happily married, I also think you're a handsome guy with an amazing voice!

[@gravity111587]

@@dbbgba if the gay guy agrees I know I'm right

[@HeavensTaint]

Oh damn. I was thinking about this game when I saw your Deathtrap Dungeon video and couldn't remember the name. This is most excellent.

[@0x0rOSRS]

I remember this from my childhood i had the black demo disc and the first time i played bloodborne this was my first thought but i couldnt remember the name 😊 glad to see you play it josh!

[@KiNgKaMaH]

Omg literally had the same thing had it on a demo disc, I had no idea what it was and thought out it from time to time and found this video after watching the tomb raider video! I’m subscribing!

[@Scrambles_Deathdealer]

The absurdity of the Mugraphone juxtaposed with the serious critique is why I will always come back to your videos.