Grimlo9ic

I have 2 that I can recommend. First is the known quantity - the 8bitdo Pro 2. Primarily because of the dpad placement, it’s an excellent controller for older retro games. Well-built, wireless capability, remappable buttons, etc etc. Covers Windows, Mac, Android, and Switch. You know the drill.

But the GameSir T4 Kaleid really surprised me. For a little over $41 you get: hall effect sticks AND triggers, microswitch face buttons, 2 back paddles, remaps, and possibly the cleanest implementation of RGB strips I’ve seen on an electronic device, ever. There are only 2 downsides for me: the GameSir logo (chickens are cool but just not my thing), and it’s wired only. Otherwise it’s a seriously awesome piece of kit.

I’ve never owned an Xbox in my life, only PlayStations, so I thought I wouldn’t like the staggered joystick layout, but it is surprisingly comfortable.

ActRaiser blew my mind the first time I played it. Having the chance to descend into your creation for some sidescrolling action was absolutely a surprise.

I was kinda obsessed with this game as a kid, and played it enough that I memorized every puzzle and solution. I would go through a playthrough in about half an hour. That’s still long compared to most speedrunners these days… but isn’t it funny how we used to play the same story-driven games over and over even though most of them never had alternate endings?

Great game. And it reminds me of a time when LucasArts pumped these titles out like there was no tomorrow.