I like to voice my opinion through writing.  It's just how I operate, to be frank.  That is why I implemented this page, to roundup all my reviews, wherever they may be.  I can assure you, all of these were written by HadJo.  That means no copy and pasting unless you have my permission.  Click the links below to the letter that corresponds to title of the game.  Titles with "The" at the beginning, will be categorized by the letter of the next word. There probably will not be a whole lot of games at first, but I will try to add to the database occasionally. 

Platform: SNES/PS
Developer: Square Enix
HadJo's Verdict:

Unfortunetly, I've been set back like most out there.  Stuck with no way to experience one of the greatest stories ever brought to a gaming console.  I don't own a Playstation, so there was no way for me to obtiain the game via the Final Fantasy Chronicles bundle, and I'm not about to fork over $50 for just the SNES cartridge, it's just not going to happen.  So I decided to cheat.  I downloaded the SNES9x Emulator, and the Chrono Trigger ROM to go with it, and I can honestly say, this is one of the most enthralling games I've ever played, even if it is on the PC (which I cannot stand playing any kind of game on).  Thrown out by Square and Nintendo in the wake of the all mighty Nintendo 64, Chrono Trigger was an after thought of the past to most gamers, eager to snag up the new systems.  Only RPG enthusiasts and dedicated gamers bought the game, and that seems to be the reason for the high demand for the title.
    Chrono Trigger is heralded as one of the most revolutionary games of it's time for more reasons than one.  First off, many may notice the extremely intuitive battle engine.  Square really took their time devising the ultimate combat interface, blending strategic, turn based, and real time elements perfectly.  Those who think they will have the luxary to sit and think a little before making their next move will be subject a rude awaking straight from the first encounter.  Enemies don't wait on you to decide, these guys go at it.  Players will have to be a step ahead during every battle, planning moves before hand, otherwise your poor little party will be torn to shreds as baddies come in for repetitive strikes.  Strict turn based fans will not be affected too hard though, as there are still many elements of your FF rpg, such as your revives, ethers, and tonic potions.
    The gameplay of Chrono is flawless, but what makes this game so legendary, is it's epic of a storyline and unbelievable character development.  You'll soon start to understand your parties tendancies and form bonds with them, as you fight and level up.  I'm not going to lay out any spoilers here, but the games turn of events happens to be a highlight for me.  Chrono was one of the first games to feature time travel (ala Ocarina of Time), as the things you did or accomplished in one point in time, would take an effect on the other eras.  For example, say you rescue the princess from getting kidnapped 400 years in the past.  The people of that time period will become very aware of this occurance and create strict laws forbidding any such actions.  After that, you decide to go back to the present, where you see the same laws of the past taking place.  Individuals become much more anal about suspicious activities and actions around higher officials, and this is all because of what happened 400 years ago, when you went back in time.  It's just an epic tale through and through, and would make one hell of an inticing novel, which was actually in the works at a time, but was unfortunetly scrapped.   Square really hit the pin on the head with this one,  and I would love to see a reunion between Nintendo and their counterpart.  I think if both these companies were to come back together and create a Zelda title using the engine of Chrono Trigger, we would have one hell of game, but that is mere after thought, as these two rarely cooperate unless we're talking a rehash for GBA.  Yes they did get together for Crystal Chronicles and Tactics, but why not re-release this one for GBA.  Ok that is enough of my rants.  Simply put, this is a game everyone from non-gamers to Halo fans should experience.  A true test of time, and a masterpiece in every sense of the word.

Platform (s): Xbox 360/PC/PS3
Developer: Bethesda Softworks
HadJo's Verdict:  

Complete and utter freedom: go anywhere, fight anything, and steal whatever you want.  Much like its earlier incarnations, The Elder Scrolls IV supplies a non-linear adventure which possesses no obvious path that which players must follow.
    Taking place in the medieval world of Tamriel, a peaceful kingdom until now, you have been ordered to end a lethal threat known as Oblivion.  Oblivion is a hell-like alternate dimension, home to mace-wielding savages and dark mages.  Creeping through portals from their evil realm, these creatures look to foresee the destruction of Tamriel.  Of course, you are the world’s only hope.  Whether or not you decide to fulfill your destiny is entirely up to you.  The main quest surmounts to only a fraction of the fun Oblivion yields.
    After creating a character, you’re thrust directly into the storyline, escorting the emperor to safety via a secret sewer system.  Criticized for an unconventional and often clunky first person combat perspective, Elder Scrolls has raised it’s own bar with Oblivion.  Swinging your weapon and casting spells is intuitive, and you’ll never hesitate to pull out your sword to swing madly at enemies.  Battling through the watery depths, your skill with a blade is tested early, but the low level weaklings are no challenge, and provide a good tutorial for the many elements of the game. The sewers go by relatively quickly, and your avatar will eventually make it out into the wilderness, where the real fun begins.  Antagonists direct you to continue your adventure of saving the world, but it’s better to just wonder around aimlessly for a while, fulfilling the urge of curiosity.   Maybe you’ll stumble upon a village of people who you find irritating; go ahead and show them some punishment with your blade, they’ll understand.  Or if plundering ruins suits your fancy, go for it.  There is always something to do in Tamriel.
    Taking advantage of the next generation technology, Oblivion’s graphics are almost too good.  Lush environments transcend the landscape, and frolicking in the fields won’t feel more satisfying in any other videogame.  Or at least until your game abruptly stutters and displays the words, “Loading Area.”  These load times stand out as the game’s only blemish, but still retain value.  Keeping the massive size of Tamriel in mind, these brief pauses give player’s time to think about what they will do or travel next.  PC gamers will have to supply a beefy graphics card and processor to avoid any slipups.
    Combining dungeon crawling action, epic duels, and stunning graphics, Oblivion sits among the best on the 360.  A similar goal is in place for when the title is released for the Sony Playstation 3.  The world is at your command in the fourth installment of Elder Scrolls, and what better way to conquer it than when it is in peril.

Platform: Xbox/PC
Developer: Lionhead Studios
HadJo's Verdict:

In my opinion, this is the closest to a Zelda title your going to get, but with more RPG elements.  In a nutshell, Fable is more or less a more RPGish version of a recent Zelda experience (Oot etc) which gives the user more choices and allows for more of free roaming environment, and more optional side quests.  If your person who is scared away by the turn based games, never fear, for Fable has by no means a turn based combat engine.  The player controls all of the hero's actions, from the swinging of the sword, to the way you would like to take out the enemy (magic, melee, or arrows).  It's a very intuitive interface, and I was able to pick up the controls easily.
    You begin as a young boy with the whole world in front of you, and countless decisions to take into account.  To kill or not to kill?  To take or not to take?  Seemingly easy questions most of the time, Fable twists even the most irrelevant events into duels between good and evil.  Much like in Knights of the Old Republic, you can lead your created character on a life of crime and evil, or save the world with an heroic display of actions.  Despite it's similar battle components, Fable differs from Zelda in the distinguished options ahead of you; overall less linear.
    There is one major problem to be found with Fable however.  It is just too damn short.  Building up for an epic quest, Fable climaxes prematurely to an extent, offering just about 15 hours of playtime for the seasoned gamer.  This doesn't make Peter Molyneux's overly hyped title any friendlier, and doesn't dish out much more than a rent.  The updated Lost Chapters expansion extends the adventure, which is good and all, but it feels a bit forced at this point.
    2007 looks to shed the long awaited sequel to a game that had the makings of an epic.  Maybe this time the folks at Lionhead will take a page out of Bethesda's book for Oblivion, but provide a storyline worthy or retelling.

HadJo's Verdict:


A timeless soundtrack, Koji Kondo's compositions for Ocarina of Time have defined video game music.  Though it is usually a lower list reason for the praise OoT receives, these songs should be represented in the same light as the groundbreaking graphics, gamplay, and story this game is famous for.  It is however very unfortunate that the physical release of the soundtrack had to be more of a sampler, or reminder, to what Kondo had achieved, as most of the songs loop only once.  This makes it hard to fully realize the better tunes here.  If you are seeking your favorite track than you should go for another source which possess longer lengths.

Key Tracks: "Shop" / "Hyrule Field" / "Forest Temple" / "Gerudo Valley"

Observing a Classic is here to resurrect and remember the great video games that have shaped what the industry has become today.  Anything but cookie cutter rehashes, these games were the original forefathers.  Today, even the most technologically advanced titles owe their success to these gods.  They have earned the right to be dubbed…Classic.

Platform: Nintendo 64/Gamecube
Developer: Nintendo EAD
HadJo's Verdict:

Released in 1998 for the Nintendo 64, Ocarina of Time is an opened ended action/RPG which meshes an epic storyline and revolutionary controls.  It tells the tale of valiant hero known as Link, who utilizes time travel to conquer his foes.  A legendary plot structure was also present, featuring an incredible exposition, middle, and climax.  One of the few things most Zelda games can brag about is the storyline, but OoT takes the gold in that department as well.
    In it’s time; the graphics of OoT were considered legions ahead of its contemporaries.  Compared to games such as Super Mario 64, models featured more complex textures than ever before, showing facial expressions, wrinkles in clothing, and changes in appearance over time.  Today, anybody can look at an Xbox 360 game and say, “Man these graphics are so much better,” but it was OoT that was drawing that response back in ’98.
    OoT’s game-play is still held in high esteem among console gamers even to this day.  Employing an intuitive targeting system, one of the first and most effective, attacks were precise and accurate, yet retained their sense of freedom.  A bevy of enemies brightened the experience,  with strange and thought provoking ways to defeat them.   
    If one would like a lesson on boss battles, than look no further than Ocarina.  Unlike many of todays titles, which wain in this department, every boss fight brought a new emotional high in OoT.  A degree of spontaneous thinking was involved in all of them, usually centering around the usage of an item obtained earlier.  For example in the duel with King Dodongo bombs are the key to victory, and were picked up earlier in the dungeon.  Only the most skilled of thinkers and warriors crept past these baddies on their first attempt, not something most of todays sub-par bosses can exhibit.   
    To be frank, Ocarina of Time is the greatest experience a person can have with a video game.  It has also aged well considering it's 1998 release, so even the fools who missed out the first time can still take a hack via the N64 original or the re-releases for the Gamecube.  It should be interesting to see what Nintendo does for the 10th anniversary of this Legend.

Platform (s): Xbox 360/PC
Developer: BioWare Corp.
HadJo's Verdict:

    Mass Effect is blatant proof that video games are a technically refined form of artistic expression.  Since 2003’s Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic, BioWare has revolutionized the Role Playing Game genre with their blend of storytelling, character development, and raw gameplay.  In past outings players would be able to craft their customizable protagonist around their own decisions throughout the game, but nothing compares to what the development team has done with Mass Effect.
     Taking place 175 years in the future, scientific discoveries have enabled mankind to travel throughout the galaxy at faster-than-light speeds.  This also leads to humanities first contact with numerous alien races inhabiting other solar systems.  The muse of lead writer Drew Karpyshyn, who also wrote the legendary plot in KotOR, Mass Effect is a view of the future which constantly fills gaps, and even makes the player wonder if these events could actually transpire in 200 years.  Despite falling under the much treaded “science fiction” genre, the attention to detail is so undeniably complex that Mass Effect could be another fictitious universe for Lucas fans to debate over canonicity when sequels drop.
     Hardcore RPG gamers were skeptical about BioWare’s decision to move towards a gun based third-person, real-time combat engine with Mass Effect instead of sticking with the turn oriented D20 scheme of KotOR.  But, once again, the developer went to the drawing board and crafted a combat system that fluently combines action and RPG elements, enough so to quell both sides of the debate.  The overall “feel” is reminiscent of the groundbreaking Gears of War, though more subdued and realistic.
     With dozens of planets to explore, missions to complete, and even romantic sub-plots to exploit, Mass Effect will require dedication to complete.  The cinematic dialogue sequences make it almost like playing a book, though your own actions often dictate the next outcome.  Mass Effect is not suited for gamers who want step-in-step-out action, but for those who wish to immerse themselves in a full fletched alternate reality, the reward is dramatic. 

Platform: GCN/PS2
Developer: Namco
HadJo's Verdict:
It is not to say that this massive RPG did not catch on, because sales were at a high for this Namco adventure, but for some reason, Tales of Symphonia isn't viewed as the incredible game that it happens to be.  Throughout the 4 year lifespan of the Nintendo Gamecube, a seeping void in the library of games for the system left many bewildered.  RPGs were of the rare breed on the GCN, much like it's predessesor, the Nintendo 64, which only exalted one profitable role playing experience with Paper Mario, late in the consoles time.  However, many fanboys, such as myself,  found their fix with Tales of Symphonia, a prequel to Namco's Japanese marvel Tales of Phantasia.  Excelling in playtime, many gamers could find themselves immersed in this action based epic for almost 100 hours or more, replaying the game to uncover it's many hidden secrets.  I finally gave it up about a forth of the way through my third play through.  It is rare that a game takes me that far, in fact, only Ocarina of Time ever got me to play that many times, probably about 10.

I found that this games main highlight was the transcending storyline, a heartstopper that pulls the "viewer" through a struggle between good, evil, and the blending of both.  I'm not much on spoilers, so I'll just say that the plot focuses on betrayal, and trust.  Others could sit and watch me play this game, not because they wanted to see the game, but for the fact that the storyline transcends like a movie.

If you aren't much on turnbased battle systems, than this one is in your court.  I can't find any TB elements in this one, except that you can maybe cast spells.  Everything else explodes on screen, like a fighting game, meshing button combos with special attacks, for lots of damage.  It's extremely intuitive, and one of the most creative attempts in recent history.  I would say it is a blend of Chrono Trigger, Dead or Alive, and Paper Mario.  Truly unbelievable.  The game is great for anyone looking to pick up their first RPG (as is Paper Mario and Chrono Trigger).  I highly recommend for everyone intersted in an epic adventure spanning lots of replay value.