A cast of pixels and more smashing links. Ud 21/11/13

Apart from an end sequence and credit roll, video games can reward perseverance by proudly listing NPCs, heroes and villains.

Some will introduce goodies and baddies as you go so a show reel is unnecessary.

The designs of which are sometimes even more bizarre than the names associated.

How they settled on these names is something we'll never know but as with most things, it's just 'right'.

For whatever reason, some aren't even comprehensive.

I have already dabbled with all things concerned by way of hi-jinks so consider this a worthy upgrade...

Images will be shown for the less 'lengthy' and instructions will be dispensed for links to ensure you won't miss a thing.

I reserve the right to use what may not be the original version and internet speed permitting, I am going by what I've clocked each to begin and end.

Pac-Man, Namco 1980 (Arcade)

Makaimura, Capcom 1999 (Wonderswan)

In case you didn't know, this was a unique and relatively unknown Japanese only entry to Ghosts 'n Goblins...

Of those featured, this is the only occasion where names are not 'automatically' displayed so I've got it covered...

Ghost Fortress

Dagon

Dark Arthur

Efreet

Franken Zombie

Nightmare

Rangda

Tiamat

Tiamat Incarnate

Devil Emperor Azazel

Super Mario World, Nintendo 1990,1991 (SNES)

After all this time, you could probably name the majority but...

The Beethoven parody is slightly funny and the Mechakoopas were probably the spiritual result of Mario vs Donkey 2: March of the Minis on DS, which was then followed by Mini-Land Mayhem.

Remember, Mario vs Donkey Kong on Game Boy Advance had you control Mario and not the minis.

Frak!, Aardvark 1984 (BBC Micro)

As 'Frik' does not count in popular culture, along with 'arse' and 'drink', Father Jack told most to 'Feck Off' and more recently, it is common for Mrs Brown to mix it up with the more offensive expletive.

Years earlier, Trogg and his enemies can just 'Frak' right off...

I'm in little doubt that the 'current' generation would not know what the 'fuck' I'm on about, until now.

Jail Break, Konami 1986 (Arcade)

Have you ever heard of a housewife or cats forming part of any cast?

Also, I detect a bit of Engrish with 'Machinegan'.

Trojan, Capcom 1986 (Arcade)

Armadillon instead of Armadillo and Muscular?  C'mon, some originality please.

Wonderboy in Monsterland, Sega/Westone 1987 (Arcade)

Toki, TAD Corporation 1989 (Arcade)

I cannot begin to imagine what those involved were smoking when they came up with this shit...

I'm the boss and don't you ever forget it.

My personal favourite is the drug-fuelled design of Mogulvar as it typifies the result of an overdose.

Ramabacha has an eye for detail, Boloragog is Parodius from another dimension and I guess Vookimedlo is a 'tree' with problems?

It's more mental than One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest.

Bubble Bobble, Taito 1986 (Arcade)

Now it's the turn of another to baffle.

Now you're Drunk, get pissed with a Symphony that doesn't taste so Bitter Sweet.

Bubble Symphony aka Bubble Bobble II, Taito 1994 (Arcade)

Why do some of the 'interesting' names use lower case?

Taito didn't EXTEND the courtesy to explain.

The following should remind purists and make the unknown, more known.

Darius and Space Invaders should be excepted as the latter remains the most famous video game franchise of all time.

Bubble Bobble, along with the unmentioned Rainbow Islands and Parasol Stars tell their own fascinating story.

To understand why and much more besides, please check out (if you haven't already done so), a much earlier feature and I apologise in advance for the 'incurable' text size.

http://nukesandknives.blogspot.co.uk/2012/05/bamboozled-by-game-sequel-and-franchise.html

Lethal Thunder, Irem 1991 (Arcade)

Okay, selected pixels have left their paw print so it's time to give those fingers a right clicking work out in order for the show to go on.

No credit is taken for the upload of any video.

Star Fox, Nintendo 1993 (SNES)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=k8dxLr_xVv4

Level 1 - watch from 37:03 to 39:01

Level 2 - watch from 1:13:34 to 1:15:25

Level 3 - watch from 2:03:59 to 2:06:20

Space Harrier, Sega 1986 (PC Engine) - watch from 21:40 to 23:18

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=t6cKK6gx8sc

Lethal Enforcers, Konami 1993 (SNES) - watch from 45:44 to 46:45

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LsUTqhNli74

Somer Assault, Atlus 1992 (PC Engine) - watch from 53:03 to 54:40

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mruKBoC9lpQ

Atomic Robo Kid, UPL 1990 (Arcade) - watch from 21:12 to 21:59

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=58TQR3ikXK8

Parasol Stars: The Story of Bubble Bobble III, Taito 1991 (PC Engine) - watch from 55:10 to 56:31

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KzYmT2TYE-I

Psycho Chaser, Naxat Soft 1990 (PC Engine) - watch from 27:38 to 28:44

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YfAb08DqvwU

Megablast, Taito 1989 (Arcade) - watch from 20:12 to 21:17

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jlaXGd-SUbY

Ghouls 'n Ghosts, Capcom 1988 (Arcade) - watch from 32:36 to 34:38

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P2uVsqRYBrs

Super Ghouls 'n Ghosts, Capcom 1991 (SNES) - watch from 1:08:36 to 1:13:00

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KBRkqsX-YR8

Kiki KaiKai, Taito 1986 (Arcade) - watch from 18:40 to 18:58

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KhY0l2d5GOU

Desert Breaker, Sega 1992 (Arcade) - watch from 30:11 to 31:08

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MprUV7Y7sXE

Thunder Cross 2, Konami 1991 (Arcade) - watch from 25:14 to 26:13

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dhcIMq5TKZE

Donkey Kong Country, Rare 1994 (SNES) - watch from 1:56:23 to 1:58:54

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hakuztODkAw

Donkey Kong Country 2: Diddy's Kong Quest, Rare 1995 (SNES) - watch from 4:00:36 to 4:05:45

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8PjfATqzN7Q

Donkey Kong Country 3: Dixie Kong's Double Trouble, Rare 1996 (SNES) - watch from 1:31:28 to 1:40:38

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aglu04r-2bY

Gargoyle's Quest: Ghosts 'n Goblins, Capcom 1990 (Gameboy) - watch from 1:12:05 to 1:13:32 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=B3oWNm563H4

Gargoyle's Quest II: The Demon Darkness, Capcom 1992 (NES)  - watch from 1:14:13 to 1:15:25

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=chUNONy84y8

Demon's Crest, Capcom 1994 (SNES) - watch from 3:14:33 to 3:44:56

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0NS2h7ppMj4

Viewtiful Joe, Capcom 2003 (PS2) - watch from 1:14:17 to 1:16:19

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=46T-THmg6Xc 

Earthbound, Ape Inc 1994, 1995 (SNES) - watch from 2:32:10 to 2:35:36

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2X91CmcPX8k

Now I present further unique insight from my own knowledge bank so instead of updating, I'm innovating.

My ass says you'll be amazed...

This is just an example but here's a speech and text malfunction from 1995 Neo Geo Double Dragon spin off at 02:45.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=byIIafnor_s

What a crazy mistake...  Ha ha!

Watch Earthworm Jim 2 on the SNES from 13:28 for however long you want until 17:42.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l1PIkOB72EM

Then be astonished with Creatures 2 on C64, starting at 03:39 to get the idea.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6bIpXvt0wxo

We are bouncing more than a Page 3 girl on a trampoline.

Aicom's Pulstar was a 1995 visual spectacular on the Neo Geo but watch most of its ending from 39:25 to 40:33.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GHkRiKPhito

Now digest the excellent R-Type 3: The Third Lightning on SNES from 32:20 to 32:50 to see the 'coincidental' 1993 connection.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ExfYd_1D5Ww

Want to watch a nice James Bond parody?  Zub will happily oblige from 0:00 to 0:13.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OB-lgDI_vw8

Sound jacks now so listen to the chime of Jack the Nipper falling in Gremlin's 1986 Spectrum arcade adventure.  The first time you'll really hear it is from 00:36 until 00:37.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TnIGs_hpCQI

Now classic Manic Miner from 1983.  Give it a second from 00:45.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3fICqgTuUF8

Demolition Man on the 3DO was a collection of not particularly good mini games consisting of driving, Operation Wolf and even Doom.  Never mind that, listen to a scream that occurs at 01:12 which can be heard throughout until 01:28.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=37ddGp5RDQM

A touch of insanity from the first Blood Omen outing on PS1 will bring the same 'scream' as Kain in human form is murdered at 05:03 to 5:06.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JdeA3WSL55g

That was good but like Boris from Goldeneye, "I am invincible."

Why not spin until 01:22 and listen to Konami's much slated Silent Hill 4: The Room.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WCoPbiVXia4

Do the same with Metal Slug until 07:25.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lMx4iLp-EAc

Finally, the 'groovy' Earthworm Jim.  I've chosen the SNES version but I don't suppose it matters as your ears will do the listening at 08:46

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=93osCGBFG2k

What can you say?  Yes I know, not much as you're rendered speechless.

Listen to the C64 version of Ocean's 1987 isometric classic Head over Heels at 27:25 for a couple of seconds...

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=V_xlxYJmjfI

Now this will make your mouth drop like a drawbridge.

This is A.C.G's Sabre Wulf, the year was 1984 and you only need hear from 0:00 to 0:02.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cJ_0KixP1ds

Hmmm, words fail me.

Check out Predator on C64 from 00:24 to 00:27.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-_QMGqWVKPA

Seeing Arnie becoming a bloody mess is randomly amusing... 

I can immediately reference 'that' to the principle used in Martech's 1987 adaptation of 2000 AD Nemesis the Warlock.  Your heart will be crushed from 4:20 until 4:25.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mqp55-5tGVo

Under Fire was Taito's 1993 rip off of Konami's 1992 Lethal Enforcers.  Why not more than find out in this stage starting at 11:10 to whatever period until 13:00.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nubsE-V5Y08

Now witness a similar idea from its 'inspiration' from 04:26 to 06:01

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=09l5HlMmrZ0

Using the same Under Fire video, spin on until 13:15 for a bit and then click the link below of Namco's 1992 arcade Lucky & Wild from 0:50 to whenever.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ALneW5eJ9rE

Well, it's pretty clear cut...

To inject another shooting gallery, Crazy Fight with hostages acting like Lethal Enforcers is among the most bizarre.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SicXKKHPjzk

Watch the brief ending sequence to Denaris, er Katakis on C64 from 20:23 to 20:29.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uvUDFRhWSLg

Then observe the just as brief ending sequence to Gradius II from 8:26 to 8:32.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gU7ykTsmh3U

I'm sure this time frame is complete coincidence...

Here is the second third person Indiana Jones effort, The Emperor's Tomb.  Please watch from 04:59 for a bit.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dXuYAnJE30c

Now feast your eyes on arguably the best Resident Evil in Code: Veronica from 05:19 for again, a bit.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=L-t3EFThllU

Well pull a cord.  Is that amazing or what?

I can't sign off without a music reference, so here goes with a solitary and final 'what the fuck' moment.

Endlessly is a dreamy track so listen from 1:55 to 2:11.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fKKt1z9_39o

Recognise it?  Spiffing.

In the case of not, this is the instrumental to Franz Xaver Gruber's famous carol so listen from 0:50 until 1:10 for living proof.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ue-xKeg1Quc

How Mercury Rev sleep tight and have a Silent Night is beyond the laws of physics.

My warmest regards and until next time...