Astounded Catfish
@astoundedcatfish.bsky.social
Video Game Enthusiast
Creative Writer
History Nerd
Current project is "Playing Through Video Game History"
In this, I start from the first ever video game playing my way towards the present.
Scroll through my timeline to go back in time!
Creative Writer
History Nerd
Current project is "Playing Through Video Game History"
In this, I start from the first ever video game playing my way towards the present.
Scroll through my timeline to go back in time!
Pinned
Hello everyone! I'm going to start including my retro reviews in the comments of the daily game posts
My scores are called CFF - Catfish Fun Factor on a scale of 1-10
This is a score based on how fun I think the game is TODAY and whether I think it's worth playing now - not contemporary to the times
My scores are called CFF - Catfish Fun Factor on a scale of 1-10
This is a score based on how fun I think the game is TODAY and whether I think it's worth playing now - not contemporary to the times
Bases Loaded (1987)
This baseball game from Jaleco took a different approach in that it ditched the standard behind-homeplate view that all baseball games had and instead took the view from behind the pitcher. The unique perspective gave a more three dimensional-like experience was a new challenge.
This baseball game from Jaleco took a different approach in that it ditched the standard behind-homeplate view that all baseball games had and instead took the view from behind the pitcher. The unique perspective gave a more three dimensional-like experience was a new challenge.
March 29, 2025 at 1:01 AM
Bases Loaded (1987)
This baseball game from Jaleco took a different approach in that it ditched the standard behind-homeplate view that all baseball games had and instead took the view from behind the pitcher. The unique perspective gave a more three dimensional-like experience was a new challenge.
This baseball game from Jaleco took a different approach in that it ditched the standard behind-homeplate view that all baseball games had and instead took the view from behind the pitcher. The unique perspective gave a more three dimensional-like experience was a new challenge.
Mickey Mousecapade (1987)
Platform adventure game from Capcom featuring the Disney stars Mickey and Minnie Mouse. While the player controls only Mickey, Minnie Mouse follows him around and can get kidnapped. If Minnie fails to make a jump, a life is lost, even if Mickey made it safely.
Platform adventure game from Capcom featuring the Disney stars Mickey and Minnie Mouse. While the player controls only Mickey, Minnie Mouse follows him around and can get kidnapped. If Minnie fails to make a jump, a life is lost, even if Mickey made it safely.
March 27, 2025 at 11:25 PM
Mickey Mousecapade (1987)
Platform adventure game from Capcom featuring the Disney stars Mickey and Minnie Mouse. While the player controls only Mickey, Minnie Mouse follows him around and can get kidnapped. If Minnie fails to make a jump, a life is lost, even if Mickey made it safely.
Platform adventure game from Capcom featuring the Disney stars Mickey and Minnie Mouse. While the player controls only Mickey, Minnie Mouse follows him around and can get kidnapped. If Minnie fails to make a jump, a life is lost, even if Mickey made it safely.
Contra (1987)
This run & gun platformer from Konami was a huge hit in the arcade & NES. The game puts the player(s) in the typical role of saving the world from terrorists that are being controlled by... aliens. Some levels were 3D-like where you advance through corridors. Many collectable powerups.
This run & gun platformer from Konami was a huge hit in the arcade & NES. The game puts the player(s) in the typical role of saving the world from terrorists that are being controlled by... aliens. Some levels were 3D-like where you advance through corridors. Many collectable powerups.
March 26, 2025 at 11:35 PM
Contra (1987)
This run & gun platformer from Konami was a huge hit in the arcade & NES. The game puts the player(s) in the typical role of saving the world from terrorists that are being controlled by... aliens. Some levels were 3D-like where you advance through corridors. Many collectable powerups.
This run & gun platformer from Konami was a huge hit in the arcade & NES. The game puts the player(s) in the typical role of saving the world from terrorists that are being controlled by... aliens. Some levels were 3D-like where you advance through corridors. Many collectable powerups.
Dragon Quest 2 (1987)
Known in the US market as Dragon Warrior II, the second game in this series brought with it a party of three heroes instead of just one, tying them all together with a common quest to save the world. Battles now also feature multiple enemies and each hero has their strengths.
Known in the US market as Dragon Warrior II, the second game in this series brought with it a party of three heroes instead of just one, tying them all together with a common quest to save the world. Battles now also feature multiple enemies and each hero has their strengths.
March 26, 2025 at 12:04 AM
Dragon Quest 2 (1987)
Known in the US market as Dragon Warrior II, the second game in this series brought with it a party of three heroes instead of just one, tying them all together with a common quest to save the world. Battles now also feature multiple enemies and each hero has their strengths.
Known in the US market as Dragon Warrior II, the second game in this series brought with it a party of three heroes instead of just one, tying them all together with a common quest to save the world. Battles now also feature multiple enemies and each hero has their strengths.
Zelda II: The Adventure of Link (1987)
The sequel to the critically-acclaimed first game was quite a surprise and a departure from the gameplay seen in its predecessor. This game was instead a more brutally difficult action platformer with an XP system. Still plenty of adventure and secrets though.
The sequel to the critically-acclaimed first game was quite a surprise and a departure from the gameplay seen in its predecessor. This game was instead a more brutally difficult action platformer with an XP system. Still plenty of adventure and secrets though.
March 24, 2025 at 11:33 PM
Zelda II: The Adventure of Link (1987)
The sequel to the critically-acclaimed first game was quite a surprise and a departure from the gameplay seen in its predecessor. This game was instead a more brutally difficult action platformer with an XP system. Still plenty of adventure and secrets though.
The sequel to the critically-acclaimed first game was quite a surprise and a departure from the gameplay seen in its predecessor. This game was instead a more brutally difficult action platformer with an XP system. Still plenty of adventure and secrets though.
The Ford Simulator (1987)
Sent as a floppy in magazines as an advertisement and also available to play in dealerships, this driving simulator had unique physics for each car, from Mustangs to a Bronco. While gameplay was basic, it did feature different modes such as drag racing and circuit races.
Sent as a floppy in magazines as an advertisement and also available to play in dealerships, this driving simulator had unique physics for each car, from Mustangs to a Bronco. While gameplay was basic, it did feature different modes such as drag racing and circuit races.
March 23, 2025 at 3:34 PM
The Ford Simulator (1987)
Sent as a floppy in magazines as an advertisement and also available to play in dealerships, this driving simulator had unique physics for each car, from Mustangs to a Bronco. While gameplay was basic, it did feature different modes such as drag racing and circuit races.
Sent as a floppy in magazines as an advertisement and also available to play in dealerships, this driving simulator had unique physics for each car, from Mustangs to a Bronco. While gameplay was basic, it did feature different modes such as drag racing and circuit races.
Uridium (1986)
This quality space shooter tasks the player with taking down large spaceships by first eliminating the defenses and then landing to place explosives to destroy the big ship's reactor. Gameplay was remarkably smooth and the player could fly in all 4 directions like Defender.
This quality space shooter tasks the player with taking down large spaceships by first eliminating the defenses and then landing to place explosives to destroy the big ship's reactor. Gameplay was remarkably smooth and the player could fly in all 4 directions like Defender.
March 22, 2025 at 4:27 PM
Uridium (1986)
This quality space shooter tasks the player with taking down large spaceships by first eliminating the defenses and then landing to place explosives to destroy the big ship's reactor. Gameplay was remarkably smooth and the player could fly in all 4 directions like Defender.
This quality space shooter tasks the player with taking down large spaceships by first eliminating the defenses and then landing to place explosives to destroy the big ship's reactor. Gameplay was remarkably smooth and the player could fly in all 4 directions like Defender.
The Sentinel (1986)
Unique puzzle game was one of the first to feature full 3D graphics. The goal is to avoid the gaze of the Sentinel - an Eye of Sauron-like that drained your energy with its gaze. Energy is gained by consuming trees/rocks & used to teleport or place objects like Synthoids.
Unique puzzle game was one of the first to feature full 3D graphics. The goal is to avoid the gaze of the Sentinel - an Eye of Sauron-like that drained your energy with its gaze. Energy is gained by consuming trees/rocks & used to teleport or place objects like Synthoids.
March 21, 2025 at 3:26 PM
The Sentinel (1986)
Unique puzzle game was one of the first to feature full 3D graphics. The goal is to avoid the gaze of the Sentinel - an Eye of Sauron-like that drained your energy with its gaze. Energy is gained by consuming trees/rocks & used to teleport or place objects like Synthoids.
Unique puzzle game was one of the first to feature full 3D graphics. The goal is to avoid the gaze of the Sentinel - an Eye of Sauron-like that drained your energy with its gaze. Energy is gained by consuming trees/rocks & used to teleport or place objects like Synthoids.
Double Dribble (1986)
Konami's arcade style basketball game was probably the most fun of its genre until NBA Jam. One of the first to feature full 5 on 5 with realistic rules and action cutscenes of dunks. Konami would continue to focus on capturing the atmosphere of sporting events in their games.
Konami's arcade style basketball game was probably the most fun of its genre until NBA Jam. One of the first to feature full 5 on 5 with realistic rules and action cutscenes of dunks. Konami would continue to focus on capturing the atmosphere of sporting events in their games.
March 18, 2025 at 9:40 PM
Double Dribble (1986)
Konami's arcade style basketball game was probably the most fun of its genre until NBA Jam. One of the first to feature full 5 on 5 with realistic rules and action cutscenes of dunks. Konami would continue to focus on capturing the atmosphere of sporting events in their games.
Konami's arcade style basketball game was probably the most fun of its genre until NBA Jam. One of the first to feature full 5 on 5 with realistic rules and action cutscenes of dunks. Konami would continue to focus on capturing the atmosphere of sporting events in their games.
Kid Icarus (1986)
Unique and difficult platformer with a Greek mythology theme. Players take the role of a young angel named Pip attempting to save a princess. Pip can gain experience by defeating enemies and can visit shops to buy items - these help him gain more health and a stronger bow attack.
Unique and difficult platformer with a Greek mythology theme. Players take the role of a young angel named Pip attempting to save a princess. Pip can gain experience by defeating enemies and can visit shops to buy items - these help him gain more health and a stronger bow attack.
March 17, 2025 at 4:33 PM
Kid Icarus (1986)
Unique and difficult platformer with a Greek mythology theme. Players take the role of a young angel named Pip attempting to save a princess. Pip can gain experience by defeating enemies and can visit shops to buy items - these help him gain more health and a stronger bow attack.
Unique and difficult platformer with a Greek mythology theme. Players take the role of a young angel named Pip attempting to save a princess. Pip can gain experience by defeating enemies and can visit shops to buy items - these help him gain more health and a stronger bow attack.
R.B.I. Baseball (1986)
Initially released in Japan under a different name, which might explain the more cartoonish look, Atari brought the game to the arcade and acquired the MLB Players license for it. One of the first to have real player names alongside ability ratings based on real life stats.
Initially released in Japan under a different name, which might explain the more cartoonish look, Atari brought the game to the arcade and acquired the MLB Players license for it. One of the first to have real player names alongside ability ratings based on real life stats.
March 16, 2025 at 7:44 PM
R.B.I. Baseball (1986)
Initially released in Japan under a different name, which might explain the more cartoonish look, Atari brought the game to the arcade and acquired the MLB Players license for it. One of the first to have real player names alongside ability ratings based on real life stats.
Initially released in Japan under a different name, which might explain the more cartoonish look, Atari brought the game to the arcade and acquired the MLB Players license for it. One of the first to have real player names alongside ability ratings based on real life stats.
Rolling Thunder (1986)
Shooting and platforming game full of action and numerous enemies. Players take the role of a secret agent trying to stop an underground conspiracy (think of Bond). The game mostly involves quick thinking shooting enemies who have different attack patterns.
Shooting and platforming game full of action and numerous enemies. Players take the role of a secret agent trying to stop an underground conspiracy (think of Bond). The game mostly involves quick thinking shooting enemies who have different attack patterns.
March 15, 2025 at 11:57 PM
Rolling Thunder (1986)
Shooting and platforming game full of action and numerous enemies. Players take the role of a secret agent trying to stop an underground conspiracy (think of Bond). The game mostly involves quick thinking shooting enemies who have different attack patterns.
Shooting and platforming game full of action and numerous enemies. Players take the role of a secret agent trying to stop an underground conspiracy (think of Bond). The game mostly involves quick thinking shooting enemies who have different attack patterns.
Pro Wrestling (1986)
Standard looking NES wrestling game. Players can choose one of seven wresters with both unique looks and moves. Player fights their way up the ladder to win the title, after which they must defend it a number of times before being challenged by the super hard Great Puma!
Standard looking NES wrestling game. Players can choose one of seven wresters with both unique looks and moves. Player fights their way up the ladder to win the title, after which they must defend it a number of times before being challenged by the super hard Great Puma!
March 14, 2025 at 7:45 PM
Pro Wrestling (1986)
Standard looking NES wrestling game. Players can choose one of seven wresters with both unique looks and moves. Player fights their way up the ladder to win the title, after which they must defend it a number of times before being challenged by the super hard Great Puma!
Standard looking NES wrestling game. Players can choose one of seven wresters with both unique looks and moves. Player fights their way up the ladder to win the title, after which they must defend it a number of times before being challenged by the super hard Great Puma!
Castlevania (1986)
Players control the whip-wielding Simon Belmont in an action platformer fighting various undead and classic gothic fiction enemies leading up to the final fight against Dracula. Konami's first in this series was known for the unforgiving difficulty and amazing soundtrack.
Players control the whip-wielding Simon Belmont in an action platformer fighting various undead and classic gothic fiction enemies leading up to the final fight against Dracula. Konami's first in this series was known for the unforgiving difficulty and amazing soundtrack.
March 13, 2025 at 4:04 PM
Castlevania (1986)
Players control the whip-wielding Simon Belmont in an action platformer fighting various undead and classic gothic fiction enemies leading up to the final fight against Dracula. Konami's first in this series was known for the unforgiving difficulty and amazing soundtrack.
Players control the whip-wielding Simon Belmont in an action platformer fighting various undead and classic gothic fiction enemies leading up to the final fight against Dracula. Konami's first in this series was known for the unforgiving difficulty and amazing soundtrack.
Out Run (1986)
One of the most stunning & graphically impressive games for its time, Sega's Out Run was a massive arcade hit. The smooth and fast gameplay set the bar for arcade racing games for the next decade. Players were given different routes to try and get to one of the five finish lines.
One of the most stunning & graphically impressive games for its time, Sega's Out Run was a massive arcade hit. The smooth and fast gameplay set the bar for arcade racing games for the next decade. Players were given different routes to try and get to one of the five finish lines.
March 13, 2025 at 12:39 AM
Out Run (1986)
One of the most stunning & graphically impressive games for its time, Sega's Out Run was a massive arcade hit. The smooth and fast gameplay set the bar for arcade racing games for the next decade. Players were given different routes to try and get to one of the five finish lines.
One of the most stunning & graphically impressive games for its time, Sega's Out Run was a massive arcade hit. The smooth and fast gameplay set the bar for arcade racing games for the next decade. Players were given different routes to try and get to one of the five finish lines.
Adventure Island (1986)
Eccentric platform game from Hudson Soft starring Master Higgins, a dude with a baseball cap & grass skirt. Powerups included a skateboard and throwing axes. in addition to insta-death upon getting touched, the player had to continuously collect food to avoid starving.
Eccentric platform game from Hudson Soft starring Master Higgins, a dude with a baseball cap & grass skirt. Powerups included a skateboard and throwing axes. in addition to insta-death upon getting touched, the player had to continuously collect food to avoid starving.
March 11, 2025 at 4:07 PM
Adventure Island (1986)
Eccentric platform game from Hudson Soft starring Master Higgins, a dude with a baseball cap & grass skirt. Powerups included a skateboard and throwing axes. in addition to insta-death upon getting touched, the player had to continuously collect food to avoid starving.
Eccentric platform game from Hudson Soft starring Master Higgins, a dude with a baseball cap & grass skirt. Powerups included a skateboard and throwing axes. in addition to insta-death upon getting touched, the player had to continuously collect food to avoid starving.
Metroid (1986)
A classic non-linear action adventure game where the player controls bounty hunter Samus Aran in her quest to defeat space pirates who are using organisms called Metroids as biological weapons. The game featured many secrets, encouraging exploration. Collected powerups were permanent.
A classic non-linear action adventure game where the player controls bounty hunter Samus Aran in her quest to defeat space pirates who are using organisms called Metroids as biological weapons. The game featured many secrets, encouraging exploration. Collected powerups were permanent.
March 10, 2025 at 4:42 PM
Metroid (1986)
A classic non-linear action adventure game where the player controls bounty hunter Samus Aran in her quest to defeat space pirates who are using organisms called Metroids as biological weapons. The game featured many secrets, encouraging exploration. Collected powerups were permanent.
A classic non-linear action adventure game where the player controls bounty hunter Samus Aran in her quest to defeat space pirates who are using organisms called Metroids as biological weapons. The game featured many secrets, encouraging exploration. Collected powerups were permanent.
Arkanoid (1986)
By the mid 80s we were all clamoring for an updated version of Breakout right? Okay maybe not, but Taito delivered this new take on the genre adding powerups and enemies that move around the screen. Powerups could be both good or bad. The NES version came with a dial controller.
By the mid 80s we were all clamoring for an updated version of Breakout right? Okay maybe not, but Taito delivered this new take on the genre adding powerups and enemies that move around the screen. Powerups could be both good or bad. The NES version came with a dial controller.
March 9, 2025 at 4:26 PM
Arkanoid (1986)
By the mid 80s we were all clamoring for an updated version of Breakout right? Okay maybe not, but Taito delivered this new take on the genre adding powerups and enemies that move around the screen. Powerups could be both good or bad. The NES version came with a dial controller.
By the mid 80s we were all clamoring for an updated version of Breakout right? Okay maybe not, but Taito delivered this new take on the genre adding powerups and enemies that move around the screen. Powerups could be both good or bad. The NES version came with a dial controller.
Bubble Bobble (1986)
This game puts the players in control of little dinosaurs that can blow bubbles to trap enemies and then pop them to clear the level. Levels are numerous and get more complicated, requiring the player to use power-ups and deft platforming to get to the hard to reach enemies.
This game puts the players in control of little dinosaurs that can blow bubbles to trap enemies and then pop them to clear the level. Levels are numerous and get more complicated, requiring the player to use power-ups and deft platforming to get to the hard to reach enemies.
March 8, 2025 at 4:11 PM
Bubble Bobble (1986)
This game puts the players in control of little dinosaurs that can blow bubbles to trap enemies and then pop them to clear the level. Levels are numerous and get more complicated, requiring the player to use power-ups and deft platforming to get to the hard to reach enemies.
This game puts the players in control of little dinosaurs that can blow bubbles to trap enemies and then pop them to clear the level. Levels are numerous and get more complicated, requiring the player to use power-ups and deft platforming to get to the hard to reach enemies.
Took a week off from posting, but I'm back! Let's continue on with 1986!
March 8, 2025 at 4:03 PM
Took a week off from posting, but I'm back! Let's continue on with 1986!
Side Pocket (1986)
First released in the arcade as a speed game with the goal of sinking the most pool balls in the given time. Later console versions took away the timer to instead make it a casual, even RPG-like, pool game where you rise through the ranks and meet pretty women.
First released in the arcade as a speed game with the goal of sinking the most pool balls in the given time. Later console versions took away the timer to instead make it a casual, even RPG-like, pool game where you rise through the ranks and meet pretty women.
February 28, 2025 at 7:03 PM
Side Pocket (1986)
First released in the arcade as a speed game with the goal of sinking the most pool balls in the given time. Later console versions took away the timer to instead make it a casual, even RPG-like, pool game where you rise through the ranks and meet pretty women.
First released in the arcade as a speed game with the goal of sinking the most pool balls in the given time. Later console versions took away the timer to instead make it a casual, even RPG-like, pool game where you rise through the ranks and meet pretty women.
Might and Magic: Book One - Secret of the Inner Sanctum (1986)
Another super long title for an RPG and another game clearly influenced by Wizardry and Ultima. M&M1 had a much larger game world for players to explore compared to others in its genre, with both indoor and outdoor environments.
Another super long title for an RPG and another game clearly influenced by Wizardry and Ultima. M&M1 had a much larger game world for players to explore compared to others in its genre, with both indoor and outdoor environments.
February 27, 2025 at 10:03 PM
Might and Magic: Book One - Secret of the Inner Sanctum (1986)
Another super long title for an RPG and another game clearly influenced by Wizardry and Ultima. M&M1 had a much larger game world for players to explore compared to others in its genre, with both indoor and outdoor environments.
Another super long title for an RPG and another game clearly influenced by Wizardry and Ultima. M&M1 had a much larger game world for players to explore compared to others in its genre, with both indoor and outdoor environments.
Dragon Quest (1986)
Released in the US as Dragon Warrior, this turn-based RPG brought a simplified Ultima/Wizardry-type game to the home console. Its bright colors & lively music were a welcome addition to the genre. For many it was the first RPG they ever played thanks to the forgiving difficulty.
Released in the US as Dragon Warrior, this turn-based RPG brought a simplified Ultima/Wizardry-type game to the home console. Its bright colors & lively music were a welcome addition to the genre. For many it was the first RPG they ever played thanks to the forgiving difficulty.
February 25, 2025 at 5:34 PM
Dragon Quest (1986)
Released in the US as Dragon Warrior, this turn-based RPG brought a simplified Ultima/Wizardry-type game to the home console. Its bright colors & lively music were a welcome addition to the genre. For many it was the first RPG they ever played thanks to the forgiving difficulty.
Released in the US as Dragon Warrior, this turn-based RPG brought a simplified Ultima/Wizardry-type game to the home console. Its bright colors & lively music were a welcome addition to the genre. For many it was the first RPG they ever played thanks to the forgiving difficulty.
Ikari Warriors (1986)
One of many of this genre, Ikari Warriors was innovative in the arcade with its rotary-style controls & the option for a 2nd player. Unable to acquire the rights to Rambo, it was still a success with gameplay featuring many powerups & ability to pilot a tank & a helicopter.
One of many of this genre, Ikari Warriors was innovative in the arcade with its rotary-style controls & the option for a 2nd player. Unable to acquire the rights to Rambo, it was still a success with gameplay featuring many powerups & ability to pilot a tank & a helicopter.
February 24, 2025 at 5:04 PM
Ikari Warriors (1986)
One of many of this genre, Ikari Warriors was innovative in the arcade with its rotary-style controls & the option for a 2nd player. Unable to acquire the rights to Rambo, it was still a success with gameplay featuring many powerups & ability to pilot a tank & a helicopter.
One of many of this genre, Ikari Warriors was innovative in the arcade with its rotary-style controls & the option for a 2nd player. Unable to acquire the rights to Rambo, it was still a success with gameplay featuring many powerups & ability to pilot a tank & a helicopter.
The Legend of Zelda (1986)
Launching arguably the most critically acclaimed video game franchise ever, the first game proved that an epic adventure game absolutely works on the home console. A large non-linear world, labyrinth dungeons, tons of secrets, and great music all left players enthralled.
Launching arguably the most critically acclaimed video game franchise ever, the first game proved that an epic adventure game absolutely works on the home console. A large non-linear world, labyrinth dungeons, tons of secrets, and great music all left players enthralled.
February 23, 2025 at 4:37 PM
The Legend of Zelda (1986)
Launching arguably the most critically acclaimed video game franchise ever, the first game proved that an epic adventure game absolutely works on the home console. A large non-linear world, labyrinth dungeons, tons of secrets, and great music all left players enthralled.
Launching arguably the most critically acclaimed video game franchise ever, the first game proved that an epic adventure game absolutely works on the home console. A large non-linear world, labyrinth dungeons, tons of secrets, and great music all left players enthralled.