Need some help...

[nerfando]

I'm trying to find some light-hearted platformers that I can play on my PC in-between all the other "serious" games I've been playing recently. Games to unwind with in other words. Some examples of what I mean would be like the original Spyro games for the PSX or Psychonauts. I really enjoyed those and that's sort of what I've been itching to play between my stints of L4D2 zombie mayhem, MW2 multiplayer rage-fest, or the overwhelming epicness of Mass Effect.

Man, if actual PC ports existed of the Spyro games that would be my saving grace right now because I own them for the PSX but I don't care much to reconnect my PS2. I don't even have a TV in my room for that matter. But I digress.

I just recently beat Psychonauts for a 2nd time after a almost year of not playing it and now I have a void to fill. I have also been trying my darnedest to install my copy of Grim Fandango on my system, but Windows 7 64-bit is being quite adamant in not running that game correctly in any way, shape, or form. *sigh*

Any suggestions fellow Escapists?

 

[FalloutJack]

Anything you can emulate that's old school is fair game.

 

[dolfan1304]

if you like grim fandango then you will probobly like the monkey island series

 

[xHipaboo420x]

I'm gonna second the 'emulation' suggestion.

Get yourself a good gamepad (you can get USB adapters for console controllers for pretty cheap), download Project64, then get ROMs of Super Mario 64, Mario Tennis, Donkey Kong 64 and Ocarina Of Time. Congratulations, you're now having fun!!

I should point out that it's legally dubious to download the ROM of a game you do not physically own.

 

[Mr. Blond]

i know it's not a platformer but "plants vs. zombies" was pretty fun for awhile and u can download it cheap...and a buddy told me you can get "world of goo" for a small donation, whatever that means...i haven't tried it yet thought as i am totally addicted to MW2

 

[Kron_the_mad wants to be deleted]

how about knytt

 

[Icecoldcynic]

I'm gonna second the 'emulation' suggestion.

Get yourself a good gamepad (you can get USB adapters for console controllers for pretty cheap), download Project64, then get ROMs of Super Mario 64, Mario Tennis, Donkey Kong 64 and Ocarina Of Time. Congratulations, you're now having fun!!

I should point out that it's legally dubious to download the ROM of a game you do not physically own.

This is a good idea. Pretty much what i'd suggest.

 

[nerfando]

i know it's not a platformer but "plants vs. zombies" was pretty fun for awhile and u can download it cheap...and a buddy told me you can get "world of goo" for a small donation, whatever that means...i haven't tried it yet thought as i am totally addicted to MW2

Yea I have Plants vs. Zombies and am definitely enjoying that one. I also have World of Goo, lol. Bargain buyer anyone? But I'm definitely looking for something that'll get me lost in the exploration of "another" world.

I mention Spyro because I remember the game being so simple in mechanics, visually appealing in its cartoony fantasy setting, funny, and it just exuded this high level of "niceness." It felt like lying on a hammock by the beach playing a ukulele: just relaxing. Even the music of the game was mellow. I distinctly remember the soundtrack of the first world in the original Spyro. It was a ditty of airy bells and chimes. Quite captivating.

Anything you can emulate that's old school is fair game.

As far as emulation, I was going to mention that as a possibility as well but wasn't too sure about forum rules in regards to that. I'm guessing mention of it is tolerated to a certain extent. >_<

I'm gonna second the 'emulation' suggestion.

Get yourself a good gamepad (you can get USB adapters for console controllers for pretty cheap), download Project64, then get ROMs of Super Mario 64, Mario Tennis, Donkey Kong 64 and Ocarina Of Time. Congratulations, you're now having fun!!

I should point out that it's legally dubious to download the ROM of a game you do not physically own.

I was considering this specifically for Majora's Mask since I never really played it thoroughly. I have fond memories of Mario 64 and Ocarina too. I guess I'm hoping to find obscure platformer gems that were lost in all the hype. I remember during the PSX/64 age I was really into SNES emulators and I found gems like Terranigma, Illusion of Gaia, and Actraiser. Good times.