I like too many games, even when most others dislike 'em. If it's something I don't particularly care for (like Deep Blue or Time Ball), I'm not alone with my distaste.
Following my New Year’s Resolution, I will not defend the unjustly and unfairly ridiculed Timeball, which is a solid puzzle game that is quite enjoyable and satisfying.
You take TIMEBALL, I'll defend DEEP BLUE. I love the underwater setting, the huge sprites and the different kind of strategy that encourages you to be evasive rather than always on the attack. It's probably clouded partially by nostalgia of having owned it as a kid, but I still like to swim around in that world from time to time for some playthroughs. The endless loop of repeating levels after you finish the game proper is a drag, but I do like how classy the FIN death screen is, it's kind of like the ECCO games that way. Totally get the hate though, I know I've been shit on before for my opinion on DEEP BLUE, but I do legitimately like that game.
I’m glad you posted this because, over the years, a bunch of folks have posted things that helped me understand Deep Blue as a non-traditional game (for its time). I have recently been willing (trying) to give it another chance to be appreciated (on *any* level).
For example, my 6-year-old twins, not knowing any better, did *not* immediately hate Deep Blue. In fact, they have been turned off by many shootemups, but not Deep Blue.
I don’t think Deep Blue’s music is stellar (listening to it independently), but in-game, the music complements the atmosphere, stages, “boss fights” (or should I say squid stampedes?) and does the job adequately.
Little details I *do* like (akin to the “fin” you mentioned) are the animated bubbles that keep cycling when the game pauses, or the “fade to gray” effect, and the modest “parallax” effect achieved at certain points...
I like the stops sub and the fact that its name is A. N. G. E. L.
I think that Deep Blue does, successfully, foster a certain atmosphere that I like and find charming.
HATRED: I know *part* of my hatred stems from the fact that I paid $$$$ for Deep Blue in the 90’s and was *expecting* a standard shootemup, perhaps a clone of Darius (fish theme). I am actually not the biggest fan of the Darius series, but still....
So, I BUY ONE GET ONE 1/2 price (or some similar offer from tzd mail order and what did I f*cking choose?
Bravoman
Deep Blue
f*ck me.
Receiving and playing those two games, when I had SO MANY BETTER GAMES TO BUY, was the most disappointing moment in my TG-16 experience.
I don’t know if I will find room in my heart for Bravoman anytime soon, but Deep Blue has a chance.
