But here we are, coffee in one hand, and half returned to bed with the other…looking back on this day in gaming history.
TOM CLANCY’S RAINBOW SIX (DREAMCAST)
Released on this day in 2000 for the Dremcast console, it was the first title in a series we still see success from today: Rainbow Six. A tactical shooter developed and published by RedStorm Entertainment, a company founded by Tom Clancy himself, loosely follows the plot of the book by the same title. Rainbow Six was actually finished before the book, leading to the plot discrepancies between the two. While the PC version of the game received quite positive reviews, the console versions were generally not as lucky at launch. Labeled a very immersive title, it was also very difficult and at times frustrating to players. Of the console versions, the Dreamcast release was more favourable, resulting in a 72% from GameRankings vs. the 81% received by the PC version.
DANCE DANCE REVOLUTION (PLAYSTATION)
Some version of this title is well known to arcades and movie theatre lobbies everywhere, and on this day in 2001 it found its way to the PlayStation console. The third game in the series for North America, it was also the first for any console on this side of the Pacific Ocean. The title utilizes 27 songs alongside eight courses, reusing content from previous Dance Dance Revolution titles. While there is little to say about this Dance Dance Revolution, the series has continued to grow over the years, seeing releases as recently as this year. The series has also seen continual growth in the arcade market; an area which has been less favourable over the years, as players take to personal or at-home gaming over arcades. While this is likely due to the nature of the series, and the different experience one has while playing in an arcade versus at home, it is an impressive feat nonetheless.
DOUBLE DRAGON (XBOX 360)
Originally released in 1987, this title was re-launched on the Xbox 360 Arcade on this day in 2007. A beat ’em up video game, developed by Technos Japan, it is a spiritual and technical successor to Renegade. Introducing new features like co-operative gameplay and the ability to arm oneself with an enemy’s weapon, Double Dragon is considered to be one of the first triumphant examples of the genre. Its initial successes resulted in the creation of two arcade sequels and several spinoff titles, in addition to inspiring countless other beat-em-up style games by other companies. While it was originally an arcade release, the title was also launched for the NES, Sega Master System, Atari 2600, Atari 7800, Atari ST, Amiga, AmStrad CPC, Commodore 64, Game Boy, Genesis/Mega Drive, and Atari Lynx; basically any and all vintage gaming systems. This however, does not take into effect, all subsequent releases such as today’s on the Xbox Live Arcade, due to its post-release popularity. The Xbox Live version in particular is an emulation of the arcade title, rather than the home versions. It also featured an optional game mode with high definition graphics, remixed sounds, as well as support for online gameplay, in addition to a variety of new and unique features for the franchise on the whole. Thanks to its success over the years, it is unsurprising that Double Dragon has found itself frequently listed as one of the best games of all time.
© Images Konami, RedStorm Entertainment, & Taito
Some other titles released on this day:
- Akazu no Ma (Japan) – PlayStation – 1997
- Donkey Konga 2 – GameCube – 2005
- Heroes of Might and Magic III + IV Complete – PC – 2008
- Brink – PC – 2011
- Fire Emblem: Awakening – Hot Spring Scramble – 3DS – 2013
My Life, or Something Like It 