Author: Vincent Mahoney

Vincent is a game reviewer, graphic designer, illustrator and insurance agent: He wears many hats, but none of them properly cover his bald spot. His long-term goal is to publish a comic of the story he and his wife created together. He grew up playing action-platform games such as Super Mario, Metroid, Mega Man, Contra and Castlevania, but discovered his love for RPGs through Super Mario RPG and Final Fantasy VI, then embarking upon a quest to play every RPG he possibly can. At over 200 RPGs and counting the quest is not going so well, and there are buster swords, giant cats, eight virtues and personae appearing to him in his sleep. Please send help.

Save State Takes an Old School Ride With F-Zero GX

This week Save State columnist Vincent Mahoney finds a forgotten copy of the 2003 Nintendo Gamecube futuristic racing title with plasma-powered machines F-Zero GX. Lots of wacky and fast-paced racing ensued.

Frontier Hunter: Erza’s Wheel of Fortune Offers Unique 2D Platforming

Frontier Hunter: Erza’s Wheel of Fortune is a Metroidvania with an RPG progression system and has some interesting mechanics and fun inner-party dynamics that help set it apart from the many similar titles piling up for PC and console gamers these days.

Save State Celebrates Pokemon Emerald Rogue 2.0

Fan-made mod Pokemon Emerald Rogue recently underwent some major changes in upgrading to Pokemon Emerald Rogue 2.0. And as much as Save State’s Vincent Mahoney enjoyed Pokemon Emerald Rogue, he’s celebrating its 2.0 update.

Save State Recalls Childhood Glory With Rail Shooter Whisker Squadron: Survivor

Save State columnist Vincent Mahoney flies with Whisker Squadron: Survivor this week, a rail shooter in Early Access on Steam that takes inspiration from Nintendo 64’s Star Fox 64.

Alone in the Dark Stumbles Though a Remade Classic Horror Adventure

When the 2024 remake of Alone in the Dark first released, it was quite a buggy mess. After several months of patches, it’s now worth playing, especially for those who enjoy atmospheric horror and Lovecraftian themes.

Save State Promotes Labyrinthine Platformers With The Knight Witch Adventure

Save State columnist Vincent Mahoney continues his promotion of the labyrinthine platformer genre classification over Metroidvanias.

Eiyuden Chronicle: Hundred Heroes Becomes Superb Spiritual Successor to Suikoden

As the spiritual successor to Suikoden, it should be no surprise that players in Eiyuden Chronicle: Hundred Heroes have access to over 100 playable characters to build out their armies with as they work to save the world, one battle at a time.

Save State Revisits 2D Action Metroidvania Valdis Story: Abyssal City

Save State columnist Vincent Mahoney is known for having a huge library of titles that he sometimes has trouble finishing. But with a little free time this week, he goes back and completes the classic 2D action Metroidvania Valdis Story: Abyssal City.

Save State Continues to Delve Through Final Fantasy VII Remake Intergrade

Save State columnist Vincent Mahoney this week gives us his play-by-play commentary as he continues going through Final Fantasy VII Remake Intergrade.

Sand Land Offers Compelling Adventure Based on an Akira Toriyama Manga

Akira Toriyama is best known for the Dragon Ball series, but he has also created other amazing works including Sand Land. The new title of the same name offers players plenty of action and adventure worthy of the manga series created by a master storyteller.