“Dun, dun, dun, dun!”  The trumpet sounds and instantly, it’s 1990 again. I love the opening theme to Actraiser Renaissance. It stays true to the original and ultimately, I love this game purely for the memories. I’m a kid again.

Actraiser and its sequel, Actraiser 2, were both on the Super Nintendo Entertainment System or SNES, back in the day. It wasn’t a barn burner or anything like that but it’s one game that has stuck in my head. Over the years that opening trumpet blast stuck in my head. Then one day, I was randomly searching for new games and I came across AR. I couldn’t believe it, someone made a sequel! Or so I thought. It’s a remaster and for the most part it’s good. This title is unique in the fact that it incorporates two play styles. I top-down god mode where you interact with your people and fight off monsters who ravish the land and haunt your citizens. Then there is the 2D side scrolling action levels. You have a big sword, and you know how to use it. Dicing up the evil minions laid before you, you’ll stop at nothing to secure peace and wellbeing for your people.

This game was totally meant for me. I wanted to play the original again, but I don’t have an SNES. They must’ve read my mind to make this game when they did. It isn’t flashy, but it’s the perfect game for me. It reminds me of the awesome times I had with my SNES and gaming in general. They rarely make games now like they did back then. Actraiser stand out as a reminder to what was once a game that meant a lot to me.

And don’t forget the trumpet.