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Austin Ashworth
United States
เข้าร่วมเมื่อ 27 เม.ย. 2020
Hey! My name is Austin and welcome to my humble channel! I've long been a fan of deep-dive videogame analysis video essays here on TH-cam, so I eventually decided to make my own. My focus has been on my favorite series, Zelda, Pokemon, and Bioshock, but I also enjoy shaking it up every so often. I know my content might feel somewhat amateur when compared to more experienced content creators, but I'd love it if you give me a chance. My favorite part of this TH-cam journey has been hearing from viewers; I promise that I read every single comment so please share your own thoughts and memories with me too. Thanks for stopping by; I hope you enjoy and decide to hang around!
5 Games That Defined My 2024
Tradition dictates a "Best Games of the Year" style video and 2024 was no slouch! I picked 5 games that I'm eager to recommend so please indulge me as I gush over my favorites!
I've also made a more casual Top 10 Movies of 2024 list on my Patreon. If that interests you, or you'd just like to help support my work, please consider joining!
Patreon: patreon.com/AustinAshworth
#gameoftheyear #2024games
I've also made a more casual Top 10 Movies of 2024 list on my Patreon. If that interests you, or you'd just like to help support my work, please consider joining!
Patreon: patreon.com/AustinAshworth
#gameoftheyear #2024games
มุมมอง: 482
วีดีโอ
Evolution of a Classic: A Pokémon Gen 2 Retrospective
มุมมอง 16K2 หลายเดือนก่อน
The Pokémon series saw a strong start with the first generation, but its legacy was not yet solidified. The future of the series depended entirely on the success of a rushed follow-up: Generation 2. GameFreak rose to the challenge and, despite lofty expectations, delivered fully on their original vision for Pokémon. The games that make up Gen 2, Gold, Silver, and Crystal, firmly cement the seri...
Oracle of Ages & Seasons Retrospective
มุมมอง 21K6 หลายเดือนก่อน
My ongoing quest to revisit each mainline Zelda game continues with the oft forgotten Oracle of Ages and Seasons for the Gameboy Color. That's right, this is a 2 for 1 deal! Please enjoy and don't hesitate to weigh in with your own thoughts on my analysis or memories of the games themselves. Patreon: patreon.com/AustinAshworth Timestamps: 0:00 Introduction 1:59 Overview 6:10 Iterative Sequels 9...
Bioshock Infinite: Burial at Sea Retrospective
มุมมอง 1.4K8 หลายเดือนก่อน
The Bioshock series is nearly universally beloved... with the exception of Burial at Sea: a Bioshock Infinite expansion that completely divided the fanbase. This 5th video in my Bioshock retrospective video series, seeks to uncover where the game went right and where it went wrong to create such a rift. As this is a touchy subject for Bioshock fans, I hope you'll respect that my opinions may no...
Humble Beginnings: A Pokémon Gen 1 Retrospective
มุมมอง 50K9 หลายเดือนก่อน
Please join me as I look back on the first generation of Pokémon games: Red, Blue, and Yellow. It's easy to forget that the Pokémon series wasn't always the behemoth it is today, these first games actually started out very small. Despite their many flaws, there must be something special that enabled their meteoric launch. With this retrospective I hope to uncover what exactly set these Gen 1 ga...
Austin's 2023 Game(s) of the Year
มุมมอง 375ปีที่แล้ว
It's never too late for a 2023 Game of the Year list, right? (Please say right) I really wanted the chance to highlight some games that I fell in love with last year, but obviously couldn't dedicate a video to each so this grab-bag approach seemed the best fit. This is only my opinion, please don't get mad if your favorite wasn't included. Instead, share why you love it in the comments, I'm loo...
Fixing Minesweeper
มุมมอง 1.3Kปีที่แล้ว
Everyone knows Minesweeper. Many of us even like it! Enjoy a casual analysis of Minesweeper as well as a brief introduction into the world of alternatives (Hexcells, Tametsi, 14 Minesweeper Varients) that substantially improve the core mechanics in fun and creative ways. Patreon: patreon.com/AustinAshworth Discussed in this video: 0:00 Minesweeper 9:42 Hexcells 14:30 Tametsi 16:09 14 Minesweepe...
Majora's Mask Retrospective
มุมมอง 120Kปีที่แล้ว
The fabled Majora’s Mask retrospective is here! I blame Tears of the Kingdom for dragging out production, it was so hard to tear myself away! I know this is a major video for my audience, the majority of which came onboard with my Ocarina video, so hopefully it doesn’t disappoint. The video is formatted as a beat-by-beat commentary; be aware full spoilers for the entire game will be discussed. ...
Bioshock Infinite Retrospective
มุมมอง 2.5Kปีที่แล้ว
Way back in 2013, Bioshock Infinite blew a young Austin's mind and remains one of my most memorable gaming experiences. Now 10 years later, I revisited the game to evaluate how well it holds up, divorced from the hype. Full spoilers ahead, but after this much time I expect that is of little concern. This is the 4th video in an ongoing Bioshock retrospective series, so I'd recommend you check ou...
Ocarina of Time Retrospective
มุมมอง 272K2 ปีที่แล้ว
I'm back with a big one! No disrespect towards the earlier Zelda games, but when I set out to do a full series retrospective, I was most excited to tackle the 3D titles like Ocarina of Time. This legendary title is so much bigger than it's predecessors that it demanded a more extensive reflection. I tried a new format in which I go through the game bit by bit and offer my commentary along the w...
Bioshock 2: Minerva's Den Retrospective
มุมมอง 4.6K3 ปีที่แล้ว
It isn't quite a Bioshock 3, but Minerva's Den is still well worth discussing. Despite it's relative obscurity, Minerva's Den is one of the most fascinating entries in the Bioshock series. Even if you've never heard of this diminutive title, I hope you'll join me in this (spoiler filled) retrospective.
Bioshock 2 Retrospective
มุมมอง 11K3 ปีที่แล้ว
How do you follow up one of the most acclaimed games of all time? Bioshock's legacy needs no introduction, but Bioshock 2's achievements are often glossed over or even outright ignored. You wouldn't know it from the general discourse, but Bioshock 2 deserves far more recognition than it's been given. With my humble video, I hope to shed some light on a severally underrated game. This should go ...
Link's Awakening Retrospective
มุมมอง 6K3 ปีที่แล้ว
Whether you played the original release or the Nintendo Switch remake, I think everyone can agree that Link's Awakening is a fantastic game! Let's talk about it! I put a ton of time and effort into this video, these aren't quick to make, so I'd really appreciate if you left a "like". If you enjoyed watching and are interested in more videos on the rest of the Zelda games, please subscribe! I ca...
Link to the Past Retrospective
มุมมอง 8K4 ปีที่แล้ว
Apologies for the long wait, but I'm finally back with another Zelda retrospective, this time for A Link to the Past. Because this is the third video in a series, I would encourage you to watch the others before viewing this one. But you do you. I put a ton of time and effort into this video, these aren't quick to make, so I'd really appreciate if you left a "like". If you enjoyed watching and ...
Bioshock Retrospective
มุมมอง 10K4 ปีที่แล้ว
Bioshock is easily one of my favorite games and I couldn't wait to discuss it on this channel. I enjoyed taking an in-depth look at the 13 year old game and reflecting on it's impact on me and the industry at large. While Bioshock is inarguably a masterpiece, it certainly doesn't get everything right and I wanted to highlight some of those flaws here as well. I put a ton of time and effort into...
Termina Field is the cross section of the 4 lands the giants created for each of the races. Swamp for Delu, Mountain for Gorons, Great Bay for Zoras, and Ikana for the "Elves" or Hylian-esque people. Since the Ikanan people basically killed each other, it's likely Clock Town became a settlement for the refugees of the war in Ikana. Clock Town is less of a dedicated settlement for them now, but more of a commerce guild. This is why it's the central hub for Termina and why there is a door pointing to each of the 4 lands. While it is shallow compared to Hyrule, I think the story implications for its existence is quite passable
I need a remake of both of this games
I think Ocarina of Time has better dungeons design, but Majoras Mask has a stronger music score. I also like how it really zooms in on specific area and Link actually gets to be part of a smaller story compared to being Hyrule Savior. I also disagree with Forest Temple Boss since that Azetx looking mofo scary looking. My favorite NPC in that game is the Deku princess since she is so feisty. Also compare to Majoras Mask I think Time has more random unhinged comments from NPC. Such as the guard in Kokoreki village when you are child showing him the degree from Zelda and slams you for not being able to read 😂. I also think I vibe more with Majora since story of trauma and life. We try to make the best decisions but sometimes our good work fall apart.
Thank you for this you’ve unlocked a part of my childhood that’s been forgotten, I grew up in a tough neighborhood and this was my escape from it . Trying to compose the same teams as ash , grinding for shiny Pokémon etc. GSC was by far the best gen they ever had . I grew up on first gen but steelix and lanturn are the goats 🏆
@@Citythatneversleeps I’m happy to hear Pokemon helped you, thankfully it sounds like you are in a better place now. I appreciate you sharing your story and the kind words, glad you enjoyed the video!
I got the gold dust first try
@Caden-t8v born to Goron race lol
@@AustinAshworth I have probably about 5,000 hours on video games throughout my life
I will say this much the 3DS version improves upon the original in virtually every way (being able to swap the iron boots with a push of a touch screen certainly helps)
@@LokiTheClever for sure! The 3DS remake has so many little quality of life improvements that add up to a much smoother play experience. I love the visual style too, it’s such a faithful modernization of the original look.
Pokemon blue 😊
This video made me realize a Goron and Zora racing game each could have been so much fun using similar mechnics to the transformations how they control and Mario Kart (maybe like spells instead of items)
ironically Fallout Newvegas is a more modern example of similar circumstances
@@LokiTheClever I haven’t played it personally but I’ve actually heard a lot of people say that in the comments!
Any true zelda fan of OOT would not recommend the remake its bloody awful!
Agree to disagree! I can understand preferring the original but the quality of life features are really hard to turn down for me. I love the look of the 3DS remake too, it's a fantastic modernization of the original look imo.
Those old watercolor arts of the original pokemon (and from the next few generations) are so good. So much nostalgia packed into some small art. Also, things like the Mew under the truck rumor were incredible for how information spread pre-internet. Man, we used to live in the good old days...
YES! I love the watercolor Sugimori art so much!
For me I saw Majoras Mask before Oot so majora mask I have stronger feelings towards. I did enjoy this game though but the even darker vibes of majoras mask and twilight princess vibe with me as an adult
MM slightly edges out OoT for me as well although I played OoT first. MM is just so special and one-of-a-kind. I have a similar retrospective for MM you should check out if you enjoyed my OoT one!
@@AustinAshworthI have in my watch later rn
Gen 1s lack of hand holding & unique quirks make it better than the gen 3 remakes imo
I've watched so many retrospectives on MM and will never grow tired of it.
Playing Pokemon Blue Version In Japanese right now trying for the sp stat glitch of 183 on it when all is said and done I should be able to spawn up a missingno On The Blue and Red Japanese versions that I own
@@staytunedentertainment6489 good luck! Are you able to read Japanese?
@@AustinAshworth Only my name own yes but the rest I have a old guide book for red blue and yellow at the moment I am In the Rock Tunnel going to Laverender Town I will keep you posted on the updates
@@staytunedentertainment6489 I’ll stay tuned lol
@ I am a Retro Gamer and thank you AustinAshworth
Gary and blue are two separate people just like how red and ash are not the same person
Of course! I didn't mean to say they are canonically the same person, I was just meaning that, as a kid, I always picked "Gary" as the rival's name because I was introduced to Pokemon with the anime before the games.
As someone that grew up in gen1 when it came out, I don't consider yellow the definitive version. Its more a spin off or a retelling. But def not the best version for the essence of what gen 1 was. Collecting all the pokemon was easier in red and blue. And gen 3 dropped that aspect of the games and they've never felt the same since. So I don't think gen 3 is the best way to experience what pokemon intended originally. I severely miss the catch them all goal. Its just unrealistic now a days.
Yellow definitely takes some liberties compared to the classic Red/Blue and I can see how that might ruffle some feathers. The ability to get all 3 starters and have Pikachu following you is just too cool for me to turn down personally!
lmfao do u like this game Austin?
I admit I tend to be overly critical of the things I love, sorry if I came through too strongly. Rest assured, I adore the game!
@ noted the problems you have with it aren’t the worst tbh but there were times I was like damn 😅
Shout out ash ketchup
Exceptional review brother. That was really really good. Calming and informative
@@j.m.3600 thank you so much! Glad you enjoyed!
this was and will probably always be my favorite game('s (gold, silver and crystal)) and tv season of Pokémon
Awesome video on gem 1
I started with Gen 1 - blue version in 1998 shortly after it came out. I remember it being really hard to find the game at the store, it took weeks and many trips before I got lucky. Very thankful that my parents were supportive, especially my mother who took me to get Pokemon cards and other swag on a regular basis. I agree that Gen 3 is the best of the early releases, when I found FireRed in the late 2000's I was in love all over again. I personally feel all the zillions of new pokemon and releases watered down the original magic. I would be happy if they stopped creating new Pokemon beyond Gen 3 and focused on other things to keep the series fresh.
Do you still play the modern games? Despite my enthusiasm for the series diminishing, I tried to keep up but just couldn't find any enjoyment in Sword/Shield so never got around to Legends Arceus and Scarlet/Violet. For me, the series peaked in Gen 3 but I still really enjoyed Gens 4 and 5. I still played 6-8 but my love for the series is largely focused on 1-5 personally.
In the forest temple, when I was a kid, that hand that comes down and grabs you scared the shit out of me. I had already gotten the bow and went and beat every other temple. It took me months to build up the courage to finish the forest temple.
That's a great memory, thanks for sharing. I bet Shadow Temple was a tough one for you as well!
you dont need to leave the gibdo maze liar
There are definitely items such as the magic beans that are not possible to find within the maze. Either the player must have already collected them, or leave the maze to gather them. To be fair, most of the roadblock items can be found within, but not all.
5:33 when I was 12, I used to go to the observatory just to listen to the music while imagining being there with whatever girl I had a crush on lol😅
I can see it haha, it is a beautiful melody!
@ 😅😅
I appreciate your analysis of the game’s functional aspects, and the connection between the constraints on development and the gameplay. There’s definitely an aspect of “necessity is the mother of invention” but also, some things surely just did not get as much time as they deserved. I agree that Odolwa is totally boring and honestly I always thought that all the temple bosses were pretty boring compared to how sick Majora is. I also agree that Deku butler is peak. The mustache.. perfection
Thanks for sharing! Deku Butler is a criminally underrated side character, happy to see others give him some love!
As far as I'm concerned it's the greatest genre of video game. The only thing it was lacking is a few quality of life tweaks and people would have taken to it more positively.
I think someone could be able to figure out that they had to use a fish to open up Jaja’s belly because it says RUTO was eaten and she’s a fish
I somehow missed that hint during this play through. I agree that the game does provide sufficient guidance during this section. Apologies for the error!
Majora's Mask walked so New Vegas could run
This was the first zelda game I ever played. I didn’t play it on the Nintendo 64 version I played the 3ds version and loved it. It became me favorite vídeo game and created my love for the zelda franchise. Its not my favorite game anymore, now its majoras mas but still, I loved this game so much that everytime I play it I still can feel the magic. Sure, its a little outdated, but it you ask me, this game has truly passed the test of time to me.
I absolutely agree. I actually first experienced it through the 3DS version as well and instantly fell in love. Even without the remake enhancements, the game has aged like fine wine!
8:17, no... "PP DRAIN"!!
Majora's Mask is the No1 Zelda for me.
@@leonidasg2257 you’ve got impeccable taste!
I was 11 when this game came out. I did play the others on NES, but this game made me fall in love with Zelda, making it my most favorite thing in this world.
Were you able to make it through the game at 11? Thanks for sharing your history with the game and series as a whole, love to hear from those as passionate about the series as I am!
Pretty sure the mask seller wear a mask himself.
I love Barbuta
@partlyawesome good to hear! I haven’t played much of Barbuta, that’s actually one of the few that I did move on from after a quick trial because it didn’t immediately click. I am intrigued by it though and plan on returning!
@AustinAshworth All I can say is draw a map. You'll thank me later
Amazing video!
@@Eagles1990 you’re too kind, thank you so much!
24:34 time turn in the charm. PLEASE PLEASEPLEASEPLEASEPLEASE GOD I AM BEGGING PLEASE.
Too flowery.
the games are just that good! (that was a throwaway comment from years ago, impressed you remember lol)
Jkjk, excellent job as usual
I'm 36. Please don't remind me of my mortality right out the gate like that.
Should have added a trigger warning lol
Ended up sharing a lot more of your opinions this year than last! Zelda was fun but didn't make my top ranks, and Balatro and UFO 50 are both strong contenders for first place, although I haven't done sat down and actually ranked anything yet, so I'm not sure what would win. Additionally, I'm with you on wishing I could play Astro Bot for myself, but I have a friend who'll soon be streaming it, so I guess I'll settle for that ^^
Seems we're very like minded, those are my thoughts exactly haha! Thanks for watching!
When I was younger, I used to repeatedly rent the third Pokémon movie from Hollywood Video just to access the special features and play the "Johto Pokérap" on repeat.
@@caramia4143 I love the Johto Pokerap! The male and female parts bouncing off each other is so much better than the original Pokerap
I haven´t heard of UFO 50 anywhere else. Not that I am the most informed guy about every video game, but I read up about new releases pretty regulary. It was a nice surprise.
I'm so glad I could introduce you to it then! It's so worth checking out!
Zelda basically puked all over us in 2024. I've had enough of it till 2026 while it works on new mechanics ideas and layouts. Best Zelda related thing of 2024 was when I stayed in the Nintendo motel while the Nintendo employees celebrated children's day
Typhlosion my fave!!
Fairly Odd Parents ripped off Majora's Mask.
@@BaldingSasquatch you can’t just say that and not explain why haha
@@AustinAshworth In keeping with the theme of Majora's Mask, I will not explain as to retain an air of mystery.
Criminally underrated video! My fav game of all time! Loved the way you went through everything! I’d love to see more Zelda retrospectives!
@@darkesttimeline7026 thank you so much! I don’t plan to stop, slowly making my way through the whole Zelda series so please stick around if you want more!
when you mention the wood temple frog I heard Steve instead of what I assume was "steed" and I'm sticking with it, froggies turtle mount is called Steve from now on
@@pixelninja5646 haha that’s hilarious!
they failed so badly go check out crystal legacy thats what it should of been from the start thanks /
Hey man congrats on the video I really enjoyed it thoroughly especially the the chronological way of you explaining things as you go along. I agree that this game was innovative in its delf exploration and it was one of the perfect games in the late 90s That we could play as kids for weeks months and maybe even an entire year because time permitted it. But now is an adult playing through a game like this is sort of a slogggg because the mechanics sometimes don't work the water temple is atrocious the backtracking doesn't make sense the camera everything . Rhey really need to remake this game wirh quality of life improvements. With that said I won't take away from how monumentally historic impact this game had on video games and The legend of Zelda timeline it is still one of the best Zelda games. And for those of us that were introduced to Zelda late for me the breath of the wild and to the kingdom are great games but for the older fans this dungeon themed game is short of the Genesis of the franchise and it's nice to play it later in life for the first time and sort of see the retrospect people have on it that played in decades before me
Glad you enjoyed the video! I personally still think Ocarina remains very playable today but I can understand how some may feel differently. I appreciate the different perspective.