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I made up some NGPC T-Shirts for my project, and I decided to make some extra. If anyone wants a (potentially cheap) NGPC shirt or just wants to gaze upon my T-shirted torso, it's on eBay. (Flavor) (10:30:05 05/09/12 EST)

Also in a somewhat unrelated vein, I started a new project for the PCE/TG16. I want to build a TurboTap (multitap) device that plugs into the PCE but has SNES ports (as opposed to PCE ports) to plug controllers in. They would support 6-button games, and be much cheaper/easier to obtain than PCE controllers. How does that idea strike you?

(Flavor)

(10:32:34 05/09/12 EST)

Are PCE controller really that expensive? Keep in mind that six button games are rare and none of them support more than two players (I'm pretty sure) so would the price/connivence of SNES pads offset the cost of the new multi-tap? It sounds complicated too! I wish you luck though. If you do get it working you should have X and Y on the SNES pad be Turbo versions of I and II.

(SignOfZeta)

(13:41:17 05/09/12 EST)

We're on the same page. I'm hoping to have some way to switch between 6-button mode and 2-button mode. In 2btn mode, the extra buttons would be turbo versions of I and II like you said. From what I've seen, if you wanted a PCE controller on eBay, it'll run you about $20 shipped on eBay. SNES could be as little as $3-$4. A 6-button PCE pad could be $40+. Maybe there are cheaper ways to go, though.

(Flavor)

(14:23:47 05/09/12 EST)

if you're gonna do something like that, why not go for the saturn pad? the SNES pad isn't super significantly better than a PCE one, but the Saturn is a real step up. And they made multitaps for that system too, and nobody but bomberman used them, so they're floating around cheap.

(exodus)

(14:25:57 05/10/12 EST)

Well, I just know that you can get SNES controllers for really cheap, and many retro gamers would already own some. I'd assume Saturn pads aren't as easy/cheap to obtain.

(Flavor)

(11:07:59 05/11/12 EST)

More people have SNES. Way more.

(SignOfZeta)

(15:40:52 05/11/12 EST)

hmm, I guess, I was just thinking about what would be best versus what would be convenient!

(exodus)

(17:33:39 05/11/12 EST)

I don't like the text surrounding the image. :p

(Jeurja)

(12:53:50 05/09/12 EST)

Bid high, then bleach it.

(Flavor)

(14:24:16 05/09/12 EST)

That's been my eBay motto since 1996!

(SignOfZeta)

(17:34:54 05/09/12 EST)

Wow, I don't even know what to say besides :D

(Flavor)

(17:43:42 05/09/12 EST)

Did you actually use eBay in 1996? That would be pretty impressive.

(substance J)

(18:37:45 05/09/12 EST)

I was pretty close, "Member since: Mar-17-97". I remember buying a crazy ASUS sound card that had a SCSI controller built into it.

(Flavor)

(22:44:10 05/09/12 EST)

I lost my original account for some bullshit reason I cant even remember anymore so I actually don't know. My current account is slightly younger than this forum. I know I was using it very early on, usually to sell shit as opposed to now when I just buy stuff.

(SignOfZeta)

(01:54:41 05/10/12 EST)

Hm...I managed to log into my old account! Its been suspended since 2004. It says I need to pay a fee (probably a seller's fee) but it shows I owe exactly $0.00 so...I don't know what to do about that. I'm kind of surprised this account wasn't deleted. My old SignOfZeta AIM account is totally lost. Now I want to pay the $3 or whatever just to see how old this account is. I can see I last updated my CC info in June of 1999.

(SignOfZeta)

(02:08:44 05/10/12 EST)

eBay My World: signofzeta(12) | No longer a registered user | Member since: Nov-16-98 | Location: United States

(Flavor)

(09:49:39 05/10/12 EST)

Oh man. I'm such a noob...

(SignOfZeta)

(17:14:18 05/10/12 EST)

I love how it says I have %0 positive feedback and the shows a scrolling box underneath with nothing but positive feedback for me in it.

(SignOfZeta)

(17:16:17 05/10/12 EST)

I thought I was since 97 too, but apparently I'm a member since march 1999. SO LAME.

(exodus)

(14:29:14 05/10/12 EST)

I'm only since Jan '02 (oh hah one of my anti-spam blockers blocker ebay links in the subject :P). I don't even use it anymore really since I've pretty much bought all the old console stuff I want. Hm mine says "0% positive feedback" too--oh, I guess that's just for the past 12 months.

(Paleface)

(22:06:47 05/10/12 EST)

Someone is selling used Wonderswan earbuds for $130. (n/t) (Mike Chicago) (15:36:00 05/02/12 EST)

Let's grab the pitchforks?

(Rockman Pocket)

(17:00:38 05/02/12 EST)

I'm rich!!!

(exodus)

(20:04:39 05/02/12 EST)

Must've been in some famous person's ear. :P

(Paleface)

(21:05:54 05/02/12 EST)

I beat Dive Alert this morning. It was pretty fun. Now I've beaten both versions. One of the best parts was the fact that the default name for the main character is my real name! It's pretty easy, actually. All you have to do is get the fastest engines and motors you can and swim over or under the enemy and spam mines or depth charges ( it all depends on weather they are beneath you or above, of course). You just have to make sure your sub is lvl 3 before you attempt the final battle. You upgrade to lvl 3 at 10,000 exp, so you have to do a couple n-missions at least. I think I spent more time in the cut scenes than in battle during the final mission >_< it's like a pork and bean Faselei! with the most austere gameplay screen. Go for it! (n/t) (A-STAR) (23:09:38 04/29/12 EST)

Well done, Becky!

(Mental)

(06:53:41 04/30/12 EST)

(a-star)

(09:10:52 04/30/12 EST)

hmm, yeah, I should really play that. I never have!

(exodus)

(16:58:27 05/01/12 EST)

me either!

(aerisdead)

(18:17:16 05/01/12 EST)

I got a copy of matt's version but I never really played it. For me most RPG's are utter shite.

(Atarianallstar)

(06:48:18 05/02/12 EST)

They are! That doesnt stop me from loving them though! For me Lost Odyssey is the best example of a horrible game that is also one of my favourite games ever. Story, characters, setting, all awesome.

(Mental)

(08:50:46 05/02/12 EST)

I do prefer bad action games over bad rpgs. Even a good rpg I have trouble with completing

(Atarianallstar)

(06:46:26 05/03/12 EST)

You'd never beat it without concentrated effort. A-Star is the only person I've ever known to finish it. The unskipable cut scenes that you have to go through every time you die, with text that just peters out one character at a time and cannot be sped up...its fucking torture. Other than that its a nice game, but this is a huge problem. They should do an episode of Game Center CX about this one.

(SignOfZeta)

(13:53:32 05/02/12 EST)

hmmm, that certainly turns me off to the whole idea, for sure. maybe I'll play faselei instead.

(exodus)

(20:05:38 05/02/12 EST)

That's a fantastic idea although I had a hard enough time watching Arino play Kato & Ken. I'll never see the end of that game.

(substance J)

(20:44:26 05/02/12 EST)

It would be cool to see an episode on Dive Alert, but after Arino died the first time it would be torture. Everyone he'd ask to help would just say "fuck that"!

(a-star)

(12:40:01 05/06/12 EST)

I thought someone else beat it? Like Sweater Fish, maybe? Well, whoever it was, I remember them saying the only thing it unlocks after the game ends...is to be able to skip the cut scenes.

(Zero)

(23:38:41 05/05/12 EST)

Yeah, I said that. The story is pretty cool, but playing it the second time around really exposes the shallow gameplay. It would be fun with a bunch of people playing with the wireless connections. 8 or more players battling each other would be very intense, but the computer is too predictable if you level accordingly. I think someone could take the idea and make a great game out of it, but they'd have to keep the battle screen as close to Dive Alert as possible because it really does create a great sense of isolation and urgency when the battle gets going, even if it is only for a couple levels before you are too strong for the ai. The game can be challenging if you don't use the tactics I suggest above, but who'd want to risk losing and be forced through the cutscenes again?

(a-star)

(12:36:39 05/06/12 EST)

I found a new copy of Pacman NGPC at an online store. Its a US import without a picture and i was wondering if this was released in a clam shell case. I have no interest in the cardboard box releases. Thanks for any info! (n/t) (Mentali) (19:25:23 04/25/12 EST)

All US games were in cardboard boxes at some point and for games that had both types of box, the cardboard is more common, I think. So chances are this is cardboard. Actually, I think Pacman may have been one of the first games released in cardboard only, but I'm not sure.

(and Opa Opa)

(20:47:04 04/25/12 EST)

I have it in clamshell, I *think* it's the US version. Case photos inside.

(Paleface)

(05:03:12 04/26/12 EST)

It has the Elspa ratings, so it's European. Pac-Man looks really happy to be on the NGPC.

(Rockman Pocket)

(16:48:49 04/26/12 EST)

Thanks guys, im skipping this one. Did find a new sealed jet set radio for DC which im very happy with! Paid 15 euro for it.

(Mental)

(18:27:37 04/26/12 EST)

Oh!

(Paleface)

(04:10:43 04/29/12 EST)

Caution!

(and Opa Opa)

(19:04:39 04/26/12 EST)

Im glad that box says caution. A friend of mine almost put the plastic ring around his neck. Imagine the consequences!

(Mental)

(16:02:10 04/28/12 EST)

For future reference, US releases in clamshells are so rare you basically never see them. I have none. If you aren't told one way or another, assume its cardboard, probably already smashed.

(SignOfZeta)

(16:24:55 04/28/12 EST)

Hm yeah upon review I see none of my US carts were clamshelled. But all the European ones were! Stupid SNK USA. ;P

(Paleface)

(21:04:59 05/02/12 EST)

EBGames/Gamestop is holding a tournament event to promote Kid Icarus Uprising April 7th & 14th and giving away free AR card packs! I think the dates may be different in the US. (Darius) (17:01:22 04/07/12 EST)

Not sure if it's the same, but Nintendo.com was giving away free AR cards as well if you signed up. Not sure if it's still avail.

(Zero)

(11:47:59 04/08/12 EST)

Those are them, but by the time I'd heard about it they'd already run out. This months Nintendo Power has the same 3 promo cards though.

(Darius)

(14:33:34 04/08/12 EST)

Oh, apparently they are different. Closest one was maybe 10 or 15 miles. I'd bother if I had the game or it was closer.

(Zero)

(14:46:20 04/15/12 EST)

Man, I really want these cards. It's like Animal Crossing cards all over again.

(Jeurja)

(12:38:36 04/08/12 EST)

There are people who are putting scans of the cards online so you can at least finish the virtual collection. Having the physical cards though is nice for the battle feature.

(Darius)

(14:36:50 04/08/12 EST)

Doraemon Super Baseball 2 (DS): I bought used at a Japanese book store for $15. Its superficial but fun. It has very good graphics. (trailer inside) (SignOfZeta) (12:36:29 04/06/12 EST)

Looks fun.

(Jeurja)

(00:14:27 04/07/12 EST)

I wish there were English versions of all these baseball games. Maybe this one is more accessible, but Power Pro was too much for me. The English Wii version is fun though.

(Jason)

(18:17:25 04/10/12 EST)

I figured out Power Pro 10 (I think) on the Gamecube through trial and error and the little Japanese I knew from taking classes at the time but only enough to play against others and to be able to sub players, insert pinch hitters and sluggers and pull up the homerun derby. I was so excited when it came here and I could finally mess around with all of the super cool season and create a player modes. I really wish they had kept it going for longer than 2 years =(

(twelvest)

(21:18:28 04/10/12 EST)

This game is a lot simpler than Powerpro. Powerpro is full on baseball nerdism. This thing is an actual kids game, no more complicated that Dynamite Sluggaer.

(SignOfZeta)

(02:20:40 04/11/12 EST)

After the April Fools joke, here's an actual new NGPC development. NGCollector by Sebastian Mihai (Flavor) (11:10:23 04/03/12 EST)

hah! neat.

(exodus)

(22:15:16 04/03/12 EST)

$500????? =ooo

(Paleface)

(02:50:50 04/04/12 EST)

Here's a video of it in action.

(Flavor)

(16:38:07 04/04/12 EST)

Oh the reflection! Also, battery! Anyway it sounds cute, hopefully more people will make games and then SNK WILL BRING IT BACK WOOO well okay maybe not that.

(Paleface)

(10:15:00 04/05/12 EST)

Yeah, I know. It's tough, because you need a light source, so you can't just film it in the dark. Then, you have to have it just right so the light reflects into the camera, but then the cam also sees the lightbulbs. :) If you didn't know, I'm not a professional videographer.

(Flavor)

(11:12:39 04/05/12 EST)

Also, about the battery, I couldn't find my normal NGPC, so I grabbed that one (that has a dead 2032) and stole 2 AAs out of something else. After the video, I found my normal NGPC.

(Flavor)

(21:22:48 04/05/12 EST)

That's good! :D

(Paleface)

(21:29:21 04/05/12 EST)

This sucks. What an obvious missed opportunity. It should really be a CFC clone where you wander the city battling rival collectors. Your deck would be your game collection, and each game's BP would be equal to its dollar value. "DION uses METAL SLUG (US) $10,000 ... it's super effective!!"

(substance J)

(02:36:00 04/08/12 EST)

This is a day late, but I've been out of the world for a spell. "Slated for release on SNK’s Neo Geo Pocket Color system, Skullgals will feature gorgeous full-color graphics and precise, clicky controls. Drawn and animated by famed Australian pixel artist, Paul Robertson, Skullgals captures all the charm of the console original in only 1/38th the pixels." (Flavor) (11:25:56 04/02/12 EST)

shame it isn't real

(Atarianallstar)

(16:31:40 04/02/12 EST)

Seeing it for the first time, I'm actually really surprised no one posted earlier.

(Zero)

(16:43:02 04/02/12 EST)

So cruel. :(

(Darius)

(20:03:29 04/02/12 EST)

In some ways, it would probably be better than the real thing. CLICKY STICK!

(Jeurja)

(13:10:08 04/03/12 EST)

Neat! And I am kinda interested in seeing how the PS3 version is.

(Paleface)

(02:49:04 04/04/12 EST)

something interesting I learned recently - the PS3 can be used not only for netflix, but also for a game called Journey. They made a game for the PS3! who knew it was even possible.

(exodus)

(04:03:16 04/04/12 EST)

So is Journey good and stuff? Some YouTube gameplay video I watched kinda made it look like a overdeveloped platformer with artsy graphics and weak gameplay.

(Paleface)

(10:12:08 04/05/12 EST)

it is not good.

(aerisdead)

(01:11:22 04/06/12 EST)

I had a nice time playing it.

(Jeurja)

(02:38:06 04/06/12 EST)

I like wandering around while nothing happens so I'm sure I'll like the final version. I've only played the beta.

(exodus)

(15:55:45 04/06/12 EST)

Man it sounds just like my life!

(Paleface)

(16:20:07 04/06/12 EST)

So, I'm late to the 3DS party but I think the best uses of 3D so far have been the most simplistic. Both VVVVV and 3D Classics: TwinBee look AWESOME. Like little living dioramas where the construction paper is replaced by flat 2D pixel shapes. I can't quite explain properly what tickles me so much about it but those are pretty much the only two games where I always turn the 3D on. (n/t) (twelvest) (18:39:52 03/17/12 EST)

I use 3D exclusively in Ridge Racer & Super Mario. I imagine I'll be doing the same for Kid Icarus when it comes out next Friday.

(Darius)

(15:35:57 03/18/12 EST)

It's a riot in Ridge Racer, for sure. I use it in Mario but I feel like it fucks up my jumps more than anything. I enjoy the game, though. I was really excited for Kid Icarus until I realized it's basically biased against lefties unless I want to buy a Circle Pad Pro. I'm not certain I do.

(twelvest)

(17:04:26 03/18/12 EST)

I always play with 3D cranked to the max on everything. Why not? And, I think it improved my vision. I had a minor prescription for lenses but recently I had my eyes examined and they seemed to have IMPROVED. I think playing 3DS caused my eyes to strengthen!

(Jeurja)

(16:37:17 03/18/12 EST)

I think it depends on how you play. I tend to move around slightly while playing and cant concentrate on the 3D. Ive played Zelda in 3D for 50 hours in 3D, because else i constantly thought i was missing out on something. Havent played in 3D since though. Usually checking out a new area for a couple seconds, then playing in 2D. I find fast games the most unbearable.

(Mental)

(17:25:01 03/18/12 EST)

3D bothers the same sort of people who are milk intolerant or have to wear a cushion in the car to keep their seatbelt from rubbing their shoulder uncomfortably. Total fucking pussies, in other words. The fastest growing segment of society.

(SignOfZeta)

(20:19:18 03/19/12 EST)

lol. I have to say I'll always go and see the non-3d version of a film in theatres because it's a complete waste of an extra $5 (or whatever) to me. If the 3D is good, I stop noticing it. If it's bad, I notice it constantly. It's either a distraction or no addition, to me. Last thing I saw in 3D was Hugo and ONLY because there wasn't a 2D screening of it.

(aerisdead)

(17:15:40 03/20/12 EST)

Unless its something like Pina (which I went to see *because* it was 3D) I will do the same thing. That last Harry Potter movie, for example, was dark and blurry enough in 2D without paying an extra $6. I'm not talking about that though. I'm talking about people who were ready to sue Nintendo for their anurisms the minute the 3DS was announced. The people who buy antibacterial toilet paper and think they are alergic to gluten but aren't. Those dipshits.

(SignOfZeta)

(18:05:09 03/20/12 EST)

Is gluten-free the new Atkins for people who are afraid eating bread made them fat?

(pandy)

(17:18:35 03/23/12 EST)

This is sort of my issue with the 3DS. Super Mario 3D Land has really nice effects but after half an hour I honestly stop noticing them so I turn 3D off to conserve battery life. For some reason these 2D games that are given a diorama style 3D face lift seem to be more noticeable. It might be the starker contrast between layers.

(twelvest)

(21:01:25 03/20/12 EST)

My favorite 3D movie experiences have been Hubble and Pina, both are the opposite of what 3D is supposed to impress us with. I think this is related.

(SignOfZeta)

(21:16:36 03/20/12 EST)

Oh yeah. Actually the only 3D film that I've seen is excusable is Cave of Forgotten Dreams, because then you literally see the contours of the cave enhancing your understanding of the paintings... it's remarkable. That's it though.

(aerisdead)

(22:10:44 03/20/12 EST)

I guess it shouldn't be surpassing that fake-ass tacky CG still looks fake and tacky in 3D. Everything in Pina was a real actual thing, so the effect was much more engrossing than some fake shit made with a mouse.

(SignOfZeta)

(13:23:38 03/21/12 EST)

"surpassing" = "surprising". Macs autocorrect now. Can everyone tell?

(SignOfZeta)

(13:24:18 03/21/12 EST)

Coraline was also good in 3D. I guess that's enhanced by the stop motion animation.

(Darius)

(12:00:03 03/21/12 EST)

Get Kid Icarus Uprising!

(Jeurja)

(12:55:35 03/28/12 EST)

I did! I haven't played it yet. I'm trying to save it until my flight tomorrow night but I'll probably crack and play a little today. I'm really nervous about the controls as a lefty but I think I'm ambidextrous enough to use my right hand to hold the stylus (using the face buttons to move doesn't sound like a good option and I don't have a CPP). If I didn't like the original game so much and didn't think this one looked so neat I wouldn't even bother. Controls are a major thing for me and they've prevented me from playing plenty of other games and series I've otherwise been really interested in like Silent Hill and Resident Evil.

(twelvest)

(14:29:53 03/28/12 EST)

The only real similarities to the original KI is the theme and characters. I consider this more like a dungeon crawler with the occasional StarFox levels.

(Darius)

(12:02:07 03/29/12 EST)

I certainly wasn't expecting it to play similarly. The first Kid Icarus is such a unique title and the two vertical worlds are probably the most unique thing. Recreating those in 3D with the same feel would be nearly impossible, I imagine. I may not get a real chance to play this until Sunday so thanks for the heads up, I'll try to set up the Spot and Street Pass options tonight while waiting for my flight.

(twelvest)

(14:14:18 03/29/12 EST)

Cannot stop playing this right now. Haven't gotten very far and seem to be doing everything wrong when it comes to fusing weapons & gems. Still, cannot stop playing. :)

(Darius)

(11:56:45 03/29/12 EST)

Fawkin' hell, those flying scenes are hella cool. It's not a good comparison but I like those scenes more than Starfox 64 3DS. The clever narration while flying, the beautiful vistas and movement... it's really quite pretty. I'm getting used to the combat sections, too. I haven't made any weapons but I've Streetpassed a few people and got gems. Overall, very cool game, and much more customizable than I would have ever imagined.

(NeoGutsman)

(00:42:15 03/30/12 EST)

I was thinking the exact same thing! Not to take anything away from Starfox64 (a port of a +10yr old game) but the rail shooter parts in KIU are way better.

(Darius)

(13:47:13 04/02/12 EST)

how's that hand cramp going for ya

(exodus)

(03:46:21 03/30/12 EST)

It's not really bothering me.

(Jeurja)

(13:17:57 03/30/12 EST)

probably works differently for different hands. I played it for about 10 minutes and decided I would never touch it again, since my hand was already feeling terrible.

(exodus)

(23:21:56 04/02/12 EST)

I don't play for long periods at a time... maybe 30 minutes tops. This is mainly due to kids and work, so a busy life helps!

(Jeurja)

(13:11:09 04/03/12 EST)

It sounds tired but "You get used to it." Plus the stand does help a lot when at home.

(Darius)

(13:40:46 04/02/12 EST)

Oh wow, the new NGP is real! Wireless handheld multiplayer twinkle star sprites? We can dream again :) (n/t) (A-STAR) (12:56:01 03/16/12 EST)

Oh. It looks like it is more or less a portable emulator. I'm cool with that. The unit looks pretty good, like an iPhone with a clicky stick, but I'm worried it may be uncomfortable. Maybe not, it doesn't seem too uncomfortable to hold my phone in that position.

(a-star)

(13:04:53 03/16/12 EST)

So what are the probable specs of this thing, assuming it runs Neo Geo perfectly? Itll at least be a fantastic 16 bit emulator! Id like to know more about pricing and availability though.

(Mental)

(14:54:26 03/16/12 EST)

There's a ridiculous rumor going around it will be prized €500. It's also confirmed it will be made by Blaze, who are mainly known for their mediocre Mega Drive devices.

(Rockman Pocket)

(18:09:46 03/16/12 EST)

500... hahaha.

(Jason)

(01:11:20 03/17/12 EST)

AND HERE I JUST BOUGHT A PSP!

(substance J)

(18:37:07 03/16/12 EST)

I did tell you this was real! The snk guys I spoke to still don't know how good the build quality will be though.

(exodus)

(01:35:59 03/17/12 EST)

Link, please.

(SignOfZeta)

(01:37:56 03/17/12 EST)

There's this one which, being from Famitsu, sort of "proves" that it exists. Though it clearly does not exist.

(substance J)

(03:32:00 03/17/12 EST)

Man I guess SNK Playmore ain't too picky about what they license. But heck, no skin off their teeth, right? :P Google says: "Announced that hard "NEO GEO X" claiming new mobile machine NEO GEO. With that available in the second quarter of 2012. " Fatal Fury , "" Metal Slug "," Samurai Spirits "," The King of Fighters 94 has been recorded that are licensed in 20 official games such as ". Monitor is a 3.5-inch, and AV terminal pattern has SD card, built-in stereo speakers, and headphone jack. Has been released in the United States Tommo inc, and to announce in the near future also will be responsible distributor BLAZE Europe and the Middle East, Australia, Japan and the Far East in charge. I took the check to SNK Playmore, answer "NEO GEO X" is called, what SNK Playmore has officially license was obtained. Might be waiting for further news!"

(Paleface)

(10:27:51 03/17/12 EST)

So I guess to avoid unpleasant comparisons against Vita sales like in Japan, Sony decided to simply remove PSPs from the American supply chain? I can't find a single store that carries them. Even Amazon merely fulfills orders now. And thus the distributors have bumped up the price a bit. So that opens up my options a little. As such, is there any reason not to get a 3000 model? Sorry, I never paid attention to this system until they made a game I want (Kurohyou 2!) (n/t) (substance J) (04:18:41 03/15/12 EST)

There's a lot to love about the PSP, even moreso than the Vita. Sony just didn't promote the thing well here so the awesome line-up of Japanese games never came over. Fortunately its an import friendly machine.

(Darius)

(10:55:31 03/15/12 EST)

Purely from memory the 3000 was/is not possible to hack so if emulation or ISOs are of any concern to you then I'd pass on the 3000. Also I believe that the big supposed difference between the 2000 and 3000 was the screen and that the 3000 was better outdoors but it made sprites look worse. Something like that. In short: For what it's worth customers are always looking for 2000s, never 3000s

(twelvest)

(13:53:36 03/15/12 EST)

The screens are worse, IMO, despite them being marketed as better. AFAIK all 3000s are also unhackable, which makes them significantly less interesting. Some very late 2000s are also unhackable, but I think they are rare. Since you waited so long to get into PSP (even longer than me!) you're probably going to slowly uncover at least a dozen games worth owning, btw. I certainly did.

(SignOfZeta)

(21:59:29 03/15/12 EST)

SRW, Macross... hmm, what are the other 10?

(substance J)

(15:41:34 03/16/12 EST)

Update: just bought a 2000, so now I really will need to know what other games to get.

(substance J)

(18:29:45 03/16/12 EST)

DJ Max Portable, DJ Max Portable 2, DJ Max Portable Clazziquai, DJ Max Portable Black Square, DJ Max Portable 3. You can skip DJ Max Portable International, though.

(Zero)

(18:50:02 03/16/12 EST)

You haven't played DJ Max Portable until you've played DJ Max Portable Acid Rain: Put My Evil Inside You Golden Pyramid Edition Extra.

(SignOfZeta)

(01:39:15 03/17/12 EST)

I have played a lot of tactics games on my PSP. I recommend: jeanne d'arc, r-type tactics (kind of boring, but neat just that they did it), riviera (good version of it), Brave Story (charming traditional RPG), star soldier collection, valkyria chronicles II, half minute hero, rengoku II if you want something really weird, the shitty cho aniki and sengoku cannon for laughs, uhhhh other stuff I can think of later if you want.

(exodus)

(19:03:21 03/18/12 EST)

oh yeah, persona 3.

(exodus)

(19:05:33 03/18/12 EST)

I am kicking myself so hard for not buying Wolfgames' Ridge Racers 2 for $5.

(substance J)

(04:25:40 03/20/12 EST)

SRW MX, SRW A, SRW Z2, SRW Z2 Part 2 (April), Macross Ace Frontier, Macross Ultimate Frontier (if you can get Ultimate, just skip Ace), Initial D, Densha de Go!, Space Invaders Extreme, Outrun Cost to Coast 2006...I'm forgetting some others. These games are all fucking great, btw.

(SignOfZeta)

(01:37:06 03/17/12 EST)

PSPs have been in low supply for a long, long time. It's not some sudden thing post-Vita launch.

(NeoGutsman)

(23:26:55 03/21/12 EST)

Just been playing Kirby's Fun Pak, which is excellent by the way! What strikes me most though, is that sweet, sweet SNES sound chip. Its a real fricking powerhouse. To me it seems like nothing can beat it, not even today's CD soundtracks. So for the tech heads out there, is this just nostalgia speaking, or is there something special about that chip? Also, which SNES games do you think have the nicest soundtrack? My vote goes to Link to the Past, with its awesome thunderstorm effects and extremely nice music. (n/t) (Mental) (14:53:47 03/11/12 EST)

Kirby's Super Star is indeed pretty great! As far as the SNES sound chip goes it's probably partially nostalgia and partially that it produced some really warm sounds. I really love the Genesis sound chip even though it's seen as inferior because I had a Genesis in my early teens and I fondly remember things like the Streets of Rage and Sonic the Hedgehog soundtracks. I'm not real knowledgeable on the SNES but I do like the Final Fantasy 6 soundtrack and the effects and music from Super Mario World are pretty nostalgia inducing.

(twelvest)

(15:16:37 03/11/12 EST)

Thanks! I love FF6, which shows how truly amazing things it must be, because i didnt play it until 2007. No nostalgia, just me testing if it was as good as I'd heard for a decade. I couldn't stop playing it. Fantastic game. As for sound, the opera takes the cake. Not even so much the quality of it, as it only emphasizes the limits of the sound chip, but more the composition.

(Mental)

(15:34:33 03/11/12 EST)

The original Starfox has my vote for best SNES soundtrack.

(Darius)

(08:55:27 03/12/12 EST)

Was the music in the DS version as nice as the SNES game? I have both, but I haven't played the SNES game in quite some time. The DS remake was pretty ace, I thought! In other Kirby news, did you try Kirby Mass Attack? I think it's rather brilliant.

(Jeurja)

(12:45:15 03/12/12 EST)

I havent played the DS version! Nostalgia aside, Nintendo handhelds have IMO always had nasty sound quality. Not horrible, but not nearly as nice as the home consoles. I have Mass Attack in my store, but havent tried it yet! I guess i should before it cant live up to the hype anymore..

(Mental)

(14:05:10 03/12/12 EST)

so what kind of store do you work in? I've seen you mention it a few times recently. I'm the manager of a local indie game store and as far as I know Web of Hair owns one. Did you open one where you live?

(twelvest)

(14:23:47 03/12/12 EST)

Oh, nothing of the sort, unfortunately! Im manager of a dutch toy store, part of a relatively large chain. Unlike you guys i have little freedom in what i keep in stock. I manage the team, decide the store's layout and order everything. So even though i cant decide to sell kirby if the mother company decides not to, i can decide to order 60 if they do :) games are about 30% of our stores. Seeing as how i love Lego and most other toys, i work in the perfect environment! Its also very nice to have a team of 10 people, as thats allowed me personally to grow a lot as a manager the past few years, while the toys have kept me the child that i so desperately want to maintain "inside". Its all good :)

(Mental)

(17:40:00 03/12/12 EST)

Very cool! Toy stores are neat because such a wide range of things are expected to be there and thus get stocked. I sometimes wish I had more to look at besides video games here but it doesn't make much sense to branch out or spread ourselves too thin as a small business. I'd also probably spend a significantly larger portion of my pay here if more than one hobby was represented, so it's probably a good thing...

(twelvest)

(19:27:06 03/12/12 EST)

Then you must be happy with Skylanders! Its one of my biggest misjudgements. I thought parents wouldnt be willing to shell out for on disc DLC, but alas, its the best selling toy at the moment.

(Mental)

(13:28:55 03/13/12 EST)

Well, the prices of the toys are not too far off from what people pay for action figures, so despite it being "on disc DLC" at least buyers get an actual toy. But it is ridiculous in theory.

(Jeurja)

(10:31:32 03/14/12 EST)

When you put it that way... I guess youre right! I get the impression most kids scan them into the game, play a bit, and run back to the store, tossing the old ones in a corner. Maybe i shouldnt be so negative! I was wrong, thats that.

(Mental)

(14:42:21 03/14/12 EST)

I didn't know there was "hype" for Mass Attack! But it's so creative and cool. It's like the Super Mario Galaxy of Kirby games, where every stage is something fresh and new. Loads of bonus games, too.

(Jeurja)

(15:11:57 03/12/12 EST)

Youre right, there isnt much hype! I meant all the good things i DO hear about it, could eventually stack up and leave me a little underwhelmed when i finally start playing it :)

(Mental)

(17:41:44 03/12/12 EST)

The best SNES BGM is Mother 2/Earthbound (link inside). As for why its so unique, it mainly two things. Its mainly wave table based, and it has several special FX. After the SNES most systems didn't even have a sound chip to speak of so this was kind of the most evolved one. A lot of fans of chip tunes actually hate the SNES, but I love it. They do have a point though, bad SNES music is pretty terrible, much like bad Mode 7, but both can also be awesome.

(SignOfZeta)

(14:02:33 03/12/12 EST)

They dislike it because the limitations are not as immediately apparent as they are with NES stuff. If you don't know what you're listening to it can just sound like regular synth music with weird instrument choices. I really like it though.

(Jason)

(14:09:54 03/12/12 EST)

I think they just hate the insane amounts of reverb. Its kind of like fog on N64.

(SignOfZeta)

(00:12:46 03/13/12 EST)

That explains it. So in systems after the SNES music is just done by the CPU? I love how the Famicom Disk System gives devs an extra channel or two to work with. You havent heard the Zelda 1 overworld theme until youve heard the disk version! I never realised that the two first nes zeldas that ive been playing for deacades are actually downgraded ports of the originals!

(Mental)

(14:11:57 03/12/12 EST)

Well, everything after the SNES was CD-based so sound chips were considered useless wastes of money. The N64, I think, doesn't even have an actual sound chip. The Saturn has an amazing sound chip, but its almost never used (best example, Panzer Dragoon Azel).

(SignOfZeta)

(00:14:55 03/13/12 EST)

Wow, id never thought of this. Explains a lot though. Everything, really.

(Mental)

(17:45:10 03/13/12 EST)

Bought my first NGP game in over eight years or something. A new store opened here in Antwerpen with games and figurines. I know a guy that works there so I wanted to support them, by buying a game that was not ridiculously overpriced. And then I saw a japanese copy of puyopuyo 2 in clamshell for 12 euro so I bought it. I guess that is not to expensive. I don't even know if I have this game already (I don't think so). All my NGP stuff is still packed away from the house moving. (n/t) (Atarianallstar) (09:17:44 03/08/12 EST)

Nice! I take pictures of all my "retro" stuff every now and then. That way I can just look at it when buying more stuff. I'd file this under first world problems ;)

(Mental)

(15:51:05 03/08/12 EST)

How I miss reading stories about buying a new NGP/C game. That was a decent price. Enjoy and let us know what you think of the game!

(NeoGutsman)

(20:47:55 03/08/12 EST)

Whoa retrogamin' :D

(Paleface)

(03:00:09 03/12/12 EST)

I've never bought a game from Play Asia rather than NCS just because of the price, but the new Super Robot Wars is slightly more than $20 cheaper at PA. That's kind of a big difference, and either way its stupidly expensive. (n/t) (SignOfZeta) (11:45:35 03/07/12 EST)

Let me know how it goes. I'm eyeing stuff at PA as well because the NCS pricing has gotten prohibitive.

(Darius)

(12:54:45 03/08/12 EST)

Let me clarify. I've bought tons of shit from PA in the past but only clearance stuff. I've always bought my new stuff from NCS.

(SignOfZeta)

(18:23:06 03/08/12 EST)

Tonight I planned to continue my way through Last Story, which by the way is absolutely amazing. Before doing so, I started up my NES. Turns out NES games can still hold my attention, seeing as how I've now finished Rescue Rangers for the first time, and played a good chunk of Totally Rad. As most of you know, RR is a wonderful game, even though I didn't play it co-op. Totally Rad should be experienced by everyone, if only to see their simulation of parallax scrolling on 8 bit hardware. 4 layers, that's like, totally.. Ehh.. Rad! So yeah, Last Story will have to wait till tomorrow, I'm going to bed. Eat that, Fat Cat! (n/t) (Mental) (19:03:34 03/06/12 EST)

I love RR. I don't play it as often as DuckTales but it's easily my second favorite Disney game, co-op or not. It's got some neat touches in the levels like turning off the faucets by hopping on them and such. I really don't think the second one is nearly as good. DuckTales 2 is a really solid game despite the first being better (in my opinion) but RR 2 I remember as pretty unimaginative and I don't think I've ever beat it. Totally Rad is better than people give it credit for. The lack of mid level checkpoints, as I remember, hurts it a bit but it's visually very nice.

(twelvest)

(20:24:23 03/06/12 EST)

I haven't played these in years but my gut tells me that twelvest is is right. Totally Rad had amazing graphics but I recall it being difficult near the midpoint. I never did freaking beat it :(

(NeoGutsman)

(01:08:43 03/07/12 EST)

I wouldnt mind the lack of checkpoints if movement was a bit faster. I guess I should play it a bit more like Samurai Shodown! Running through it gets me killed everytime. I've never tried Ducktales 2 or RR2, ill be sure to check out Ducktales 2. Did play Ducktales and found it surprisingly hard for a game I remember beating when I was younger.

(Mental)

(04:37:34 03/07/12 EST)

I added a bunch of you on the 3DS. It'll probably show as luna ian or pxlsicle. I'm guessing most of you wouldn't recognize me from that and I didn't see a way to add a message with the request. I'm 4811-7796-4659. That is all! (n/t) (twelvest) (19:34:54 03/05/12 EST)

The 3DS doesn't let you know if someone has added you which is a shame. I have about 30 provisional friends in my Friend Code list over at Tiny Cartridge and I'm thinking about scrapping them soon. Good thing about 20+ people there added me back, all of whom are actually pretty ace. I'll add you tonight, Ian. Let me know if you need the special stationery and I'll forward those to you right away.

(NeoGutsman)

(00:45:38 03/06/12 EST)

Oh, f'reals? That's lame. Thanks for the heads up, though! I'm not sure if I need the special stationery. My girlfriend's brother Swapnotes like a maniac and sent me a bunch I believe but I haven't really had a lot of time to mess with the thing yet as I've been really busy at work and home. I suppose it couldn't hurt just to be sure! Thanks!

(twelvest)

(14:29:38 03/06/12 EST)

HMMMMM, Gutsy, you aren't showing up! Bill and Darius are. For the record I added everyone who put a code down below so I believe that's also Mental, Bean, and Popa.

(twelvest)

(00:07:01 03/07/12 EST)

My bad, glossed over the "add you tonight" bit!

(twelvest)

(00:07:49 03/07/12 EST)

D'oh, sorry! I forgot to add you. You are now on my Friend Code list, Tortilla fanboy!

(NeoGutsman)

(01:10:19 03/07/12 EST)

Added, sir!

(Jeurja)

(12:38:52 03/06/12 EST)

Added ya! Better brush up on your artistic skills cuz this group be MAD about Swapnote. =)

(Darius)

(16:36:31 03/06/12 EST)

I have no artistic capabilities! I will have to use photos and crude diagrams!

(twelvest)

(18:38:36 03/06/12 EST)

I just found out that Atlus is localizing Gungnir for the PSP - release date June 12 2012! Fuckn'A!!! More Dept. Heaven goodness!!! (Darius) (21:04:09 02/22/12 EST)

Looks cool (video inside). The guessing contest Atlus had a month or two ago about this game was annoying (I hate teasers because I'm impatient but whatevs). I just hope it isn't convoluted like their other games. Maybe it's just me. I mean, I loved the incredible depth of Disgaea but you didn't have to even touch that senate part or even the Item Worlds if you didn't want to (at least in the first one - haven't played the others). Riviera was actually fun for me for a while but I lost interest, and Yggdra Union (PSP) started to baffle me. I can't be the only one who thinks Dept. Heaven's games are stylishly confusing.

(NeoGutsman)

(00:50:22 02/23/12 EST)

I'm not even sure Sting developed Disgaea. But yeah, the Dept. Heaven games all have a very complex design.

(Darius)

(12:51:17 02/23/12 EST)

yeah, disgaea is nippon ichi, not sting. I like riviera too, but yggdra union had such bad map design and player feedback that I got really pissed at it. I didn't even try knights in the nightmare because I read it had the same problems I didn't like about yggdra union. but maaaaybe I'll try this one?

(exodus)

(14:27:10 02/23/12 EST)

Yup, see below.

(NeoGutsman)

(16:22:45 02/23/12 EST)

I really liked Knights in the Nightmare. After beating the DS version though I can't image playing it on PSP. The lack of touch would make the entire game stupid, IMO, as much as I'd appreciate the massively superior screen of the PSP.

(SignOfZeta)

(00:13:13 02/25/12 EST)

Hmmm, I should probably give it a shot, but I bet it's insanely expensive now.

(exodus)

(00:44:50 02/25/12 EST)

I played it on a flash cart...I never would have actually payed $40 for a strategy game that I knew had a %90 chance of just pissing me off. I'm not sure why I even bothered to try it, but I liked it.

(SignOfZeta)

(18:25:52 02/25/12 EST)

looks like if I can find a store that has it, it's $10 now, so I'll try to get hold of a real copy.

(exodus)

(21:16:17 02/25/12 EST)

Heh, wow. I'd buy it for $10, sure.

(SignOfZeta)

(23:49:52 02/25/12 EST)

that's my plan for tomorrow!

(exodus)

(03:51:11 02/26/12 EST)

bought it today and preordered devil survivor 2. but no case for knights in the nightmare. gamestop should sell some sticker removal stuff for their insane number of stickers they put all over everything, it'd be a suitably profitable and sleasy side business for them.

(exodus)

(23:34:28 02/26/12 EST)

Fuck. What the hell happens to the case for a less than two year old DS game? I know Paleface didn't throw it away because he doesn't own a DS.

(SignOfZeta)

(23:58:57 02/26/12 EST)

yeah, for an atlus game I'm especially surprised. I know kids mutilate these things or bury them in the yard or whatever, but atlus games are usually purchased by pristine condition types, I figure. but I called the two stores that had it within 20 miles, and neither of them had the case, so there we are.

(exodus)

(01:57:46 02/27/12 EST)

I asked a Gamestop manager acquaintance of mine why so many games seemed to be without cases all of a sudden when I was trying to find Ghost Trick about 6-8 months ago. Turns out Gamestop was throwing away the cases and the manuals and selling only the carts to make more shelf space for newer systems. They were doing it with Playstation 2 games as well. I told him it was fucking stupid. He agreed. So that's why normally taken care of games (niche titles, rpgs, etc) have been coming in more frequently loose than complete.

(twelvest)

(15:47:04 02/27/12 EST)

Gamestop (and before them EB and Funcoland) have been doing that for years. I had a friend who worked at a Funcoland ages ago and he would give me a heads up when a load of cases or manuals had recently been thrown away, so I could go diving for them. I also got a lot of 2600 and Coleco games from him that people had brought in to sell and just left behind when they found out Funco wouldn't buy them.

(and Opa Opa)

(20:08:55 02/27/12 EST)

this, meanwhile, is peripherally great (for you!)

(exodus)

(02:32:15 02/28/12 EST)

wwwwwwwwwwwwwow. that's awful.

(exodus)

(02:31:56 02/28/12 EST)

I feel I should point out that there are obviously still DS games available used in their cases. I didn't press for what the rhyme and reason was but it looked like Nintendo made games and games released withing the past couple months got to keep their clothing and documentation.

(twelvest)

(16:28:42 02/27/12 EST)

I'm playing this and am already confused... I think I'll get it though.

(exodus)

(14:58:39 02/27/12 EST)

The game is NUTS in its abstractness. Normally I give up on a lot of strategy games, but this one, as I saw it, was basically daring me to figure it out. Thats probably why I stuck with it. Also, great graphics and sound.

(SignOfZeta)

(16:52:51 02/27/12 EST)

yeah, agreed. it's amusing how there can be so much tutorial explanation and yet so much left unexplained! I can move my units, right? at least in the setup screen? how the heck do I do it!?

(exodus)

(02:33:31 02/28/12 EST)

You can't move your units. You can only place them at the begining. This is why its important to know where they can and can't attack before you put them down.

(SignOfZeta)

(18:54:22 02/28/12 EST)

yeah, til just now I didn't even know how to place them. but you actually can move the lancer knight!!

(exodus)

(21:40:22 02/28/12 EST)

Fencers can move one square at a time as well. They also leap into the air so they can climb stairs.

(Darius)

(18:59:26 03/01/12 EST)

Correction: they're called Duelists.

(Darius)

(19:02:20 03/01/12 EST)

yeah, those guys too! this is kind of an interestingish game, but man, I imagine I'm gonna hit a brick wall at a certain point.

(exodus)

(02:27:15 03/02/12 EST)

If you're playing on Easy you should at least be able to finish. If you're on Normal then you'll probably have to restart when Maria runs out of moves.

(Darius)

(10:51:35 03/02/12 EST)

definitely playing on easy... I've learned my lesson with Sting.

(exodus)

(04:22:20 03/03/12 EST)

I actually finished this game, which I have never done with any game from this company. You can do it.

(SignOfZeta)

(13:45:03 03/03/12 EST)

I finished riviera I think...? but maybe not. pretty sure I did? I got half through on wonderswan, then finished on GBA I think. I'm just trying not to worry about recruiting everyone/breaking all the items etc, and just going with the flow. We'll see how it goes. I have the advantage of starting over with the items of whomever had the game before me (who clearly didn't get THAT far, but had a bunch of weapons for me to fuse, etc).

(exodus)

(03:48:03 03/04/12 EST)

Yeah, I know who developed each of those games. I didn't make it clear in my response.

(NeoGutsman)

(16:22:27 02/23/12 EST)

Anyone have an Atari Lynx (prefer Lynx II) or Wonderswan (prefer Swancrystal) that they'd want to let go of? I'm looking for a cheap system to poke around with. It needs to work, but it doesn't have to be in good cosmetic condition. (n/t) (Flavor) (17:40:55 02/22/12 EST)

I have a mint OG Wonderswan I'd like to trade. I fully understand why you'd want a crystal though ;)

(Mental)

(18:49:01 02/22/12 EST)

Yeah, I will probably hold out for the SwanCrystal for a while, but this may work out. I think I want the Lynx the most at this point, but we'll see how things go. Are you looking for anything in particular?

(Flavor)

(10:23:16 02/23/12 EST)

Nope! Just let me know what you have up for trade if and when you're interested. Keep in mind that I'm in Holland, so shipping is an extra hurdle. The Wonderswan isn't going anywhere, so take your time :)

(Mental)

(17:56:04 02/23/12 EST)

I'll keep an eye out for ya, I find these from time to time.

(exodus)

(19:04:08 02/24/12 EST)

Yeah, please let me know what you come across. I'm not in a big hurry for the WonderSwan/SwanCryatal, but the Lynx is something I want to start messing around with pretty soon. Thanks!

(Flavor)

(23:27:41 02/24/12 EST)

I've got both stores looking. We rarely see Swans but Lynx systems come in from time to time. I'll email you if I have any luck!

(twelvest)

(15:50:27 02/27/12 EST)

Thanks (to all you guys). I found a guy on Craigslist that has both, but I'm not sure the deal will work out.

(Flavor)

(20:51:35 02/27/12 EST)

So, this guy on Craigslist didn't reply to my email, but he did update his ad to say "no shipping" after I asked about shipping. If you (or anyone else reading) is near Granada Hills, maybe you'd want to help me out. Part of the deal is for a Nintendo Virtual Boy (which I don't really care about), so if you want that, we could work it out. He also has 3 WS systems, and I really only care about the SwanCrystal.

(Flavor)

(14:57:48 02/28/12 EST)

LA paople! Alright, here's the post on Craigslist in LA. If anyone could help out with this, I'd appreciate it. Interestingly enough, he also has a bunch of NGPC stuff for sale. I'll include that link inside, too.

(Flavor)

(10:57:57 02/29/12 EST)

FYI, I found a Lynx II on eBay that I scooped up. I missed the awesome Craigslist deal. He had a ton of stuff for like $185 (Lynx II, WS, WSColor, SwanCrystal, VirtualBoy, games for all). I'm still interested in finding a SwanCrystal, but I'm in no hurry.

(Flavor)

(10:23:16 03/07/12 EST)

Well, that deal kinda fell through. I received the Lynx yesterday, and it had some LCD issues. I think I'm returning it. :(

(Flavor)

(14:27:19 03/08/12 EST)

The NGPCest way to get a date! Before I get into that, I launched a new forum the other day. I set it up for people that are using NGPC Flash carts and Linkers, but it has discussions of other NGP stuff. Anywhoo, there's this guy I've been chatting with, because he wants a flash cart for this interesting project he's working on. It turns out that he's hacking a game to turn it into a personalized gift for a girl he likes. I asked him to put up some info about what he's working on, and he started a thread on the aforementioned forum. I thought you guys might appreciate it. Link Inside (Flavor) (11:20:51 02/22/12 EST)

Cool forum and I'm glad to see some new names from people who are excited about the NGPC and new developments for the NGPC because people here aren't so much anymore :) It's too bad about your PCB fabrication problems and the time consuming soldering. There has to be a way to expedite that (solder paste and a reflow oven?).

(Comic-Kaze wishes he knew a girl who owned an NGPC)

(11:26:58 02/22/12 EST)

I do use solder paste and a hot plate. This technique works like a poor man's reflow oven. The main problem is that it's not a machine doing the placement and solder application. That means that things might not be lined up perfectly and I may get too much/little solder. I usually have to go over each cartridge by hand with a soldering iron to fix problems.

(Flavor)

(12:00:46 02/22/12 EST)

first! yes, that's a neat forum. as for the hacking to ask a girl out thing... man. it'd be one thing if he were asking her to marry him, but going through all that just to ask someone out, and all the talk of love, is kind of creepy to me. I'm sorry!!! If someone went through something so elaborate just to ask me out on a freaking date I would think they had serious emotional problems. sorryyyyyyyyyyyyyy

(exodus)

(19:27:19 02/22/12 EST)

Sounds like it's someone he already knows pretty well. Anyway I think this is neat, go him!

(Paleface)

(02:31:22 02/23/12 EST)

yes, that's why it's weird. I mean, if you know someone really well, you already know if they want to go out with you. and you probably don't make something that's talking about love when you haven't even asked them out yet. just saying!

(exodus)

(05:42:04 02/23/12 EST)

From talking to the guy, I get the impression that she doesn't live in the same city. Maybe they knew each other before. Maybe they met online and talk a lot that way but aren't officially dating due to not living close-by. Yeah, I hear you, though.

(Flavor)

(09:55:34 02/23/12 EST)

It sounds like you don't have a very broad experience of the variety of relationships that exist between guys and girls. We've all got emotional problems including you--that's one of the side effects of the complex human brain. And women are just as likely to have emotional problems as men, so it's definitely not always the case that a guy and girl are able to move into a relationship even when it should be obvious to both of them that they both want to, especially if they're young. I'm not saying this guy is gonna win the girl's heart with this game hack, I don't know either of them well enough, but I've certainly relationships where something like this would have worked out.

(and Opa Opa)

(13:23:19 02/23/12 EST)

yes, I totally accept that there are exceptions to everything. it is possible, though statistically unlikely, that this girl would not be weirded out. hooray! we've had a discussion.

(exodus)

(20:03:18 02/23/12 EST)

If by "hooray! we've had a discussion" you mean "i'm going to twist my interpretation of whatever prahlada just said in a way that allows my to not have to rethink what i said earlier and then preemptively terminate any further discussion by using the past tense," then...yeah...I guess...maybe.

(and Opa Opa)

(23:11:44 02/23/12 EST)

yes, I was fully aware that we were not actually having a conversation, since your post in reply to me was simply stating the obvious regarding relationship possibilities. I could have left it alone or just said "ok" but since you started it off with a slight against me I got baited.

(exodus)

(19:05:52 02/24/12 EST)

PAlib on the DS was such an easy environment to pick up for beginners that there was always a lot people doing things like this on the DS, at least a few years ago when I was in the DS dev scene. Of course, those were original games or usually just demos or something, but same idea. I would bet there's also a lot of them for like the C64 and other easy to code for systems. There's probably an anthropologist who's already produced a dissertation on the subject, too.

(and Opa Opa)

(13:28:56 02/23/12 EST)

TRUE GANGSTAS (aka my 3DS friends): I just sent you all a neat little gift. Open your Swapnote program (I hope we all remember what that is) and enjoy! (NeoGutsman) (02:21:19 02/22/12 EST)

Woah, there are a few new others floating around!

(NeoGutsman)

(17:39:02 02/22/12 EST)

I sent along another Swapnote gift to you guys. There's one more that's eluding me (meow-meow!) so hopefully I get it soon to share with you guys.

(NeoGutsman)

(00:43:56 02/23/12 EST)

How do you keep rating all the cool schwag?

(Darius)

(20:46:19 02/22/12 EST)

I have connections!

(NeoGutsman)

(00:42:51 02/23/12 EST)

Okay, sent off another Swapnote with the last of the stationery available. Hope you guys enjoy it.

(NeoGutsman)

(16:24:12 02/23/12 EST)

I added a bunch of people from TinyCartridge and DAYUM, some of those folks are comin' correct with the artistry! It really is a superb social application; the more cool stuff people send me the more I want to craft a great response or send off a great new Swapnote of my own. This was a shot in the arm for me. I can't wait to get back into things and start 'noting again.

(NeoGutsman)

(18:31:17 02/23/12 EST)

After being immensely interested in the Persona series, I played the third and fourth parts, each about ten hours. Didnt like them all that much! The quality occasionally shines through, but it so often just feels like reading a book, with only a couple button presses in between. What Id like to ask is you guys' opinion on Digital Devil Saga 1 and 2 and SMT Nocturne. Not their quality relative to the Persona games per se, but as games on their own (as well). I found them dirt cheap, sealed at a local store, but am hesitating. Id love some nice story driven RPGs, but dont want the whole thing to feel like one big tutorial! Thanks :) (n/t) (mental) (13:48:53 02/12/12 EST)

Oh, and Odin Sphere! Forgot about that one. Not a true rpg, I guess, but WOW does that look amazing. Not sure if its fun to play though.

(mental)

(13:55:45 02/12/12 EST)

That would be 'Yes' to Odin Sphere! It's really just a story driven action game. Awesome though.

(Darius)

(15:19:24 02/12/12 EST)

Ooh, nice :) as Im already kind of enthusiastic about all of them, a simple yes is enough to sway me. Thats one purchase confirmed then :)

(mental)

(15:55:09 02/12/12 EST)

Not really.

(SignOfZeta)

(22:11:55 02/12/12 EST)

only if you like slow-paced action games with almost no level design. if you can content yourself with just moving a direction and hitting enemies, it'll be fine. but that studio has a serious problem with design. their art is good, but the rest is not so much.

(exodus)

(17:56:55 02/13/12 EST)

I secretly felt this way about Princess Crown and definitely felt this way about Odin Sphere. It's absolutely gorgeous without peer, but I just didn't like the gameplay. I felt confused about making items and I didn't like the combat system. I also didn't like Muramasa and got really bored with it.

(NeoGutsman)

(21:17:37 02/13/12 EST)

hm, it sounds like I wouldnt buy this for full price, then. Might still order it for this price (10 euros).

(mental)

(09:19:13 02/14/12 EST)

every game they make has this problem, unfortunately. except, perhaps, for the new title Grand Knights History, which I've heard is okay. amusingly when I was in their studio they were complaining about how the producer at marvelous was too hands-on and kept changing their design and stuff. and, amusingly, it is the only game they've made where people didn't complain the design was totally flat. they really need to stop having their art director/ceo also be their game designer/game director.

(exodus)

(16:26:52 02/14/12 EST)

I've run across numerous projects in my career where they were, as you said, developed by artists. Those games nearly always sucked and sold like crapola.

(NeoGutsman)

(22:34:52 02/15/12 EST)

"...it so often just feels like reading a book, with only a couple button presses in between." I'm jaded, but this is how I feel every time I pick up a modern JRPG. I recognize that semi-interactive melodramas have their place, but I've never been a fan. I would much rather play a Choose Your Own Adventure-style comic book with no voice overs and fancy special effects. At least then I could appreciate the art and writing a bit more. Video games with minimal interactivity just seem like a waste of my time and a waste of developer resources, because they're not nearly as fun as any of the stuff they are borrowing from.

(Jason)

(01:58:25 02/14/12 EST)

indeed! i still love playing Zork! It says a lot that I enjoy that more than Persona.

(mental)

(09:17:46 02/14/12 EST)

Check out Strange Journey on DS. It's super hardcore a la Etrian Odyssey (same developer), but I found it fascinating and addicting. Also, I think the Devil Summoner games are cool. Neat setting, more action-oriented, and you capture and use enemies kind of like Pokemon. Finally, you might want to check out Persona 3 on PSP--it's streamlined a lot for portability's sake, which speeds things up.

(Jeurja)

(12:49:42 02/14/12 EST)

i tried P3, but didnt enjoy it. Devil summoner is the TBS one right? I think im spoiled by all the freedom Disgaea gave me! Then theres Tactics Ogre that ive yet to finish. I will however pick up Strange Journey! Have been wanting to do that for years, but it wont go down in price! Lets see...

(mental)

(14:40:47 02/14/12 EST)

Devil Summoner is action-based battles. Devil Survivor is the TBS one. So, check out Devil Summoner! It has a cool early 20th century Japan/noir vibe to it. :-)

(Jeurja)

(11:54:35 02/15/12 EST)

ah, no wonder i was confused.. thanks!

(mental)

(18:57:32 02/15/12 EST)

I'm also confused by all these games, so you're not the only one.

(NeoGutsman)

(22:36:59 02/15/12 EST)

From Magic Box: "Sony announced its PSP UMD to PS Vita transfer program will not be coming to North America, players will not be able to transfer their UMD games to PS Vita at a discounted price like in Japan." Well that is jank. (n/t) (SignOfZeta) (13:08:00 02/09/12 EST)

Yeah I would be interested to know what money-related shenanigans lie behind that decision (and why they didn't apply to the situation in Japan).

(Paleface)

(14:08:20 02/09/12 EST)

to be fair, i would never ever have paid just to play my already paid for games anyway. ill admit them not even giving people the option to do so, is kind screwed up.

(mental)

(15:58:15 02/09/12 EST)

More like giving some the option and others not is screwed up. And for the record I would have never re-paid for my games either.

(Darius)

(18:56:03 02/09/12 EST)

I played a little bit with a PSV demo unit in a store recently. It's... a PSP with a bigger screen. It was an underwhelming experience.

(Rockman Pocket)

(08:12:29 02/10/12 EST)

What do you think youre doing? Barging in here with your realistic take on things! Seriously though, what im looking forward to are ps2 and ps3 ports/remakes, and im curious what kind of rpgs will come out, powered by this quad core beast. So basically im buying another portable based on potential, not realism.

(mental)

(08:36:07 02/10/12 EST)

I imagine it will come to be a pretty great machine. The PSP eventually got great after like...3 years of being pretty useless. Right now though...yeah, Im not fucking buying this thing.

(SignOfZeta)

(11:19:32 02/10/12 EST)

There's some good launch titles, I think. They're nothing "new", for the most part, but they look nice. Luminies, Hot Shots Golf, WipeOut 2048, Katamari... pretty strong library in terms of representing various game series I enjoy.

(Jeurja)

(23:29:26 02/10/12 EST)

Lumines (the first) was always the best Lumines game, and it was there at launch. Ya wrong.

(Zero)

(01:10:26 02/11/12 EST)

A $300 device to play Lumines? OK, maybe not worthless, but certainly a terrible deal. Keep in mind this was the PSP that had the square button that got stuck under the screen and ejected discs if you twisted it slightly.

(SignOfZeta)

(03:11:36 02/11/12 EST)

Totally true. I just really wanted to emphasize how great Lumines is. Until I got DJMax, it was pretty much the only game I played.

(Zero)

(10:40:23 02/11/12 EST)

Oh! I saw some Vita game boxes in a store today. They're kinda endearing, as they're almost the same size as old cassette tape cases.

(Rockman Pocket)

(12:33:51 02/17/12 EST)

"The Best Neo Geo Pocket Color Games" This article may need some suggestions in the comment section. (Flavor) (16:49:14 02/07/12 EST)

Definitely not the ones I would have picked but he's entitled to his opinion and I'm entitled not to care much about it. :D

(Entitledface)

(17:31:32 02/07/12 EST)

rockman battle & fighters! is it as fun as it looks? is it considered rare? looks fantastic.

(mental)

(17:35:54 02/07/12 EST)

From my old notes I gather (ie "remember" but not really) it's basically a Megaman boss rush, so if that sounds fun to you then yes. My notes also say there's a good deal of slowdown and flicker vs some of the bosses, but I guess that's NES-retro in a way.

(Paleface)

(19:18:15 02/07/12 EST)

Box art inside.

(Paleface)

(19:21:34 02/07/12 EST)

That was my feeling about the game, too. It's essentially a NGPC version of the two Mega Man arcade games, so gameplay-wise it's accurate. It's not an outstanding game in my opinion based on the core gameplay, but it is interesting if one is a Mega Man fan I guess.

(NeoGutsman)

(02:11:19 02/08/12 EST)

too bad it feels "off", because I like the megaman bosses more than the levels themselves. boss rush sounds awesome! i guess i wont look too hard for it then.

(mental)

(10:22:42 02/08/12 EST)

man, thats a fantastic looking box! cardboard though.. meh!

(mental)

(18:14:35 02/08/12 EST)

I wasn't a fan of the closed box. The clamshell cardboard boxes we got in NA weren't always great either but there was still a charm about it. The best were the plastic clamshells of course.

(NeoGutsman)

(18:16:26 02/10/12 EST)

I have it. It's an okay game but something about it feels off. I played it with both Mega Man and battle games in mind and it didn't quite gel for me. Still worth tracking down if you can get it, though.

(NeoGutsman)

(19:36:22 02/07/12 EST)

Coulda been epic, but noooo, Capcom don't gots no time for no rinky-dink Neo-Geo.

(a-star)

(23:24:46 02/07/12 EST)

I would have loved a NGPC-ized Mega Man platform game. Imagine the .gifs we would have gotten from such an endeavor!

(NeoGutsman)

(02:07:58 02/08/12 EST)

Done and done. =)

(Darius)

(21:52:09 02/07/12 EST)

Ganbare!! I've never had that much fun playing a game in which I had no idea what I was doing. Still need to fill out the photo album. Also, Neo Turf Masters! I can't get down with golf but I can definitely get down with this!

(a-star)

(23:22:43 02/07/12 EST)

I loved how Ganbare was such a beautiful mystery. I genuinely had no fucking idea what was going to come next or even how to unlock stuff on a steady basis. Your tips helped a lot, though. I sold my original copy years ago because some guy I knew couldn't be bothered to do it himself. I already had a second copy so I thought "why not?" Unfortunately, I had a lot of trouble unlocking most of the stuff in my second copy. That sucked because I recall unlocking nearly everything originally. Grrr...

(NeoGutsman)

(02:13:47 02/08/12 EST)

I bought sweaterfish's nearly totally-unlocked copy. and I barely played it. how's that for being the worst human!?

(exodus)

(06:39:27 02/08/12 EST)

Unlocking stuff is pretty much the whole point. If there's a way to clear the memory you might actually have a reason to play it!

(Paleface)

(14:26:18 02/08/12 EST)

I find Metal Slug to be vastly overrated on the system. Any list that doesn't include Faselei & GNPK is missing something important. My top game is actually KOF: Battle de Paradise. Dark Arms is runner up.

(Comic-Kaze)

(06:22:24 02/08/12 EST)

everyone can gtfo and foadiaf. but I do like metal slug.

(exodus)

(06:38:41 02/08/12 EST)

when it came out, i was simply happy i had a portable game with parallax scrolling! anyone know why so few games had it? i wouldve loved it in SS2 and MotM.

(mental)

(15:22:16 02/08/12 EST)

MotM at least simulates it in the train stage, where the train slowly passes Mount Rushmore.

(Rockman Pocket)

(16:50:35 02/08/12 EST)

ah, thats right! totally forgot about that!

(mental)

(18:13:24 02/08/12 EST)

I never understood why people hated, or at least strongly disliked, both MS games. I thought they were fine, great even. They didn't play like the arcade versions but I thought that was okay since they had little hidden elements and extra goodies. Gave them a different kind of flavor which I was fine with. I did want an all-out MS type game but I'm guessing SNK played to the strengths of the system and created a reimagining of the series, sort of like how Bionic Commando or Ninja Gaiden turned out on the NES.

(NeoGutsman)

(17:25:36 02/08/12 EST)

I think MS2nd is better than MS3. Yup.

(Zero)

(10:42:29 02/11/12 EST)

What is people's obsession with Bust A Move?

(SignOfZeta)

(09:18:52 02/09/12 EST)

Personally, I really like the puzzle modes where you are rated on how efficiently you clear pre-made levels. There's a lot of thought that went into that mode on the GameGear version and as recently as the Space Bust-A-Move for the DS. I do not like the timed mode where more bubbles come down or you are otherwise pressured.

(NeoGutsman)

(18:14:51 02/10/12 EST)

KOF XIII Climax: What is it? Who knows? Location test in a week. Promo art features all the home version additions but also a proper Mr. Karate. Obviously a mild turbo-ing isn't much to get excited about, but it does show that SNK hasn't fired everyone yet. BTW, KOF XIII is really good. (n/t) (SignOfZeta) (19:59:13 02/06/12 EST)

Isn't Mr. Karate a DLC thingy for the PS3 version? Could swear I've seen him in the PSN store. So maybe Climax would be an arcade release with all the console DLCs and patches, essentially?

(Paleface)

(17:29:18 02/07/12 EST)

I read somewhere it was just a port of the game with the console balance patch(es?) and dlc characters. Maybe more of course.

(Zero)

(23:16:18 02/07/12 EST)

Start Or Continue: I stumbled upon this site this morning. Basically, it's full of animated GIFs of game startup screens. He's got several NGPC ones (in addition to other systems). Check inside for the link to the NGPC ones. (Flavor) (10:07:05 02/01/12 EST)

This would go great on the old Insert Credit.

(SignOfZeta)

(21:43:04 02/01/12 EST)

Whoa, drooly Magical Drop cat.

(Paleface)

(22:35:22 02/01/12 EST)

I actually brought Magical Drop to work with me today...on Wonderswan though, I prefer this version.

(SignOfZeta)

(22:52:33 02/01/12 EST)

Hmmm. I haven't tried that one. I should check it out.

(Jeurja)

(23:31:11 02/05/12 EST)

I clicked the link again this morning. When you guys look at the animated GIFs, is it like you can hear the sound that goes with it? Sonic, in particular, is this way for me. It's almost like I can hear the ring dropping and then the music start even though my mind knows there's no audio.

(Flavor)

(09:45:13 02/02/12 EST)

I don't hear the sound. My GIF player must be broken. :(

(Paleface)

(02:15:36 02/04/12 EST)

No, it's your soul.

(SignOfZeta)

(01:37:49 02/06/12 EST)

i know exactly what you mean! i love how your mind (apparently) demands to store these memories.

(mental)

(13:53:12 02/04/12 EST)

Same here! Also, we need to get back into Swapnoting, friend. I've neglected it for a few weeks. I only have you guys here as friends, a few other friends, and a couple of random TinyCartridge.com friends.

(NeoGutsman)

(02:15:34 02/08/12 EST)

this site made me realize how bad i want metal slug 2nd mission *cries*

(mental)

(13:51:43 02/04/12 EST)

I thought all of us had that game. I don't think I have a second copy anymore, but if I do I'll let you know. The pickings are really slim on eBay these days, and I haven't actively bought any NGPC games in many, many years since I have all but one game I need for my collection (some dating sim which I'm not in a hurry to buy).

(NeoGutsman)

(02:17:58 02/08/12 EST)

New portable (though probably licensed ROMS with third-party hardware like those Atari Flashbacks, etc.) Neo-Geo handheld? Please tell me this is real. Someone care to translate the relevant portions of the Japanese site? (NeoGutsman) (02:15:23 01/25/12 EST)

First on-topic post in years! And... RAD.

(Jeurja)

(02:30:43 01/25/12 EST)

Um...

(SignOfZeta)

(03:45:23 01/25/12 EST)

Magic Box has the translations. Wouldn't a portable NeoGeo have an appropriate screen aspect ratio?

(substance J)

(05:24:39 01/25/12 EST)

hmmmm. hmmmmmm. hmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmm. I guess I'd buy that. but yeah, as J said that's a bit of an odd choice there. no neogeo games are 16:9 are they? maybe it's a chinese knockoff after all? still nice looking, and I've bought stupider stuff. I have a PSP that plays NES games, for whatever reason.

(exodus)

(05:36:14 01/25/12 EST)

the wording on andriasang is that it carries official licensing from snk playmore which I'm sure is different than being made by. plus snk has been into selling emulated versions of their games for a while and this has an SD slot. doesn't seem so odd (aside from the 4 shoulder buttons are not consistent with each other)

(zero)

(10:07:06 01/25/12 EST)

After the NeoGeo Pocket comes the pocket NeoGeo, it all makes sense! Seeing as there's an SD slot on the thing it's probably waiting to be hacked and used as an emulation machine. Which would be pretty cool.

(Rockman Pocket)

(08:38:02 01/25/12 EST)

which would explain the widescreen

(zero)

(09:56:54 01/25/12 EST)

I suspect that it's main intended purpose is to be an emulation machine (mainly emulation of MVS/AES).

(Flavor)

(09:59:44 01/25/12 EST)

Until they got sued to heck for it. I mean I think they'd have to demonstrate that they were doing everything they could to stop hacking in order to avoid legal action, and that ain't easy. They could just ask Sony.

(Paleface)

(22:37:12 01/25/12 EST)

Sweet!!! I'm curious about the actual size though.

(Darius)

(11:58:35 01/25/12 EST)

"170x72x15mm." And the list of "built-in" Neo Geo games doesn't exactly include their heavy hitters, so I guess the question is what they would charge for those. And why they wouldn't just be putting them on the Vita or something. I mean if whoever is manufacturing this gets the click-stick, screen, emulation, and battery life right, it would probably be better than playing them on other portables, but it sure doesn't seem like this is something they'd be making much money on. And if they were putting them on other platforms that could help boost interest in any new games they might be making. ... This thing seems like kind of a dumb idea. I suppose you could argue that the NGP was kind of a dumb idea too but at least that had original games.

(Paleface)

(21:59:15 01/25/12 EST)

I had to break out the rulers for this one. That is considerably bigger than I thought it would be (closer to PSP than NDS). Maybe it will have additional media player functions too. Either way though there are better portable systems out there.

(Darius)

(20:23:36 01/26/12 EST)

All right the original "Famicom Plaza" link is dead now, and that site looks pretty damn sketchy anyway. I'm guessing this is fake or at least completely unlicensed.

(Paleface)

(22:40:05 01/25/12 EST)

Reading some discussions about this thing has brought to my attention that the Caanoo from Gamepark acually does have a digital clicky stick (and a 4:3 touchscreen and TV out and so on). So if this thing is fake, the Caanoo actually sounds like a boss alternative. Have any of you ever used one?

(and Opa Opa)

(16:44:56 01/26/12 EST)

Is it clicky? It looks more...swirly.

(Paleface)

(18:23:14 01/26/12 EST)

It's a digital microswitch stick that clicks. Whether it actually feels like the Neo Poke's stick, I can't say. That's why I asked if anyone here had played with one.

(and Opa Opa)

(20:05:26 01/26/12 EST)

I did briefly at E3 2010, but I unfortunately completely forget what I thought of the pad. sorry!!

(exodus)

(21:09:06 01/26/12 EST)

I only watched one video of that Caanannooboo but aside from the analog stick (with the throw seeming mega-wide - yikes) it didn't come off as clicky. I hope I'm wrong, though.

(NeoGutsman)

(00:20:46 01/27/12 EST)

I have a Caanoo, and it's definitely not clicky. It has a similar feel to the NGPC stick. Well, maybe I should rephrase that. It's probably the closest thing to the NGPC stick that I've seen, except maybe the original GP32 stick. I made some YT vids about it when I first got it. See link inside. Anyway, it's analog. It doesn't click. It's just that the motion/feel of it is similar to NGPC. Being analog, I guess that means it's up to the emu authors to make it act like a click stick. GP32 acted more like the NGPC stick, but it's feel/motion wasn't as close. I don't really get it. Everyone seems to think that NGPC had the best stick ever, but nobody has implemented it since.

(Flavor)

(10:56:18 01/27/12 EST)

I should mention that much of this is from memory. I haven't used GP32 in a long time, and I didn't play my Caanoo all that much after the initial high wore off. That's not anything against it. It's not Caanoo, it's me. I just need some space right now. Maybe some time to get my head straight (or whatever BS you say when you're trying not to make your handheld feel bad about being shelved for no good reason).

(Flavor)

(11:00:16 01/27/12 EST)

That video seems familiar somehow! Ava rules. Nintendo and Sony seem fixed on sticking with their d-pads, and I guess the NGP click stick hasn't been copied because everyone wants to do analog sticks, and a click stick is inherently not analog.

(Paleface)

(03:41:56 01/28/12 EST)

God, the font is awful and wrong but I'd buy that.

(Comic-Kaze)

(21:27:23 01/26/12 EST)

I totally agree, but if it were ~$100 I'd buy it. Actually, it'd be lock-in for sure if I knew I could do savestates and emulated consoles on it. That thin, flat form factor looks sweet.

(NeoGutsman)

(00:18:52 01/27/12 EST)

I'm a real sucker for weirdo handheld things. I have an official commodore-branded handheld that plays sega genesis games. I've turned it on maybe three times. but why the heck not!?

(exodus)

(01:10:51 01/27/12 EST)

I'd only be interested if it cost more than $100. I don't want a piece of crap, I want something nice. Evidently it doesn't matter since the thing seems to be fake.

(SignOfZeta)

(04:29:18 01/27/12 EST)

Yeah, it goes without saying that a) I want it at a price within my budget and b) it gots to be quality. I'm sensing that this thing is fake as well. Still, I always have a terrible curiosity about these things and sometimes take a dive in despite my better judgment. Case in point: Game Theory Admiral which I gave to PopaSmear :P

(NeoGutsman)

(14:17:54 01/27/12 EST)

I'm not sure why you'd presume it's fake - SNKP is licensing out whatever nowadays, and chinese companies are making all kinds of weird little handhelds like the dingoo and other PMPs.

(exodus)

(16:07:46 01/27/12 EST)

SNKP licenses a device that plays free ROMs of the same games they sell on PSN and Wii for $10 a piece? Yeah that's plausible.

(substance J)

(17:22:30 01/27/12 EST)

That and I can't say I've read anything from SNK stating that it is indeed an actual product. From what I've read, at best it's a leaked product, but I think we'll learn more in the coming weeks and months.

(NeoGutsman)

(18:38:02 01/27/12 EST)

depends on the cost. sega licensed handhelds that play roms of the games they sell on XBL/Wiiware, after all.

(exodus)

(23:14:07 01/27/12 EST)

Wasn't that like 8 years ago?

(substance J)

(04:39:23 01/28/12 EST)

No, there are new ones every year from... I think it's a company called Blaze.

(aerisdead)

(12:57:10 01/28/12 EST)

The Hyperkin GenMobile is still in production and has official licensing. Has 20 Sega (Genesis) games built in.

(twelvest)

(16:31:32 02/05/12 EST)

so how much do you want to bet this comes out. I am ready to bet All The Money.

(exodus)

(20:53:27 02/06/12 EST)

HAPPY BIRTHDAY, GUTS.

(Jeurja)

(13:09:02 02/05/12 EST)

Thanks!

(NeoGutsman)

(18:34:48 02/07/12 EST)

New Japanese Runabout 3D trailer. I was initially excited, then underwhelmed, then titillated by the parachuting European car. Will this suck or will this have the low-budget charm the likes of RC Helicopter for the PS1? I think I'm willing to risk a day-one purchase just to find out. (NeoGutsman) (12:57:59 01/18/12 EST)

Hm, looks like there are some new videos of this on YouTube now. Segway clone doing Dukes of Hazzard car ramp jumps? Tanks gunning down a highway? Pink Cadillac doing stuff? PREORDERED.

(NeoGutsman)

(13:01:50 01/18/12 EST)

"European car", what, is Wikipedia down or something? That's a Fiat 500!

(SignOfZeta)

(13:36:13 01/18/12 EST)

Tomorrow will also see the release of Europe and North America's first 3DS demo (Resident Evil: Revelations). I think Europe also gets the Cooking Mama 4 demo, too.

(NeoGutsman)

(03:01:07 01/19/12 EST)

I played through the demo twice. It's actually quite awesome. I haven't really played an RE game since RE4, but I could never really escape that first fricking village. I totally sucked at that game big-time. This one feels more like a classic RE game and seems more manageable. I don't like creepy anything or gore but the Home screen animated icon for this game is totally cool. Give it a go, guys.

(NeoGutsman)

(17:44:42 01/19/12 EST)

I wonder if it's just the TGS demo... guess I'll find out soon!

(exodus)

(02:28:05 01/21/12 EST)

have you yelled at the home screen icon yet? try it! after doing that, try yelling at other icons too, you'll be surprised!

(mental)

(13:56:05 01/21/12 EST)

I don't like yelling at games...

(exodus)

(19:29:20 01/21/12 EST)

its awesome to see little touches like this. go on, try it. THEN reply :)

(mental)

(20:38:32 01/21/12 EST)

it bounces instead of spins. that's fine!

(exodus)

(04:27:33 01/22/12 EST)

is something different supposed to happen if I make noises by other icons after doing that to RE? they still just spin faster...

(exodus)

(04:28:36 01/22/12 EST)

nah, thats all. i guess im just easily amused!

(mental)

(18:08:37 01/22/12 EST)

that's cool! it would be nice to be that way.

(exodus)

(02:59:23 01/23/12 EST)

I've tried it with all my Home screen icons. My favorite is probably Ocarina of Time because you get to see the back of the shield.

(NeoGutsman)

(01:59:16 01/24/12 EST)

Play Asia price SEVENTY FIVE DOLLARS. Uh huh.

(substance J)

(15:26:32 01/21/12 EST)

They finally announced the second half of SRW Z2 the other day. I can't wait to see what that fucker costs. It will probably be $90 shipped.

(SignOfZeta)

(17:24:47 01/21/12 EST)

UPDATE: Wrong. $92...before shipping.

(SignOfZeta)

(01:52:51 02/01/12 EST)

I've never played a Runabout game. How was the one on Dreamcast?

(Jeurja)

(00:49:27 01/23/12 EST)

I never bought that version, just the two original PS1 Runabout games. They're all wild and silly racing games with checkpoints and destruction.

(NeoGutsman)

(02:01:24 01/24/12 EST)

Somehow I always end up selling a lot of games during wintertime. This year is no different. Since a lot of my stuff is PAL it probably isn't of interest to most of you, but I decided it's time to part with Baseball Stars and Pocket Tennis for the b/w NeoGeo Pocket as well. They're my least played NGP games, so I figure they'd be better off with somebody else. If anybody here has some, say, USA Snes stuff you'd like to trade I'm all ears! (Rockman Pocket) (17:36:13 01/16/12 EST)

anything else for sale? as im in holland as well trading or selling would be a breeze! i already have these two ngp games though.. my last sngp trade must be.. 8 years ago! either with guts or danadamkof.

(mental)

(17:52:14 01/16/12 EST)

For the NGPC? That's all I'm parting with. For other systems? Tons of stuff! Check the list inside.

(Rockman Pocket)

(09:09:20 01/17/12 EST)

Oh my! I absolutely MUST have megaman legends and metroid2! how much would you like for both? Im less enthusiastic but still interested about aria of sorrow. hiw much for that? i cant find your marktplaats ad! thanks in advance!

(mental)

(13:59:21 01/17/12 EST)

Heh, Aria is a better game than those two combined ;) Send me an email, we'll work something out.

(Rockman Pocket)

(14:09:17 01/17/12 EST)

oh, nevermind! just found them, and 40 each is a bit too steep for me! im sure the games are worth that much, by the way, i just cant spend that at the moment.

(mental)

(14:10:15 01/17/12 EST)

Most of those are my brother's actually, I'm just listing them for him. I figured they'd be expensive for most people here, hence me just wanting to trade my NGP games.

(Rockman Pocket)

(17:00:29 01/17/12 EST)

i understand! thanks anyway!

(mental)

(18:54:35 01/17/12 EST)

How much you want for Konami Krazy Racers? Is it complete?

(aerisdead)

(18:15:38 01/18/12 EST)

It's as complete as it gets, even still has that little plastic bag for the cartridge. €15 seems like a fair price to me, though I'm not sure how much international shipping would add to that.

(Rockman Pocket)

(18:31:02 01/18/12 EST)

If you call it fifteen euros total I'd buy it? If you pack the box flat and stick it in an envelope I bet shipping wouldn't be that bad...

(aerisdead)

(13:07:39 01/20/12 EST)

Depends if you're within Europe or not. If you're within Europe shipping is surprisingly cheap, if you're outside sending it in a simple bubble envelope ends up being €5,70, which eats quite a large chunk out of the original €15...

(Rockman Pocket)

(16:51:21 01/20/12 EST)

Well how about you send it to my parents then for 15 euros. in Scotland.

(aerisdead)

(17:59:26 01/20/12 EST)

I'll send it to your parents in Scotland for €17. How about that?

(Rockman Pocket)

(09:27:21 01/21/12 EST)

mmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmm no dice. Sorry. Not trying to be a dick but I think 15 was my limit, mental or not, and so good luck selling it to someone else ok?

(aerisdead)

(16:34:36 01/21/12 EST)

No problem. Like the games mental wanted, KKR also is one of the games I'm pimping for my brother. All I want is to trade the NGP games, anything else is extra ;)

(Rockman Pocket)

(15:34:25 01/22/12 EST)

That is a really great game. I got another copy of it a couple of years ago and it was still a blast. Weird menu UI, but that actually adds to the game's charm.

(NeoGutsman)

(21:17:16 01/18/12 EST)

I really like how the main menu is occupied by chickens and penguins from Parodius. It really is one of the better Mario Kart clones.

(Rockman Pocket)

(10:45:13 01/19/12 EST)

It really is. I hope this makes it to the 3DS eShop someday because it really does deserve to be enjoyed by everyone.

(NeoGutsman)

(17:45:58 01/19/12 EST)

I might be interested in one or both of them. Are there differences in gameplay versus the color versions?

(NeoGutsman)

(01:12:22 01/17/12 EST)

I honestly have no idea. I wanted to look up old reviews on S:NGP to see if they made mention of it, only to be reminded it no longer exists :(

(Rockman Pocket)

(08:38:54 01/17/12 EST)

[Pocket Tennis] I got this because I heard it was a little more challenging than the later Pocket Tennis Color (see entry 402). And it is, but unfortunately the increased difficulty comes from less forgiving controls rather than tougher computer opponents: serving in this version is much touchier, and your little player seems to have a much shorter reach. Aside from that, the obvious color difference, and having a few fewer playable characters and courts, this version is pretty darn similar to the NGPC version.

(paleface.net/z/db)

(22:36:27 01/17/12 EST)

Thanks, Pale! I keep losing the bookmark to your invaluable database. I really should do the same with my collection. I'ma check my collection tomorrow night to see if I even own this version or not.

(NeoGutsman)

(01:12:37 01/18/12 EST)

Ah, that poor little player and his shorter reach.

(Rockman Pocket)

(08:16:45 01/18/12 EST)

Ok, I've played Tactics Ogre: Let Us Cling Together for PSP a bit, and I'm simply blown away by it so far. I'm compelled to discuss... (Bean) (12:30:37 01/15/12 EST)

Hmm...I'll keep an eye out for it.

(SignOfZeta)

(15:04:06 01/15/12 EST)

couldnt have said it better! its a tactics game like any other, basically, but every single little aspect is polished till it shines. youre welcome for the recommendation by the way, even though you may mean the other Mark/Guts :)

(mental)

(15:16:18 01/15/12 EST)

Crap, I'm 2 hours into Radiant Historia now and I might have to pop TO in later this week then. I got sidetracked with Swapnote (seriously, I think I've played it about 30 hours at last count) and a job interview. Glad to know about how easy it is to get into and all the wonderful modern things they've done with it.

(NeoGutsman)

(16:59:48 01/15/12 EST)

disgaea is probably the closest id compare this to! with one big exception though, you dont get to decide the order in which your troops attack. you do always see in what order everyone will be able to do something on screen. i think 2 hours is a small enough amount of time to put radiant away and save it for later :) this is sector: tactics ogre after all! oh and good luck with the job interview(s), tough times for most of us!

(mental)

(18:06:02 01/15/12 EST)

The worst thing about SRPGs like Tactics is the whole aspect of the entire mission, for all its complexity, really just being a puzzle with one winning combination and millions of losing ones. Therefore, for people who have no problem with that, having an emulator-esque rewind feature is going to make a lot of people happy. For me...I'm frustrated. I have a "turn this mother out" mentality. Tell me the mission objective and let me do it. Having to deal with "No bows on Thursday!" type rules (FF Tactics) or micromanaging individual soldiers to such an extent that I'm paying more attention to their most banal actions as a general that I would if I actually were them, just bugs my shit. What I would really like is a game that played like the newer SRW entires but was as difficult as the ones from the 90s.

(SignOfZeta)

(18:11:34 01/15/12 EST)

yeah. square enix's tactics games are for people who like micromanaging and working in excel. it drives me nuts, so as much as I may want to like their stuff, I am totally unable to.

(exodus)

(18:07:46 01/18/12 EST)

I'm terrible at tactics games, but at $10, I might jump on it. I actually love my PSP. :-)

(Jeurja)

(13:09:53 01/16/12 EST)

I picked this up last summer and really enjoyed it. It even came with a deck of tarot cards (major arcana). The GBA game was really good as well. I should go dig it out, I never did beat it.

(a-star)

(03:21:12 01/18/12 EST)

who's up for the following? lets all check on our animal crossing DS towns, and report back on the state its in! im guessing its been years for most of us, and im curious how your town looks, and what the animals tell (blame) you! (n/t) (mental) (05:34:37 01/14/12 EST)

I traded in my copy years ago. The town gate thing really was very inconvenient. I'm still on the fence for Animal Crossing 3DS.

(Darius)

(13:14:16 01/14/12 EST)

got rid of mine after finding messages from my ex on it. unlikely to be getting the 3DS version, since I just got it for her, really!

(exodus)

(15:18:53 01/14/12 EST)

Yeah I'm not fucking touching my copy of AC with a ten foot pole

(aerisdead)

(03:00:52 01/15/12 EST)

too much love, i cant handle it! ill at least post my own impressions later today.

(mental)

(06:18:22 01/15/12 EST)

I don't think I have mine anymore either. I'll have to check. I anticipate a lot of brown if I do still have it.

(a-star)

(21:47:31 01/14/12 EST)

I actually deleted my DS town over the holidays and gave the game as a Christmas gift to my 10 year old cousin. My Wii and Gamecube towns will live on in all their weed-filled glory though.

(Bean)

(13:48:44 01/15/12 EST)

I pretty much gave the game to my daughter and the last time we checked we had at least one giant stink plant, tons of weeds and a horrible roach infestation. Brrr. I think it's time for a fresh start with AC 3DS :)

(NeoGutsman)

(17:00:55 01/15/12 EST)

It seems your idea is incompatible with the forum goers, Mental. Sorry!

(SignOfZeta)

(18:12:45 01/15/12 EST)

haha, so it seems! im sure ill get more enthusiasm with the 3ds version. oh well!

(mental)

(13:37:23 01/16/12 EST)

I'm sure some of you have already seen this preview video for Animal Crossing 3DS. I just wanted to post it because after watching it again I actually felt kind of... homesick. I miss that world, the characters, and the entire vibe. If the game were food it would be like good tea and maple bars. I love the music in the video so much, and I hope there's an OST available for it when it does finally release. (NeoGutsman) (01:28:28 01/13/12 EST)

Man, that game does not change very much from year to year...

(SignOfZeta)

(01:31:07 01/13/12 EST)

I like what's there and how it's presented. From what I've read it adds more good stuff and allows you to take on the role of mayor (Tom Nook is some real estate person now I think). I dunno, for all the pushes for big changes to series I for one am glad that Animal Crossing started off awesome to begin with and just becomes more polished with each version. Taking advantage of the 3DS capabilities alone excites me. I'm dying to know how visiting friends' towns will work and the kinds of things and events that will transfer over with Streetpasses alone.

(NeoGutsman)

(03:14:42 01/13/12 EST)

I just feel like an idiot buying the game again. I mean...they don't work very hard. It kind of reminds me of Pokemon, which had some of the crudest graphics of any game on GBA and DS. I don't want them to make AC into a 1000 hour RPG or anything, but when I buy a new game I like the idea that I'm actually going to do something different, like I'm actually paying for something. The DS one was a pretty big leap from GC since it had net play, but even then...it was %90 the same exact friggn game as the GC one...minus the NES games. Your character is ugly. You throw your hook into the water. You move your bed to the other side of the room....all that shit is cool, but it was just as cool on N64. WHAT I WANT: a furniture editor, custom soundtracks, the ability to build tunnels between everyone's basements, the ability to watch Netflix on your TV.

(SignOfZeta)

(03:27:12 01/13/12 EST)

I'd watch Samurai Pizza Cats and Little House on the Prairie.

(a-star)

(10:17:21 01/13/12 EST)

I see your point, but frankly that's how I feel about fighting games. Regarding AC, it's a game where you basically hang out, run little errands, and carve out a little slice of heaven for yourself -- if that's what you want. Some people love dogs for all the amazing things they can do, but I always liked the idea of owning a little hamster (I used to - named him Kirby :D) and creating a little home for him with tunnels, a wheel, and little home. It was cute, and though he didn't do tricks or feel like a companion like a dog it's exactly what I wanted in a pet. I don't know if that makes sense, but it's the best I can muster as an explanation.

(NeoGutsman)

(14:07:18 01/13/12 EST)

I see your point in the fighting game comparison, but there are two important differences, IMO. 1) almost everything in a new fighting game is designed to be a new way to kick someone's ass...and people are very resourceful. Therefore, even the smallest addition is just a world of possibilities. I was STOKED to buy SFZ2', despite it only adding Cammy and a new move for Guy because just those two things changed actual gameplay enormously. 2) new fighting games don't come out just because there is a new system. There is a AC for every Nintendo system since the N64, and that's why they make them. They don't make them because they have a bunch of new ideas, they make them because they need to port the same old game to whatever system is currently in the store. As someone who very rarely ever gets rid of a game system this make the idea that this is a "new game" kind of hard to buy into and their very existence seems kind of cynical. Who knows, maybe the sales on this one won't be that great and then they'll be motivated to put at least 1/10 as much work into AC as they put into a new Mario game. They did eventually start making Pokemon games that look like they are actually from same decade as other RPGs released that year. BTW, it should be said that I will almost certainly buy this game some day, maybe when the 3DS Lite comes out, but by then all you dudes will be done with it.

(SignOfZeta)

(03:50:09 01/15/12 EST)

I was so disappointed with the Wii game, which was basically a cleaned-up version of the (great) DS game... which made a lot of nice improvements to the first game. I hope there is something new and interesting in the 3DS version. I miss that feeling the first game gave me. That is, living in a game world that was unlike anything else before it and discovering small, curious things on a daily basis.

(Jeurja)

(10:17:13 01/13/12 EST)

I really really want to play this game. I want to make gigantic gardens and beautiful flower patches, but I just don't think I have the stamina to keep up with everything else. It really bugs me when a friend moves away, or a flower dies, ect. I want to try and control too many aspects of the game. There seems to be a lot of neat new features, I bet this game will be really good!

(a-star)

(10:25:23 01/13/12 EST)

What I like about AC games is how you can do so much, but you're never directly pushed. Friends and flowers can be delicate for sure but I definitely like how, if those aren't your priorities in AC, then you're not made to feel punished for making them a low (or non) priority.

(NeoGutsman)

(14:02:17 01/13/12 EST)

Did you see A-Star's town? Something is pushing that guy pretty fucking hard. Possibly Satan? Seriously, his flower situation was kuh-ray-zee.

(SignOfZeta)

(07:05:31 01/14/12 EST)

NOT SATAN!! I just felt guilty if they died.....then there were so many.....my town had such a nice fragrance!

(a-star)

(21:45:50 01/14/12 EST)

Sadly, my original copy of AC DS was stolen from me and by the time I got another copy and started playing again you guys were either done or weren't online as much. That and my heard wasn't as into it the second time around because I was so bummed about having to start over again. I know that's ironic given the conversation above, but in that little AC DS capsule was a lot of work and care and I couldn't get over feeling bummed out.

(NeoGutsman)

(06:11:37 01/15/12 EST)

I love this game to death but the upkeep aspects are very demanding. I already have trouble keeping up with Swapnote so AC could very well break me. We'll see. *-_-

(Darius)

(13:20:00 01/14/12 EST)

Started playing Radiant Historia. An hour in and I feel like the game is generally moving at a fantastically brisk pace without losing character establishment or general story. I don't have time for things like the first several hours of an RPG where all I do is run around a castle and meet people and open chests and meet more people and then finally have one damned battle. Solatorobo is actually a slow-starter relative to other games I guess but it's made up in incredible charm (at least for me). (NeoGutsman) (23:37:31 01/11/12 EST)

I've been interested in this one, so thanks for the impressions. Too bad about the bad animation, but if the game's fun, it's easy to look past that.

(Jeurja)

(10:18:46 01/12/12 EST)

It's really just the main character, strangely enough. Maybe I'm just being picky. Check out the video in my original post. It's not that bad. I am just being teh dramah qweenz.

(NeoGutsman)

(12:33:01 01/12/12 EST)

Nice to read something about radiant, i saw it recently and forgot to look up if it was any good! Now I know you wont like this, buuuuut... I started playing Tactics Ogre LUCT, and its amazing. So streamlined, smooth, nice, pretty, etc! The devs obvious had a lot of fun remaking this! So hurry up, finish radiant so we can start discussing tactics ogre!

(mental)

(14:07:26 01/12/12 EST)

I got bored and frustrated! I should try again, but there was so much OCD-oriented stuff involved with getting things right, taming dragons, raising classes, that I got overwhelmed and quit. I just can't play these math-nerd square enix games.

(exodus)

(15:30:11 01/12/12 EST)

you are absolutely right! it does however feel a bit easier and accessible than say.. ff tactics to me. time will tell!

(mental)

(16:52:07 01/12/12 EST)

yeah, and as a result I quit FF tactics waaaay faster than tactics ogre!

(exodus)

(23:00:52 01/12/12 EST)

Okay, I'll try :) I know I mentioned in my super-exclusive 3DS message that I just got LUCT but something made me open this first :D

(NeoGutsman)

(23:13:45 01/12/12 EST)

hmmmm it intrigues.

(exodus)

(13:59:49 01/12/12 EST)

but of course it's not available anywhere now, and starts at $50 on most sites. so! that's that then.

(exodus)

(14:44:19 01/12/12 EST)

The only reason I have it now is because Amazon had a $19.99 game-only version for sale over the holidays. I think it's a reissue because the first run came packaged with the CD mini-soundtrack. I'm not that picky anymore but man, I kinda wish I bought this earlier for that soundtrack. Anyway, yeah, expayunsivvvvvv.

(NeoGutsman)

(23:17:44 01/12/12 EST)

Man, this game just got confusing. I'm having a hard time figuring out what to do when I go into a different timeline. It zaps you back to a while before a decision point (thank goodness for the zippy X-button dialog skipping and ability to just tap start to cancel a dialog section), but from there it's not always clear what to do. It's good that there's a timeline map you can use to navigate and read plot points for reminders but damn, I'm getting lost 3 hours in. Maybe I'm just not getting it yet. I'll keep plugging away... Hm...

(NeoGutsman)

(22:29:18 01/20/12 EST)

I'm buying corpse party, if anyone's curious to know how it is. I shall let you know eventually! (n/t) (exodus) (01:50:01 01/09/12 EST)

but first!! I am going through the inevitable PSP process. plug into wall because there is no battery. set date and time. try to install it via ps3 but find that it needs a software update. try to do psp software update via ps3, realize psp doesn't recognize ps3 for some reason. connect to personal wifi. be asked to insert memory card with 32 megs of space which is already in there, then press x a bunch of times. download update. be asked if I want to start update. screen goes blank for a while - screen fades in with an update page that has a start button I have to press X on. press X. scroll through things I inevitably have to accept before downloading for which the default option is "don't accept." accept. process begins. dialog window tells me to plug in the already plugged-in AC adaptor and wait for the battery to be charged enough to complete the update without having an AC adaptor in. wait. meanwhile find that the psp games I downloaded previously but didn't install are now not valid because they happened before the PSP hack. go back and individually find and redownload them because that's the only way to do it. THE USER FRIENDLINESS!!!! CAN I HANDLE IT!?

(exodus)

(02:28:48 01/09/12 EST)

I dislike how the PSP handles firmware updates but it's not too horrible. Just... cold and robotic. Also: press right to proceed even though that looks like the Start button oh ohkay soniez thats sooo slicgck mang that xmb is slick yo. Seriously, that shit should be more streamlined. Is the Vita any better in that regard? That I won't buy until there's a second revision.

(NeoGutsman)

(12:18:37 01/09/12 EST)

The last time I bought a PSP game it was Super Robot Wars Z2. I tried for a couple of hours but couldn't get it to run since my PSP is hacked. A Nintendo product will just install legit firmware over the top of the hacked stuff (actually warning you that your janky homebrew probably won't work anymore first) but with a PSP you either have to keep upgrading the custom firmware, find a non-legit way to install the legit firmware, or buy a new PSP. I then just downloaded a cracked ISO and I'm now nearly done with my third play through. The actual UMD has been in the drive this entire time, but never actually read from. I think I had to do this with Macross Ultimate Frontier too, and I'm sure I'll have to do it with SRWZ2 Part 2, whenever this confusingly named game is released. I'm used to having to do all sorts of tricky shit to pirate stuff, but its wierd to have to do tricky shit to play legit stuff, especially since the firmware update I need is right on the UMD I want to play. ONLY ON PSP! Despite their best efforts I'm committed to actually purchasing PSP games. There will probably only be two or three more good ones made at this point, so hopefully the "omni-hack" will be released soon and I won't have to go through this shit every time a game comes out. And you can forget about the PSN store. I couldn't get that shit to work even before my system was hacked.

(SignOfZeta)

(13:20:56 01/09/12 EST)

yeah, the basic takeaway is that it's just as easy, if not easier, to update your hack and download a game for free as it is to update your PSP legally and pay for the game. and that's pretty goddamned retarded.

(exodus)

(15:06:04 01/09/12 EST)

Seriously, updating the PSP is not hard at all. I think you guys are making too big a deal out of this. The update screens are kind of weird in that you have to go through a few pages and yeah, the battery/AC thing is mentioned but it's not that hard. Plug your system into the wall, update, and there you go. I don't even remember having to charge my system all the way, I think I just had to have it plugged into the wall if I was less than 50% to be safe.

(NeoGutsman)

(04:28:20 01/17/12 EST)

I'd like to hear impressions.

(Jeurja)

(17:52:33 01/09/12 EST)

okay! I got mad at my psp so it might be a while before I pick it up again, but I'll let y'all know.

(exodus)

(18:30:03 01/09/12 EST)

I gave Rayman another try and it's great.

(Jeurja)

(23:50:43 01/09/12 EST)

it's most fun when playing with others...

(exodus)

(16:10:09 01/10/12 EST)

I've been playing Wipeout Pure on my PSP. Sort of. I mostly picked it up in the UK so I could get the exclusive artist tracks by dudes like Jon Burgerman, which are cool. But to download them I actually had to get them off a hack site because the official site was dead. Crazy.

(aerisdead)

(15:33:13 01/10/12 EST)

wip3out will always be my sentimental favorite with some of the best tracks in the and while the soundtrack isn't as good as say, XL, it fit the theme nicely and was done when Sasha's music still had a little oomph to it. It was also the only game in the series where I achieved zen and could first place everything on Phantom. Pure would be a very, very close second for just being so clean and doing almost everything perfectly after the mess that was Fusion. It might even be the better than wip3out but I'll never admit it.

(twelvest)

(19:11:53 01/10/12 EST)

I played the original Wipeout religiously. I never did beat that second class after the original (Venom? It's been 15 years...). Wipeout (and to a degree Warhawk) was the game that sold me on getting a Playstation. I liked XL and the soundtrack to that, too but there was something that didn't latch on to me. I didn't play Wip3out but maybe I'll try to snag a copy someday based on your recommendation. I hated the Wipeout on the PSP I owned. It may have been Pure, I forget. I just remember being really frustrated and never, ever placing in races. Someone make a hack so I can use a neGcon on the PSP, dammit.

(NeoGutsman)

(20:17:50 01/10/12 EST)

okay - I played through chapter one of 6, and while I am compelled to continue, you have to have a high tolerance for anime highschool BS, because there's plenty of "why did I say this to my best friend, oh no" stuff happening. also I realize I read one of the mangas from this series already! but basically it's an adventure game, not an RPG, and unless these chapters get longer, it's pretty short. I am not sure it's worth $20, but I am not regretting my purchase. how's that for a vague answer!!

(exodus)

(00:59:22 01/11/12 EST)

actually I slightly retract the longevity thing, because as you collect nametags of dead students you unlock extra chapters - and all of these have different ending conditions... so! I guess it's a bit longer.

(exodus)

(01:06:32 01/11/12 EST)

Swapnote friends: Here's the Nikki Mii I put in the photo of my last note to you. She's based on the official one from Nintendo Japan (her name is in English rather than katakana for this one): (NeoGutsman) (22:08:30 01/05/12 EST)

Coolsies! Thanks!!!

(Darius)

(10:44:07 01/07/12 EST)

In case you missed it, (I almost did...) Club Nintendo is now letting you spend your coins on virtual console games for the Wii and 3DS. And it looks like they'll change up the games you can get every month or so. I've got 670 coins now thanks to the Ambassador Program games. They let you take a 10-coin survey for each game! Crazy. (Bean) (13:48:24 01/04/12 EST)

It's pretty cool. I considered Super Mario Kart but I'll not play it so didn't bother. Plus I sort of like to think that one day I'll somehow save up for G&W Ball if I don't get these. I'll keep my eye on the free games each update. Would be neat if they put some DSiWare in pretty cheap too.

(aerisdead)

(17:49:01 01/04/12 EST)

I saw this last month and have been debating about using 100 coins to get Xevious 3D. The 3D effect in that game is great but I have never liked the core game much. I am also passing on the other coin offers for now. I'm hoping that on January 10th (the date the games are supposed to change) brings better games.

(NeoGutsman)

(19:12:25 01/04/12 EST)

Agreed, I think I'm going to pass on this month's offerings. Fluidity was the one that piqued my interest the most though. Has anyone played it? The preview video looks interesting.

(Bean)

(20:42:48 01/04/12 EST)

Woo! :D It's pretty cool Nintendo let us take surveys for coins. If anything it's just more survey data for them anyway. I made sure to mention each of the 10 times that they should update the NES games sooner with the usual VC save state and definitely a button config option. They already map Select to Y which is GREAT for Metroid but I want an actual Y+B setup for games like Super Mario Bros.

(NeoGutsman)

(21:37:23 01/04/12 EST)

Its true. Xevious sucks.

(SignOfZeta)

(00:07:53 01/05/12 EST)

As for the GBA games, I wish WarioWare Twisted! was a possibility for VC release but it loses a lot because the vibration feedback was a large part of the experience.

(NeoGutsman)

(19:24:18 01/04/12 EST)

when y'all talked about the ambassador games being available, I thought you meant for everyone - but no, it was just that nintendo had finally made good on its promise, like 4 months later. that is completely ridiculous.

(exodus)

(23:59:23 01/04/12 EST)

I'm pretty sure they made this known up front. I wasn't paying attention because I wasn't in the market.

(SignOfZeta)

(00:21:39 01/05/12 EST)

True, 10 nes games rightaway, and 10 gba games "before the end of 2011". So if anything, they totally kept their word.

(mental)

(17:01:33 01/06/12 EST)

So last month there was that thing where Sony is being sued because of its new EULA built into the newest version of PS3 OS. In order to use PSN now you have to agree to never sue them if they accidentally send your CC# onto some hackers. This is some bullshit, and so they are being sued for even trying this shit. They wouldn't even have the hacker problem they have if they weren't such litigious dicks in the first place. The original PSN fiasco coincided with my free G&W Ball. The EULA and lawsuit coincided with my annual free calendar. Last week they sent me an email saying, "Yeah, there is a misprint in this calendar, so if its all right with you we'd like to send you another one." Its pretty obvious IMO who's going to be around in another ten years.

(SignOfZeta)

(00:07:22 01/05/12 EST)

MS followed suit a month or so later. only a matter of time before nintendo tries to get it together and do that too.

(exodus)

(01:30:25 01/05/12 EST)

Not if there is case law out there making it fiscal suicide.

(SignOfZeta)

(01:33:07 01/05/12 EST)

Seriously?! I didn't even download all of them because I didn't want to waste space on my SD card. Guess I'll pick up the rest if it's not too late.

(Darius)

(10:45:14 01/07/12 EST)

The NES and GBA games combined barely make a dent on your 2GB SD card so download them all for sure. You never have a deadline to download the games themselves and can delete and download them at your whim. What you should worry about are the Club Nintendo surveys you're given for them as you have a limited time to finish each one and submit them for coins. Usually you're given several months (or even years) to finish surveys but the Ambassador NES games surveys expired a few weeks ago. Good luck!

(NeoGutsman)

(02:19:07 01/08/12 EST)

Yeah, I don't have a 3DS but I do know that GBA games aren't very big. I think compressed a big one is like 32MB or so, and NES games...basically an irrelevant addition space-wise on any SD card made. Even Kirby's Adventure, the largest NES game, was only 6mB, or less than one MB. You could easily fit two to three thousand NES games onto a 2GB card, and they didn't make nearly that many.

(SignOfZeta)

(13:32:08 01/09/12 EST)

Does anyone else now feel shame while playing old easily identifiable handheld games on public transportation in the United States? As in, worried about prejudice in the smartphone era? Part of the reason I wanted a Wonderswan is because people don't know what the fuck it is and are more likely to leave me alone because of this. If I were to whip out a GameBoy Pocket -- which, honestly, I wish I could -- I would most certainly face some ridicule. Youth and yuppies have made handhelds pornographic. Shiny tablets and ghetto-blaster slabs, users competing to out-hard-cock one another. What I really want to do is play old IIIe-era Palm Pilot games (Galaxian clone Galax in particular) but worry I'd be bludgeoned or something. Maybe I just live in the wrong neighborhood. (n/t) (Mike Chicago) (21:42:17 12/31/11 EST)

With all due respect, I think you're either living in the wrong city or are just thinking too hard about this. Having said that, I do think whipping out a Lynx II or Wonderswan would be kind of rad. Anyway, play whatever you have and play it for real. You know you're enjoying it based on its own merits and not to be ironic or hipster like the people you mention.

(NeoGutsman)

(01:39:12 01/01/12 EST)

You gotta escalate, man--go full-out Virtual Boy on their punk asses!

(Paleface is not responsible for people following his advice in anything)

(02:57:23 01/01/12 EST)

Nope.

(SignOfZeta)

(05:22:27 01/01/12 EST)

what the-? this is a serious issue where you live? i coudnt care less about what im seen with. people around me arent interested in each other these days anyways, so i doubt they care if im playing an iphone 4s or my MegaDuck.

(mental)

(12:00:28 01/01/12 EST)

i feel my point wasnt obvious from what i wrote. its not what people think of what youre holding, its that not in a million years would i ever give a flying fuck what someone else thinks of the device in my hands. enjoy the wonderswan man!

(mental)

(12:02:31 01/01/12 EST)

Well, lack of safety on the train is a serious issue where I live. It'll take X amount of shootings and beatings for the beginnings of what I would call a proper response, but even then, showboating persists. Right now the response has been to play classical music, loud, at one stop. It's tense. It's a quiet, light-rail train, which gives stage to demanding people -- unlike the loudness of New York and Chicago trains, which drowns all into submission. This very well may be a unique problem to Oregon.

(Mike Chicago)

(17:33:32 01/01/12 EST)

not to psychoanalyze, but that's more a security problem than a problem with other people. embrace what you like, and do what you want! people can wear/like/play whatever they want, and if they do it with confidence, they're well received. but I don't know why you'd care about that anyway. if they're not cool enough to handle a handheld, too bad for them!

(exodus)

(15:29:58 01/01/12 EST)

I care because I spend two hours a day on a BART-equivalent at best and want to avoid attention while attempting to be stimulated by something besides my (hidden) iPod. I acknowledge being overly sensitive, yeah; if I attract attention, I can't concentrate. It sucks, but that is who I really am. I do agree with your ideas regarding confidence, but such public display is exhausting, and I am usually on my way to and from hard manual labor (a kind of work that I rather enjoy).

(Mike Chicago)

(17:48:21 01/01/12 EST)

yeah, I mean... I take bart 1.5 hours per day through oakland, and have no problems, but bart's expensive enough that maybe thieves don't ride it. haha.

(exodus)

(20:19:02 01/03/12 EST)

I spend an hour a day on the bus in Seattle. In 2010 I've rocked iPhones, iPads, a DSi, NGPCs, a GBA SP, Novels, a Laptop, paperback comics, giant 200+ page hardback comics and probably some other stuff. I give no fucks. Then again, I'm a big guy and have never had to deal with any kind of physical intimidation in the city. I worked in the roughest neighborhood in Seattle (still not actually a rough neighborhood!) for 5 years before this, so maybe I'm just inured to it? I worry more about getting mugged than prejudice about sporting the wrong smart phone. Hell, I had a Nokia 6500 until this fall.

(PopaSmear)

(16:50:00 01/02/12 EST)

Which neighborhood was that?

(NeoGutsman)

(17:17:44 01/02/12 EST)

Pioneer Square. Solid runners up would include Bell Town (I lived there) and downtown at the 3rd and Pike stop (I work there now). Basically, Seattle, in the City, doesn't have rough neighborhoods. It has neighborhoods where some poor people live, and it makes people uncomfortable.

(PopaSmear)

(14:08:05 01/03/12 EST)

The bus I'd take would fill up first with people commuting to and from Kent, so lots of suburbanites. The mid-downtown people looking for short hops did just that and got off quickly. If I drove in with Arlene I'd have to take a bus from Safeco Field to HQ, and that had remnants of some freaks from West Seattle at times. Some guy threatened me once but thankfully he was one asshole out of thousands I've taken over the last 20 years.

(NeoGutsman)

(18:38:33 01/03/12 EST)

Exactly. Seattle doesn't have any legitimately scary neighborhoods, but there are places where poor people live, or drug deals go down. In those neighborhoods, the odds of you being targeted for street crime is higher. Of course, the wealthy people in nice neighborhoods are no less likely to try to rip you off, they just do it with middle class versions of crime. The really scary ones are the dudes on Mercer island, who have managed to make their version of a snatch and run legal. The call it investment banking.

(PopaSmear)

(19:58:52 01/03/12 EST)

Yes, that's the main thing. I'm worried about someone wanting to steal my stuff, not what they think about me playing it. I feel worried sometimes walking around the neighborhood the library I work at is in while listening to my iPod. A couple times I thought someone was going to jack it... and it's not even a new one.

(Jeurja)

(18:56:26 01/02/12 EST)

This is seriously an issue? Maybe I'm old enough now that I don't care what anyone thinks.

(Jeurja)

(18:54:42 01/02/12 EST)

On public transportation, at least, I am affected by the reactions of others. Concentration, pleasure and safety are threatened.

(Mike Chicago)

(23:34:09 01/02/12 EST)

Safety I'd worry about the most. I do remember once when I was playing a Pokemon game on the trolley it was really annoying that some guy behind me was leaning forward in his seat to watch and would make noises when I'd win matches and stuff. That definitely affected my concentration and pleasure, I guess.

(Jeurja)

(12:00:39 01/03/12 EST)

As a very anxious and somewhat shy person I've grappled with this issue in the past but I've mostly gotten over it. On bus rides I'm most likely to travel with a DMG or an NGPC for quick burst gaming while my DSi goes with me on plane flights or bus/train trips longer than an hour. I think a few yung'uns have snickered at me playing the fat Gameboys before but screw'em. It's also started a number of really nice conversations with normal people who get all excited to see these things tricked out with backlights and dual RCAs and such. All I'm looking for is to kill some time on the bus. Haters can, uh, fuck themselves and the friendly people are (often) as welcome of a time killer as Kirby's Pinball Land.

(twelvest)

(19:26:28 01/02/12 EST)

With a return to public transport imminent, since my company is moving out of the suburbs and into downtown KCMO, I've been looking forward to whipping out my NES GBA SP and getting my Fire Emblem on.

(supergiantninja)

(13:33:26 01/03/12 EST)

Can we get a 3DS Friend code thread going? I'll throw up a page somewhere after with all the data. I'm inside (PopaSmear) (14:23:35 12/29/11 EST)

Giddyup! All the more people to spam with Swapnotes! =) Darius: 2019-9662-9304

(Darius)

(19:41:19 12/29/11 EST)

Bean: 2449-4647-7049

(Bean)

(21:15:34 12/29/11 EST)

Raroo: 4382-1992-6364

(Jeurja)

(00:58:11 12/30/11 EST)

NeoGutsman: 0774-4412-7853

(NeoGutsman)

(02:09:23 12/30/11 EST)

Mark: 1504 5793 6929

(Mental)

(18:49:55 01/01/12 EST)

Woah, you have Tales of the Abyss? Is that out in Europe already? How is it? Do tell!

(NeoGutsman)

(19:08:33 01/01/12 EST)

haha thanks! my mii is pretty much exactly the way i look in real life! tales of the abyss is.. i dont know. im 6 hours in, and its been "dialog-walk to next village-dialogue-walk to next village" etc. maybe itll get going! the graphics are nice, not great. the music is nice, not great. the story is nice, not great. i think you see where im going with this, haha! ill keep playing it though, and let you know when my current "meh" opinion changes!

(mental)

(15:00:16 01/02/12 EST)

I've read that it's very nearly a straight port of the PS2 version, for better or for worse. I'm still interested in it since the 3DS needs more RPGs and this one is generally well regarded as far as I can tell.

(NeoGutsman)

(17:19:49 01/02/12 EST)

I've added you, but you're provisional until you add me back.

(PopaSmear)

(16:39:48 01/02/12 EST)

Oh my! I added everyone from the replies. I'm adding you right now, followed up by another 30 minutes of Abyss! Surely all the positive reviews can't be wrong. I generally love rpg's, and phantasia and eternia specifically.

(mental)

(17:46:32 01/02/12 EST)

Woo Hoo! Internet Friends!

(PopaSmear)

(14:10:23 01/03/12 EST)

Let's try this Swapnote RPG. I haven't watched the entire thing but I think he's on to something very cool here.

(NeoGutsman)

(18:55:01 01/03/12 EST)

although i LOVE the idea, the whole tutorial made my head spin! i hope nintendo sees this and makes a more... streamlined version!

(mental)

(21:25:41 01/03/12 EST)

Yeah, it is more involved than I initially thought. I have a few ideas for "games" for Swapnote I'm working on right now so keep your eyes peeled!

(NeoGutsman)

(23:23:29 01/03/12 EST)

yeah, i definitely like your shape game better than the whole rpg thing! do you actually receive my drawings? i still see "send" above my (already sent as far as i know) drawings. also, have you at some point taken a drawing course or something? its not even just the quality of your drawings, but most of all the expressions and the movement that are really nice!

(mental)

(12:02:17 01/04/12 EST)

I do receive your drawings and I think they're great! I like your response to the Robot Drinkin' Party :D I only took art classes a few times in junior high and once in high school but those were very, very basic classes. I just liked to draw a lot but stopped many years ago for various reasons. This is probably the most I've drawn since the 90's actually.

(NeoGutsman)

(12:32:25 01/04/12 EST)

Ah, thats good to hear! With us being so active on swapnote, i really cant wait to see how awesome animal crossing will be! I was never online with my DS, but the 3DS makes it so much more accessable! With more online friends and an infinitely more customisable world in the 3ds version, im sure we'll have loads of fun! Now if only we got a release date..

(mental)

(17:01:14 01/04/12 EST)

Oh yes, I'll be the first to buy Animal Crossing 3DS when it is released here. I am also excited about the friends integration and customization. Perhaps trading and visiting each others' towns will be much more convenient this time around. AC DS was still great but having to leave our town gate open wasn't always possible or feasible. Really, Animal Crossing 3DS is my most-wanted game for the system.

(NeoGutsman)

(03:12:30 01/05/12 EST)

Tomorrow's NA eShop update includes VVVVVV ($7.99) and Bionic Commando (GameBoy version) for around $2.99-3.99. I'll only buy VVVVVV if it goes on sale since I already own the PC version but man I'm totally gonna buy Bionic Commando again. I loved that version. I don't remember if you could beat it in one sitting since the game provided password saves. All I know is that it played perfectly, much better than that GBC abomination. (NeoGutsman) (19:45:32 12/28/11 EST)

I just got VVVVV as part of that Humble Indie Bundle deal. It seems cool. It might be rad in 3D.

(Jeurja)

(21:08:13 12/28/11 EST)

Nice! Register that bad boy on Steam so you always have the latest updates. Hell, register all of 'em.

(NeoGutsman)

(02:03:36 12/29/11 EST)

Is Toys n' Joys real? I forgot. (n/t) (Mike Chicago) (20:39:08 12/27/11 EST)

Pretty sure I got a few things from them back in the day, so my shaky memory says "yes, probably."

(Paleface)

(21:20:45 12/27/11 EST)

Although come to think of it maybe (? darn memory) this was the place where one of the things I ordered that their site seemed to imply was in stock was not actually something they had in stock; rather, they sent out some street urchin in Hong Kong (or whatever) to acquire a copy from somewhere, so it took a while to get to me. I thought it was kind of neat in a ghetto sort of way though.

(Paleface)

(22:05:50 12/27/11 EST)

Okay, I didn't see this until after I made my post, but yep... this is pretty much my experience.

(Jeurja)

(22:31:07 12/27/11 EST)

Ah okay I am probably remembering the right place then!

(Paleface)

(04:35:43 12/28/11 EST)

Mostly.

(SignOfZeta)

(21:57:31 12/27/11 EST)

I got stuff from them like a decade ago. It took forever, though. My theory is they didn't actually have it in stock but then managed to secure the contents of my order after they got the money.

(Jeurja)

(22:30:36 12/27/11 EST)

Yeah, it's real. I got a EU copy of Reversi and Snowboard Kids for the NGPC from them for $20 each about ten years ago. I also had a friend who worked there back in the late '90s. I didn't have any problems ordering then, but that was my one and only order from them. I think there absolutely is credence that there are items where you place an order with a "lead time" and then they send some runner out locally or somewhere in Asia to try to scrounge it for you. NCSX sort of does that too but that's mainly for special editions and stuff you can only get at 7-11 there, etc.

(NeoGutsman)

(14:15:48 12/28/11 EST)

I'm pretty sure I bought Dynamite Slugger from them around that time. It was sold as new but was clearly used, with a team modified already or something. I zapped the data and forgot about it until now. Well, I think I'll buy Wonderswan games strictly via eBay and Pink Gorilla, considering all this.

(Mike Chicago)

(03:35:36 12/29/11 EST)

I'm dropping by the International District tomorrow. If I go to Pink Godzilla there I'll let you know what I find. I still haven't been to the U-District one since I'm never ever up that north in Seattle anymore.

(NeoGutsman)

(03:50:41 12/29/11 EST)

Didn't make it to Pink Gorilla today. Maybe tomorrow.

(NeoGutsman)

(02:08:35 12/30/11 EST)

Ah, thanks. I actually was at the International District shop December 17. They had some FFs and Mr. Driller and a cute-looking B&W tower platformer of some sort. I also went to the U-District store that weekend too, but I wasn't looking at that section. I did notice Judgement Silversword, however. Wowie wow wow!

(Mike Chicago)

(02:54:33 12/30/11 EST)

I'm surprised they even had it.

(SignOfZeta)

(03:05:23 12/30/11 EST)

It might have been $200!?

(Mike Chicago)

(03:35:44 12/30/11 EST)

I suppose that's probably going rate for a retail store. I've only ever seen it in person once, and it was over a hundred.

(SignOfZeta)

(15:00:03 12/30/11 EST)

I own it, and it's nice, but not worth $200. I got it for like $50 back in the day.

(exodus)

(15:09:02 12/30/11 EST)

It was really expensive new, so I think $120 is probably fair. Not that I would pay that, but its fair.

(SignOfZeta)

(23:59:10 12/30/11 EST)

I finally decided to start my copy of solatorobo... only to discover my japanese DSI LL won't recognize it. so I figured, no problem, I'll download the rom since I already bought this new at retail, I can do that without regret. turns out, somehow, in the pirated version the ability to search/find items is disabled, which means the first quest is uncompletable. I guess I can play this on my 3DS and have a subpar visual experience, but man, that is kind of too bad! (n/t) (exodus) (15:46:23 12/27/11 EST)

I think it looks fine on the 3DS. Just note that even on a non-3DS the NPC sprites in-level are pixely to begin with, and they'll be pixely on the 3DS, too. I also find the control to be better on the 3DS when you use the circle pad. I'm 26 hours in, with just two more main missions to go...

(NeoGutsman)

(16:36:16 12/27/11 EST)

alright, I won't complain too much then. And I'm glad I found this out early on, instead of later in the game.

(exodus)

(17:16:42 12/27/11 EST)

...what? I was not aware of any region issues with regular DS games. This is troubling since half my games are Japanese. BTW, it's almost standard now for pirated DS games to run but have some sort of quirk in them that makes them unplayable. Usually a patch is released at some point.

(SignOfZeta)

(17:20:56 12/27/11 EST)

I new that none of the DSi games were cross-region, but there are only 3, so I didn't care. this is also the first I've seen of a DS game not working this way, but I am not a fan of it. luckily(!?) there are pretty much no more games coming out for the system.

(exodus)

(17:51:37 12/27/11 EST)

Maybe it's an LL only thing, or maybe it only blocks you one way, like PC Engine?

(SignOfZeta)

(20:37:31 12/27/11 EST)

I think it's a dsi thing.. I'm not sure though.

(exodus)

(20:55:05 12/27/11 EST)

Ah, I didn't realize this was a DSi cart. I sort of forgot those were possible

(SignOfZeta)

(21:57:12 12/27/11 EST)

oh, I didn't totally clarify. I have a DSi LL, and I think the DSi started putting region locks on certain bits of everything. the cart is standard DS, though I think it IS DSi compatible, because it asks you to take a picture of yourself.

(exodus)

(05:26:58 12/28/11 EST)

I thought the DSi carts were going to be made from different colored plastic.

(SignOfZeta)

(13:45:50 12/28/11 EST)

This game takes advantage of DSi systems' processor and camera. There's slowdown in places on a DS system, but if you have a DSi/DSLL/3DS then you won't have those issues. The original JP and EU versions of Solatorobo also let you download free missions online. The US version thankfully already has all the DLC included on the cart so no need to worry about the servers going down ever. As for region locking, yeah, I think this may have been one of the few technically DSi games that has that but I can't remember where I saw that confirmed. Actually, exodus' problems are confirmation then.

(NeoGutsman)

(14:21:52 12/28/11 EST)

Is that good? It's pretty damn cheap on Amazon right now.

(PopaSmear)

(15:43:20 12/28/11 EST)

Yes.

(NeoGutsman)

(17:06:28 12/28/11 EST)

it's charming! but these flying sequences are giving me problems. so hard to control!

(exodus)

(19:00:08 12/28/11 EST)

The flying sequences where you have the jetlike attachment SUCK. I hate them. Make use of the L and R buttons and you'll probably be okay. I haven't run into many quests that require you to actually win these segments. I think it just unlocks jet stuff to use in the multiplayer race mode. The jetpack mode takes a little while to get used to but I don't remember more than one quest needing you to finish it under a time limit for success. All other quests using the jetpack mode are free and open and you can take your time.

(NeoGutsman)

(19:34:22 12/28/11 EST)

I figured out a thing that makes it easier - probably you did too... but if you use the dpad instead of the thumbstick you can have an easier time going left and right, instead of accidentally going up. it's still not fun, but it's possible to do at least.

(exodus)

(18:25:29 12/29/11 EST)

Good tip, and yes, that's what I did during those sequences.

(NeoGutsman)

(02:10:01 12/30/11 EST)

I should note that you absolutely have to be able to deal with the fact that this game is made by/for furries. I'm a little embarrassed to play it sometimes.

(exodus)

(18:24:28 12/29/11 EST)

For some reason I got over it pretty quickly. But you do have a point. I won't say more until you get further on in the game...

(NeoGutsman)

(02:11:50 12/30/11 EST)

I've gotten to a shower scene, so I can only imagine there's more.

(exodus)

(21:27:30 12/30/11 EST)

Not to spoil anything for you...

(NeoGutsman)

(02:33:38 12/31/11 EST)

kinda... there's a lot of innuendo. but it's okay!

(exodus)

(04:21:33 12/31/11 EST)

There's one saucy character you'll run into on one of your missions. That person is certainly one for the ages...

(NeoGutsman)

(19:16:16 12/31/11 EST)

I got a Wonderswan Color for Christmas! It's clear/yellow, really great condition (I think). Excited about the chance to play old games I had wished were released on NGPC: Mr. Driller, a beat 'em up, a vertical shooter, FF1. Simple arcade puzzlers or platformers. What should I consider? It came with a Guilty Gear title and what looks like a fighter-D-pad attachment. Looking for titles nostalgic for 1980 and 1989, respectively. Oh, should there be some kind of internal settings screen after powering up without a cartridge inserted? I see nothing then. I can boot and play a cartridge, though. (n/t) (Mike Chicago) (18:25:40 12/25/11 EST)

Some recommendations: Pocket Fighter, Guilty Gear 2 (if the one you have is 1), Engacho!, Rhyme Rider Kerorikan (spelling?), the Namco golf game... um... yeah. That's a start off the top of my head.

(Jeurja)

(21:16:25 12/25/11 EST)

The Final Lap game is fun if you're looking for a racing title.

(Bean)

(22:32:23 12/25/11 EST)

There is a BIOS screen, it's mostly useless but it let's you set a custom boot message. I can't remember how to get to it at the moment. FF1 on WS is really fun, IMHO. It plays like the FC original (ie no MP or other pussy enhancements) but looks a million times better. It's fun just for the pure OG JRPG mechanics of it. Feel the simple thrill of gaining a level! I recommend the Gundam games with "Vol." in the title and One Piece Grand Battle: Swan Colosseum (basically a precursor to Jump Superstars).

(SignOfZeta)

(01:31:43 12/26/11 EST)

Looking forward to FF1. Super cheap everywhere cuz it was once a bundled title. BTW, I just read that the "personal data screen" can be reached by pushing start and power simultaneously. I'll do that.

(Mike Chicago)

(23:43:33 12/26/11 EST)

Yeah, FF1 is the most common game, I think. Too bad that isn't the case with Rockman and Forte, Pocket Fighter, Makaimura, and what seems like the majority of the other good stuff. A good WS game costs about as much as a good WS system, often times.

(SignOfZeta)

(05:08:34 12/27/11 EST)

I recommend one piece grand battle swan colosseum, macross: true love song, gunpey ex, klonoa midnight museum, magical drop, rhyme rider kerorikan, and riviera if you haven't played it on other systems. looks great on a swan crystal! also, if you magically find one, get a wonder witch.

(exodus)

(04:34:59 12/26/11 EST)

Oh yeah, the WS ver of Magical Drop is the best. Its B/W, but since it plays vertically so the detail is great. Also, the characters were drawn by someone other than the (apparently) American fan artist that worked on the NGP one.

(SignOfZeta)

(10:58:53 12/26/11 EST)

I think you can find Riviera cheaply for the GBA and PSP these days. Also, I wish I had a Wonderswan Crystal :( I don't have any system, just a handful of games now. Is it even worth getting one anymore?

(NeoGutsman)

(14:37:29 12/26/11 EST)

If you have to ask, probably not. I will always love this weird and cheap system though for the half dozen good games for it, its odd nature, its terrific battery life, and its affordable price. If you are at all interested in the system though, the Crystal really does trounce the regular Color version. Basically the screen is as reflective as the NGP's while displaying way more color and resolution.

(SignOfZeta)

(05:06:40 12/27/11 EST)

Yeah, if I were to get another one it'd be the Crystal one for sure. At this point I'm probably never going to get another one. I fear the charm of the system may be lost to me at this point.

(NeoGutsman)

(14:23:09 12/28/11 EST)

you can find it cheaper, but the game was made for the swan crystal, and it really showcases the graphical fidelity of the system. it's pretty gorgeous. I recommend getting a crystal if you have no system, it really looks excellent. but that's *only* if you really feel like playing that handfull of games. you probably have tons of other stuff to play, and ultimately this is just a superfluous luxury on top fo that. but if you do want to dive down into this system, I recommend the crystal, absolutely.

(exodus)

(14:32:52 12/27/11 EST)

The B&W Gunpey is already in the mail with Mr. Driller. The same seller has Space Invaders and Tetris, but they are so expensive! Tetris plays vertically, though, which looks neat. Hmm...

(Mike Chicago)

(23:39:20 12/26/11 EST)

cool! I have tons of wonderswan games, like maybe 60, so let me know if you'd like to know some lower-tier curiosities that are kiiiinda cool but not really fantastic.

(exodus)

(14:31:12 12/27/11 EST)

iMAME (iOS): This is semi-interesting. Recently an iPhone port of MAME appeared on the App Store and for some reason passed the approval process. It has since been pulled, but I managed to buy it before this happened. The game shipped with some rather mediocre PD ROMS, but using third party software (ie: iExplorer) you can add ROMs. No Jailbreak required. I don't have a huge selection of ROMS, but I did manage to get it to run Pac Man and Victory Road flawlessly. Control is...horrible, but it does work with Ion's crazy iCade thing for iPad so if you have one of those things, or some other way to attach a real control system to a Apple thing then it would be pretty cool. Of course if your shit is Jailbroken then you probably have access to better stuff, and if it isn't...you can't buy this anymore...so...this is more of a historical note than a recommendation. Sorry. It was only up for two days! (n/t) (SignOfZeta) (18:10:48 12/23/11 EST)

I love reading about stuff like this. Have you tried Capcom Arcade? I guess you get a couple free virtual "tokens" a day to use on games like Commando. I think that might be fun despite horrible controls. At least cute. By all indications proper control is going away for the original video games, but that doesn't mean you don't have to play the new emulators and ports. What it does probably mean is you won't get as high of a score. That's how I rationalize it.

(Mike Chicago)

(13:49:50 12/24/11 EST)

I knew about this, then forgot and missed the boat. yay!

(exodus)

(04:30:08 12/26/11 EST)

Swapnote (aka Letterbox in Europe) is RAD. RAD! Jeurja and I have been sending each other notes and replies all evening and I simply can't stop creating and sending more. This is essentially the kind of app the 3DS should have launched with. It's not Pictochat, which is a good thing. There's something endearing about receiving a message from a friend which literally draws itself in front of your eyes. It's a free download as of today, so snap it up. Oh, and make sure to add me and share your friend codes so I can send messages to more than just a few people. Code inside: (NeoGutsman) (04:54:34 12/23/11 EST)

I wish Nintendo would hurry up and release a 3DS Lite so I could take part in this craziness. My prediction: late March.

(SignOfZeta)

(05:11:33 12/23/11 EST)

I want a 3DS XL. That screen is so small after being used to the DSi XL.

(Jeurja)

(10:34:14 12/23/11 EST)

There's no doubt that I'll upgrade to a 3DS Lite down the line. I'm happy with how my 3DS is right now, but Nintendo has a history of improving the hardware in generally good ways with each new iteration. Still, I think the DS Lite is my favorite DS-specific system.

(NeoGutsman)

(12:59:54 12/23/11 EST)

I actually think DSi was as good as it got. I agree with whoever it was that said they wished the 3DS was just the "Game Boy 3D" though.

(aerisdead)

(13:40:00 12/23/11 EST)

I liked the backwards-compatibility of the Lite a lot. But the DSi is still fantastic. I love the slimness and the bigger, brighter screen, too. I actually got my daughter the Pink 3DS + Nintendogs bundle for Christmas so hopefully I'll get the DSi back to muck around with.

(NeoGutsman)

(16:12:12 12/23/11 EST)

Yeah, the DSi is a certain sweat spot, kind of like the SP and the GB Pocket. Sometimes the most advanced thing just isn't the overall most comfortable.

(SignOfZeta)

(19:31:59 12/23/11 EST)

I don't really want a handheld as big as an iPad, but If they don't figure out a way to optimize power consumption it might end up being an XL after all just to house a decent size battery.

(SignOfZeta)

(18:02:32 12/23/11 EST)

I sorta agree with this. I mean, I don't really need more video game crap in my life. But I do want a 3DS lite. I think they'll announce at E3 to be honest, out by... August?

(aerisdead)

(13:21:06 12/23/11 EST)

Okay, Jeurja is a prolific note sender. I now have Mister Raroo exclusive Swapnotes that not even Tim Rogers probably doesn't have (is that correct grammar?). Got a couple from Bean last night, too.

(NeoGutsman)

(13:01:15 12/23/11 EST)

Yeah, I'm back after a sabbatical of sorts. I think I became depressed for the first time in my life in the past couple months. I thought the holidays were supposed to do that to you, but it's actually Christmas that's pulled me out of it and back to normalcy. Chad, I owe you a phone call, and Monkey Board, I owe you a year-end "What have you been playing" post.

(Bean)

(18:13:27 12/23/11 EST)

Ah, you exist! The US GP is officially back on track for next year, so I at least want to talk with you about that.

(SignOfZeta)

(19:30:29 12/23/11 EST)

Sorry to hear you weren't feeling well. I've been through that a few times myself. As for Swapnote, I think it's one of those things that because of some of the limitations it makes you be more creative. That's not to say it doesn't have good features (because it does), just that it doesn't have a button or slider for every miniscule thing which is a good thing. I downloaded that Inchworm Animation App for my 3DS a month or so ago and UUUGGGHHHH, what a mess. Lots of options, but again, lots of options :P

(NeoGutsman)

(02:35:50 12/24/11 EST)

Added you. I'm a little embarrassed to send you guys stuff though: Mr. Raroo is a much better artist than me and definitely a better rapper. ;)

(Darius)

(21:45:16 12/24/11 EST)

Nah, you're great! Keep 'em comin'.

(NeoGutsman)

(01:16:56 12/26/11 EST)

Progress? From Magic Box: "A new YouTube Video released today, which shows the PS Vita has a battery life of 3:47 hours playing Uncharted: Golden Abyss with its 2210mAh battery. In comparison, 3DS's 1300mAh battery lasted 2:35 hours playing Monster Hunter 3G; and PSP-3000 Hunsters Model with a 2200mAh battery lasted 9 hours playing Monster Hunter Portable 3rd with Media Install option enabled." (video inside) (SignOfZeta) (13:17:23 12/22/11 EST)

40hours.gif

(substance J)

(17:52:41 12/22/11 EST)

Yeah you can recharge them so at least you aren't having to blow money each time on new batteries, but still.

(Paleface)

(18:49:11 12/22/11 EST)

If only they made such a thing as rechargeable AAs! Seriously, you'd have to recharge your PSV or 3DS every day, if not twice. If not, when you opened it up at lunch time it's going to have %5 battery life. And what about three years later when the batter has 1000 cycles on it and is only half as strong as it used to be? We've gone back to the "portables that aren't actually portable" era of the early 90s.

(SignOfZeta)

(19:02:43 12/22/11 EST)

Oh well after a year they'll put out an "Endurance" version of the battery with 20% more life that you have to buy separately. But okay yeah you've got me on the rechargeable AAs--I blocked such things out of my consciousness forever due to being poisoned by my parents making us use the first generation of those things, which were awful--they weren't even the right size! Like you'd try to put them in something and you'd feel the plastic case straining and making those slight little cracking sounds that aren't real visible cracks but just like virtual warning cracks, like they're saying hey man this isn't right, don't put those in me. I am told they've improved quite a bit since then but I have never again tried them; I just get the super-expensive lithium kind that I hardly ever have to replace because I barely use them anyway.

(Paleface)

(05:59:38 12/23/11 EST)

1Up retrospective on failed systems, the NGPC being one of them. (NeoGutsman) (18:04:42 12/21/11 EST)

Wow, what a tertiary MSN entertainment tab caliber piece of crap article. At least he didn't ask if Falcoon is gay.

(substance J)

(21:42:21 12/21/11 EST)

It was a better article than I was expecting but that's not saying much. Despite the rough edges, those Hardcore Gaming 101 articles kick ass most of the time. I'm kind of spoiled when it comes to these writer quota-fillers.

(NeoGutsman)

(23:14:07 12/21/11 EST)

Agreed. Needs more introspective wandering.

(and Opa Opa)

(15:54:43 12/22/11 EST)

Not a whole lotta insight to be had there. The "could've found a second wind" bit at the end is pretty tacky. Also doesn't even talk about the hardware, really, particularly in comparison with the GBC.

(Paleface)

(23:14:49 12/21/11 EST)

It could have been worse. He massively over emphases Pokemon to a stupid degree though. If Pokemon were never invented Nintendo still would have outsold them by an enormous margin. I also don't really think a lack of 3rd party support was that big of a failing. SNK supported the NGP better than Nintendo supports any of their systems. Was there a year that Nintendo published like...two dozen Gameboy games, all of them good? I don't think so. There aren't that many NGP games, but there are a fair amount and almost all of them are at least "B" grade. He also seems to sort of say that the Hyper 64 was a "system" which...it was, an arcade only system...kind of totally immaterial, IMO. There was no point in bringing it up.

(SignOfZeta)

(03:06:12 12/22/11 EST)

I love Crush Roller! Fuck this noise!

(twelvest)

(20:59:18 12/22/11 EST)

Oh yeah, that too.

(SignOfZeta)

(03:20:44 12/23/11 EST)

Hey, I picked up an EU copy of Jam with the Band for £10 while I was in London. I haven't played it yet--I didn't actually bring my DS with me--but if anyone else is interested in a copy, I can keep my eyes open for any more. The pound is in the toilet so even thinking shipping it would end up costing me/you only about $20. (n/t) (aerisdead) (09:16:07 12/20/11 EST)

Oh please, do find me a copy if you can! It's probably preferable to get a new copy (which is what I assume this is) since you can't delete songs you've downloaded apparently. Thanks in advance!!!

(NeoGutsman)

(13:49:53 12/20/11 EST)

Oh really? Well the weird thing about the copy I bought was it was in the "used" section, but it was still sealed. And not "resealed" as in it had the nintendo-branded shrinkwrap still on it. I was a bit wary about it still, but the clincher was the "used" sticker was above a "2 for £20" sticker, which made me think they'd just moved it for some absurd reason. Well, I'll find out when I play it. If I see any new copies I'll let you know!

(aerisdead)

(18:25:16 12/20/11 EST)

Considering how cheap it is, a used copy is okay, too. Thanks! Regarding the used label, I know GameStop sometimes marks new games down as used to clear it out. They don't do it with all new games of course but on the rare occasion they do this it's possibly due to some sort of inventory writeoff of some sort. Anyway, cool find! I loved the original one quite a bit.

(NeoGutsman)

(20:57:04 12/20/11 EST)

The 3DS GBA Ambassador Program games are available to download worldwide now. The emulation is quite good though the screen dims a shade when you run a GBA game. I'm not sure why. There's also no save state ability or a sleep mode (beyond ones built into games like Metroid Fusion, etc.) - not even closing the system truly puts the game into sleep mode. Those are minor in comparison to the fact that there are GBA games on my 3DS. I own a LOT of GBA carts already, but this will be a good way of filling out my collection with the few more I want. (NeoGutsman) (17:29:25 12/16/11 EST)

Mario vs. Donkey Kong is really great! I wish I bought this back in the day now. That prerendered look here is quite a cute workaround for the animation fluidity.

(NeoGutsman)

(20:22:52 12/16/11 EST)

Yeah. It's no DK94, but I quite enjoyed it. I think I picked up a JP version from Play Asia for like $10 back in the day.

(aerisdead)

(09:12:31 12/20/11 EST)

I thought I read somewhere that the games would be updated to have more features at some point so that they're like the Virtual Console games in terms of being able to put them in sleep mode/etc.

(Jeurja)

(22:44:11 12/16/11 EST)

I read something like that too but I think they were referring to the NES games, not the GBA games.

(NeoGutsman)

(02:24:06 12/17/11 EST)

The control in Super Circuit is FAULTLESS. You aren't going fast enough. Try again.

(SignOfZeta)

(02:18:49 12/17/11 EST)

I guess so. I don't remember having this much trouble with Krazy Racers or both Gadget Racers (which almost felt like two different engines) on the GBA though...

(NeoGutsman)

(02:25:07 12/17/11 EST)

I don't currently have a video capture card but if I did I would show some SICK time trial shit with Toad. When I went back to school for a minute in 2006 I would jam on that game for 2 or 3 hours straight between classes while listining to power metal and happy hardcore and other hyperkinetic shit. Sometimes I'd spend an hour doing laps just to improve my time by .001 sec. Not every track is good, not every driver is good, but when you have the right combination its...sublime. You pretty much have to unlock the SNES tracks to get the most out of it though.

(SignOfZeta)

(15:04:15 12/17/11 EST)

Sounds like what I'd do with DJ Max all the time. I'd work on a set of songs just to eke out some kind of .01% point better in accuracy or even just to understand the groove of a difficulty pattern just because. I might have achieved nirvana a few times. As for Mario Kart I'll give it another go at some point. I just got Ridge Racer 3D today and dayum it's pretty fun. The 3D effect helps a lot when judging distance and proximity. So far my only "gee I wish" thing is that it had a setup like RR4. I really loved the personality and soundtrack to that game.

(NeoGutsman)

(05:42:06 12/18/11 EST)

I played F-Zero for so many hours. I think it's one of my most played GBA games. Once the controls click the game becomes a whole lot more playable.

(Rockman Pocket)

(06:49:15 12/17/11 EST)

The only F-Zeros I played were SNES, N64, and GC. SNES might not be great now, but it was great at the time. The N64 version didn't get my juices going, but the GC had it flowing everywhere on everything. You should some how try that game.

(Zero)

(21:08:36 12/18/11 EST)

1up posted a huge interview with Takashi Nishijima, who's had a hand in a a lot of SNK stuff and of course Street Fighter and Dimps. They skip over a lot of stuff, but it's a must read. (link inside) (Rockman Pocket) (19:27:40 12/14/11 EST)

So he's the reason why Mexicans can't get enough of SNK.

(Zero)

(20:33:05 12/14/11 EST)

Ooh, I just read this an hour ago. Very cool interview!

(NeoGutsman)

(21:40:11 12/14/11 EST)

This was very good.

(SignOfZeta)

(04:25:36 12/15/11 EST)

Nooo not Scrum! Very interesting interview.

(Paleface)

(18:02:55 12/19/11 EST)

KoF13 Demo is out on Xbox Live now, and it has online play and 6 characters and a number of different stages you can play on. Demo impressions inside! (Zero) (17:30:30 12/10/11 EST)

This might be the easiest KOF to combo in (Maximum Impact aside). There are just so many possibilities. Kyo, King, and Takuma specifically. Holy shit.

(SignOfZeta)

(19:01:05 12/10/11 EST)

Whaaaat why isn't that out on PSN. I wouldn't even need to buy the game and the stupid disc, thanks SNK! :D

(Paleface)

(23:37:43 12/10/11 EST)

For anyone curious, the PSN demo is coming later on. I think a week or so after. Also, an aside: It's hilarious they announce a patch for the netcode of the game, while releasing a demo with online play that has the same shitty netcode pre-patch.

(Zero)

(08:14:54 12/11/11 EST)

So it would be better if they didn't announce a patch? :P

(Paleface)

(16:52:43 12/11/11 EST)

I think it would be better of SNK went back to just sucking terribly. They are confusing the haters!

(SignOfZeta)

(12:39:48 12/13/11 EST)

It's out on PSN! I haven't installed/played it yet though cry cry.

(Paleface)

(12:38:14 12/15/11 EST)

King isn't in the demo, dang. I do like how there's a color selection after picking a character, and that Butt's school is one of the stages, that is rad.

(Paleface)

(08:25:07 12/26/11 EST)

Just got the 3DS firmware update. Recording video in 3D is pretty cool! The microphone picks up sound from you more since it's pointed at the user, so that's a small bummer. StreetPass Mii is much better, too. The Find Mii II (available once you've beaten Find Mii twice and get all the hats) is what FM should have been like originally. There's a bunch of other updates (inside), too. (NeoGutsman) (03:41:45 12/07/11 EST)

In other news, the xbox update is maximum barf.

(aerisdead)

(14:14:04 12/07/11 EST)

I don't currently have an Xbox 360 anymore. How's the new update barfy? Sluggish, cluttered, etc.?

(NeoGutsman)

(17:25:54 12/07/11 EST)

Most notably, the "games" tab is like 5 clicks away from your home screen now. Thank you, social media revolution!

(substance J)

(19:32:26 12/07/11 EST)

It would be clearly an improvement if they switched the "video" and "games" section with each other, but other than that it's pretty good. I've been using it for a few weeks and the only time I could tell it was obviously better than the last dash was when I tried it again.

(Zero)

(20:34:57 12/07/11 EST)

"XBOX! Games!"

(yoodaa)

(16:55:24 12/12/11 EST)

Supposedly the eShop will be fully updated tomorrow to include demos. It already loads much faster now. Let's see if they do something about the overall layout at some point. Also, I want my GB Bionic Commando now, dammit.

(NeoGutsman)

(17:30:05 12/07/11 EST)

Pushmo released today. It is awesome.

(NeoGutsman)

(19:47:07 12/08/11 EST)

Here's a video review for the original Japanese version. it's pretty detailed but just turn the volume down and watch the action. This is one 3DS game where having 3D on is really helpful. I turned down the 3D just to see how it played and levels just don't have that instinctive pop you need to make depth judgments. Anyway, totally worth the money, especially the growing list of 8-bit and 16-bit inspired user made levels.

(NeoGutsman)

(00:34:02 12/09/11 EST)

Oh, and I should note that you initially only have access to a 16x16 grid but that grows to 32x32 and access to ladders and chutes. It's truly awesome to see a pixel image you make automatically process into a playable level. You'll still have to hand-tweak levels to make them play properly in some cases but they still turn out great.

(NeoGutsman)

(00:36:25 12/09/11 EST)

I just unlocked ladders and popout buttons. HOLY CRAP THIS GAME IS AWESUMMMMMMZZZ.

(NeoGutsman)

(02:35:30 12/10/11 EST)

Now unlocking Nintendo-themed levels! Is no one else here playing this game?

(NeoGutsman)

(14:04:52 12/13/11 EST)

It looks pretty neat.

(Paleface)

(04:15:41 12/10/11 EST)

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