Topics

1

General Gaming / Post E3 reveals: Anyone getting a PS4/XBOX ONE at launch?

« on: June 11, 2013, 01:49:01 AM »

After seeing both Microsoft and Sony's press conferences, I was impressed by a few of the exclusives, but ultimately was not impressed enough to even consider picking up either one of those consoles at launch. In fact, with so many of the games shown being multiplatform on PC, I'm not gonna pick up a PS4 until probably 5 years into it's life cycle for the console exclusive library (sorta like what a lot of people do for Nintendo consoles).


I have no interest in the XBOX ONE.


My entrance into this new gen is unique for me as I'm entering it with a back log of over 100 games spanning both PC and PS3 that I have and never played (PC), or just haven't gotten around to buying (PS3).  I'm in absolutely no rush to pick up another console right now. I haven't even felt the unfortunate drought the WiiU has suffered these last few  months. With 4 active platforms I'm gaming on (3DS, PC, WiiU, PS3), my plate is full. 


Did Microsoft or Sony show something today that compelled you to wanna get their new systems at launch?

2

Nintendo Gaming / Miiverse

« on: November 19, 2012, 10:35:06 AM »

Just wanted to create this thread to discuss Miiverse and add any comments, praises, or concerns in one thread.


I gotta say that I absolutely love what Nintendo has done here! I love how they seem to have mashed Swap Note, twitter, and Facebook into this marvelous concoction. Looking at the activity feed of all my friends from NWR and being able to comment on them directly or follow folks from one menu is very convenient. I can definitely see myself waking up first thing in the morning or after coming home from work and just going over the Activity Feed while on the computer (like now) or eating breakfast.


What I do hope is that they add a tab for leaderboards in the Miiverse, that would make this thing complete for me.


I'm curious and I don't know if it's something that I have to set in settings or if it's simply not yet updated, but can anybody else view the game communites like you do the Wara Wara plaza? You know how they showed what the boot screen would look like before with giant floating icons of games and different Miis congregating around them? For whatever reason, I don't see that. My plaza has the following icons with Miis all around:

• Miiverse
• Settings
• Friends List
• WiiU Chat
• Nintendo Network
• Wii
• Nintendo TVii
• Mii Maker
• eShop
• Internet Browser

Maybe they're gonna roll it out later.  As a side note, switching the plaza to GamePad view and then zoom all the way to the mii level, you can see individual's comments in bubbles and select them to save those miis to your mii maker.

3

Nintendo Gaming / Missing Club Nintendo insert in Nintendo Land

« on: November 18, 2012, 06:16:33 PM »

I just opened the case and was about to register Nintendo Land (from the Deluxe Set) and found no Club Nintendo insert!


Anybody else who bought a Deluxe WiiU is missing the Club Nintendo insert in their copy of Nintendo Land?



Edit: Just looked on the Club Nintendo's site faq and it states that Nintendo Land does not come with a pin if it's received with the Deluxe set.


http://www.nintendo.com/consumer/club/en/faq.jsp

4

Nintendo Gaming / Ahh Gimmicks?!? Why do enthusiasts seem to hate them?

« on: November 17, 2012, 02:09:06 PM »

gim·mick/ˈgimik/
Noun:A trick or device intended to attract attention, publicity, or business.

The prime thing that sets apart Nintendo systems from the competition each generation (besides 1st party  software) are "gimmicks". I place quotes around "gimmicks" because, to me, they add something significant to the experience of gaming. 

• The N64 controller with its 3 prong handles and lone analog stick

• The Gamecube controller with its ergonomic design and radial button layout

• The DS with its 2 screens

• The Wii with its split controller and motion sensing

• The 3DS with glass-less stereoscopic 3D

• The WiiU with its GamePad

Every time new Nintendo hardware arrives, enthusiasts moan and groan over the new features as "gimmicks" and "things I don't want in my gaming" instead of celebrating the fact that they will be able to experience something new or fresh takes on familiar territory.


If you've followed Nintendo over more than a generation, you know that with every hardware release they are gonna bring something unexpected to the table.  So why do enthusiasts continue to complain as if this is a shock when it happens? I can't stand it when enthusiasts (especially games journalists) crap all over something because it's new or not something attempted by other console developers successfully in the past, especially when they haven't tried it for themselves yet.


Stop me if you heard this one before:


"Oh my god, 2 screens? That's so dumb. I can just press a button instead of using a dumb stylus"


"Ahh, *flails limbs* whats with all this waggle? Motion control is dumb, I can just press buttons"


"Oh my eyes! I'm never gonna play with 3D on because it's dumb and all things 3D is dumb"


"This is just a fisher price tablet with buttons. How do I know what screen to look at? This is dumb, It's just gonna be used for maps anyway"


On podcasts, anytime people talk about something that a game does new (and well) with a specific hardware feature, the word gimmick is often used and almost in a derogatory way.  Like, despite this gimmick being in the game, the experience is rather enjoyable. It's as if people are afraid to admit that they like something because of things like motion control (including Kinect), stereoscopic 3D, and going foward the use of the GamePad (or Surface) to name a few recent examples. 


Like whats wrong with liking games because of that? Is it uncool to be wowed by something that's suppose to be a gimmick? It certainly seems that way with enthusiasts.


I bring this up because in less than 12 hours, the WiiU will be released and a lot of game reviews will be up from embargo.  I can almost guarantee that some reviews will be complaining about the use of the GamePad screen outside of the actually implementation of it in said game, similar to how people had a hard time getting over the fact that, "Yes, motion control was intricate to the Wii." and "Yes, motion control was mandatory in a lot of software"

Now, I'm not complaining about the games that use these new technologies and ways to experience games badly.  A bad game is a bad game no matter what bells and whistles you dress it in.  But what's wrong with experiencing a new game (or old experience) on new hardware on it's own terms? Why must enthusiasts always insist on doing things "the old way" and never giving good fresh experiences a fair shot? 


I can tell you right now, more than their 1st party offerings, what Nintendo does each and every hardware cycle is the only that brings me back to console gaming. I'm a PC enthusiast and I can care less about what the next xbox or playstation will bring because I know it's never gonna be as whimsical or out of the box as Nintendo.


Why do enthusiasts act like fart knocking old grognards whenever something new arrives in the industry that isn't ooh, grafix ?


Why do people hate fun?

5

General Gaming / How have your gaming habits changed as you became older?

« on: August 02, 2012, 02:12:20 PM »

      I really got into videogames when I was seven and received my NES.  My folks struggled financially during my childhood and with three other siblings plus the price of games, I received only one game on Christmas/birthday (rarely twice a year). So I did what a lot of kids did then, went to family & friends houses and played other games there.  I rented games occassionally, but that was always at the whim of my parents.  Because of this, I rarely beat any games outside the few I owned and actually consumed the majority of my gaming through Nintendo Power.


Man, I loved game magazines!


    Every time we went to a store, I would make a beeline to the magazine rack and read the latest Nintendo Power.  When I was finally able to save up for a sub of my own (at 9yrs old), every month I would pour over each page, cover to cover, and just absorb any and every game they presented. I couldn't get enough ! This continued into the 16bit era and my pre-teen years when I got a SNES. By then, I was able to make money doing yard work/snow removal and was finally able to rent games on my own (Blockbuster was my mecca).  I rented everything and beat the majority of it, too, which surprised me.  I figured that since the games looked better and the hardware was more sophisticated, the games were going to be more difficult.  That proved to not be the case and really put in perspective that games were meant to be beaten (contrary to the majority of what I played during the NES era).

    During high school and the N64 era, I had a real job and actually bought games more regularly (especially used ones from the mom & pop's around the corner from my house).  I continued to engross myself in gaming through magazine subs (EGM, Nintendo Power, Computer Gaming Strategy) and still beat everything I owned...then I hit college


    For some reason, even though I had more free time, I played console games less. before the Gamecube  came out, I built my first PC as a freshman and solidified my love of pc gaming (Baldur's Gate, Diablo, and Half Life had just came out recently and were my first pc purchases).  When the Cube hit, I got it day one and beyond the initial launch window of games, I didn't play it it like I did my previous consoles because I left it at home for my brother. 


That's when my backlog officially began.


  After college, I was single, had disposable income and no responsibility to anyone but myself and played console games even less. Spent more time clubbing/bar hopping with friends and gaming had turned to World of Warcraft almost exclusively.  Console gaming had stagnated for me and couldn't offer anything better than was on my pc...then the Wii came out .  Suddenly, I was made aware again of why I loved Nintendo and the experiences they provided. I bought every game worth playing and was a Wii /PC gamer.

  Once I met my wife and started having children, my free time over all shrunk down considerably and my entertainment backlog grew substantially (led by games of course). Suddenly, looking at gaming magazines, listening to 8-10 gaming podcasts weekly, and constantly lurking on forums became waaay to much pressure on me to keep up with Jones's on playing all the latest and greatest.  I came to the realization that I would never again be able to have the time to play everything that I want to and therefore needed not to be constantly reminded of that.  So, I downsized my gaming culture intake and just focused on games.

  This turned out to be much more rambly than I expected but I guess my major points are:

• I game mostly portably now, as I have very few long stretches of time that I can dedicate to games.
• For the bigger experiences I'm a nocturnal gamer because I can play uninhibited once the family is asleep.
• I never buy anything new or recent except if it is something that I absolutely must play immediately (which probably occurs only once or twice a year).
• I don't read gaming magazines, websites, or blogs (outside of NWR) and lurk the forums occassionally instead of hourly. I just don't want to know whats the latest and greatest when I have so many great games in my backlog that I have yet to get to. And this way, I don't get caught up in the hype or zeitgeist or what have you and not feel that peer pressure to join in (as silly as that sounds).
• I only get games that I have full interest in (Steam Sales Bundles be damned )
• I'm happier when a game is short and sweet.  Long console/PC games scare me (hello Xenoblade )
• I play jrpg's almost exclusively on handhelds (I love my psp go for all the cheap psone/psp jrpgs)
• I still beat my games, but I rarely return to them and only play for the storyline/main campaign. 
• I have no interest in the things that add replay value to games (exception being 999) or extend the games length (collectibles, character unlocks, etc)
• Because of my second shift work schedule and family life, I don't play online multiplayer games. But I do have a Game Night once every week (Sundays @8pm) in which I play a coop multiplayer game on PC with my brother and our adult friends over Skype (right now it's Hell difficulty in Diablo III).

Like how I imagine people felt like when they got their first library card or cable tv was invented, I have come to terms that I will never be able to experience all the great things that is gaming in my life time.

And I'm okay with that


How have your gaming habits changed over the years?

6

Nintendo Gaming / Nerd Rage Vol.1: Handheld Edition.

« on: October 12, 2011, 03:17:19 AM »

This thread is the first in a series in which I vent my frustrations about current gaming to people who will at least half understand and to also allow others to chime in on what grinds their gears.  This post will be long and complaint filled so if tl:dr, just pop in with an opinion on what really gets your goat about handheld gaming today.

This generation of gaming has been profoundly different on a community aspect due to the internet.  Between web sites, forums, podcasts, blogs, and various social networks, it's been a lot easier for gamers across all walks of life to be able to communicate with each other and the industry.  The downside to this has been the perpetuation of complete and utter madness that has grown into popular thought either among gamers, the media, or developers/publishers.  It has also magnified some truly annoying practices among said groups.  I'm going to go over what has really been tweaking my nerts lately and break 'em down into categories for coherency sake. So without further ado... TELL'EM WHY YOU MAD, SON!!

Overheard: $40 is too much for portable games! They're not worth it!

  TELL'EM WHY YOU MAD, SON!! The majority of DS games launched/launch between $30 & $35 with budget releases starting at $20.  Now that we have games on a portable system capable of gamecube/wii graphics, fully integrated OS/connectivity, and 3D, 5 extra dollars is too much of a premium? Really?!? If they're not worth it to YOU, that's fine but please make that distinction.  Blanket statements like "There aren't any 3DS games worth $40" is bullsh*t. I own nine 3DS games, all of which I've purchased at full price (with the exception of 2 that I got on sale) and they have ALL been worth my time and money (I have the wonderful Activity Log to back me up).  There are tons of games out there that I would never pay full price for, but does that mean they aren't worth the price for everybody? No. In the meantime, buy some dsiware or virtual console games.  There are lots of great experiences to be had for well under $10 on the system.

Overheard: Dedicated handhelds are DEAD! iOS gaming is the future! My phone is enough! Why can't all games be 99 cents?

  TELL'EM WHY YOU MAD, SON!! Dedicated handhelds may not fit into YOUR lifestyle now, but that doesn't mean it's been replaced all over the world with Angry Birds. The beauty of iOS is that it has made portable gaming even more accessible (to those who own a device to play it on) to a much wider audience of people who have never even picked up a PSP or anything in the Gameboy/DS family. The majority of games on the platform can be played with for 5-10 mins and put away forever making their 99 cents and free price tag justifiable while a few notable standouts cost anywhere between $4-$10. People act like there are no cheap games on the DSiWare catalog (they do start at $2) and notable standouts on the eShop also run between $4-$12. Just because Angry Birds cost 99 cents, does that mean Star Fox 64 3D should cost the same price? DOA Dimensions? Pilotwings Resort? Do people really think that studios will be able to put out games with high production values consistently for bottom of the barrel prices and survive financially? Shut your face.  There's room for smartphone gaming and dedicated gaming.  Just like how the Wii never stopped the HD twins from selling millions of core titles, iOS gaming is not going to stop dedicated portables from flourishing in this new generation.

Overheard:The 3DS launch was abysmal and absolutely horrible! There are literally NO GAMES out for the 3DS now until the first Mario title shows up.

  TELL'EM WHY YOU MAD, SON!! People either don't know their portable software launch history or have really, really bad memories. This launch had more solid titles across a plethora of genres than any Nintendo portable system.  The only one to even rival this was the launch lineup of the GBA, and just barely (I loved the crap outta Tony Hawk 2 and Circle of the Moon).  None of the launch 3DS games were out and out system sellers for sure, but imho more than half were, good to great, solid titles. What you people REALLY mean to say is that there is nothing currently available on the 3DS software catalog that interests you. That is totally valid and expresses YOUR OWN opinion. Saying crap like THERE ARE NO GAMES just bugs the hell outta me.  So all those boxes with 3DS logos, game art, and price tags at Best Buy are figments of my imagination, huh? Shut your face. Also fun fact: There has not been a portable system launch with an original Mario game since the Gameboy and Super Mario Land was certainly not a system seller (it was Tetris of course).


Overheard: OMG! 3-5 hour battery life on my 3DS/PS Vita blows! I play a half hour of Zelda and my system dies! Why can't the battery be more like my smartphone, it goes forever! My DS lasts like a week on one charge with continuous play, and my GBA is still going strong off the original charge! What the hell Nintendo? (and by association) I picked up my PSP after like 2 years of dormancy to play a game, but I had to charge it because it was dead, LOL! PSP battery life sucks!

  TELL'EM WHY YOU MAD, SON!! Let's start with what our portables are actually capable of nowadays.  We have entered a generation where we are literally walking around with current gen consoles in our pockets.  I defy anybody to tell me that there aren't games on the 3DS now that rival some Wii games graphically or that videos of Uncharted and Gravity Daze on the Vita don't look like they came straight from the PS3.  These things run OS's, they have apps, and online connectivity, ON TOP of being capable of playing games that you are literally playing now on your tv screen.  And you're having a fit because the battery (which is also a product of FORM FACTOR lest we want to stick iPads in our waistbands) can't last a couple more hours of continuous play? Then you compare it to the battery life of portables with nowhere near the power and capability of the current gen? AND WORSE! Compare it to some imaginary smartphone that lasts 10-15 hours on one charge? Shut your face.

First off, anybody with a smartphone knows that unless you only use your phone to talk briefly or shut it off completely when not in use, your phone will DIE in less than 8 hours without a charge.  And forget about gaming/browsing the internet/streaming video continuously.  You're looking at 2-3 hours tops before your battery percentage is in the single digits.  You know why? Because its a friggin' pc in your pocket and takes a lot of juice to power! I'm also tired of hearing "Well what if I'm on a plane? The battery won't last the trip." No iDevice. smartphone, or modern handheld system will last beyond 4-5 hours of continuous gaming/movie watching without being plugged up.  Battery tech has not advanced as fast as portable tech over the last 10 years people, have some patience.  In the meantime, if you are not using your handheld system, PLUG IT INTO THE FRICKIN' WALL!

People who regularly play handhelds never have any trouble with battery life. Why? Because for one, they usually have a spare plug that they bring with them on long trips/work along with their satchel of games (Most smartphone owners own a second charger of some sort for their phone along with the one they leave at home). Second, they either put their system to sleep with the knowledge that they are going to return to it later that day, or shut it down to conserve battery life. Lastly, 2 days never goes by that they don't charge their system when not in use.  Hell, it's even easier  with the 3DS because of the cradle (such a genius idea). Welcome to 21st century portables. Stop complaining about battery life. Plug up your systems. Don't expect a system to power on a week/month later after being left on or in sleep mode. Shut your face.

Overheard:"Why would I want to play this game on my portable when I can have this experience on my tv? Where are the bite sized games for my portables"

  TELL'EM WHY YOU MAD, SON!! The great thing about portable gaming (particularly with capable hardware such as the 3DS/Vita) is that you can have both bite sized gaming and epic console-like experiences on the go.  When did it become uncool to be able to play games like Super Street Fighter IV, Uncharted, and Resident Evil on the toilet with very little difference from their console brethren? Did all the pick-up-and-play portable experiences suddenly disappear? No. Are bite sized games evaporating? The eShop and PSN says ahoy ahoy (love you Greg ). So what's wrong with having console like experiences...you know...portably? Nothing, so shut your face.  You don't prefer your Call of Duty that way, fine, not a problem.  Just stop making it sound like it's some kind of ridiculous idea, a huge mistake, and no audience for that type of market, again, on a....portable system.

7

General Gaming / Amnesia:The Dark Descent...Horror gaming done right!

« on: August 28, 2011, 10:59:30 PM »

I read about this game late last year and subsequently bought it off Steam when it became available.  I've finally gotten around to playing it and dear God...I've NEVER played a more scarier game in my life! I'm only a little over  2 hours in, but that was played in like 20 min bursts because of how unsettling it is.  For those who like survival horror or just a good, genuine scare out of their games once in a while, here is a synopsis of what this thing is all about!


So...What's this game all about?


It's about a guy who wakes up inside this castle with no memory of who he is or why he's there until he finds a letter that he wrote to himself urging him to delve into the castle's depths to find the answers he seek (hence the title of the game). 


Sounds generic. What sets it apart from other survival horror games like Resident Evil or even Dead Space?


It's played from a first person perspective.  There's no HUD although you do have an inventory and a journal.  Also, there's no combat to speak of and-


Whoa, whoa! No combat? Like Silent Hill:Shattered Memories? That's no big deal...

Except it is. Unlike Shattered memories, you are accosted by enemies and are able to be killed swiftly at any time, not just during certain "phases" of the game. These enemies don't appear in great numbers, but when they do, your only option is either to run or hide. It ain't as easy as that either.


What do you mean?


Let's start with how the game controls. It's your standard First-Person scheme. You can run, crouch, and jump. The unique thing is the way you interact with the environment. Most things are able to be picked up, rotated, or moved around. Crates can be stacked to reach high places, drawers can be pulled out to discover the contents of stuff inside, etc.  The thing is, you don't just hit the "use" button to perform these functions.  You have to manipulate it with your mouse like you would handle the object in real life. For example, to open a door you have to grasp it and "Pull away" or "Push in" with the mouse.  To turn a crank, you must grasp the handle and rotate the mouse in a circle to perform the same function in-game.


Okay, so it has an immersive way of interacting with the environment. What has that got to do with running and hiding again?

Everything. Picture this scenario: You're exploring this spacious guest room in a wing of the castle when you hear the door open in the foyer proceeded by this moist garbled sound. Suddenly the music changes to this symphony of horror and you got to get the hell out of there but the only place to go is this door in front of you. You run to it and try to push it open with just the touch of a button, but forget that you have to grab and pull the door all the way out with your mouse to gain entry! Running in, you slam the door behind you in your haste to buy time for your escape only discover it's just another small room with a couple of armoires. That's when the monster roars and comes stampeding to your room (because you didn't think to close the door softly). Heart pounding, you jump into the nearest armoire and close the doors shut just in time to hear the door fly open to your room and the steps of the thing as it walks around searching and making some truly disgusting sounds for a bit before it retreats from your space.  You don't leave your hidey hole until you hear the door to the guest room itself open and close signaling the monster's exit from the room. And that's just one encounter.


That sounds terrifying awesome

It is. Did I mention that this game has sanity effects?


Wah!?! Like Eternal Darkness?


Sorta.  You see, the main character loses sanity whenever a monster is visible to him or close at hand, and when he spends to much time in the dark.  The effects themselves aren't as over the top as Eternal Darkness, although they share a couple.  But the most common efffect is his perception of reality will warp and waver, making navigation that much harder.  The only way to recover your sanity is by being in light.  This little mechanic forces you to make decisions about how to get away from your enemies because you can't just simply hide in the dark for long periods of time.  The longer you're in the dark, the quicker your sanity drains. 


I'm not afraid of the dark!

Good, because this game is drenched in it.  You have an oil lantern that uses fuel at an alarming rate, precious few tinders to light any candles, sconces, or torches in your vincinity, and very few places lit by natural light by a window.  And when you have no light source, bumbling around in the dark with all manner of creepy sounds, screams, and this ever present soundtrack of dread playing in the background, it's no wonder that I have to take breaks every 20-30 min.  My heart can't take it!


Sounds cool.  Any other pertinent info?


It's on Steam.  If you have a video card that's at least 5 years old, you can play this game at the highest settings with a rock solid framerate.  The art is good and the game does not look dated at all.  The soundtrack is dutifully creepy and the voice work is fine for the game.  It's only $19.99 and is about 8 hours from what I've read. There's a free demo of it out so everyone should check it out. The guys who made this game, Frictional Games, is an indie studio who also made the Penumbra series (another set of very spooky games).  This game would have been absolutely perfect on Wii. Also, if you can, play this game at night and with headphones to maximize the spook factor. If this game doesn't scare you, no game can as far as I'm concerned.




I'm going to update this thread with my thoughts on the game after I've beaten it (which will take who knows how long...).  Has anybody else played this game/playing it now? I would love to hear what others have to say about it or other games that give you a genuine scare.

8

Nintendo Gaming / 3DS Usage

« on: May 22, 2011, 05:48:56 PM »

Over the last couple of weeks I've noticed on a lot of podcasts and across a few message boards people complaining about how little they play their 3DS.  I currently own 6 games with the following play times (gotta love the Activity Log!)


Ghost Recon: 4 hrs 41 min (currently playing)
Rayman 3D: 8 hr 3 min
Steel Diver: 1 hr 24 min (my least played 3DS game thus far)
Super Street Fighter IV: 12 hr 36 min
Ridge Racer 3D: 23 hr 51 min
Pilotwings Resort: 21 hr 17 min 


I bought the system at launch and, as you can see, have really been getting a lot of use out of it.  Of course I play my system often due to my work schedule/lack of free time at home and my preference in the current roster of games (I own almost half of the launch line up and have really enjoyed myself with every title thus far). 


I guess what I'm trying to point out is that the system has plenty of solid titles for only being out on the market in NA for less than two months. So why complain of the lack of games? And on the heels of that, why buy the system for only one game and then complain that there's nothing to play on it like it's been out for 6-8 months with only the same games it launched with? Maybe I'm just being a fanboy and having my internet feelings hurt  , but it always bugged the hell out of me when people complained about their being nothing to play on THEIR Wii (due to lack of money to buy all the awesome?) and THEIR Wii was collecting dust (due to bad  house cleaning habits?) and now people are already starting up that crap with a system that's been out for how long? 6 or 7 weeks? And what's worse is that the majority of the complaints come from people WHO BOUGHT THE SYSTEM AT LAUNCH! If you are an early adopter, then you are also a person who pretty much knew what was coming in the launch window and what was available day one for software. So their's no excuse to complain about "lack of games" or "my system is getting dusty" because YOU bought the damn thing knowing full well what you were getting into!


I have no problems about people who DON'T own the system yet and complain about software variety and lack of interest until something comes along to make them take the plunge.  Those people are backing up their noise with their wallets, which is how it should be.  I don't know, I'm just ranting now at this point...


To all those 3DS owners in NWR land, how much usage do you get out of your 3DS? 

9

Nintendo Gaming / Favorite 3DS Launch Game so far...

« on: March 30, 2011, 09:13:13 PM »

So I made this thread to post our various impressions of the launch games we picked up. Hopefully it will be helpful to others looking for a good game. 

Pilotwings Resort
I've logged in about 3 hours so far in this game just trying to get gold stars on all the events up through silver. It is challenging! I haven't even touched free flight mode to try to unlock all the medals or attempted to get red stars on any events outside the first couple (red stars are achieved only after getting a perfect score). Honestly, I don't understand how much people are complaining about a lack of content in this game. Half the fun and concept of Pilotwings is experiencing flying the different vehicles in various different missions. The other half is perfecting your run on said missions and discovering all the secrets on the island.  If chasing after 100% is not your thing, then I could see this game not lasting as long. But as far as I'm concerned, thats just playing half the game. Besides that, the music is great and relaxing and the 3D is really helpful to me (especially with the jet pack). I play this at night in bed and it's the perfect wind down game (when your not freaking out trying to get that perfect landing with your hang glider to achieve a red star).

Ridge Racer 3D
I haven't played a Ridge Racer game seriously since Type 4, so any rehashed tracks or music are all new to me. The game plays fantastically with the slide pad and 3D really adds to the immersion and speed of the game (during one race, a helicopter flew into the screen and surprised a "whoa" outta me). The game is stuffed with content. I've been playing for a couple hours and have only gotten through 6% of the Grand Prix mode. You earn credits to buy new cars and kits, and the challenge is just right. I love arcade racers. The last racer that I had this much fun in was Burnout Paradise. Not the same type of game mind you, but definitely a lot of fun. Graphically, I'm fine with it. It's not super impessive looking, but the 3D really enhances it.


Rayman 3D
I've only spent 40 minutes on the game but Holy Cow!  Now I came into this game with reeeaaallly low expectations of the port itself (Rayman 2 is a fantastic game) and having only spent $5 on it, I was ready to call it a wash if it sucked.  Man, this game is awesome! Now to put you in perspective, I only played the N64 version when it came out over a decade ago and I didn't even get halfway through THAT version.  The first thing that struck me was the soundtrack, it's soooo good! And the 3D is really nice in this game, it makes the environments really pop and I especially love it when there are particles floating about or butterflies scatter in the air when you run through them.  The game is really colorful and controls splendidly with the slide pad.  Platforming is not aggravating, and the camera system is limited but not very frustrating.  There is the occassional bug here and there in the form of the background music not cuing up like it's suppose to.  Many have complained about the ghosting in the cut scenes and it is present, but not a deal breaker for me.  For those who have played this game ad nauseum, they can probably skip it or wait till it drops in price because it's the same game.  But for those who've never played Rayman 2 before, this game is certainly worth the full price of admission.


None of these games are system sellers or killer apps, but they are all really solid, and more importantly, fun!


I would add impressions about Street Fighter, but I feel like that's a more known quantity and it's been covered by everyone.  Anyway, I wanna know what other people think about their purchases.

10

Nintendo Gaming / The Official 3DS System Friend Code Thread

« on: March 23, 2011, 12:03:40 PM »

Welcome NWR Community to our 3DS Friend Code Thread! I ask that everyone who owns a 3DS and is looking for a group of great people to play games with over the internet to post your system friend code here. As time goes by, I will continually update this original post for ease and convenience. Normally friend codes and the like are put in your forum profile, but currently there is not an option for 3DS.

When posting your code, please post the name of the Mii you are attaching to your system profile. When I update the thread, I will be sure to post everyone's forum name next to their Mii and Friend Code so that you know who's who.

The 3DS Friends List is limited to 100 registered friends and is a mutual add system. This means that the only way you can populate your friends list across the internet is by having both parties enter each other's friend code after which you will immediately be able to see the other person.  With that in mind, it will be assumed that everyone who posts their code will also be entering all the others that are also listed into their system.

Let the first real attempt at a Nintendo online community begin!


Forum Name { Mii } Friend Code

Yoshidious { Yoshidious } 0001-3290-7742                            NWR_Neal { Neal } 4081-5475-2147
 
Professor Clayton { Clay } 4038-5996-7209                        Spaghetti { Lakipo } 3995-6501-1149

Leroypantweather {Leroy }                                       NeoThunder {NeoThunder} 3695-0022-7407

UncleBob { UncleBob } 2707-1597-8509                               Thatguy { PixlJason } 1676-3676-0695

Oblivion { Evan } 4682-8455-6750                                        nhaines { Nathan } 0602-6258-7103

RazorKid { Remus } 2621-2618-1481                                  Halbred { Zach } 1590-4699-1012

Caliban { Quim } 3909-7521-2462                                       ThomasO { Thomas } 1461-6211-5605

Chiramii { Chiramii } 4682-8467-2345                                  LittleIrves { Cakes } 4682-8453-5026

Justin Nation {MAMEiac } 0344-9277-1213                    NWR_DrewMG { DrewMG } 0559-6778-1205

ZedAxelC { Johno } 2578-3115-2071                                MegaByte { MegaByte } 3265-5077-4343

latterdayrasta { Deluxe247 } 1934-0665-7362              Pandaradox { Pandaradox } 2234-7148-8072

bhurak {     } 4682-8944-2297                                            Yoshi1001 { Steve }  0559-6761-1963

Journeys { CharlyTuna } 0344-9305-2268                             Myxtika1 Azn { Vagraunt } 0774-4262-1869

NJha01 { NinJha} 1934-0663-0868                                       GoldenPheonix { Sophia } 0173-1318-8387

Fatty_The_Hutt {Sensei-K} 2793-1250-9786                       Insanolord { Insanolord } 0860-3274-2210

Nintendad { Jason } 4596-9491-5681                                   Deadeyes { Juan E.} 0602-6300-1929

Delebreaub { Brock } 1032-1242-5594                                 Greybrick { Nathan } 3093-7111-7329

Flames_of_chaos { Luke }  4124-5011-7289                  Killer_Man_Jaro{ Thomas M }4210-4023-5515

Gojira { Michael } 5069-3940-1530                                     Indie08 { Jeremy } 4811-6954-5139

Ceric {       } 4596-9710-4135                                             MyticGohan  { Jason } 0989-1796-5630

                                                                                          Eman5 {    }   3566-1583-4684

Brandogg { Brandogg } 5026-4493-1617                             Zachs1997  { Zach } 0173-1609-8043

Supakirb { Supakirb } 0301-9793-9035                               Pan_cakes { Pancakes } 5198-2421-3949

FZeroBoyo  { Cody }2148-9474-1775                                 Mr. Adolph Vega {     } 0989 1728 5370

Jonnyboy117 { JonnyNWR } 2191-8928-3236            TheYoungerPlumber { TYP }  2964-8597-2741

Penguin_Of_Thyme { Jared } 1332-7702-6263                   Traveller { Nick } 0774-4269-7120

The_Dan_X { Danny } 0774-4196-9125                               Kwolf { Kwolf } 2406-5138-0670

KeyBilly { Kevin } 4511-0481-9661                                      Miyamoto {      } 2921-9080-9743 

GameBoy Freak { Josh } 1547-5203-2701                          Pajamas { Pajamas } 0044-2803-2317

Seacor { Seacor } 1676-3769-5353                                      Mataata { Mata } 2964-8599-6875

Apdude { Mr. T } 3780-9127-7461                                        Mop it up { Kathrine } 4038-6104-5683

Stevey { Stevey Duf } 5112-3538-1413                                TJ Spyke { TJ Spyke  } 1676-3693-4480

Tybo68 { Tybo } 1246-8711-8726                                        Dannymcl { Danny } 5284-1545-2485

gbuell { gbuell } 3265-5208-3110                                         Adrock { Dan } 1719-3330-0063

Drizzt {Matt} 1461-6362-5023                                         NeoStar9X {NeoStar9X}4768-7464-8745

syn4aptik { Dave } 3265-5215-4945                                Sundoulos{ Jeremy } 2921-9259-0860

D_O_G87 { Stoffe } 5198-2582-1395                                ejamer { Eddie } 0001-3482-5503

Kikori { YM } 1160-9669-6809                                            LAAG64 { Chris } 1461-6213-4040

leahsdad { Gamerhood } 4124-5014-0265                          TrueNerd { Nate } 1289-8338-3211

Caterkiller { Matty } 0044 2811 9045                                  TheFleece { The Fleece  } 1762-2808-0367

Quadran { Quadran  }  1762-2693-7787                               cflo { C  }  5155-2930-6637

mario64911 { Sean }  2878-9586-0583                              iNintendo { Drew } 5284-1402-9237

TheBigK { Kristian }  1203-9264-7719                            BlackNMild2k1 { BlackNMild } 1934-0814-4051

Eyothrie { Eyo } 1977-0216-0237                                       noname2200 { noname  } 4639-8960-9092

WaTanooki { Techman } 5413-0062-2052                          TalesOfFan {    } 2148-8142-5423         

Kon { Ricardo } 0387-8768-8711                               oksoda { Scott } 5284-1449-7471

Peteychu { Petey } 0430-8317-8290                                   Tizona { Dan } 3437-3054-5259 

BlkPaladin { Blkpaladin } 4468-1294-2160                           mudjah { jbz } 3566-1652-1241

Shaymin { Donald } 0387-9650-0210                                   Olimar77 { Ron }   0903-2753-3568 

Deguello { Deguello } 2750-1598-3807                               Bill Aurion { Akai } 2062-9152-0365

JovialJeffer { Jovial } 3007-8090-2404                              Damaba { Damaba } 4554-0361-0619

Disco Stu { Disco Stu } 0344 9671 2339                          professorlayton { David }4682-8476-0061

Morcant { Redtusk }  5370-1004-4080                            1takauchiha {Taka }   3866-8814-7746

pureval {    } 2921 9252 1737                                        HeyItsMe { Handro }3179-6231-8102

evolution4life { Adam } 4253 4138 8501                           zerocustom { Rob } 4296-2979-1990

shinray01 { Edward } 0559-6856-4282                          Laroquo { Pierre } 5412 9894 0632

olimar2905 { Dan } 0259-0283-6958                       SonofMrPeanut  { Peanut! } 4339-3120-6417

Nesticales { jerk } 0130-1836-5656                            xcwarrior {   }  1289-8376-3350

Racht { Racht } 4210-4707-8092                         InsaneKefka {Jim } 0473-7823-7692

mr_lakitu {   } 4511-0448-7181                                 Dan Laser { Kristine } 1075-0983-1401

connor12511 { Ray } 0301-9872-6585                     StrawHatChopper {  } 2363-5672-8390

classicnintendo  {   } 1332-7621-3891                       MistaH { Harper } 2320-6297-7176

RoiDS { Roi } 5112-4137-2486                                   ProGamer01 { ty } 0001-3610-8243

oohhboy[{  }3222-5727-4873                                    tendoboy1984 {  } 4012-4288-6002

terribledeli {   } 0645-5771-9850                           Kroeger {  } 0173-1426-4166

geo {  } 0430-8282-1486                                        GrabMyBoomstick {Woody} 3566-2383-7682

jrlibrarian { Jeffrey } 0473-8578-0367                        Ochan30 { Ochan30 } 3652-0527-9804

Zacko {    } 2019-9753-7573                                       Blitzace10 { Cory } 1246-8942-1712

Karmacode { Kayla } 3866-8385-5554                     DeadPix1119 { Kevin } 3222-6500-3080

GenDeath {  } 4596-9493-1619                                  Justin123 { Justin }4682-8453-8789
 
vinniebrock { vinnie } 5284-1410-9454                     scrawnton { Scrawnton } 0173-1290-1356

ChazF { Chaz } 4339-2492-7745                                TopSpen { SP } 4596-9493-3460

Picoli { BeejN } 1633-4357-0851                              Nub { SSJ Nub } 5155-3032-4812

LOZman {Nathan} 5413-0073-6691                         Art_de_Cat { Art_de_Cat } 3781-0087-3326

kraken613 { kraken613 } 5214-9250-6646             Phil {Phil}  1805-2338-1133

DEDwyer64 {Donnie} 4468-0972-2141                  Pixelated Pixies {Marty} 2320-6142-0678

TK Thunder { TK Thunder } 3265-5844-6656         mamaweegeenacho {Joshua} 1719-3400-4778

Three4Flinching {Lars} 0473-8793-3927               awesomeandy {Andrew} 3780-9058-9319

NintendoAsh3DS { } 0301-9821-0606                  superdarkstar9000 { darkstar } 2234-7163-0227

pokepal148 {  } 3566-1678-7150                         goldenracerty { Ty }   4468-1632-7092

iPlayer64 {Kevin} 5198-3566-0905                      CobraJSF {CobraJSF} 5069-3975-8822

kbaker2002de { Kyle } 0430-8370-7737               mjafx {Mathieu } 4167-4829-4300

Jaden123 {  } 0559-7900-0869                         blackfootsteps {Black } 2380-2412-4127

Ozz236 {   }  3222-5910-4302                           ZabeMusic { Stephen } 1993-7086-1480

Shingi_70 {  } 3093-7342-3454                          bleachsreapers { Flavor } 5327-2188-5977

Damaba { Brian } 4613-6949-3462                     DigitalGem {   } 5086-1402-2277

11

Nintendo Gaming / So...what launch title(s) are you picking up with your 3DS?

« on: March 05, 2011, 01:27:26 PM »

                 Well, in 3 weeks the Nintendo 3DS will be upon us and I'm curious as to what the NWR community will pick up (if anything) when they purchase their 3DS.  Reading impressions and opinions on various forums and listening to a myriad of podcasts from different outlets, it seems many people are not too hot on the launch lineup.


         Personally, this is the most expensive launch line up I've ever been apart of because there are A LOT of games that I am interested in and want to buy with the system.  I've bought/recieved many Nintendo systems day 1 or during their launch period (gamecube, DS, N64, Wii). I've never ran into a situation where I had to whittle down my software purchases because there were too many games at launch that I was really interested in.  Maybe this is only a reflection of my personal gaming palette, but I'm quite happy with the 3DS' launch lineup.  I'd rather have too many games that I'm interested in buying with my new system than only 1 or 2 super high profile games along with a bunch of launch shovelware for choices to enjoy the hardware.


One thing I've read/heard many times is people asking where is Mario?


Really ? Because we don't know what or how a Mario game plays like?
             
    Mario games will ALWAYS sell jillions and be really great, but what I personally want from a new Nintendo hardware launch is a new IP with a chance to shine without being in the shadow of another Mario Megaton.  Don't get me wrong, I absolutely ADORE Mario games and I'm wicked excited to see what they have in store for us with the upcoming Super Mario 3DS.  But imagine if they released that as a launch title?


"OMG YES!! DAY 11111 3DS ALL OVER MY FACE!!!"


I'm sure that would be the response a lot of people would give (me included  ).  But then what about games like Steel Diver and Pilot Wings Resort? Both are new Nintendo IP's that are interesting enough for me that I'm picking them up day one, but would get absolutely buried by a more popular known quantity in a Mario launch game.


  I'm not saying wanting a Mario game at launch for the 3DS is a bad thing or that it wouldn't help sell the system to the expanded audience.  But why do gaming enthusiasts need a Mario game at launch to convince them to get a 3DS when there are fresh/refreshed Nintendo IP's at launch to experience? To each their own opinion as my gaming tastes do not coincide with others and that's okay.  This was just a curious observation I've made and I really do hope that these 2 Nintendo franchises in particular get their opportunity to shine.


Anyway, I'm picking up SSF4:3D Editon, Pilot Wings Resort, and Steel Diver at launch.  Sometime later, I'm picking up Rayman 3D (I loved Rayman 2 on N64 and only got through like half of it on a rental) and (depending on reviews) Super Monkey Ball 3D and Ghost Recon Shadow Wars.


Oh yeah, and Ridge Racer  .


What about you folks?
 
(No disrespect to Ragna's Lineup thread. If this thread is too redundant, mods can take it down.)

12

Nintendo Gaming / What Nintendo franchise do you want most on 3DS?

« on: February 24, 2011, 09:46:57 PM »

I really want a new Smash Bros on 3DS. The system has everything capable of making a fantastic addition to the series and we would get a new smash bros about 3 years before the next gen one appears on the next Nintendo console.

My other most wanted franchise would be F-Zero. That would be soooo clutch on the 3DS and I would prefer a new entry to the series on the handheld than on wii (no chance for shoe horned waggle).

What say you community?

13

General Gaming / Dear Rockstar, WTF?

« on: February 24, 2011, 09:01:34 PM »

I just saw the gameplay trailer for LA Noir and I have been really excited for this game for about a year. But of course they have not released anything regarding a pc version, hell they haven't released a pc version of Red Dead Redemption yet.

Although I am lucky to own a PS3, I just want to experience that type of game on my superior pc hardware!

What other games have people wanted ported to their system of choice, but it hasn't happened yet?

14

Nintendo Gaming / Handheld only gaming? OR How next gen handhelds extend console cycle

« on: January 30, 2011, 09:17:45 PM »

           With the imminent launch of the 3DS in couple months here in the States and the unveiling of the NGP (PSP2) subsequent to release at least in Japan at years end, I am hit with a thought that this is the first time that a handheld(s) will be on par with a console experience.
     
       By console experience I mean graphical parity, built-in software suite, interconnectivity, digital stores, multiple ways to control/interact with the device, and a unique "hook".  This on top of upcoming software that will "bring the console experience on the go" being added to other more handheld types of games and you have yourself a very compelling reason to make these portable systems your sole console of choice.


      Now I know there are many who already indeed only game on their handhelds.  But we've never reached a point in gaming where, depending on the situation, a person could forgo purchasing a console all together and still  be able to enjoy everything from quality AAA blockbusters across all major genres to quirky indie titles on a handheld! For me going forward, NOW is the time when handheld only gaming is truly viable.


     With that said, I also feel like with the arrival of these 2 juggernauts (especially the 3DS), the sentiment that some people have (of course especially with Wii) that they are getting anxious for the next gen of consoles to arrive will be satiated.  Personally, I love my Wii and own 20+ games and I still have a back log of quality titles that I have to get to. I am not in a rush for whatever Nintendo's new console will be (secretly I want them to take as long as possible because I want to be absolutely floored with what they come up with) but I do understand woes of those whose sole console is a Wii.
     
       For the first time, I feel like a handheld (3DS) is like an extension of the parent console (Wii).  Where 3rd party support of quality titles that I enjoy are sparse on the Wii, now I can realistically look to the 3DS to fill those holes (ex.Super Street Fighter 4) and not feel as if I'm downgrading my experience because I'm playing a "gimped" version on the handheld.


       Now I'm not here to argue that I only want console experiences on my handheld because that type of software is not the pinnacle of a true handheld experience.  I'm just really excited that the option to do "console experience on the go" is actually viable alongside the current consoles AND still be unique in of itself while maintaining its handheld roots.


I saw this question posed on neogaf and am curious as to peoples' answers here:


   With this new gen of handhelds coming, can you see yourself migrating the majority of your gaming to the portable space? Especially if you are a Wii only gamer?