Messages

51

TalkBack / Re: NBA Playgrounds Jamming Into Switch In May

« on: April 06, 2017, 07:40:30 AM »

I'm as interested in seeing the playground locations. The last NBA game I played was NBA2K2 and I played it almost entirely in streetball mode. I'm a little worried. That first location in the video evokes NYC architecture, but the court itself looks like an amalgamation of Rucker and the Cage. Hopefully it's just a different location.

Those two are a must, and 16th and Susquehanna in Philadelphia would be a huge bonus. I'm a little hopeful for the latter, because I saw an image online (can't remember if it's in the trailer) of Wilt in his old Philadelphia Warriors uniform. I also recognized what might be Venice Beach, but I've never been to that court. Another image looks like it has the London Eye in the background, which after googling, I suspect is from the Nike Court on the River Thames.

52

General Chat / Re: Soccer Discussion: Fast kickin', low scorin', and ties!

« on: March 31, 2017, 05:10:48 PM »

That's one way of running the numbers, but it seems somewhat of a cherry picked stat. The US makes up around 55% of the total CONCACAF population. Mexico makes up around another 21%.

I think CONMEBOL are the losers because the CONCACAF or AFC top two would likely not compete for a CONMEBOL title. They could very well struggle to even qualify if they were in direct competition with CONMEBOL teams. If there was a truly open qualification process, CONMEBOL and UEFA members would make up almost all the seeded teams when it came time to draw groups.

I'm not necessarily saying they got screwed though. I see the merits for doling out the slots this way if you want to expand to 48 teams, but I don't see this as the final destination anyway. There is so much uncertainty around the Russia and Qatar world cups that I still see a real possibility of FIFA ostensibly being cut off at the knees (like the NCAA was when the P5 schools split away to form the CFB playoff system). To me that's the biggest motivation for the CONCACAF and AFC expansions. To keep the US, China, and India from cutting a side deal with the UEFA domestic clubs to create a new (and more lucrative) competition.

Edit: I had typed CFA where I meant AFC.

53

General Chat / Re: Soccer Discussion: Fast kickin', low scorin', and ties!

« on: March 31, 2017, 11:19:50 AM »

The Bureau of the FIFA Council announced its recommendations for automatic qualifiers by confederation. Asian and Caribbean countries (and Canada) look set to be the big winners in the World Cup expansion. South America are the big losers. Obviously Africa is also getting a large expansion, but it's less contentious given the quality of its member teams. Here are the recommendations:

AFC: 4.5 to 8
CAF: 5 to 9
CONCACAF: 3.5 to 6
CONMEBOL: 4.5 to 6
OFC: .5 to 1
UEFA: 13 to 16

The remaining two slots will be determined by a six team play-off tournament. The FIFA Council will meet on May 9th (right before the next FIFA Congress) to ratify the recommendations.

54

General Chat / Re: The Major League Baseball Thread: Should've Put Money On The Cubbies

« on: March 30, 2017, 12:47:23 PM »

Glad to see Severino and Judge announced respectively as the Yanks 4th starter and opening-day-right-fielder. Severino looks like he will at least pan out as a relief pitcher, but I'm holding out hope he bounces back as a starter after a difficult second year.

55

General Chat / Re: Soccer Discussion: Fast kickin', low scorin', and ties!

« on: March 29, 2017, 07:33:31 AM »

I was most impressed by the physicality he showed in not being pushed off the ball when he set up Dempsey's goal.

56

General Chat / Re: Soccer Discussion: Fast kickin', low scorin', and ties!

« on: March 25, 2017, 11:16:51 AM »

I think you are underselling it.  Barring injury, going forward the entire team structure should (will) be designed around maximizing his talents.

Edit: another reason I'm glad Pulisic didn't go to Liverpool is he is less likely to have have that touch kicked out of him in a continental league. I hope he plays in Germany or Spain for soccer reasons but I think he can probably make the most endorsement money in the Premier League.

57

General Chat / Re: Soccer Discussion: Fast kickin', low scorin', and ties!

« on: March 25, 2017, 08:26:52 AM »

Pulisic had another great game. Those through balls are what I watch soccer for.

58

TalkBack / Re: Radiant Historia Perfect Chronology Coming To 3DS

« on: March 24, 2017, 06:49:34 PM »

Finally.  Dear Atlus Please Please Please Please Please release this in NA too.  Oh and by the way, you know the game called Etrian Odyssey 5?  Please Please Please Please Please get on the ball and release that in NA too.  Thanks!  ^_^

Yeah, I want to get excited about this news (I never played the original game on DS, so this would be the perfect excuse to finally get to it), but their silence on Etrian Odyssey 5 is starting to become conspicuous and I'm starting to feel like this game's localization isn't guaranteed either. Hopefully they announce both of them during the livestream in a few days (or at least make an announcement coinciding with the event, if they're keep the stream to news for Japan only).

I third this. I buy a couple of their 3DS games every 6 months just based on reputation and aesthetic alone. I'd get both of these and play them someday.

59

Podcast Discussion / Re: Episode 26 - Precious Jason

« on: March 24, 2017, 12:44:24 PM »

Thank for the 3DS coverage. I had wanted to listen to your podcast when it debuted,  but I already had a lot of video game oriented shows in the rotation. You did a great job guest hosting on NWR so I decided to jump you up the queue. I'm glad I did.

60

Nintendo Gaming / Re: Switch Pro Contoller

« on: March 21, 2017, 12:04:02 PM »

I chose the "too expensive" option, because it was the cost of the pro controller that made the Switch a wait-to-buy for me. I'm very excited by the Switch and will almost certainly own one at some point. However, I already own a 3DS with hundreds of hours of un-played games. The main justification for buying a Switch now would be the on-tv play, and not having a pro-controller is a non-starter for me in that regard. $300 was probably the ceiling I could justify, especially since I will need to factor in a very large sim card too. $400 and it starts competing with purchases like a PC or flights to Europe or South America.

61

General Chat / Re: Soccer Discussion: Fast kickin', low scorin', and ties!

« on: March 20, 2017, 02:41:07 PM »

It was reported over the weekend that CONMEBOL is eliminating the odd year Copa America [to line up with the UEFA calendar] and that the 2020 version will played in the US. It was already reported that there are talks to include CONCACAF teams, and this news makes that seem likely. Promising news for North American soccer fans and South American expats/immigrants in the US.

62

General Chat / Re: Soccer Discussion: Fast kickin', low scorin', and ties!

« on: March 18, 2017, 12:06:44 PM »

That's largely my perception with a few caveats.

Although while I think Madrid has the best collection of players, and inarguably the most depth, Bayern seems to have the more cohesive form and balance. Barca is the betting favorite (at least according to 5dimes) post draw.

I think Monaco and Dortmund are pretty even. I would bet on Dortmund, but this is a goal fest on paper, and the schedule could be a factor. Atleti are better than Leicester by a significant margin, but it is a very intriguing style match up. Leicester will likely try to do to Atleti what Atleti does to Madrid, Barcelona, and Bayern. Particularly so with the first leg at the Calderon. It will be interesting to see how Atleti deal with the pressure of both being huge favorites and having to create goals through possession play.

I'm extremely nervous as a Madrid fan, but this is probably the most entertaining collective draw outside of maybe flipping Barca and Bayern.

63

General Chat / Re: Soccer Discussion: Fast kickin', low scorin', and ties!

« on: March 18, 2017, 08:30:51 AM »

I like to look at the schedules to see if there are any comparative adavantages. This is just me eyeballing and I didn't check any strength metrics, but they seem relatively balanced between the competitors. Monaco and Leicester seemingly have the easiest schedules and Madrid looks the most difficult (maybe a lot more difficult). This is the run in from the international break through April:

Bayern
@Ausburg
@Hoffenheim
Dortmund
Madrid
@Leverkusen
@Madrid
Mainz
Dortmund
@Wolfsburg

Madrid
Alves
@Leganes
Atletico
@Bayern
@Sporting
Bayern
Barca
@Deportivo
Valencia


Barca
@Granada
Sevilla
@Malaga
@Juve
La Real
Juve
@Madrid
Osasuna
@Espanyol

Juve
@Napoli
@Napoli
Chievo
Barca
@Pescara
@Barca
Geno
@Atalanta


Dortmund
@Schalke
Hamburg
@Bayern
Monaco
Eintracht
@Monaco
Mochengladbach
@Bayern
Köln

Monaco
@PSG
Asse
Lille
@Angers
@Dortmund
Dijon
Dortmund
@Lyon
Toulouse


Atleti
@Malaga
La Real
@Madrid
Leicester
Osasuna
@Leicester
@Espanyol
Villaareal
@Las Palmas

Leicester
Stoke
Sunderland
@Everton
@Atletico
Crystal Palace
Atletico
Tottenham
@West Brom

64

General Chat / Re: Soccer Discussion: Fast kickin', low scorin', and ties!

« on: March 17, 2017, 10:57:12 AM »

I disagree that Dempsey's Europa success is the high water mark. DaMarcus Beasley's European career dwarfs his. Even if the argument rests (bizarrely in my opinion) on Dempsey's appearance in the Europa Final, Beasley played in a Chamipons League semi-final.

(Edited because I was unsure of how the tone would be interpreted)

65

General Chat / Re: Soccer Discussion: Fast kickin', low scorin', and ties!

« on: March 17, 2017, 07:33:41 AM »

Atleti-Leicester
Barca-Juve
Bayern-Madrid
Dortmund-Monaco

This is a pretty spectacular draw for neutrals and Atleti (and to a lesser extent Dortmund) fans.

66

General Chat / Re: The Major League Baseball Thread: Should've Put Money On The Cubbies

« on: March 15, 2017, 10:11:46 AM »

The Dominican Republic is the team that gets me to tune into the WBC. Unfortunately, I needed to watch online last night and my cable company doesn't have a streaming deal with MLBtv. I pay for the MLB package monthly, so it hasn't kicked in yet. The Colombia game on Sunday was great too. There had been a lot of good games this year.

67

General Chat / Re: Soccer Discussion: Fast kickin', low scorin', and ties!

« on: March 09, 2017, 01:52:54 PM »

In happier news, Christian Pulisic was fantastic yesterday for Dortmund.

68

General Chat / Re: Soccer Discussion: Fast kickin', low scorin', and ties!

« on: March 09, 2017, 01:03:27 PM »

I'm sad to see Xabi Alonso announce his retirement. He is one of the most complete players I've ever seen and he has the trophy case to match: 1 World Cup, 2 Euros, 2 Champions Leagues, 3 domestic leagues, 4 domestic cups, and 4 super cups. He will probably add to that in his final season. He was an amazing player who possessed both technical grace and physical resolve. He could just as easily shut down a rampaging attack as he could unlock a well-organized defense. He has been a pleasure to watch in both White and Red.

69

General Chat / Re: Soccer Discussion: Fast kickin', low scorin', and ties!

« on: March 03, 2017, 11:35:27 AM »

I'd love a competitive Canada. I really enjoy the hockey, rugby, womens soccer, and Winter Olympics rivalries with our northern neighbors. The World Baseball Classic will never really work because of the inherent conflict in protecting the pitchers, but Canada getting competitive in soccer and basketball would be great for North American sport.

70

Nintendo Gaming / Re: Not a hater but... (future prediction)

« on: March 03, 2017, 11:18:52 AM »

Lol! Did you short the stock or plan on doing it at some point? If the market follows your predictions from Switch failure to massive dongle/mobile platform success, you could make huge money both ways if you play it right. That would be a lot better then (premature) gloating.

the Switch can not compete with mobile phones in the portable gaming market

Is there a viable market for a dedicated gaming tablet? I'm interested as a consumer because I really want a new line of those types of devices and I am hoping the Switch demonstrates at least a niche demand. Rather than a dongle, what about a device a tablet could fit into? Maybe the best case scenario for me would be Nintendo, Sony, and Microsoft all offering devices that can supplement a tablet.

71

Nintendo Gaming / Re: Forum Snap Poll: How Sold Are You on the Switch?

« on: March 01, 2017, 07:26:02 AM »

Graceful Explosion Machine and Mr. Shifty both have me really interested in the HD rumble features for the first time. The probability of me buying a Switch in 2017 increased significantly after watching the nindie trailer last night, but I still think I'll hold out for the right bundle or a drop in price on the accessories.

72

Nintendo Gaming / Re: Indies for the Switch!

« on: February 28, 2017, 09:49:47 PM »

They also abandoned the trademark last year. I suspect we'll get more details about it soon.

I saw that, but I'm assuming the NBA stands for National Basketball Association, so trademarks won't likely be an issue anyway. Maybe they went with a different developer though, just trying to read the tea leaves.

73

Nintendo Gaming / Re: Indies for the Switch!

« on: February 28, 2017, 04:54:52 PM »

NBA Playgrounds caught my eye too. I googled it and it appears the trademark was filed by Saber Interactive.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Saber_Interactive

74

Reader Reviews / Re: Pokemon Moon: Thoughts from someone in FAR too deep.

« on: February 24, 2017, 04:38:29 PM »

This is a great read Clex, thanks. I've also been using Strider Hiryu now that I'm exploring the X/AS/Moon post-games, and he's been wrecking shop, so double-thanks.

I can understand your frustrations with Festival Plaza. I think it was designed with filthy casuals like me in mind. With the exception of wonder trading which I am a huge fan of, I hadn't used any of the PSS features in XY or ORAS. I don't have GTS level stocks yet and I haven't developed any interest in competitive battling (part is the barrier to entry, part is that I think it would ruin the relaxed style of play I have been enjoying). The type challenges and grinding for shop upgrades has me "interacting" with far more players. I think these small interactions help more passive players develop a better sense of belonging to the larger community. That being said, I would love a return of the PokeNav Plus with the next game.

75

General Chat / Re: Soccer Discussion: Fast kickin', low scorin', and ties!

« on: February 24, 2017, 08:00:45 AM »

The elephant in the room last year was that it was the worst collective Premier League season in maybe its history. Commentators who tried to point out the context surrounding Leicester's surprise run were often accused of churlishness. Leicester and Ranieri (who I like) were also frequently used as a stick to beat on whatever agenda the writer had (putting the boots into Mourinho during the Chelsea meltdown, promoting the competitiveness of the Premier League vis-a-vis its continental rivals, etc.). It would be fun but pointless to dig up all the bad takes I read last year.

I really like N'Golo Kante. There is obviously a lot more to Leicester's and Chelsea's reversal in fortunes, but that loss was devestating. But even without that move, I don't think the same Leicester team from last year is realistically competing for Europe (let alone the league) in 16-17.