Messages

1

Podcast Discussion / Re: Episode 584: Symphony of the Night Trap

« on: August 12, 2018, 07:33:31 PM »

I really appreciated hearing Syrenne's thoughts on Octopath Traveler, but wow did I have a different experience with the game! While I did some grinding early, I found the pacing to be pretty on point, especially if I stopped to do a side quest or two after every few main story chapters. The bosses were indeed tough, but I can't say I spent more than 15-20 minutes on any, except for the late-game bosses (15 min or so feels about right to me). I had a few deaths here and there, but the game always felt pretty fair. And with Cyrus's Evasive Maneuvers perk, I could get through most dungeons with only 4-5 random battles apiece (exploration led to more battles, of course). It always seemed pretty straightforward to power-level "lagging" characters.


I wonder how much your initial character choice changes your experience with the game. I never felt like Cyrus (my choice) was a drag, he is probably the best damage dealer after H'aanit.

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TalkBack / Re: Possible Details About Zelda Wii U Emerge?

« on: April 10, 2016, 10:50:25 AM »

I am against having the option to play as a female Link because it will mean the end of all of the male-specific features that are the reasons I play the game, such as Link's traditionally deep and guttural voice, his large and muscular frame, his conspicuous genitalia and Ganondorf repeatedly yelling, "You are a male, link! A male with XY sex chromosomes and a penis and a self-identity that is completely and entirely consistent with those biological features. And it is those features that drive our underlying conflict and thus the story of this game, which is the primary reason that people play it!"


Female Link would just ruin this illusion for me because girls might have fun, and **** that.

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Nintendo Gaming / Re: NWR Super Mario Maker Level Share Thread

« on: September 12, 2015, 10:31:12 PM »

Patience or risk;fight or flight
3D35-0000-0028-E96F
This level is hard if you are impatient, easy if you are...or if you are very lucky. I think this one came out surprisingly well from a "score attack" standpoint. Probably my most creative.

[/size]It wiggles in a creepy way[size=78%]
[/size]CFFF-0000-0028-98C6[size=78%]
[/size]This one is a non-challenge. It just looks weird[size=78%]

[/size]ShellGames[size=78%]
[/size]08F9-0000-001B-A4FC[size=78%]
[/size]My first real attempt at a stage. It's alright.[size=78%]

[/size]Practice you walljumps, please[size=78%]
[/size]FD46-0000-001B-D208[size=78%]
[/size]About what you would expect.[size=78%]

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TalkBack / Re: Burden of the Silent Majority

« on: September 04, 2014, 05:32:49 PM »

Peeling myself away from work to post on a non-work-based forum for the first time in months, just because this topic is so important...


I just want to say that people should speak up to whatever degree they are comfortable. Become a good advocate is a long processes, and even I slip up from time to time and I am well on the "progressive" side of social justice discussions.


Shaming has its place, but I don't think your goal should ever be to make people feel bad about themselves. Most racists, misogynists, etc don't make a conscious decision to be bad people. Their points of view follow naturally from a complex societal mileau that, in effect, normalizes their beliefs. To insult them won't actually help them to learn. The best way, honestly, is to find opportunities to have them defend their opinions openly, and generate discussion that openly forces them to confront their lack of concern and empathy. If a sexist says, you know what, **** it. I don't have concern or empathy for women and I don't care to try, well...shame away.


Now there is this whole other issue of privilege and how it shapes someone's outlook. A lot of people don't really have a firm grasp of what privilege means and like to dismiss discussions of privilege off hand. But it's basically like this: if you are pissed off because your ability to enjoy something without considering its pernicious aspects is threatened by the words and discussions of victims and victim advocates, and you can share that you are pissed off and annoyed without any real threat of repercussion, that's privilege. You don't have a right to be shielded from uncomfortable topics. Stop being a baby when you are.


That's all I have to say for now, but I am loving this discussion, as uncomfortable as it may be for some.

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TalkBack / Re: Mario Kart 8 Review

« on: May 15, 2014, 03:53:29 PM »

I see no point in either defending or attacking the score. It's the man's opinion. Nobody is going to score special Nintendo points for defending the game, and there are no real stakes. I mean, even if Nintendo were to never again make another MK game because of Neal's score, they'll be happy to sell you the ones they already made in perpetuity.

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TalkBack / Re: Comparing Wii U's Sales to GameCube, Wii

« on: April 22, 2014, 09:41:15 PM »

You guys are crazy, Neal is dead-on with this analysis.


Considering the surprising success of the 3DS and the inability of Nintendo to create HD games at a reasonable clip, I wouldn't be surprised if this is Nintendo's last true home console (although I could see a handheld that streams to the TV).

[We may not have adequately explained NES Remix, but it's not for lack of trying.]

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Podcast Discussion / Episode 363: Quantitative Easing

« on: December 22, 2013, 04:35:05 PM »

We may not have adequately explained NES Remix, but it's not for lack of trying.

http://www.nintendoworldreport.com/rfn/36259

It's our last episode of 2013, and we have a new guest in Jon's chair this week: Dave Mellert, a fairly recent addition to the NWR staff who we met years ago at PAX East. We kick off with some brief comments on the response to last week's episode and a coarse rundown of the latest Nintendo Direct.

In New Business, James spends plenty of time trying to explain NES Remix. Not only do he and Guillaume have difficulty describing this downloadable oddity, they're also unsure just what they think of it. Gui finally gets to start Zelda: Link Between Worlds, too. Dave turns the light on Animal Crossing: New Leaf, a game we haven't discussed in months. It sounds like the holiday season is a great time to jump back in. Jonny closes the segment with early impressions of Ys Seven, which is of course one of the newest entries in the Ys franchise that we covered on RetroActive not too long ago.

You can probably guess that Listener Mail would cover at least a tiny sample of the extensive feedback we received from last week's show. But we get started with a fun letter about the pure addictiveness of Super Mario 3D World, which gives us an excuse to slip in some extra impressions from the panel. Next up is a tour though memorable Christmas/winter themes in video games, as well as a couple of holiday gaming memories. In the end, we do get around to dealing with the Wii U sales fallout and the inevitable question of Satoru Iwata's solvency as President/CEO of Nintendo. Naturally, we all looked to James for an expert opinion on Japanese culture and how the current situation might affect Iwata's job security. What we didn't expect was an epic, incredibly deep, occasionally inscrutable treatise on Japanese macroeconomics, monetary policy, and corporate intrigue. James goes far beyond a simple prediction to look at the situation in a way you aren't going to hear on any other podcast. The man is an international treasure. And the short answer is: no, Iwata is probably going to be fine for now.

If you too would like to send in thoughts on the latest games, hype for upcoming releases, or reactions to sales numbers, send us an electronic letter! Also, don't forget to start playing F-Zero X (N64) and/or F-Zero GX (GameCube) for the upcoming live RetroActive!

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TalkBack / Re: RUMOR: Wii U Sells Approximately 230,000 in November

« on: December 13, 2013, 01:42:42 PM »

The best thing to come out of the WiiU was HD, Miiverse, and a (nearly) unified eShop. Nintendo won't bomb the next console...this one was a very good learning experience that will have provided some significant institutional momentum.

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TalkBack / Re: Wind Waker HD Adds New Difficulty Setting, Smooth Sailing

« on: August 23, 2013, 11:40:02 AM »

So they are fixing the two things that probably prevent this game from being my favorite 3D Zelda? And actually make it my least-favorite 3D Zelda? (I hate the Triforce hunt/sailing that much).


Yeah I guess I'll buy it at full price 

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Podcast Discussion / Re: Episode 97: Just Shut Up

« on: August 09, 2013, 09:47:26 PM »

Josh's comment at 55:15 wins the podcast

[Picross e2 offers more of more of the same, but that might be okay...again.]

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TalkBack / Picross e2 Review

« on: July 29, 2013, 12:33:43 PM »

Picross e2 offers more of more of the same, but that might be okay...again.

http://www.nintendoworldreport.com/review/35043

Jupiter’s Picross e2 is their latest take on the Nonogram puzzle genre, of which they have been releasing games under the Picross banner since Mario’s Picross for Game Boy (1995). Their nearly 20 years of experience have taken them to a point where they can easily crank out functional iterations. At least it seems that way, because except for the new puzzles, very little has changed from Picross e.

Honestly, Mike Sklens’ review of Picross e is entirely applicable here, save for a few differences. Here’s a summary: this is a well done, if low-frills version of Picross that makes nearly no use of the hardware capabilities of the 3DS. The music and presentation are inoffensive and unremarkable. There are a large number of puzzles, over 200 in total, but at least a third of those will be far too easy for all but the most novice Picross player. There is a stylus control option that works well enough to allow for expert, speed-run play, although it is a little too easy to make mistakes on the large 15x15 grid (even on the 3DS XL). If you’ve played Picross e, you’ll know exactly what I mean.

The one new feature of the game is Micross mode, in which several 10x10 grid puzzles are stitched together to form an 8x8 meta-puzzle. It sounds more interesting than it is; you are just solving one easy 8x8 puzzle and several easy 10x10 puzzles. When you complete all of the 10x10 sub-puzzles, you reveal a Picross-style replica of a famous work of art. It’s not very interesting, although I had fun trying to guess what each painting was before I completed it. This mode features a different background song than the one that plays during puzzles, but you’ll probably turn it off after five or ten minutes.

So this game feels like a level pack, but if you’re a Picross fan, does it really matter? I suspect not, though you may be disappointed by the relatively few truly challenging puzzles. If you are interested in giving Picross a try for the first time, you will be better off purchasing the Game Boy version on the 3DS Virtual Console.

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TalkBack / Re: Super Mario 3D World Announced for Wii U

« on: June 11, 2013, 12:03:24 PM »

Cat Mario looks sweet

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TalkBack / Re: Super Metroid Review Mini

« on: May 21, 2013, 10:32:04 AM »

I think this is a fair review. However, it didn't touch on one of my biggest complaints. The Wall Jump in this game just feels off. Yes, it's possible to master, but it is so difficult for a beginner to learn.

This is very true. Also odd, considering games such as Ninja Gaiden dealt with wall jumping in more intuitive ways in the NES era. My guess is that it was supposed to be an advanced technique that the player only learned from seeing the friendly creatures do it (a brilliant "tutorial"). If you can easily wall jump from the beginning, you can short-cut a few areas and possibly get yourself into trouble.

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TalkBack / Re: Super Metroid Review Mini

« on: May 21, 2013, 09:37:04 AM »

I found that video a little irritating. A lot of the stuff he comments on are interesting a probably true, but I can't help but get the feeling that there is a little too much bullshitty reading into things.

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Podcast Discussion / Re: Episode 86: Shall We Talk About Batman Now?

« on: May 18, 2013, 06:09:05 PM »

Jeopardy!


Like the hockey stuff, guys. One thing though, you really have to fix JP's audio for the next round.


Go Wings!

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TalkBack / Re: Date, Retail Release, and More Revealed for New Super Luigi U

« on: May 17, 2013, 11:53:28 AM »

My prediction is half way to coming true!


http://www.nintendoworldreport.com/forums/index.php?topic=40697.msg780299#msg780299

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TalkBack / Re: Tank! Tank! Tank! Free Download on eShop Gives You 60 Club Nintendo Coins

« on: May 03, 2013, 11:52:44 AM »

Wow this game is garbage (played 5 minutes this morning...it was enough). First game I ever played that screwed up the controls for driving in reverse.


But 60 pts yay!

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TalkBack / Re: Wii U System Update Live in North America, Europe

« on: April 26, 2013, 08:36:13 AM »

Holy speed improvement.


And yes, thank god for the screen size adjustment. I *hated* having cut off borders

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TalkBack / Re: Hyrule Historia: A Timeline for the Trash

« on: April 25, 2013, 10:20:05 AM »

OMG you all are NOT looking to tie together the Mario games into one timeline are you? Zelda was bad enough ><


There is some serious ASD going on in this thread

[A real attempt at a social network by Nintendo? Say what?]

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TalkBack / The Surreality of Miiverse on the Web

« on: April 24, 2013, 11:02:58 PM »

A real attempt at a social network by Nintendo? Say what?

http://www.nintendoworldreport.com/blog/34008

Even though it was promised, I was very surprised to see Nintendo opening up Miiverse, making it accessible via web browser. It is not like them to do something so…obvious. Could it be? Is Nintendo making a serious stab at a real social network, tailored to gamers? Are they finally starting to follow through on their years of insisting that they are serious about online social gaming?

Well, no, at least not yet. Although the browser version of Miiverse allows you to explore all of the same communities that you can access through the standard Wii U interface, you cannot directly post. So far you can only comment on others’ posts, and even then you are limited to text. No using your Wacom tablet to create masterpiece drawings to upload to Miiverse as of now. There is also no way to directly message your friends. The whole thing feels very light on functionality.

Still, there is something surreal about interacting with a Nintendo-controlled community outside of Nintendo hardware. I am hopeful that this may be a “crack in the dam” for Nintendo’s historically closed and onerous approach toward online gaming. One can easily envision an upgraded, web-accessible Miiverse that is more or less like Twitter, just packaged and monitored by Nintendo. I don’t even want to think about the possibility of iOS or Android apps. My head might explode.

What do you all think? Are these just scraps to mollify the Nintendo faithful while we endure an extended and inexcusable software drought? Or is Nintendo finally starting to get with the program?

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TalkBack / Re: Hyrule Historia: A Timeline for the Trash

« on: April 24, 2013, 06:29:26 PM »

I hate Nintendo for releasing that timeline at all. The whole past-time of trying to make sense of the Zelda games by connecting them through a timeline needs to die a horrible death.

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General Gaming / Re: Bioshock Infinite Spoiler Thread [is anyone even playing this game?]

« on: April 24, 2013, 09:20:12 AM »

You must suck at the game because the ending battle is not hard in the slightest. Use that special "power" you get at that point in the game on the George Washington guys and you'll be fine.

I actually had some trouble on that fight as well, though I didn't end up losing it. I found that Songbird to be very picky at just what distance from an enemy it would allow you to target. In some cases, I had to be practically rubbing my face against one of those zeppelins to get the Songbird attack command.  Despite clearing it, though, that was an incredibly poorly-designed final gameplay sequence, and it illustrates magnificently why the combat in this game sucks compared to the combat flow of previous Bioshock games. Pure chaos != "fun" or "well designed".

I am in complete agreement with you, broodwars. My specific problems with that section were 1) the controls were very finicky and unreliable when it came to selecting a songbird target (PS3 version), 2) I had a lot of difficulty finding the straggler enemies, who would just keep plinking away at my ship health while I ran all over the place looking for their health bar to pop up and 3) it was just do damn long.


Oblivion, considering I played through the rest of the game on hard without much difficulty, I wouldn't say I sucked at the game. Just at that part.


But what does it say about you that you went for an insult after I gave my opinion? Pretty lame, dude. It's not like the Bioshock devs are going to land an airship in front of your place one day and present you with a trophy for being the most awesomest defender of Bioshock and game player extraordinaire.

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General Gaming / Re: Bioshock Infinite Spoiler Thread [is anyone even playing this game?]

« on: April 23, 2013, 11:11:23 PM »

They treat philosophical concepts like a hipster treats his new fad.

Yes, sir

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General Gaming / Re: Bioshock Infinite Spoiler Thread [is anyone even playing this game?]

« on: April 23, 2013, 11:07:59 PM »

I played through to the end "boss" and decided to rage quit and watch the ending on Youtube. You're going to make me change up the entire way I've come to play because you wanted to pull something cute and change things up at the very end? So very cliche.


Well after playing the game all the way through on Hard and trying that end scenario about 6 times, I tried once on Easy, failed, and decided it just wasn't worth my time anymore.


Now, I am not a huge shooter fan, but I appreciate good ones. I absolutely adore the HalfLife games and episodes. I liked the Deus Ex games, even the "crappy" second one. I don't hate on FPS style games just to hate on them.


But I did not like Bioshock: Infinite in the end. The gameplay was somehow both tedious and frantic. The most fun sections - the ones including the skylines - were too disorienting to feel strategic. The story...man if you think this was a good or intelligent story, you really should read more books. The whole multiple dimension/time travel weirdness thing has been done a million times by much better authors.


There were a lot of great things about this game, to be fair. The art direction, some of the voice acting (well, the Lutece sibs), the whole vibe of Columbia. But I found myself *tolerating* the gunfights in order to get to more of that stuff. If I don't like the "game" part of a game, I don't like the game.


So yeah. I can certainly see why some people might like this game so I will not **** on their opinions. But for me, I just didn't like it.

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TalkBack / Re: Weighing My DS Backlog Options

« on: April 23, 2013, 06:45:46 PM »

TWEWY is real good man. Just be relaxed when you play it. I think a lot of people get stressed out trying to play it "optimally", when you don't really need to. You'll get the hang of the odd battle system eventually and it becomes easier to apply skill. The whole game is organized around being accessible to people of differing skill levels.


The production values are second to none. The story can be a bit...teen-angsty...but if you stick with it there is a lot more going on than there seems at first.


I dunno, I am pretty picky when it comes to RPGs and I loved it