Gaming Forums => Nintendo Gaming => Topic started by: ejamer on February 17, 2010, 04:06:49 PM
Title: always behind the times...
Post by: ejamer on February 17, 2010, 04:06:49 PM
I finally figured out why I'm so happy despite only owning a Wii: I'm living in the past anyway so old technology doesn't hurt one bit.
My TV is a not-too-big standard definition set. I'm not interested in paying for cable, let alone a set-top box for satellite or DVR funcationality. One of these days I might consider looking into a set of compositecomponent (edit) cables...maybe.
Many of my favorite games are retro ones, either on old consoles or just played through the Virtual Console service. Even new games appeal to me more when they have old-school sensibilities. (Also, I hate it when you can easily play through a game without dying. My ideal game challenges your skill level instead of merely occupying your time.)
I'm rarely playing the latest releases. Heck, my backlog from last gen is more than enough to carry me through until the next console generation starts. Probably even if we are using Sony's 10-year plan.
But here's the real kicker: I don't care. With more (good) games than I have time to play sitting in my collection, and with money still in my wallet because of a "$20 or less" rule about buying new games, life looks pretty good. Even if it's not in HD.
Are other Wii owners in a similar situation, or am I an anomaly?
Title: Re: always behind the times...
Post by: Morari on February 17, 2010, 06:26:49 PM
You're not alone. I generally stick to a similar purchasing guideline, though do admittedly deviate on occasion. I'm perfectly happy with my older SD television set, even if I do have the Wii physically hooked up via component cables. I don't have any sort of television service, because frankly my DVD player and a NetFlix subscription keeps me plenty entertained. My backlog of older films is even of the same concept as all those old GameCube games I have sitting around! If not, I can always go to greener media pastures with the Wii itself, any number of activities on my PC, or even my Dreamcast which remains perpetually hooked up. ;)
Title: Re: always behind the times...
Post by: Peachylala on February 17, 2010, 06:30:38 PM
It's rather simple: Nintendo makes things so much easier and a lot more fun.
God help us if a third party doesn't agree with it.
Title: Re: always behind the times...
Post by: Mop it up on February 17, 2010, 06:53:08 PM
Yeah, I'm sort of similar. I like my CRT television, I don't have a DVD player, cell phones can kiss my cute butt, phonographs are the best music players, and the only reason I have DirecTV is because it's included in the rent.
My gaming tastes are different though, as I'm not looking for a challenge. Games are enjoyable in many other ways.
Title: Re: always behind the times...
Post by: BlackNMild2k1 on February 17, 2010, 07:09:05 PM
Yeah, I'm sort of similar. I like my CRT television, I don't have a DVD player, cell phones can kiss my cute butt, phonographs are the best music players, and the only reason I have DirecTV is because it's included in the rent.
Either you are secretly 70+ years old or you hang out with your grandparents too often. We are supposed to be GenX and raising GenTech. You gotta get with the times. Even dedicated house lines are slowly becoming irrelevant with everyone and their momma having a personal cell phone. VHS is almost unacceptable sitting next to DVD and I'm sure there are plenty of lossless formats that you can listen to your music in that also allows you to carry your entire collection in your pocket. I'm beginning to wonder if you tv is Black and White and has 2 turn dials. Behind the times you are...
Title: Re: always behind the times...
Post by: Mop it up on February 17, 2010, 07:17:20 PM
I just don't buy into consumerism. When something works just fine, I have no need to replace it. I always laugh when I hear all of the "behind the times" and "old is bad" marketing buzzwords designed to get people to buy new products.
Title: Re: always behind the times...
Post by: ThePerm on February 17, 2010, 07:20:18 PM
bah, not all things on vhs have made it to dvd and blueray. Next you'll say we shouldn't keep our NES because of virtual console.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=otBNYc0lJ6Y
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PuwaqDVcFII&NR=1
Title: Re: always behind the times...
Post by: gbuell on February 17, 2010, 07:21:12 PM
You really have no interest in having the ability to skip tracks, skip to scenes on DVD, or call someone when you're out of the house? Those things have value beyond simply being "new". Why even have a computer?
Title: Re: always behind the times...
Post by: Mop it up on February 17, 2010, 07:23:14 PM
I'm just not big on movies, so I don't have a DVD player because I wouldn't buy movies for it. I don't watch much on the telly either, but when I want to watch something, I can usually find something on some channel.
If I'm out of the house then chances are, I don't want to talk to anyone who would call me. Plus, cell phones are exponentially uncomfortable to use. So are cordless phones. I have a rotary phone.
Title: Re: always behind the times...
Post by: BlackNMild2k1 on February 17, 2010, 07:39:48 PM
LMAO!!! now you are just trolling us. stop it. you do not still have a rotary phone. seriously, just stop it.
ThePerm: That's why I said VHS is almost unacceptable next to DVD, but Blu ray at this point is not a big enough jump to make me spend the money to get on board.
Title: Re: always behind the times...
Post by: Stogi on February 17, 2010, 07:40:39 PM
The only thing I own that is relatively "old" is a solid collection of vinyl records. But I think vinyl sounds better than CD's or even SACD's, so in that respect I'm still on the cusp of quality.
Technology is a great thing (if you can afford it), and there's little reason to ignore it. I admit that it can engulf your life if your not careful, and I will also admit that it's awesome to occasionally turn off your cellphone and to make yourself hard to reach; but otherwise, I can't thank technology enough. I rarely go to movie theaters because I have an HDTV projector. I rarely ask for directions because I have access to GPS. I rarely have to leave to buy goods because I have the internet. I rarely use a house phone or any phone for that matter because now I have a phone that works everywhere.
lol those use to piss me off to no extent. I'd **** up one number and have to start all over.
Title: Re: always behind the times...
Post by: Mop it up on February 17, 2010, 07:50:48 PM
I don't troll.
I'm not against technology, I just focus on the things I want (computer, videogames, etc) and don't buy things I have little or no interest in (DVD/movies, music players), or things I don't need (cell phone). I also don't usually replace something unless it breaks (television, refrigerator, etc). If that makes me "behind the times" technology-wise, then that's fine, I don't care. It's my choice, it isn't like I'm missing out on anything I actually want.
Title: Re: always behind the times...
Post by: Ian Sane on February 17, 2010, 07:56:16 PM
I don't have an HDTV. My PC is about seven years old and only now has started to run like such **** that I'm considering replacing it (but even then it's more of a "dammit, I don't want to have to do this!" thing. Most music I listen to is at least 15 years old. I'm not on Facebook or Twitter and don't really want to be. I have the cellphone that came free with my plan and I had to get dragged into getting a cellphone in the first place. My car is paid for and despite my parents suggesting I sell it and get something newer I would prefer to ride it until the damn thing dies.
But the thing is I keep up to date with games, at least in the sense of being knowledgable of what's out there. It's something I don't like being behind the times in. I know the Wii misses out on LOTS of great games that come out for the other console. Now Nintendo makes great games too but aside from that there isn't much else on the Wii. I notice droughts. I notice when Nintendo uses NPC titles to fill in gaps. I notice that the third party support sucks and possibly wouldn't if Nintendo had not been so behind with their hardware. So it bothers me. The Wii's weaknesses are obvious and apparant to me and I care enough about videogames to be displeased with this.
Title: Re: always behind the times...
Post by: Stogi on February 17, 2010, 07:56:49 PM
I'm not against technology, I just focus on the things I want (computer, videogames, etc) and don't buy things I have little or no interest in (DVD/movies, music players), or things I don't need (cell phone). I also don't usually replace something unless it breaks (television, refrigerator, etc). If that makes me "behind the times" technology-wise, then that's fine, I don't care. It's my choice, it isn't like I'm missing out on anything I actually want.
I'm really suprised you don't have a cell phone. Cell phones are clutch in so many situations, especially with the addition of text. Plus cellphones aren't just a phone, they are literally a digital blackbook; a contact index. And assuming you work out, what number are you suppose to give your admirers ;)?
Title: Re: always behind the times...
Post by: Caliban on February 17, 2010, 07:56:54 PM
Quote from: Mop_it_up
I have a rotary phone.
Awesome.
Title: Re: always behind the times...
Post by: gbuell on February 17, 2010, 09:46:58 PM
Rotary phone? You must really hate automated phone systems (press 1 for English...)
Title: Re: always behind the times...
Post by: Kairon on February 17, 2010, 11:37:28 PM
I'm perfectly happy with my older SD television set, even if I do have the Wii physically hooked up via component cables. I don't have any sort of television service, because frankly my DVD player and a NetFlix subscription keeps me plenty entertained. ... If not, I can always go to greener media pastures with the Wii itself, any number of activities on my PC, or even my Dreamcast which remains perpetually hooked up. ;)
This is SO me.
I have nothing against new tech. But frankly, there's a lot of it I don't need or can't afford... and some that I do... HULU!
Title: Re: always behind the times...
Post by: UncleBob on February 17, 2010, 11:51:37 PM
It's funny - I love technology, but hate everything else. I had to get a new car last week and told the sales clerk I didn't care, just needed something that ran and fit my payment preference (Like, he kept asking "what do you think about >insert car type here<" and I just responded "I don't even know what that is.". My closet consists of about 1/2 Walmart blue shirts and 1/2 Video Game shirts/Hawaiian shirts. I wear my shoes until they're falling apart. All these things everyone else cares about, 'meh. But give me something shiny that lights up and I'm happy. With that said, I like to keep my old stuff as well. I still have my Intellivision - hooked up to my HDTV - and play it on occasion.
I can, however, honestly understand the lack of need for a cell phone. If I didn't use my phone for mobile browsing, truth be told, I probably wouldn't miss it. I do text quite a bit. Rarely call anyone on it. In our case though, we don't have a home phone (who needs one now?), so I suppose I do need it for when my wife's not home and I need to call.
As for the mobile browsing, I do really like that. Between my internet addiction and my constant need to have an LCD screen in front of me, the phone works well. The internet portion of the cell phone bill is cheaper than a newspaper every day and I get a better selection of news stories (never had to read a single article about Tiger Woods!) and can read them virtually anywhere without having to carry the newspaper around with me.
Title: Re: always behind the times...
Post by: ThePerm on February 18, 2010, 02:18:46 AM
cellphone take away some freedom, we used to call them the electronic leash.
Title: Re: always behind the times...
Post by: Kairon on February 18, 2010, 02:43:21 AM
I prefer cellphones to other more insidious forms of electronic leashes...
Title: Re: always behind the times...
Post by: King of Twitch on February 18, 2010, 02:57:20 AM
Title: Re: always behind the times...
Post by: SixthAngel on February 18, 2010, 03:33:46 AM
I had a rotary phone when I grew up and even then no one else did. My family doesn't have it anymore because it broke and they had to buy a new phone. They couldn't find a rotary phone anymore and that was like 13 years ago. I am shocked you still have one now as your main phone simply because buying one has been impossible for probably over 2 decades. I don't even have a land line in my house anymore, its all cellphone.
You guys know you can just leave your cell at home if you don't want the collar? I do it all the time.
Title: Re: always behind the times...
Post by: SixthAngel on February 18, 2010, 03:36:41 AM
:@
Title: Re: always behind the times...
Post by: Mop it up on February 18, 2010, 04:13:57 AM
I think that goes to show a problem with newer technologies, that they tend to be far less durable than what has come before. Rotary phones are built like a brick, and don't require electricity. Unless you throw one across the room or smash it with a hammer, I doubt it would ever break.
Sometimes I wonder if newer technologies are designed to break after a year or so, to get you to buy a new product...
Title: Re: always behind the times...
Post by: Stratos on February 18, 2010, 04:34:10 AM
I know a guy you would love, Mop it up. He has an old fashioned typewriter and has all sorts of older stuff.
I usually like to keep things until they fall apart or I have a need for something better. I just ignore calls I don't want to take or turn my phone off. I didn't get texting until I go a gf who liked to text and it's funny how I feel the urge to use it all the time.
I keep my shoes and clothes until they fall apart like UncleBob but my gf keeps insisting I get better stuff like new shoes and clothes so she buys me stuff like that for Christmas and other holidays. Does your wife care about your appearance, UB?
I prefer older cars from the 80s and early 90s instead of those fancy new ones too.
I do enjoy getting new technology though. I like getting new computers when I can afford them that can play most of the latest releases on the higher settings and I want a new iPod and smart phone. But I still find I'm contented with the Wii because the Wii seems to be delivering enough content that I enjoy playing that I don't feel an insatiable desire to get a PS3 or 360. I plan on getting one or the other eventually for certain games but I would prefer to spend my money on current games. I always thought it was because I had eclectic tastes in games. I can't afford all of the games I want for Wii and until I buy all of them or at least most of them I don't see myself actually spending the money for a different system anytime soon.
Title: Re: always behind the times...
Post by: Stogi on February 18, 2010, 04:58:24 AM
First off, this should be in the funhouse or at least the general chat.
Secondly, what the hell is wrong with owning a typewriter? I have one and I use it for....special...purposes :)
Thirdly, I wish there was a feature on my phone that allowed me to plan my texts. So if i didn't want to send one right away, but wanted to later but couldn't use my phone for whaterver reason, I could just plan my text to send at whatever time I'd like.
Fourthly, I've been fixing a limited edition 78' Camaro for the past 6 months. It'll be ready to pimp out this spring!
Fifthly, I hope all you haters of new technology actually enjoy the outdoors because if you sit around the house all day then you double suck.
Title: Re: always behind the times...
Post by: Stratos on February 18, 2010, 05:16:17 AM
I didn't say I had a problem with typewriters. I actually want one myself but they are rather expensive. I was using it as an example of the types of things this person had and liked to use.
Title: Re: always behind the times...
Post by: ejamer on February 18, 2010, 10:54:29 AM
I've got a cell phone. Hate it. On rare occasions it is incredibly convenient, but 99% of the time the drop in quality and increased cost are not worthwhile.
But DVD is a huge improvement over VHS. More durable, easier and more convenient to use, and totally affordable. While I see no benefit in moving to HD video (for me), making the leap from VHS to DVD in the late 90s was something I don't regret.
For me, it's not hating on technology but figuring out personal values and making choices accordingly. Video games are a hobby that I totally love, but still only one small part of a busy life and not something to invest in heavily.
On the other hand, my love for retro games comes from the fact that they are clearly better in all aspects than modern games. ALL ASPECTS. Give me Blades of Steel and that sexy announcers voice over NHL '10 anyday. ;)
Title: Re: always behind the times...
Post by: Stratos on February 18, 2010, 11:11:35 AM
Did you play Retro Game challenge, ejamer?
Title: Re: always behind the times...
Post by: BlackNMild2k1 on February 18, 2010, 12:12:53 PM
I think that goes to show a problem with newer technologies, that they tend to be far less durable than what has come before. Rotary phones are built like a brick, and don't require electricity. Unless you throw one across the room or smash it with a hammer, I doubt it would ever break.
There are plenty of push button phones that don't require electricity, and even a few that might use (a very small amount of ) electricity that it gets from the phone cord itself.
and to everyone: Things built in the 70's were built to last, that is no secret. Starting in the 80's things were built to be smaller, lighter, and cheaper to manufacture.
Title: Re: always behind the times...
Post by: D_Average on February 18, 2010, 12:31:22 PM
I've got all of you beat. During my twenties I went 7 years with no tv, cell phone, game console, computer, mp3 player, or even magazines. Just books. It was an impressive run of obstaining from the pleasures of this sick perverted world. And what did I learn you ask? Not much. Purity and simplicity are overrated. If it feels good do it and if it looks good buy it.
Title: Re: always behind the times...
Post by: ejamer on February 18, 2010, 02:22:07 PM
Star Prince was my favorite out of the "revisioned" 8-bit games, but all of them were enjoyable. XSeed has helped to bring Nintendo gamers some wonderful titles, and Retro Game Challenge was one of the two most memorable DS games I played last year.
As a side note, Canadians can now find this game (used) at local EB Games stores for just $5. Anyone even mildly interested in retro gaming should give it a go!
Title: Re: always behind the times...
Post by: ejamer on February 18, 2010, 02:28:09 PM
There are plenty of push button phones that don't require electricity, and even a few that might use (a very small amount of ) electricity that it gets from the phone cord itself.
Another note: everyone should own a phone that either (a) doesn't use electricity, or (b) only requires the power that comes in on the phone line.
In case of a serious emergency, power is much less stable than phone services. In fact, telephony is one of the most stable and reliable services available. If your only phone requires power to work, then you could be left without a way to communicate as soon as power drops.
(Cell phones don't make this problem go away either. Be prepared, even if you simply store the old phone in an emergency kit.)
Title: Re: always behind the times...
Post by: Mop it up on February 18, 2010, 07:47:36 PM
On the other hand, my love for retro games comes from the fact that they are clearly better in all aspects than modern games. ALL ASPECTS. Give me Blades of Steel and that sexy announcers voice over NHL '10 anyday. ;)
This almost sounds like trolling to me, but maybe that's just because I vehemently disagree.
There are plenty of push button phones that don't require electricity, and even a few that might use (a very small amount of ) electricity that it gets from the phone cord itself.
If my phone stops working then I will probably get one of those. Or if rotary dialing becomes completely unsupported.
I've got all of you beat. During my twenties I went 7 years with no tv, cell phone, game console, computer, mp3 player, or even magazines. Just books. It was an impressive run of obstaining from the pleasures of this sick perverted world. And what did I learn you ask? Not much. Purity and simplicity are overrated. If it feels good do it and if it looks good buy it.
When was this, the 1930s?
Title: Re: always behind the times...
Post by: ThePerm on February 18, 2010, 08:23:49 PM
I have a Mario Phone in case the power goes out, if that fails i'll use a banana phone
Title: Re: always behind the times...
Post by: ejamer on February 18, 2010, 09:40:53 PM
Blades of Steel isn't even the best hockey game on the NES. That would be Ice Hockey. Three fat guys and a skinny guy all the way!
I LOVED Ice Hockey! I still remember the first time I got them to fight and all the characters clustered into the same block on the screen. Hilarious. I'm pretty sure that's on the VC. I've meant to D/L it for a while now but never gotten around to it.
Title: Re: always behind the times...
Post by: Ymeegod on February 20, 2010, 12:58:50 AM
"I've got all of you beat. During my twenties I went 7 years with no tv, cell phone, game console, computer, mp3 player, or even magazines. Just books."
So what's jail like?
I'm a core gamer so I tend to keep up with gadgets but my other stuff, like my car, is only replaced when it dies. Though with all these grants and rebates I might get new appliances now because in the long run it's going pay for itself. Green technology go figure.
Title: Re: always behind the times...
Post by: NWR_insanolord on February 20, 2010, 01:26:43 AM
Blades of Steel isn't even the best hockey game on the NES. That would be Ice Hockey. Three fat guys and a skinny guy all the way!
I LOVED Ice Hockey! I still remember the first time I got them to fight and all the characters clustered into the same block on the screen. Hilarious. I'm pretty sure that's on the VC. I've meant to D/L it for a while now but never gotten around to it.
The VC is the first time I got to play both Blades of Steel and Ice Hockey. They're both great, but I have to give the edge to Ice Hockey, especially in multiplayer. I've had some truly epic games with a friend of mine; he's a much better goalie than I am, but I get at least 10 times as many shots on goal, which usually balances things pretty well. If only we could somehow get one of the Genesis NHL games on the VC, we'd be set.
Title: Re: always behind the times...
Post by: BlackNMild2k1 on February 20, 2010, 01:39:26 AM
