Topics

1

General Chat / Good news/bad news college related

« on: December 05, 2016, 05:38:11 PM »

Good news first. My university and loan provider have a payment plan/funding option that allows me to finish school finally. I am 2 semesters away from graduating but I ran out of money. Anyways I had to apply for a program that basically lets me borrow more money to keep going.
The bad news, the reason I ran out of money is I hit my loan limit. So borrowing more to finish is very scary, especially with an incoming administration that is very vocally not in favor of higher education. Or the media, my career field.

So I am both excited and nervous at the prospect of maybe finally finishing school and branching out in my career. Except now is not the best time to be pursuing a career in journalism. Well I thought I was talking myself into a good mood and it back fired. Thanks a lot internet.

2

Nintendo Gaming / End of an era?

« on: December 05, 2016, 05:23:36 PM »

If the Switch is the merging of the two platform, mobile and home console, this could be the end of an era. But is it a bad thing? When Nintendo was at their best, NES/Famicom, they had basically 1 product they threw all of their resources behind. The world has changed, times have changed, video games have changed. At the time Arcades were not just a thing, they were they place to play all the current, new, exciting games. Those days are long gone.


So with the Switch merging the two markets into one, when does it become time to merge this forum into the console forum? Or would this remain as a legacy forum to remind people of a bygone era? I guess, to be fair, Nintendo used to make arcade machines too but we don't have a dedicated Nintendo Arcade forum so... just food for thought.

3

NWR Forums Discord / The exclusive cool kids thread

« on: October 10, 2016, 05:08:24 PM »

 
You are not allowed to post in here unless your cool factor exceeds both Goomba from Super Mario Bros. the movie, and any of the kids from New Kids on the Block.
 

4

General Gaming / PSP discussion

« on: October 10, 2016, 12:35:31 PM »

I am thinking my next purchase is going to be a Sony PSP. I am leaning towards the 3000, the local game store has a couple for sale at a fair price.

I have never had one so are there any owners or fans of the system that want to give a new buyer some tips? This is going to be the last system I add to my collection for a while.

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Nintendo Gaming / Another blast from the past

« on: October 09, 2016, 09:52:39 AM »

We have done the rank the consoles to death, we have all shared our what got us into gaming memories, and we have all gone back and forth on are the Wii/N64 consoles garbage or masterpieces endlessly. So I propose we try something different.

Everyone post one sentence saying one good thing you like about each Nintendo console, it can be anything you want, ie I liked the controller, the variety of colors, the software, this feature or that feature, the fact it was rare and elitist to own one, etc. The trick is you cannot mention the games. No games at all not even pack in or launch titles or even the library was varied just one thing you liked about each console, including the handhelds but not the side stuff like Game & Watch unless you want to or accessories like e-reader.

I will start of course.

NES- I liked the design of the console, it kind of fit in with the late 80's computers.
Game Boy- I like the multitude of accessories that enhance the experience
SNES- I really like the eject button.
Virtual Boy- I like the funky controllers
Game Boy Color- I like that it's carts are shaped differently.
N64- I liked that it supported 4 controllers default.
GBA- I liked that it connected with the e-reader and Game Cube
Game Cube- I liked the color scheme, purple is one of my favorite colors.
DS- I liked that it had a touch screen for games.
Wii- I liked that the use of channels, it was very neat and totally retro 80's style.
3DS- I liked that it came in different shapes and sizes and colors; most variety in Nintendo console to date I believe.
Wii U- I liked the OffTV play.
NX- I like the mystery surrounding it

That is all I have, please feel free to make your own list with one sentence saying what you liked about it.

6

General Gaming / Importing consoles?

« on: October 07, 2016, 11:13:36 PM »

If there is already a thread for this I am sorry.
I am starting to considering getting into importing game consoles. Partly because I am now getting back into collecting and I am hearing that some games are cheaper/better in other regions so I want to be able to get the best.
My fear is that I will accidentally blow something up so I am hoping someone with real experience can walk me through this.
I want to know if I buy a console from Japan will it work with my US TV or do I also need to look for some sort of converter? I understand they are both NTSC/ATSC but I do know Japan had some form of HD before we did and I am just now finding the right information on Google.

TV or not, my second issue is power, I am under the impression that Japan uses a different voltage system than the US so I want to make sure I know exactly what I will need, for instance some websites claim I just need the US A/C for that console, so like a power cord from a US N64 supposedly would work with a Japanese console, is that true? If so is it true across the board? Or do I need special converters here also? If so is there a special like power strip that I can get or do I need to buy multiple converters?
Next up, controllers. I am not sure why there would be any reason one controller wouldn't work but just to be on the safe side, are the consoles from Japan compatible with US controllers or would I also need to look into buying controllers for my consoles?

I am trying to spend as little money as possible but I want to do things right without cutting any corners.
I guess my last question is, if I buy a Japanese console, set it up to work with my TV and power, get the controllers are there any other things I need to know about, like memory cards or expansion packs?
Google has not been helpful, no matter what search terms I try the only info that comes up is on Famicom, Super Famicom and MEga Drive, none of which are the consoles I am interested in currently.
I am not exactly looking for anything specific just in general, but I might have specific questions later.
I have been told that Japanese versions of Game Boy games should work in my US GBA console so if that is the case then all I need to do next is figure out where to buy Japanese games.

I am interested in both discovering Japanese exclusives that don't require too much knowledge of the language, I took a semester of it in college but that was so long ago most of its long forgotten by now. I think I can make out a couple of the Hiragana but the Kanji and Katakana have left my brain long ago.
If I buy a Japanese console, is there any way to change language settings to English? I know there are a lot of people in Japan that read English and a lot of games are nearly universal anyways like Mario, Sonic, games I am familiar with I am sure I can find my way around, but since I am mostly after games I am not familiar with, true imports or just seeking cheaper versions of games if that is the best route.

I have the same questions for PAL stuff but I already know I need adapters there, just not sure what consoles have exclusive games in PAL regions I would care about, not that into soccer or F1. Okay not meaning to generalize I just am not that familiar with PAL exclusive games, but I really don't care for sports games its nothing against soccer. Right now I guess I am more interested in importing consoles and games from Japan and maybe PAL games and consoles, or PAL versions of Game Boy games, if they are cheaper/better than the US versions.

7

General Gaming / Xbox original

« on: October 07, 2016, 10:51:45 AM »

I finally broke down and picked up an original Xbox. I grabbed a few games, well a ton of games really.
I am curious if anyone who is familiar with the system could answer some questions.

Is it normal for the console to be picky about reading discs? I tested several games but two I have do not work on it period. Fable and Ninja Gaiden Black, they both worked and were tested fine at the game store, I took them back when they didn't work and the discs look amazing no smudges or scratches.

Also does it have to remain plugged in at all times to keep the clock and date settings? I have everything plugged into a power strip that I turn to the off setting when I leave the house or go to bed, I am starting to wonder if that is the reason why the console loses the date and time settings or if there is something else wrong with it.

Does it make a difference? For power bill reasons I am not moving it to a different strip so unless there are games that require, or use the feature meaningfully I should be fine just selecting the default its kind of like a trip back in time so not a major issue.

Anyone who has experience with it wants to share any cool tips or secrets or talk about games please feel free to reply. Thanks.

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Nintendo Gaming / The crazy continues...Wii discussion please keep it civil.

« on: October 05, 2016, 11:47:35 AM »

Alright as most of you know I really hated the motion controls. But I did like some other concepts of the Wii, especially the pointer as a replacement for light gun. That being said I have recently purchased a used Wii, I got a pair of them for $5 at a flea market so one is a Gamecube/modded virtual console, the other I will be using as a regular Wii, so I decided since I am keeping at least 1 around plus my Wii U because I am not trusting Nintendo on the virtual console, anyways I decided to give the Wii library a second chance.

So I am asking all my friends here, and those that aren't friends but more knowledgable of the library, what are some good titles that do not force you to use motion controls that you would recommend to me to buy?

To make this easier, I am not into animal crossing, pokemon, or any of the "cutesy" stuff aside from Kirby.
Also no sports, cooking or anything that requires the balance board.


Please feel free to make suggestions of lesser known games, hidden gems and games that are not the obvious stuff like Mario and Zelda.

Also I own a PS2 so unless a game on Wii does something really magical, please no ports I will be getting those on PS2. I know this sounds hard but I am convinced as popular as the machine was there has to be something I am missing that I could enjoy. Stay cool everyone hope to get lost of fun suggestions.

Also forget what I said about the cutesy stuff just no Pokemon or Animal Crossing, feel free to make any suggestions you want I will sort them out myself. Thanks all.

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Nintendo Gaming / Predict which Wii U games will be considered timeless classics in the future

« on: May 24, 2016, 10:35:02 AM »

The console is in it's twilight years. There might be a handful of games between now and NX launching but we all know it is pretty much dead at this point. So here is a change of pace from all the NX speculation that is getting nowhere productive.

I will list the games that I personally feel, based on past experiences and previous console generations, that will become timeless classics gamers will look back upon fondly. I am limiting this to games that are exclusive to the console or where the Wii U versions is a true exclusive in that it has stuff none of the others have but isn't missing stuff the others have. I am personally discounting digital only games for the most part unless I see them as having a lasting impact. Partly because I am not convinced they will be available forever. If a gamer in ten years can't gain access to a game it will be hard for them to go back and check it out.

This is not another top ten list, please don't let it turn into that. I am hoping to get people to discuss the merits of these games as having a lasting impact on the world of gaming. I am even going to list games I personally don't like but do believe they will be remembered fondly on the Wii U in the future.

Feel free to chime in with your own list, bash my list as irrational or just argue endlessly over what makes a good Nintendo game.

Sadly unlike previous console generations I am not seeing that many I think will be truly timeless classics. But I think there are a few.


Super Mario 3D World

- I think this is a given. Pretty much every mainstream Mario game appeals to the masses. These are still the flagship games that drive people to Nintendo every generation.

Captain Toad

- I see this game as gaining traction in the years to come. I think many just saw it as a spin off to Super Mario 3D World, but Mario was just a spin off of Donkey Kong at one time, and the game play was very neat. I hope they make more.

Wonderful 101

- I think this was game was overlooked upon it's initial run which will make people talk about it in the years to come. I suspect that it will find a cult following in the near future.

Donkey Kong Country Tropical Freeze

- I see no reason why one of the best DKC games ever won't be remembered fondly. I think in time it's importance will grow to myth-like proportions and gamers will point to it as proof the Wii U was underrated.

NES Remix 1 & 2

- I don't think the importance of these two games should be over looked. They were the first time in a very long time that Nintendo made an effort to mix up their NES properties outside of All stars and the occasional remix of Dr. Mario. I think these two games made up a large part of what owning a Wii U meant in the early months and they were big draws for the loyalists and the retro gamers.

Splatoon

- Years from now at the annual competitive gaming Splatoon tournament gamers will look back on the original and see it as a point where Nintendo revolutionized the squad based shooter forever. I see this game evolving in years to come to be a regular staple in the Nintendo library and the Wii U original will gain cult status as a result.

Hyrule Warriors

- Anything with Zelda and friends is going to be remembered fondly. This is no exception as it not only combines retro gaming with a franchise Nintendo gamers are not familiar with, in many ways it is a fresh take on the Zelda formula at a time where the franchises future was somewhat uncertain. I think this game will go down in history more favorably than Four Swords Adventures before it.

Rayman Legends

- I think once the anger from the supposed bait and switch dies down gamers will forgive Ubisoft and point to this game as something that could have been spectacular on Wii U and come to realize, it was spectacular. It will gain a cult following in years to come as the game some people point to to remind gamers what could have been had it remained exclusive. It wouldn't have mattered but the myth behind it will grow I suspect.

Sonic Lost Worlds

- Good or bad the game will be remembered fondly as all past Sonic games were. I see it being compared to the next really low point in the franchise and gamers looking back fondly when the games were "still good" and putting this up there with Sonic Adventure once nostalgia kicks in and the games flaws are replaced by, remembering the good old days. It will always have it's detractors though.

Nintendo Land

- This game was infamous for a very long time but I think that in years to come people will look back and judge it a little more fairly. It was a poor game to launch the console with but not a bad game overall. It won't gain cult status or mythical legends but people will come out and defend it once they start to look past how sour it tasted that first year.

Bayonetta 2

- This games legendary status will be like Eternal Darkness, as time goes the games following will become more cult-like and it will become the stuff of lore. It was a good game but it's quality will be greatly over-exaggerated in the coming years and gamers will clamor for a sequel for decades before realizing it wasn't really that special. It will then be lost to time in two or three generations down the road. It mostly will stand out as a Wii U exclusive and it's power to persuade gamers to check it out will be tied to that.

Smash Bros. for Wii U

- I think this will be a major turning point for Nintendo where they realized they could get any character from any franchise in the game. Between this and all the DLC gamers will look back at this as the definitive Smash for a long time. I think there won't be a true sequel just this game ported to NX with tweaks and new DLC.
I think it will also be remembered fondly as the last game whose launch was an actual event, as I think future games will just be updates rather than true innovations. At least until the world goes true VR or whatever comes next.

Wind Waker HD, Twilight Princess HD

- These will become the definitive versions of those games reducing the originals to for collectors only. But there will be a Lucas-Like cult who wants the original unaltered games released in the future for posterity's  sake.

I think that is about it.

Mario Kart will be forgotten once the next one comes along and it will be judged by it's peers as which was the better Mario Kart but it won't be the game you point to as *the* Mario Kart since that doesn't exist.

Yoshi's Woolly World will be lost to time and people will look back wondering what Nintendo was thinking when the next Yoshi game changes the formula yet again.

Kirby will be forgotten as it was pretty to look at but the core game was not that memorable and people tend to overlook Kirby games anyways.

Those are my observations, I could be wrong of course but I just think that is how the Wii U's library will be remembered.

I can't comment on Zelda U because it still might not happen if it gets moved to NX.

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NWR Forums Discord / THE RAT is officially no more.

« on: May 20, 2016, 02:38:03 PM »

Ladies and Gentleman, forum readers, friends, "enemies", Nintendo fans a like. This is my first truly serious, and last ever, post in the "Fun House."

It has been brought to my attention that I was naively mistaken as to what goes on in here. I also believe that I retaliated negatively because I was harboring a lot of resentment from the past. But I realize now, through talking to some good friends who have pointed out where I was mistaken, that I wasn't behaving well as I thought I was. You see I originally created "THE RAT" as my own version of Slim Shady, you know who Marshall Mathers, Eminem is well when I was a teenager I lived in a town in Nevada where I was the only white kid. I had a rap persona because I was a DJ in a hip-hop group. When the group slit, well I took it hard so I became frustrated and took over as primary rapper. Yes at the time I was less mature than I am now and I was a hateful person.

When I came to this forum, it was at a time when Game Cube was winding down. I was frustrated as a gamer from going into game stores like Game Stop and being criticized for asking for Game Cube stuff. Anyways after a while I began mixing my offline frustrations with my rap act into a persona that I played because it was therapeutic for a while. Then real life got me down, I became a major jerk and pushed all my friends away. This was the time I became somewhat harsh towards non-white people because being the only white kid in a ton of non-whites and being hated for it, well it made me bitter. So I started mixing that aspect into the character I was playing.

When I FIRST came here I guess I didn't compose myself well which garnered some negative reactions. Fair enough but I mistook some of it as bullying and retaliated accordingly. As you can see my spelling and grammar have greatly improved. I chalk much of that up to my college degree in journalism, had to write a lot of papers and spelling is important.

Well over time when I was pushed into really frustrating anger I lashed out, I said hurtful things and was banned. I took it personal and kept coming back partly to continue to lash out, I regret that. I also kept coming back for the same reason I came here, to talk about Nintendo. Also to keep in touch with a few online friends that I have become somewhat close fond of over the years.

So for all my past sins, I am sorry and I am officially and formally dropping the rat persona for good. Also you should all be pleased to know that through the last two years of therapy, school, and now having the greatest job I have ever had, I am far more emotionally stable than I was. Since I made mistakes by making false assumptions I will put those in the past and start over just sticking to the Console forum and talk back for the time being. Just to be clear I will from now on only be posting as me, my real self, not as "the rat" so my tone, style, prose, and views are going to change as I will no longer be playing a character that I should have let die years ago. Or better yet never created in the first place. I put part of the blame on MTV for idolizing Eminem back in the day. 

I hope going forward I can show you people I really am a decent person and stop digging up the past. Stay cool friends.

Richard A. Todd,

aka (formerly) the rat.

11

Nintendo Gaming / original Wii disc drive acting funny.

« on: May 09, 2016, 03:40:44 PM »

I picked up a pair of Wii's over the weekend for $5 bucks at a flea market. I thought hell to complete working consoles for half a ten dollar bill can't complain. Well one unit works perfect I will be using it exclusively as a Game Cube since I have Wii U for the two Wii games I own, both digital copies.
Well the other unit has something wrong with the disc drive. If I select Disc Channel it gives a message saying disc is unreadable or something to that effect. When I hit eject nothing happens, the blue light comes on it makes a grinding noise and nothing spits out. Well I try to insert a disc, Game Cube or Wii and nothing it won't take the disc, same thing blue light comes on but that is it, nothing goes in or comes out. Is there some sort of trick to making this disc drive work? Is it broken and in need of repairs? If so are the repairs cheap, or easy to do on your own? Is there a special satanic ritual to get it to release like there was making NES games work?
If I can't get the disc drive to work I might just home brew the thing or see if Nintendo will let me transfer my Wii virtual console games to it at the very least. IDK I might just trade it to the used game store for the $2 they might give for it.