Messages

151

General Gaming / Re: Anyone got some new years gaming resolutions going on?

« on: March 02, 2020, 10:05:07 PM »

For what it's worth, I've officially and completely given up Rhythm Thief. That game started off great, and then slowly descended into a frustrating mess. (Granted, a big part of that is because I actively dislike rhythm games... the deck was stacked against this game from the start.)

Normally I hate giving up on games mid-way through... but Rhythm Thief had been sapping my will to play any video games. Hopefully accepting this will let me move on to something new after finishing off the TV show that I'm currently enjoying.

152

Movies & TV / Re: All Things Netflix! Now you can watch on the GO, no mobile data needed.

« on: March 01, 2020, 11:19:28 PM »

Yes, watch that till the end, and pay attention because there's lots of background stuff that may be called back or relevant later in the season.
...

Oof.  Just watched episode 5, and it was great. This is absolutely top notch ghost story stuff.

Talked to a friend last week who likes horror movies, and she said she wasn't into this series at all - so obviously not everyone will be as into Haunting of Hill House... but I'm fully onboard with where this show is going.

153

Nintendo Gaming / Re: Best of the 3DS eShop: 2012 Releases (Part 2)

« on: March 01, 2020, 02:22:07 PM »

I understand that Nicalis is controversial as a publisher, and that will affect the choice about buying Cave Story for some. But it's a pretty solid game. My only complaint is that some of the secret stuff probably isn't anything you'd just figure out - you'll almost certainly need to look it up online, which feels kind of lame. Still, well worth playing at least once if you haven't on some other platform.

Rising Board 3D is a game I purchased because we had a lot of fun with the Pop Island series of multiplayer "capture the flag" games on DSiWare. Sadly, those games were quite a bit more engaging than Rising Board ended up being... but this is still a pretty neat little game. Graphically it's simple but nice, and the controls are tight enough that you can pull out some really cool tricks once you have a feel for everything. There are plenty of things to unlock, and it's generally a fun little experience that only takes a couple minutes at a time to enjoy. In the end, I think this high-score chasing game accomplishes everything it wanted to do - but that it will still only appeal to a small number of people.


Very curious if people have comments about Denpa Men. That series of games always intrigued me, but I never actually committed to playing them.

154

General Chat / Re: NBA Thread: Kobe Bryant (1978-2020)

« on: February 29, 2020, 08:38:00 AM »

Ugh... so frustrating to see Toronto lose again last night.

Losing against the Bucks was understandable.

Losing against the Hornests... not so much. I can point to injuries (Toronto only had their third-string center available and were missing VanVleet also) as a reasonable excuse, but the Raptors still should've found a way to win against very mediocre competition and simply played very poorly when they needed to avoid mistakes.

This team has so much potential, but they really need the injury carousel to slow down before the playoffs. Missing two or three starters/key rotation players every night is becoming a problem.

(Sorry for the rant.)

155

Announcements / Re: Topic of the Day

« on: February 27, 2020, 09:10:27 AM »

I'm just going to declare the Streetpass retrospective bit I did as the Topic of the Day since Khush has abandoned us.

...

'tis a good thread.

156

Movies & TV / Re: All Things Netflix! Now you can watch on the GO, no mobile data needed.

« on: February 27, 2020, 06:48:14 AM »

I sometimes check out flixconnection on Youtube for some movie ideas
...

Worth checking, thanks.

(My problem is that Netflix Canada typically has only a small selection of the movies listed due to regional differences - so at least half of the recommended films will probably be non-options. Still, half a list is a good start!)


Edit: I did start watching Haunting of Hill House last night, and first impressions were really good. The use of shadows and lighting is sublime, there was some creepy out-of-focus stuff in the background at times, and it really felt like there is a bigger story to be told here. Fingers crossed that the series can hold up the early standard, because it left me nicely creeped out by the end of the night.  (The only downside is that this is clearly one you need to pay attention to - sometimes I'll "half watch" movies or shows while doing something else, but that doesn't work here because so much of the atmosphere and little visual clues get lost. Then again, I'm not sure if that's really a problem.)

157

Nintendo Gaming / Re: What games made the best use of Streetpass on 3DS?

« on: February 26, 2020, 11:53:42 PM »

Dragon Quest IX ...

I wish they had remade this as an actual 3DS game, just so it used proper StreetPass instead of the thing that required you to carry around a DS in sleep mode. The fact you needed to actually meet someone else carrying the same game, also in sleep mode at that time, meant I never got a single hit.

It's a heck of a game though. Truly awesome DS exclusive.

Honestly Streetpass was a really fun experience, I would enjoy to see it come back in some way.

Agreed all around.

158

Movies & TV / Re: All Things Netflix! Now you can watch on the GO, no mobile data needed.

« on: February 26, 2020, 11:50:23 PM »

Another friend recommended Locke & Key last night. Definitely on my short-term list, after hearing him talk it up. (He didn't give any specifics at all; just said it was hard not to binge watch the whole thing because it was so much fun, and using Stranger Things as a point of comparison but suggesting his family liked this new show even more).

Semi-related side note: can anyone recommend a few good horror/thriller shows on Netflix?  A coworker loves scary movies, and we're looking for something to watch and chat about.  I'm thinking Haunting of Hill House...

159

General Gaming / Re: Anyone got some new years gaming resolutions going on?

« on: February 26, 2020, 11:45:37 PM »

Almost 2 months in... how are the resolutions going?
(Hoping to find people to commiserate with, as I haven't even started any of mine yet...)

Well no Switch Lite yet and I guess I have just been to blah with my energy to play many games lately so we are commiserating pals.

Woohoo! I'm not alone!   

Feb was a really down month for me in general - kind of depressed and down for a bunch of reasons - so my gaming fell largely by the wayside even though I did have some time available. On the upside, I did read a couple of books instead.

Things will pick back up soon on the gaming end though. Hopefully for you too!

160

General Gaming / Re: Anyone got some new years gaming resolutions going on?

« on: February 25, 2020, 07:57:10 PM »

Almost 2 months in... how are the resolutions going?
(Hoping to find people to commiserate with, as I haven't even started any of mine yet...)

161

Nintendo Gaming / Re: What games made the best use of Streetpass on 3DS?

« on: February 25, 2020, 08:02:44 AM »

I remember enjoying the StreetPass features in Resident Evil: Revelations quite a bit. You got in-game bonus items and would be challenged to find and defeat the "zombified" remains of the people you passed. It wasn't a huge part of the game by any means, but was entertaining and valuable enough that you always felt good when there was a StreetPass match. (This game also is one of the few that I actually got a bunch of hits for.)

Of course I also enjoyed the StreetPass Plaza puzzles and game... although that dried up pretty quickly in my area (we don't have a big population here). I'm still a bit sore they didn't unlock those @#$% purple pieces eventually so that it would be possible to get all of the dioramas.


One older DS game that I really wish had been remade for 3DS just for the StreetPass feature is Dragon Quest IX. I really liked the idea of swapping maps with other players, but never got to experience it actually happening (because nobody here walks around with a DS in sleep mode, playing that specific game).

162

General Chat / Re: NBA Thread: Kobe Bryant (1978-2020)

« on: February 25, 2020, 07:22:51 AM »

I'm excited (and a bit nervous) about the Bucks vs Raptors game tonight.

Toronto is missing two key contributors in Gasol/Powell due to injury, but have taken care of business during their absence. Still, this is the first good opponent they've played in over a month and Toronto will really miss having Powell available. Whether it's because the Bucks originally drafted and then traded him, or due to some match-up oddity, Norman is a hardcore Bucks killer who always overachieves against Milwaukee.

There is a lot of talk (in Canada at least) about whether Raptors are contenders or pretenders. Their overall record, point differential, poise and coaching all suggest contender. The lack of a true superstar, losing record against elite teams, and reliance on transition points suggest pretender. I don't think there will be any way to know until the playoffs arrive though.

163

Movies & TV / Re: All Things Netflix! Now you can watch on the GO, no mobile data needed.

« on: February 23, 2020, 09:50:14 PM »

Is anyone watching Locke & Key on Netflix?

series based off a graphic novel...
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_EonRi0yQOE

Pretty interesting so far.

Not yet - but it's on my short-list.  Looked neat; should I take this as a recommendation?

164

General Chat / Re: NBA Thread: Kobe Bryant (1978-2020)

« on: February 21, 2020, 09:53:20 AM »

Anyone have assessments of their team's performance so far, or hopes about what might happen as we approach the end of the regular season? Won't be long now and the final picture will become much clearer - whether that means positioning for playoffs or for lottery picks.

What are the best/worst things that have happened to your team so far this year?

165

Movies & TV / Re: Rate the last TV show you've seen

« on: February 20, 2020, 09:06:46 PM »

Just checked out the Love, Death + Robots anthology of short animation pieces on Netflix. Like most sci-fi anthologies (books or short films) the quality from piece to piece was mixed, but overall there were a lot of good moments and the weak moments are easy to forget and move past.

Easy to recommend, although not everyone will enjoy the whole series as much as I did.

166

General Gaming / Re: Atari VCS, Amico, Micro Consoles

« on: February 18, 2020, 03:33:59 PM »

Evercade announced they are releasing a cartridge collection of Atari Lynx games. The first cartridge has a few curiosities on it, but doesn't hit the games that would really pique my interest. I'm holding out hope that a second cartridge will be released later though.

Somehow, playing Todd's Adventures in Slime World has been on my mind lately, so the timing of this little bit of nostalgia could be really amazing... If that game actually gets released again.  [Edit: And that game is one of eight included on the announced second Lynx cartridge.]

167

General Chat / Re: NBA Thread: Kobe Bryant (1978-2020)

« on: February 17, 2020, 02:32:45 PM »

Didn't have a chance to watch All-Star game until this afternoon, but it was a pretty entertaining romp.

I'm biased, but some of my favorite moments include:
* Kyle Lowry taking TWO charges in the fourth quarter, and then complaining post-game that it should've been three.  (He was right.)
* Pascal Siakam and Kawhi Leonard caught on mic with a throwback to the finals last year. Pascal: "No more threes, no more threes bro". Leonard: "You gonna deny me?" Pascal: "Box and one! Box and one over here!"
* Gobert just being huge generally in the game; he's been overdue for an All-Star appearance in my opinion.

The East blew their chances in the fourth quarter, missing a bunch of open shots when they were in the lead. Despite some people saying they love the new format, I'm a bit iffy. It worked wonderfully in this game... but with this much offensive firepower you feel like 24 points could come very quickly and lead to an anti-climactic ending in some cases?

168

Movies & TV / Re: All Things Netflix! Now you can watch on the GO, no mobile data needed.

« on: February 15, 2020, 03:15:44 PM »

...
Anyone going to check out the Dragon Warrior show on Netflix? Something about the style just looks so wrong. Animation works when stylized that way, but when you start making "realistic anime" it gets kind of uncomfortable.  Although I did like how it opened up with an 8-bit tribute.

Oof.  Well, despite loving Dragon Quest video game series and being openly curious going on, I'd suggest that anyone else who was thinking of spending the time watch Dragon Quest Your Story on Netflix approach with caution. It's not particularly good - and that's probably a generous assessment.

Which is weird, the episodic nature of this series seems like it could make a really fun movie or show if put together right. Your Story doesn't really come together well though. Maybe it would be better if they did a short anime mini-series instead though, or if they stayed truer to the story from one of the games.

Anyway, my overall rating is: "wish I had that time back". Would've been better off actually sitting down and playing through a the first hour or two of a Dragon Quest game instead.

169

Movies & TV / Re: Mad Max Movies

« on: February 14, 2020, 05:49:16 PM »

Fury Road blew me away. I went in not knowing anything about it, and was completely impressed. Here's hoping they can catch that same magic in the next movie.

Also, your costume looks awesome. Must have been a lot fun! 

170

Movies & TV / Re: Rate the last movie you've seen

« on: February 14, 2020, 05:47:40 PM »

Flight of the Navigator (streamed via D+) was much better than I expected.

Watching brought up a lot of old memories from the 80s when I first saw it - although was still interesting because I didn't remember the plot at all. The movie has a pretty good concept and works well enough, but it's a shame that there isn't much danger/adventure when the kid is reunited with his ship; the time spent together isn't really impactful or even that interesting, which is a real letdown since you feel like that could've made the movie something special.

The film is definitely dated, but the acting is fine and story manages to stay just interesting enough. I enjoyed seeing Sarah Jessica Parker play a character that didn't annoy me, and hearing Peewee Herman's voice (I know; not his real name) was a definite throw-back.

Overall it gets one thumb up. A pleasant stroll down memory lane. If you don't have any memories of watching as a kid, harder to recommend... although the sci-fi story might draw some in even if the payoff is pretty slim.

171

General Chat / Happy Valentine's Day to all the NWR Forum faithful!

« on: February 14, 2020, 05:35:43 PM »

Just want you all to know, you're the best.

172

Movies & TV / Re: All Things Netflix! Now you can watch on the GO, no mobile data needed.

« on: February 14, 2020, 11:06:09 AM »

The spoiler was something that everyone assumed to be fact though, right? I mean, nobody should be surprised what was shown last season.

Stranger Things is in a weird place; I feel like the more we get, the less impressive it all becomes. The writing last season didn't thrill me, even though I enjoyed watching it well enough. Rather than seeing quality tail off as they constantly try to go bigger each season, I kind of wish they'd just wrap it up and do something different.

That said, I'll definitely still watch another season.



Anyone going to check out the Dragon Warrior show on Netflix? Something about the style just looks so wrong. Animation works when stylized that way, but when you start making "realistic anime" it gets kind of uncomfortable.  Although I did like how it opened up with an 8-bit tribute.

173

Movies & TV / Re: Rate the last movie you've seen

« on: February 12, 2020, 10:22:22 AM »

... but what about if we did a trilogy of Avatar prequels? If the story can't go forward, then we can still look back. Surely people would pay to see that!



Did anyone here ever see Flight of the Navigator?  I can't remember what the movie is about but have vague memories watching it as a child. From IMDB: "In 1978, a boy travels 8 years into the future and has an adventure with an intelligent, wisecracking alien ship".

It's the next movie on my "to watch" list. With a descriptive blurb like that, what could go wrong?

174

General Gaming / Re: What are you playing?

« on: February 11, 2020, 08:19:32 PM »

I tried a few times to go back to MadWorld and recently considered trying again since PlatinumGames has been in the news with The Wonderful 101 port.

How long did it take you to get through the game?

I haven't finished yet; just playing in small fits and bursts. Not sure how long the whole thing will take...  probably between 5-8 hours? Almost certainly not longer than that, judging from the map progress.

You could probably push through the whole game in a few nights if you wanted to. Might start to feel stale if you take that approach though.

175

Movies & TV / Re: Rate the last movie you've seen

« on: February 11, 2020, 03:51:10 PM »

Weirdly, I think there would have been room for 4 films in the Avatar world if the whole idea of exploring the planet and actually developing characters had happened. But that's not what they did, and now I'm not sure that I want to go back for more...  They didn't really establish anything in the first movie that seems worth building on; they'd be better off starting fresh.

Of course, the person who greenlit the next set of films was most likely looking at the number of zeroes attached to Avatar, and not the actual quality of the story.