Messages

4501

General Chat / Re: Merry Giftmas Everyone!!!! Xmas 2010 Bragging Thread

« on: December 26, 2010, 08:18:07 PM »

Nothing.  Seriously.  I did go out on boxing day and buy a copy of Trauma Team for myself on the cheap though, so it's all good.


In case people wonder, the only person who got Christmas gifts at our place was our baby girl, who is so young she didn't really understand what was even happening.  The rest of the money we would normally spend was put away for a house down-payment and an anniversary present for my lovely wife.  She started to feel bitter at the end of the day not getting presents... hopefully the diamonds will change her mood and leave me in better standing later this week, but I don't think we'll be skipping Christmas in the future.


BREAKING NEWS!!!


I take it all back - there is a Santa Claus, he's just late.  EB Games had these on sale:





I now own two, so serious fighting is ready to commence.

4502

TalkBack / Re: Super Meat Boy WiiWare Cancelled

« on: December 24, 2010, 04:57:18 PM »

...

Seriously people, stop trying to paint Nintendo as the main victim here. They have made many mistakes that have affected many developers, and Team Meat is just another cautionary tale for everyone to take note of.

A good question: who is the "victim"?  Not Nintendo, who (at most) might like Super Meat Boy to be on their console as another small flag to wave in an effort to prove the service isn't severely flawed for indie devs.  Certainly not Team Meat, who are making the decisions necessary to earn enough money from their development effort regardless of what announcements were made earlier.  The only victim that I see are people who actually believed the game would be coming out on WiiWare as stated, people who wanted to play the game exclusively on that platform...


It is funny to see how many people need to draw lines and point fingers at one side or the other being at fault.  For everyone trying to paint Nintendo as a victim, there is someone else painting them as a villain.  In actuality, they don't fit either role, aren't really even involved in this particular decision, and probably don't care that much about the whole thing.

4503

TalkBack / Re: Super Meat Boy WiiWare Cancelled

« on: December 24, 2010, 02:20:51 PM »

@broodwars:
Don't you think that TellTale Games is a bad example though?  They are another company that doesn't know how to compress games well, and haven't even put in enough polish to even have their games run well on the (considerably more powerful) 360.  And let's not even start talking about pricing of those downloadable episodes...

Nintendo's downloadable service has one huge flaw: Nintendo hasn't been involved enough in promoting and advertising the service and the games available.  File size restrictions aren't the end of the world when it's a known factor going in, and there are numerous examples of small developers who claim that Nintendo has been very good to work with during the development process.  All of this was known before Super Meat Boy was announced as an upcoming WiiWare title.



@happyastoria:
The reason Team Meat has experienced success is because their game is (by all accounts) very good and worth playing.  They don't owe Nintendo anything in that regard, as far as I can tell, and deserve whatever success they might find.  The sentiment and sense of disappointment is something that I can certainly relate to though!

4504

TalkBack / Re: Super Meat Boy WiiWare Cancelled

« on: December 24, 2010, 12:38:46 PM »

Lindy has a great post, and hits the very heart of the matter.  While surely possible to compress the game with enough effort, it apparently isn't worthwhile for Team Meat (especially if the 360/PC versions are already available and selling) to make that extra effort.  Business decisions aren't always what gamers want... but they really are what drives development.


One thing I don't understand, however, is blame being placed on Nintendo.  The limit for WiiWare sucks, and I'm not giving them a free pass there... but that limit was CLEARLY understood when Super Meat Boy was starting development.

What upsets me is how Team Meat announced the game first on WiiWare, publicized the game for months on that service (although I don't recall them ever talking about it being "exclusive" and don't believe any such claims), and then created a game that ignored all known limitations of the system.  It's not smart development, it's not smart marketing*, and it's annoying as piss to people who actually believed the game would come out on Wii.

*This is debatable.  Maybe it's smart marketing to get your name out as much as possible, and it certainly seemed to build anticipation and hype for Super Meat Boy before release.  It also left a lot of people disappointed and/or upset with Team Meat though.


From a total fanboy perspective, it feels like a money-hat situation.  Their contract with MS prevents PSN release, and (oops!) the game doesn't fit on Wii and isn't worth spending time and effort to compress.  At least it's not a surprise: all signs have been pointing this way for months now.  As a Wii-only gamer (due to budget, not choice), Team Meat is on my blacklist by default.  Screw them - I've already got more games than I have time for, so why care about small dev studios who choose not to meet their promises?

4505

NWR Forums Discord / Re: State of 3rd Party Wii Gaming Discussion

« on: December 21, 2010, 03:32:08 PM »

Why is this junk being posted again?  Not enough trolling the first time through?


I've got a shelf filled with games that I enjoy, and a handful of titles that have literally hundreds of hours of game time already recorded.  Shovelware doesn't bother me, as long as there are enough games that I do enjoy to keep me busy.

4506

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

« on: December 21, 2010, 03:28:37 PM »

Went to see Tron: Legacy on a massive 3D screen.


First, the movie.  I've heard people bombing the plot and saying that the movie isn't worth watching.  Tron: Legacy won't change your world, but it's nowhere near as bad as the haters are making it out to be.  A simple movie that follows all the expected conventions, Tron never exceeds expectations but doesn't really fall below them either.  The acting has me a bit baffled... it's almost bad enough to have that wink-and-nod type of effect, with Quorra's over-expressive eyes and snug smiles and the Big L ready to take a puff of virtual smoke, but just serious enough that I think kids will overlook some of the subtle (hopefully intentional) jokes and references for adults.


Second, comments on 3D in general.  Having been exposed to 3D content (games and movies) several times this year, I sincerely hope this is a fad and not something about to become an accepted standard.  There are rare cases where it's cool and novel, but expecting me to watch TV and play games and go to movies that are all pushing 3D content isn't reasonable.  The cost simply isn't justified... and the more I see the less interested I am in seeing more.  At this point my interest for 3DS couldn't be lower.

4507

General Gaming / Re: So let's say I want to get a PSP soon.

« on: December 21, 2010, 03:10:41 PM »

Although vaguely interested in the next PSP system, if it ends up being a phone combo I'm definitely out.

4508

General Gaming / Re: Humble Indie Bundle 2 is here

« on: December 21, 2010, 03:07:00 PM »

Braid never really held my attention.  It's a clever game and a fine indie release... but I couldn't get excited enough about the game to finish when first released.  Purchased this bundle to try and rectify that, and am now having a hard time (again!) to play through some of the levels just because my interest level is there.


I can totally understand why people like Braid, yet for me it's still an "ok" game at best.  The hype that Braid received was way overdone - although I think the same thing could be said about WiiWare's big release World of Goo.







(On the other hand, Cave Story deserves all the props it gets and more...)

4509

Nintendo Gaming / Re: Wii Three Kings

« on: December 21, 2010, 03:02:33 PM »

Yet another reason why Super Mario All-Stars is a better deal than Virtual Console downloads.

Not only can I play it in any Wii at any time, but I can actually play it in multiple Wiis at once.  Once it's loaded in one Wii, I can pop the disc into another system and load it up again.  Whoo-hoo!

Wow, that's really cool.  Are there any other games that can do this?

4510

Nintendo Gaming / Re: NWR Monster Hunter Club

« on: December 16, 2010, 06:19:37 PM »

Sorry for bailing after your connection dropped - I didn't have time to start a fresh hunt and didn't feel like I could finish him off alone in a reasonable time.  However, the defense boost (better armor and armor shot and armor horn) along with the change in gun/ammo for attacking looked like it would work well.  Not sure what ammo would be best... but rapid fire crag 1, crag 2, and rapid pierce 2 with L attack skill bonus looked like it would work well enough.


Can't get back tonight, hope to see people on the weekend.

4511

Nintendo Gaming / Re: NWR Monster Hunter Club

« on: December 15, 2010, 11:47:42 AM »

Calling me a "gunner" is a stretch.  "Peashooter", "annoying mosquito", or "chicken sans head" would all be more appropriate titles.  Gunner implies that I'm doing significant damage, which isn't really true all too often.  Then again... it's possible that you shouldn't take what I say too seriously.


Quick questions:


Someone was doing area effects last night.  Was that with horns?  If interested in using horns to support a hunt in the future, what skills should I be looking at?  (Wide Area is the only one that comes to mind... although I think food can provide a "feline hornblower" skill or something like that.)  I've got a couple of healing, demon, and armor horns sitting in inventory, might be fun to bring them out sometime.


Does the Attack up skills have any effect on bowguns, or do I need to use the Normal/Pierce/Pellet skills instead?

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Nintendo Gaming / Re: NWR Monster Hunter Club

« on: December 15, 2010, 10:37:13 AM »

Wow, Maxi.  You must really hate me... LOL.


Not only was yesterday the first time I saw a Diablos, but I couldn't block and was being severely distracted by real life issues.  Should've bailed before the quest in retrospect.  Even though I didn't help much, at least I didn't cause everyone to fail the hunt.  And I suppose helping a little is better than nothing..?


 

4513

Nintendo Gaming / Re: NWR Monster Hunter Club

« on: December 14, 2010, 04:46:42 PM »

**Waves hand wildly in the air.**


I'd play - got about 45 minutes if starting now.  Can't get on later tonight, so this would pretty much be my evening.

4514

TalkBack / Re: Oops! Prank Party Review

« on: December 14, 2010, 11:40:55 AM »

Have either of you tried Dokapon Kingdom? 


It isn't a minigame compilation, and is very different from something like Mario Party where mini-games dominate the experience.  So comparisons to Oops! or Mario Party or other games that rely mini-games to provide enjoyment and interaction aren't really accurate.


Instead, Dokapon Kingdom focuses on mixing roll-and-move board game trappings with light RPG elements.  The video game reminds me vaguely of Talisman if that means anything... although there are enough differences that some people will disagree.  Roll, move your character along one of several paths, then take an action on the space where you land.  Build up your character (changing between several classes along the way), take control of and develop towns on the board, run errands for the king to earn large rewards, and take part in battles that use a rock-paper-scissor decision process.  Most importantly, you are given plenty of opportunities to grief the other players along the way.  Beat them in battle and you can steal gold or items, take the deed for one of their towns, or even change their name and haircut.


Dokapon Kingdom is not a game for everyone, but anyone who enjoys board games should give it a shot.  The randomness may seem painful early on... but you are given enough choices that things usually work out for the best players over time.  (Note that it's a very long game.  Don't panic or get upset if you are losing badly early on, because things can and will change if you are making good decisions.)


Some NWR links:
http://www.nintendoworldreport.com/forums/index.php?topic=26805
http://www.nintendoworldreport.com/forums/index.php?topic=26489

4515

NWR Forums Discord / Re: This is stupid. Kotaku banned me >.>

« on: December 14, 2010, 10:01:43 AM »

I'd say this makes me wish I never signed up for that site... but the hacking actually has nothing to do with my general disdain for Kotaku.

4516

Nintendo Gaming / Re: Mario's 25th Anniversary Collection?

« on: December 14, 2010, 09:58:06 AM »

Except that it's not on there, so to compare it to VC pricing would be folly.  And you said "Wii Retail Disc Pricing".  It's $30.  Some people think it's a great deal.  Others do not.  No one is being forced to purchase it...

I'm not sure if this is worthwhile or not.  Buying original versions of all four NES Mario games on Virtual Console is cheaper, especially since it's reasonable to assume that many people have already downloaded at least one of those four games to their Wii.  But having a physical game definitely provides value (not to mention the extras that come packed in).  Might have to buy a copy just because of the "limited" nature.  If this is anything like Metroid Prime Trilogy then it probably won't be widely available for long.


Point being: I think it's a pretty reasonable deal... just not sure if I have $30 sitting around.

4517

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

« on: December 14, 2010, 09:42:26 AM »

King of Kong: A Fistful of Quarters


This documentary got a lot of press from gaming sites, for obvious reasons.  It was really well done, and enjoyable to watch... but somehow didn't live up to the hype that had been built up.  I guess that I was hoping for something more from the "villian" of the picture, Billy Mitchell.  Additionally there are some points where the documentary seems to take sides or push an agenda.  That's not a bad thing though, and makes the film more watchable.  What I enjoyed most about the film is seeing the interesting relationships and quirky personalities - or at least as much as the editing allows you to see.  Even the bit parts in this real-life drama are played by characters that (at times) seem bigger than life.


I'd definitely recommend this movie to anyone interested in classic games, gaming personalities, or even the natural drive people have to accomplish something... to be recognized as the "best".

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Nintendo Gaming / Re: NWR Monster Hunter Club

« on: December 13, 2010, 10:33:34 PM »

Baby's not in bed, but I'll be online soon anyway.  This might cause a minor interrupt later.

4519

Nintendo Gaming / Re: NWR Monster Hunter Club

« on: December 13, 2010, 07:08:31 PM »

I'd like to play now, but have family stuff first.  Groceries, dishes, vacuuming, and laundry all come before having fun.


Will be on later tonight though - probably at about 7:30 Pacific, although will need a few minutes to play with my gear before doing anything interesting.

4520

Nintendo Gaming / Re: NWR Monster Hunter Club

« on: December 13, 2010, 06:52:09 PM »

... Have to check but I think Rathlos gunning armor has the attack up skill which will help with the normal and piece shots.

Pretty sure it does - I just need a few extra parts to put that together.  Will probably put together a Lagi gun for rapid fire thunder to help make that easier. 


I've already got some armor with low heat resistance skill, but getting the attack bonus and improved heat protection from Rathlos gear could be helpful.  Might mix and match stuff to get the skills I want... might just go for the whole set (which seems like the better option most of the time).

4521

Nintendo Gaming / Re: NWR Monster Hunter Club

« on: December 13, 2010, 02:02:48 PM »

'Grats on the Soul Hunter armor set.

As for the rustshards the worn and rusted weapons are good to upgrade since they are dragon weapons aside from the bowgun one. Getting a good Dragon weapon early can help since the best dragon weapons are like at the end of the game.

Mmm... Makes sense.  Had received several weapon+ finds from rustshards, but only a couple of actual "rusty" ones - so was guessing the rarity scheme made them more useful.  Sold the weapon+ ones since they didn't really appeal anyway, and will upgrade the others.  A quest or two tonight will probably net me an Undertaker lance since I'm only missing the frost sac.


In other news, excited to try the Maxi-recommended gun now that I've finally landed some Lagi plate.  Was playing around with a rapid-fire crag/pellet setup with increased pellet and attack(M) skills, using fire and pierce rounds for clean-up afterwards.  But pellet is annoying in multiplayer and I'm not sure that rapid-fire crag is useful enough anyway.  The improved elemental capabilities (esp. thunder) should help with some of the other items I wanted to collect.

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Nintendo Gaming / Re: NWR Monster Hunter Club

« on: December 13, 2010, 11:50:04 AM »

Question: I've been getting some rustshard weapons lately.  Are any worth upgrading, and is it worth bothering to look for them?  Or am I better off saving resources for other weapons/armor?

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Nintendo Gaming / Re: NWR Monster Hunter Club

« on: December 13, 2010, 09:01:08 AM »

How did they get to the upper ranks without knowing about armor skills? O.o

I commend you for toughing it out especially when the thunder weapons guy showed up. Think I would have just left town after that last incident...

Embarrassing admission: I didn't actually realize until one of my skills hit 10+ to become active.  I'm nowhere near HR44 though, and am probably at higher HR than I deserve anyway.  Can't imagine how people grind to higher levels without those bonuses though - they make a big difference.




As for playing today, I'll be on whenever I can find time.  Unlikely that I'm high enough level to help out with those event quests though.  Will check for NWR friends when I do show up - but won't feel bad if you are running quests that are too high for me.

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General Chat / Re: Podcast Recommendations

« on: December 08, 2010, 10:53:42 AM »

Ah... I was wondering what happened with this thread when checking for more recommendations.  Added a couple new podcasts to try out.  Thanks to people who posted suggestions!

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Nintendo Gaming / Re: NWR Monster Hunter Club

« on: December 07, 2010, 04:57:45 PM »

That's no a hunt, it's a meat grinder.  The crew in that video certainly don't fool around.