Messages

4601

TalkBack / Re: Extra Life #3: LostWinds

« on: May 14, 2010, 03:37:30 PM »

Although I really like seeing older games, if Silent Hill arrives then why not use it for the article?  I rather like the "stream of consciousness" approach where we get to read impressions as they are still being formed.  Although the concerns of others are totally valid, I enjoy the articles for what they are and look forward to more (assuming you enjoy creating them).

4602

TalkBack / Re: WiiWare's Second Anniversary Feature

« on: May 14, 2010, 03:30:46 PM »

It's great to see some love shown to "less popular" WiiWare titles in this feature.  Games like Mobashi, LIT, and Bonsai Barber were all largely overlooked - and while they might have some flaws they are still gems worth exploring.


Also, the description of Let's Catch has definitely piqued my interest...

4603

Nintendo Gaming / Re: Nintendo may charge for online?

« on: May 12, 2010, 03:21:30 PM »

My opinion is probably biased because I don't strongly prefer playing games with friends in the same room, or just going solo... but I think EA's decision is reasonable and justified.


Finding a way to profit from online usage makes sense for everyone.  First, it helps the company minimize lost revenue due to piracy and second-hand sales.  Second, it allows the company to maintain their own servers - which means they are responsible for the quality of services provided instead of relying on a third party.  Third, it should end up reducing the initial cost of software, since companies will only have to charge people who use online features instead of charging everyone who buys the game (of course, this probably won't happen initially since they want everyone to have a "hook" into the online subscription-based model).


People complaining are being unrealistic.  Well, they are also just watching out for their own wallets... and you can't blame them for that.  But the only people who really stand to lose out here are second-hand sellers since gamers are going to want them to suck up the difference.








Also, it's funny that people who are willing to pay XBLA fees are suddenly standing up and complaining now.  It makes no business sense at all to suggest that EA should be required to rely on Microsoft's servers to run their games... and obviously MS agrees since they approved the request.

4604

Podcast Discussion / Re: Metroid II: Return of Samus - RetroActive #12 Discussion Thread

« on: May 06, 2010, 10:33:54 AM »

Although I don't find the linear nature of this game to be a problem, I miss the myriad of secret passages, hidden tricks, and shortcuts that made speedruns so popular for some of the other Metroid games.  (Yes, there are some shortcuts and false walls... but the mostly linear level-design and lack of backtracking limit how useful they are when trying a speed run in many cases.)


Then again, maybe I just don't know the right tricks and other people can finish the game in 40 minutes?

4605

Podcast Discussion / Re: Reset Button 1: Silver Surfer

« on: April 28, 2010, 10:45:38 AM »

Didn't know what to expect with this interview episode, but was blown away by how entertaining and informative it was.  Great interview - which speaks well for both the interviewer and interviewee!

4606

Podcast Discussion / Re: NWR Newscast: Episode 16

« on: April 27, 2010, 03:14:02 PM »

Loved hearing favorable impressions about Art of Balance.  I think it's one of those games that quickly got overlooked, but is really a decent puzzle game for anyone interested in that sort of thing.  There are a handful of WiiWare titles like that: hidden gems, just waiting for someone to give them a shot.
 
It made me laugh when Cubello didn't get such a good reaction though... I kind of like the way that game lulls you into an almost hypnotic trance with the weird robotic voice and ability to play (on lower levels) without thinking, but can totally understand why people wouldn't like it.

4607

Podcast Discussion / Re: Metroid II: Return of Samus - RetroActive #12 Discussion Thread

« on: April 27, 2010, 03:03:59 PM »

I'm really interested to hear what people have to say about the game.
 
Although Metroid II seems to take a lot of crap for being linear, I think they did a good job of maintaining a sense of adventure.  The biggest difference is that this game requires you to explore the current area until you find and eliminate all Metroids before continuing, instead of opening new areas because Samus has gained additional weapons or abilities.  This makes the game more action-oriented and also eliminates backtracking - both good ideas considering limitations of the platform it was developed for.
 
Making the game actually focus on Metroids and their lifecycle (instead of hunting space pirates) was interesting, and added a lot of lore to the Metroid universe.  And without this game, the story for Super Metroid would've been different and one of gamings most famous moments, when the Metroid recognizes Samus as it's mother at the end of the game, wouldn't have been possible.
 
That's not saying the game is without flaws.  The lack of a map can be a pain, even though it is a small game.  After missing a Metroid, you can be forced to search through recently traveled terrain and it is occasionally hard to recall exactly where one area begins or ends.  The screen space is also terribly small (or the character sprites are too big) and battles with evolving Metroids definitely suffer because there isn't much room to maneuver.
 
Overall this isn't the best game in the series, but is fun to play.  At least it's better than Metroid Fusion!

4608

Nintendo Gaming / Re: SpyBorgs

« on: April 26, 2010, 09:51:53 AM »

I also got suckered in because of the $10 sale pricing.  Even if the game did lose most of the appeal by becoming a totally generic beat 'em up, surely the co-operative options will help provide some value. (At least, that's what I'm hoping.)


After heavily hyped games reach a certain discount, my wallet opens automatically out of curiosity for how good/bad the game really ended up being.  A few hours later and I usually regret the decision.  Alone in the Dark caught me in the same trap... but hopefully Spyborgs will be more interesting.

4609

Podcast Discussion / Re: NWR Newscast: Episode 15

« on: April 16, 2010, 11:07:22 AM »

I'm pretty sure that Final Fantasy game was local only, though I never played it so I don't know for sure.

Hmm... I am likely misinformed then.  That's what I get for talking about a game I hadn't played.   :

4610

TalkBack / Re: Interactive Fitness Company Sues Nintendo Over Patent Infringement

« on: April 15, 2010, 11:49:00 AM »

I hate patent lawsuits.  There are so many lame money-grabbing attempts that even the valid ones lose all credibility.  I think that the prosecution should be forced to pay all the bills to file suit, and only receive compensation if they win... maybe that would cut down on the number of ridiculous cases and make patent protection better?  (Not likely... but whatever.)

4611

Nintendo Gaming / Re: Wii Fit turns woman into sex addict

« on: April 15, 2010, 11:44:32 AM »

'scuse me.  Need to go buy Wii Fit for my wife.
 
(Ok, I've already got Wii Fit... but after hula hooping once and then laughing at my pushup attempts she had no interest.  Oh well, no nympho for me.)
 
 
 
On a semi-related note, I knew an awesome girl during University that somehow got a weird medical condition for a semester.  She would basically get these mini-seizures that didn't visibly affect her but caused a similar sensation as having an orgasm.  Unfotunately (?) for her it went away.  She claimed that it was the best semester of her life... although I suspect that if it was a permanent condition it would be far less cool.

4612

Nintendo Gaming / Re: Cursed Mountain

« on: April 15, 2010, 11:38:25 AM »

For what it's worth, the game is pretty damn cool if you like survival horror games at all.  It's got flaws, but is a great experience.  Nice choice for a prize selection.
 
Oh yeah, and this is an awesome contest that you are running!

4613

Podcast Discussion / Re: RetroActive #12 Poll -- Game Boy Edition

« on: April 15, 2010, 11:33:45 AM »

Metroid II: Return of Samus won? Ugh. If I find a cheap copy, I might join in. I don't have much interest in the game, I will look forward to listening to the podcast though.

It's a good game, but I think that some of the others might have been more interesting to talk about.  Oh well - since I played through Metroid II earlier this year maybe I'll have a few comments to throw in.
 
Playing through Zelda: Link's Awakening now makes me wish that game could've been chosen instead though - it's truly excellent and stands up better today as a gaming experience IMO.  Link's Awakening has blown away my expectations with the many subtle details, humorous touches, and sometimes unusual gameplay.

4614

Podcast Discussion / Re: NWR Newscast: Episode 15

« on: April 15, 2010, 11:26:13 AM »

There's a limitation on the hardware that won't allow a DS to connect to a Wii over the Internet so you have to go through a local Wii to complete the connection.

Do you mean a limitation just for this game?
 
I thought that the Final Fantasy game released on Wii/DS a while back forced players to connect through the internet even when the Wii/DS players were in the same room (ie: no local connection available).  Surely there is no hardware limitation that would prevent Wii and DS systems from connecting online if the software was designed with that in mind...

4615

Nintendo Gaming / Re: So this is why Hudson won't do another Mario Party

« on: April 14, 2010, 11:10:39 AM »

Dokapon Kingdom is awesome. But it is definitely for a different crowd. I know I can break out MP with my GF and her family and it will be a hit but if I'm with my more gamer type friends DP is the only way to go for that type of game.

True enough.  Dokapon Kingdom is surprisingly dense and sometimes slow paced.  I hadn't really tried it with non-gamers, but can totally see what you mean.

4616

TalkBack / Re: REVIEWS: Rage of the Gladiator

« on: April 14, 2010, 11:05:58 AM »

Wow, fire in the forums!   


People might disagree with their opinions, but it impresses me is that people are passionate enough to argue over the game.  That's gotta be a good sign, right?


Personally I liked Rage of the Gladiator much more than Neal seems to.  It isn't the best game ever and didn't exactly fit my expectations going in, but surprised me by being tremendous fun.  Is it better than Punch-Out!! on Wii?  No, I don't think so.  But it's cheaper and easier to buy, has some great modifications like the skill tree advancements, and definitely isn't lacking in challenge or entertainment value.  In fact, Rage of the Gladiator is clearly my second favorite WiiWare release this year, only outdone by Cave Story.  (Others are more than welcome to disagree with that opinion.)


Also, I want to defend Neal for reviewing the game without finishing it.  I have never finished any game in the Punch-Out!! series because the difficulty and reflexes required to beat high-level bosses simply are too much for me.  But I don't think that invalidates my opinions about the games.  Of course, it's hard to fairly rate "lastability" when the game hasn't even been finished once... but only if you define that word to mean how long it takes to finish the game instead of how long it takes to lose interest.


Anyway... my point.  Did I have one?  Oh right!  I think that Rage of the Gladiator is awesome, and was the best 1000 Wii Points I've spent in a long time.  Hopefully people interested in a game that takes heavy inspiration from a long-standing classic are willing to give this game a shot.  It really deserves to be played.
 

4617

Podcast Discussion / Re: Radio Free Nintendo: Episode 190

« on: April 12, 2010, 03:56:10 PM »

"You don't train beetles. You train dogs and roosters to fight. You can't train a beetle, it's not smart enough. I've tried."

RRROOOOAWRR!

4618

Nintendo Gaming / Re: Could use some decision help

« on: April 12, 2010, 02:07:37 PM »

It was Red Steel 2 I played, not Rune Factory. I decided to go the weird route though and picked up Sakura Wars just because it seems like a weirdass game.

Let us know what you think of the game!  It seems to be getting widely mixed reviews, but certainly looks interesting (and weird) enough.

4619

TalkBack / Re: Win Rage of the Gladiator from Ghostfire Games

« on: April 12, 2010, 01:56:33 PM »

Your opinion is incorrect.

I've played it extensively, and it's not fun.  not for real.  I haven't played it, but it won't stop someone from actually having that stance.

You are entirely correct.

4620

Podcast Discussion / Re: Radio Free Nintendo: Episode 190

« on: April 12, 2010, 12:58:33 PM »

Dan Akroyd has stared in a lot of movies since Coneheads. Atleast close to a dozen and a half since that movie came out.

Were any of them good?  Checking IMDB, the most "notable" movies that I see in the list are Crossroads (with Britney Spears) and Curse of the Jade Scorpion (which I always wanted to see solely because of the poster art).


I'm not saying he hasn't been in good movies... but I just don't instantly recognize any of the movies he's been in for a LONG LONG time.

... because its fanbase is paranoid of anything resembling change.

I'm not afraid of change, but recognize the difference between a change for the better and a change for the worse!
:p

(Ok, that's a partial bold-faced lie.  I am actually just a old gaming curmudgeon who hates to see the franchises he once adored morph into something he strongly dislikes.  Square-Enix and Activision both had tremendous good-will associated with their names due to retro games... but that sense of good-will has been totally squandered by the directions those companies have pursued over the past decade.  I am now skeptical about everything they release, by default.  Now get off my lawn!)

*edited to (hopefully) show that I'm not being too serious*

4621

Podcast Discussion / Re: NWR Newscast: Episode 15

« on: April 12, 2010, 10:08:49 AM »

Really enjoyed the show this week, but the Game Club discussion for Cave Story underwhelmed.  Too much effusive praise and too little in-depth discussion.  Then again, whenever I talk about Cave Story it ends up being the same thing... so don't take that criticism too seriously!


Speaking of which, isn't Cave Story awesome?  Having messed up the new music isn't a big deal because the old stuff is quite good anyway.  Apparently the map has a bug in some locations, but who needs the map anyway?  (I didn't even find it the first time playing the game through, but that didn't affect my enjoyment one iota.)

4622

Podcast Discussion / Re: Radio Free Nintendo: Episode 190

« on: April 12, 2010, 10:01:34 AM »

Hearing the negative impressions about Ghostbusters (Wii) was terribly disappointing.  Even though the game got middling reviews, I loved the movie and was really looking forward to picking this up eventually.  Oh well.  At least it's cheap now, and maybe I'll enjoy it anyway for the co-op play.


Also, would anyone else here rather play Dragon Quest than Final Fantasy?  One of these franchises has stayed true to it's roots while still offering new adventures.  The other has totally jumped the shark and become a "cinematic experience" aimed at angst-filled teens who are happy to think that style can overcome the glaring shortcomings in story-telling and gameplay.  To each their own I guess.
 

4623

Nintendo Gaming / Re: Worthy WiiWare Games

« on: April 10, 2010, 10:54:07 PM »

World of Goo is tough to discuss.


It's a great game - the polish and detail are superb, and I really liked the sense of humor throughout.  But it wouldn't be in my top 10 list if talking purely about "fun" games... despite being such a well-made game, I just didn't fall in love with it the way so many reviewers and core gamers did.


Is it one of the best WiiWare games out there?  Sure.
Does it deserve a ton of hype?  Sure.
Did I play through the entire game, and was the cost justified?  Most definitely on both counts.


But if someone asked me what they should buy it wouldn't be at the top of the list - especially not with stuff available like Swords & Soldiers, Bonsai Barber, and Winter of the Melodias.


To each their own, I guess.   

4624

TalkBack / Re: Win Rage of the Gladiator from Ghostfire Games

« on: April 10, 2010, 10:47:25 PM »

This is a pretty awesome game.  Hopefully people are entering, because it's a fun take on the old Punch-Out!! classic formula.

4625

Nintendo Gaming / Re: Cave Story WiiWare

« on: April 10, 2010, 10:46:29 PM »

Congrats on beating the game!!  Even though the "good ending" isn't awesome, it's still pretty epic and a satisfying conclusion IMO.

How do I save Curly?

I don't know how to get the good ending yet (that's still a work in progress) but can maybe help with this question.
1st Hint: If you leave the water-filled room without her, it's too late to get back in.
2nd Hint: You don't need to bring anything special into that room to save her...
3rd Hint: ...but you do need an item found in that room to get her out, and even then your work to save her isn't quite done.
Big time spoiler: Find the tow rope in the bottom-right of the room where you battle the core before fighting the boss.  This will let you carry Curly out with you.  Then as you are escaping from the Labyrinth, there is a difficult to reach room that you have to enter in the underwater section with all the jetstreams - stay close to the top and quickly jump into the doorway that you see just before the boss.  Set Curly on the bed and check the computer a couple of times for instructions about how to revive her.


Of course, take that all with a grain of salt.  In my current game, I thought I saved Curly by following those steps, but then she drifted away after fighting that fish boss.  Now I don't know where she is!  Hopefully that's intentional and she'll show up later - the only thing I could (obviously) do differently is not get hit during the fish battle.