Messages

126

General Gaming / Re: The Starcraft mega thread - Rising from the ashes.

« on: July 27, 2010, 08:22:35 PM »

I'm not usually one to beg for free stuff, but if anyone has an extra guest pass I'd greatly appreciate it.  My experience with the RTS genre has been a pretty frustrating one so far (Warcraft III's dependence on heroes makes me ragequit, and Sins of a Solar Empire is...time consuming) so I'm really hesitant to throw down $60 on a game I probably won't put more than a few hours into.  On the other hand, I've been watching a lot of replays and this game just seems really freaking cool and I really WANT to love it.  I think seven hours is enough for me to gauge whether or not this game is something into which I want to invest a good portion of my free time.

127

Nintendo Gaming / Re: Amazing Deals for DS & GBA

« on: July 18, 2010, 09:59:33 PM »

Thanks for the info vudu. I knew it was the euro version but I didn't know which songs were in it. As for the eBay option, I really despise the company and as long as the cost remains relatively similar I'm still fine with amazon. It'll be faster, I'll know the copy is legit, and honestly I have just as much faith in my interweb e-pals as I do with eBay so I'm not too worried about getting screwed.  It's really up to the cost and if people are willing to do put up with the hassle of local and long distance shipping. Also I think if you label the transfer as a gift there won't be any paypal fees. Not positive though.

128

Nintendo Gaming / Re: Amazing Deals for DS & GBA

« on: July 18, 2010, 09:26:20 PM »

Also in.  Please let this happen.

EDIT: Wait. Time out. Is this the first game that was released in japan or the sequel?  I imported the first one and it's easily my most played DS game so I don't really need another copy...I'm trying to find out which one it is but and on an iPod touch with shaky wifi and it's a terrible experience all around.

129

Nintendo Gaming / Re: Amazing Deals for DS & GBA

« on: July 17, 2010, 11:20:42 PM »

NOT FAIR WHY DOESN'T AMERICA GET ANY LOVE

130

Nintendo Gaming / Re: How many other people here have had DS hardware issues?

« on: July 13, 2010, 10:01:52 AM »

My DS Lite:
1. Cracked hinge
2. Broken L button
3. The middle of the touchscreen is not accurate

My DS Phat:
1. Nothing.

I completely agree that the DS Lite is not up to the usual Nintendo hardware quality.  I have never had a piece of Nintendo hardware fail on me EVER until the DS Lite.

131

Nintendo Gaming / Re: New Wii Zelda

« on: June 15, 2010, 02:26:50 PM »

Obviously something went wrong with the demo on stage, reports from the show floor say that the controls work flawlessly.  Nintendo wouldn't have shown the game at E3 if it controlled that poorly during testing.

132

General Chat / Re: Building A Computer - $800 Budget - Complete System - GO!!!!

« on: May 26, 2010, 12:04:49 PM »

I use an Athlon II X4 640 (essentially the same as the 630 but 100 mhz faster) and I like it...I'm not a heavy CPU user and I upgraded from an Athlon X2 4600+ though so I haven't noticed too much of a difference so far.  I'm also using a Radeon 4850 which is hard to recommend for resolutions above 1680*1050 or if you care about future Direct X support, but depending on your needs I still think it's one of the best "bang for your buck" graphics card deals.  I got mine for $75 after rebate which was awesome.

I really have nothing useful to add to the discussion aside from completely disagreeing with whoever said Intel is kicking AMD's ass right now.  Intel was the clear leader when they came out with their Core 2 Duo chips, but since then things have changed especially in terms of building a budget PC.  I think an Athlon II X4 or a cheap Phenom II provides a better price/performance ratio depending on your needs.  But even so, AMD's AM3 socket is a lot more future-proof then any of Intel's sockets and for me that's important.  I intend for my mobo to last a while.

Not to mention the fact that AMD owns ATI and in my opinion they have completely destroyed nVidia in recent years (pretty much ever since the 4800 architecture).

Also don't try to save money with the PSU; read reviews, calculate your power needs, and buy a good one.  I haven't looked at the one you've chosen yet but I just wanted to restate when MeaByte said because it is very important.

133

TalkBack / Re: REVIEWS: WarioWare: D.I.Y.

« on: April 19, 2010, 06:49:33 PM »

I think it would have been worth mentioning that you are only allowed to create "tapping" microgames, and if you want to scratch, swipe, or wiggle you're out of luck.  That's a huge turn off for me.

134

Nintendo Gaming / Re: Amazing Deals!

« on: April 15, 2010, 11:41:50 PM »

Amazon sent me the $10 promotion for my Monster Hunter 3 preorder a couple days ago.  The thing is...I cancelled that preorder a couple WEEKS ago.  I checked and it's not in my order history.  I immediately added the ten bucks to my Mario Galaxy 2 preorder, which comes with its own $20 promotion.  Win.

Anyway...you might still have a couple days to get in on that deal.

135

General Gaming / Re: iPhone/iPod Touch game thread?

« on: April 15, 2010, 11:16:13 AM »

I've got a few of the popular paid titles like Plants versus Zombies, Bejewled 2, Doodle Jump, and Flight Control.  I also have this one called Wordsworth which is kind of like Bookworm but with a hexagonal playing field, more game modes, and a more complete dictionary (from what I've read Bookworm is missing a lot of common words).  Wordsworth is very fun (if a bit boring to look at) but sometimes hard to control.  My friends never have a problem choosing the right letters though so maybe it's just my terrible coordination at fault.

As for free games, SF Cave is really stupid but I think pretty addictive, and if you don't want to shell out the dollar for doodle jump there's the free Papi Jump (but once you go Doodle you can't go back).  Unblock Me Free is a nice Rush Hour clone (I assume there's a paid version but I don't really care, the free one is enough), and Traffic Rush is kind of like Flight Control in that you try to keep tons of cars on screen from hitting each other.  Frustrating but fun.

136

General Gaming / Re: Anybody here play World of Warcraft?

« on: April 01, 2010, 06:41:36 PM »

Oh boy, I can waste hours of my life repetitively mashing buttons so I can get the same set of armor as half the people my level. Oh yeah, and not to mention the hours wasted mashing buttons just so you can GET to that meaningless level.

I'm not sure why you play video games at all.  I think you just described all of them.

137

Nintendo Gaming / Re: Wii LAN Adapter - First or Third Party Version?

« on: March 22, 2010, 11:17:50 AM »

I have the Nyko one and when I tested to see if it worked fine it worked fine.  I haven't used it since since I never play online.  Wow those two sentences were like poetry.

It comes in a cool cylindrical tube if that helps any.

138

Nintendo Gaming / Re: Monster Hunter Thwii

« on: March 15, 2010, 05:28:24 PM »

Time limit in the full game is 50min, for those that didn't understand.

I UNDERSTOOD REGGIE JUST FINE THANKS.  Fifty minutes is still annoying!

139

Nintendo Gaming / Re: Monster Hunter Thwii

« on: March 14, 2010, 09:39:23 PM »

So I finally played the demo, or at least the first quest.  The blurry graphics were off putting, but the biggest problem I had was the camera.  I unfortunately don't have a classic controller (but would get the pro if I buy this game) and using the d-pad to control the camera was a pain in the ass and definitely caused me to take a lot of unnecessary damage.  The slow attack speed and confusing controls I can probably get used to, as for the the time limit...I guess I can deal with.  I still hate all time limits though.

Really this game is not worth it for single player, plain and simple, so I guess my purchase will depend on who else buys this game.  It could be fun with the right group.

140

Nintendo Gaming / Re: Monster Hunter Thwii

« on: March 11, 2010, 11:16:51 PM »

Is there a time limit for each monster kill in the full game, or just on the demo? I hate time limits.  My time management skills in-game are just as bad as in real life.

141

Nintendo Gaming / Re: Monster Hunter Thwii

« on: March 10, 2010, 08:38:06 PM »

So the resolution in the demo is 360p, and in the retail version (in Japan, at least) it's 480p for 4:3 and 360p for 16:9?

Ugh.

142

Nintendo Gaming / Re: Can the Star Fox series be revived?

« on: March 08, 2010, 01:05:23 AM »

I think Nintendo should make a Star Fox/Piltowings crossover where Goose battles Meca Hawk in space.

143

Reader Reviews / Re: Rate The Last Game You Played

« on: March 03, 2010, 01:35:43 PM »

The GC versions of both Wave Race and 1080 were both titles that I disliked at first but grew to love after a while.  1080 Avalanche in particular became tons of fun when I finally realized that I needed to stop trying to pull tricks like in the original and just race.

144

Nintendo Gaming / Re: Endless Ocean 2: Blue World

« on: February 26, 2010, 05:50:54 PM »

This is an innovative game, with an online component, that supports voice chat, that comes bundled with a Wii Speak and retails for only $30.

Even if I never play the game I'm at least supporting a good developer.  I really hope this sells well.

145

TalkBack / Re: REVIEWS: Endless Ocean: Blue World

« on: February 25, 2010, 01:19:07 PM »

I told myself I wouldn't buy game since I didn't play too much of the original....but I caved.  The thought of just exploring the ocean while relaxing to an audiobook or something is just too tempting.  I should have it by the weekend, I'll post brief impressions.

146

Reader Reviews / Re: Rate The Last Game You Played

« on: February 16, 2010, 11:55:23 PM »

It's time to review every Steam game I have...one in sentence or less.  Most of these I haven't even come close to finishing...some I haven't even started!  IT'S UP TO YOU TO FIND OUT.  Or not.

Audiosurf - 3/5
Fun diversion, not worth the asking price.

Braid - 4/5
Beautiful graphics, beautiful music, extremely creative puzzles.

Morrowind GotY - 4/5
When this came out it was a 5/5, but in terms of combat and quest tracking it has not aged well.

Fallout 3 - 4/5
Repetitive environment, weak story, terrible AI...still addicting.

Left 4 Dead - 5/5
Hours of cooperative zombie killing fun, but make sure you know the people you're playing with

Left 4 Dead 2 - 4/5
Technically better than the first one in every way, but not creative enough have me coming back to it again and again.

Mass Effect - 4/5
The above average (but not spectacular) story is made better by extremely high production values and a decent morality system, but the frustrating combat mechanics and abysmal squad AI keep this from being perfect.

Psychonauts - 4/5
Hilarious, fun, and creative, but poorly paced a mechanically frustrating.

STALKER: Shadow of Chernobyl - 3/5
With the 2009 mod this game is very atmospheric (in a terrifying way!) and could be incredibly fun if you can get past the insane difficulty.

The Secret of Monkey Island: Special Edition - 5/5
I HAVE TO GIVE THIS GAME A PERFECT SCORE it's really freaking hilarious and awesome...but I'm not very good at it...

Civilation IV + Expansions - 5/5
I don't know why I bought these games, there isn't enough time in the world for them.

Team Fortress 2 - 5/5
Best online shooter around.

Torchlight - 4/5
Worth the $5 I spent on it but the content is too sparse to warrant the full asking price.

Doom 3 - 1/5
Okay I'll be honest here I've played none of this.

Half Life 2 - 5/5
One of the best single player shooters ever made.

HL2: Episode 1 - 3/5
Meh.

HL2: Episode 2 - 4/5
A little more than meh, but still not perfect.

HL2: Lost Coast - 5/5
This is only a single area as opposed to an entire game, but it gets a perfect score for introducing developer commentary, a feature which was then used in both HL2 episodes and...portal? Maybe?

Portal - 5/5
YOU MUST PLAY THIS

Mirror's Edge - 2/5
Creative I guess, but frustrating to play...especially the TERRIBLE shooting portions.

Prey - 6/5
I've played none of this one either.

Rollercoaster Tycoon 3 - 3/5
It would get a lower score but user made mods really improve the packaged experience, but note that i've never played the actual management portion...I just like building stuff.

Rome: Total War - 4/5
A bit dated but still fun.

Knights of the Old Republic - 3/5
Sorry nerds, but neither the story, characters, or game play are really astonishing me.

Trine - 3/5
Trine is another title not worth the retail price because not only is it short, but really after the first couple levels you've seen all it has to offer.

147

General Chat / Re: Official March Madness Thread

« on: February 10, 2010, 01:00:50 AM »

I go to the University of Rhode Island and this year we actually have a shot at making the tourney, as long as we don't fall apart like last year...and every year before that, basically.  Today's game against Richmond will likely determine which of those two teams will make it, especially considering their thrashing of Temple the other day.

But...we're 12th in RPI and should have come away with that Temple win earlier in the year, so there's still a good chance.  Not that we'd make it past round one.

Aside from that, I don't really know.  I like Nova for the Final Four at least, and I too see 'Cuse going a long way.  You're right though, it's completely different than last year so it should be fun to watch.

148

General Chat / Re: iPad...meh

« on: February 09, 2010, 08:45:01 PM »

First of all, all the people who got hyped up based on what tech blogs were gossiping about deserve to be disappointed.  Second of all, you don't have buy it in order for it to have value or be a good device.  Perhaps you're not the target demographic.  I don't want the iPhone but that doesn't mean it's a terrible device.  I don't want a convertible either.  Or a dog.  Do none of these things have value?

My comment about developing the right mindset was not about trying to change anyone's mind about purchasing an iPad.  I'm not going to buy the thing either, and likewise if it doesn't meet your needs you have a right to be disappointed because you (perhaps foolishly) expected something more.  That is not the same thing as the iPad being a terrible device.

I guess technically it's all subjective and to YOU it's a worthless piece of ****, but all of the mindless iPad bashing on the internet is frustrating.  People somehow got it into their mind that Apple was releasing a product that met THEIR specific desires, when in reality the company said nothing about it at all.

149

General Chat / Re: iPad...meh

« on: February 09, 2010, 11:02:29 AM »

Just out of curiosity...I assume you own an iPhone, so when you get an iPad are you going to get the 3G version and pay for data plans on both devices?  The plan for the iPad is at least fairly flexible, but I assume if you want to work with it the way you can with your phone you'll need to buy the data month over month....and you probably won't want to get rid of your phone either.

Maybe it's because I'm cheap, but I wouldn't want to pay 3G charges on both my iPhone and iPad.  It seems redundant.  I don't really know anything about the pricing structure on the iPhone though, if there's a data plan where you pay strictly by the bit this won't be a problem.

150

General Chat / Re: iPad...meh

« on: February 09, 2010, 12:37:37 AM »

Yeah, I am.  The iPad is clearly about consuming content, iTunes and App Store content specifically.  iWork is neat and all and it might work just fine, but in the end this thing isn't really a netbook and the people who buy it aren't going to use it to create meaningful content.  iWork just doesn't fit with the rest of the device.