76
TalkBack / RE: REVIEWS: LoSt-CaUzE Gaming Headphones
« on: October 30, 2007, 12:05:12 PM »
Picture added.
And no, they are most definitely not made for DS.
And no, they are most definitely not made for DS.
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77
TalkBack / REVIEWS: LoSt-CaUzE Gaming Headphones
« on: October 30, 2007, 11:52:51 AM »
Love, thy name is Able Planet.
http://www.nintendoworldreport.com/reviewArt.cfm?artid=14714
Let’s get something straight, right off the bat. These headphones are total and complete overkill for your DS. With a current price tag of $149.99, it’s actually worth more than your DS, and the sound capabilities of this set so far outstrip the capabilities of Nintendo’s handheld that it almost seems like an insult to plug the jack in. That being said, if you’re looking for a powerhouse product and plugging said set into your DS is part of the plan, then you could do a hell of a lot worse.
Soak it in, ladies and gentelmen...Crystal-clear audio Amazing noise cancellation Great comfort
Cons:
Slight buzzing noise when cell phones go off High cost
Appearance: 8.5
Though bulky, Able Planet’s supplied a pretty sleek look, with shiny silver looking rather striking against the otherwise jet-black body.
Comfort: 9.5
This is the first pair of stereo headphones that I’ve never felt sore after wearing for long periods of time. You’re still liable to catch headphone hair, but that’s inherent in all stereo sets.
Quality: 9.5
Aside from the slight buzzing noise when cell phones go off, there isn’t a single factor to complain about in this package.
Value: 9.0
Some would argue that $149.99 is a lot to ask for a set of headphones, but these show that you get what you pay for. I’m extremely satisfied with my experience.
http://www.nintendoworldreport.com/reviewArt.cfm?artid=14714
Let’s get something straight, right off the bat. These headphones are total and complete overkill for your DS. With a current price tag of $149.99, it’s actually worth more than your DS, and the sound capabilities of this set so far outstrip the capabilities of Nintendo’s handheld that it almost seems like an insult to plug the jack in. That being said, if you’re looking for a powerhouse product and plugging said set into your DS is part of the plan, then you could do a hell of a lot worse.
Published under the sponsorship of LoSt-CaUzE, noted competitive Quake IV player, Able Planet’s Active Noise Canceling Stereo Headphones are probably the most impressive audio product I’ve ever used. Completely covering my ears, the sound is crystal clear and immediately immersive. The difference between this and my last set, a pair of SONY MDR-V150 Dynamic Stereo Headphones, was astronomical, and I couldn’t have been happier.
Then I flipped the Noise Canceling Switch, and realized that, indeed, I could.
My roommate is a trumpet player, and he practices nightly. It needs to be said that, even when he was blasting as loud as he could muster, when I activated noise cancellation, I could barely hear it, and my volume was only two-fifths up. After putting the volume up to three-fourths, I couldn’t hear the trumpet at all.
Soak it in, ladies and gentelmen...
One peculiar, if mildly annoying drawback to this feature is that it seems to pick up a slight buzzing noise when cell phones go off. Though the buzz isn’t at all crippling to the experience, it is immediately noticeable.
As far as comfort goes, the full-sized ear cups hug like a warm blanket, never feeling uncomfortable, even after long use. My old set would often make my ears sore if I wore them for longer than an hour. The thick cushions available here don’t provide such problems, however, and the lightweight strap keeps it firmly placed on your head, never slipping.
Also included in the package is an audio splitter for connecting multiple headsets to one outlet, a 6.35mm jack converter, a 6-foot extension cord, and a storage case for the headphones as well as all of the above.
Though my time with this set has been fantastic, the steep asking price shows that this package clearly isn’t meant for the average consumer, and is instead aimed at the premium consumer, which is likely not Joe DS Owner, who’s probably just looking for a little more out of Elite Beat Agents. But if cost isn’t an issue, and you’re looking for quality, then Able Planet’s Active Noise Canceling Stereo Headphones are an excellent answer.
Pros:
Cons:
Appearance: 8.5
Though bulky, Able Planet’s supplied a pretty sleek look, with shiny silver looking rather striking against the otherwise jet-black body.
Comfort: 9.5
This is the first pair of stereo headphones that I’ve never felt sore after wearing for long periods of time. You’re still liable to catch headphone hair, but that’s inherent in all stereo sets.
Quality: 9.5
Aside from the slight buzzing noise when cell phones go off, there isn’t a single factor to complain about in this package.
Value: 9.0
Some would argue that $149.99 is a lot to ask for a set of headphones, but these show that you get what you pay for. I’m extremely satisfied with my experience.
Construction: 9.5
The headphones are solidly designed and not overly flashy.
Final: 9.5
Were it not for the price tag, I wouldn’t hesitate to give this package a 10. It’s simply that good.
78
TalkBack / REVIEWS: Bleach: The Blade of Fate
« on: October 30, 2007, 11:48:10 AM »
Don’t let the anime license fool you; this is a surprisingly competent fighting game.
http://www.nintendoworldreport.com/reviewArt.cfm?artid=14713
For those of you unfamiliar with Bleach, here’s the crash course: Ichigo Kurasaki, a 15-year old high school student, can see and interact with spirits. This gift brings him together with Rukia Kuchiki, a soul reaper (agents of the Spirit World who guide the recently departed into the afterlife, as well as assassins who eliminate evil soul-devouring creatures called hollows), and needless to say, here begins an action-packed adventure. The Blade of Fate, the series’ first outing on the DS, covers the arc dealing with Rukia’s unjust imprisonment by her soul reaper superiors, and Ichigo’s quest to save her and clear her name.Great multiplayer options Good selection of characters Lengthy story mode
Cons:
The status enhancers can sometimes be a little unwieldy to use, since you need to reposition your thumb.
Graphics: 8.5
Sharp 2D sprites and vibrant backgrounds definitely make The Blade of Fate a pretty game to look at.
Sound: 6.0
The occasional voice samples here and there serve up some cheesy one-liners, and the music won’t really grab you. There’s not a whole lot of reason to keep the sound on.
Control: 8.0
Though there’s some occasional fumbling when you’re using the status cards, the game still controls with break-neck response and surprising intuitiveness.
Gameplay: 8.5
Though it’s mostly standard as far as fighting systems work, what The Blade of Fate does, it does extremely well. Combat is intuitive and immersive enough to really suck you in.
http://www.nintendoworldreport.com/reviewArt.cfm?artid=14713
For those of you unfamiliar with Bleach, here’s the crash course: Ichigo Kurasaki, a 15-year old high school student, can see and interact with spirits. This gift brings him together with Rukia Kuchiki, a soul reaper (agents of the Spirit World who guide the recently departed into the afterlife, as well as assassins who eliminate evil soul-devouring creatures called hollows), and needless to say, here begins an action-packed adventure. The Blade of Fate, the series’ first outing on the DS, covers the arc dealing with Rukia’s unjust imprisonment by her soul reaper superiors, and Ichigo’s quest to save her and clear her name.
Naturally, since Bleach has a healthy amount of swordplay and various other degrees of combat, this is a fighting game. What makes it a bit more special than your average licensed product is that it’s developed by Treasure, the company famous for games like Gunstar Heroes, Sin & Punishment, and Ikaruga. Blade of Fate’s break-neck speed and twitch controls definitely hearken back to those releases, even if there isn’t quite as much depth.
The Story Mode starts out with Ichigo, though you’ll eventually unlock over a dozen other characters and complete the game through their plotlines, essentially battling your way through the tier tree with portrait-laden cut-scenes coming before and after each bout. Though you’ll still find the usual genre fare here (combo-initiated specials, throws, dashes, etc), each character also has an ultimate attack, which can range from being briefly invincible to a massive beam of energy.
The game takes advantage of the DS’s touch screen via the use of cards that act as status enhancers during battle. Though limited to eight cards per fight, with only two available at a certain time, you can do anything from restricting your opponent from jumping to boosting your Soul Meter (normally filled by landing attacks and needed to use the aforementioned ultimate attack). You’ll get new cards by winning fights and by buying them at Urahara’s Shop.
While these cards definitely put a fresh spin on fights, it is a little cumbersome to reach over from the face buttons to the touch screen; since things happen so quickly, having your thumb on the touch screen disallows you from reacting without a moment’s notice. It definitely isn’t a huge flaw, but it can be a bit annoying at times.
Once you feel you’re ready to take on your friends, the game offers a host of multiplayer options. Three of your friends can hop in via single-card multiplayer in addition the regular local play. Blade of Fate also takes advantage of Nintendo Wi-Fi Connection, where different online options include playing without cards, ranked, and unranked matches. Finding enough players for a four-person bout wasn’t exactly easy, but if you’ve got some patience, you can put one together in time.
When it comes to games with an anime license, this is definitely in the upper echelon. Though it doesn’t do too much to separate itself from other 2D fighters out there, it’s an overall very solid package that’ll satisfy series fans and fighting enthusiasts alike.
Pros:
Cons:
Graphics: 8.5
Sharp 2D sprites and vibrant backgrounds definitely make The Blade of Fate a pretty game to look at.
Sound: 6.0
The occasional voice samples here and there serve up some cheesy one-liners, and the music won’t really grab you. There’s not a whole lot of reason to keep the sound on.
Control: 8.0
Though there’s some occasional fumbling when you’re using the status cards, the game still controls with break-neck response and surprising intuitiveness.
Gameplay: 8.5
Though it’s mostly standard as far as fighting systems work, what The Blade of Fate does, it does extremely well. Combat is intuitive and immersive enough to really suck you in.
Lastability: 8.0
With a healthy Story Mode and numerous multiplayer options, you’ll be able to play this one for some time.
Final: 8.5
This is the best game based on an anime that I’ve played since Naruto: Clash of Ninja 2 on GameCube. Seeing as how I’ve logged dozens of hours into that game, that is high praise, indeed. You’d do well to pick this one up.
79
NWR Feedback / RE: Nintendo World Report Poll
« on: October 29, 2007, 05:00:33 PM »
As for the reader-staff interaction, I know I always make a point to keep up with you guys.
And if it's personality you're craving, start listening to Radio Free Nintendo.
And if it's personality you're craving, start listening to Radio Free Nintendo.
81
TalkBack / RE: Radio Free Nintendo: Episode 75
« on: October 29, 2007, 05:28:15 AM »
Indeed, that was the one and only Solid Snake. I wouldn't have gone through with the ridiculous skit otherwise. That just would've been random.
82
NWR Forums Discord / RE: I Am Halloween (And So Can You!)
« on: October 29, 2007, 03:16:24 AM »
Oh snap I have been called out.
UNLESS...
Check your damn email, j00ny!
UNLESS...
Check your damn email, j00ny!
83
TalkBack / RE: Radio Free Nintendo: Episode 75
« on: October 29, 2007, 03:12:44 AM »
His name is top secret.
So how did you guys like hearing Solid Snake? I had no idea the gang tracked down Hayter at E For All until Windy gave me the MP3.
So how did you guys like hearing Solid Snake? I had no idea the gang tracked down Hayter at E For All until Windy gave me the MP3.
84
General Gaming / RE: This really pissed me off
« on: October 29, 2007, 02:56:50 AM »
Is it moral to accept that you are morally bankrupt?
What a conundrum...
What a conundrum...
85
TalkBack / RE: Rising Star Games to Publish No More Heroes in Europe
« on: October 29, 2007, 12:11:31 AM »
Europeans are getting the game at the same time I am?
LAME.
LAME.
86
NWR Forums Discord / RE: I Am Halloween (And So Can You!)
« on: October 28, 2007, 12:23:55 PM »
Waggle waggle.
87
TalkBack / Radio Free Nintendo: Episode 75
« on: October 27, 2007, 08:15:15 AM »
Featuring the voice of Solid Snake!
http://www.nintendoworldreport.com/newsArt.cfm?artid=14690
Snake! SNAAAAAAAAAAAKE!
http://www.nintendoworldreport.com/newsArt.cfm?artid=14690
Snake! SNAAAAAAAAAAAKE!
Episode 75: Our Platinum Anniversary
Another incomplete show! And late, too!
Radio Free Nintendo's been going on for quite a while now. We had our One Year Anniversary some months back, but with Episode 75, we feel we've reached a new high (or low, depending on who you ask). So we celebrate this by going all out in our first two segments. Evan "This Is How You Pronounce Oregon" Burchfield stopped by, so Mike and I had to cut loose and make with the jokey-jokes. Hope you enjoy it, you freaking ingrates.
To punish you (for being ingrates), we also cut our last segment, featuring Steven Rodriguez talking about E For All. Unfortunately, scheduling conflicts (and you being ingrates) prevented it from getting off the ground. There's plenty more to enjoy, though, from crazy listener mail, rumors of a new Skies of Arcadia, and of course, the September NPDs. You don't want to miss it!
See ya next week, folks!
Credits:
This podcast was edited by Karl Castaneda.
Music for this episode of Radio Free Nintendo is used with permission from Jason Ricci & New Blood. You can also purchase their new album, Rocket Number 9 directly from the record label, or call your music record store and ask for it!
88
General Chat / RE: Mac OS X Leopard (10.5)
« on: October 25, 2007, 10:59:42 PM »
I'm probably going to do a RAM upgrade before committing to Leopard. So I'll join the rest of ya in another couple months or so.
89
NWR Feedback / RE: Capcom confirmed that they were localizing Ace Attorney 4 two months ago
« on: October 25, 2007, 09:40:28 PM »
Because Phoenix Wright is for babies.
Are you a baby?
Are you a baby?
90
TalkBack / RE: Zack & Wiki Now Available
« on: October 25, 2007, 04:09:29 PM »
Picked this up earlier today, and so far I like it. The story and characters seem to just be excuses to continue on solving puzzles, but I probably wouldn't be that interested in a kid pirate and a flying monkey anyway.
91
TalkBack / RE: King Dedede Joins SSB Brawl
« on: October 25, 2007, 10:45:11 AM »
Post deleted because it was bothering me.
As for Dedede, meh.
As for Dedede, meh.
92
TalkBack / RE: Radio Free Nintendo: Episode 74
« on: October 25, 2007, 10:01:09 AM »
Mike is 23, the same age that's on his profile. We enter our birth dates there, so it keeps up with how old we are on its own. We don't have to update it. As for why he still cares so strongly for the Seminoles, it's probably because he still lives in Tallahassee, and works for the university. And as for the eBay auction, the rules say that you cannot advertise. The staff can do whatever we want. 
Windy was supposed to be in Episode 75 (going up later today), but unfortunately, scheduling conflicts got in the way.
Windy was supposed to be in Episode 75 (going up later today), but unfortunately, scheduling conflicts got in the way.
93
TalkBack / RE: Zack & Wiki Now Available
« on: October 24, 2007, 02:02:01 PM »
I called stores all over town today, and it's sold out. 
94
General Chat / RE: Which Direction?
« on: October 21, 2007, 04:00:17 PM »
More importantly, what's up with the erect nipple? Was that really necessary?
95
TalkBack / RE: Radio Free Nintendo: Episode 74
« on: October 20, 2007, 09:38:27 PM »
Yeah, for serious. Where all them comments at?
As for the Horse Life bit, that's all off the cuff, baby.
As for the Horse Life bit, that's all off the cuff, baby.
96
TalkBack / Radio Free Nintendo: Episode 74
« on: October 19, 2007, 10:48:52 AM »
A day late, but also awesome. So it's a give and take kind of thing.
http://www.nintendoworldreport.com/newsArt.cfm?artid=14647
Burchfield ain't got nothin' on me.
http://www.nintendoworldreport.com/newsArt.cfm?artid=14647
Burchfield ain't got nothin' on me.
Episode 74: Mike Likes Horse Life
Your mom likes Yaris.
Yea yeah, I know you guys like Evan doing his little "newspost humor" bit, but that crap is lame. We all know I'm the best there ever was about describing a podcast that I appear on, once a week, here on NWR. Man, it kind of puts your life in perspective when that's your one claim to fame, huh?
MOVING ON.
This show's a doozy. Jonny couldn't make it (something about the "real world," whatever that means), so we called in yet another favor from the Player One Podcast's Dan Dormer. Together, he, Mike, and I discuss the woners wonders of Yaris on Xbox Live, the Ratchet and Clank demo on PSN, and some Nintendo goodness just for good measure (Horse Life! Whoo!).
For the feature, we go to town on last week's Nintendo conference in Japan. A new Fire Emblem, Advance Wars, new details on WiiWare, and a whole lot more can be found here, so you don't want to miss it.
Remember to send us your latest and greatest comments to our email address, and while you're at it, hit up iTunes and Digg via the links above.
See ya next week, folks!
Credits:
This podcast was edited by Karl Castaneda.
Music for this episode of Radio Free Nintendo is used with permission from Jason Ricci & New Blood. You can also purchase their new album, Rocket Number 9 directly from the iTunes Music Storerecord label, or call your music record store and ask for it!
97
NWR Feedback / RE: Lift the pan on political discussion
« on: October 18, 2007, 09:16:40 AM »
No.
98
General Gaming / RE: Just Podcasted with Billy
« on: October 17, 2007, 09:43:45 PM »
Well, GI Radio is sort of a different beast than RFN. I think it's got its own strengths, though.
99
General Gaming / RE: Clive Barker's Jericho
« on: October 16, 2007, 12:20:56 AM »
Played the PSN demo. This game is crap.
100
General Gaming / RE: Just Podcasted with Billy
« on: October 14, 2007, 07:55:32 AM »
Last week we had two staffers (Joe Juba and Nick Ahrens), but this week it was all about t3h Billeh. Next week's show will probably go back to three people. And I should have an RSS feed set up by then if you want to subscribe.
The news was super-recent, yeah, mostly because it was recorded on Thursday and got put up Friday night. I can edit with a quickness when need be.
Yeah, like Jonny, I wish Orange Box was available in some form on Wii. It's a bummer.
I guess I just don't believe in Thundercats as a brand. It was always kinda low-tier.
You're right. It is Robo Tech. My mistake.
I just think the Wii Wheel is kind of stupid. I'm not hating on Nintendo, since they're not raising the price at all, so I guess it's better to have it than not at all. I just don't see it as an immersion tool.
And yeah, I FINALLY get some respect.
The news was super-recent, yeah, mostly because it was recorded on Thursday and got put up Friday night. I can edit with a quickness when need be.
Yeah, like Jonny, I wish Orange Box was available in some form on Wii. It's a bummer.
I guess I just don't believe in Thundercats as a brand. It was always kinda low-tier.
You're right. It is Robo Tech. My mistake.
I just think the Wii Wheel is kind of stupid. I'm not hating on Nintendo, since they're not raising the price at all, so I guess it's better to have it than not at all. I just don't see it as an immersion tool.
And yeah, I FINALLY get some respect.
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