Topic: Episode 292: The Show Must Go On!

[Pandareus]

Bear with us, please. The podcast is going through structural renovations.

http://www.nintendoworldreport.com/rfn/30200

Ladies and gentlemen, we present the newest member of the Radio Free Nintendo family: Guillaume Veillette. On his first episode as a regular member and our new official editor, we spend some time getting to know this mysterious fellow with his own alluring accent. But first, New Business! Sadly, James had to miss this week, so you'll have to wait a little longer for the entire crew to form Captain Planet (GameCube). Therefore, Jonny kicks it off with a renewed dalliance with Mario Kart 7, now that the online mode has been patched to be far more bearable. (If you haven't already joined the NWR "Communities", be sure to do that now!) He also adores The Walking Dead's first episodic entry from Telltale Games, who continue to push the point/click adventure way beyond a simple revival. Lindy focuses on a single game, but it's a big deal: Diablo 3. We compare it to the imminent Heroes of Ruin for 3DS and also ponder if this mega-hit from Blizzard would make sense on Wii U. Guillaume closes the segment with a laundry list of games, starting with an old favorite: Link's Awakening DX. He also test out a pair of WiiWare titles recently offered up on Club Nintendo: Intelligent Systems' Eco Shooter: Plant 530 and Skip Ltd.'s Snowpack Park. Which boutique studio will come out on top in this duel of the free games?

After an especially awkward Now Playing (as it should be), we return to Guillaume himself and ask a series of interview-style questions to catch up with our newest cohort. How did gaming help him learn English? What are his favorite games and genres? How did he end up doing podcasts? What are his other interests? And what's his preferred style of poutine? We hope his answers will help get you up to speed so we can focus on building up the new chemistry. And on that note, we also address some of your Listener Mail! This week's letters cover Nintendo's exclusive deals with GameStop, the future of consoles as subscription-based devices, and the ongoing efforts of Operation Rainfall. We're still digging through a big pile of wonderful emails, but don't let that keep you from adding your own to the stack!

[therockandrollgamer]

I love the show and have listened to it for at least 18 months. The lost of the last host pains me but I have plenty of faith in your replacement. He sounds like he will fill in just fine.


I just wanted to share my support and enjoyment. This show is a really great highlight of each week for me.


Thanks again!

[TheYoungerPlumber]

Excellent episode, guys. I found the discussion on multiplayer online games vs. single payer experiences quite interesting. Unsurprisingly, I fall into Jonny & Gui's camp, but I really appreciate having Jon as a strong counterpoint. If Nintendo ever tries to make a game highly leveraged on online co-op, I'll definitely want to hear Jon's perspective on how well Nintendo executes. (Who knows, that could be as soon as the next Pikmin game!)

I look forward to next week's show.

[Massimo]

Great first episode for Gui, both as an editor and a host! Now with the first date out of the way, things can only get better! Come on guys, the show must go on!!! 

[Ceric]

Captian Planet (Gamecube) is a Hero.  Going to Kick Fanboyism down to Zero.  Gonna help put assunder bad guys who like to Whine and Belittle.  Go Planet (Gamecube).  We're the RFNinteers you can be one too.  Saving our Internet is the thing to do.  Whining and being contrary is not the way see what Captian Planet (Gamecube) has to say.  Its sooooo Goood!

[Pixelated Pixies]

Awesome episode guys.
 
The 'getting to know you' section was kind of neat. It was interesting to hear Gui's perspective on how his path to RFN differs from those of the other members, in that he went straight from messageboards and forums (which shall henceforth be called 'the streets') to becoming an active member on the Negative World podcast, whereas the rest of the RFN crew wrote for the site prior to appearing on a podcast.
 
In Europe, Kid Icarus 3D Classic was tied to the purchase of others games which had already been out for quite some time. In my case, I was eligible for the download code because I had purchased Super Mario 3D Land and Mario Kart 7. Personally, I much prefer this approach of thanking the people who have already supported your system rather than trying to strong-arm consumers into purchasing from a specific retail store. I understand the business behind it, I just don't find it all that palatable.
 
I look forward to Jame's return next week so that we can have the whole four man crew together.

[NWR_Neal]

I expect Ceric to release an NWR musical tribute album very soon.

[fixyourface0814]

Gui - awesome job. Rather large shoes were left for you to fill, but so far, you're a fantastic addition to the group.

[Crimm]

I haven't listened yet, but I'm glad to see the positive feedback. Looking forward to recording this Thursday.

[Ceric]

I expect Ceric to release an NWR musical tribute album very soon.

I actually sing quiet a bit.  Especially when it comes to theme songs.  Though I'm not very big into finding new music.  Hence why I haven't helped with Dr.Metts Podcast XP Grinding over at DMP.  I know I should listen.

Back to the Podcast People.  As always you can get my non-sensicle ramblings on the whole episode on twitter w/ the Hashtag #RFN292 I enjoyed this episode quiet a bit.  Neg G is a fun guy from the hood of gaming.  In Fact, My biggest problem with this episode would be all the Uhhs and Umms, looks at Dr.Metts.  This has been one of the more lively episodes for Lindy. 

On that note, Diablo 3 is good, but the best feature is how easy and seemless it is to drop in and out of games with Friends.  None of the heavy planning needed for MMO's.  I hope it comes for WiiU simply because I would love some traditional 3rd person controls with this game instead of the point and click, sue me I'm tired of my Wizard walking into mobs. 

I'm bummed by the lack of Stinger as well.

[lolmonade]

I didn't hear any complaints about Diablo 3 issues with connecting to the internet while playing.  I take it Lindy didn't have too many problems with this?
 
My friends and I actually expect to buy the game together when we all have the free time to do so.  Seems like a game that wouldn't be as enjoyable as a single player experience. The screenshots and comments I've read on the internet seem to make the game out to be a similar experience to WOW, where you'll get the most reward out of it for co-op play.
 
I agree with many points on the Subscription-based model of console sales, and think they could at the very least provide an alternate payment option for those who may not have the investment up-front.  I also don't expect Nintendo to offer such a pricing model.  I think Microsoft at this point is trying to compete with places like rent-a-center who offer this type of service at a heavily inflated price even compared to Microsoft's offering.
 
 

[Ceric]

...
My friends and I actually expect to buy the game together when we all have the free time to do so.  Seems like a game that wouldn't be as enjoyable as a single player experience. The screenshots and comments I've read on the internet seem to make the game out to be a similar experience to WOW, where you'll get the most reward out of it for co-op play.
...

Consider what you enjoy in a game.  If you like story that spans 3 games and a lot of lore for the universe itself with interesting, albeit a little large at times, areas to explore.  You'll like the single player.  For me Co-op or Single Player is about the same experience except I get someone else who is uber-powerful to BS with.  WoW is very much the Group over coming the individual.  Diablo 3 is the Individual overcoming the group.  Enemies are like cockroaches.  You see one there is probably a good 10 or that 1 is the equivalent of 10.

Though don't start with a Wizard.  A monster sneezing at you kills you.  Its very frustrating.

[lolmonade]

...
My friends and I actually expect to buy the game together when we all have the free time to do so.  Seems like a game that wouldn't be as enjoyable as a single player experience. The screenshots and comments I've read on the internet seem to make the game out to be a similar experience to WOW, where you'll get the most reward out of it for co-op play.
...

Consider what you enjoy in a game.  If you like story that spans 3 games and a lot of lore for the universe itself with interesting, albeit a little large at times, areas to explore.  You'll like the single player.  For me Co-op or Single Player is about the same experience except I get someone else who is uber-powerful to BS with.  WoW is very much the Group over coming the individual.  Diablo 3 is the Individual overcoming the group.  Enemies are like cockroaches.  You see one there is probably a good 10 or that 1 is the equivalent of 10.

Though don't start with a Wizard.  A monster sneezing at you kills you.  Its very frustrating.

Thinking back to playing Diablo 1 on my parent's computer, you're right about the group vs individual gameplay usually contained in this game.  Forgot about that.  It's been a while since i've played this game.

[Plugabugz]

This episode is missing the heavenly tones of James Jones.

/criticism.

[apdude]

Good "first" show with the new crew. The great discussions are what make you guys the best.

Little disappointed that the Epcot version of Canada was all lies!  Also Jon are we going to get any NHL'94 updates soon?  Can't wait to hear about how a Brett Hull slap shot sent your goalie through the back of the net for a goal. 

[rebonack]

Great episode guys! I won't say Greg isn't missed, but Guillaume is a great addition to an already stellar group.

I think you guys misunderstood the question about the Kid Icarus 3D Classics exclusivity. I'm pretty sure the pre-order bonus was not exclusive -- rather, it was available through other stores like Best Buy and Amazon. But the game itself was only available for purchase at GameStop, much like Xenoblade and the Circle Pad Pro -- and even went so far as to not be available for purchase on the eShop for the first month. I'm personally not a fan of this policy at all, even less so than the case with Xenoblade or the CPP. While I don't particularly like having to go to GS to buy these items, they are somewhat specialty items that probably aren't going to light up the charts of your local Walmart. But there's no reason I should have to go to GameStop to buy Kid Icarus 3D Classics, when I should be able to buy it on the 3DS eShop.

And then they put it on the press release like it's an exciting new release when it's been on sale at GameStop for a month. It's bad enough that Game Boy games are trickling out, but making the week's one release a game that people can already buy is just stupid.


I was hoping to get a shout out by Guillaume since I asked him about Epcot's poutine the last time I was in Walt Disney World.  :

[The Ruffians]

Ah, yes! Guillaume is a great addition to RFN. He, like Greg, adds that unique touch to the podcast.

Greg, if you're reading this - E3 is only 2 weeks away, please be on the E3 episode. <3

[leahsdad]

I think you guys misunderstood the question about the Kid Icarus 3D Classics exclusivity. I'm pretty sure the pre-order bonus was not exclusive -- rather, it was available through other stores like Best Buy and Amazon. But the game itself was only available for purchase at GameStop, much like Xenoblade and the Circle Pad Pro -- and even went so far as to not be available for purchase on the eShop for the first month. I'm personally not a fan of this policy at all, even less so than the case with Xenoblade or the CPP.

Yeah, I buy almost all my games through Amazon, and I also got that little bonus.  On top of that, they pricematched someone, so the day I got Uprising I got an email from Amazon saying that I would be credited $10.  Sweet.  I highly recommend going exclusively Amazon for game purchases.  It's cheaper than Gamestop (even used), the wishlist function is great for keeping tabs on games and for possible drops on game prices.  I'm happy to say that I've only been into a Gamestop 2 times this year:  once to preorder Xenoblade, and the second time to pick it up.

[Pixelated Pixies]

I have to agree with leahsdad. At this point I only get my new game purchases from Amazon as they're usually around £10 cheaper than Game or HMV. Plus, their trade in service also means that you can get some games for next to nothing. I traded in Henry Hatsworth and NBA Jam and ended up getting Uprising for about £12.

[Hey Einstein!]

Just popped by to say how much I enjoyed the Getting to Know you section.


"From the Streets" indeed, the bare faced cheek of the man!


I expect somebody can refer me to episodes where the RFN team have covered this before (and I remember listening to one a few months ago when the guys all talked about their jobs) but I would love a regular Getting to Know You feature, especially when you have people like TYP on. Specifically I'd love to hear how everybody got into Nintendo games and when they realized their was no going back.


Looking forward to getting James back next week too!
And how about letting the new kid select a short list for a Retro Active some time soon?

[Pandareus]

Thanks to you all here and on twitter for the warm welcome. You have all been nice and supportive, which means a lot on the Internet, a generally far from nice and supportive place. Even the neogaf thread was free of Hitler freaking out about the change. That's better than I had ever hoped for.

In Fact, My biggest problem with this episode would be all the Uhhs and Umms, looks at Dr.Metts.

Was it really that bad? I try to take those out when it's possible and when they're too jarring, but some are not worth taking out, plus you kind of want to leave some in to make the speech still feel natural. I did not notice excessive "umm"'s while editing, Jonny's speech in general flows very well. He seems to know exactly what to say before he starts saying it, something I need to practice, haha.

I didn't hear any complaints about Diablo 3 issues with connecting to the internet while playing.  I take it Lindy didn't have too many problems with this?

The connection problems were touched on during recording, but I took that out as I felt they've been discussed everywhere, plus I thought it unlikely that there would still be connection problems by the time the podcast came out. Also, Jon did not have too much trouble, no.

edit - Hey, can someone explain to me what this "= / -" thing below our avatars is? I just got my first "minus" and I don't know why, haha!

My comment about the warm welcome still stand, haha.

[Ceric]

...
edit - Hey, can someone explain to me what this "= / -" thing below our avatars is? I just got my first "minus" and I don't know why, haha!
...

Applause and SMite.  Once you've posted 1,000 times you can appluase or smite people.  It use to trigger some thing initially, but know its just for fun and there is no real way to figure out who gave you the smite or appluase.  Obssessing over it happens and gets laughed at.

[lolmonade]

I didn't hear any complaints about Diablo 3 issues with connecting to the internet while playing.  I take it Lindy didn't have too many problems with this?

The connection problems were touched on during recording, but I took that out as I felt they've been discussed everywhere, plus I thought it unlikely that there would still be connection problems by the time the podcast came out. Also, Jon did not have too much trouble, no.

edit - Hey, can someone explain to me what this "= / -" thing below our avatars is? I just got my first "minus" and I don't know why, haha!

My comment about the warm welcome still stand, haha.

Ahh...ok, cool.  I just figured since it wasn't mentioned that maybe Lindy had an atypically good experience (compared to the rageoholics i've ran into on other websites). 
 
The "= / -"  are applauds/smites.  Supposed to be a means to give a general rating to accounts based on good/shitty comments, but more often than not used to reward/punish people for having similar/opposing opinions.  I wouldn't take too much stock into it if I were you.

[roykoopa64]

Great episode (even if it was just a three person show)!

I already knew a 'little bit' about Guillaume but I still enjoyed his little 'interview.' 

Although I certainly couldn't tell from listening to him, it's possible Guillaume may be a little nervous starting out as the new guy. I think he did a great job and I look forward to seeing the camaraderie grow, for sure.

I enjoyed hearing about the Club Nintendo WiiWare offerings that Guillaume had to experience.
Jon's take on what constitutes Guillaume's ringing endorsement, back-of-the-box material: "You can do worse." Haha!

And according to Jon, Jonny's 'back-of-the-box' could be:
"This game is an interesting failure!" 

Regarding Operation Rainfall: I had not realized they were still such an active force going strong. I really admire their efforts, but I wonder what's the limit of their scope, beyond the three games that started the whole movement? It will be interesting to see how much of an influence they can continue to have. As long as people remain united and act professionally...

[Fatty The Hutt]

Really great episode. Well done. When James returns I am sure it will only get better.
Everyone was on their game. Jon seemed particularly engaged, which was very nice indeed. He must have eaten prior to recording that night instead of during it 


Jonny's comment about guillaume beng the most experienced podcaster as a newcomer is interesting and true. If you don't think guillaume has hit the ground running, just try going back to the first few episodes of RFN after jonny took over as host. You will instantly see just how polished guillaume already is. As a further compliment, guillaume fits right in with the now experienced and polished RFN group. Welcome, guillaume. We already love you.


I just don't get folks issue with GameStop. I have read all the supposed horror stories and wailing about their business practices and, basically, I just don't agree. I don't mean to dredge up the debate here, but it seems to me to boil down to the fact that folks don't like the pricings and being asked at the checkout to buy insurance and magazines. Also, some GameStop employees sound like they have treated some folks poorly from time to time. But, they are a store dedicated to my favorite past time and they have a huge collection of readily available titles, many from a back catalogue that you can no longer get anywhere else in a brick and mortar store. So, I like that store. I have a rather decent relationship with the folks that work at a couple of my local locations. They know me and my gaming tastes. That's a nice change from the droolers at the Walmart or best buy.