Messages

76

Podcast Discussion / Re: Episode 278: That's Lobsterist!

« on: February 06, 2012, 07:24:53 PM »

Easily one of my favorite retroactives yet.

One of the things that wasn't mentioned was the branching promotion classes. No other FE game has that feature. I thought that the promotion paths were one of the most interesting parts of FE8. The trainee units in particular were very versatile, because they start essentially classless, and you get to promote them into whatever you want them to be.

This is in stark contrast to other FE games, where you know that every one of your knights will become a general, every one of your cavaliers will become a paladin, etc. It is one of the only FE games where it actually makes sense to train two units of the same class simultaneously, because you could promote them into two entirely different units with different strengths.

Also, FE7 is amazing. Don't get scared away by peoples' uncharitable descriptions of it. Sure it's hard, but it's also infinitely more engaging than FE8 (in my opinion anyway).

Overall, I felt the series was done justice with this discussion and it left me feeling very satisfied. Very well done, gentlemen.

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Podcast Discussion / Re: RetroActive #21: Fire Emblem: The Sacred Stones

« on: January 13, 2012, 09:09:09 PM »

I played Sacred Stones about a year ago. Having played the original Fire Emblem for gba, Shadow Dragon, Radiant Dawn, and about half of Path of Radiance, I have to say, this one was the most forgettable. I'm struggling to remember anything about this one.


 It may have something to do with this being the easiest, (in my opinion) Fire Emblem game. Some of the stages in the other games are burned into my mind because of the horror I went through to beat them. The difficulty in this game is more of a mild annoyance. It doesn't help that you can grind your characters in the repeatable battles. Although I only did that at the very end of the game, I can imagine how ridiculously overpowered you could become by grinding.

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TalkBack / Re: Capcom Clarifies Their Stance on SOPA

« on: January 09, 2012, 11:19:01 PM »

Bahaha this thread reminded me of this clip here:

http://www.southparkstudios.com/clips/103759/not-a-big-deal

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Podcast Discussion / Re: Episode 274: In the Year Two-Thousaaaaaaand

« on: January 09, 2012, 10:34:48 PM »

@Shaymin I was trying to do something similar last summer. I wanted to get through every Final Fantasy in order, including FF4: The After Years, and subbing 10-2 for 11. Got as far as The After Years before I hit the final dungeon, which is paced horribly and stopped me in my tracks for 6 months. I'll get back to it one day....


Also, I'm sure you probably will do this, but I suggest playing the gba versions of 2 and 5. Both are still among my favorite FFs, having played all of the mainline games except 7-9 and 13.

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TalkBack / Re: The Innovations of Mario Kart

« on: December 07, 2011, 03:42:50 PM »

The true fun in MKWii is in the online. The single player is pretty much throwaway.

As for the rubber banding, no clue about how the AI is programmed, but as for lumping everyone together...I never really saw that. Just by playing the game a lot, I got good enough to the point where I could finish a race with a good 30 second lead on the computers - and my friends. I laugh at blue shells now.

To address Plugabugz's point, I peaked at about 9100 VR online, and I never "practiced" to shave extra seconds off the clock, and I certainly never cheated. I just played the game a hell of a lot and got better naturally. Obviously not everyone likes the game enough to do that, but the matchmaking in this game is surprisingly good for a Nintendo game. I've rarely found myself mismatched in MKWii online.

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Nintendo Gaming / Attempting to hack wii so i can import, need help

« on: November 17, 2011, 04:07:11 PM »

I found an online tutorial that I have been following in an attempt to hack my wii. I downloaded the Homebrew Channel, but when I can't figure out how to get it to run the program I have on my sd card. Can anyone help me figure this out?

This is the guide I'm using: http://www.joystiq.com/2011/08/19/how-to-play-xenoblade-chronicles-if-you-live-in-america/

And I'm stuck on the third step in the second section, which reads: Put the SD card in your Wii and run the IOS236 Installer from the Homebrew Channel. Follow the directions and press 1 or A when prompted.

Help would be much appreciated.

82

TalkBack / Re: The GameCube 10

« on: November 09, 2011, 09:34:29 PM »

Another random thought about Pikmin here: I was listening to some old episodes of RFN, and during the game of the decade feature, Pikmin was nominated by Cai. He mentioned in his nomination that the game was very carefully and intelligently designed around the Gamecube controller. As a testament to this fact, I tried out the new play control version and found it nigh unplayable. Certain actions became very clunky and difficult to manage with the limited input real estate offered by the Wiimote and Nunchuck.

Also, to Ian Sane's point, I think the original Pikmin was far too short, especially considering its only company at the Gamecube launch was similarly brief experiences like Luigi's Mansion. I thoroughly enjoyed Pikmin 2 because I felt it was the full realization of the concept of Pikmin.

And Wollywogs are indeed bastards. They are the biggest impediment to my ultimate goal of achieving a "perfect Pikmin run" (All 30 parts in 9 days, no pikmin deaths).

*Sigh* I love Pikmin. I wish Nintendo would stop teasing us with news of Pikmin 3. Is an official logo too much to ask?!

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TalkBack / Re: The GameCube 10

« on: November 09, 2011, 03:52:57 PM »

I never really understood why people had such a hard time meeting the 30 day limit in Pikmin. The first time I beat the game, I got all 30 parts in 29 days - and several of those were days specifically dedicated to mass-harvesting pikmin.

And if you fail to get a part, just don't save your progress for the day and reset. Armed with knowledge from your previous attempt, you should be able to get the part more easily the second time.

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Podcast Discussion / Re: Episode 264: All Good Things...

« on: October 24, 2011, 04:14:48 PM »

Wow, what's with all the negativity in this thread?

The podcast was good, it was nice to hear the rest of the crew's thoughts on the N64.

As far as the layout of the N64 controller goes, perhaps Nintendo saw how little the d-pad was used and kept that in mind when they created the gamecube controller. But people then turned around and complained how tiny and useless the gamecube d-pad was. Can't please everyone I guess.

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Podcast Discussion / Re: Episode 260: Zero-Sum Xenomics

« on: September 25, 2011, 04:29:08 PM »

Sorry for the off topic, but HOLY CRAP THE BILLS BEAT THE PATRIOTS!

Greg must be losing his **** right about now.

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Podcast Discussion / Re: Episode 257: Ode to Joypads

« on: September 09, 2011, 08:27:39 PM »

@KDR You may be lucky enough to be able to memorize an entire game in photographic detail, but I can't. Sorry I'm so inferior.

@NinSage Ok, ok that's true. Online games are the exception. But if cheating in a single player game helps you have fun, knock yourself out. It's when you start affecting other people's enjoyment that it becomes a problem.

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Podcast Discussion / Re: Episode 257: Ode to Joypads

« on: September 08, 2011, 10:25:13 PM »

I played the original Metroid for the first time about a year ago. At first, I hated it because I couldn't figure out where the hell to go. But then I printed out a full map of the game off the internet and that was enough to get me through the rough spots. I ended up beating the game and thoroughly enjoying it.

So if you find yourself hating the first metroid, don't feel ashamed to use the internet to help you. Do whatever it takes to make playing the game fun.

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Podcast Discussion / Re: Episode 257: Ode to Joypads

« on: September 05, 2011, 02:35:41 PM »

As far as game music goes, I can't give you any in depth analysis or anything, but I've found that my favorite soundtracks are the ones that have a very distinct melody. The ones that I can go around whistling to myself are by far my favorites.

My favorite soundtracks include Legend of Zelda: Wind Waker, Super Mario Galaxy, Final Fantasy 1-10 (yes pretty much all of them), Chrono Trigger, and Nier.

If you haven't heard Nier's soundtrack, for god's sake go listen to it. Everyone who's played the game instantly falls in love with the music, and even people who don't know anything else about the game absolutely adore the soundtrack. It employs many of the techniques described in this show's discussion, such as stylistic variations on a certain theme, a cohesive musical atmosphere, etc.

Here are just a few of my favorites from Nier:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0x0-EYfwP-c&feature=related

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VDftyQ96ZVs&feature=related

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u5xZbJDZZo4&feature=related

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XiDI4GZMVF0&feature=related


Really I could go on and on, but I imagine I'd end up putting the entire OST on here if I didn't stop myself. So I'll leave it to you to explore more for yourself.

/Shameless Nier evangelizing

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Podcast Discussion / Re: Episode 255: La Troisième Saison

« on: August 22, 2011, 08:04:50 PM »

I was just thinking that it was about time to change the intro music. You guys can read minds, too?! Is there anything you can't do?

In all seriousness, great episode. I now have a nice list of Super Nintendo games to track down.

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Podcast Discussion / Re: Episode 254: Silk the Shocka

« on: August 16, 2011, 07:33:46 AM »

Really? I've never had any problems with lag, and I play the game exclusively online with my friends. I have had some other bizzare issues though, like quest rewards disappearing for no reason. It really is a messy game, as the crew said. I'm with Jonny; I love it despite its faults. But I can see how someone would dislike the game. To each his own.

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Podcast Discussion / Re: Episode 254: Silk the Shocka

« on: August 15, 2011, 11:34:29 PM »

It's hard in a bad way though. I'm actually playing through it right now, so I could write a whole essay on my problems with it. I figure I'd bore most of the people here though. It's pretty funny that both my favorite and least favorite Final Fantasy games are both called FF3 in some form.

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Podcast Discussion / Re: Episode 254: Silk the Shocka

« on: August 15, 2011, 11:22:59 PM »

Haha Jon, I'm not actually NinSage. I'm just following his formatting from previous threads to organize my thoughts.

I was kinda kidding about the rap thing. I appreciate the effort, but I'm not the biggest rap fan. You can't blame me for cringing. :

I guess the FF naming thing isn't THAT complicated, but it's still a rather unique story that warrants telling. One of my friends who listens to the show was confused last week when Jonny used the name FF3 and FF6 interchangeably to refer to FF6j. I guess I'm just a new school gamer who grew up when it was called FF6. So sue me.

Also TJ, I'm not sure what you're talking about. FF6/FF3US was remade as FF VI Advance for the GBA in 2007. That received good reviews. But the remake of FF3j for the DS got somewhat mixed reviews.

Well, whatever. I was only joking about the FF thing anyway. It's hard to be facetious on the internet.

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Podcast Discussion / Re: Episode 254: Silk the Shocka

« on: August 15, 2011, 08:59:59 PM »

Hmm, I have a lot to say, so I might have to pull a NinSage and do a play-by-play.

1. Never again Jon, never again. First the DK rap on the live show, then the 226 interlude, now this. My ears can't take it anymore!

2. Ack! Don't call it Final Fantasy 3! It's insulting to FF6 to refer to it by the same name as this pile of crap: http://images.wikia.com/finalfantasy/images/4/47/IiiDSus.jpg

Come to think of it, I don't think you've explained the story of the early FF naming snafu on the podcast. It might be beneficial to the listeners who are not familiar with the history.

All that aside, I love the discussions on FF6. It's one of my favorite games ever, and it's good to hear some discussion from people who can appreciate it.

3. I think I'm having a Jonny moment, here. JAMES, YOUR OPINION IS WRONG! The sniper in Borderlands is easily the best weapon in the game. It's almost broken how good they are. They're excellent for both long range and short range combat, and it's almost too easy to get headshots with them. Most have near 100% accuracy and oftentimes secondary effects like fire. You must have had terrible luck with the loot generator if you can't find a good sniper.

There's not a lot of balancing between the weapon classes. Some are objectively better than others, (like Jonny said, rocket launchers simply suck) and I haven't ever found the need for situational weapon switching. I've never felt the desire, let alone the need, to switch any of my main 4 weapons out.

I agree with KDR's point that the weapons basically never change much within their class, and that is kind of boring. But functionally, I prefer it that way because I don't like carrying too many weapons around in my backpack. I'd rather find the best weapon of each class and stick with one of each.

I completely agree that the loot system is cumbersome and should be seriously streamlined for the second game.

Also, KDR, you haven't played online much, have you? The Roland's turret is a godsend with the right abilities. It provides extra firepower, a shield to duck behind as cover, and it has Area of Effect health and ammo regeneration for all of your allies. It would be very overpowered if it recharged more quickly than every two minutes.

Wow, sorry I rambled a lot there. I just don't get a chance to discuss Borderlands very often. :

4. WELL EXCUUUUUUUUUSE ME PRINCESS! That's all you need to know about the Zelda cartoon. >_>

Those cartoons are priceless for memes and youtube poops though.

5. The Mario Kart discussion whetted my appetite for a James rant. We haven't had one since Hawx 2. We need some snarky hilarity on the show again!

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Podcast Discussion / Re: Episode 249: Raindrops Keep Fallin' On My Head

« on: July 07, 2011, 10:19:02 PM »

Yay, my question was read! I totally agree with the complaints about infamous. It did get a bit repetitive by the end, and the movement speed was a serious problem. But I have high tolerance for those types of things, so it didn't particularly detract from the overall experience. I think one of the reasons I liked it so much was because of the totally insane story. I loved how it went so unapologetically over the top by the end.

Greg's reaction to the statement that the Patriots were run by an evil organization was priceless.

I am currently playing through the first Metal Gear Solid for PS1. I like it so far, and the cutscenes aren't bothering me too much yet. I do have some problems with the controls, though. And the game is absolutely hideous. I might just try out the gamecube version to see if it fixes some of my issues.

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Podcast Discussion / Re: Episode 248: Perfect Agent Greganna

« on: June 27, 2011, 10:53:11 AM »

Luigi's Mansion is so underrated. I still don't understand all the hate it gets.

The game IS pretty short, though. I was able to finish it in one sitting with all the boos in about 4 hours, similar to James.

A good way to get more out of the game is to try to get the A rank mansion at the end. Finding money ghosts, golden mice, hidden treasure rooms, watering plants, etc. are things that you could have completely missed on a regular run. Some people might think it's a chore to try to interact with practically everything in the mansion, but I saw it more as an opportunity for exploration. Just take it slow and easy and it becomes much more enjoyable.

Also, for people who like an extra challenge, you get different frames for the portrait ghosts in E. Gadd's lab depending on how well you do while catching them. For regular portrait ghosts, you have to drain all their health in a single try. For bosses, you have to beat them without losing any health (or at least finish the battle with full health). It's a lot harder than it sounds! The reward may seem kind of superfluous, but really the challenge should be its own reward.

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Podcast Discussion / Re: E3 2011 - Day One (Nintendo Press Conference Impressions)

« on: June 07, 2011, 06:01:47 PM »

Lol Jonny and I sighed at the exact same time. Who comes up with these names?

Wii U? Really, Nintendo? Really?

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TalkBack / Re: Pokémon Black and White Sells 11.5 Million Copies Worldwide

« on: April 28, 2011, 04:35:11 PM »

@xcwarrior

Special Attack: Celestial Tower. 100% chance to encounter Elgyem or Litwick. Both give +1 SpAtk EV.

Special Defense: Driftveil City, Surfing. 100% chance to encounter Frillish. Gives +1 SpDef EV.
                           Relic Castle, Volcarona's Room. 100% chance to encounter Claydol. Gives +2 SpDef EVs.

The real problem is the Defense EV hotspots. There's no place in the game with 100% chance of encountering something that gives Def EVs.

This handy little chart should help you if you like to EV train: http://zero456.com/ev-counter/

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Podcast Discussion / Re: Episode 238: RFN Backstage Assault!

« on: April 14, 2011, 03:43:49 PM »

Yeah, but why can't we just overwrite them with another move? Gamefreak insists on keeping the tradition of the move deleter alive. Oh Gamefreak. They're moving in the right direction, but they're moving about 10 years slower than everyone would like them to.

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Podcast Discussion / Re: Episode 238: RFN Backstage Assault!

« on: April 14, 2011, 03:21:07 PM »

It's virtually impossible to screw yourself over in Pokemon. There is no random stat generation between levels, so the only reason you would ever worry about evolution is when considering what moves you want to learn. And with things like the move relearner, there is really no "optimal level" at which to evolve a pokemon. Also, TMs are now reusable, which makes it even easier to teach your pokemon good moves.

I do agree that the game does a poor job of teaching you these mechanics, but honestly anything works ingame. If you care enough about the more complex aspects of the game, you're probably using a guide anyway.

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NWR Forums Discord / Re: Please come to the funhouse, we want to talk to you. Thankyou.

« on: March 21, 2011, 02:55:32 PM »

Wacky? Haha no I'm not a very wacky dude. As for adventures, High School is an adventure unto itself.

Also, I am a pokeaddict, and most of my free time has gone into Pokemon Black over the last few weeks.

I discovered RFN about 6 months ago. That stuff is crack in audio form. About 2 weeks ago, I finished listening to every episode, including E3/PAX specials and other unnumbered episodes.

That's about it for me. So what's goin' on with everyone else?