Topics

76

Nintendo Gaming / USB Multi-Charging...

« on: December 31, 2013, 09:06:26 AM »

So, here's a technical question that is outside my know-how.

Would it be possible to create a USB cable that splits off into four smaller cables and each one charges a 3DS/3DSXL?  Can a singular USB cable/port carry enough of a charge and do so without risking damage to the DS unit?

77

Nintendo Gaming / Dear Nintendo: Year of Luigi

« on: December 22, 2013, 11:35:38 PM »

So... it's the "Year of Luigi".

It's been thirty years since Luigi made his first appearance in the Arcade game Mario Bros.

Now, I know we got Luigi Bros. in Super Mario 3D World, but... do a bro a solid.

Similar to the Four Swords Anniversary Edition, can you take the 4-Player version of Mario Bros. Classic (from the GBA Mario Advance series) and make it a stand-alone 3DS download?  Online play optional, but local, 4-Player Multi-Player is a must!

Come-on!  You know you want to!

78

NWR Forums Discord / Reggie dropping his pants at your mom's house, what could it be?

« on: November 25, 2013, 08:55:23 PM »

Yo mamma!

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NWR Forums Discord / He's not dead!!!

« on: November 23, 2013, 01:12:05 AM »

Found him today, in the flesh!

80

NWR Feedback / Real Talk: Public Moderation System?

« on: November 17, 2013, 11:40:58 PM »

So, I'm posting this without running it through anyone else on the moderation team (which consists of everyone above me and no one below me, as I'm low-man on the totem pole), but I wanted to throw this out there to get some idea of what folks think about it.

Personally, I'm of the opinion that a moderation should be between the moderation team and the individual receiving the wrist-slapping unless A.) It's a perma-ban, as I feel other members of the forum should know why someone was banned (generally, they always do anyway) or B.) The moderated individual makes the incident public, thus the moderation team should be able to speak up and clarify any details.

With that said, I was considering something... different.  What would folks think about having a singular thread where anything that I do (and, hopefully, other moderators would consider taking part) that is an 'official' wrist slapping action would be recorded (outside of SPAM accounts, of course).

Basically, I (we?) would link back to the offending post(s), list what rule(s) were broken and what action (if any) was taken.  This would include posts that have been "reported" even when no action was taken (however, I will NOT reveal the individual(s) who reported any particular post - that is non-negotiable!)

This would allow for a more open and transparent moderation system so that folks know when reported posts are dealt with and will give the general population more insight into why a particular action may have been taken at a particular time.

I still believe that a moderation should be kept private unless the individual wants to make it public, but if there is a large majority that is in favor of trying out a more public system, then I'll consider it.

Thoughts?

81

NWR Forums Discord / About: The Funhouse

« on: November 16, 2013, 11:43:23 PM »

It seems there is some confusion about what the Funhouse is and how it works.  I know most of you have been around long enough that you understand how things work, but there are some folks that are completely oblivious to the design of the Funhouse and I want to make sure it's clear and there's no misunderstandings.

Basically, it's an "almost anything goes" forum.  Granted, there's still some base rules (but even then, there's some common limits), but, all-in-all, folks get a little more lee-way in what is allowed here.

With that said, sometimes, mods and admins may tinker with your posts in the Funhouse.  This is always meant to be in good fun (thus, Funhouse) and will ALWAYS be limited to the Funhouse.

The Funhouse is meant to be a place for users to kick back and have fun.  Don't take it to seriously.  If you want serious posts, then stick to the other forums - there are some folks around here who do that and no one thinks any less of them.

82

General Chat / Who's near Chicago...?

« on: November 16, 2013, 10:38:33 AM »

And wants to go to the Zelda concert with me?  "VIP" ticket holder here and my wife can't go.

83

Nintendo Gaming / SWAP Force?

« on: October 02, 2013, 12:23:58 AM »

Who all is getting this one?  Besides me?

84

General Chat / The Ad Blocker Argument

« on: September 07, 2013, 12:25:48 PM »

I use an ad blocker.  Period.

I know that many websites operators hate this.  A lot.  Some sites will ban you if they find out you're using an ad blocker.  The HUGE increase in various ad blockers is getting a lot of press lately, so I figured I would explain why I like ad blockers - and, just maybe, change a mind or two out there.

1.) Limited data plans: Many cell phone providers (and some home internet providers) only provide for limited data.  They limit your data by one of two ways - first, they may only allow you to use X amount of data before you have to pay more money.  Let me assure you, I will NOT pay money to look at your ads.  Second, they may cut your speeds (or cut you off completely) if you reach certain data thresholds.  Granted, those thresholds aren't likely to be anything most users (myself included) will hit, but why risk having to deal with it?

2.) Tracking: I use an ad block program that removes all those annoying social media buttons.  I'm not a huge Facebook or Twitter user and I *don't* like the idea of anyone following me everywhere I go on the internet.  I mean, we all get up in arms when the government does it - but we're supposed to just sit there and be happy when Facebook follows us around everywhere?  Bullshit.  Remove those damned social media trackers from your website, then we'll talk.  Oh, wait, you can't do that because it'll hurt your internet rankings.  Pretty awesome scheme that these companies have.  They build an empire based on advertising, track users so they can better target their advertisements, then blacklist any sites that don't want to play along with their tracking schemes.

3.) Types of ads: You know, back when there used to just be banner ads, things weren't too bad.  Then, there was animated ads.  Then, ads with sound.  Now, full video ads.  Damn advertisers have figured out an exploit that will force your iOS or Android device to launch the store and bring you to specific download pages (oh, and it still hasn't been fixed!).  This is complete bullshit.  Keep it up with annoying ads and I'll keep using an ad blocker.

4.) Content of ads: I'm no prude, but I had checked into my Facebook account on my phone the other day (using the browser, not the battery-sucking, life draining app) and what am I greeted with?  A Budwiser ad that consists of a close up photo of a woman's breasts next to a bottle of beer.  This is while I'm out to lunch with my boss.  How awesome does this look?  I don't need this **** and the ad blocker keeps me from having to deal with it.  Then, there are the ads that are just blatant scams, which leads to...

5.) 'Not my problem': When you approach the hosts of a particular site about the content of ads, you generally get virtually pre-written statement along the lines of "We just use X service for our ads and don't have control over what kinds of ads they show."  Guess what - I do have control, and that control is none.  Take responsibility for the content of your site if you want me to view all of it.

Content providers - you need ads to survive.  I don't.  Therefore, it is up to you to cater to me.  Non-intrusive, tasteful ads that aren't used to track me all over the internet and aren't data heavy.  I don't ask for much.

85

NWR Forums Discord / Title Wipe Thread!

« on: August 30, 2013, 01:15:14 PM »

In an increasing effort to increase the friendliness on the forums, I'm offering to wipe clean any title of any user who requests it.

There are three stipulations:

A) I can only agree to wipe your title.  I cannot promise that someone else won't go in and give you a new (or old) title.
B) I will not put anything else in your title location.  I will simply wipe it clean.
C) You have to have had a post - anywhere on these forums - in the previous 30 days from the date I created this thread.

Make your request below.

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NWR Forums Discord / Which group of people are worse?

« on: August 27, 2013, 08:41:20 AM »

I hate both.

87

NWR Feedback / This site is majorly borked.

« on: August 10, 2013, 03:49:44 PM »

So, I tried to re-log in on my now-fixed computer.  It wouldn't let me - kept saying that my password was bad, then not letting me log in.  I go to my laptop to try and change my password - wouldn't let me.  I try logging out and resetting my password - every time I submitted, it would give me a time out error, then I'd resubmit and it'd tell me that I had tried to log-in too many times and try again in 30 seconds.  From both computers.

I get to the main page (which is nothing but random JAVA error messages) and finally figure out that if I log in from there, it works (and all the JAVA errors go away when I'm logged in).

Site is completely borked.

88

General Chat / Yay! I fixed my computer!

« on: August 10, 2013, 01:33:50 AM »

So, my desktop broke something like two months ago.

I wasn't in a huge hurry to get it fixed - I mostly use my laptop anymore, but it's really nice to have, since it's hooked to my television and such.

Anyway, I looked up some info on it - basically, it would power off almost right after turning on.  I assumed it was something with the power supply... except that my computer is a Dell Studio Hybrid - and I'm not even sure there's an internal power supply in these things.

Anyway, I found a reseller on eBay selling the case, motherboard and most everything except the major parts (heat sink, CPU, hard drive, RAM, DVD Drive) for super-cheap.  I figured I'd grab it, swap everything over, and if it worked, then awesome.  If it didn't, I was going to order a heat sink (also really cheap).  Anything else, and I might as well buy a new computer.

It came in today, I popped everything out of the old one, slapped it into the new one (except the WiFi card, it's got some cables soldered to it and I'm not very good at that... and I don't really use the WiFi on it, I've got a wired connection) and *blammo* - back up and running!  Yay!

Best thing - the DVD software that's pre-installed lets me watch DVD video at 1.2x and 1.4x speeds with audio.  Sure, I could find software for my laptop that lets me do that, but I like watching TV on my big TV - that's what I paid for it for and all.   Granted, I don't watch *everything* at fast speeds, but some time ago, I picked up one of my secret indulgences... the complete series of The King of Queens.  No, it's not the best show ever, but I can't help but enjoy it.  And I got all nine seasons for about $25.  Sure, there's like 8 episodes on a disc, but really, for a show like this, who cares if the video is a little grainy?

Anyway, watching stuff like this (or seasons 1-6 of King of the Hill - curse you FOX for not releasing 7-13) at a faster speed works for me.  I can watch it in the background while playing a game or browsing the internet.  A 22 minute episode in 16 minutes - almost like watch two, watch one free!

I saw the complete Married with Children cheap the other day... I may pick it up next, once I finish King of Queens.

89

Nintendo Gaming / Streetpass me!

« on: August 09, 2013, 12:21:21 PM »

I'm not technically inclined enough to actually walk anyone through how to do this (nor do I have the patience, due to the vast array of programs and hardware configs that could make this), but...

Change your WiFi router's SSID to 'noasp01'
Spoof your router's MAC address to 00:26:37:BD:39:42
Put your 3DS in sleep mode and soon, you'll get a hit, either from me or from whomever just did it before you.

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NWR Forums Discord / Fact vs. Opinion

« on: July 26, 2013, 12:16:33 AM »

http://pbskids.org/arthur/games/factsopinions/

A fun game that is educational too!

91

General Chat / Nerd Talk: Thor's Hammer

« on: July 15, 2013, 11:24:00 PM »

So, pretend that Thor is standing, with the head of his hammer on the ground, between his feet.  He's holding the handle.

Now, pretend someone super-strong, but currently unworthy of lifting the hammer (say, Superman, Hulk, Juggernaut), comes up behind Thor and holds him in a bear-hug and tries to lift Thor off the ground.

Would the hammer be lifted?

92

NWR Feedback / Ignore option?

« on: July 15, 2013, 04:47:57 AM »

Is there a chance we could enable the ignore option?  I think there's more than a few posters who might be better off with it.

93

Nintendo Gaming / Game Boy Color TV Remote

« on: July 07, 2013, 04:12:47 AM »

So, GoNintendo had this article up the other day...

Which, of course, meant that I had to get a copy of this game!  I just *love* neat uses of Nintendo hardware - and this is just genius!

My copy came in the mail today.  The game is pretty horrible, but, after digging out the Game Boy Color I picked up the other day (it was the easiest to get to), I programmed the system.  First, just to test it, I programmed volume up and down and the power button.  Worked like a charm!

Just now, I programmed it to work for my TV's built-in Netflix app.  Control pad moves up/down/left/right, B goes back, A selects.

Can't wait to mess with my wife's head on this one.

Granted, it's not really the best discovery ever - but it is pretty cool.

94

Nintendo Gaming / GCN Emulator for Wii/WiiU

« on: July 05, 2013, 02:34:15 PM »

http://www.neogaf.com/forum/showthread.php?t=614506

Supports LAN mode using Wii's Wireless?  So excite.

Only uses .ISOs at this point.  Would love to get Double Dash up and running on it.   How do I make my own ISO from a GCN disk?

95

Nintendo Gaming / Dear Nintendo: Everybody Together

« on: July 05, 2013, 04:55:30 AM »

This is the latest in my series of posts where I pretend that Nintendo: A) Comes to these forums, B) Cares about what I think, and C) Would ever actually use any idea or thoughts that I post here.  As usual, any ideas I give in this thread, I give freely for Nintendo - or really, any company - to adapt to Nintendo hardware, software or other Nintendo-related products.  It would be nice to get some free swag sent my way though.

So, Nintendo has been pushing this "everybody together" gameplay for awhile.  It's supposedly why they haven't been big into online gaming, why we see a focus on games like Wii Party, Wii Sports, New Super Mario Bros. Wii, etc., and why they've designed so many titles to be accessible to first-time players (like Mario Kart Wii, for example).

With that, I'd like to present this proposal to the Nintendo spies here on NWR.

I call this the "Everybody Together Series".  It is a series of simple titles, designed to be released as 3DS eShop downloads.  The catch is, each of these games has a multi-player focus - while the game may feature a single player mode, the real fun in the game is the versus action.

Now, because these games are designed for multi-player, selling them might be a little tricky.  So, I propose a three-pronged method:

A) Free Upgrades/Downloads: Several titles in this series will feature a free download or upgrade based off your account history.  This will become more evident when I start talking about the titles I have in mind.  You only qualify for the free version if you meet the requirement at the time the game is released.

B) Low prices: Most titles should be fairly easy to develop, with a focus on tweaking existing game code to run on the 3DS with appropriate 3DS features.

C) Gifting: If we EVER get gifting back (which was one of the best things Nintendo did with the Wii Shop Channel), with every "Everybody Together" title you purchase at full price, you'll be able to gift a single copy to one of your 3DS friends.  So, the two of you can just split the cost, each of you can buy a different game and gift the copy to one another or you can just buy a game you like and gift it to your friend so you have someone to play with.  If you get your copy via a free method, you will not be able to gift a copy.

The basic specs on these games is:

A) They're downloadable 3DS eShop titles.  This allows all 3DS features to be used (though most won't really be), but, most importantly, allows your 3DS to get StreetPasses when the software is running!

B) The games don't have to support online.  It's cool if they do (and, in reality, I'd prefer it!), but that would add to the cost of retrofitting the code - which defeats the purpose of making the titles cheap.

C) Each title is a Nintendo title based off of a previous game.  This should make for easy porting of the code.

And the final piece to this puzzle is - the free download of the "Everybody Together" app on your 3DS.  This could be a stand-alone app *or* could be part of StreetPass Plaza.  Basically, you can go in here and organize your multi-player 3DS titles (based off your Activity Log and your system's memory).  Whenever you StreetPass someone who also has this app, they'll see your Mii and a list of the multi-player games you have, however you want to display them.  You can turn off the display of individual titles (either you don't like that one's multi-player, don't have it anymore, whatever), move favorite titles to the front (star them?), etc.  Similar to the "Last Played" feature in StreetPass Plaza, you'll also be able to select an option to visit the eShop for information on the title that your new StreetPass friend has in their "Everybody Together" app.

So... The games:

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NWR Forums Discord / Umm... Hey, TJ....

« on: July 03, 2013, 09:04:36 PM »

So... What were some of the details on these past cases?  Like, can you remember specific companies involved?  Defendants?  Any specific game titles?

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General Gaming / My Name is Earl: The Game

« on: June 30, 2013, 03:28:32 PM »

Yeah, I wish.

After watching My Name is Earl from beginning to (almost) end on Netflix, I've decided that someone should make an episodic adventure game, in the style of The Walking Dead game, based off the My Name is Earl storyline.  You are Earl and you go around making amends for things you've done wrong in the past.  The show perfectly lends itself to such a game.

So, who knows Greg Garcia and can make this happen?

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Nintendo Gaming / PSA: Club Nintendo Year Ends Today

« on: June 30, 2013, 01:58:32 AM »

Just in case you're not platinum yet and you care, today is the last day to do it.

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General Chat / 3D Printing?

« on: June 28, 2013, 12:43:20 AM »

Anyone here ever done anything with 3D printing?

100

NWR Feedback / Real Talk: Recent Bannings

« on: June 14, 2013, 10:19:23 PM »

For the sake of transparency and at the request of Ty, I'm going to make a post to explain the rationale behind the recent round of bannings.

On June 2nd, Ty, AKA S-U-P-E-R, AKA CatDrugs took advantage of the fact that he was once staff by editing a post he made when he was staff (that contained a basic outline of forum rules) on the Announcements forum.  He removed the rules and posted "anti-forum propaganda".  I will not comment on why he chose this action, as I feel that is for him to come forward and discuss.  For these actions, he received a ban (seven or ten days, that seems to be questioned and I can't seem to find a way to review what the original ban was for - however, the first time that I, personally, looked at it, I seem to recall it saying ten days).

At some point, this ban was extended.  I do not know why, but, if I had to guess, it might have something to do with Ty, whom by his own admission, used alternate accounts to bypass his ban and post on the forums.

Today, a group of posters, for reasons of their own that I do not wish to speak for them, decided to disrupt the forum, during one of the biggest weeks of the year (E3), by editing old and new thread titles across several different forums (including, but not limited to: Talkback, General Gaming, Console Gaming, Handheld Gaming) to include some variation on the phrase of "Free Super" across no less than 25 different threads.  In some cases, this included bumping threads that were as much as SIX years old, to include virtually no relevant new information.

I do not know if they were acting as an organized group or if one started it and they all thought it was a good idea.

The result of these actions created a large chain of "unread" posts that contributed nothing to the forums and was designed for the purpose of disrupting normal forum activity.  Congrats, it worked guys.

After spending my personal time (which is at a premium this week, due to the fact that I was out of town on business Monday through Thursday, not to mention trying to keep up with E3 news and play Animal Crossing) cleaning up the forums (while some of those involved were still working to disrupt them), I made the decision to temporarily ban those involved.

Khushrenada, oohhboy and Brandogg each received a 24 hour ban for their involvement.

Fatty_The_Hut initially received a ten-day ban, due to the sheer amount of topics, however, after speaking with Ty, I decided ten days was too harsh and unfair - and cut that down to a three-day ban.

Tion received a ten-day ban because A) a Talkback thread was involved.  You don't screw with Talkback.  B) Tion received a previous warning regarding spamming the forums.  Tion messaged both myself and Ty via Twitter that this was "Fair".

I don't like banning good people (even more so when I let the stupid ones stay)... but I simply cannot tolerate a disruption of the forums.  No amount of munchkining the rules to try and say "Well, I didn't technically..." isn't going to change that.

Again, this is really about all I have to say on the topic, unless you were one that was involved and want to discuss the situation in a reasonable manner that doesn't involve trashing the forums.