Topics

1

General Gaming / I preordered the Little Big Planet 2 Special Edition (Little Big Planet 2 Topic)

« on: July 26, 2010, 10:29:32 AM »

This is the first special edition I've ever gone for and I feel kind of dirty for it.  It runs 20 dollars more and includes 11 in-game costumes, 5 PSN avatars, a 7-inch Sackboy, and Sackboy Book-ends.



During my buying decision, it's kind of funny what part of the bundle threw me over the edge.  It was the damn in-game costumes! I know it's horse armor, but I just can't stop buying that stuff and I know I would have ended up buying those 11 costumes anyway.

I'm very psyched for this release.  Purchased additional PS3 controllers so I now have four and am totally prepared for multiplayer fun.  It's totally awesome that all purchases and levels made in the first game will carry through to this release.  I recently started buying the Marvel costumes and levels and they are all a ton of fun.

I wonder if I'll be able to get the LBP 1 platinum trophy before the release of 2. Anyone here want to help me?

Also, bonus costumes are totally randomly awesome. Gonzo comes out of nowhere!

2

NWR Forums Discord / High Stakes Mafia: Would you play it?

« on: July 19, 2010, 04:45:31 PM »

And by high stakes, I mean that when you die you get banned from the forums permanently until the game is over.

3

NWR Forums Discord / Nintendo games that would look so much better on the PS3...

« on: July 13, 2010, 11:23:49 AM »

Game & Watch Ball
Game & Watch Balloon Fight
Game & Watch Black Jack
Game & Watch Bomb Sweeper
Game & Watch Boxing
Game & Watch Chef
Game & Watch Climber
Game & Watch Crab Grab
Game & Watch Donkey Kong
Game & Watch Donkey Kong II
Game & Watch Donkey Kong 3
Game & Watch Donkey Kong Circus
Game & Watch Donkey Kong Hockey
Game & Watch Donkey Kong Jr.
Game & Watch Egg
Game & Watch Fire
Game & Watch Fire Attack
Game & Watch Flagman
Game & Watch Gold Cliff
Game & Watch Green House
Game & Watch Helmet
Game & Watch Judge
Game & Watch Life Boat
Game & Watch Lion
Game & Watch Manhole
Game & Watch Mario Bros.
Game & Watch Mario's Bombs Away
Game & Watch Mario's Cement Factory
Game & Watch Mario the Juggler
Game & Watch Mickey & Donald
Game & Watch Mickey Mouse
Game & Watch Octopus
Game & Watch Oil Panic
Game & Watch Parachute
Game & Watch Pinball
Game & Watch Popeye
Game & Watch Rain Shower
Game & Watch Safebuster
Game & Watch Snoopy
Game & Watch Snoopy Tennis
Game & Watch Spitball Sparky
Game & Watch Squish
Game & Watch Super Mario Bros.
Game & Watch Super Mario Bros. (Special Edition)
Game & Watch Tropical Fish
Game & Watch Turtle Bridge
Game & Watch Vermin
Game & Watch Zelda

4

NWR Forums Discord / So how long did that take??

« on: July 12, 2010, 10:24:16 AM »

So let's see here... when was E3?


June 14th.


So since about June 10th I've been getting back into the forums... having a ton of fun discussing games with most of you.


Now I'm a fucking Sony Fanboy again because god spoke.


Huzzah.  Kiss my ass haters. =P

5

General Gaming / The More Things Change... (Japanese vs. American Games)

« on: July 09, 2010, 05:00:17 PM »

I warn you, this is a thread in which we discuss a thread.  Anyway, go read this NeoGAF post and then come back here and discuss!

http://www.neogaf.com/forum/showthread.php?t=400709


I find the article extremely eye opening and entertaining.  Having been born in 81, I was right in the sweet spot for getting hooked on games via the NES, but totally missed the arcade revolution that was going on just prior to that.
It kind of makes the fact that we all argue about the same thing to this day seem juvenile and pointless.  I guess maybe I knew that already.


Newsflash.  People like different things!

6

General Gaming / The more things change... (Japanese vs. American Games)

« on: July 09, 2010, 04:52:59 PM »

I warn you... this is a thread about a thread.  Anyway, go read the following then come back here and discuss.


http://www.neogaf.com/forum/showthread.php?t=400709


Totally interesting article someone over at NeoGaf transcribed part of.  I have to say, it really amazes me to see that attitude back then.  Having been born in 81, I'm right in the NES sweet spot for getting hooked on games.  That also means I just missed the arcade revolution that was going on prior to that.


It makes me feel kind of stupid that I participate in the same arguments that were apparently just as ridiculous back then.

7

Announcements / Karma is back for a trial run!

« on: June 24, 2010, 05:13:43 PM »

So, forum karma is back (the score under your name) for a trial run.


It works really simply.  Your overall karma can be applauded or smite-ed which adjusts your score up and down.  Mods can always rate posts.  Other users can rate posts if their karma reaches +5.


This is a TRIAL RUN.


If people whine and complain about their score, the system will be taken away again.


That is all.

8

NWR Forums Discord / More Funhouse Seriousness... Brought to you by Pale.

« on: April 23, 2010, 01:19:31 PM »

Discuss!

9

NWR Forums Discord / You guys really are just a bunch of freaking apologists.

« on: April 15, 2010, 12:15:33 PM »

Just sayin'


=P

10

NWR Forums Discord / Does... ...make you a better Nintendo fan than me?

« on: April 02, 2010, 02:52:46 PM »

Discuss!

11

TalkBack / DSi XL Unboxing

« on: March 22, 2010, 08:57:30 PM »

http://www.nintendoworldreport.com/blogArt.cfm?artid=22787

  We were lucky enough to receive our DSi XL for review from Nintendo today. You know what that means! Time for another unboxing.  I'll even throw in some comparison images for good measure.  The first thing you'll notice about the box is that it is, in fact, extra large.  It also comes with three pre-installed DSiWare titles; Brain Age Express: Math, Brain Age Express: Arts and Letters, and Photo Clock.    

   

The first thing you see when you open it up is the extra large packet of documentation.  Inside is a quick start guide, thick operations manual, club nintendo information, etc.  After removing the first layer of cardboard, the XL, power adapters, and jumbo stylus are revealed.    

   

This is my first time laying eyes on this thing and I have to say, "Damn, it is huge."    

   

Here we go. It's time for the entire DS lineup, one after the other.  Look how it's evolved!    

   

Well there you have it.  It's one big DSi.  This one is going to head out to James.  Look for his review on the site.  I'm sure he'll also discuss it during an upcoming new business segment on RFN!  I'll leave you all with one last epic comparison image.    

12

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

« on: March 22, 2010, 08:44:36 AM »

So I've about had it with my wireless signal strength in my new house and I think I'm going to be hooking everything up wired. So, I'm in the market for a LAN adapter for the Wii.


My initial research has been somewhat surprising.  Apparently the only place to get the official Nintendo one is from their online store.  I would prefer to order this from one place (preferably amazon) to save on shipping with the other stuff I need to buy.


Amazon has a ton of them.  Seems like the Nyko is the most purchased.  It's about 10 bucks cheaper too.




Sooo, will the Nyko (or another third party version) treat me fine, or should I get first party?

13

NWR Forums Discord / Apparently the Funhouse will forever be named as it is now...

« on: December 02, 2009, 04:48:59 PM »

...because it appears a certain mod is still trying to game the system.

So I refuse to EVER change it.

14

TalkBack / How PR Companies Butter Up Mr. Lindemann

« on: November 30, 2009, 05:08:30 AM »

http://www.nintendoworldreport.com/blogArt.cfm?artid=20436

  Last month we discussed stuffed Squeeballs. Did that blatant PR stunt work? Based on the talkback responses to that blog post, I'd say that it did.  This month we'll examine another publisher's attention grabbing attempt; Aksys Games.    

You know it has gone too far when they don't even bother talking about their games.  Instead they opt to go right to NWR's boss, Mr. Jon Lindemann, and butter him up with blind praise that will only bloat his already inflated opinion of himself.    

In this way, Aksys Games will remind Jon every month just how totally awesome he is.  Jon, I'll make sure to include this in the package with the next Aksys game I ship for you to blindly give a perfect 10 review.    

   

Note:  For those that don't see the humor here, it is important that I note that the contents of this blog post are made in jest. We at NWR take our reviews seriously.  While we enjoy these entertaining items that publishers and PR companies ship out to us, we always take steps to ensure that they will not affect our review scores in any way.

15

NWR Forums Discord / When I type '=P' do you know what it means?

« on: November 16, 2009, 02:21:47 PM »

It has come to my attention that a forumer thought my consistent use of =P in posts was my way of signing them....  as if P were an initial.

That is not the case.  It is your standard tongue sticking out emoticon... used when I am being silly or otherwise not overly serious.

I don't want any misunderstandings.  The NWR forums are full of serious people. =P

16

Nintendo Gaming / Anyone have an extra Toys R Us Arceus?

« on: November 13, 2009, 05:03:08 PM »

I'm not going to be able to make it to the Toys R Us event. There isn't anyone out there with an extra one, is there? I want the Toys R Us one specifically.

17

General Chat / Thinking about getting an iPhone... coverage question...

« on: November 05, 2009, 01:08:05 PM »

So I want to get an iPhone.  In order to do so I have to switch my entire family plan (includes myself, my wife, and my sister-in-law) from Verizon to AT&T.  I'm worried that I won't be happy with the network.

The key wrinkle is that my sister-in-law lives out in the sticks and the phone has to work for her inside her house.  Checking AT&T's map (http://www.wireless.att.com/coverageviewer/?wtSlotClick=1-001FIO-0-1&WT.svl=calltoaction) It says she is all the way in "good" reception, but closer to "moderate" than she is to "best".

So my question, is there anyone out there that uses AT&T in a spot marked as "good" on their map?  If so, are you able to use it without dropping calls inside a building?

[not]

18

TalkBack / Have you heard of Squeeballs?

« on: October 31, 2009, 12:38:09 PM »

http://www.nintendoworldreport.com/blogArt.cfm?artid=20221

  Have you ever heard of Squeeballs? I sure hadn't until today.  It's no secret that game publishers and the PR companies that represent them will go to great lengths to get the press to mention their game.  NWR has received many odd gifts and pieces of swag over the years, but the wooden crate we received today is the strangest thing I've ever seen.    

The FedEx man carried this beast in.  It came complete with "Handle With Care" warnings painted on the side.  A hammer was even needed to open the thing.  A crowd gathered around as I was opening it.  We were all wondering what game could possibly be involved in this latest PR ploy.    

   

What's that looking up at me? It's one of 12 stuffed Squeeballs.  If you want us to know what the heck a Squeeball is, I guess that's one way of doing it.  They went to great lengths to get us to talk about the game here at NWR, and I guess, as of the posting of this blog entry, they got their wish.    

   

This is just more evidence of the dilemma many game sites like NWR face.  Companies try and butter us up all the time.  At best, they are just following the "any news is good news" philosophy.  At worst, they are hoping to elicit some sort of emotional response in writers so that they are nicer to their title, be that in quantity of coverage or review score.    

   

I'd be lying if I didn't consider giving this game absolutely no additional coverage because of this silly box.  But then the charm got the best of me and I realized it at least deserved a blog post.  What do you think?  Should game writers intentionally resist these blatant attempts at garnering additional excitement towards a particular game?    

Oh yeah, one more thing.  Whoever ends up reviewing this game for NWR will not be receiving a wooden crate full of stuffed animals. I'm not shipping this thing out.

19

Announcements / We have new moderators!

« on: October 29, 2009, 03:28:08 PM »

This is just a friendly announcement that we officially have new moderators of these here forums.

Vudu and UncleBob!

Note that they are not new staff members of NWR.  They are just going to help out with forum moderation!

Thanks,
Pale

20

TalkBack / Why Nintendo Doesn't Get It (Regarding New DS Rumor)

« on: October 27, 2009, 11:45:15 AM »

http://www.nintendoworldreport.com/blogArt.cfm?artid=20202

 

A relatively bizarre rumor about Nintendo releasing a new DS has been swirling around the web over the past 24 hours.  It's bizarre because the DSi is still a baby.  In fact, the new features that the DSi brought to the table have barely been utilized to this point.  What could they possibly add now?    

Bigger screens of course!  Do they realize this will actually make all of the games look worse? Without increasing both the resolution and horsepower, this new DS will likely feel like a downgrade. Yes, that statement includes a pretty big assumption.  It's a safe one though.  Assuming this new DS rumor is true at all, it's safe to say that if it did feature a significant performance hike, Nintendo wouldn't be quietly sneaking it out without a proper E3 unveil.    

The rumors have been referencing two reasons for this new system: to compete with the better screens on the iPhone and PSP, and to make the system friendlier for older players.  The first one is laughable.  It's not going to compete with those screens. In fact, it's going to do just the opposite.  It will emphasize the shortcomings of the DS screen even more.  The reason people like the DS/DSi screens so much is because of their crispness and clarity.  This has everything to do with the relative pixel size.  The DS's pixels are already significantly larger than those of the iPhone.  This rumored new unit will make that difference even greater!  Check out the comparison image below.  These images should be close to life size if your monitor is close to 72 DPI.  Notice how the larger dimensions make the game feel more archaic?    

   

This is the primary reason the Game Boy Micro is such a great device.  It did the exact opposite.  Shrinking the screen size makes the relative pixel size smaller, which improves the visual fidelity of the experience.    

This all says nothing of the increased bulk this rumored device would require, which would take the DS farther way from another competitive advantage of the iPhone and PSPgo, that being the ease of carrying the device around in a pocket.  Just look at what would have to happen if the same clam-shell design and button sizes were maintained ("new" DS mock-up on left, DSi on right).    

   

Maybe this mystery machine is the true "DS2", and Nintendo is bucking tradition and going for a surprise launch.  If that's the case and the four-inch screen spec is true, they need to leave the vertical resolution and height alone, and instead move to a wider format.  This would allow for original DS games to run at the same DPI that the DSi does.  Newer games could then take advantage of a larger screen without the ugliness inherent with larger pixels.  Assuming a clam-shell design and equivalent button sizes, it could look something like the image below.  As you can see in this mock-up, the top screen acts as if it were playing an original DS game, and the bottom screen acts as if it were playing a "DS2" game.  Pixels are all relatively sized to give you a somewhat precise feeling for what it would look like.    

   

Sadly, this mock-up is nothing more than a pipe dream at this point.  As the astute reader may be thinking, it does not do anything to help older people see the screens better for original DS games.    

I've purchased every DS iteration up to this point, because I've felt that each one brings worthwhile new features to the table.  I will not be buying a system that makes all my games look uglier.  The DS is eating the lunch of the PSP and iPhone as a gaming platform because of its own competitive advantages.  There is no reason to attack their screens unless it is done correctly.

21

TalkBack / Playing Outdoors Causes Dangerous Behavior In Children

« on: September 02, 2009, 03:14:18 AM »

http://www.nintendoworldreport.com/blogArt.cfm?artid=19896

  An interesting article caught my eye over on Jalopnik this morning.  (Jalopnik is a blog for car fans.)  It was an upsetting read as a 9-year-old child stole his parents' car and led police on an 80 mile per hour car chase.  "Oh man, I bet they found some way to relate this to video games," I thought.    

"...he got mad at his parents and stole their car after they made him quit playing..." is one of the first things the Jalopnik article says.  They must be referring to video games!  What's this?  He was upset they told him to come in from playing outside?!  How could this be? Video games cause evilness!  The outdoors is where kids are supposed to go to grow up healthy and well adjusted!    

While the story itself is somewhat tragic (luckily the child seems to be mostly unharmed), I think it's an important one for parents to read.  Had they yelled at him to stop playing Grand Theft Auto the world would be up in arms against the evils of video games.  I bet very few would blame the parents for letting their 9-year-old play such a game.  However, this story will most likely be forgotten in a matter of days because there is nothing easy to blame..    

The Article at Jalopnik

22

NWR Forums Discord / MOVED: Mafia XXXVI: DK! Donkey Kong is here! Sign-ups are closed.

« on: August 10, 2009, 01:16:27 PM »

This topic has been moved to NWR Mafia Games.

http://www.nintendoworldreport.com/forums/index.php?topic=29011.0

23

Nintendo Gaming / MOVED: Battle toads... for wii?!

« on: August 10, 2009, 01:10:17 PM »

This topic has been moved to Bill Aurion's Funhouse.

http://www.nintendoworldreport.com/forums/index.php?topic=29068.0

24

Nintendo Gaming / NWR Official WiFi Night - August 8, 2009 - Mario Kart Wii - Chat Thread!

« on: August 08, 2009, 06:53:26 PM »

Let's get this road on the show! All friend codes from the friend code thread are included below.  All players should try and add everyone! If you missed your chance to add it to the friend code thread, you can add it here.

We should try and play in a private room, so if you don't see one created, feel free to create one yourself!


Friend Codes
2234-7993-9399 | BwrJim!
3308-4897-8243 | Dasmos
1848-2146-5025 | Flames_of_chaos
3652-0916-9074 | GK
3952-7408-4290 | Halbred
4768-8117-9896 | JRNN
3007-8463-7668 | Pale
2105-9991-6179 | Pap64
4898-1639-1082 | TJ Spyke
2535-5752-8263 | Vudu


Official WiFi Night Rules and Procedures

The process is made of four sequential threads that will show up (stickied) in this forum.

Thread 1: Day voting and game nomination. Users will vote for all days that they are able to play on in a poll. Thread responses will collect game nominations.
Thread 2: Game voting. A poll that consists of each game that was nominated in the previous thread. Players each vote for as many games as they are willing and able to play on the day that was selected in the previous thread
Thread 3: Friend code collection. All (and only) participating players will post their friend code for the chosen game in this thread. This is so people can start updating their friend lists ahead of time.
Thread 4: Gameplay chat thread. This thread shows up on the day of and is used to chat about the action as it is happening.

There are only a few special rules regarding this process.

The same game can not be chosen for two consecutive months. This will force us to experience at least a little bit of variety.

The same day of the week can not be chosen for two consecutive months. People often have regular work schedules that keep them from playing on certain days. It would suck for them if one of those days was chosen every single month.

This should go without saying, but all forum rules apply to every thread involved in the WiFi night.  Don't be a jerk.

25

Nintendo Gaming / Official NWR WiFi Night - Saturday, August 8 - Mario Kart Wii

« on: August 05, 2009, 01:54:58 PM »

The game has been picked and the playing happens this Saturday!  It's time to gather some friend codes.  Add yours to this thread only if you plan on participating on Saturday, then start adding everyone else to your friend list in game!

I look forward to playing with you all!


Friend Codes
2234-7993-9399 | BwrJim!
3308-4897-8243 | Dasmos
1848-2146-5025 | Flames_of_chaos
3652-0916-9074 | GK
3952-7408-4290 | Halbred
4768-8117-9896 | JRNN
3007-8463-7668 | Pale
2105-9991-6179 | Pap64
4898-1639-1082 | TJ Spyke
2535-5752-8263 | Vudu


Official WiFi Night Rules and Procedures

The process is made of four sequential threads that will show up (stickied) in this forum.

Thread 1: Day voting and game nomination. Users will vote for all days that they are able to play on in a poll. Thread responses will collect game nominations.
Thread 2: Game voting. A poll that consists of each game that was nominated in the previous thread. Players each vote for as many games as they are willing and able to play on the day that was selected in the previous thread
Thread 3: Friend code collection. All (and only) participating players will post their friend code for the chosen game in this thread. This is so people can start updating their friend lists ahead of time.
Thread 4: Gameplay chat thread. This thread shows up on the day of and is used to chat about the action as it is happening.

There are only a few special rules regarding this process.

The same game can not be chosen for two consecutive months. This will force us to experience at least a little bit of variety.

The same day of the week can not be chosen for two consecutive months. People often have regular work schedules that keep them from playing on certain days. It would suck for them if one of those days was chosen every single month.

This should go without saying, but all forum rules apply to every thread involved in the WiFi night.  Don't be a jerk.