Messages

3576

Nintendo Gaming / Re: People Need To Stop Bitching

« on: June 16, 2012, 11:31:03 AM »

To be fair, Nintendo had no problems releasing Fatal Frame IV outside of Japan, but only if Tecmo fixed the bugs in the game (which Tecmo refused to do).

There are different accounts about just how valid this statement is.  Personally I doubt that it is anywhere close to the whole truth since bugs didn't prevent or significantly delay a Japanese release - but it could be.  I'd bet on Nintendo of America not projecting it to be profitable enough, and then using unreasonable demands on the developers as an excuse for not publishing.  Shady?  Maybe, but that kind of stuff happens all the time.  Sadly, us "outside the know" people will probably never really know the whole truth about why it will never be released here.

Assuming what you say is accurate then it's a shame that Nintendo didn't at least try to sell the rights to other companies who might find a niche release like Fatal Frame 4 worthwhile.  That would've made core gamers happy and would've given Nintendo some return - as opposed to the gamer frustration and complete lack of profit they chose to take instead.

I know, I know... not Nintendo's business model. But as a gamer who wanted the game and would've been happy to take even with some minor bugs, the "just don't give them anything" business model isn't really working for me.

3577

Nintendo Gaming / Re: People Need To Stop Bitching

« on: June 16, 2012, 10:27:20 AM »

This thread is degenerating rapidly, but I do wish Nintendo would choose to bring out more core games.


In some cases that means doing the localization themselves, in other cases just bringing games over from other regions. Fatal Frame 4, Project Zero 2, and Pandora's Tower are all good examples of games that would appeal to a more mature audience and could sell enough to support a limited release - and even Xenoblade and The Last Story are good examples as Nintendo of America would've sat on both games if not for third parties pushing to have them release.


Some of these games are might have limited appeal or only hit a smaller-than-average market for Nintendo, but there is (arguably) value in supporting and expanding your core audience even if it means taking a short-term loss.  That's not Nintendo's business plan though, and it's hard to fault them for pushing to have million sellers instead of using limited resources on more niche games.

3578

TalkBack / Re: Radio Free Nintendo: The T-Shirt

« on: June 15, 2012, 11:15:02 PM »

I need to clear something up here.

Tonight is the first time I actually sat down and looked at the package, so now I know what's going on.  There are two options when getting stuff shipped to Canada: USPS and UPS.

UPS (and Fedex) will always charge a brokerage fee as described in my previous post. This is normal behavior for them and is something  you should consider up front in your cost if you choose to have UPS bring your shirts across the border.  USPS doesn't charge a brokerage fee, but your package still might be stopped at the border to have taxes and any duty added. If this happens you'll also get a lovely handling fee tacked on. Most Canadians will want to choose USPS because it is both cheaper and much less likely incur additional handling/brokerage fees.

Looking at my envelope closer I can see that I did choose USPS but still got hit thanks to the Canada Border Services Agency. First they added an extra $5.61 in taxes, followed up by an $8.50 handling fee for the privilege of paying them. So the added costs had nothing to do with the company sending the shirts, nothing to do with USPS, and everything to do with my wonderful government which deserves every penny (and more!) that they gleefully take of my hard earned cash.

On the upside, I import stuff including video games fairly regularly so getting tagged with this type of fee is probably long overdue. Hopefully it doesn't become a regular practice though - in dozens of previous parcels I've never seen this happen.


Edit: Also, tonight was the first time wearing my new Connectivity shirt in the wild.  My wife claims the NWR Ringer is the cutest one, so it'll come out next.

3579

General Gaming / Re: Humble Indie Bundle

« on: June 14, 2012, 10:04:15 PM »

Super Meat Boy:  Decent play-for-a-few-minutes-at-a-time platforming but way overrated.  ...

I strongly agree.  It's a solid game, and I can see how some people would really enjoy it.  But for me it's one that I played a few levels, and after the second set of stages really didn't care if I played more or not.  Definitely a love-it-or-leave-it affair.  I'm in the second group.


Edit:
Of course, I get the same feeling from a lot of indie games. Far too many are good games but not great, clever but missing the fun, or beautifully stylistic but sadly shallow. Almost always, "indie" means a flawed but interesting in my experience. That's part of the reason I love the Indie Humble Bundles though - get a bunch of the most popular games for cheap, and play what you want for as long (or short) as you want.

3580

Nintendo Gaming / Re: People Need To Stop Bitching

« on: June 14, 2012, 03:49:26 PM »

Off-topic comment:It's always interesting to see Wii Music discussed and try to guess how many people complaining have actually played the game before (or even after) forming their opinions.  Most complaints are couched behind language that suggests people never gave the game a chance.

It's unlikely that the skeptics would be blown away by what Wii Music had to offer... but many of them might find the game is more interesting than they had expected if given a real chance.

3581

Nintendo Gaming / Re: People Need To Stop Bitching

« on: June 14, 2012, 12:53:16 PM »

Wii Music is possibly my favorite game for the Wii. It's something unique and special and new to this world. It reminds me of Mario Paint, not directly, but emotionally. I can understand not everyone liking it, but I am a Nintendo fan and I'm glad it exists and I want more.

You aren't alone.  But you are part of a very small minority.


(For what it's worth, I'd rather Nintendo not revisit Wii Music anytime soon.  In my opinion the game isn't as horrible as most people suggest... but it's certainly not good either.  There are much better things Nintendo first-party development studios could be working on.)

3582

TalkBack / Re: Third-Party Titles Get Digital Releases on 3DS

« on: June 13, 2012, 11:48:25 AM »

Interesting. Pricing will be the big issue, but having full games conveniently available for download is good news - even if none of these titles interest me enough to forfeit all resale rights for the sake of convenience.

3583

Nintendo Gaming / Re: Poo: North American delays

« on: June 13, 2012, 08:26:51 AM »

Layton games take a lot of work for localization. The first game took a year, last spectre took close to two. I can only imagine that with more puzzles, complexity and dialogue that it would take longer to bring over.

Yeah, I'd really like to know when Layton is coming but can understand that a good localization takes time with those games. I get more upset about games that are already localized and just not being released - despite there being huge gaps in the software release schedule where no competing games are coming out either.

3584

Podcast Discussion / Re: RFN RetroActive Game Nominations

« on: June 12, 2012, 08:27:07 PM »

Where did you import it from, Europe?


I can't IMAGINE trying to play that game without understanding what its saying.


Edit: WAIT!? THAT GAME GOES FOR $75!? HOLY HELL!

Yes, imported from Europe. Totally agree about language considerations.


Yes, the going rate for Infinite Space in North America is RIDICULOUS.  It was almost enough for me to try importing multiple copies with hopes of selling for a profit... but I doubt demand is high enough, and anyone willing to buy a European copy could probably find an online importer just as easily as I did.

3585

TalkBack / Re: Radio Free Nintendo: The T-Shirt

« on: June 12, 2012, 07:42:43 PM »

Hmm... Good and bad news.  My shirts are in and I'll have them tomorrow.  Unfortunately they came with a $14.11 extra fee at pick-up, on top of the normal shipping fee, which is why I don't have them right now.


(EDIT: See below for a clarification. The extra fee was all thanks to Canada Border Services Agency, not UPS or anything else.)

Missed this gem in the shipping details page:

UPS Standard (Canada Only) Delivery to Canada typically takes between three and seven business days after your order is shipped. Tracking information is provided. Additional customs and duties (GST, HST etc.), plus a brokerage fee of approximately $10 for residential addresses are required. Orders over $200 (CAD) or orders with a business address may incur larger brokerage fees.

Oh well - should've known to check closer when ordering, and I don't really mind that much.  Paying for the initial cost with PayPal means that wasn't "real" money anyway, right?  So it's basically like paying $15 for two new shirts.  At least that's what I'm telling myself, and my wife who probably wouldn't feel that $30 per T-shirt was a good deal.
 

Other Canadians should take note though. If you are getting hit with a brokerage fee, make a bigger order so it's worthwhile!

3586

General Gaming / Re: What is your most recent gaming purchase?

« on: June 12, 2012, 03:55:48 PM »

So not really a new game... but my Nintendo 3DS Card Case 18 reward arrived in the mail today.
https://club.nintendo.com/rewards-details/a/24002.do


Sure, it's just a plastic case. But the build quality feels nice, the multiple mix-and-matchable covers are great, and trying to choose which games to put in it appeals to my OCD in ways that simply shouldn't be discussed.


"Free" digital games are still my favorite reward, but this is easily the best physical reward I've received yet and came at a very reasonable price.  Strongly considering ordering another and throwing all my empty DS/3DS cases into storage to save desk space.

3587

Nintendo Gaming / Re: People Need To Stop Bitching

« on: June 12, 2012, 03:04:46 PM »

Are people actually arguing that Wii has had strong (or even adequate) software support over the past two years for core gamers? That the ongoing drought is acceptable? Seriously?

Look, I like Nintendo.  I am a proud Wii gamer who has collected well over 100 games for the system without counting digital releases - games that I enjoy and have either already played or eventually will. Nintendo makes good hardware, publishes a lot of games I enjoy, and provides a home for various niche titles and genres that are often are ignored on other platforms.

But the Wii software release schedule has consisted of slim pickings for a long time - especially if your interests are limited to core-friendly titles. Saying anything else at this point is delusional.

Check Metacritic and sort best Wii titles by year.

For 2012, you have a grand total of 8 games listed at all (with some unreleased in North America, possibly never coming) and only 3 games higher than an 80 average.  Xenoblade is my favorite game in years and I enjoy an occasional Mario Party 9 for what it is... but it's really really hard to argue that this list represents quality or quantity.

For 2011 things are better... sort of.  There are 9 titles with a Metacritic rating over 80 (including 3 digital releases and the Bit.Trip compilation) and at least enough variety that you'll probably find something worth trying if you dig in a little bit.  But how many core gamers are satisfied with a console that offers less than one good game per month for multiple years?

3588

General Gaming / Re: Humble Indie Bundle

« on: June 12, 2012, 08:11:49 AM »

...  I don't know when'll get around to playing them though.  ...

Sometimes I feel guilty about making donations that just exceed the average instead of paying what the games are "worth". Then I realize that most of the HIB games I own never get played anyway due to limited gaming time - probably between 1 or 2 per bundle, if that.


Bastion alone will make this bundle worthwhile for me, with any games after that one being gravy. And getting  the soundtracks is a pretty darned cool bonus.

3589

Nintendo Gaming / Re: People Need To Stop Bitching

« on: June 11, 2012, 03:57:05 PM »

...
Now that E3 is over, I hear one big argument and that's "Nintendo hasn't sold me a Wii U. I needed more." And that's perfectly legitimate if that were true. But it's not. You know why? Because your goal posts have moved.
...

My goalposts haven't moved.  Maybe yours have, or maybe you just assumed that my goalposts were the same as yours to start with... but mine haven't moved an inch.  I went in hoping for something - anything - that would really excite me about Wii U and/or 3DS.  I was hoping for at least one surprise that made me sit up, circle a date on my calendar, and start saving pennies for a game/system/whatever.  When E3 ended I was left disappointed because there was nothing shown that I care about enough to follow between now and release.

Maybe that's not quite true.  Rayman Legends does look really cool.  But not "system selling" cool.

3590

TalkBack / Re: Marvel Pinball 3D Impressions

« on: June 11, 2012, 12:17:07 PM »

Hmm... the only thing to give me pause is that Excalibur was my least favorite table from Zen Pinball. There were too many interruptions and odd modes in the game, making me feel like I could never get a real rhythm going.  Stuff like jousting or the mini table for robber knights/king's challenger is neat but took me right out of my game.


Marvel Pinball should still be a great set of new (to me) tables though!

So this isn't DLC for Zen Pinball 3D?

No. They announced a little while back that Zen Pinball 3D is getting downloadable content, but that Marvel Pinball will be a completely separate downloadable title (presumably with its own downloadable content).


As a guess, this is probably because of the licensing. Separating the games makes it easier to maintain Zen Pinball if the license ever changes or expires, for example.

I had hoped that they might include a more involved virtual guide for the tables. ...
 

This would've been a great idea. I have no qualms with the existing game "as is"... but that doesn't mean it couldn't be better with more detailed features like this.  On the other hand, sometimes it's nice to learn about a table as you play. Part of the old-school charm (for me) is trying to figure out how to make things happen and what skills/techniques will help you earn the best scores without being told.

3591

Nintendo Gaming / Re: What are your three favorite 3DS games and why?

« on: June 10, 2012, 09:39:10 AM »

1) Resident Evil: Revelations -- This was a big part of the reason why I wanted a 3DS, and when it finally arrived lived up to my expectations in full.

2) Zen Pinball 3D -- My most played 3DS game. Easy to pick up, quick to play, always enjoyable. Can't for DLC (or Marvel Pinball) to arrive and expand the experience.

3) Colors! 3D -- What you get out of this app is directly related to what you put in. Beautiful pictures are possible, and even though my sketches never match that description it's still lots of fun.


Star Fox 64 3D almost made the cut. The only thing holding it back is that I've played the game to death on N64, and the same nostalgic love that made me buy it prevents me from looking at it the same way that I do new games.  Same could be said for the Ocarina of Time remake.


Sadly, I'm still finding the retail line-up very weak on 3DS. There are some good games, but very few that appeal to me. Hopefully that improves over time. Monster Hunter alone would probably justify the console and I've still got my fingers crossed that Capcom will bring it over.


On the upside, I've played a bunch of great DS titles that I wouldn't skipped if not for full backwards compatibility... Ghost Trick, Dragon Quest IX, 999, the Layton series, and more. So yay on that.

3592

Nintendo Gaming / Re: Poo: North American delays

« on: June 10, 2012, 09:27:12 AM »

But delays in other regions occur for a reason. Smaller markets or Nintendo teams in place, additional translation and localization required, certification or distribution issues... yet with both of these games in particular, there is no apparent reason for a delay of months or weeks.  What bugs me more is that there really isn't any competing software on ANY Nintendo platform.


I understand a Wii software drought at this point, but not on 3DS when software is ready and just being withheld.

3593

Nintendo Gaming / Re: People Need To Stop Bitching

« on: June 09, 2012, 09:28:25 AM »

There has been some bitching, but (at least here) it's seemed more like venting to me.  At least that's why I complain. 

3594

TalkBack / Re: Heroes of Ruin Impressions

« on: June 09, 2012, 09:21:35 AM »

There is a good chance we'll get the demo closer to the NA release date.  I'm still a bit peeved about the delay here for no apparent reason - even if the game underwhelms, it's not like 3DS has had a strong retail showing over the past couple of months.

3595

General Gaming / any recommendations for good+cheap PC game controller?

« on: June 08, 2012, 02:54:00 PM »

With the Indie Humble Bundle V providing some PC gaming that I'm actually really interested to get into, it looks like I'll want a controller to get the best experience. 


I've heard that wired 360 controllers are probably the best/easiest solution... but that costs considerably more than what I paid for all of the games I'll be playing, and sits outside my budget at the moment.  Can anyone recommend something good and cheap?  Or does anyone have recommendations about what to avoid?

3596

Nintendo Gaming / Poo: North American delays

« on: June 08, 2012, 02:46:48 PM »

Hmm... Rayman Origins 3DS gets a lengthy delay despite being available now in other regions. Heroes of Ruin was pushed back as well.  Delays happen, but can anyone enlighten me as to why they are limited to North America?  Pretty disappointing on both counts - especially for Rayman though, although I guess just playing a console version is better anyway (if less convenient).

3597

Nintendo Gaming / Re: Nintendo's Message to the Fans This E3

« on: June 08, 2012, 10:42:26 AM »

What worries me isn't Nintendo's message to fans... but what message they might get in return from gamers and developers.


Maybe Wii U will be a great console with a well-rounded library of games and satisfied fans.  Maybe not. Based only on what was shown at E3, I'd put my money on the latter.

3598

TalkBack / Re: Rayman Legends Impressions

« on: June 07, 2012, 02:37:35 PM »

I've seen reports online that it's a Wii U exclusive... but nothing really confirming that claim. Given how much bad info gets circulated by non-gaming press during E3, I'm going to assume that Rayman Legends is actually multi-platform with some Wii U exclusive features that were shown off in the demo until Ubisoft clarifies one way or the other.

3599

General Gaming / Re: Humble Indie Bundle

« on: June 07, 2012, 02:32:45 PM »

Ironically I don't own any of them.  I already went in above the average.  Will they just show up in Steam for me or something?  Anyone know?

I've never used Steam, but they just appeared on my downloads page without any effort or action on my part. Not sure if you need to activate something to get Steam keys or if they just show up automatically...

3600

General Gaming / Re: Humble Indie Bundle

« on: June 07, 2012, 01:54:40 PM »

Well, things just got better.


If you "beat the average" with your payment, three more game have been added to your Humble Bundle V purchase:

• Braid
• Super Meat Boy
• Lone Survivor

I know these games aren't that new, and many people probably already own some/all... but adding more games only makes an attractive package even sexier.