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Podcast Discussion / Re: Episode 38: Retraction
« on: February 05, 2011, 04:39:55 AM »This is on par with Nate never playing Super Mario Bros.
Neal stop calling me Nate or I'll impeach you.
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Neal stop calling me Nate or I'll impeach you.
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Podcast Discussion / Re: Episode 38: Retraction
« on: February 03, 2011, 02:07:25 PM »Andy, I truthfully have no idea what in the hell you were trying to say with Pokémon. The Game Boy was basically dying and then Pokémon saved its life. I think there's a reason why we don't see a full-fledged home console Pokémon game, because it works so well on portables.
Sir, as Director, I require you to play a Pokémon to completion, or at least until you understand the meaning of Pokéchristmas.
I don't recall what it was exactly that I said. Refresh my memory? (or point me to a time in the podcast to fast forward to...)
You said something along the lines of, "Pokemon wasnt that big of a deal on the game boy because it was portable"
78
TalkBack / Re: Extra Life: Super Mario Bros.
« on: February 02, 2011, 12:22:10 PM »
As reluctant as I am to reveal this to a man with the surname Sexington, TJ is right, I just turned 22.
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TalkBack / Extra Life: Super Mario Bros.
« on: February 01, 2011, 11:50:22 AM »Nathan plays Super Mario Bros. for the first time, as he begins to visit classic games he missed the first time around.
http://www.nintendoworldreport.com/feature/24960
Extra Life is a weekly column focused on giving games a first, second, or third chance. Each week, someone will look at a game they missed, remember fondly from their childhood, or just thought was passed over. It could be a game that received universal appraisal, or one that seemingly nobody played.
Let Me Explain Myself
Growing up, my house was a house free of video game consoles. When I say growing up, I mean to say that I did not own a console until the months before I entered high school; a GameCube was my first. The reason for this deprivation was a common one: fear of a young Nathan rotting his brains out.
I didn’t grow up without games entirely, quite the contrary. For some reason, my parents found it safe to give me my father’s Game Boy when I was still a toddler. From that point on, my parents became the largest consumers of batteries in the greater Los Angeles area. Playing console games was a thing reserved for visits to a friend’s house or the occasional birthday. My parents figured that however much I played the Game Boy, it couldn’t amount to the damage that having a permanent video game featured in the living room would cause.
I reached high school without spending serious time with the many great games most people my age know and love, and it wasn’t until the Virtual Console launched that I had a legitimate way to play them.
Certainly, there are many gamers like me, those who somehow missed out on the console greats of yesteryear. It is with people like this and my own personal history in mind that I have set out to play the games that I played far too little as a child, and in many cases the games that I have not played at all.
Square One
I begin my venture with a game that up until recently I had played only in passing, Super Mario Bros. This seminal platforming title was first released in 1985 on the Nintendo Entertainment System and went on to become the title that to this day defines video games in the minds of many. We all know about the basic rules and structure of Super Mario Bros. through either experience or osmosis, but as someone who learned by osmosis, I was surprised to see just how much I didn’t know about this classic.
A Whole New World
Going in to Super Mario Bros., I had somehow worked out that it would just be a color version of Super Mario Land from the Game Boy. Imagine my surprise to see that I had an entirely new Mario adventure to set out on. Soon after, I started noticing some other fundamental differences.
The jump has much more gravity to it in Super Mario Bros than in other Mario titles; I feel like I have less control in the air and almost no control upon landing. If you make a risky jump at high speeds onto a small platform, the chances of slowing down in time to not slide off are slim- you just have to keep jumping. Fireballs stay close to the ground, whereas in Super Mario Land fireballs would bounce just once before shooting off into the sky. Most, if not all platforms are solid both ways, meaning that you cannot jump up through the bottom of a platform.
Visually and aurally, this is also a new experience. Of course, the addition of color was the primary shift from Super Mario Land, but the classic Mario music was a welcome change coming from the often grating jazzy jingles of Super Mario Land.
Some Things Never Change
If you haven’t already, playing Super Mario Bros. won’t completely throw you for a loop. The game is structured into eight worlds, each containing separate levels within. While there is no overworld map, this is a structure that has mostly stayed constant throughout Mario’s two dimensional adventures. All of your favorite enemies are present: Goombas, Koopas, Hammer Bros. and even Lakitu. Of course, they can be killed with a good jump to the head.
I found that my greatest disappointment with Super Mario Bros. was in the relative homogeneity of it all. After beating Super Mario Land, I felt like I had gone on a whirlwind adventure across the insane globe of Sarasaland. While Super Mario Bros. does have above-ground, underground, and castle levels, it is apparent that this game laid the basic framework for games to come.
You’re Killing Me…
Super Mario Bros. is a startlingly short game, provided you don’t die all that often. The game is alarmingly difficult, even coming from the tricky stages of Super Mario Bros. 3. I found that more so than ever, memorizing what was to come was the key to my success. If you forget that the jump ahead lands you right in front of a Hammer Brother, you may very well suffer a hammer to the forehead.
The constant dying wouldn’t be all that bad were the game not so stingy with lives. If you don’t collect any 1ups, it is three lives and you’re out. You cannot run backwards to parts of the level that have scrolled by, and you can’t even store extra power ups to use before a level begins. To top it all off, there is no saving your game, so you had best do everything right the first time.
… But I Like It.
After getting accustomed to the nature of this game I grew to like it as much as the other Mario titles I have played. Pulling off sequences of well-timed jumps within Super Mario Bros.’ rigid framework is difficult but rewarding. Each level feels much less free-form and much more about the execution of a game plan. Sure, you can play any Mario game like that, but it is the only way I could play Super Mario Bros.
I can’t say that I was surprised with how much I enjoyed playing Super Mario Bros. After all, I have been playing Super Mario Bros. 3 almost ritualistically since purchasing it for the GBA.
I can say that I was surprised with just how little Mario has changed over the years. When I realized that it wasn’t the same as Super Mario Land, my immediate reaction was to expect this game to be even more archaic. This wasn’t the case at all. While it is certainly more tightly structured, and features less mechanics than current Mario games, the core game has remained mostly the same.
I am not sure how I feel about this. On one hand I am glad that the brilliancy of Super Mario Bros. has held up so well over the years, and on the other hand, New Super Mario Bros. now seems a little less new, and a little more iterative.
Super Mario Bros. is a treat to play, I encourage those that missed this gem to take some time and play it. If not to play the whole game through, then just to have a sampling of what is an undeniably splendid title.
Welcome To Warp Zone
I hope you all enjoyed my outing with Super Mario Bros. I certainly had fun putting in the preparatory play time. See you next time for another Extra Life!
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Podcast Discussion / Re: Episode 38: Retraction
« on: January 29, 2011, 01:43:53 PM »
I think we can just regurgitate crow and be covered.
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Podcast Discussion / Re: Episode 227: National Pastime
« on: January 25, 2011, 08:36:16 PM »I have a Wii and am looking at one of the HD consoles. Does Metroid Prime 3 run smooth?
The way the screen lurches may give you problems, but the framerate is top notch. Consider that I know very little about motion sickness or its causes.
IGN notes that the game "runs in 480p / 16:9 at 60 frames per second."
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Podcast Discussion / Re: Episode 37: March Toward 3DS
« on: January 25, 2011, 11:47:27 AM »I have zero faith in Nintendo when it comes to not making us do stupid **** with a portable game system. It's the reason I stopped playing Spirit Tracks, stupid blowing item.
Same here. I played that game on the train, and I just couldn't bring myself to play those sections in front of everyone.
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Podcast Discussion / Re: Episode 37: March Toward 3DS
« on: January 25, 2011, 05:51:21 AM »No, I meant just one Photoshop. Seems a pity, considering the gold mine of material...
Personally I would love to see a Zach-themed Advent calendar.
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Podcast Discussion / Re: Episode 228: In for a Penny
« on: January 24, 2011, 01:55:11 PM »I know this sounds boring, but it's totally not -- look around the Codex, which is like a talking encyclopedia about the world of Mass Effect. It's all background info, but it's superbly written and very nicely narrated. Even a quick browse around the Codex will provide a lot of context for the events and character interactions you see in the actual game. Some of this would already be meaningful to you if you'd played the first game, but ME2 contains plenty of info to get you up to speed. Once you understand the "universe" a little better, I think the story will hit harder for you.
I think the Giantbomb crew's idea about having an iPad version of the codex is a fantastic one.
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Podcast Discussion / Re: Episode 227: National Pastime
« on: January 24, 2011, 02:40:54 AM »
Pureval, I'm not sure what systems you own, but the Call of Duty games are well known for running at smooth framerates on the HD consoles. Most modern shooters should be a bit easier on you.
Whatever you do, don't play Mirror's Edge.
Whatever you do, don't play Mirror's Edge.
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Podcast Discussion / Re: Episode 37: March Toward 3DS
« on: January 23, 2011, 11:30:49 PM »
Zach, Neal clearly said that you weren't getting the doll, but looking at these pictures I think you could make a case that you won the contest.
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Podcast Discussion / Re: Episode 37: March Toward 3DS
« on: January 23, 2011, 04:56:20 AM »
You know those things you can never un-see?
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Podcast Discussion / Re: Episode 37: March Toward 3DS
« on: January 22, 2011, 08:51:50 PM »Where should I post my pictures? In this thread, or a new thread?
Right here, Zach. I can't wait!
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TalkBack / Iwata: 3DS Could Bring 3D Movies into the Home
« on: January 22, 2011, 08:04:40 PM »Nintendo is interested in bringing Hollywood to the handheld.
http://www.nintendoworldreport.com/news/24857
In a recent interview with Shigesato Itoi, Japanese copywriter and creator of the Mother series, Shigeru Miyamoto and Satoru Iwata sat down to discuss the Nintendo 3DS. Among other topics, the three gaming icons discussed the relevance of 3D television and movies to the new handheld.
"Simply put, people making 3D content today are having trouble because of a lack of output," noted Iwata. Iwata's solution, not surprisingly, was that the Nintendo 3DS would serve as the gateway for 3D movies into the home.The idea that the Nintendo 3DS would become a household item much faster than glasses-free 3D televisions has both Miyamoto and Iwata excited about this new kind of content.
In a discussion reminiscent of the early days of Wii Connect 24, Miyamoto postulated that the 3DS will be able to automatically download new movie trailers as the system charged overnight. Miyamoto was also excited about the prospect of 3D movies being made with the 3DS in mind, mentioning that, "recently Hollywood is taking Nintendo seriously." According to Iwata, Nintedo has been shopping the 3DS around Hollywood, and it has been met with much excitement.
Despite their confidence, Iwata did express some doubt, "I'm not really sure what will happen—how the world will take it, how it will catch on." With 3D still being unproven as a consumer product, perhaps his doubts aren't unfounded.
The entirety of the interview is available on the Nintendo website under the title: And That's How the Nintendo 3DS Was Made.
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Podcast Discussion / Re: Episode 37: March Toward 3DS
« on: January 22, 2011, 04:11:17 PM »Did a different person than usual edit this episode? The audio levels seem uneven.
Andy took this one, and he only had a single evening filled with an attention-hogging puppy to do it.
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Podcast Discussion / Re: Episode 227: National Pastime
« on: January 19, 2011, 11:30:16 AM »
....and they called him the King of Kings.
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TalkBack / The Sims 3 is a 3DS Launch Window Title
« on: January 19, 2011, 11:05:30 AM »The handheld Sims 3 will feature facial recognition.
http://www.nintendoworldreport.com/news/24781
The Sims 3 has already had multiple releases across different platforms, and is now slated to release on the Nintendo 3DS during the system's launch window.
The Sims 3 for 3DS aims to take advantage of the 3DS's unique features, including motion control, the camera, and StreetPass. Players can photograph themselves and their friends and use the built in facial recognition technology to create in-game characters. These characters can be adjusted using the in-game editor, and later shared using StreetPass.
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TalkBack / 3DS Pre-Loaded with "Activity Log"
« on: January 19, 2011, 10:19:28 AM »Every move you make counts for coins to be used in games.
http://www.nintendoworldreport.com/news/24776
Nintendo 3DS owners will be treated to the system's pre-installed Activity Log feature. This software functions as a pedometer, and will allow players to earn digital play coins as a reward for their real life walking. These coins can be spent within different games to unlock bonus content.
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TalkBack / 3DS to Implement 'Nintendo eShop'
« on: January 19, 2011, 10:02:37 AM »Nintendo has revamped their online store front.
http://www.nintendoworldreport.com/news/24775
Shopping for downloadable games has never been a smooth experience on Nintendo platforms. The new eShop appears to rectify many of our download woes. Sporting a smoother interface, the eShop will feature digital game downloads, game demos, and game videos.
At launch, 3DS owners will be able to choose between Game Boy, Game Boy Color, and 3DSWare games. In addition to games, Nintendo will include eShop Video. The user can select the desired topic or genre and be directed to a video. Players will be able to watch game videos in-store.
Nintendo eShop purchases use a "cash-based" system, similar to Sony's PlayStation Store, apparently doing away with the current Wii/DSi points-based system. You can purchase content with a credit card or by inputting a code from a retail-purchased card.
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Podcast Discussion / Re: RFN RetroActive #16 Poll - Second Chance Edition!
« on: January 15, 2011, 10:13:13 PM »I haven't played Ogre Battle 64, I've LIVED Ogre Battle 64.
I still know exactly how to replicate the infinite item glitch.
QUICK! USE HERO STATUES TO MAKE EVERYONE MAX-LEVEL!
Is there any way I can change my vote? I didn't consider that voting for OB 64 meant I would have to listen to James talk about OB 64.
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Podcast Discussion / Re: Episode 226: In the Flesh?
« on: January 12, 2011, 01:48:44 AM »Jonny put me up to it. I resisted the entire way.
It seems like you're all too willing to bend over backwards to give Jonny what he wants, you didn't really sound like you were struggling.
*giggle*
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Podcast Discussion / Re: Episode 226: In the Flesh?
« on: January 11, 2011, 04:59:31 AM »
Awesome, a rap that involves my most hated nickname! (Nate Dog)
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Podcast Discussion / Re: Episode 35: Neal Is Going To Kill Us
« on: January 10, 2011, 05:58:06 PM »I wanted to share this with someone who would appreciate it's bizarreness, so I am sharing it with the Newscast and it's followers: On Tuesday, I actually laid my eyes on boxes of Ubisoft's BattleTag behind the glass underneathe he counter at a nearby Zellers department store. I guess I must be living in one of those test market areas (I live in BC, Canada). I had to laugh out loud because I couldn't believe that I was actually seeing that thing being sold in a store.
Can we convince you to purchase this?
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Podcast Discussion / Re: Episode 35: Neal Is Going To Kill Us
« on: January 10, 2011, 05:56:11 PM »They only let me host once.
**cough** cricketcast **cough**
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Podcast Discussion / Re: Episode 35: Neal Is Going To Kill Us
« on: January 10, 2011, 12:46:08 PM »Edit: Are people really giving or lending kids iPhones or iPod Touches to play with?
Last night at dinner, the kid in a high-chair at the adjacent table was playing fruit ninja.
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