Messages

1826

Nintendo Gaming / Re: 2014 poll: Do you have a Wii U?

« on: March 14, 2014, 10:17:46 PM »

Got a Deluxe at Launch.  I probably would have been ok with Basic if it weren't for the fact that it only came in white (the demo unit at my local gamestop was a basic, and it already was discolored before the system was even released).

1827

NWR Forums Discord / Re: Lucario's thread!!

« on: March 09, 2014, 10:01:47 PM »

Time to be active again.... to be a smart ass or not to be, that is the question!
plus memeoftheday!!

What is this, a meme for ants?

1828

General Chat / Re: Anyone else deal with depression or knows someone who does?

« on: March 09, 2014, 09:49:09 PM »

Hyperbole and a Half did a post on depression.  Can anyone comment as to if that's similar to how you feel?


There was a couple of years as a 19/20 year old I felt depressed all the time.  I finally came out and told my parents how I was feeling, and how I felt I was losing it, and they took me to the doctor.  I was fortunate enough to find out that it was largely because I was malnourished from eating far too little, and once I got back to a healthy diet, I eventually started feeling better.  It was probably partially that and teen angst on my part.


Hope those of you who do have a sincere form of depression or psychological issues seek assistance.  There's nothing worse than trying to handle these kinds of feelings alone.

1829

General Gaming / Re: What games should everybody play?

« on: March 09, 2014, 09:35:06 PM »

I think this is a different question than asking what the best games are. Sometimes something comes along that might not be the best game, but does things that are unique and interesting that everyone should experience.


I think the game Portal fits this description very well. I like it a lot, though I don't think it's among the all-time greats, but it brings a whole new style to first-person gaming that should at least be tried by anyone who likes gaming.


What examples do you think fit these criteria? Do you even agree with the premise I laid out?

I'd agree with you if the question was "What games should all gamers play?", but can't agree with the original question of games everyone should play.  Games with 3D space that require a user to either use mouse+kb or dual analogs to control movement with one and camera with other has a learning curve that gamers take for granted. 

It really depends on how you narrow it down. I doubt there's any game that I'd argue all 7 billion people on Earth should play, so it becomes a matter of degree. What that specifically means will vary depending on who's answering the question.

Fair enough.  If we're staying in the forums for suggestions, these may be obvious, but mine would be:


Shadow of the Colossus
Super Mario Bros 3 or Super Mario World
The Legend of Zelda: A Link to the Past
Uncharted 2: Among Thieves
Civilization (I've spent the most with II or IV, but I think any could provide a similarly satisfying experience).
MarioKart 64 or Double-Dash
Super Smash Bros. Melee

1830

General Gaming / Re: What games should everybody play?

« on: March 08, 2014, 01:03:12 PM »

I think this is a different question than asking what the best games are. Sometimes something comes along that might not be the best game, but does things that are unique and interesting that everyone should experience.


I think the game Portal fits this description very well. I like it a lot, though I don't think it's among the all-time greats, but it brings a whole new style to first-person gaming that should at least be tried by anyone who likes gaming.


What examples do you think fit these criteria? Do you even agree with the premise I laid out?

I'd agree with you if the question was "What games should all gamers play?", but can't agree with the original question of games everyone should play.  Games with 3D space that require a user to either use mouse+kb or dual analogs to control movement with one and camera with other has a learning curve that gamers take for granted. 

1831

Nintendo Gaming / Re: Why should Nintendo drop the GamePad?

« on: March 04, 2014, 08:30:21 PM »

Let's set aside the truth that the Wii U can't be separated from the gamepad, and just work-out the theoretical question "Why do people want a gamepad-less Wii U?".


I think Nintendo could have leveraged the large install base of smartphones & tablets, and instead of designing their own controller/tablet frankenstein, released an app that allowed you to use it for off-tv play if you have a wifi connection.  The gamepad's 2nd screen functionality hasn't been leveraged much other than for this reason so far (a few exceptions, obviously), so why include that added cost in the controller itself and hamstring yourself compared to Sony/Microsoft if you can divert that cost into future proofing your console a bit better?


On your second point, who specifically is requesting Nintendo appeal more to casual gamers, other than maybe investors?  Most people on this website and other state their biggest issue with Nintendo is that they don't get the big 3rd party exclusive games.  It's the investors that are clamoring for Nintendo to release their games on iPhone/android devices on a free-to-play model, but you have to bear in mind that they care less about the longevity of the company and more about how much they can get their stock value to rise and higher dividends on their shares.

1832

Podcast Discussion / Re: Episode 372: Mystic Quest is (Not) Okay

« on: March 04, 2014, 02:34:41 PM »

I wonder if the FTC would even approve of selling the XBox division to Sony or Nintendo.

At the risk of getting close to political talk, I severely doubt they'd block it.

1833

TalkBack / Re: Pennzoil Announces Partnership with Nintendo

« on: March 04, 2014, 01:06:28 PM »

I really, REALLY thought I accidentally clicked the funhouse for a second after reading the article title.
 
That said, it's a neat idea.  I hope Nintendo continues to find creative ways to promote their stuff.  I still miss the days commercials like the old N64 Smash Bros were commonplace.

1834

General Gaming / Re: Batman: Arkham Knight

« on: March 04, 2014, 01:01:39 PM »

So, based on what I read on the Kotaku article, the main takeaways are:
 
 

• Release in 2014.
• Next Gen Platforms only (PS4/Xbone, No Wii U Version)
• Kevin Conroy reprising his role as Batman.
• Open world, and bigger than Arkham City.
• You can drive the Batcar.

I'll go ahead and admit that I'm not too enthusiastic about the game (I thought the open world in Arkham City was the wrong direction), but I'll watch with curiosity as more info becomes available.
 
 

1835

General Gaming / Re: What are you playing?

« on: March 04, 2014, 12:52:34 PM »

Started-up The Last of Us on Friday.  Without trying to spoil anything, that damn prologue hit me much harder than it would have if I weren't a parent.  I don't find the gameplay particularly amazing, but I'm pulled into seeing what happens to these characters.

Gotta disagree about what you think of the gameplay, but I look forward to see what you think about the story. Some advice: slow down. Walk through all non-combat moments in the game. It allows you to relax and explore the area better, and you might even set off new interactions between Joel, Ellie, and the various characters you meet on your journey. Even after a fight, I tend to look over the battlefield for secrets, supplies, and character moments that I might miss.

Oh, and turn off Listen Mode. It makes it a far better and more balanced game.

I just got to the point where you're teamed with Ellie, so I don't think I'm rushing.  Given that I'm this early in the game, I'm sure I haven't played long enough to get the nuances of the gameplay, so I'll reserve judgement on that.  Thanks for the tips, I'll definitely try to pace myself.
 
I'll post back with more thoughts once I've gotten a chance to play more this upcoming weekend.
 

1836

General Gaming / Re: IP infringement in mobile games

« on: March 03, 2014, 01:24:00 PM »

You ask more questions than a six year old.

That's a bit unnecessary.  He's not being disrespectful in his questioning, why provoke like that?

Because for like the 50th time, there is a goddamn thread for questions like these, and nobody seems to remember that.  He shouldn't make a new thread every time a question pops in his head.

At the very least, can we make a thread specifically for HIS questions? This is a serious suggestion.

Yes, there is an old thread for "random questions that don't deserve their own thread", but i'd argue:
 
1)  It's not enough of a faux pas to warrant getting so upset about if they're not posted there, and
2)  The NWR forums aren't so active that a thread here is going to push down a thread with substantive conversation.
 
There have been cases where tendoboy posted several threads at a time with simple questions, but in this case, it has been contained to one thread anyway. 
 
I just think being respectful of others outside of the funhouse isn't that hard of a thing to ask.  Cmon, Oblivion, this isn't something that warrants being so antagonistic about.

1837

Nintendo Gaming / Re: The Ultimate Showdown of Outcasted Consoles: Wii U vs Vita

« on: March 02, 2014, 10:06:56 PM »

The Wii U will probably have better sales, unless the Vita is able to successfully piggyback upon Playstation 4's success with connectivity features (I doubt it).


That said, I'm enamored with my Vita, and have played it MUCH more than my 3DS as of late.  It's an awesome handheld, and it's too bad it hasn't gotten more widespread acceptance.

1838

General Gaming / Re: What are you playing?

« on: March 02, 2014, 10:01:08 PM »

Started-up The Last of Us on Friday.  Without trying to spoil anything, that damn prologue hit me much harder than it would have if I weren't a parent.  I don't find the gameplay particularly amazing, but I'm pulled into seeing what happens to these characters.

1839

Podcast Discussion / Re: Episode 372: Mystic Quest is (Not) Okay

« on: March 02, 2014, 09:51:10 PM »

Fun episode, Donald added an interesting new personality to the discussion.  Why the hate, James?  I think an NWR - the forums podcast is a great premise.

All joking about Mystic Quest aside, any info on the next planned retroactive?

1840

General Gaming / Re: IP infringement in mobile games

« on: March 02, 2014, 03:57:50 PM »

You ask more questions than a six year old.

That's a bit unnecessary.  He's not being disrespectful in his questioning, why provoke like that?

1841

General Gaming / Re: IP infringement in mobile games

« on: March 01, 2014, 06:58:38 PM »

My guess is that so many games are released on the mobile store that it would be too daunting a task for them to track down & unlist every game that isn't a blatant rip-off.  Maybe they rely on the IP owners to submit a request prior to unlisting a game or app.

1842

TalkBack / Re: Nintendo Wi-Fi Connection Shutting Down on May 20

« on: February 27, 2014, 11:59:42 AM »

Back in my Day you just needed the other person's Phone Number.

You just brought back a flood of memories playing Diablo 1 & Warcraft 2 online, having to play late at night so my using the phone line wouldn't piss off my parents.
 
This doesn't affect me personally, but this is one of the consequences of having games that hinge on the online services to offer the full experience.  Reminds me of Demon's Souls, and how they've planned to shut down their servers several times, only for the rabid fanbase of the game to pitch a fit until they relented.
 
I wonder how long they'll support the Wii virtual console service...there are a LOT of games I've been meaning to download/try off of there, and i'd hate to see them evaporate from thin air and being left with Wii U's paltry offerings.
 
 

1843

NWR Forums Discord / Re: Let's talk about politics guys*

« on: February 25, 2014, 02:08:26 PM »

If George W. Bush was half the president many Democrats wanted him to be, he would have been 3'0".

Would he also be renamed to Geo V. Shrub?

1844

NWR Forums Discord / Re: Let's talk about politics guys*

« on: February 24, 2014, 08:30:27 PM »

1845

Podcast Discussion / Re: Episode 371: Ghost Commander

« on: February 24, 2014, 12:23:20 PM »

Enjoyed listening.  It seems like there was some dissonance when Garnett mentioned that as a game journalist or part of the gaming media, all statements made should be considered you speaking on the behalf of the organization you work for, with Jonny seeming to disagree, or at least wishing those who worked with developers/publishers would be comfortable with being more candid instead of reading from the script.
 
While I see Jonny's point of how nice it'd be for them to do so, I think Garnett is right.  The current state of affairs in gaming journalism means that anything that someone who works for a pubilsher/developer says can blow up into a "story".  It's unfortunate, because clearly most people in these positions are gaming enthusiasts and it would be neat to have more insight, but when you work in a corporate environment, especially one as beholden to the internet as gaming, it forces these companies to really push to toe a line.
 
This is something that is commonplace throughout all of the corporate world.  I'm considered to be representing myself not only as lolmonade, but lolmonade, who works at X, so if my company found I was being too flagrant or inappropriately representing our comany with my social media use, they could have grounds to fire me if I have enough of a public presence.  It's just that no one cares who I am or what my opinions are, at this point : .

1846

General Gaming / Re: Twitch Plays Pokemon

« on: February 19, 2014, 08:39:30 PM »

I've pretty much had the stream on at all times since about 17 hours into it. /r/twitchplayspokemon is probably my favorite place on the internet right now.

If you view it by itself, it is a little boring, but look it at the whole and when you add the amazing fanart and how quickly its chugged out, its a fucking blast.

All hail Bird Jesus and praise helix!

I periodically check for updates at /r/twitchplayspokemon.  There isn't much fun in watching the twitch stream unless you're actively voting, and even then it's a practice in frustration.  Hopefully someone creates a summary youtube video that mixes some of the occurrences in the game with the great fan art & in-jokes.  That said:

1847

General Gaming / Twitch Plays Pokemon

« on: February 19, 2014, 04:09:07 PM »

Has anyone been keeping track of this?  I watched for a few minutes last night and got bored, but I find the fanbase reaction facinating & hilarious.

1848

NWR Forums Discord / Re: My butt is asleep.

« on: February 16, 2014, 10:41:43 PM »

Does your butt snore when it's asleep?

1849

Podcast Discussion / Re: Episode 370: The Contemplative Podcast

« on: February 16, 2014, 10:37:52 PM »

Regarding the short questioning of if there is a law requiring a non-Japanese country to have an office space in Japan to do business during the region-lock email: If my memory serves me, there aren't any laws requiring this, but most international companies will make an agreement with a Japanese company because it makes the business transaction process easier to partner with a Japanese country who has local ties than trying to build a trustworthy brand name recognition with the local population, or who will have a more efficient distribution set-up.


I can see both sides of the argument regarding what the RFN crew want out of a Nintendo console.  Clearly, the strategy of Nintendo doing what they want with their consoles & telling 3rd parties their plans isn't working well (I'm in Jonny's camp that a PS4 hardware/online infrastructure with Nintendo games would be the "perfect" console for me), but I feel Nintendo has tried to be a trendsetter, trying to shape their console around where they want the video game console landscape to be, and believing the consumers/3rd parties will follow them.  This clearly has produced mixed results, but I don't feel I'm in a place to play armchair game industry analyst and make a good suggestion on which is the right way to go.

1850

NWR Forums Discord / Re: Its All Work Related!!

« on: February 15, 2014, 06:40:44 PM »

CTRL, ALT, Arrow Key


- Flip your co-worker's screen upside down, and if they don't know what you did, watch as they come back to their desk completely confused.






Additionally, if a co-worker walks away from their desk without locking their computer, take a screenshot of their desktop, & use that screenshot as their desktop background.  Then hide the task bar & icons.  They'll come back and be confused why nothing works.  Watch them lose their minds as they think their computer froze, then restart and find it hasn't fixed anything, then have to call the help desk hotline.