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Episode 297: Hippy Shows

by Billy Berghammer, James Jones, and Guillaume Veillette - July 8, 2012, 12:02 pm EDT
Total comments: 69

Jon is gone. Jonny is gone. Billy is here. James is in charge. What could go wrong?

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With Jon still stranded on a beach somewhere, and Jonny lost deep in the heart of NYC, James and Guillaume find comfort in the warm embrace of NWR founder Billy Berghammer. 

Billy uses this platform as his chance to reflect on the E3 that was - and to solicit our thoughts on what is widely considered a bit of a disappointing show. He also has impressions from Mario Tennis Open and Gravity Rush. Guillaume hates on Popcap Games, with Billy leading a spirited defense of the EA subsidiary's works, and discusses being the "co" in Super Mario Galaxy's co-star mode. James rounds out new business with a look-back on a Game Boy game from his past, Kid Dracula, a Konami-produced self-parody of Castlevania games.

In listener mail, the trio discuss Nintendo in the world of the $100 million video game, Nintendo in the world of downloadable games, and practical purchasing advice for the RPG-gamer on the go.

As always, we value your input - so write us an email with questions or comments on all things gaming - or not about gaming. We love your mail, so keep sending it.

This podcast was edited by Guillaume Veillette.

Music for this episode of Radio Free Nintendo is used with permission from Jason Ricci & New Blood. You can purchase their newest album, Done with the Devil, directly from the record label, Amazon (CD) (MP3), or iTunes, or call your local record store and ask for it!

Additional music for this episode of Radio Free Nintendo is copyrighted to Nintendo, and is included under fair use protection. 

Talkback

Disco StuJuly 08, 2012

I predict a Connectibites v. RFN throwdown.

roykoopa64July 08, 2012

Hm, I subscribe to the iTunes version but this one didn't have chapter stops for me, should I try to re-download?

Pixelated PixiesJuly 08, 2012

'Ahgghh, you bitch!'

Hilarious.

Great episode guys. I completely agree with you Gui about how games journalists gush over games like P vs. Z (which is an ok game) and yet nobody (outside of NWR) talks about Fluidity or Bit.Trip Runner, both of which are for me among the best downloadable games ever released for consoles. It's pretty frustrating.

Are we going to have to get Jeff Green on for a rebuttal?

(Please say yes.)

Quote from: roykoopa64

Hm, I subscribe to the iTunes version but this one didn't have chapter stops for me, should I try to re-download?

I'm sorry, I don't know what happened, but I've fixed it now. Please re-download.

Thanks Gui.

LithiumJuly 08, 2012

@ the plants vs zombies discussion

Welcome to life as a Nintendo fan, Guillaume.

Quote from: Lithium

@ the plants vs zombies discussion

Welcome to life as a Nintendo fan, Guillaume.

Haha. Ohhh, this opinion isn't new, I've waited for a long time for a soapbox to say it. PvsZ is neat, but good lord, there were so many quick fun games that came out at the same time as the XLBA version, and then the iPad version...

Fantastic show, guys!


My absence had nothing to do with hippie shows, which I attended the days before and after recording. I'd actually just finished dinner and left my friend in Manhattan to get back to his apartment in Jersey to do RFN. I was having a pretty bad day (mainly due to losing my 3DS, which I'll discuss next episode) and was eagerly looking forward to doing the podcast and having Billy on. I got back to the apartment and found that I'd forgotten to get the keys from my friend, and he'd forgotten to give them to me. There was nothing else to do but call in my situation and head back to the city. (Recording would have been nearly over by the time I could get the keys and come all the way back again.) I was despondent the rest of the night after making a serious effort to do the show and still screwing it up. Thankfully, my colleagues are true pros and took care of business anyway.

Pixelated PixiesJuly 09, 2012

@Jonnyboy117

Bummer man. With Nintendo's profile system (or lack there of) the way it is I'm really not looking forward to the day that I lose my 3DS (I lose everything, it's just a matter of time) and with it all the eShop games I've bought. I'm sure you'll be discussing this on the next episode but do you know whether or not Nintendo have any contingency in place for when this happens?

NEVER ACCUSE ME OF PROFESSIONALISM!

Quote from: Pixelated

I'm sure you'll be discussing this on the next episode but do you know whether or not Nintendo have any contingency in place for when this happens?

With a police report.

Yes, I'm serious. At least they could move my Ambassador status over, having been down this road already.

Pixelated PixiesJuly 09, 2012

Quote from: Shaymin

Quote from: Pixelated

I'm sure you'll be discussing this on the next episode but do you know whether or not Nintendo have any contingency in place for when this happens?

With a police report.

Yes, I'm serious. At least they could move my Ambassador status over, having been down this road already.


Ahh, right. That seems kinda weird. Although I guess because the 3DS doesn't have a profile which can be recovered they needed to find a way to dissuade people from just calling up and reporting their system lost in order to get eShop purchases put on to multiple systems. It really is a shame they don't just implement a proper profile system, with a gamertag and password.

Pixelated PixiesJuly 09, 2012

Quote from: Crimm

NEVER ACCUSE ME OF PROFESSIONALISM!


...but... the description above your icon says NWR Staff Pro.

Hey Einstein!July 09, 2012

Quote from: Pandareus

I've waited for a long time for a soapbox to say it. PvsZ is neat, but good lord, there were so many quick fun games that came out at the same time as the XLBA version, and then the iPad version...

I mean no disrespect to you, but I am confused as to why you put the time into playing the co op when it's a game you don't much care for. When you finished discussing it I couldn't help thinking
"So... why did Gui want his girl friend to play this?"
Or is this one of those games like inFamous 2 where you did actually enjoy playing it but had a lot of criticisms?
Goodness knows I have played my fair share of games where I felt like that.


I for one loved ios PvsZ. The solo campaign is slight but as I recall it rewards a second play through and the bonus content was a lot of fun that's been added to since. It had me hooked for a good while.
Although I think I must have enjoyed it a lot more than you did I have never wanted to buy it on another system.

Quote from: Hey

I mean no disrespect to you, but I am confused as to why you put the time into playing the co op when it's a game you don't much care for. When you finished discussing it I couldn't help thinking
"So... why did Gui want his girl friend to play this?"
Or is this one of those games like inFamous 2 where you did actually enjoy playing it but had a lot of criticisms?
Goodness knows I have played my fair share of games where I felt like that.

It's an enjoyable game with good music and cute art. I've said as much on the show. And the fact that it's easy and exploitable becomes a plus when you're trying to figure out what game to play with someone who hasn't played as many games as you have.

Plus, I knew we were going to play games together, but I hadn't really planned anything in advance. I figured I'd watch her play Wind Waker but she didn't really want to, so I went "let me look at what I have".

I went for the PSP last Christmas and was able to get kitted out for about $140 with a 16GB card (brand new 3000 + microSD + memory stick adapter). The 3000 is the best bet because in my experience, the used games are usually SquareEnix ones that aren't on PSN.

The Tactics redo and Tactics Ogre are on PSN ($10) but the Final Fantasy 1 remake isn't, same with Kingdom Hearts, the Valkyrie Profile/Star Ocean remakes and Crisis Core. And I wouldn't wish Final Fantasy 2 on my worst enemy (though Chozo should check it out).

But yes, abuse the hell out of the July Atlus sale (Personas and the entire Department Heaven strategy RPG series runs about a new PS3 game altogether). Also, XSeed's Tales in the Sky was in my GOTY discussion for 2011, and that's pretty cheap now.

KDR_11kJuly 09, 2012

I bought PvZ once (on the PC, a few hours before launch, got Heavy Weapon Deluxe as a bonus for "preordering"), played it to death and that was it for me, never got another version. Not for me, that is: My mother played that game too and the last version she got was the DSiWare one. She has real trouble with that game, while people like you or me just blazed through it she's facing real trouble even in fairly easy levels. And then there's World of Goo which every PC gamer probably owns about five times over by now.


I think some long burner games may have broken the 100M$ barrier, especially MMORPGs (APB might have, for example). However from what I heard you need to sell 100k copies for every million dollars in dev cost to break even (due to the various other expenses that aren't part of the dev cost) so when you're talking about 100M$ games it's not enough to sell two million copies. Of course the math differs for subscription games like MMORPGs. Nintendo is in a unique position here I think, their major franchises are already fairly stylized and simple graphics-wise (even in HD Kirby is just a sphere) which reduces the work needed to create those assets. Their games aren't weaker sellers for it though, the NSMB games sell on the level of Call of Duty.


Wasn't transfaring already attempted with the PSP? Nobody did it there either. I guess most people simply don't have demand for that kind of thing.


Konami loves (or at least loved) making self-parodies. Between Wai Wai World and Parodius a game like Kid Dracula looks quite sane. I had Parodius on the GB, the joke of the final boss was lost on me because I had the gameboy version of Gradius which had varied bosses and a final boss that actually shot back.

Hey Einstein!July 09, 2012

Quote from: Pandareus

It's an enjoyable game with good music and cute art. I've said as much on the show. And the fact that it's easy and exploitable becomes a plus when you're trying to figure out what game to play with someone who hasn't played as many games as you have.

Plus, I knew we were going to play games together, but I hadn't really planned anything in advance. I figured I'd watch her play Wind Waker but she didn't really want to, so I went "let me look at what I have".

Cheers for responding. I usually bust out Beatles Rock band or Wario Ware in the same situation. Been meanign to try to twist a few arms to try the multi player on ios Chu Chu Rocket too.

Uncle_OptimusJuly 09, 2012

Quote from: Shaymin

I went for the PSP last Christmas and was able to get kitted out for about $140 with a 16GB card (brand new 3000 + microSD + memory stick adapter). The 3000 is the best bet because in my experience, the used games are usually SquareEnix ones that aren't on PSN.

The Tactics redo and Tactics Ogre are on PSN ($10) but the Final Fantasy 1 remake isn't, same with Kingdom Hearts, the Valkyrie Profile/Star Ocean remakes and Crisis Core. And I wouldn't wish Final Fantasy 2 on my worst enemy (though Chozo should check it out).

But yes, abuse the hell out of the July Atlus sale (Personas and the entire Department Heaven strategy RPG series runs about a new PS3 game altogether). Also, XSeed's Tales in the Sky was in my GOTY discussion for 2011, and that's pretty cheap now.

About Ellen's question, PSP is definitely the way to go if you are content playing the older RPGs (and there sure are plenty of great ones on that platform...TACTICSOgreKoffkoff).
That said, she should still give a strong look at this upcoming 3DS XL (or 3DS if the added cost is untenable):
-if she hasn't played the DS' own strong library of RPGs (includes juicy exclusives like the Pokemans, the Etrian Oddysseys and the Dragon Quests); and they should look great on the new XL screen.
- if she will miss Nintendo games or any new games in general as PSP is no longer supported outside a few fringe Japan-only super niche titles. It's nice to participate in the excitement of a new outward release sometimes.

Additionally, and the crew has Talked about this at length in previous pods, but the 3DS will see great support this generation. Going by 2012 sales, It is shaping up to be Japan's premier traditional game platform. Combined with the fact that it is Monster Hunter 4's earthly avatar, strong Japanese software support is a given...and it sounds like those are the games she gravitates to.

My take on Ellyn's question:

The best mix of value and longevity is to start by catching up on some DS RPGs with the system you already own. James's list is a great starting point although it lacks some of the best ones, including FF4 and the four Dragon Quests on DS. Then wait for a Vita price drop. I say Vita over PSP not for new games but because it now supports PSone games including many great, cheap RPGs. And it still plays most of the PSP library of RPGs. Hopefully her new abode will have better online access compared to her current home, which she mentioned in a previous letter to the show.

Fiendlord_TimmayJuly 09, 2012

Get a PSP 3000. Here's my reasoning:

- It's cheaper than a Go or Vita.
- All PSP games are available on UMD, but not all are available for download.
- You could always buy a large memory stick and download games (which is cheaper than on Vita because of its proprietary memory cards).
- All PSone classics can be downloaded to PSP.
- Ellyn already said she has no interest in any Vita games.

I also asked my friend (who owns 62 PSP games, many of which are rpgs) which PSP rpgs he would recommend. He said:

Riviera: The Promised Land*
Hexyz Force*
Knights in the Nightmare*
Yggdra Union*
Final Fantasy I, II, IV Complete Collection, Dissidia 012 , Tactics
Half Minute Hero
Persona 1-3*
Legend of Heroes: Trails in the Sky
Ys 1, 2, 3, 6, 7
Kingdom Hearts: Birth by Sleep
Monster Hunter Freedom Unite
Gods Eater Burst

*All these are on sale this month on PSN.

Many PS1 rpgs are also available as classics, including FF7-9, Chrono Cross, Vagrant Story, Xenogears, Grandia, Wild Arms 1&2, Suikoden, Parasite Eve 1&2,  etc.

zoanthropicfrogJuly 09, 2012

Forum-lurker and letter-writer Ellyn here.

I've played most of the DS RPGs that are interesting to me now, though there is at least one or two others that I'll get sometime.

With regards to download titles, it's just been revealed to me that the price I'm paying for super-cheap accommodation is very limited internet access — faster and more reliable than at home, but I can only get to it through the heavily restricted hostel computers, so no wifi access for me. This means I'll only be able to download stuff maybe once or twice a month when I'm at home, when all the usual online problems kick in again (rural, satellite, capped, generally crappy). Even worse, I won't be able to download your podcasts on anything approaching a regular basis. GUH. HOW WILL I COPE.

Given all that, I'll be almost without exception limited to UMD. So Jonny, does your advice for the vita still apply? I'm guessing the PSone games and cheap RPGs are primarily download titles.

A pretty compelling case is being made for the PSP... I'll give it a lot more thought of course, because it's still quite a deal of money for me and I've never not been a Nintendo gamer, but it's looking more likely that it'll be the one I go for. Still, I'm going to have to make a point of finding a 3DS demoing at a shop somewhere one of these days, because I've never even seen one before outside of images.

Uncle_OptimusJuly 09, 2012

Ah so dl is pretty much off limits.
Will it be easy for you to get UMD games where you are? Do you need to get them shipped? Or are GameStop stores still within reach?
Just popped over to amazon and they have a handful of titles at 20-20 bux...some really cool ones (like Ys or SMT) are perhaps more rare.

There used to be a way to purchase downloads for PSP to a PC and transfer them to USB via cable. I don't know if that is still supported or if it works on Vita. But I also wouldn't assume that your hostel Internet will be the only choice. Most populated areas have some form of public WiFi, in coffee shops, libraries, university labs, hotels, etc.

zoanthropicfrogJuly 09, 2012

Optimus — Well, EB Games (Gamespot, basically) does sell a lot of secondhand stuff, and given that I'll actually be in town next year I'll have access to them, but methinks mainly it'd be Amazon and Ebay given I'm something of a niche gamer.


Jonny — that's much much more common in America than Australia (or at least my particular corner of it). It's only really McDonalds if you're looking for free access, and it's not all that conducive to downloads of that size. I might be able to get it at uni though, I hadn't thought of that.


To clarify: I won't be able to use the hostel computers for downloads at all, with the exception of things like pdf files for research. The quantity of blocked sites is ridiculous, because it's a government-funded thing specifically for students. Unfortunately that means no social networking sites, no iTunes and no game-oriented stuff. Great for productivity, but stupid when it comes to some areas of research — I won't even be able to access anything regarding illicit drug use, which is important for my area of study.

Ugh, not an ideal situation, zoanthropicfrog. I'd still try to get a memory stick for the PSP, Ellyn, because realistically, you won't be downloading games constantly. Perhaps getting one or two RPGs whenever you can is going to be enough.

I think it's a good idea to get a 3000 model. You get both downloads and UMDs. The only reason I talked so much about PSN was because it IS a good way to acquire a lot of the better RPGs. The prices are cheaper than you may think. Even when they're not on sale, the Persona games are no more than $20. Meanwhile on Ebay I see Persona 1 listed at $50.

And I wouldn't worry too much about not being into those non-Nintendo games. Given your love of 999, I really do think you'd have a blast with Persona 3 and a good number of the RPGs published by XSeed and Atlus.

My backlog of RPGs on the PSP is ridiculous, because of the constant sales. I keep telling myself I'll play through some of them before buying more, but they really are irresistible.

zoanthropicfrogJuly 09, 2012

Yeah, you have a point, Guillaume. I'd probably be able to ask my folks to download a game for me over the period of a week or so and send it up to me on a stick whenever it's done. Assuming that functionality is still supported, of course.

I'm convinced the Sony path is best, and probably the PSP. (Honestly it shows how trustworthy this site is that you guys are actually pointing me away from Nintendo!). I'm just not sure the Vita has enough extra that's relevant to me to justify the added cost, plus it doesn't support the entire PSP library. What price would you estimate it'll get down to? And how long down the track?

Really can't express how grateful I am that you're helping me out with this! Thank you so much.

Uncle_OptimusJuly 10, 2012

Harrumph *getTacticsogreAsap*...clearing throat*


When will the Vita see a price drop?
Two ways to look at it:
1) Sony, heading into the holidays and finally supported by some mainstream killer apps (Call of Duty, Assasins Creed), decide to ride out the end of the year and see if sales can rebound. This will be the systems first Xmas in the west after all. They adjust pricing following the holiday slowdown and perhaps on the back of their first hardware update.


2) Sony, heading into holidays with some potential barn burners, decides to market aggressively and include either a bundle w/ one of the above games and/ or a $50 price drop to spur strong sales in a "by Gwad it's now or never" mindset.


If I were them, I would do the price drop for the holidays or before.
A key rival is getting an attractive new model, and of course it will be iPhone 5 mania come fall and perhaps the release of a new Touch as well (itself an attractive game device). This is because, well...it IS now or never @-@

Uncle_OptimusJuly 10, 2012

You are in Oz, btw?
Which means ALL games are crazy expensive as is...does this extend to used games?


Btwn a PSP and Vita, assuming this is a 2 year dealio, I think you are set with the PSPs RPG content. There are multiple games there that weigh in over 50 hours and some that completists can spend over 100 with. A quick glance at eBay shows new 3000s sold at about $120...used units go for under $100.
If this will need to be your setup for more than a year or two, I would probably opt for a newer system ala Vita or 3DS because by then those platforms will have accumulated a good library of content. In this case you could work thru the cheap backlog, then jump in with the current gen stuff when the new hits are most likely already reduced in price.

zoanthropicfrogJuly 10, 2012

Yes and not sure, respectively. Used PSP games are in the 15-30 dollar range, sometimes straying into 40-50 depending on the title. With a quick look at EB Games' website right now, for example, I can see at a glance that Assassin's Creed: Bloodlines is selling for $15, which is the cheapest price available for anything.


I'll be living in this place for over four years if all goes to plan, so... I guess in that scenario a Vita may be best for long-term gaming. Euhh I have no idea I'm so confused.


Does the Vita support PSP UMDs or just downloads? I looked it up but couldn't find a definitive answer.

Vita doesn't support UMDs, only PSN downloads as far as PSP support.

Chocobo_RiderJuly 10, 2012

Billy, my man, I respect you a lot. I really do.  But what happened this episode? You voiced some opinions that I never thought I would hear on such a quality podcast.  No offense, but, I strongly disagree with the following opinions of yours:

-smartphone cross-platforming would help games on Nintendo systems
-designing a car/ship/castle/RPG party at work and playing it at home is a valuable feature
-HD ports/"remakes" are exciting
-Kid Icarus Uprising is not (very obviously) top-notch voice acting
-someone wants gaming on a budget and you suggest the Vita? yyyyiiiiikes.  That console is not even simply "$150 more" when you factor in the memory sticks.  Especially since she said she wanted to do a lot of downloadable games.

Gui, great job.  Thanks for politely challenging a lot of Billy's opinions that I disagreed with.

James, good job hosting, sir. 

broodwarsJuly 10, 2012

Quote from: zoanthropicfrog

Does the Vita support PSP UMDs or just downloads? I looked it up but couldn't find a definitive answer.

Well, it does and it doesn't, especially depending on where you live.  The hardware doesn't support UMDs, but Sony in Japan has the UMD Passport program that allows folks to register their UMD games and download the digital versions on the Vita for a discounted price.  Everywhere else, though, your UMDs are completely useless when it comes to the Vita.

Quote from: NinSage

Billy, my man, I respect you a lot. I really do.  But what happened this episode? You voiced some opinions that I never thought I would hear on such a quality podcast.  No offense, but, I strongly disagree with the following opinions of yours:

-smartphone cross-platforming would help games on Nintendo systems
-designing a car/ship/castle/RPG party at work and playing it at home is a valuable feature
-HD ports/"remakes" are exciting

I have to say I'm with Billy on at least these three, to varying degrees.

TJ SpykeJuly 10, 2012

Quote from: Uncle_Optimus

Two ways to look at it:
1) Sony, heading into the holidays and finally supported by some mainstream killer apps (Call of Duty, Assasins Creed), decide to ride out the end of the year and see if sales can rebound. This will be the systems first Xmas in the west after all. They adjust pricing following the holiday slowdown and perhaps on the back of their first hardware update.

I am sure COD will sell to the existing PSV fanbase, but I am not sure there are many people who would go out and buy one because COD is on it. I don't see it as a system seller for the PSV, basicall.

oksodaScott Thompson, Associate EditorJuly 10, 2012

Quote from: Disco

I predict a Connectibites v. RFN throwdown.

Well, since everyone on staff is essentially a Connectible, we have the edge in numbers. We should be fine as long as Jonny doesn't hit us with a debilitating peyote attack.

Chocobo_RiderJuly 10, 2012

@Insano

Cool.  Hit me with your reasons if you have time.

Billy's been tainted by MAINSTREAM. Hurry and stay away from him before he infects us all!

But seriously, I'm in the HD port/remake boat. I loved the crap out of OoT 3D and SF643D. I also love having the PS3 HD remakes/ports because I missed some PS2 games, and having prettied up and easily accessible versions of Sly Cooper/Jak and Daxter/Ico/SOTC is awesome.

Also, Billy obviously needs to play more Kid Icarus: Uprising. It's pretty clear when people haven't played much of it. It's balls-to-the-wall insane and awesome.

I do like Hd remakes of things I haven't played before, but it's highly unliky that Nintendo will chose to remake games I haven't played before.

oksodaScott Thompson, Associate EditorJuly 10, 2012

Quote from: Pandareus

I do like Hd remakes of things I haven't played before, but it's highly unliky that Nintendo will chose to remake games I haven't played before.

Well, we'll see what you have to say when an HD remake of Captain Rainbow gets announced.

Uncle_OptimusJuly 10, 2012

Quote from: NinSage

Billy, my man, I respect you a lot. I really do.  But what happened this episode? You voiced some opinions that I never thought I would hear on such a quality podcast.  No offense, but, I strongly disagree with the following opinions of yours:

-smartphone cross-platforming would help games on Nintendo systems
-designing a car/ship/castle/RPG party at work and playing it at home is a valuable feature
-HD ports/"remakes" are exciting
-Kid Icarus Uprising is not (very obviously) top-notch voice acting
-someone wants gaming on a budget and you suggest the Vita? yyyyiiiiikes.  That console is not even simply "$150 more" when you factor in the memory sticks.  Especially since she said she wanted to do a lot of downloadable games.

Gui, great job.  Thanks for politely challenging a lot of Billy's opinions that I disagreed with.

James, good job hosting, sir. 

-I agree Ninty should expand their development capability...seeding some small teams in an effort to research development on a software platform like iTunes would be an interesting initiative and perhaps even create some much needed new IP...but would send mixed messages to Nintys user base and shareholders. As such, they should at least seed more small teams for THEIR OWN dl platforms and perhaps they shall.
-Would love to see some more remake efforts...if, for example, they involve franchises like WaveRace, Panzer Dragoon or Actraiser. Pricing is an issue however...in this new age I say keep me digital and keep me cheaper than ground-up new projects.
-Vita is such a sticky issue...with its future presently cloudy in more ways than one (pricing, localized software support, SURVIVAL etc) but if you could afford it, it's a well equipped game system with access to a great back catalog. If at all possible, it would be worth waiting for Sony's next move tho!

Thanks for reminding me on this pt, btw:
Great job hosting in a pinch, James. And G-Man, you really shone this episode. I had the impression over the past few that you have been somewhat quiet, and this is probably because of adjustment (the absent John(y)s I am sure also played a role).
Always good to hear from Billy, too. When he comes on I feel it provides an interesting counterpoint...more Outside-Nintendo than the usual crew but with an obvious enduring deep attachment to Ninty games. Would also love to hear Chris Kohler drop in again.
Fun episode, guys!

CericJuly 10, 2012

Quote from: oksoda

Quote from: Pandareus

I do like Hd remakes of things I haven't played before, but it's highly unliky that Nintendo will chose to remake games I haven't played before.

Well, we'll see what you have to say when an HD remake of Captain Rainbow gets announced.

Instant Pre-Order.

Thanks for the words of encouragement/praise, guys. It means a lot. It's so easy to just focus on the lone anonymous troll, so it's good to know your work is appreciated by some people.

Quote from: Uncle_Optimus

And G-Man, you really shone this episode. I had the impression over the past few that you have been somewhat quiet, and this is probably because of adjustment (the absent John(y)s I am sure also played a role).

Part of it is Jonny talking a lot (and being interesting, so I listen).
Part of it is I'm still getting used to less-than-ideal skype connections (it's a wonder we can communicate at all!)
Part of it is fear of being a fraud.
Part of it is sometimes I just don't have a single damn thing to say, haha. Some of the topics we discuss I'm not particularly knowledgeable of or interested by. It's funny to me that the PSP would turn out to be one of the topics I probably came across as most passionate about.

Pixelated PixiesJuly 10, 2012

Quote from: NWR_Neal

Also, Billy obviously needs to play more Kid Icarus: Uprising. It's pretty clear when people haven't played much of it. It's balls-to-the-wall insane and awesome.


...its ah...insane alright. Not so sure about awesome, but it's definitely insane. I've played way more of that game than frankly I wanted to, because some people kept saying it was awesome and I like to give things a chance. I still don't see it. Fun game?...Yeah. Awesome game? I don't think so, but I still enjoyed it.

@Pandareus

Just to add my voice to what others here have said, you and James did a great a job. It's always appreciated.

Quote from: NinSage

@Insano

Cool.  Hit me with your reasons if you have time.

I just like the idea of being able to connect to games even when you're not actively playing them. This is obviously not going to work with every game, but I think it's neat to be able to bring stuff in from other areas. The NCAA Football games on 360 and PS3 let you do the work of the Create a School feature on a PC, where the interface is more conducive to it, and I think when that can be done it's a nice feature.

This extends into the smartphone point, where I think connectivity could be beneficial in certain instances. I'm certainly not suggesting Nintendo make games for smartphones, but other companies have games that are on both and it could be nice if they interacted, which could increase interest in the version on Nintendo platforms.

As for HD remakes, I want to play Wind Waker in HD and widescreen, and I wouldn't be opposed to others. I don't want there to be a ton of them, but I think they're a good, quick and easy way to get teams accustomed to developing for the Wii U and can fill early gaps in the release list.

Fiendlord_TimmayJuly 10, 2012

As a younger gamer, remakes have been really great for me because I can go back and play great games that I would probably not have played otherwise. For example, the first time I got to play all the early Mario and Final Fantasy games was on GBA. I think it's great that awesome games like Ocarina of Time and Star Fox 64 are available so that kids can play them and get into older games just like I did as a kid.

Also Guillaume, I just wanna say that even when you were still just a guest, I was always happy when you were on. It's great that you're humble, and you're understandably nervous. But don't worry about being a "fraud." You've already shown that you're smart, funny and all around a great addition to the show. Just keep in mind that for every outspoken troll, there are twenty silent fans with nothing but nice things to say.

Chocobo_RiderJuly 11, 2012

Quote from: NWR_Neal

Also, Billy obviously needs to play more Kid Icarus: Uprising. It's pretty clear when people haven't played much of it. It's balls-to-the-wall insane and awesome.

Agreeeeeed!

@Insano

But is that really important? I mean, the idea of smartphone integration seems about as important as the shape of the hardware.  Sure, it might be nice, but is that ultimately what we're going to be griping about at the end of the day?

As for remakes...

@well, mostly everyone

I can't believe my (virtual) ears.  Doesn't everyone break out the pitchforks and torches when Nintendo remakes/releases old games?  Doesn't everyone get all pissy when any platform's launch line-up largely (and, in that case, sensibly) consists of remakes/ports?

Plus, unless the remake is truly lazy (which, granted, many are) that means resources are taken away from what would otherwise be a new game.

Recently a friend of mine was tickled pink that NiGHTS into Dreams was getting an HD remake.  Now, I looooove that franchise.  But, when I heard that news it was met with an overwhelming *yaaawn*.  I don't want SEGA to spend time making HD assets for a game that is still perfectly enjoyable on the flippin' Sega Saturn.

What I'm getting at is, I don't need the wheel re-invented (yay NSMBU/2!), but if given the choice between a new game and a remake... I'll take a new game every time.

Your opinions are all worthwhile and valid... I'm just very surprised to be hearing them!

For the last time, it's never a choice between a remake and a new game. Of course you'd rather have a new game than a remake, and so would Nintendo, but the resources aren't always there to do it. Remakes are quick and relatively cheap and easy and can fill holes in a lineup. They're not replacing a new game, they're replacing an empty space in the release list.

NeifirstJuly 11, 2012

Was it actually confirmed by Nintendo that they cut a couple of dungeons from Wind Waker?  I've read that for years, but wasn't sure if it was true or not.  If it is, then I would welcome a Wind Waker HD release that added back content originally planned for the game.  A simple up-res port is not that interesting to me personally.

broodwarsJuly 11, 2012

Quote from: NinSage

@well, mostly everyone

I can't believe my (virtual) ears.  Doesn't everyone break out the pitchforks and torches when Nintendo remakes/releases old games?  Doesn't everyone get all pissy when any platform's launch line-up largely (and, in that case, sensibly) consists of remakes/ports?

Plus, unless the remake is truly lazy (which, granted, many are) that means resources are taken away from what would otherwise be a new game.

Nintendo seems to be the only publisher these days who has trouble releasing new games along with the ports/remakes.

Personally, I like the HD remakes, especially Sony's since (for the most part) the games being "remade" are games I didn't play last gen like Jak & Daxter; Ico; Ratchet & Clank; Oddworld: Stranger's Wrath; the God of War PSP games; etc.  And even in the case of games I did play last-gen, getting to play those in a fashion that doesn't look like a blurry, jagged mess on my HD TV is very nice, as are the occasional extras and achievements that get included on those collections.  Plus, in the case of games like Shadow of the Colossus, the "remakes" allow developers to make their games more playable on more modern consoles that can actually run them better.

I would be fine with Nintendo putting out HD Collections of their own on par with the Metroid Prime Trilogy, so long as those are merely complements to a robust lineup of new software.  And considering all the teams Nintendo has working on games, I don't see why they couldn't.  But then again, I've never understood why Nintendo has been so reluctant to releasing content on their Virtual Console services in the last few years, either.

EDIT: And that's something else, actually: if Nintendo does "HD remakes" of their own, they need to be "Collections" of multiple games rather than "$40 for Ocarina of Time or Star Fox 64" like we saw on 3DS.

People can't really easily play NiGHTS on Saturn. That HD port/remake/whatever-it-is is totally warranted. I know I'm excited to actually have an opportunity to play a great game on a system I never owned.

I'd much rather prefer a new game of course, but as long as the ports/remakes are well done, I have no issue with bringing out a classic for a new audience. Or giving me an excuse to replay an old game with shiny new graphics.

Uncle_OptimusJuly 11, 2012

Agreed that Nights especially is in that group due for the hirez treatments.
Personally I dont have issue with these projects since they generally (in addition to some very good reasons already given) serve a certain market that desires to relive and replay classic experiences as well as allows a publisher to reintroduce and gauge interest in a dormant franchise.


In the case of Sega in particular I am happy they are still taking smaller initiatives such as this after all the Doom and gloom recently surrounding their operations. For a while there they had me thinking they would only support a small handful of proven cash cows.

CericJuly 11, 2012

The Whole Saturn Line-up is hard to play and I have a Saturn, that I never hooked up because I couldn't find non-sports games.

Panzer Dragoon and NiGHTS be a big deal for me.

roykoopa64July 11, 2012

I'll echo the other comments and say great job you guys (you too Guillaume  ;) )!

James, how cool you found those old Game Boy games. I enjoyed hearing you talk about Kid Dracula. After seeing it in Nintendo Power I always wanted to play it but never did. I would love to see it on the VC.

gojiraJuly 11, 2012

I wouldn't be surprised at all if Kid Dracula showed up on the VC.  It's not any more niche than Sword of Hope II or a handful of other gameboy games that have already come out on the service.

I may be mistaken, but I would expect Nintendo to release Gamecube games as downloadable for Wii U as direct ports, nothing more, nothing less.  I know they have done much more with the 3DS OOT & Starfox 64 ports, but as someone has already touched here, their primary goal with ports may be more about giving accessibility to prior generation games moreso than improving on the original product, and I bet the price point of a straight port would be much more attractive than an HD update/remake.

Agree with the sentiment that Nintendo remakes aren't my personal preference.  Not that certain ones wouldn't be appreciated, but to me they would be more a complimentary pro to having the Wii U than a reason to purchase one.

CericJuly 12, 2012

Quote from: lolmonade

I may be mistaken, but I would expect Nintendo to release Gamecube games as downloadable for Wii U as direct ports, nothing more, nothing less.
...

So F-Zero will restart for no reason and Metroid Prime will go all weird artifacty for that authentic GCN feel?

Quote from: Ceric

Quote from: lolmonade

I may be mistaken, but I would expect Nintendo to release Gamecube games as downloadable for Wii U as direct ports, nothing more, nothing less.
...

So F-Zero will restart for no reason and Metroid Prime will go all weird artifacty for that authentic GCN feel?


Metroid Prime isn't something I can comment on, as i've never played anything from that series, but I can say that I've logged dozens of hours in F-Zero GX and have never had that issue with it.

My take-home point is that it seems that as of late Nintendo seems to have made focus of their decisions based on improving shareholder confidence (2 2D Mario Platformers in one year?).  To me, it would make more sense to expand the Wii U's version of virtual console to include Gamecube games and give the same treatment that they gave Nintendo 64, SNES, & NES games.

CericJuly 12, 2012

Quote from: lolmonade

Quote from: Ceric

Quote from: lolmonade

I may be mistaken, but I would expect Nintendo to release Gamecube games as downloadable for Wii U as direct ports, nothing more, nothing less.
...

So F-Zero will restart for no reason and Metroid Prime will go all weird artifacty for that authentic GCN feel?


Metroid Prime isn't something I can comment on, as i've never played anything from that series, but I can say that I've logged dozens of hours in F-Zero GX and have never had that issue with it.

On My Cube it was so bad that I rarely ever completed a full race.  Though Mine also had a problem with Battalion Wars at times.

Quote from: Ceric

Quote from: lolmonade

Quote from: Ceric

Quote from: lolmonade

I may be mistaken, but I would expect Nintendo to release Gamecube games as downloadable for Wii U as direct ports, nothing more, nothing less.
...

So F-Zero will restart for no reason and Metroid Prime will go all weird artifacty for that authentic GCN feel?


Metroid Prime isn't something I can comment on, as i've never played anything from that series, but I can say that I've logged dozens of hours in F-Zero GX and have never had that issue with it.

On My Cube it was so bad that I rarely ever completed a full race.  Though Mine also had a problem with Battalion Wars at times.


That's too bad.  GX is definitely my favorite of the series.  Does it work ok on the Wii?

martyJuly 12, 2012

Quote from: Ceric

Quote from: lolmonade

Quote from: Ceric

Quote from: lolmonade

I may be mistaken, but I would expect Nintendo to release Gamecube games as downloadable for Wii U as direct ports, nothing more, nothing less.
...

So F-Zero will restart for no reason and Metroid Prime will go all weird artifacty for that authentic GCN feel?


Metroid Prime isn't something I can comment on, as i've never played anything from that series, but I can say that I've logged dozens of hours in F-Zero GX and have never had that issue with it.

On My Cube it was so bad that I rarely ever completed a full race.  Though Mine also had a problem with Battalion Wars at times.

F-Zero doesn't play nice with non-nintendo controllers or memory cards; I think Battalion Wars had the same problem.

CericJuly 12, 2012

Quote from: marty

Quote from: Ceric

Quote from: lolmonade

Quote from: Ceric

Quote from: lolmonade

I may be mistaken, but I would expect Nintendo to release Gamecube games as downloadable for Wii U as direct ports, nothing more, nothing less.
...

So F-Zero will restart for no reason and Metroid Prime will go all weird artifacty for that authentic GCN feel?


Metroid Prime isn't something I can comment on, as i've never played anything from that series, but I can say that I've logged dozens of hours in F-Zero GX and have never had that issue with it.

On My Cube it was so bad that I rarely ever completed a full race.  Though Mine also had a problem with Battalion Wars at times.

F-Zero doesn't play nice with non-nintendo controllers or memory cards; I think Battalion Wars had the same problem.

My Wavebirds and Stock Nintendo Memcard would like a word with you.

Uncle_OptimusJuly 13, 2012

Quote from: lolmonade

Quote from: Ceric

Quote from: lolmonade

I may be mistaken, but I would expect Nintendo to release Gamecube games as downloadable for Wii U as direct ports, nothing more, nothing less.
...

So F-Zero will restart for no reason and Metroid Prime will go all weird artifacty for that authentic GCN feel?


Metroid Prime isn't something I can comment on, as i've never played anything from that series, but I can say that I've logged dozens of hours in F-Zero GX and have never had that issue with it.

My take-home point is that it seems that as of late Nintendo seems to have made focus of their decisions based on improving shareholder confidence (2 2D Mario Platformers in one year?).  To me, it would make more sense to expand the Wii U's version of virtual console to include Gamecube games and give the same treatment that they gave Nintendo 64, SNES, & NES games.

I think they should do both :)
The 2-D Mario games are for driving overall revenue, so those were always incoming. The GC downloads have got to be on the horizon...now that the silly download limit is removed with the advent of dl retail titles, GC games can reasonably be sold for $15-20. Or hell, slap on some network play to GX or Blue Storm and charge $25 :p

Hey Einstein!July 13, 2012

Quote from: NinSage

Recently a friend of mine was tickled pink that NiGHTS into Dreams was getting an HD remake.  Now, I looooove that franchise.  But, when I heard that news it was met with an overwhelming *yaaawn*.  I don't want SEGA to spend time making HD assets for a game that is still perfectly enjoyable on the flippin' Sega Saturn.

Sorry, the following is a bit ranty.


I love NiGHTS and I still have it on my Saturn. What is not perfectly enjoyable is how Saturn games look on a new telly. What is even less enjoyable is setting up my Saturn and untangling all those cables as I don't have the space to keep more then 2 consoles set up at a time. So I would love a PSN HD remake of NiGHTS. Sadly I only play portable games these days so I won't be getting it. I wish it was coming to the 3DS.


Which is why I love portable remakes! This is the only way I will replay many of my favourite old games or play classics I missed.


AND FINALLY IN DEFENSE OF REMAKES:
Remakes make money for devs and publishers (or at least that is the idea). These companies need profits to survive and continue to make games, which I want them to do. There are plenty of new games if you don't want to buy a remake (unless it's a console launch of course, and even then you can always wait a few months).
It always bugs me in any industry when people expect main stream house hold names to operate like artistic, experimental indies. Successful indies are hugely influential on mainstream brands, they all have their place.
All I ask is that the products I pay for do not suck.

Hey Einstein!July 13, 2012

Quote from: Ceric

Quote from: marty

Quote from: Ceric

Quote from: lolmonade

Quote from: Ceric

Quote from: lolmonade

I may be mistaken, but I would expect Nintendo to release Gamecube games as downloadable for Wii U as direct ports, nothing more, nothing less.
...

So F-Zero will restart for no reason and Metroid Prime will go all weird artifacty for that authentic GCN feel?


Metroid Prime isn't something I can comment on, as i've never played anything from that series, but I can say that I've logged dozens of hours in F-Zero GX and have never had that issue with it.

On My Cube it was so bad that I rarely ever completed a full race.  Though Mine also had a problem with Battalion Wars at times.

F-Zero doesn't play nice with non-nintendo controllers or memory cards; I think Battalion Wars had the same problem.

My Wavebirds and Stock Nintendo Memcard would like a word with you.

Ditto.

Uncle_OptimusJuly 13, 2012

Quote from: Hey

Quote from: NinSage

Recently a friend of mine was tickled pink that NiGHTS into Dreams was getting an HD remake.  Now, I looooove that franchise.  But, when I heard that news it was met with an overwhelming *yaaawn*.  I don't want SEGA to spend time making HD assets for a game that is still perfectly enjoyable on the flippin' Sega Saturn.

...
AND FINALLY IN DEFENSE OF REMAKES:
Remakes make money for devs and publishers (or at least that is the idea). These companies need profits to survive and continue to make games, which I want them to do. There are plenty of new games if you don't want to buy a remake (unless it's a console launch of course, and even then you can always wait a few months).
It always bugs me in any industry when people expect main stream house hold names to operate like artistic, experimental indies. Successful indies are hugely influential on mainstream brands, they all have their place.
All I ask is that the products I pay for do not suck.

The ultimate defense for remakes...according to market response, Ocarina of Time 3D had some 2.7 million reasons to justify its remakey existence:
http://www.vgchartz.com/game/45731/the-legend-of-zelda-ocarina-of-time-3d/
...yes, I know VGchartz is not the most reliable.

Anyway, NinSage, one compromise to keep in mind is that companies don't seem to utilize their prime game-making assets (i.e. their top dev teams) on these remakes. Using the example above, Ocarina was developed by Grezzo, a relatively young but promising dev house. Having outside studios work on smaller projects like a remake/+port has many benefits, from freeing up top dev teams, providing the company a more reliable revenue stream and allowing the company to measure and build a relationship with an outside studio that can perhaps even grow into corporate matrimony one day :)
 

Can the recent Nintendo press release saying Ocarina of Time 3D just crossed 1 million units be the nail in the coffin for VGChartz? They're reporting 1.29 million, which even if Nintendo's numbers are only from the end of June, likely is off. I doubt OoT 3D sold a fifth of its sales in the past month.

Uncle_OptimusJuly 13, 2012

Quote from: NWR_Neal

Can the recent Nintendo press release saying Ocarina of Time 3D just crossed 1 million units be the nail in the coffin for VGChartz? They're reporting 1.29 million, which even if Nintendo's numbers are only from the end of June, likely is off. I doubt OoT 3D sold a fifth of its sales in the past month.

Strangely, they are closer on the overall worldwide sales figure...Nintendo reported 2.61 million units sold as of the end of March so I imagine the ensuing 3 months would bring it quite close to The VGChartz figure.
I have heard an awful lot about the sketchiness of their projections though and wish this could be cleared up. Do we at least know the general range of error on their figures? ...cuz judging by TOoT 3d, a +\- of 20% is not quite gettin 'er done...

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