Comments 272

Re: Feature: Meet Four Developers Making Brand-New Game Boy Titles In 2024

Banks

@JohnnyMind ah - great to hear from a backer! There’s clearly a lot of love being put into the game, I’ll be excited to see people’s thoughts on it. It was fascinating talking to folks all doing the same thing but in very different ways. Feels like a real moment for home brew stuff. Glad you enjoyed the piece!

Re: Talking Point: As A Nintendo Fan, Do You Really Need To Play The Virtual Boy?

Banks

@mattesdude I think the reporting of that hamstrung it from the start, it was dismissed because it was assumed that everybody would suffer the same effects. And you're right about the games - though they never had the chance to grow as developers got more accustomed to the device the games it did produce certainly stand shoulder to shoulder with other titles of the time.

Re: Talking Point: As A Nintendo Fan, Do You Really Need To Play The Virtual Boy?

Banks

@Maulbert I think this echoes what I said in the conclusion, no? It's definitely not for everyone, but if you're a fan of Nintendo when they get experimental and a bit weird I do think it's an experience worth seeking. I know that's not strictly within the parameters of the title if you want to be literal about it, but nobody NEEDS to - of course. Nobody needs to do anything they don't want to. Personally, when I first saw it I did think - I need to try this. As a fan of Nintendo I felt the need to try out this failure they produced to sate my curiosity, and I ended up enjoying it. And I think others share that feeling too.

Re: Poll: Box Art Brawl - Duel: Jack Bros. (Virtual Boy)

Banks

So happy this in on here! The fact that Jack Frost is covered up is heinous and his nipples are nightmare fuel but it's just much more exciting than the Japanese one, even if it does show the characters and the game's concept faithfully. If they were a bit bigger and bolder I'd go for it but against my expectations going in the US pips it for me. It's so bad it's good.

Re: Talking Point: As A Nintendo Fan, Do You Really Need To Play The Virtual Boy?

Banks

@KingMike I would love for someone to get to grips with Red Alarm and upscale it in a way that increases the depth of field and reduces its pop in. It feels like there's something good in there - it's just buried under technical limitations. Too obscure to ever happen though I would imagine.
I'm just hoping I find a Nintendo World Championship gold cartridge in a charity shop one day so I can retire like a king.

Re: Talking Point: As A Nintendo Fan, Do You Really Need To Play The Virtual Boy?

Banks

@sleepinglion I do love 3D urban champion, but you're right the output of titles like that certainly was lacking. It feels like twice they released 3D systems and both times never really had total faith in the concept (though obviously WILDLY different in terms of success and output). A shame as I think 3D is brilliant when it's done properly. Think we'll ever get one again?

Re: Talking Point: As A Nintendo Fan, Do You Really Need To Play The Virtual Boy?

Banks

@GalacticLad Jackbros' insane price is 100% down to it's rarity as opposed to it's quality. I enjoy it but it's not the best experience on the system. I think you've hit the nail on the head mentioning the difference between a 'worthy' and 'unique' experience. It's not a thing that demands attention but is fascinating enough to warrant attention when it's given.
Also - just had a listen to the course theme for golf over on youtube. Bonkers that whole soundtracks for the VB are on there. I assume you're referring to the course theme? It's brilliant! Gentle but persistent beat, lilting melody that travels unexpectedly so it's never too repetitive. I can certainly see someone getting into a sort of zen state while playing with that. Will look at picking the title up.

Re: Talking Point: As A Nintendo Fan, Do You Really Need To Play The Virtual Boy?

Banks

@somnambulance A very interesting question indeed. I suppose the Wii could've very easily been a similar story - but perhaps they learned their lesson from the VB and took the time to get it right. They had to, really. And they packed in the perfect title for it too - as opposed to an okay one.
The system would've been fantastic for a Metroidvania - opening up new areas in the foreground and background. Real head games. And the limited aesthetic would've served that sense of isolation the titles conjure up too. Gah - it's not fair! Who knows - maybe some brilliant mind is cooking up a homebrew title as we speak.

Re: Talking Point: As A Nintendo Fan, Do You Really Need To Play The Virtual Boy?

Banks

@gsilver The depth mechanic certainly adds some magic to Wario as it's utilised well and the sprite work is fantastic, without that it is a fairly standard game that sits alongside the series. Red Alarm had so much potential but the pop in is murder as it's in direct opposition to the concept of an open field to explore. I might tackle it one day but it's limits do test my patience.

Re: Talking Point: As A Nintendo Fan, Do You Really Need To Play The Virtual Boy?

Banks

@Croctopus Completely, totally baffling.
Novelty - yes. Bland, definitely not. There's not really anything else like it. Which probably speaks volumes, but you get my point. For me it's weird and interesting enough to warrant seeking out a play on it if you have the means. Such a shame you didn't get the opportunity when there was one around. And of course it doesn't dictate whether you're a fan or not! I think it's one for fans of weird Nintendo - of which I am a card carrying member.

Re: Talking Point: As A Nintendo Fan, Do You Really Need To Play The Virtual Boy?

Banks

@somnambulance I’d definitely buy a classic if they ever did it (zero chance I fear), such a shame more people can’t give it that go just to experience it. And I think what you say about a demo for the system is spot on - it barely got a chance for developers to properly get to grips with it and find out what it was really capable of. I sometimes wonder what an earth a Zelda, Metroid or Kirby would’ve been like. Or Pokémon! Throwing that ball into the distance would’ve been ace. We can only dream.