Comments 705

Re: Talking Point: What Are You Playing This Weekend? (January 22nd)

HexagonSun

On Switch, I'm playing Paper Mario and Banjo Kazooie. So far, I'm really enjoying the expansion pass. I already own an N64 with most of the games on the service, but I love having these games on a portable console. Tabletop with the N64 controller gives an authentic experience anywhere.

At home I'm playing Chrono Trigger, Super Mario RPG, and Earthbound on my Super NT.

Have a wonderful weekend everyone!

Re: Best Of 2021: Retro Nintendo Games Cost Too Much, But Nostalgia Is Expensive

HexagonSun

Buying retro is an investment in my entertainment future. I also buy dvd/blu-rays, music CDs and books. I love the convenience of streaming and digital collections like NSO, but I don't want to be overly reliant on an internet connection to entertain me.

About fifteen years ago I started getting serious about building my Nintendo collection instead of reselling. I luckily got most of it when prices were low, but I'm still collecting. I won't say what I paid for my copy of Chibi Robo, but it was worth it. These are games that I'll go back to for years to come.

It may seem like an expensive investment, but once your collection gets to a certain size, you'll see a substantial return. Not in reselling, but in being able to stay in and be entertained without having to spend a dime. For the last month, I've been playing Earthbound on my Analogue Super NT on my days off. There really is something special about being able to play a game the way it was intended. I get endless satisfaction from my modest collection.

Re: Talking Point: 5 Reasons That Nintendo Switch Is Still A Hot Product

HexagonSun

As someone who's had a Switch since launch, I still love the system. I just picked up an OLED to replace my ageing launch model and I couldn't be happier with it. The portability has gone from feeling like a convenience to being exciting. The Switch still manages to impress me. With such a large collection of fantastic exclusive software, I imagine it will stay relevant for while yet.

Re: Playtonic's Original Yooka-Laylee Game Is Getting A Follow-Up Title

HexagonSun

The first game was really a love letter to fans of N64 3D platformers. I think it was nearly as good as DK 64. They both have flaws and can get tedious, but even BK had many of those flaws. I still think the first Yooka Laylee was very enjoyable with the right attitude. I'm really glad they're going to take another stab at it.

@gaga64 I totally agree that Mario 64 is way better than BK. It's the gold standard of 3D platformers, as far as I'm concerned.

Re: Random: Nintendo's Switch Online 'Expansion Pack' Trailer Is Now Its Most Disliked YouTube Video Ever

HexagonSun

I think the criticism is way overblown. I do think we need in-app button mapping and a CRT filter for the N64 games. Otherwise, I've been having a blast playing N64 on the go. The games, for the most part, look way better than what I get out of my N64/Eon Super 64 setup.

As it stands, I think you have to be an Animal Crossing and N64 fan to really get the value out of the expansion. I imagine it will only continue to improve.

Re: Talking Point: What Are You Playing This Weekend? (October 30th)

HexagonSun

On Switch, I'm playing N64 expansion pass and Mario Party Superstars. On Oculus Quest 2, I'm playing Resident Evil 4 VR. It's amazing being able to play such a classic in VR. At home, I'm playing the original GameCube Animal Crossing and N64 Goldeneye. So many great games!

Have a wonderful weekend everyone!

Re: Review: Super Mario 64 - The Best Launch Game Ever Made

HexagonSun

My all-time favorite game. I'm playing through the expansion pass/NA version now. I've got two 120 star files on the All-stars/shindou version already. I've put who knows how many hours on the original N64 cartridge and DS remaster. It's just a fantastic game, no matter how you play it.

Re: Nintendo Switch Online Expansion Pack Release Date And Pricing Revealed

HexagonSun

Wow! The comments are so dramatic. For an optional tier to an existing (and inexpensive) service, some act like Nintendo is holding a gun to their head. Like any service, it's not going to feel worth it to everyone. I paid hundreds of dollars for VC games between the Wii, Wii U and 3DS. At least with NSO I can expect the service to migrate to Nintendo's latest console. I'll get the expansion for the same reason I pay for video streaming services. It's convenient and it just works. I personally find Nintendo's legacy content more appealing than most modern games. PS+ didn't feel worth it to me, but for many others it does. Different strokes...

Re: Every Nintendo Switch Online N64 Game Ranked

HexagonSun

I love the N64. Mario 64 remains my all-time favorite videogame since I first played it at a kiosk in Toys R Us. Even though I have the original system hooked up to my TV via an Eon Super 64, I can't help but be excited to finally play a 64 collection on Switch. With an N64 controller, no less. The NSO expansion can't come soon enough. I just hope I can get my hands on one of the controllers.

Re: Talking Point: Remember When People Thought Switch Would Fail?

HexagonSun

As someone who believed in the hybrid concept before Switch was announced, it felt like a dream come true. Before the Switch, I was mostly playing 3DS and Nvidia Shield tablet. I've been a huge Nintendo fan since the NES. I had a Wii U at home, but I work long hours at a group home. At night I have access to a TV, so the Switch is the perfect console for my lifestyle. That's what's so great about it. It fits any lifestyle. Nowadays, my home consoles are relegated to retro gaming. I hope Nintendo sticks with the hybrid model for years to come.

Re: Unavailability Of Classic Titles Is "Holding Game Culture Back", Says Platinum's Hideki Kamiya

HexagonSun

I prefer playing games on authentic hardware with the original software. Something is lost with emulation. It just doesn't feel the same. I can't blame those who take that route, but there's something about digging though my collection to find a cart or disc, putting it in the system, and instantly booting it up and playing with an original controller. I don't have to mess with emulator settings or worry about input lag.

Retro games, like blurays/DVDs and CDs, are an investment in my future entertainment. No internet connection, updates, or compatibility issues to worry about.

With all of that said, I do appreciate official rereleases, as long as they're handled well.

Re: Hardware Classics: Nintendo GameCube

HexagonSun

The GameCube was the first console I stood in line to get for the midnight release. I picked up Luigi's Mansion and Rouge Squadron 2 at the same time. I still love the Cube. As an older gamer, that generation still stands as the pentacle of home console gaming, as far as I'm concerned. Sure, graphics have improved, but the gameplay from that era has stood the test of time.

I eventually got a PS2 to go with my GameCube, but it was my secondary console. Besides a handful of key titles, it was mostly my DVD player. Not to say it was a bad system. My tastes are just more in line with Nintendo's offerings.

I keep my GameCube hooked up to my 4k TV via the excellent Retrobit Prism adapter. I still play it regularly.

Re: Talking Point: Switch Vs. PS5 And Xbox - Nintendo Preps For The Holidays With A New SKU And European Price Cut

HexagonSun

I'm looking forward to picking up the Switch OLED to replace my launch system. I'll get a PS5 down the road, as I skipped PS4. Sony has always been secondary to Nintendo for me. I usually only end up playing a handful of titles on each system. With the chip shortage, I probably won't be able to get a PS5 for a year or more. I'm in no rush. I would still end up playing Switch more, as I love Nintendo 1st party games and Switch is far more convenient.

Re: Nintendo Celebrates 20 Years Of GameCube In New Smash Bros. Event

HexagonSun

I love the GameCube. I have my GameCube with Gameboy player hooked up to my 4k TV via a Retrobit Prism. I still play it regularly. There are so many exclusive classics on the system. That was such a great time to be a gamer. Modern 3D games complete on the disc with no patching or DLC. It's a shame its games aren't more accessible. The games are so expensive now. I feel lucky to have such a nice collection with most of the must have 1st party games. Hopefully, Nintendo will rerelease its GameCube catalogue at some point.

Re: Talking Point: Nintendo's Business Remains Strong, But Is The Bloom Off Switch Lite?

HexagonSun

Most of my coworkers that have a Switch have Lites. Personally, I'm about to upgrade from the launch model to the OLED. I'm one of those few people that actually enjoy playing tabletop as much as handheld and docked.

If Nintendo want to sell cheaper hardware, a small docked only Switch console would be perfect for the $150 price point. There could be some sort of quick save file transfer for those who already own a Lite. I would stick with the all in one solution, but I could see that set up working really well for families.

Personally, I would like a Switch mini. Make it either a clamshell design or shrink it down to the size of a PSP. It would be nice to have a Switch that could be carried in the pocket.

Re: Valve Responds To 'Switch Vs Steam Deck' Comparisons, Insists It's "Going After" A Different Audience

HexagonSun

@Guitario That proves the point that the base model is extremely flawed. It only exists to create the illusion that the Steam Deck is affordable. Even with 512gb, it will fill up fast. I only recently bought a 500 gb SD card for my Switch and I have over 150 games for it. My card is currently around halfway filled. Physical games really alleviate the problem of storage. Switch games, on average, are also way smaller.

Re: Valve Responds To 'Switch Vs Steam Deck' Comparisons, Insists It's "Going After" A Different Audience

HexagonSun

I still think storage is going to be a nightmare on the Steam Deck. I can easily carry a huge library of games with me for Switch without the need for an expensive micro SD card or managing storage. With the Steam Deck the UI in a lot of games will be really hard to read on such a small low resolution screen. Switch games are built from the ground up with portability in mind. Steam Deck is also bulky and nearly twice as heavy as a Switch. Switch has portability built into the hardware. The price is also way too high for taking the Steam Deck out of the house. Especially for the high end models. There are more compromises to consider than just frame rate and graphical capabilities. Switch just works and a Switch Lite is $200 less than the low end Steam Deck. That's the real reason we don't have a Switch Pro. I could see the Steam Deck being popular with a small portion of gamers who don't mind tinkering with their system to get games running smoothly. Meanwhile, it will be a headache for people like me that just want to quickly choose a game from their library and start playing within seconds.

Re: Random: 'Switch Vs Steam Deck' Memes Are A Thing Now, Apparently

HexagonSun

The base model seems pretty useless out of the box, as storage will be an issue from the beginning. PC games are massive compared to the Switch. Even a 1tb micro SD card would fill up pretty quickly with high resolution assets that won't be utilized by the small 720p screen. The UI is also going to be a nightmare to read. It's obvious the base model was only created to make the Deck look more affordable. The Switch will be fine. The Deck seems like it will be a real headache to carry anything more than a few games at a time.

Re: Gabe Newell: Pricing Valve's Switch-Like Steam Deck Was "Painful"

HexagonSun

I have a hard time believing this will be anything more than a niche portable for those already invested in PC gaming. Not even Sony could dethrone Nintendo in the portable arena. The PSP was a bonafide console with dedicated software and mass appeal. The DS still vastly out sold it. As powerful as the Deck will be, the Switch just works. This seems like something that will require a lot of tinkering to get the most out of. Steam games weren't developed with portable play in mind, so things like UI, lower resolution screen and storage are going to keep this from being appealing to console and casual gamers. That said, I'm sure it will have a fanbase. Just not a massive one like the Switch. Nintendo has always done fine with underpowered handhelds.

Re: Talking Point: Our Favourites From E3 2021

HexagonSun

The best part of E3, for myself, is the knowledge that Nintendo is willing to start giving attention to some neglected series. The future is looking bright.

I'm most looking forward to Metroid Dread. I'm replaying the 2D series in anticipation. It's very exciting for those of us who've been waiting since Fusion for a new 2D entry.

I'm also looking forward to Advance Wars, as I skipped the series during its original release.

Warioware looks like a fun twist on the series. Cruis'n Blast looks like a really good arcade racer. Shin Megami Tensei V is shaping up nicely. Mario Party looks to be the best entry in a long time.

I'm a huge fan of early Super Monkey Ball, so I'm really excited for the remaster.

I'm looking forward to BotW 2, but I won't start getting really excited for it until it's a little closer to release.

All in all, I thought it was a fantastic E3.

Re: Feature: What's Your Most Treasured Club Nintendo Possession?

HexagonSun

I have most of the things listed in this article. My most treasured Club Nintendo item is the Super Mario Characters figurine statue. It was one of the platinum prizes for the year in the US. It came in a question mark box. It sits on a shelf with the rest of my Club Nintendo goodies. I miss Club Nintendo.

Re: Talking Point: What Are You Playing This Weekend? (June 12th)

HexagonSun

I missed Miitopia on the 3DS, so I'm thoroughly enjoying it on Switch. It's such a charming little RPG with an addictive gameplay loop.

I just picked up Game Builder Garage and did the first set of lessons. I wasn't sure if it would be my thing, but I was very pleasantly surprised. It feels like a pretty robust set of tools that isn't overly complicated. It's all very Nintendo. There's also some very catchy background music that sounds straight out of the Wii era. I'm looking forward to sinking some more time in on my days off

Other than those two, I'll probably play some Super Monkey Ball on the GameCube. Maybe do some multiplayer with the wife.

Have a wonderful weekend, everyone!

Re: Talking Point: When Was The Last Time A Game Cracked Your Top Five?

HexagonSun

I have too many favorite games to give a definitive list in order. My all-time favorite game is Super Mario 64 (N64 version).

My recent favorites are Super Mario Odyssey, Breath of the Wild, and Dragon Quest XI.

My all-time favorites after Mario 64 include Super Mario Sunshine, Earthbound, Mother 3, Paper Mario TTYD, MGS Sons of Liberty, MGS Twin Snakes, Super Monkey Ball, Super Mario NES trilogy, LoZ Twilight Princess, LoZ Ocarina of Time, Final Fantasy VI and VII, Chrono Trigger, Super Castlevania IV, Dragon Quest IV, V and VIII and Donkey Kong Country.

I'm positive I missed a bunch. There are just too many timeless classics to only pick five.