Comments 324

Re: Mortal Kombat 11 Patches Are Imminent, All Players To Receive In-Game Currency

Jawessome

The biggest issue I have with the Switch version of the game is that 80% of the darn thing is tied to being connected to the MK 11 servers. Wanna go for a browse through the nostalgia laced Krypt? Oh sorry - you gotta be online to do that. Want to customise a character? What? You're offline?! Oh.. sorry about that..

I get they are being strict about people exploiting currency, but it really kills the portable factor of the game when you can't do simple things without being online.

What's worse is since launch, I've only been able to connect to the MK 11 servers a handful of times. There doesn't seem to be a way to physically force the game to connect to the servers with a button - you just wait for things to magically happen in the background with nothing indicating you're connected or not until you attempt the aforementioned things I talked about above.

Oh and Frost is on the eShop for purchase despite the fact EVERYONE (preorder or not) will unlock her after beating chapter 4 of the story mode as Subzero. Now that's dangerously close to shady practices if you ask me.

Apart from that, the meat and bones gameplay - the actual fighting is excellent. This is coming from someone who intensely loved MK and walked away after MK 3.

Re: Mortal Kombat 11 To Receive Reward System Tweaks After Player Backlash

Jawessome

There’s ‘hate bandwagon’ but there’s also refusing to accept the status quo from companies trying to take advantage of the consumer. Of us. Look at WB and how they screwed players over in Shadow of War? The grind has finally been patched out. None of that would have happened were people just to accept it.

The outrage over lootboxes in Battlefront led to big changes to legislation which affected EA’s practice in many nations.

Where people are angry here in MK11 is Krypt is completely random now. In the past games, Krypt loot was designated to the box. You could read a guide and know exactly what is where. Ontop of that, there is TONS of useless filler such as hand sketched drawings of fatalities that looks like something a kid drew on a napkin.

People are pissed costumes and even locked fatalities are hiding somewhere in the Krypt and its a whole lot of grinding and even more luck to get them which means a stupid amount of time would be involved.

Consumers shouldnt expect this mechanic to work in their favour but its fair to voice their complaints. Its up to NR to listen for the sake of their relationship with their fans and customers.

I got MK11 on Switch and it shows an effort was made porting it across. Fights look and perform well. What I hate is the Krypt is linked to the MK11 servers and instead of earning things offline and being able to link back up when you find a connection, being offline gets you zip. Not future friendly..

More can be done and by the looks of it is being done by NR. Time will tell if they truly care about their playerbase but its better than no action.

Re: Feature: Our Favourite Memories Of The Original Game Boy

Jawessome

My first exposure to the Gameboy was the token school trip where some kid snuck a DMG-101 in to play on the bus. It was there I discovered the miracle of console gaming on the go in the form of Super Mario Land and Donkey Kong Land which I couldn’t believe was shrunk down to handheld mode.

The first game I ever got was Pokemon Red when it launched although I never owned a Gameboy as it was simply too pricey for my parents to afford.

Having owned a Super Nintendo, instead I was able to find a Super Gameboy in a gaming store a few hours away. I couldn’t get there in a million years so I overcame my sheepish phone manner and organised cash on delivery over the phone. I must have been 11 or 12!

A friend returned from Hong Kong in 1996 and brought back a black Gameboy Pocket with him which blew my mind. The screen! The form factor! Just two AAA batteries! It was a revelation.

I arranged to buy it off him and pay him off while I had it. It came with a 116 games in 1 cart and my go to was King of Fighters ‘95 - a gem of a game!

It ended up going back to my friend as it was clear I wouldnt be able to buy it off him but damn was it a fun lil gadget.

I wouldnt own another Nintendo handheld until the DS Lite in 2006!

Happy birthday Gameboy!

Re: Review: Nuclear Throne - Fans Of Enter The Gungeon Should Check This One Out

Jawessome

Okay deep breath..

I must admit, after being a huge fan of Vlambeer having loved the likes of Super Cratebox, Luftrausers and Nuclear Throne, their year old constant promises to update the broken Vita version of the latter title came to nothing and I blew up at them on Twitter with a very personal attack. It's something I regret, but I am still frustrated by how they can treat customers who pay to support them with such utter neglect for a platform.

Personal opinions of the devs aside, I felt compelled to get Nuclear Throne again on Switch because it is a stellar twin stick roguelike. There's nothing quite out there like Nuclear Throne that has the substance of formula this game has. Easy to learn - hard to master.

Enter the Gungeon and Nuclear Throne can't be compared in all honestly as the mechanics are very different in both games. EtG I find is far slower where as Nuclear Throne's tempo is akin to Hotline Miami - its kill or be killed. That's not to say EtG is inferior in any way, it's just a different game. It's like directly comparing Streetfighter to Mortal Kombat - same genre, but a different kettle of fish.

One thing not mentioned in the review is how Nuclear Throne also adapts to how well you play, meaning you could be in the second level and it throws you a jam sandwich to keep you on your toes. The sense of personal accomplishment you get when you commit to playing this game is very palatable. It isn't Dark Souls. You won't throw the controller away in disgust. You die because YOU effed up. You learn, adapt and move on. I've spent many a night with 'a just one more try' moment causing hours to flow together.

This game pushes you to constantly be better. The fact you can never just cruise through parts of the game and need to be switched on at all times is something I find admirable. I've been playing this since 2013 and still not ONCE have I finished it. That's a true testament to how relentless this title can be if you don't step in with your A-game each time.

Despite that fact, it's still fun as hell. Its like the earliest game you played as a kid that dangles the end right in front of your face but screams at you to earn it. No cheap victories or cheating your way to the credits here.

Unlocking some of the characters is quite an interesting process that really gives the player a sense of achievement when it happens. Some are relatively straight forward to acquire and others have a very nuanced sequence which causes elation when you are able to trigger it. The characters themselves ooze character and charm and would make ideal licensed figurines. I see online a few fans have sculpted some awesome unofficial representations.

The game takes place in an arid nuclear wasteland and the theme of a hard life is ever present throughout each aspect of Nuclear Throne. Balancing health & ammo, trading off one weapon for another that you find, unlocking characters, items and secrets - even your very quest to the famed titular Nuclear Throne is in question. Is it worth the trade off? Will it fulfill your mutant's dream of a better life? What is the cost? Its all very take take as you would expect.

To all those that criticize the game without having played it; no beef. It just means the genre isn't for you. I could rant about Animal Crossing and Stardew Valley too but it just means they aren't my thing, as opposed to being 'POS cashgrabs' as someone mentioned.

If you don't like it, move on. If you are into roguelikes and twin stick shooters, there's a lot to love in Nuclear Throne. Screenshots do not do the game justice. Watch some actual gameplay vids and make up your mind. There's a stellar experience in here awaiting those that want to tread through the radioactive wastes..

Re: Nintendo, Sony And Microsoft All Under Investigation Over Online Gaming Services

Jawessome

@Itzdmo its a fair point to make as free games on the platform such as Warframe can be played online without a subscription. At the same time though, if Nintendo wants you to pay for playing Nintendo games online, its their option. Illegal? No. Immoral? Yes.

Its the same with DLC. Remember back when Epic Games released free downloadable content for Unreal Tournament 2004? New maps, modes, weapons, vehicles and game types. All absolutely free.

Now companies are looking at ways to squeeze more money out of people.

This is why transitioning to digital makes such good business sense to them. Zero manufacturing costs. Now this subscription model where you no longer own anything, you just pay for the right to play their games!? This astounds me.

One thing’s certain - as time goes on, the consumer is getting less and less. An alarming trend.

Re: Dubious Puzzler Safety First Drops Onto The eShop

Jawessome

Yeah just saw this on the eShop when I went to grab Alex Kidd and it looked a little out of place.

My first thought was, “Is that guy pissing?”, then I quickly moved past it.

Odd move by Nintendo but then again, they are embracing mature content.

BRB - gotta lay down some yellow repair liquid..

Re: NetherRealm Studios Reveals First DLC Character For Mortal Kombat 11

Jawessome

So I see Netherrealm has adapted their monetization strategy to take advantage of nostalgia like Capcom are trying with Streetfighter V with asking people to shell out money for their classic costumes..

I remember when DLC comprised of content that was developed far later than the core game and used to be released to fans for free for supporting same.

Announcing characters that you'll need to pay extra for before the game is even out just smacks of greed and will end up being NR's undoing.

I was quite excited about the game but will pass until the usual 'Komplete Edition' or whatever they call that crap comes out and is sold at a discounted price. Seems to be standard fare for NR now these days..

Re: Talking Point: What Does Google's Stadia Mean For Nintendo And The Future Of Gaming?

Jawessome

What concerns me is today’s trend of convenience over ownership. Ie.. we are paying to access content we will never own.

What good is a brand new first party Stadia title that has zero possibility of being preserved and enjoyed as a ‘retro’ title 10 to 20 years down the track?

I feel being able to revisit a title that is a culmination of many people’s hard work is important.

It also means you can’t game without the internet which is another disappointment.

I see the merits this has for companies but as the consumer, we lose.

Re: Soapbox: My Love Affair With Tetris, Probably The Best Video Game Ever Created

Jawessome

@Ralizah I'm the same. I can recognize the achievement but I prefer Tetris to be played at a pace you can savor and enjoy. Tetris 99 is an excellent take on the game, but yeah the mode is frantic when I want the game to be cathartic. My best is 17th and I can handle that. I vote for peaceful Tetris. If vengeful Tetris is your thing, that's cool too. Not for everyone I guess

Re: Looks Like Retro-Bit Is Resurrecting Sega's Switch-Like Handheld, The Nomad

Jawessome

I recently acquired a Nomad from the US as they never came to PAL territories. The Megadrive stands as one of the most important consoles to me and owning the handheld version was a big item on my to own list now I’m older and can afford things I never could as a kid.

I had the LCD replaced with something more modern and had a switchless region free board installed along with a modded external battery. Bliss!

Re: Nintendo Will Be Taken To Court Over Its "Illegal" eShop Pre-Ordering System

Jawessome

@Pokefanmum82 @Pokefanmum82 because everywhere else, the game is removed from your system upon cancelling a preorder. Its really that simple.

Ive personally reported Nintendo Australia to the ACCC for not releasing preorder titles on time according to region.

In this day and age, if you spend money on something you cant yet access (ala preorder titles not yet playable), there NEEDS to be a lawful provision to get your money back. Nintendo is certainly playing dirty in this regard.

Re: Feature: Inside The Twisted And Abusive Culture Of Yasha Haddaji's Nintendo Russia

Jawessome

@nocdaes if you're the area manager for a company that prides itself on family friendliness, acting like that at an event to promote the company is not okay. It's not like he personally funded it. The money used for the event is Nintendo's.

Behave with a little dignity in the public eye. This coupled with reports from former employees is not something that should be ignored.

Nintendo needs to get to the bottom of these claims and act on them if they're true.